November 8th 2026 O.A.

Global Stage Hollywood

Friday, October 2, and Saturday, October 3, the Global Stage Hollywood Film Festival was held in Hollywood.

Now in its 8th year, the festival introduces Hollywood audiences to hidden gems from around the world, with a special focus on Japanese content.

The Japanese film 90 Meters kicked off this year’s festival. It tells the story of a high school student caring for his seriously ill mother, while portraying the emotional struggles and deep bond between a mother and son as she hopes for a happy future for him.

Actresses Miho Kanno, who portrays the mother, and Nanase Nishino, who plays the care manager, were among the special guests at the festival, joining the red carpet event.

Following the screening, Miho Kanno and Nanase Nishino took part in a Q&A session, answering questions from the audience.

Along with the film screenings, the festival featured a panel discussion on AI, providing an opportunity for industry professionals from Japan and the U.S. to connect and exchange ideas.

Ebb and Flow 2026

On October 17, a mental health conference called Ebb and Flow was held in Little Tokyo.

The event was part of Changing Tides, a mental health initiative by the Little Tokyo Service Center, a nonprofit that provides social services and works to strengthen communities, particularly in Little Tokyo.

The 4th annual event opened with a panel discussion titled “Anxiety During Unpredictable Times” at Terasaki Budokan.

5 panelists from different generations, genders, and cultural backgrounds shared their perspectives on the sources of stress people face today, including social media, LGBTQ+ issues, family, work, and homelessness, as well as ways to cope with them. Japanese interpretation was also provided for attendees.

Following the panel, breakout sessions were held at several venues throughout Little Tokyo. Discussions and workshops covered a range of topics, including LGBTQ+ issues, addiction, recovery from the wildfires two years ago, and the healing power of creative activities.

After a lunch break, the afternoon continued with a variety of sessions, giving participants a deeper understanding of mental health.