LOS ANGELES, July 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles is pleased to announce a diverse summer lineup of special events and activities, including an insightful conversation with “King of Kawaii” Sebastian Masuda at Anime Expo 2024, the next installment of the popular “Movie & Bites” series, and the continued presence of the hyped “Yes, KAWAII is Art -EXPRESS YOURSELF-” exhibition.
While at this cultural destination, visitors are invited to donate new, tagged stuffed animals to the “Yes, Kawaii is Art” stuffed animal drive, bringing the joy of cute toys to young patients at UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital’s Chase Child Life Program. Donations will be accepted through an extended period through Sunday, November 3rd.
See below for a list of summer programs and events.
Talk and Q&A with “Kawaii King” Masuda Sebastian
Friday, July 5, 2024
11:30am – 12:50pm
Location: Anime Expo 408AB (Los Angeles Convention Center)
Price: Anime Expo admission badge required
Sebastian Masuda will be presenting a talk on the vibrant world of kawaii culture at Anime Expo 2024. Moderated by actress and producer Michelle Nguyen Bradley, this lively discussion will delve into the origins, evolution and global impact of kawaii culture, from its humble beginnings in Japan to its current status as a global phenomenon. Kawaii has evolved beyond simply an aesthetic of cuteness into an inclusive, collective community that transcends cultural boundaries.
Movies and Gourmet | Experience Japanese curry at Umimachi DIY
Saturday, August 3, 2024
10:30am – 1:30pm
Location: JAPAN HOUSE Salon | 5th floor
Price: $35
The next installment of the “Movie & Bites” series will be the acclaimed film Our Little Sister (2016) directed by Hirokazu Koreeda. Based on a popular manga, the Japanese film follows the lives of three sisters whose lives are transformed by the arrival of their half-sister after the death of their estranged father. After the screening, Chef Hiroya Takahashi (Executive Chef of Champions Curry, a Japanese curry chain founded in 1961) will give a curry cooking and tasting demonstration.
“Yes, KAWAII is art” stuffed animal drive
From now until Sunday, November 3, 2024
Location: JAPAN HOUSE 2nd floor
This special donation drive, in partnership with the Chase Child Life Program at UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital, aims to share the fun, inclusive spirit of Kawaii with the broader community. Extending through November 3, visitors can donate new, tagged stuffed animals or plush toys of any size to bring the colorful world of Kawaii to young patients and be part of their journey to healing.
“Yes, KAWAII is art – express yourself”
Now – Sunday, November 3, 2024
Monday to Friday | 11am to 7pm
Saturday – Sunday | 11am – 8pm
Location: JAPAN HOUSE Gallery | 2nd Floor
Price: Free
Take a peek into the mind of artist Sebastian Masuda and his kaleidoscopic tribute to kawaii culture. Through this highly anticipated exhibition, JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles offers an immersive look into the origins of kawaii style and how its influence extends far beyond the aesthetic.
DEI Series: “DEI in the Corporate World” (tentative title)
Tuesday, July 30, 2024
Price: TBA
JAPAN HOUSE Salon | 5th floor
Japan House Los Angeles Foundation is proud to partner again with Mitsubishi UFJ Bank to host a panel discussion and networking reception as part of an ongoing series exploring the timely theme of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). To date, the series has invited celebrities, athletes, actors and other notable figures to discuss how the topic of DEI is evolving across many industries, including business, nonprofits, government, food culture and entertainment. Details about the next event in the series will be announced in the coming weeks.
For more information, please visit JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles’ website and social channels: Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube and LinkedIn.
About Japan House
Conceived by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and with three locations in London, Los Angeles and São Paulo, JAPAN HOUSE is an innovative global project dedicated to deepening understanding and appreciation of Japan in the international community. Occupying two floors of Ovation Hollywood (formerly Hollywood & Highland), JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles offers a place of discovery that transcends physical and conceptual boundaries, creating experiences that reflect the best of Japan through its spaces and diverse programming.
Address: 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028
Website: www.japanhousela.com
Media Contact:
Nerissa Silao | 310-874-9230 | [email protected]
Lisa Nakanouchi | 323-904-9298 | [email protected]
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/beca0e1f-3f5c-42e6-9859-65a01c1bfef8