JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles announces its summer programming | News

Summer activities include an exclusive chat with “King of Kawaii” Sebastian Masuda and the next episode of the popular series “Movie & Bites”

LOS ANGELES – July 1, 2024 – JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles announces its diverse summer lineup of special events and activities, including an enlightening talk with the “King of Kawaii” Sebastian Masuda at Anime Expo 2024, the next iteration of the popular “Movie & Bites” series, and the ongoing and highly-hyped series “Yes, KAWAII is an Art -EXPRESS YOURSELF-“ exposure.

While at the cultural destination, visitors are invited to donate new and labeled plush toys to the “Yes, Kawaii is Art” plush toy drive, to bring the joy of kawaii to young patients in the Chase Child Life program at Mattel Children’s Hospital of UCLA. Donations are now being accepted for an extended period until Sunday, November 3.

See below for a list of summer programming and events:

• Conference and questions and answers by Sebastian Masuda, “King of Kawaii”
  Friday July 5, 2024
  11:30 a.m. – 12:50 p.m.
  Location: 408AB at Anime Expo (Los Angeles Convention Center)
  Price: requires an Anime Expo entry badge

  Sebastian Masuda is set to grace Anime Expo 2024 with a talk on the dynamic world of kawaii culture. Moderated by actress and producer Michelle Nguyen Bradley, the lively discussion will explore the origins, evolution and global impact of kawaii culture, from its humble beginnings in Japan to its current status as a global phenomenon. Beyond just the cute aesthetic, kawaii has developed into an inclusive and collective community that transcends cultural boundaries.

• Movie and Bites | “Our Little Sister” with a Japanese Curry Experience
  Sat. August 3, 2024
  10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
  Venue: JAPAN HOUSE Lounge | Level 5
  Fee: $35

  The next installment of the “Movie & Bites” series features a screening of “Our Little Sister” (2016), directed by acclaimed filmmaker Hirokazu Kore-eda. Based on a popular film mangaThe Japanese film follows the lives of three sisters whose lives are transformed by the arrival of their younger half-sister after the death of their estranged father. After the screening, Chef Yoya Takahashi (executive chef of Champion’s Curry, a chain of Japanese curry restaurants founded in 1961) leads a curry cooking and tasting demonstration.

• “Yes, KAWAII is art” Plush Collection
  Now until Sunday, November 3, 2024
  Location: JAPAN HOUSE | Level 2

  In collaboration with the Chase Child Life Program at UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital, this special giving campaign aims to share the joyful and inclusive spirit of kawaii with the wider community. Now extended through November 3, visitors can donate new labeled plush toys or stuffed animals of any size to help bring the colorful world of kawaii to young patients and be a small part of their journey to recovery.

• “Yes, KAWAII is Art -EXPRESS YOURSELF-”
  Now – Sunday, November 3, 2024
  Mon. – Fri. | 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
  Sat. – Sun. | 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
  Location: JAPAN HOUSE Gallery | Level 2
  Price: Free

  Enter the mind of artist Sebastian Masuda and his kaleidoscopic homage to the culture of kawaiiThrough this highly anticipated exhibition, JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles presents an immersive look at the origins of kawaii style and how its influence has extended far beyond aesthetics.

• DEI Series “DEI in the Corporate World” (working title)
  Tue July 30, 2024
  Fees: to be determined
  MAISON DU JAPAN show | Level 5

  JAPAN HOUSE Foundation Los Angeles is proud to once again partner with MUFG Bank, Ltd. to host a panel discussion and networking reception as part of the ongoing series exploring current topics in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). In the past, the series has featured prominent figures, athletes, actors, and other notable figures discussing the evolution of DEI topics across multiple industries, including business, nonprofits, government, food culture, and entertainment. More information about the next event in the series will be announced in the coming weeks.

For more information, visit the JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles website and social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, X, Youtube And LinkedIn.

ABOUT THE JAPAN HOUSE
HOUSE OF JAPAN is an innovative global project comprising three hubs – London, Los Angeles and Sao Paulo – conceived by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. It aims to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of Japan within the international community. Occupying two floors of Ovation Hollywood (formerly Hollywood & Highland), JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles offers a place of new discovery that transcends physical and conceptual boundaries by creating experiences that reflect the best of Japan through its spaces and diverse programs.

Location: 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, California 90028
Website: www.japanhousela.com