Singapore Drama Begins Filming in Saga for the First Time

May 14, 2025 | News On Japan

SAGA, May 14, 2025 (News On Japan) - A Singaporean drama has begun filming in Saga City after the Saga Film Commission successfully attracted its first production from the Southeast Asian nation. The filming is taking place at the former Koga residence, a historic building constructed in 1884.

The project is led by acclaimed Singaporean director Mahfuz Muhammad, known for his award-winning works.

Why Saga? According to Mahfuz, the choice of location is deeply personal. "I know that my great-great-grandmother came to Singapore from Kyushu. The scenery in Saga—its terraced rice fields and architecture—is incredibly beautiful and reminds me of rural towns in Southeast Asia," he explained. His great-great-grandmother, Haranishi Tsubasa, was born in Japan, and Mahfuz had long wished to shoot a film in the country.

The drama portrays the true story of Haranishi, who left Japan during the Meiji era in search of freedom and fought to assert her identity after arriving in Singapore. "Though the story takes place in the Meiji period, not many people know that Japanese once migrated to and lived in Singapore. I want this to be a beautiful drama that brings their stories to light," said Mahfuz.

The ten-episode series, titled Haranishi Zubaida, is scheduled to air next year on Singapore’s national broadcaster, Mediacorp.

Saga has previously hosted a Thai production that went viral and boosted Thai tourism to the region. Encouraged by that success, local officials hope to continue attracting international productions in the future.

Source: KBC

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