Hollywood and Highland, the entertainment capital of the world, welcome their newest and latest venue!
Japan House Los Angeles, one of only three specialized locations to experience the world of Japanese culture through art, design, food, innovation, and technology all in one place. This weekend Japan House officially debuted their new facilities with a celebratory evening filled with high profile speakers, dinner, tours, and performances. The Knockturnal attended this event and is here to give you the ins and outs of Los Angeles’ Japan House.
The grand opening began with a red carpet entrance where Japanese executives, officials, and A-list celebrities entered the event, and alongside them were also some of Hollywood’s favorite entertainers, with appearances from Josh Groban and Masi Oka. We were able to chat with Star Trek’s, George Takei, who reflected on the success of Crazy Rich Asians which premiered just a few steps from Japan House.
“There is an audience in the United States, there’s been this myth that people aren’t interested in Asian American stories, but I think Crazy Rich Asians amply puts that to rest, and what happened last weekend with the enormous box office success of that film. All is well for the future of Asian Americans”. The opening of Japan House after the huge success of a predominantly Asian film further continues the exposure in Hollywood and supports the goals and aspirations of what Japan House aims to do, share the culture of Japanese life around the world.
Japan’s musical super star, Yoshiki, also shared the importance and impact he hopes Japan House will have here in Los Angeles, “Japan culture is not very flashy, you know? It’s subtle but has depth to it so you may want to spend time to learn about Japanese culture. This [Japan House] is just a taste of it. Hopefully it’ll make people want to go to actual Japan and learn more about it”. Japan house will be hosting several workshops to delve further into the cultural experience and Yoshiki didn’t shy away from the idea of maybe giving a couple of lessons, jokingly his response was, “That’d be so cool! Why not? I didn’t even think of that. Maybe have a small Yoshiki music school”.
Of course, the opening of Japan House could not have happened without Yoshiki giving the guests a musical performance, which was absolutely captivating. Yoshiki performed three songs, while both conducting and playing the piano. Elevenplay also took the stage with a mesmerizing performance of dance with advanced technology.
Notable moments were given by Japan’s Foreign Minister, Taro Kono, President of Japan House LA, Yuko Kaifu, and Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti all welcoming the people of the Los Angeles area to Japan House.
Japan House is occupying two stories of the Hollywood and Highland entertainment complex. The Knockturnal was able to get a one on one tour and can tell you all about the Japan House phenomenon. On the 2nd floor, you will find an exhibition gallery with beautiful art pieces, retail store with must-have fashion items, a Japanese cafe to drink delicious teas, and the latest and innovative technology. With a quick trip to the elevator, one can easily get to the 5th floor to continue the Japan House experience. Once there, guests have the chance to visit the library, with a collect of over 700 books, walk through the venue of the multi-purpose event, and finish their time at Japan House with a meal at the fine-dining Japanese restaurant with a breathtaking view of Hollywood Los Angeles.
Japan House is now open to the public.
