If you're a fan of Japanese culture, art, and design, you'll definitely want to check out Japan House Los Angeles. This cultural center, located in the heart of Hollywood, aims to showcase the best of contemporary Japan to the world through a variety of programming and exhibitions.
From culinary workshops and film screenings to art installations and design exhibits, Japan House LA offers a wide range of experiences that allow visitors to immerse themselves in the richness and diversity of Japanese culture.
In this article, we'll provide an overview of what you can expect from a visit to Japan House Los Angeles, including some of its most notable features and events.
Japan House Los Angeles is located on Hollywood Boulevard, just a stone's throw from famous landmarks like the TCL Chinese Theatre and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The center occupies the first two floors of a sleek, modern building that was designed by the world-renowned architect Kengo Kuma.
The space features clean lines, ample natural light, and an open floor plan that allows visitors to move seamlessly between different areas. The interior is adorned with natural materials like wood, stone, and paper that reflect the Japanese aesthetic of wabi-sabi.
Japan House Los Angeles opened its doors in 2018 and is one of three such centers around the world (the others are in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and London, UK). The concept behind Japan House is to provide a platform for the promotion of Japanese culture, both traditional and contemporary, in different parts of the world.
One of the main attractions of Japan House Los Angeles is its ever-changing program of exhibitions and events. These range from art installations and photography exhibits to fashion shows and design workshops.
One of the standout exhibits from the past year was "This is MANGA – The Art of NAOKI URASAWA", which was a comprehensive exploration of the work of one of Japan's most famous manga artists. The exhibition included original drawings, storyboards, and other artwork from Urasawa's various series, as well as interactive displays that allowed visitors to delve deeper into the world of manga.
Another notable exhibit was "New Waves: Through Line," which was a showcase of contemporary Japanese art by emerging and established artists. The exhibit featured a range of mediums, including painting, sculpture, and multimedia installations, and highlighted how Japanese artists are continuing to push the boundaries of artistic expression.
In addition to its exhibits, Japan House Los Angeles offers a variety of educational and cultural programs aimed at introducing visitors to different aspects of Japanese culture. These include cooking classes, language lessons, and traditional crafts workshops.
For example, visitors can participate in a sushi-making class where they will learn the proper techniques for preparing sushi rice, selecting and slicing fish, and assembling rolls. Alternatively, they may attend a tea ceremony workshop where they will be taught about the importance of ritual and mindfulness in the preparation and consumption of tea.
No visit to Japan House Los Angeles would be complete without sampling some of the delicious Japanese cuisine on offer at its on-site restaurant, INN ANN. This intimate eatery offers a menu that focuses on traditional Japanese dishes with a modern twist, such as grilled salmon with yuzu butter and miso marinated black cod.
There's also a bar area where visitors can enjoy a range of Japanese spirits, including sake, shochu, and whiskey, as well as cocktails that feature Japanese ingredients like matcha and yuzu.
If you're looking to take a piece of Japan home with you, be sure to stop by the Japan House LA shop, which stocks a curated selection of Japanese goods, including clothing, accessories, and homeware. You can find everything from beautifully crafted porcelain tea sets to minimalist clothing designed by some of Japan's top fashion designers.
Japan House Los Angeles is open Tuesday to Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm (closed on Mondays). Admission to the center and its exhibits is free, although some events and programs may be ticketed. Be sure to check the Japan House LA website for up-to-date information on what's on offer during your visit.
If you're looking to get even more out of your visit, you can book a guided tour of the center with one of Japan House LA's knowledgeable docents, who will provide insights and context on the exhibits and programming.
In conclusion, Japan House Los Angeles is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Japanese culture, art, and design. With its ever-changing program of exhibitions, workshops, and events, there's always something new and exciting to discover at this oasis of Japan in the heart of Hollywood.
