Electronic artist Shigeto explores his family’s history and the lasting effects of WWII internment, weaving together personal reflections, archival footage, and music. Through conversations with his mother and grandmother, he uncovers how their shared past and cultural heritage have shaped his identity, resilience, and artistry.

Director’s Vision for ‘Densho’

This project came to life in the most organic way—through friendship, shared values, and a deep respect for the story we were telling. Hiro LaMarsh brought me in to collaborate with him and Shigeto, and even without sharing the same heritage, I immediately felt the weight and importance of what we were exploring. At its core, this film is about family, memory, and how the past shapes who we are.

Densho is what I stand for in film—small crews producing intimate portraits that honor family, and ultimately creating work that fosters connection. I grew up listening to Shigeto’s music—his tracks were the soundtrack to many moments in my life, even including a skate film I made in high school. So to come full circle and collaborate with him on a piece this personal was incredible.
Even though I don’t share the same heritage as Hiro and Shigeto, the three of us came together as artists to tell a story that reflects who we are beyond ethnic heritage—our values, our creative voices, and our respect for the generations that came before us. That, to me, is the power of filmmaking: finding common ground in something that resonates beyond just ourselves.