Ryo Takeuchi (director)

1.1. Birth and Background

Ryo Takeuchi was born on October 23, 1978, in Abiko, Chiba Prefecture, Japan.

1.2. Education and Early Career in Japan

After completing high school, Takeuchi pursued his passion for filmmaking, graduating from the Tokyo Visual Arts vocational school in 2000. He subsequently joined a documentary production company, where he honed his skills as a director. During his early career in Japan, he produced numerous documentaries for major broadcasting companies. His notable works include contributions to TV Tokyo's Nikkei Special Gaia no Yoake and Nikkei Special Mirai Seiki Zipangu: The Economics of the Boiling Field, as well as NHK's World Heritage Sites and Nagae Takashi to ji no dai kikō (The Yangtze River: A Grand Journey of Heaven and Earth). In 2007, Takeuchi received the 45th Galaxy Award TV Competition Encouragement Award for his direction of the TV Tokyo program Gaia no Yoake, specifically for the episode titled "Ten Years After: Where are the Yamaichi and Takugin Employees Now?".

1.3. Beginning of Connection with China

Ryo Takeuchi's connection with China began in 2002 when he traveled to Shanghai, Zhejiang, and Jiangsu provinces to film a documentary about mahjong. This initial experience sparked a lasting interest in the country. A pivotal moment occurred in 2010 during the filming of "The Yangtze River: A Grand Journey of Heaven and Earth," when locals in China inquired about Japanese cultural figures like Momoe Yamaguchi and Ken Takakura, but showed little awareness of contemporary Japan. This realization profoundly impacted Takeuchi, motivating him to dedicate his efforts to creating films that would bridge this knowledge gap and present modern Japan to a Chinese audience. Over the years that followed, he frequently traveled between China and Japan for his filmmaking projects, deepening his understanding of both cultures.

2.1. Emigration and Studies in China

In August 2013, Ryo Takeuchi made the pivotal decision to emigrate to Nanjing, China, accompanied by his wife, Zhao Ping, who is a native of the city. Upon his relocation, he enrolled at Nanjing University to further his studies and immerse himself in learning the Chinese language, demonstrating his deep commitment to understanding his new home.

2.2. Founding of Hezhimeng Culture Communication Co., Ltd.

Following his studies, Ryo Takeuchi established his own film production company in 2014, named Nanjing Hezhimeng Culture Communication Co., Ltd. (南京和之夢文化伝播有限公司^Chinese). This company became the primary vehicle for producing his subsequent documentary projects, serving as a creative hub for his cross-cultural storytelling.

2.3. "The Reason I Live Here" Series

In 2015, Hezhimeng Culture Communication Co., Ltd. launched "The Reason I Live Here" (我住在这里的理由^Chinese), a documentary travel series that rapidly became one of Ryo Takeuchi's most recognized and impactful works. The series uniquely chronicles the lives of Japanese people living in China and Chinese people living in Japan, offering intimate glimpses into their experiences and motivations. Initially, Takeuchi served as a director for the program, but in recent years, he has also taken on the role of an MC, engaging directly with the subjects. The series has featured over 200 protagonists and has gained immense popularity across major Chinese video platforms such as Bilibili, iQIYI, Youku, and Tencent, as well as on YouTube, amassing over 600 M views within four years of its inception.

The success of "The Reason I Live Here" led to specialized editions, including "star" versions featuring Japanese celebrities active in China. In 2018, these included Ryota Katayose from Generations from Exile Tribe, along with Nogizaka46 members Asuka Saitō, Manatsu Akimoto, and Sayuri Matsumura. In 2019, actors Dean Fujioka and Koji Yano appeared in the series. The program also expanded its scope with a "World Edition," which documents the lives of Chinese people residing in countries beyond Japan, such as Singapore, Fiji, and Cambodia, further broadening its cultural reach.

3.1. Documentaries on COVID-19

Ryo Takeuchi achieved widespread recognition in 2020 for his compelling documentaries that provided firsthand accounts of how ordinary Chinese citizens responded to and recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic. His films offered a unique perspective on China's public health response and the daily lives of people during the crisis.

• "Nanjing's Anti-epidemic Scene" (南京抗疫现场^Chinese, "The City with Zero New Infections"), released in 2020, detailed the measures taken in Nanjing to contain the virus. This documentary rapidly gained popularity, accumulating over 20 M views.
• "Long Time No See, Wuhan" (好久不见武汉^Chinese), released in 2021, documented the city of Wuhan shortly after its rigorous lockdown was lifted. The film achieved remarkable viewership, reaching 10 M views in a single day and a total of 40 M views, offering a human perspective on the city's recovery.

