NEO-JAPONISM | SAMURAI AND BEYOND

The exhibition “NEO-JAPONISM | SAMURAI AND BEYOND” is currently being held at JAPAN HOUSE in Hollywood, showcasing Japan’s samurai culture through immersive visuals.

This exhibition is organized with the cooperation of NHK, Japan’s national broadcaster.
This year marks the 100th anniversary of radio broadcasting in Japan, and NHK is launching various projects to commemorate this milestone.

Visitors can experience Japan’s cultural assets and architectural marvels through stunning visuals created using NHK’s latest innovations, including 8K resolution and 3D computer graphics.

Thanks to this technology, visitors can freely explore priceless Japanese treasures, usually off-limits for close viewing, adjusting angles and zooming in on details with a controller.

Additionally, the exhibition provides an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the production of NHK’s historical drama series.
“NEO-JAPONISM | SAMURAI AND BEYOND” is open to the public at Japan House LA’s second-floor gallery until September 1.
Admission is free.
For more details, visit the Japan House website.

My Life Burned

The Pacific Palisades fire that broke out in early January spread throughout Los Angeles, destroying more than 10,000 buildings.

Among those affected, the home of Fumiko Kometani, who lived in Pacific Palisades, was completely burned down.

Kometani came to the U.S. in 1960 on a scholarship as a painter.
Later, she married a playwright and started writing after giving birth to a child with a brain disability.
In 1985, she won the Akutagawa Prize and the Shincho Newcomer’s Award for her work “The Passover.”

Although Kometani’s life was spared thanks to her family, she lost all her artwork and the memorabilia from the Akutagawa Prize, along with other precious items, in the fire.

Currently, she is living in a senior apartment in South Bay, which was introduced to her by a friend.

Kometani, who has been involved in anti-war and anti-nuclear movements through her creative work, has a thought after experiencing this wildfire.