JQ Magazine: Nippon in New York — ‘GURREN LAGANN THE MOVIE’ x2, ‘Cowboy Bebop’ movie returns, New York Game Awards
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By JQ magazine editor Justin Tedaldi (CIR Kobe-shi, 2001-02). Justin has written about Japanese arts and entertainment for JETAA since 2005. For more of his articles, click here.
Start the new year right by heading down to your local concert venue, cinema, or arts center for some fantastic new year’s fare. Whether you enjoy movies, travel, or orchestral performances classic video games, treat yourself and catch a break from the cold.
This month’s highlights include:
Jan. 16-17
GURREN LAGANN THE MOVIE -Childhood’s End-
Various theaters
Various prices
In the distant future, Simon, a shy boy, and Kamina, a man who dreams of another life up on the surface live a quiet and restless life deep underground in Giha Village. One day, their destinies are forever changed when a gigantic “Gunmen” along with a beautiful girl named Yoko come falling through their village ceiling! Kamina, Simon, and Yoko break through to the surface riding the mysterious “Lagann” but the surface is nothing like Kamina imagined. Now, Kamina and Simon along with their comrades must challenge the evil Spiral King with the Gurren Lagann to bring hope to this desperate world. Available in subtitled, dubbed, 4DX and MX4D screenings (check local listings).
Jan. 21-23
Various theaters
Various prices
Anime Expo Cinema Nights presents Cowboy Bebop: The Movie. Caught up in a world of dreams, lost in the cruelty of reality. What should have been an easy bounty turns into biological war after a terrorist gets hold of a deadly virus. Drawn in by the pretty price on the mastermind’s head, Spike and the Bebop crew are ready to collect a much-needed reward. Unfortunately, the gang’s about to find themselves in more trouble than money when the terrorist threatens to unleash the virus on Halloween–effectively killing everyone on Mars. With little time and leads that seem more dreamy than helpful, they’ll have to use their own bag of tricks to stop a dangerous plot.
Tuesday, Jan. 23, 8:00 p.m.
The 13th Annual New York Game Awards
SVA Theatre, 333 West 23rd Street
$64-$105
The New York Game Awards is an annual award show produced by the nonprofit New York Videogame Critics Circle to recognize outstanding achievement in video games. The first awards were held in 2012 to honor the previous year’s contributions to the video game industry. New York Videogame Critics Circle’s goals are to promote education within the worlds of video game writing and journalism in the New York City area. The New York Game Awards returns to the SVA Theatre January 23, 2024 to celebrate one of the best years in gaming! NYVGCC will honor Neil Druckmann (co-president of Naughty Dog and creator of The Last of Us) with the Andrew Yoon Legend Award. VIP tickets also include exclusive after party event access.
Jan. 23-24
GURREN LAGANN THE MOVIE -The Lights in the Sky are Stars-
Various theaters
Various prices
Seven Years have passed since the battle of Teepelin. Humans have successfully rebuilt civilization under Simon’s leadership and enjoyed an unprecedented period of peace and prosperity. However, humanity’s increasing population triggers the emergence of a powerful enemy. This fearsome Anti-Spiral proves too overwhelming for humanity to fight back. In these desperate times, the members of Team Dai-Gurren reunite to fight once again. In this high-stakes battle, can Simon and his team pierce the heavens with the Gurren Lagann to save mankind one last time? Available in subtitled, dubbed, 4DX and MX4D screenings (check local listings).
Jan. 24-26, 7:30 p.m.
Nihon Buyo in the 21st Century: From Kabuki Dance to Boléro
Japan Society, 333 East 47th Street
$55, $44 members/persons with disabilities
Witness a breathtaking union of Japan’s most talented nihon buyo dancers, featuring the esteemed Hanayagi Motoi and rising young star Azuma Tokuyo (also known as Nakamura Kazutaro in kabuki theater). Nihon buyo, literally meaning “Japanese dance,” encompasses an animated style that draws from traditional kabuki dance techniques. The program begins with Toba-e, a kabuki dance accompanied by live music, which depicts a comical manga story from the Edo period. The second half of the program is a piece set to Maurice Ravel’s famous score, Boléro. Expertly choreographed by Hanayagi Genkuro, this unexpected combination of East and West brilliantly retells a classical Japanese folk tale, with Kazutaro showcasing his exceptional talent in the onnagata (female) role of the heartbroken princess, Kiyohime. The Jan. 24 performance will be followed by private gathering for artists and members. The Jan. 25 performance will be followed by an artist Q&A. A pre-performance lecture, led by California State University, San Bernardino Dr. Kirk Kanesaka, begins at 6:30 pm. Performed in Japanese with English supertitles.
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