Mitsuyo Maeda Action Film Enters Development in Brazil
Director Keishi Otomo has started production on Conde Koma, a Japan-Brazil-America co-production action feature following the life of judo master Mitsuyo Maeda. Otomo scouted locations in Belém, visiting during the annual Sírio de Nazaré festival, which drew approximately 2.3 million participants this year.
Maeda, known as Conde Koma, lived from 1878 to 1941. He trained under Jigoro Kano, the founder of Kodokan Judo, before traveling globally to compete in combat sports and spread judo techniques. His travels eventually established the roots that later led to Gracie jiu-jitsu and modern mixed martial arts.
Amazon Settlement and Cultural Exchange
Maeda relocated to Brazil in 1914 and settled around 1917 in Belém at the mouth of the Amazon River. He taught judo while spending more than 20 years handling local cultural introductions and placement work for incoming Japanese immigrants in an area with few Japanese residents at the time.
FINALLY, A MITSUYO MAEDA (CONDE COMA) BIOPIC. It will be directed by Keishi Otomo ( Rurouni Kenshin, 10Dance). Mitsuyo Maeda was the one who brought Jiu-Jitsu to Brazil. I think either Gordon or Mackenyu would be perfect to play the role of Mitsuyo Maeda. https://t.co/fUKfvnka7G
Leveraging his reputation as a fighter and local standing, Maeda helped secure land, negotiated with state government officials, and assisted immigrant arrivals during early Amazon development efforts. That foundation led directly to the first Tomé-Açu settlement in 1929.
Production Funding and Partner Collaboration
K2 Pictures producer Shinichiro Muraoka introduced the company’s organizational approach during a monthly luncheon hosted by the Brazil-Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The film utilizes a fund-raising structure designed to draw investments from both domestic and international sources, moving away from traditional production committee models to allow greater creative freedom.
Hayato Yanagisawa, head of the chamber, welcomed the project during the meeting in southern São Paulo. Yanagisawa stated that he practices karate personally and expressed support for the production team’s work in Brazil.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Mitsuyo Maeda settle in Belém?
Maeda settled in Belém around 1917, after arriving in Brazil in 1914.
What financing model is K2 Pictures using for the film?
K2 Pictures uses a fund-based investment model instead of a standard production committee to secure capital from domestic and international investors.
How many people attended the festival Keishi Otomo visited?
Approximately 2.3 million people participated in the Sírio de Nazaré festival in Belém during Otomo’s research trip.
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