A little about me!

My name is Phil Sakanashi and I’m the owner of Akashi Creative.Over 35 years ago, my father placed a small film camera in my hands. This simple gift would spark a lifelong love affair with photography, and thus my foray into the world of visual storytelling began.

Starting from my self-taught early days, I discovered my innate knack to capture not just images on film, but also to harness within the images, all the emotions and memories they have the potential to evoke. 

Not one to limit the magic of this art form, I honed my skills, knowledge and experience tirelessly while expanding into other similar venues.

Today, Akashi Creative is more than just photography. With the triple threat of specializing in photography, videography, and production on small sets, I have gained the privilege of telling the stories of many around the world. From the most minute detail of a black mamba in africa, to the most exalted athletes and hollywood celebrities, every project has been a gift and a lesson. Even when strapped to an MMA cage sprayed with blood and sweat, or slinking around the corners of a horror film set capturing behind the scenes secrets, I aim to go beyond what meets the eye, and capture images that decades from now, will still conjure up the most evocative flashbacks. 

My versatility has allowed me to span across multiple genres of media production.These include: professional sports events, product campaigns, editorial, EPK/BTS, commercial, travel, portraits/headshots, wildlife, red carpet, concerts and so much more!

Anyone can take a photo, a video, with a phone, with a camera; but few can wield the camera as more, as a vehicle to create a connection with life, to uplift people, to have every soul feel seen, and share the ethereal even in the mundane. That, is my most impassioned goal and driving force behind all that I do. 

I am based in Los Angeles and New York City, but also available/travel worldwide.

Thank you for considering Akashi Creative to be a part of your journey. Let's create, collaborate, and pursue the extraordinary together!