A week before the Oscars, JX held its JX’24 celebration at JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles, honoring trailblazers in the U.S.-Japan entertainment industry.
JX, short for Japan Crossover, is the foundation for a community hub honoring the Japanese diaspora and industry leaders in entertainment, lifestyle and culture. Through events, such as JX’24, JX amplifies current and future collaborations between the U.S. and Japan.
Akemi Look, taking the stage in multiple stunning outfit changes and high energy, served as one of the night’s main hosts. She introduced Michelle Sugiyama, a JX member and executive director of CAPE, who presented the insightful panel.
The discussion on “Japanese Entertainment in Hollywood,” moderated by film journalist Jen Yamato (formerly a reporter/critic for the L.A. Times and co-host of the podcast “Asian Enough”), highlighted in the process of how far the U.S.-Japan entertainment industry has come. Panelists David Jesteadt, president of GKIDS (distributor of Studio Ghibli films, including the Academy Award-nominated “The Boy and the Heron”), and Masaki Nakayama, senior vice president and head of Sony Innovation Studios (SIS), took to the stage to join the discussion.
Jesteadt highlighted GKIDS’ role in bridging of the gap, emphasizing the importance of English dubs, promoting films like “The Boy and the Heron,” and fostering a broader audience.
Nakayama drew on his experience bridging the gap between Sony Tokyo and Sony Pictures. He discussed Sony Innovation Studios, a product of this collaboration, which utilizes cutting-edge technology to create sets -without the travel – that can blend imaginative creations to iconic Japanese landmarks within a single studio space.
While unable to attend due to a prior concert commitment (though soon to light up Coachella!), the highly anticipated Japanese girl group Atarashii Gakko! was honored with the JX Global Achievement Award in Music. Their manager accepted the award on their behalf, and a lighthearted and entertaining video from the group was played in acceptance of the award. Additionally, Japangeles was presented with the Community Impact Award.
Adding to the night’s captivating energy, the reception included a special performance by Shota Nakama, producer of the acclaimed “Sonic Symphony.” Nakama took the stage with his sticker-covered guitar, as he performed a three-song set alongside a vocalist, rapper and pianist that brought the beloved video games essence to life!
Guests enjoyed an evening filled with sushi and an array of Japanese sweet treats alongside beverages from Japanese brands like ITO EN and SUNTORY WHISKY TORI to end off the night.
Overall, the JX’24 celebration honored the achievements of those bridging the gap between American and Japanese entertainment and culture. It was a night that celebrated progress and the exciting future of collaboration between these two creative powerhouses.
Want more on Japanese entertainment? Check out our interview with the Shōgun cast here!