These documentaries were not only popular with the public but also received official recognition. On March 16, 2020, Takeuchi met with the then-standing committee member of the Communist Party of China Jiangsu Provincial Committee and the party chief of Nanjing, who expressed appreciation for his documentary capturing Nanjing's COVID-19 containment efforts. Furthermore, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokespersons, Zhao Lijian on July 3, 2020, and Hua Chunying on January 6, 2021, publicly commended Takeuchi's COVID-19 related documentary works, highlighting their positive impact on international understanding.

3.2. Documentaries on Chinese Society and Culture

Beyond his COVID-19 coverage, Ryo Takeuchi has directed a diverse range of documentaries that explore various aspects of Chinese society, technology, and culture, as well as broader international events.

• Nagae Takashi to ji no dai kikō (長江 天と地の大紀行), an NHK documentary released in 2011, explored the Yangtze River. He later revisited the river for his 2022-2023 documentary The Yangtze River (再会長江 -The Yangtze River-), which involved two years of filming along the 3.9 K mile ^{(6.30 K km)} river. A new theatrical version of The Yangtze River (劇場版 再会長江) is slated for nationwide release in Japan on April 12, 2024, featuring previously unbroadcast material.
• "China's Post-Pandemic Era: Winning Against All Odds" (后疫情时代^Chinese), released in 2021, examined the country's recovery and new developments following the pandemic.
• "Beyond the Mountain" (走进大凉山^Chinese), filmed in 2021, focused on Daliangshan, one of China's most economically disadvantaged regions. This film garnered 20 M views in China and 5 M views on YouTube.
• "Faces of HUAWEI" (华为的100张面孔^Chinese), also released in 2021, provided an in-depth look into the Chinese technology giant Huawei, documenting the lives of 200,000 Huawei employees across 13 countries to shed light on the company's global strategy.
• "Tokyo 2020 B-side Diary" (2021), a 60-day documentary, chronicled the 2020 Summer Olympics held amidst the pandemic. Uniquely, it highlighted narratives not typically covered by Japanese media, including perspectives from anti-Olympics protesters, participating athletes, event organizers, media personnel, volunteers, and venue DJs.

Other notable documentary works include:

• Shanghai Gani to Yobanaide (Don't Call Me Shanghai Crab) (2021)
• Katsute no Ninkimono (Former Popular Figures) (2021)
• Chugoku Ume Kiko (China Plum Blossom Journey) (2021)
• Measures no Chiisana Athlete (The Small Athlete of Measures) (2021)
• Daian Gakkou Saigo no Rokunin no Kodomotachi (The Last Six Children of Daian School) (2021)
• Darling wa Toshishita no Chugokujin (My Darling is a Younger Chinese) (2021)
• Manatsu no Seishun Monogatari (Midsummer Youth Story) (2021)

3.3. Other Produced Series

Beyond his major documentary films focusing on specific events or companies, Ryo Takeuchi's production company has also developed and released a variety of recurring program series that explore cultural exchanges and daily life.

