Jin Ito is a Tokyo-based Director of Photography (DP / DOP / cinematographer) working across automotive, brand, editorial and narrative films. He shoots for clients including Lexus, Honda, VOLVO, DEFENDER, Audi, UNIQLO and THE NORTH FACE, and is known for natural-light, cinematic imagery with a look built specifically for each project.
He is a two-time shots Awards Asia Pacific GOLD winner for Cinematography (2021, 2024), a Spikes Asia Grand Prix winner (2022), and a CICLOPE Asia Pacific finalist (2024, 2025, 2026). He is based in Tokyo and available for productions worldwide.
Approach
Every project starts with the look. Rather than applying a house style, Jin builds a specific visual grammar for each film — choosing format, glass and lighting to serve the story. He works extensively with anamorphic lenses and natural light, and collaborates closely with directors and colourists from prep through to the grade, carrying custom LUTs from the shoot into the final image.
His automotive work combines precision with atmosphere: cars shot as objects of desire, but always placed in real light and real weather. Recent campaigns include Lexus, Honda 0 SERIES, VOLVO, DEFENDER and Range Rover Evoque.
Equipment & Crew
Jin is an owner-operator with his own ARRI ALEXA 35 camera kit and Orion anamorphic lens set. This means a true cinema-grade image is available even on lean, fast-moving productions — editorial shoots, travel features and brand films that cannot carry a full commercial crew.
In-house package
- ARRI ALEXA 35 camera kit
- Orion anamorphic lens set
- Custom LUT and look development for each project
Crew
Jin works with a regular team of two camera assistants. The same crew covers drone and Steadicam operation, so productions do not need to bring in separate operators — a significant advantage on location shoots that move between places. A dedicated data manager (DIT) can be arranged on request.
He has also shot with Hasselblad, ARRI ALEXA Mini LF, Sony VENICE and RED, and can scale the package up or down to fit the production and the budget.
Working in Japan with international productions
For overseas productions shooting in Japan, Jin works as a local DP who understands both sides of the process: Japanese crews, permits and location practice, and the expectations of international clients and agencies. He shoots with English-speaking teams regularly, and bookings, scheduling and on-set communication can run in English throughout.
Recent work in this space includes a film for the Imperial Household Agency of Japan, shot in locations rarely opened to camera, and campaigns produced with overseas agencies and directors.
Selected clients
Lexus ・ Honda ・ VOLVO ・ Land Rover DEFENDER ・ Range Rover ・ Audi ・ NISSAN ・ TOYOTA ・ Goldwin ・ UNIQLO ・ THE NORTH FACE ・ HELLY HANSEN ・ BRIDGESTONE ・ Shiseido ・ Google ・ Hawaii Tourism Japan ・ UPOPOY ・ Imperial Household Agency of Japan
Awards
Film
- shots Awards Asia Pacific 2024 — GOLD, Cinematography
- shots Awards Asia Pacific 2021 — GOLD, Cinematography
- Spikes Asia 2022 — Grand Prix
- CICLOPE Asia Pacific 2026 — Finalist, Cinematography
- CICLOPE Asia Pacific 2025 — Finalist, Cinematography
- CICLOPE Asia 2024 — Finalist, Cinematography
- APAC Effie Awards 2022 — Silver
- APAC Effie Awards 2021 — Gold
- ACC Tokyo Creativity Awards 2021 — Bronze
Photography
- New York Festivals International Advertising Awards 2021 — Silver
Background
After graduating from Osaka University of Arts, Department of Film Studies, Jin began his career as an assistant in photography and cinematography at PICT Inc. He worked as 1st AC to Kazunari Tajima, Saori Tsuji and Yoshitaka Murakami before going independent as a cinematographer. In 2026 he founded haku Inc., through which he now works.
Contact
For availability, rates and enquiries:
Jin Ito — j@jinito.com
Based in Tokyo. Available worldwide.