Naoko Tokage was born in Japan, and moved to North America alone at age 15. After studying at boarding schools in Victoria, British Columbia and Pebble Beach, California, she graduated from University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts (formerly School of Cinema-Television) in 2001. She worked at Ozla Pictures (development and production company led by Japanese producer Taka Ichise) in 2007 - 2009.