BLOOMBERG X ITOCHU
Blending traditional media and CGI, we crafted a narrative that seamlessly weaves together the past, present, and future. Our team embarked on a journey to bring to life the story of one of Japan's oldest corporations.
Founded in 1858, Itochu Corporation is guided by the principle of Sampo Yoshi: good for the seller, good for the buyer, and good for society.
For this project, we developed a visual narrative tracing the legacy of the Ohmi merchants, following their journey across Japan and into the present day.
In collaboration with Bloomberg and Itochu, the goal was to translate these values into a cohesive visual language that bridges history, culture, and modern identity.
1. The Challenge
We were tasked with creating a visual narrative that blends live action, stop motion, and paper aesthetics 3D environments to represent Itochu’s long-standing philosophy.
The key challenge was to:
- Connect past, present, and future in a continuous visual flow
- Maintaincultural authenticity and sensitivity
- Balance stylisation with historical accuracy
- Ensure the visuals support narrative clarity rather than overwhelm it
2. Visual Approach
The visual direction combines sumi-e inspired aesthetics, paper textures, and 3D environments to create a cohesive language rooted in Japanese tradition.
A continuous long-take approach was used to guide the audience through different time periods, reinforcing the idea of continuity and long-term commitment.
Symbolic elements such as koi ponds and sakura petals were integrated to anchor the visuals culturally while maintaining narrative flow.
3. Story & Layout Development
Storyboards were used to establish the narrative flow across time periods, transitioning from historical Japan to the present day in a single continuous movement.
Each segment was designed to maintain visual continuity while introducing new environments, ensuring clarity and rhythm throughout the sequence.
4. Research & Cultural Context
Extensive research was conducted to ensure cultural authenticity and visual relevance.
Key areas included:
- Traditional sumi-e painting styles and brush behaviour
- Historical references of Japanese streets and architecture
- Material studies of Japanese paper and textures
- Ttochu headquarters and corporate identity
- Historical context of Ohmi merchants
This research informed both the visual style and the environmental design, ensuring the work remained grounded in cultural context.
5. Visual Development & Iteration
Visual development followed a hybrid workflow combining physical experimentation, sketching, 3D layout, and digital compositing.
Initial exploration began with practical tests using a camera, table lighting, and paper models to study composition, scale, and the desired miniature aesthetic. These early experiments helped define camera angles, lighting direction, and overall visual tone.
Concepts were then developed through sketches and storyboards, mapping out environments, character placement, and narrative flow. This was followed by 3D environment blockouts and render tests to refine spatial composition and transitions.
AI-assisted prototyping was used to explore multiple visual directions quickly, informing early decision-making before moving into final hand-crafted sumi-e execution.
The final visuals were achieved by integrating rendered elements with hand-crafted sumi-e textures, allowing traditional aesthetics to coexist with a controlled digital workflow.
The direction evolved through multiple iterations, balancing abstraction and realism while aligning with client feedback to establish a cohesive visual language.
6. Cultural Sensitivity
Working closely with Bloomberg and Itochu required careful consideration of cultural representation.
One key decision involved the depiction of Itochu’s founder. Instead of creating a lifelike 3D representation, which could be culturally inappropriate, the character was presented indirectly through the viewfinder of an antique camera, with the figure remaining out of focus.
This approach preserved narrative intent while respecting cultural sensitivity.
7. Visuals In Service Of Narrative
The visual design was developed to support storytelling rather than function as standalone imagery.
The use of a continuous long-take structure reinforces Itochu’s enduring presence across time, while environmental transitions guide the audience through different eras seamlessly.
Symbolic elements such as koi ponds and sakura petals were used not as decoration, but as narrative anchors that connect cultural meaning with visual progression.
Selected works are presented for portfolio purposes. All rights belong to respective clients and production companies.