Inside the Director’s Mind
The other day, we had a filming session for the YouTube channel Ito Kantoku no Wota Uchi. I always struggle with deciding on the topic for each episode. We film four episodes at a time every month, and while I’d love to talk about the film screenings, I also want to dive into geeky discussions about equipment!
*Please turn on translation set up for Englsih subtitles!
The previous video about DSLR cameras was quite well received, so I’m tempted to continue the deep-dive into technical topics. However, I also need to make sure we properly convey information about the film… I’m always torn between the two.
On a personal note, I’ve noticed that Ito’s office has a lot of similar-sized pouches, backpacks, and jackets… (laughs). Could it be that he has a hard time letting go of things? I suspect he might be a "can’t-throw-anything-away" type of person. It looks like he has also kept many gifts from screening attendees.
For example, this figurine… I can’t stop wondering about it! LOL
In Search of Rare Documents…
Last Friday, we had our regular SILENT FALLOUT project meeting. Even though the director was absent this time, we had plenty to discuss: film screenings in Europe, the Hibaku Tree Project, and the launch of a new initiative. There’s also movement in the U.S., including a screening at the Nuclear Disarmament Conference and an upcoming Zoom screening.
Our team members live in different places, come from different age groups, and have diverse backgrounds. Yet, we each contribute our unique knowledge and experiences to the project. Our group chat is constantly active—there's never a quiet day.
Recently, the director mentioned that he was looking for a certain document. It’s an extremely important piece of material for his next film. Each of us racked our brains and searched high and low to find it.
And in the end… we did it! (Amazing!)
The films that our director creates are purely evidence-based documentaries. This makes source materials absolutely essential. His office is always overflowing with documents. I often wonder—what’s going on inside his head? He does forget things quite often (laughs), but considering the sheer volume of critical facts he deals with, it’s completely understandable.
Next month, we’ll finally have an in-person meeting with the project team. I’m really looking forward to it!
Upcoming Screening at Columbia University
Now, let’s shift to updates from SILENT FALLOUT’s official social media and the director’s accounts 🎵 Thanks for sticking with me until the end!
On March 5th, as part of a side event for the 3rd Meeting of States Parties to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons at the United Nations Headquarters, SILENT FALLOUT will be screened at Columbia University in New York. Representing SILENT FALLOUT PROJECT, Shiho Burke from our U.S. team will be attending.
Details (from the official website):
📅 March 5 (Wednesday)
🎬 SILENT FALLOUT Screening & Panel Discussion
🕖 7:15 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 Uris 301, Columbia University
At this screening, we will present SILENT FALLOUT, a documentary by Japanese director Hideo Ito. The film explores the devastating impact of radioactive fallout from U.S. nuclear tests in the 1950s and 60s on American communities.
Following the screening, there will be a panel discussion featuring:
Archbishop John Wester (Santa Fe, New Mexico)
Mary Dickson (Journalist & Author, Utah)
Shiho Burke (SILENT FALLOUT PROJECT)
Dr. Ivana Hughes (NAPF)
The event will conclude with an audience Q&A session.
Hibaku Tree Project Expansion
Plans are coming together for the Hibaku Tree Project, which will be held this summer, connecting Hiroshima, Tokyo, and locations in the U.S. (CA and NY).
A centerpiece of the project will be a major work by Japanese painter Masatsugu Ito—a massive folding screen (fusuma) spanning 16 panels, measuring 15 meters wide and 2 meters tall, depicting the Hibaku trees. Work has begun in a newly secured studio space.
The goal is to complete the piece in time for an event on July 16, marking Trinity Day—the anniversary of the world’s first nuclear bomb test.
From a Kindergarten Teacher to a Documentary Filmmaker
I worked as a kindergarten teacher for 16 years, followed by one year in the Board of Education… but when I had to step away from the classroom, I ended up leaving public service altogether. That’s how I found my way into the media world.
Back then, I thought early childhood education was my true calling—I was certain I’d dedicate my entire life to it. I never imagined I’d end up doing the work I do now.
Life is unpredictable.
Me in my 1st year as a kindergarten teacher
Final Edits Before Publication
I’m doing some last-minute proofreading at a hotel in Tokyo. Tomorrow, I’ll hand over my manuscript with all the red pen edits. Once I do, I’ll finally feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders.
At my age, I really feel how every single day is a step forward in life. Each day is precious. Sometimes I even feel like time is too valuable to waste. But whether I do something or not, time keeps moving forward. That’s why I want to spend my time in a way that feels meaningful and free of regrets.
Time is priceless.
(Okay, that sounded like a consumer finance commercial… oops, laughs.)
Oh, by the way—the book will be published on April 20! I hope people will read it…
