Sony brings virtual production hub to Tokyo with new creator base

Tokyo, Japan – Sony Corporation will open Digital Media Production Center Japan (DMPC Japan) in February 2026, establishing a new base in Tokyo to collaborate with creators on advanced media production. 

Located within Sony Group’s headquarters in Minato-ku, the facility will be the company’s third global Digital Media Production Center, following sites in the United States and the United Kingdom.

DMPC Japan is designed to support end-to-end verification of media production workflows, from hands-on access to the latest filmmaking equipment through to virtual production shoots, XR-based spatial content creation, post-production, and test screenings. 

By linking with its sister centres overseas, Sony aims to encourage the exchange of global production techniques, expertise, and case studies.

The facility will feature Sony’s latest cinema cameras, lighting systems, production studios, a dedicated virtual production studio, and XR solutions. 

It will house both production and post-production facilities under one roof, enabling integrated testing from shooting to finishing.

Initially serving professional creators, DMPC Japan will later expand to support the next generation of talent, particularly those working in spatial content. 

The centre is intended to function as a collaborative hub where cinematographers, camera operators, and post-production professionals can gather, exchange ideas, and refine new creative techniques.

Ahead of its official opening, a masterclass under the “Cinematic Quantum” programme was held at the facility in January. 

Junya Tamura, arts and culture research officer, Office of the Councilor for Cultural Affairs (Arts and Culture), Agency for Cultural Affairs, said, “Under the Japan Creator Support Fund, we launched a program this fiscal year to support the development of training initiatives that include practical experience in international settings, through which students and working professionals aiming for international success can acquire the skills they need.”

The initiative is organised by the Agency for Cultural Affairs, the Japan Arts Council, and the Japan Society of Cinematographers. Director of Photography Oren Soffer led the seminar, delivering advanced practical training for professionals.

Tamura underscored, “We hope that this facility will connect creators in Japan and abroad and serve as a foundation for nurturing talent capable of thriving on the international stage.”

Oren Soffer, director of photography, said, “The new DMPC opening in Japan is an exciting opportunity to provide an educational community base for cinematographers and filmmakers in the Japanese film industry.”

“The DMPC in Hollywood has served as such a base for the LA filmmaking community for many years, and has hosted wonderful events bringing together the filmmaking community and offering a multitude of educational opportunities and exposure to new cinema technologies. I am very excited for the Japanese film community to now have access to such a facility to foster collaboration and educational opportunities for the current and next generation of filmmakers” Soffer explained. 

Sony said DMPC Japan will continue to function as a platform for technology demonstrations, workflow verification, and industry collaboration, supporting the evolution of media production in Japan and globally.