Three Years as a Freelance Videographer in Tokyo, JAPAN : Lessons Learned

This month marks my third year as a freelance videographer in Tokyo, Japan, and as I put together my latest reel, I’ve been reflecting on the growth, challenges, and lessons that have shaped my journey. Working independently in Japan and Tokyo as a bilingual English and Japanese videographer has been a rewarding experience, but it has also required constant adaptation and learning. Here are some key insights I’ve picked up along the way:

1. Self-Discipline and Work-Life Balance

Freelancing offers flexibility, but it also demands a high level of self-discipline. Without a structured work environment, it’s easy to either overwork or lose focus. I’ve realized that maintaining both physical and mental balance is crucial for long-term success. While I’m still refining my approach, I’ve learned that setting boundaries, prioritizing health, and scheduling downtime are just as important as meeting deadlines.

2. Navigating the Peaks and Valleys

The freelance life is unpredictable. Some weeks are packed with back-to-back shoots, while others are unexpectedly quiet. Learning to manage these fluctuations—both financially and mentally—has been an ongoing challenge. Diversifying income streams, maintaining a strong client pipeline, and using slower periods for skill development have helped me create more stability.

3. Patience and Long-Term Growth

Success in freelancing doesn’t happen overnight. From my own experience, the effort I put in today often takes three to six months to show results. Whether it’s networking, content marketing, or refining my craft, consistency is key. Staying patient and trusting the process has allowed me to build lasting client relationships and steadily grow my business.

As I step into my fourth year as a freelance videographer in Tokyo, I’m excited about the new projects ahead and the opportunities to push my creativity further. I’ll be sharing more updates soon—stay tuned!