• "The Reason I Live Here" (我住在这里的理由^Chinese): Launched in 2015, this series chronicles the lives of Japanese people living in China and Chinese people living in Japan. While Takeuchi currently serves as an MC, the program initially featured actor Abe Tsuyoshi as an MC. The series has grown significantly, featuring over 200 protagonists and expanding to include "star" editions with Japanese celebrities and a "World Edition" documenting Chinese people in various countries.
• "East Travel Food Diary" (東遊食記^Japanese): From 2017 to 2019, this travel program focused on exploring Japan's culinary and travel experiences. It was hosted by Yangchan, a Chinese speaker fluent in Japanese, and Sasa, a Japanese speaker fluent in Chinese. From September 2018, Koyuki, a Peking University graduate, took over as the Japanese navigator for the Hokkaido edition onwards.
• "Fast Food Story" (速食物語^Japanese): Beginning in 2019, this program featured actors Ryota Kobayashi, Kentaro Tomita, and Koya Matsudai engaging in cooking battles in Nanjing, China, using local ingredients.
• "Wahan Information Bureau" (和飯情報局^Japanese): Also starting in 2019, this program delivers Japanese entertainment news to a Chinese audience, with Takeuchi himself appearing as an interviewer.
• "Training Journey" (養成之旅^Japanese): Launched in 2020, this series follows Takeuchi and his health-conscious subordinate Yuzu as they travel across China in search of health-related practices and experiences.
• "Roundtable Talk" (円卓talk^Japanese): Since 2020, this program features Takeuchi leading discussions with various guests who are active in different fields.
• "Director Takeuchi's Family Trip to China" (竹内監督一家の中国旅^Japanese): In 2021, this series documented Director Takeuchi's trips with his family, including his wife Zhao Ping, to various tourist destinations across China.
• "Director Ryo Takeuchi's Occupational Experience Diary" (竹内亮監督の職業体験記^Japanese): Starting in 2022, this program follows Takeuchi as he immerses himself in different Chinese companies for a day, experiencing various professions.
• "Will You Film Me?" (私を撮ってくれますか？^Japanese): From 2023, this series features Takeuchi filming various ordinary Chinese individuals, capturing their daily lives and stories.
• "Japan Traversing Journey" (日本縦断の旅^Japanese): In 2023, Takeuchi, along with his family including Zhao Ping, embarked on a journey across Japan in a camping car, seeking out "Japan's best" and "Japan's only" unique aspects.
• "The Real Face" (真面目^Japanese): Also launched in 2023, this program focuses on documenting the lives of popular entertainers.

3.4. Awards and Recognition

Ryo Takeuchi has received numerous awards and significant recognition for his contributions to filmmaking and cultural exchange from both Japanese and Chinese institutions.

• In 2007, he won the 45th Galaxy Award TV Competition Encouragement Award for his work on TV Tokyo's Gaia no Yoake.
• His signature series, "The Reason I Live Here," was awarded the title of "Most Influential Ten Travel Programs" on Weibo in 2017.
• In 2020, China's Post-Pandemic Era was nominated for the 11th China Documentary Academy Award.
• Long Time No See, Wuhan was selected among the "China Top 10 Documentaries" in 2020 and received the Jury Special Award at the CCTV 1st Overseas Video Festival during UN Chinese Language Day in 2021.
• In 2021, he was recognized by Newsweek magazine as one of the "100 Japanese people respected by the world."
• His documentary Beyond the Mountain (Daliangshan) was selected among the "China Documentary Feature Film Best 10" in 2021.
• In 2022, The Yangtze River (Saikai Choukou) was nominated for the 12th China Documentary Academy Award and was also chosen as one of the Top 10 Chinese Documentary Feature Films.
• He received further recognition on Weibo in 2023, being named "Most Commercially Valuable Influencer 2022" and among the "Top 100 Video Creators 2022."
• On September 4, 2023, in Beijing, Ryo Takeuchi made history as the first and only Japanese individual to receive the Lanhua Award (Orchid Award), presented by the Chinese government for contributions to cultural exchange. The award specifically recognized his work in conveying the authentic daily lives of Chinese citizens during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• On October 26, 2023, at the 5th "Third Eye on China" International Short Video Contest held in Zhengzhou, the overseas edition of his documentary Faces of HUAWEI won the Best Picture Award and, notably, the Jury Grand Prize from a pool of 57,865 submissions. This was regarded as another significant achievement following his Lanhua Award.

In addition to these accolades, Ryo Takeuchi has also received official recognition related to his residency and cultural contributions in China. On January 29, 2021, he obtained a Chinese permanent residence permit, often referred to as a "Chinese green card." Later, on May 19, 2021, he was awarded the "Jiangsu Provincial People's Friendship Envoy" cup and certificate by the Jiangsu Provincial People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries.

3.5. Social Media Influence and Public Recognition

Ryo Takeuchi has cultivated a substantial public profile and influence, particularly within Chinese social media. He is widely known as "Uncle Liang" (s=亮叔_{p=Liàng Shū}^Chinese) among his followers. His presence on platforms like Weibo is significant, where he commands over 5.26 M followers and ranks as the #1 travel influencer. Across all his social media platforms, including Douyin (which has over 700 K followers), his total follower count exceeds 10 M. His videos, such as "Japan Traversing Journey," have generated considerable attention and positive feedback within China, reflecting his broad public recognition and influence.

