Junya Sakino
Connecting People Through Story
Behind every story, brand or product, there’s a person, and in front of every screen, there’s another. I make work that connects the two: stories that stir emotion, inspire curiosity, and make people excited about what they’re watching.
Featured
Work
Many worlds.
One way of seeing.
Profile
Every story
has a heartbeat.
I’ve always been curious about people: what drives them, what scares them, what makes them laugh. That curiosity is where every project begins. From directing actors to cutting a commercial spot, my goal is the same: find what’s true, then craft it so the audience feels it.
Biography
Junya Sakino is a director and editor of films, series and commercials. Born and raised in Japan and based in Los Angeles for more than twenty years, Junya has developed a keen eye for storytelling with his unique perspective and diverse cultural background.
Most recently, Junya directed ACE COMBAT 8: HOUR ZERO, a four-part live-action series for Bandai Namco’s Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve, starring Josh Holloway, Brandon Routh and Tamlyn Tomita. It’s the first live-action adaptation in the franchise’s 30-year history. The series has drawn 6 million total views and has been warmly received by longtime fans and new audiences alike.
His feature directorial debut, SAKE-BOMB, premiered at SXSW 2013. The culture-clash dramedy satirizes Asian American identity, taking on stereotypes and race with humor and nerve. It won awards at festivals worldwide and was released theatrically in the United States and Japan. His earlier short film, ORIZURU, a historical drama set around the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, screened at film festivals around the world.
In commercials, Junya has directed U.S. Olympic fencing medalist Miles Chamley-Watson in a campaign for SOULCALIBUR VI and Johnny Knoxville in promotions for Paramount’s JACKASS FOREVER. As an editor, he crafts commercial spots and branded content for brands including Apple, HP and SAP.