Get Featured
umu is a media platform that explores Tokyo's creative scene.
We are looking for stories about the people, things, and events that shape Tokyo's creative culture.
Our Services
We interview creators working in Tokyo as part of our “Tokyo Creators” series, documenting the stories behind their work and what makes each person unique.
At umu, we don’t ask surface-level questions. We dig deeper with questions like “Why did you start doing what you do?”, “What have you found difficult along the way?”, and “As a creator, when do you feel happiest?” Through these conversations, we explore the real stories behind the polished image.
By sharing stories that creators may not have shown before, we aim to help readers and followers get to know the person behind the work and create opportunities for deeper connections.
- There are no requirements regarding experience, recognition, or the scale of your achievements.
- Interviews are conducted online or through written responses.
- We cannot accommodate requests for a specific publication date.
We interview representatives of creative companies in Tokyo, including design studios, production companies, creative studios, publishers, manufacturers, and more.
We explore the story behind the company, how it was built, how the team has grown, and its approach to creative work. By asking unique questions from an outside perspective, we can sometimes help bring values and strengths that have become second nature to the company into words.
We document the ideas and culture behind a company that can be difficult to communicate through a website or job listing alone, helping create connections with like-minded talent and potential collaborators. Publishing the interview on the umu platform can open the door to new connections, while also providing a useful resource for helping existing stakeholders better understand your company.
- 45-minute interview.
- The article will generally be published within approximately two weeks of the interview. We can accommodate preferred publication dates where possible.
- Interviews take place either at a rental studio or at your office, depending on your preference. Photography and video will be taken during the interview.
- Online participation is also possible if an in-person interview is not convenient.
- There is no limit to the publication period.
- Fee: ¥50,000 (includes interview, editing, photography, translation, and rental studio costs. For online interviews, photography and travel costs are not applicable.)
Every month, we feature a range of creative events, including exhibitions, talks, markets, networking events, workshops, and more.
We actively seek out interesting projects that are not yet widely known, as well as spaces where new connections can happen. There are no restrictions on event size. We assess each submission based on the event itself and how well it aligns with umu.
- All event sizes welcome
- Featured based on content alignment with umu
A series exploring the stories and processes behind creative works and projects.
Tokyo is full of incredible creative work. While technological development has made it easier than ever to discover this work, we often only see it in passing, without getting the chance to look inside and understand what went into making it.
umu’s readers are curious people who want to know what lies behind the things they see.
- Written response format
- Publication date cannot be specified
- Large projects may require custom pricing
Job listings focused on communicating a company’s unique ideas and culture.
umu doesn’t simply list conditions and requirements like a traditional job board. We share opportunities with readers who are interested in how creative people work and the ideas and processes behind what they make.
Pairing a job listing with a Creative Company Interview can help deepen understanding of your company and create a stronger connection with potential applicants.
- Focused on company philosophy and culture
- Works best paired with company interview
- Guaranteed applicant reach
- Regular promotion until application goals met
We're open to promotional partnerships, sponsored content, campaigns, and other collaborations that align with umu's vision.
We offer flexible options depending on your needs, including employee interviews for recruitment PR, contests and open calls, grants, residencies, event reports, and announcements for products and services.
Across all of our content, umu focuses not only on the information itself, but also on the ideas, thinking, and processes behind it. Rather than simply promoting something, we aim to communicate the wider context of an initiative, helping create genuine interest, connections, and new opportunities.
- Sponsored articles
- Brand partnerships and campaigns
- Custom collaboration proposals welcome
Not sure which option is right for you?
Send us a message and we will get back to you