Restrictions on Bringing Large-Capacity Batteries on Airplanes Impede Filming on Location in Okinawa Local Rental Service for Video Creators Launch of "Okinawa Filming Equipment Rental KYUICHI

Okinawa Shooting Equipment Rental KYUICHI, operated by Ryo Matsui, a cameraman who works on video production in Okinawa, started a new service on March 12 to rent high-capacity shooting batteries (IDX Duo-C198) and charging equipment on site for video creators and production companies outside Okinawa who shoot in the prefecture. The service is available to film creators and production companies.

With the tightening of restrictions on lithium-ion batteries carried on board airplanes being considered, this service solves two of the biggest challenges in shooting on location in Okinawa: securing a power source and the cost and hassle of transporting equipment, thereby supporting a smooth shooting environment.

Okinawa Photography Equipment Rental KYUICHI Logo

Background: Tighter Restrictions on Carry-on Batteries for Aircraft

Currently, under the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism's aviation safety measures, stricter regulations regarding the handling of lithium-ion batteries on board aircraft will be implemented in mid-April. According to the proposed changes that have been made public, "mobile batteries (160Wh or less) and spare batteries (more than 100Wh but less than 160Wh) together are limited to two per person," and the trend toward stricter regulations is progressing worldwide as a countermeasure against the risk of aircraft fires.

IDX V-mount type lithium-ion battery DUO-C198

Issues that arise in the field of video production

In video production, it is common to use multiple high-capacity batteries, such as V-mount batteries, professional camera power supplies, and lighting power supplies. However, many of the filming batteries widely used in the industry have capacities of 191Wh or other capacities that cannot be carried on board an airplane, creating the following problems on location in Okinawa, where air travel is essential.

The following issues arise when filming on location in Okinawa, which requires air travel: ・Necessary power equipment cannot be brought in (or it takes time to transport it in advance by land or sea).

Transportation costs for hazardous materials skyrocket.

Vessels do not arrive or depart as scheduled due to weather conditions.

Risk of filming stops due to lack of local recharging cycles.

With the increasing number of commercial shoots, music videos, movies, and dramas being shot in Okinawa, "how to secure power supply for shooting" is becoming a major concern for production sites.

On-site rental" solves the power supply problem on location in Okinawa.

In response to this situation, KYUICHI has launched a service that makes it easy to rent high-capacity batteries for filming on location in Okinawa. By providing an environment where photographers and production teams visiting from other prefectures can reliably procure power equipment on location, we are able to comply with restrictions on air travel, significantly reduce equipment transportation costs, and ensure a stable power supply on location.

Main rental equipment (*All prices are per day, excluding tax)

V-mount battery: 1,800 yen per battery

　(191Wh *Models not allowed to be brought on board airplanes)

SONY camera battery: 500 yen per battery (NP-FZ100)

　(NP-FZ100)

XDCAM camcorder batteries: ¥700 - ¥1,000 (BP-U35 / BP-U35 / BP-U35)

　(BP-U35 / BP-U70)

Battery charger: 1,000 - 1,800 yen (NP-FZ100)

　(NP-FZ100 rapid, BP-U2, V-mount rapid, etc.)

*Please inquire about other equipment.

V-mount battery charger

■Becoming a Supporter of Okinawa's Video Production Infrastructure

Okinawa is one of the leading filming locations in Japan for commercials, music videos, movies, YouTube, and videos for overseas audiences. KYUICHI aims to provide a service that functions as a "production infrastructure" to support a smooth shooting environment in Okinawa from behind the scenes.

Representative Comment Ryo Matsui, President, Okinawa Photography Equipment Rental KYUICHI

However, the risk of not being able to shoot as one would like is increasing due to stricter restrictions on bringing in batteries. As a director and cameraman on location myself, I have become acutely aware of the difficulty of securing power. I would like to create an environment in Okinawa where all photographers and production teams visiting Okinawa can focus on their creative work in peace, free from the stress of transporting equipment.

Ryo Matsui, Representative Director and Photographer

Outline of Service

Service name: Okinawa Photography Equipment Rental KYUICHI

Business description: Rental of equipment (batteries, battery chargers, etc.) for video production

Main Target ： Photographers / Video production companies / YouTube production teams / CM and film production teams

Instagram ： https://www.instagram.com/kyuichi_filmequipmentrental

Collaboration with HIGH LINE, a sound and lighting company on Miyako Island

HIGH LINE is a company that handles sound and lighting installation, planning and production for concerts, live performances, festivals, etc., as well as sound and lighting installation for stores and rental of musical instruments on Miyakojima Island and the main island of Okinawa.

We have received several inquiries in the past about the possibility of renting batteries and lighting for video, so we decided to start renting batteries on Miyakojima Island in cooperation with Mr. Matsui, whom we met while filming on Miyakojima.

We don't have many batteries yet, but we will increase the number if we sense demand."

HIGH LINE Representative Reo Niizato