On January 26, 2026, YCAPS hosted an evening conversation with award-winning journalist and filmmaker Shiori Itō and producer Eric Nyari at What the Dickens! in Ebisu, Tokyo. The discussion centered on the making of Black Box Diaries, the Oscar- and BAFTA-nominated documentary that won a Peabody Award and began screening in Japan in December 2025 following international releases in the United States and the United Kingdom.
Rather than revisiting the use of the CCTV footage and other materials that have been controversial in Japan, the event focused on the craft of documentary filmmaking. Itō reflected on the emotional and ethical challenges of transforming deeply personal investigative material into a cinematic narrative. She also spoke candidly about not fitting into conventional stereotypes placed on women, journalists, or victims in Japan, and emphasized that she takes pride in resisting those expectations. Nyari discussed the production strategy, international partnerships, and distribution decisions that enabled the film to reach major festivals and global audiences. Together, they offered insights into financing constraints, editorial pressures, and the realities of producing independent non-fiction work within Japan’s media environment.
The conversation expanded to the broader landscape of Japanese documentary filmmaking, including international co-production, evolving audience expectations, and the structural barriers facing investigative storytelling. The audience was highly engaged throughout, asking thoughtful questions and continuing discussions informally after the program. Participants had the opportunity to speak directly with Itō during the networking portion of the evening, creating a personal and memorable exchange.
The event concluded with informal conversation over food and drinks, reflecting YCAPS’ commitment to fostering open, substantive dialogue in accessible community spaces.
