“Tokyo Drift,” the third installment in the Fast and Furious franchise, is known for its high-speed car racing and thrilling action scenes set in the neon-lit streets of Tokyo. However, what many people may not know is that the film was shot illegally in Japan.
Filming in Japan requires filmmakers to obtain various permits and permissions from the Japanese government, which can be a lengthy and costly process. However, the production team behind “Tokyo Drift” chose to bypass this process and shoot the film without the necessary permits.
According to reports, the film crew used handheld cameras to shoot many of the scenes without permission, and they also filmed on public roads without obtaining proper permits. The production team also reportedly disregarded safety regulations, such as not securing road closures during filming, which put both the crew and the public at risk.
The illegal filming caused controversy in Japan, with some locals criticizing the production team for disrespecting Japanese law and customs. Others were upset with the way the film portrayed Japanese culture and felt that it perpetuated negative stereotypes.
Despite the controversy, “Tokyo Drift” was a box office success and went on to become a fan favorite in the Fast and Furious franchise. However, the film’s illegal production methods did have consequences.
The Japanese government imposed a ban on all future filming of the Fast and Furious franchise in the country, which lasted for several years. The ban was eventually lifted in 2019, allowing the franchise to return to Japan to film “Fast and Furious 9.”
In conclusion, “Tokyo Drift” may have been a thrilling and entertaining film, but it was produced illegally, causing controversy and backlash in Japan. The film’s illegal production methods had consequences, such as a ban on future filming in the country. As filmmakers, it’s important to respect local laws and customs and obtain the necessary permits and permissions to avoid damaging relationships with the local community and authorities.
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