In Japanese ‘omotenashi’ generally means ‘hospitality’, to Shiseido the cosmetics brand; it means something more, it is an attitude which is central to a strategy to stem a decline and stimulate growth “amid a global economic slowdown”. Shiseido’s management stresses that “omotenashi” means more than just “hospitality”, but a greater level of attentiveness and politeness to make customers feel valued and respected. *

Coincidentally, Shiseido’s ‘omotenashi’ mirrors the ethos, which we at The Network apply to our clients’ needs. Especially, in the case of the Tohokushinsha Film Company, for whom we recently provided production service for the Namibian and South African elements of their Shiseido “Tsubaki” project.

We were privileged to work with some of Japan’s most celebrated talent on this commercial which featured six celebrated and exquisitely beautiful actresses, and was directed by Junji Kojima based on creative ideas from the feted creative director Takuya Onuki.

All in all, a fantastic production experience, working across many miles with a great production team, lead by Takashi Aso (Production Manager), Otsuki Timo Mitsuaki (International Producer) and Maeda Takaomi (Producer), impressed with a very dynamic and powerful work ethic and their desire to make the experience pleasurable, and successful, on all levels.


"Personally I wasn't that worried about shooting in South Africa, since I heard a lot of good things from other people. But the rest of the production team felt a little different, since for most of them it was their first time traveling to SA and additionally Japanese jobs can be really tough. It tends to be really difficult because of the difference of requirements and for that reason I had often difficulties in the past on several oversea shootings. Honestly it was a pleasure working with The Network Productions. Usually when problems occur, it's about the production flow and not the crew. But with the Network, I even sometimes thought they were Japanese! So much into details and the sharpness, our whole team enjoyed working with them. I would really love to get back there for another shoot."

Otsuki Timo Mitsuaki
TOHOKUSHINSHA FILM CORPORATION, Tokyo


* for more information see N.Y. Times article (17.02.09) by Miki Tanikawa.

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The Network | Cape Town | South Africa
Tel: +27 21 448 0335 | Cell: +27 82 417 8608 | Email: kim@ntwk.co.za