5.1. Books and Publications

Ryo Takeuchi has authored books that offer deeper insights into his experiences and perspectives on China and cultural exchange. In 2022, his book Kakyo: Chūgoku o Daini no Kokyō ni shita Nihonjin (架僑 中国を第二の故郷にした日本人, "Overseas Chinese: Japanese People Who Made China Their Second Home") was published by KADOKAWA. In July 2023, he co-authored Takeuchi Ryo: Lensu o Tōshite Mita Hontō no Chūgoku (竹内亮:レンズを通して見た本当の中国, "Ryo Takeuchi: The Real China Seen Through a Lens"), edited by Huang Lijun and published by San-Gen-Sha.

5.2. Columns and Media Contributions

Takeuchi regularly contributes columns and articles to various online platforms and media outlets, providing commentary and analysis on Chinese society and culture based on his direct experiences. He writes for "News ga Sukoshi Suki ni Naru Note from TBS" on the Note platform, covering topics such as:

• The competitive food delivery industry in China and the dynamics behind nearly free lunches.
• The "toilet revolution" in China, as seen through the experiences of entrepreneurs.
• The Chinese university entrance exam, known as "Gaokao," and its nationwide impact.
• The cultural significance of crayfish in China.
• Observations on China's National Day celebrations and the "Double Eleven" shopping festival.
• Reflections on income disparity and the massive annual "Chunyun" (Spring Festival travel rush).
• The progress of garbage sorting in Chinese cities.
• The rapid adoption of facial recognition technology for payments.
• Detailed accounts of China's extensive virus containment measures during the pandemic.

He has also published articles on Yahoo! JAPAN, discussing subjects such as China's cashless society, the rise of e-sports, and the entrepreneurial journeys of single mothers and beauty industry professionals in China.

5.3. Special Events and Screenings

Ryo Takeuchi actively engages with audiences through special events and screenings of his films, fostering direct interaction and expanding the reach of his work. In May 2023, he hosted "Ryo Takeuchi Documentary Week" at Kadokawa Cinema Yurakucho in Tokyo. This event showcased four of his notable works: The Yangtze River (Saikai Choukou), which chronicled his two-year journey along the 3.9 K mile ^{(6.30 K km)} river; Long Time No See, Wuhan, his documentary on the city's post-lockdown recovery; Beyond the Mountain (Daliangshan), depicting life in a poverty-stricken region; and Faces of HUAWEI (Huawei 100-menso), his in-depth exploration of the technology giant. The documentary week proved to be a significant success, with an impressive 70% audience attendance rate, and many later screenings were completely sold out.

In June 2023, Takeuchi embarked on a "Japan Traversing Journey" (日本縦断の旅), traveling across Japan in a camping car with his family to discover "Japan's best" and "Japan's only" unique aspects. His videos documenting this journey, shared with his over 10 M followers across various platforms, generated a substantial and positive response within China, further promoting cultural understanding.

6.1. Cultural Exchange and Understanding

Ryo Takeuchi's documentaries are widely lauded for their role in fostering greater understanding and connection between Japan and China. By closely observing and documenting the everyday lives of both Japanese people residing in China and Chinese people living in Japan, his work provides authentic, human-centered narratives that bridge cultural perceptions. His commitment to showing "the real China" and "the real Japan" has been instrumental in breaking down stereotypes and promoting a more nuanced understanding between the two nations, especially through his empathetic portrayal of social issues and individual experiences.

6.2. Domestic and International Reception

The reception of Ryo Takeuchi's work has been overwhelmingly positive, both within China and internationally. In China, his documentaries, particularly those on the COVID-19 pandemic, have received high praise from official channels, including top party officials and spokespersons from the Chinese Foreign Ministry, who have commended his factual and insightful portrayals. This recognition has extended to formal honors, such as the granting of Chinese permanent residency, the "Jiangsu Provincial People's Friendship Envoy" award, and the prestigious Lanhua Award, which acknowledged his significant contributions to cultural exchange.

His films consistently achieve high viewership numbers on major Chinese video platforms and have generated extensive public discussion. Internationally, his work has been recognized by media outlets like Newsweek, which included him in a list of "100 Japanese people respected by the world." The commercial success of his "Ryo Takeuchi Documentary Week" in Japan, with strong attendance and sold-out screenings, further underscores his broad appeal and the positive reception of his films among Japanese audiences. This dual success highlights his unique position as a cultural bridge, admired for his ability to convey complex realities to diverse audiences.