Vancouver-based prodco Wallop Film has begun production on the Telus original documentary feature Tojo and the Tale of Daruma, about the life of internationally acclaimed chef Hidekazu Tojo, in B.C. and Japan.

Filming locations for the doc include Vancouver, Comox and Maple Ridge, B.C. in Canada and Osaka, Kyoto and Saitama in Japan, according to a news release.

Tojo and the Tale of Daruma is being made by a predominantly Japanese-Canadian team. It’s directed by Mads K. Baekkevold (Pagoda of Peril), written and produced by Natalie Murao (No More Parties) and produced by Luis Guerra (Shut Out). The film is executive produced by Matt Lawrence Dix (Burned to the Ground) with production executive Ken Tsui from Telus originals.

Tojo and the Tale of Daruma follows the life and career of Japanese-Canadian chef Hidekazu Tojo, known as the inventor of the California Roll and for moving seaweed to the inside of rolls as a way to appeal to Western palates.

The film will also touch on the prejudice Tojo faced since immigrating to Canada in the 1970s, through the launch and success of his eponymous Vancouver restaurant, Tojo’s. In 2016, the Japanese government honoured Tojo as a goodwill ambassador for Japanese cuisine. Following its run at film festivals, the doc will air on Telus Optik TV in B.C. and Alberta.

Photo by Sophia Biedka