The film ‘Rules of Living’ has plenty to say about life in Tokyo

Arts

International production in Japan shows subtitles no longer a barrier

In “Rules of Living,” Greg Dale, left, plays Vincent, an American backpacker turned English teacher in Tokyo, opposite Kaho Minami as Mikuko, his landlady and student. (Courtesy of Hiromu Takeuchi)

KAORI SHOJI

October 8, 2025 08:00 JST

TOKYO — Foreign film crews are an increasingly common sight in Tokyo. Interest in filming in the city is soaring, spurred in part by the success of productions such as the “Tokyo Vice” series (2022-24). But while the creative and financial potential of setting a story in Tokyo is clear, the logistics can be daunting.