Born in Japan, raised in Egypt and the US, my first foray
into the world of media and entertainment was meeting Richard Roth, the Oscar winning producer of “Blue Velvet”, and being invited to prepare
a tempura dinner for him and his guests without ever having
made the dish before.
That was a true welcome-to-showbiz moment I treasure to this day.
Soon after, I began my career in advertising with the DYR Agency in NYC. I devoted my free time studying and experimenting with
film, theater, and photography.
Before long, my work caught the attention of a production company in Sydney who invited me to become
a film director in Australia where I collaborated with such creative giants as David Droga, the founder of Droga5, winning several awards
together including a pair of Cannes Lions.
In 2009, I returned to Tokyo to established Beast Media as a hybrid creative and production company; then expanded to LA in 2018.
I have collaborated with many of the top global brands including Sony, Mazda, Toshiba, and Godiva for whom I created over 35 TV commercials and web content, helping to nearly triple their sales in seven years.
I am a student and traveler who relishes life with all its twists and turns, one who deeply respects and enjoys the company of fellow travelers.
I am based in Brookly, NY since March 2023.

“Our collaboration for many years gave us a lot of remarkable TV films that were instrumental in bringing great sales for our business.
Every time I view the ads you have created, I have a strong emotion and proud feeling of what has been done . Thank you !!”
Jerome Chouchan, President, Godiva Chocolatier, Japan/Korea/Australia

“Makoto is without a doubt the finest, multi-talented creative person I’ve ever worked with. He’s passionate about his craft and never settles for second best. As a DOP/Director he has the unique ability to create stunning visuals and tell a compelling, human story at the same time. Every frame is a deeply engaging work of art and working with Makoto has always been deeply gratifying on a personal and professional level.” Mardi Palmer, Sydney,
Production Company and Advertising Agency Executive Producer.

“Mako is an incredibly talented director I had the opportunity to work with and get to know. His creative ideas and direction are inspiring and his ability to work with global production teams in executing
these ideas is unsurmountable.”
Dheerna Parmar, Head of Production at B-Reel/EP London

“I hired Makoto to do a film commercial for a sports sponsorship and he delivered an excellent product at a reasonable price under very tight timeframes. I would highly recommend him.”
Craig Bromley, former CEO, John Hancock Financial Services

“Mako is a creative innovator and leader who knows where to place a brand both in its moment and well into its future. He’s also one of the wisest and funniest people I’ve ever known. A jazz and film aficionado. Walking integrity as artist and human.”
Eric Aronin, SVP, Creative Director, McCann Health, NY

“Mako made our job easy. As our director, he immediately understood what we were after. As our DP, he didn’t stop searching until he found the perfect scenes. Then on our shoot days, because he kept us ahead of schedule, he was able to add in even more shots to enhance our edit. I’d work with him again in a heartbeat.
Jo Archibald, Senior Copywriter, MVNP Hawaii

“Minimalist, evocative, emotional.
I love the work.”
Gordon Watson, CEO,
AXA Asia