There are collaborations you plan because they make sense on paper and then there are collaborations that feel like a meeting of spirit. Our work with Japan Action Guild (JAG) belongs to the latter. To us, it’s not just about apparel or limited edition drops; it’s about honoring a craft, pushing boundaries, and celebrating the people who move us forward.
What Is JAG, and Who’s Behind It
Japan Action Guild is an organization built for all who contribute to the action world. From stunt coordinators to fight choreographers, action directors, performers, and creators. They were founded by some of Japan’s most respected names in action cinema: individuals behind landmark film series, battle choreography, and visual spectacle in motion.
The founders include:
- Keiji Yanagaki (谷垣健治) — known for his action direction work on Rurouni Kenshin.
- Yūji Shimomura (下村勇二) — an action director and coordinator.
- Takase Dojo Shikano (高瀬道場・鹿乃) — one of the few female killings and a teacher of Takase Dojo
What unites them is a shared vision: to build a community for those who make action possible, not just the stars, but the crews, the artists, the unseen hands. JAG isn’t just celebrating what you see on screen; it’s advocating for those behind the frames.
Mission & Culture of JAG
JAG’s work is anchored by a few guiding principles:
- Elevate the unseen — The people who make the action (stunts, choreography, direction) don’t always get the spotlight. JAG wants to change that.
- Improve the craft & conditions — Not only by celebrating achievement, but by pushing forward structural support: JAG runs programs, has plans for improving working conditions in the action field, advocating for better standards.
- Educate and raise up new talent — In April 2024, JAG founded the JAG Action Creator School (JAG アクションクリエーター養成所) to train the next generation, not only in stunts or martial choreography, but in creating action content.
- Connect locally and globally — While deeply rooted in Japanese action tradition, JAG has looked outward: to cross-border collaborations, producing content, telling stories that travel far beyond one country.
Why This Collaboration Resonates With Machine
When we considered potential partners who shared our mindset, of craft, performance, courage, authenticity, JAG stood out.
- Their mission aligns with how we see performance not simply as function, but as art, as something with story, discipline, and culture.
- Their commitment to both legacy and future talent, honoring the masters and building pipelines, echoes what we try to do with Machine: respect past, build future.
- And their belief in pushing boundaries (visual, physical, creative) matches what “Push the Limit” means for us.
What's Next
We’re excited to bring JAG’s story forward in our Community space. We plan to share more behind-the-scenes, what it means to train, to choreograph action, to build content that moves. We hope these stories inspire you, challenge you, and connect you to what goes into every move, every scene, every product.
Stay tuned for:
- Interviews & profiles from JAG founders and creators
- Stories from JAG Action Creator School graduates
- Visual content: motion, behind the scenes, action studios
- How Machine and JAG together can elevate the creative conversation
Click this Link to Learn More About Japan Action Guild
