"Deyemi Okanlawon: Japan Filming Venture Was My Top Life Experience"
Nollywood actor Deyemi Okanlawon has extolled his experience working in Japan as the pinnacle of his career, sharing that the collaboration with one of the country's biggest networks, NHK Japan, has been life-changing. In March 2025, Okanlawon ventured into Asia's entertainment industry through a partnership with NHK, featuring in a sci-fi television series that required him to speak English.
The actor, who recently spoke about the experience during a Japanese feature, emphasized the impact it had on him. "I just returned from filming a sci-fi series in Japan," Okanlawon said. "They sought an African character, conducted research, and invited me to be a part of the project. I spent three months filming, and it was the best experience of my life." He further commended the Japanese for their unwavering commitment to excellence.
Meanwhile, Okanlawon has weighed in on the ongoing clampdown by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Nigerian celebrities accused of abusing currency. In an interview on the 'Nollywood On Radio' show, Okanlawon criticized the agency for focusing on entertainers while larger issues of corruption and crime persist.
He suggested that if EFCC operatives could tackle corruption at the grassroots level, targeting corrupt officials, politicians, or organizations, it would instill more confidence in the public. Recent instances of high-profile arrests in the Nigerian entertainment industry for similar offenses have sparked discussions about the selective nature of the EFCC's clampdown.
Enrichment Data:Okanlawon's Japan experience revolves around his role in the Japanese sci-fi TV series produced in partnership with NHK, where he played an English-speaking character, highlighting an interesting linguistic aspect of the production. This opportunity significantly expanded his international presence and stands out as a career milestone.
- Deyemi Okanlawon, the Nollywood actor, considers his collaboration with NHK Japan for a sci-fi television series in Japan as the highlight of his career.
- This partnership in March 2025 marked his entry into the Asian entertainment industry, with the role requiring him to speak in English.
- Okanlawon's three-month stint in Japan was life-changing and the best experience of his career, as he shared during his recent interview on a Japanese feature.
- In another context, Okanlawon has expressed his views on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission's (EFCC) focus on Nigerian celebrities accused of abusing currency.
- He criticized the EFCC during an interview on the 'Nollywood On Radio' show, stressing the importance of targeting corruption at the grassroots level rather than focusing on entertainers.
- This controversy points to the selective nature of the EFCC's clampdown, with recent high-profile arrests in the Nigerian entertainment industry for similar offenses sparking ongoing discussions.
