CULTURE

2025.11.18

Living through images. The challenge of Daichi Kato, from physical therapist to video creator.

From physical therapist to video creator. A documentary about young people who, even if it seems like a detour or a waste of time, are working hard on the paths they love to realize their dreams.

Daichi Kato
Born on May 10, 1999, from Kitakyushu City in Fukuoka Prefecture. After graduating from a local university in Fukuoka Prefecture, he worked as a physical therapist for one year at a hospital in Osaka. While studying video editing, he was affiliated with the hospital, but since May 2023, he has been with BiS Corporation. He starts his career as a video creator.

Daichi Kato said, "I want to quickly enter the world of video production where I can be involved with top artists. Therefore, I want to realize many things requested by clients and keep improving my skills."

He is a video creator at BiS Corporation, which plans and produces television and film projects. Currently, he is broadly involved in the video production process, handling everything from shooting to editing and sound, working on television programs and promotional videos.

His career start was in a completely different field—he was a physical therapist.

1｜A Career Restart Born from Discomfort

Daichi Kato said, "The reason I became a physical therapist was that my parents recommended that school to me. I didn’t know what I wanted to do in the future, so I thought I would get a qualification in university and work afterwards."

However, despite starting a job at a hospital after graduation, I ended up resigning after just one year. The reason was a sense of discomfort with the job itself. I understood that a job supporting people's bodies is noble, but a small voice that sprouted inside me was telling me, "I should be in a different place."

Daichi Kato: "While working as a physical therapist, I always felt a sense of 'this isn’t me.' At first, I wanted to fulfill my responsibility (to my parents), so I obtained my qualification and tried to get a job, but something was different. From the moment I felt that way, I began to search for the next thing."

At that time, memories from my student days suddenly resurfaced. It was when I made a graduation video for my colleagues at the gym where I had a part-time job. The smiles through the camera, the visuals flowing with the music.

From there, every night I opened my computer and began to learn video editing on my own. While handling editing software, the feeling of "fun" overflowed.

Daichi Kato: "I realized how deeply I could get absorbed in creating videos. It was a feeling I had forgotten since becoming a working adult."

2｜The path to professionalism began with the meeting with Mr. Irei門.

The shift in the direction of the path I aimed for was quick. While working as a physical therapist, I honed my video editing skills and met many people.

However, reality was not so sweet. Video work did not translate from a hobby. I was troubled with the thought, "What should I do to get work?" During that time, by coincidence, I ended up meeting the representative of BiS, Satoru Ireijo.

Daiichi Kato: "My first impression was that he really looked 'strict' (laughs). But he faced me seriously from our first meeting. It felt like I was being confronted with what I should be as a business person and as a creator."

Taking Ireijo's words, "If you're going to make videos, shouldn't you be able to use a camera too?" I dramatically ran out to buy a professional still camera and started taking promotional photos for artists.

At the same time, Kato began a daily routine of studying how to take photos at the library to learn the basics of photography.

3｜What I Learned Amidst the Heavy Work

Ireijo also reflects on that time. About encouraging Kato...

Irei Gate Satoru: "He has struggled with manners and deadlines from the beginning. He got so absorbed in editing work that he overslept until 2 a.m., and he was always pressed for time. But the reason I get angry is that I expect so much from him. I've felt his talent from the start."

Mr. Irei Gate (left in the image) talking to Mr. Daichi Kato (right).

The relentless workdays left Mr. Irei Gate so exhausted that even when he drove to pick up the team himself, he would still oversleep. While spending those days, he calmly conveyed what was necessary to Mr. Kato in the car headed to the site. There was trust behind his harsh words.

The fact that there was someone who would seriously confront him drove Mr. Kato forward.

Daichi Kato: "There were times I felt like giving up. But the work was enjoyable. The more I did, the more I felt a sense of accomplishment, and above all, I could truly feel my growth."<

4｜Exceeding limits, surpassing expectations. — A television program that was handled entirely alone.

What Kato-san eagerly aimed for after gaining experience was the production of the TV Kanagawa program "Furusato no Daidokoro" (set to start broadcasting in October 2025, with episodes scheduled for November 29 and December 27), produced by Irei-mon-san. This job was said to be "a project that seemed impossible."

Filming, audio, lighting, editing— Kato-san took on all processes, a challenge that could be seen as reckless. Irei-mon-san initially thought, "There’s no way this can work." However, Kato-san did not back down.

Irei-mon Satoru: "Actually, I had communicated from the very beginning to the group company, ‘In the worst-case scenario, please help us.’ But somehow, he managed to shape it. If given, he always thinks and gets it done himself. That's Kato-kun."

Irei-mon Satoru: "I thought I wanted him to gain experience even if it meant incurring a loss. And ultimately, he was able to overcome it. At such times, people grow."

For Kato-san as well, it was an experience of "surpassing the impossible." The success experience of "I surprisingly could do it when I tried" seemed to turn into solid confidence.

Kato Daichi: "When I watched the program that was broadcast and distributed on TVer, I was definitely embarrassed. I thought I wanted to be able to finish better things more quickly."

5 | Creators who create "works" instead of "tasks"

In reality, there are numerous cameramen and directors in professional film production environments. However, Mr. Irei-mon says.

Irie Mon said, "Those who are involved in film as a job are different from those who create works. Katou-kun belongs to the latter group and is always exploring the creation of works. The skills you acquire definitely change depending on whether you are making something while thinking or not."

加藤大地さんの映像作品は、BiSが手掛ける自社ブランドの推進力にもなっている。

via cdn.clipkit.co

Mr. Kato himself has some feelings about the filming location.

Daichi Kato said, "Even when I look at the way someone who has been a photographer for 10 years takes photos, I sometimes think, 'Is that really okay?' I feel like I can go higher in terms of thoughtfulness and consideration."

Those words carry a quietly determined spirit.

Kato Daichi: "I love visuals, so even if I have worries, I can keep going. The busier I am, the more engrossed I become. Right now, both filming and editing are all enjoyable."

6 | To the brand called Daichi Kato

Mr. Irimono is full of hopes and expectations for Mr. Kato.

Yirimon悟 "His worldview is still in development. However, when he wants to create an atmosphere like that of a famous writer, it's enough if he has the skills to do that. If he asks Daichi Kato, it will become 'Daichi Kato's worldview'—I hope he aims for that state. He’s the type who isn’t afraid of waste and makes every job a part of his growth. Such a person will ultimately become an artist."

Right now, I'm still in the process of searching for my own color. However, that "search" is exactly where Kato-san stands currently.

Daichi Kato: "I still don't clearly know what I want to create. Right now, I want to realize what's being asked of me properly and make everyone happy. I want to (wait for) my own worldview to emerge through various experiences."

Every detour becomes a part of my strength.

Even if it's indirect and seems like a waste of time, if you keep stacking it up, it will definitely become a part of you. From a physical therapist to a video creator.

Daichi Kato: "There's no need to hurry compared to those around me. Rather, I think if everyone were to take their time, I could differentiate myself."

It was precisely because it was not a straight road that his images contain realism.

And today, Mr. Kato is also setting up his camera and chasing light, while gazing at his own future through the lens.

Works by Daichi Kato.

BiS Inc.
Location: 8th Floor, Koito Building, 6-12-4 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Business Hours: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Regular Holidays: Irregular
TEL: 03-6626-9695
Email: info@bis-inc.co.jp
https://bis-inc.co.jp

Interview & Text: Nanako Otake; Photography: Suzuno