Kei Chikaura grew up in Germany and Japan. He studied economics and cinema at Osaka University. In 2006 Chikaura founded “Creatps Inc”, a media production based in Tokyo, and started directing movies in 2012. He directed music documentaries and live concert films of some of the most prominent musicians in Japan. The 2nd short film “The Lasting Persimmon” was selected to the international competition at Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival 2016. Kei Chikaura started a career as a filmmaker in 2013. His 2nd short film, "The Lasting Persimmon" was selected for Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival 2016. His 3rd and latest short film, "Signature" was selected for Locarno International Film Festival and Toronto International Film Festival 2017, among many others. It won the Grand Prix at Encounters Film Festival 2017.