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.
In the dog days of summer, it’s best to escape the heat in a place that’s cozy and cool. For those into both cutting-edge and classic anime, this month offers a diverse trio of theatrical revivals—all in the comfort of indoor air conditioning.
This month’s highlights include:
July 31-August 2, August 6, 8:00 p.m.
Bob James Quartet featuring special guest Christian McBride
Blue Note New York, 131 West Third Street
$45 bar, $55 table
The career of multi-Grammy winner Bob James is long, varied and continues to evolve at every turn as he continues to captivate audiences throughout the world for more than 50 years, 58 albums, and innumerable awards. While James is recognized as one of the progenitors of smooth jazz, his music has also had a profound effect on the history of hip-hop, having been sampled frequently since the early days of the genre. A longtime star in Japan, he has recorded a piano duet album with Keiko Matsui, and worked with Seiko Matsuda as a guest vocalist on “Put Our Hearts Together,” written by James and his daughter Hilary in response to the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011. Christian McBride is an eleven-time Grammy-winning bassist, composer, and bandleader. From jazz to R&B, and pop/rock and hip-hop/neo-soul to classical, he is a luminary with one hand ever reaching for new heights—inviting us to join him.
Thursday, August 6, 8:00 p.m.
YOASOBI – Never Ending Stories Tour
Barclays Center, 620 Atlantic Avenue (Brooklyn)
From $63.25
Japanese pop phenomenon YOASOBI has redefined the global reach of J-pop by transforming acclaimed short stories into emotionally resonant, genre-blending anthems that have captivated audiences around the world. Formed in 2019 by composer and producer Ayase and vocalist ikura (Lilas Ikuta), the duo exploded onto the international stage with the record-breaking hit “Yoru ni Kakeru” before following with worldwide successes including “Gunjō,” “Kaibutsu,” “Shukufuku,” and the chart-topping “Idol,” which became the first Japanese-language song to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart. Their cinematic live performances, dazzling visuals, and seamless blend of pop, rock, electronic music, and storytelling have earned them a devoted international following, culminating with their first-ever U.S. arena tour launched in tandem with their latest album, THE BOOK for,. Their previous New York appearance with a sold-out debut at the legendary Radio City Music Hall (from two years ago to the day) demonstrated the group’s remarkable global appeal and set the stage for their continued rise as one of Japan’s most celebrated contemporary musical exports.
August 8 & 10
Tales from Earthsea 20th Anniversary
Various theaters
Various prices
Part of Fathom Entertainment’s Studio Ghibli Fest! From the legendary creators of Spirited Away and Howl’s Moving Castle, and the director of From Up on Poppy Hill, comes an animated fantasy epic based on the classic book series by Ursula K. Le Guin! As crops dwindle and dragons reappear, mankind stands on the verge of total chaos. Lord Archmage Sparrowhawk, a powerful wizard, and Arren, a troubled young prince, search for the force behind this mysterious imbalance that threatens to destroy the land of Earthsea, in a tale of redemption and self-discovery that will take your breath away. Featuring the voices of Timothy Dalton, Willem Dafoe, Cheech Marin, and Mariska Hargitay.
Read MoreJQ Magazine: JAPAN CUTS, Joe Hisaishi at Carnegie Hall, Mets vs. Dodgers
Article/Journalism, Celebrity, Events, Film, Japan Local, JQ Magazine, Music 
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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.
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!
