For the fourth JFLA lecture series, the Japan Foundation, Los Angeles invites Roland Kelts, author of "Japanamerica: How Japanese Pop Culture Has Invaded the U.S.," to discuss his views on Anime, its influences on Hollywood, and vice-versa. He has written about a wide range of topics relating to the Japanization of Americans, which he describes as "the third wave of Japanophilia – outsiders' infatuation with Japan's cultural character." This is not a simple story about Otaku or the Kawaii phenomenon, but a very in-depth examination of how Japanese and American entertainment businesses are influencing each other in an infinite loop. Just as Japanese artists like Osamu Tezuka, Hayao Miyazaki and Katsuhiro Otomo were fascinated by classic and sci-fi American movies, George Lucas, The Wachowskis, Guillermo del Toro and others were influenced by Japanese anime classics like Gatchaman, Speed Racer, Spirited Away, Akira and Ghost in the Shell. In his presentation, Kelts will explore why Hollywood is fascinated with Japanese pop culture and is trying to remake popular Japanese anime titles to appeal to a whole new generation of viewers--and the challenges and potential missteps along the way. Please make sure to join us as we dwell into the colorful and eccentric world of the entertainment industry on both sides of the Pacific.
5700 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 100
Los Angeles, CA 90036
jflainfo@jpf.go.jp
323.761.7510
