Experiencing Interruptions?

NINJA BEEF

A documentary film that follows the culture of the historic region of Iga and the people involved with Iga beef, known as the "phantom Wagyu."

  • SHUN J SAKO Jr
    Director
  • HIROYASU KUBOTA
    Writer
  • TOMY MANGO-MAN MISAWA
    Producer
  • Bob Werley
    Key Cast
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Experimental
  • Runtime:
    1 hour 53 minutes 26 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    November 3, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    20,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Japan
  • Country of Filming:
    Japan
  • Language:
    Chinese, English, Japanese
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    1:2.35
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - SHUN J SAKO Jr

2002: Hito Román (Secret Hot Springs Romance)

2009: Onegai Ranking 

2017: YAKINIKU

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

NINJA BEEF” is a mockumentary film about the people involved in the Iga beef brand.
The film depicts the reality of people honestly facing their work in the beautiful scenery, history, and simple life of Iga City, famous for its ninja villages.

Kenta, the heir to the famous restaurant “Sandayu” in Nabari City, Mie Prefecture, wants to spread his father's fame as a chef to the world. This is the story of how Bob, an American video director, and Liu, a Chinese actress, started making a documentary film in response to this passion.
Through his interactions with various people in Iga and Nabari, Kenta inspires everyone and plans to organize a world-class meat festival, but his plans fall through due to his lack of ability.
However, Kenta is not daunted by adversity, and chooses a steady and humble path. He and his father develop a steak sauce using miso, a local specialty, and expand it overseas to once again challenge his dream.