TAKCOM Conjures the Soul of Samurai for KAI – Motion design [Video]

Tokyo-based director and visual artist Takafumi Tsuchiya (aka TAKCOM) merges flinty CG and atmospheric live-action footage into an dramatic product film for venerable Japanese knife and cutlery brand KAI.

TAKCOM: “The creative intention behind this project was straightforward: to create a stylish and striking film that reflects the prestige of KAI’s Seki Magoroku Kaname Master Line knife.

“While this a chef’s knife designed for cooking, I deliberately chose not to depict any typical culinary scenes. Instead, I focused solely on the product’s concept and aesthetic. The goal was to capture the spirit of the professionals who use this knife. 

“While this is a chef’s knife designed for cooking, I deliberately chose not to depict any typical culinary scenes. Instead, I focused solely on the product’s concept and aesthetic.”

“The knife is crafted using a traditional Japanese technique akin to forging katana swords, where different metals are layered to create distinctive …