LOS ANGELES, Aug. 17, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles today announces a series of special activities to celebrate the milestone fifth anniversary of its cultural destination. Since its inception, JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles – part of a worldwide project conceived by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan – has strived to cultivate a deeper understanding of Japan through physical and online programming showcasing Japanese art, design, gastronomy, and more.

“Whether it’s Pokémon meeting Japanese craft, the art of the ramen bowl, contemporary Japanese graphic art, classic and contemporary films, gastronomy, or manga, our goal is to provide an immersive cultural experience that intrigues the five senses. It has been an honor and privilege to be a part of this global initiative to showcase the many diverse facets of Japanese culture for the past five years,” says Yuko Kaifu, president of JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles. “We look forward to sharing more of these experiences in the years to come, especially with the help of our newly appointment advisor, world renowned Japanese rock legend YOSHIKI.”

The celebration of this momentous occasion includes:

• Friday, August 25 – Free Outdoor Film Screening: Complimentary movie night featuring snacks, prizes, and the hit film “POKÉMON Detective Pikachu,” selected to honor the “POKÉMON X KOGEI | Playful Encounters of Pokémon and Japanese Craft” exhibition.
  
  
• Sunday, August 27 – 5th Anniversary Event – Bridging Cultures | Inspiring Futures: With the concept of “What Japan Can Bring to the World’s Music Scene,” the complimentary event will feature performances by world-renowned guitarist MIYAVI, along with rhythms by drummer YOYOKA as well as the Asano Taiko drumming group, and the soulful resonance of tsugaru shamisen by Mike Penny. A vibrant “Savor Japan” zone will offer a variety of Japanese street and festival foods, teas, desserts, and Japanese beer and sake for purchase.
  
  
• Thursday, August 17 – Thursday, August 31 – Complimentary Drinks at UKA: Complimentary drinks will be offered during this timeframe to the first 200 diners at UKA, the recently opened kaiseki restaurant at JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles.
  
  
• Now through Saturday, September 30 – 5^th Anniversary Sweepstakes: JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles has partnered with Kokoro Care Packages to offer curated gift boxes featuring iconic Japanese snacks to five lucky entrants. Gift-giving is an important facet of Japanese culture. This sweepstakes is the cultural destination’s way of expressing thanks to audiences near and far. See the website for more details on how to enter.
  

Since opening its doors, JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles has attracted more than 650,000 visitors and hosted hundreds of programs. Currently on display through January 7, 2024, “POKÉMON X KOGEI | Playful Encounters of Pokémon and Japanese Craft” marks the 20^th exhibition at the JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles Gallery.

For more information, visit the JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles website and social channels: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn.

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

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

Media Contacts:
Nerissa Silao | 310-874-9230 | nerissas@ca.rr.com
Lisa Nakanouchi | 323-904-9298 | lnakanouchi@japanhousela.com