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.
After the outdoor fireworks, enjoy some summer events in the cool indoors, whether it’s taking in North America’s largest annual Japanese film festival, checking out a Studio Ghibli classic, or enjoying a ballgame Japanese heritage-style!
This month’s highlights include:
July 8-18
Japan Society, 333 East 47th Street
$16-$35
North America’s largest festival of contemporary Japanese film returns for its 19th year this summer at Japan Society! Featuring over 30 curated films from across Japan featuring major award-winners, indie darlings, up-and-coming filmmakers, restorations, documentaries, short films, anime and more. JAPAN CUTS Powered by Canon is a showcase of the latest in Japanese cinema, featuring both today’s most popular actors and directors as well as tomorrow’s pioneering talent. Become part of our passionate filmgoer community for premieres, parties and celebrity guests in the heart of America’s biggest city! Leading this year’s highlights, JAPAN CUTS will present lauded actress Suzu Hirose with the CUT ABOVE Award for Outstanding Achievement in Film and host the New York Premiere of A Pale View of Hills starring Hirose as our Centerpiece Film, and the festival will conclude with legendary director Hirokazu Koreeda appearing in-person for the North American Premiere of Sheep in the Box, the Closing Film.
July 10-11
Carnegie Hall, 881 7th Avenue
From $95.25
Renowned composer Joe Hisaishi of Studio Ghibli fame returns to Carnegie Hall for a pair of classical performances leading the Orchestra of St. Luke’s following the release of his most recent album Joe Hisashi Conducts performed with Steve Reich. The program opens with Philip Glass’s Symphony No. 1, “Low,” inspired by David Bowie’s groundbreaking album. In the second half, Hisaishi conducts his major new work, co-commissioned by Carnegie Hall, in its New York premiere. In a compelling dialogue between two minimalist masters, Hisaishi explores the depth and expressive power of the modern orchestra.
July 11-15
Various theaters
Various prices
The latest selection from Fathom Entertainment’s Studio Ghibli Fest! From the legendary Studio Ghibli, creators of Spirited Away and Ponyo, and Academy Award-winning director Hayao Miyazaki, comes a classic tale of magic and adventure for the whole family. When Satsuki and her sister Mei move with their father to a new home in the countryside, they find country life is not as simple as it seems. They soon discover that the house and nearby woods are full of strange and delightful creatures, including a gigantic but gentle forest spirit called Totoro, who can only be seen by children. Totoro and his friends introduce the girls to a series of adventures, including a ride aboard the extraordinary Cat Bus, in this all-ages animated masterpiece featuring the voices of Tim Daly, Lea Salonga, and real-life sisters Dakota and Elle Fanning, in early roles.
Read MorePosted by: Doug Tassin (Fukushima-Ken ALT, 2007-2010 & Krewe of Japan Podcast Co-Host)
This week on the Krewe of Japan Podcast…
TADAIMA! The Krewe is BACK! Season 2 kicks off October 1st at 12p CST, and Nigel, Jenn, & Doug are coming in hot with this super-sized special first episode! The Krewe goes down the rabbit hole that is Studio Ghibli, talking about some history behind the famous animation studio and their favorite films. Then, Steve Alpert, former Senior Vice President at Studio Ghibli and author of Sharing a House with the Never-Ending Man: 15 Years at Studio Ghibli, joins the Krewe for a deep dive into what it was like to work with Miyazaki & how he played a pivotal role in in bringing Ghibli favorites to international markets. You don’t want to miss this one!
The Krewe of Japan Podcast is a weekly episodic podcast sponsored by the Japan Society of New Orleans. Check them out every Friday afternoon around noon CST on Apple, Google, Spotify, Amazon, and Stitcher. Want to share your experiences with the Krewe? Or perhaps you have ideas for episodes, feedback, comments, or questions? Let the Krewe know by e-mail at kreweofjapanpodcast@gmail.com or on social media (Twitter: @kreweofjapan, Instagram: @kreweofjapanpodcast, Facebook: Krewe of Japan Podcast Page, & the Krewe of Japan Youtube Channel). Until next time, enjoy!
