A Week of Japanese Cultural Power at Japan Society

From Ultraman to Oscar buzz: Why Japanese soft power is having a moment—and why it matters.

Every now and then, a week unfolds at Japan Society that reminds me why our mission is not only relevant but essential—why cultural exchange matters, why storytelling connects people, and why Japan’s influence continues to ripple across the world. As we head into Thanksgiving week, I find myself especially grateful for the extraordinary moments, creators, and communities we’ve been able to bring together. This past week was one of our most inspiring yet.

Ultraman at 60: A Legend Lives On

We began with an unforgettable celebration of Ultraman’s 60th anniversary—a franchise that helped define not just my own childhood growing up in Japan, but global pop culture for six decades. Seeing Ultraman burst onto our stage live was pure magic. Parents, children, long-time fans, and first-timers all shared that electric moment together.

It was a reminder that Japanese cultural icons endure because they evolve—remaining classics while continuing to inspire the next generation.

Rental Family: Redefining Connection

Then came the New York premiere of Rental Family, followed by the incredible cast of Brendan Fraser, Hikari, and Mari Yamamoto on our stage. While some have dubbed it the modern Lost in Translation, the film is something far more original. This isn’t just about Japan through the eyes of a Hollywood star—it’s shaped by Japan, with Living National Treasure–level actors, directed by a Japanese filmmaker, and capturing the emotional resonance of Japan’s seasons.

The film delves into Japan’s unique but deeply human concept of “renting” companionship to face loneliness and social awkwardness. The joy and camaraderie on stage afterward made the evening feel personal and intimate—one of those rare premieres where you can feel the heart behind the work and already is a box office success!

Foreign Exchange: Anime Legends on One Stage

Our momentum continued with a powerhouse conversation featuring Shinichiro Watanabe, Justin Leach, and LeSean Thomas as part of our Foreign Exchange series.

These creators have shaped everything from Cowboy Bebop to Netflix’s animation revolution. Their candid and visionary conversation on authenticity, collaboration, and the global evolution of anime felt like a masterclass. Anime isn’t just art—it’s Japan’s cultural ambassador to the world especially to the next generation that I saw first hand with the reaction from New York Public Schools in the house!

Kokuho: One of Japan’s Biggest Films of the Year On Our Screen

We closed the week with the New York screening of Kokuho, one of Japan’s most talked-about films of the year and the film that I had more boad and community members asking about than any other.

The audience response was extraordinary. With its emotional depth and visual beauty, Kokuho showcased the strength of Japanese cinema and why it continues to resonate everywhere—from Tokyo to New York.

Why This Week Matters

Taken together, these events—Ultraman, Rental Family, anime legends, and Kokuho—tell a bigger story:

Japanese soft power is accelerating.

Just as Shōgun captured global attention and topped the Emmy nominations last year, this new wave of films, creators, and cultural icons demonstrates the growing global appetite for Japanese artistry and storytelling. Whether or not these projects become Oscar contenders, what they represent is unmistakable: a future where Japanese creativity is increasingly central to global culture.

Japan Society is proud to be the platform where that dialogue unfolds—where audiences, creators, and thought leaders come together to shape the next chapter of U.S.–Japan cultural exchange.

A Thanksgiving Reflection

As we enter Thanksgiving, I want to pause and say how grateful I am—for our audiences, our supporters, our partners, and the brilliant artists who trust Japan Society as their New York home.

This week was a celebration not only of Japanese creativity, but of the shared curiosity and connection that make our mission possible.

Wishing each of you a warm and joyful Turkey Day with family, friends, and loved ones. Thank you for being part of our community, and I can’t wait to see what we build together next.

With gratitude and in solidarity, onwards! ✨