On tour in Toronto, 2/24 - 28

Official page here. 

a pop culture lecture series with

Roland Kelts

author of Japanamerica: How Japanese Pop Culture Has Invaded the U.S.

The Japan Foundation, Toronto is delighted to announce another special guest during our pop culture-focused month! Roland Kelts, author of the bestseller Japanamerica: How Japanese Culture Has Invaded the U.S., will share his insights on Japan's greatest manga artist, Osamu Tezuka, and the mutual influence of Anime and Hollywood. He will also join our manga artist-in-residence, Nao Yazawa, for a dialogue on the state of pop culture in Japan.

The Life and Works of the God of Manga, Osamu Tezuka
Monday, February 24, 7 pm (doors 6:30 pm)

Anime and Hollywood (the dance of rivals seeking to embrace)
Tuesday, February 25, 6:30 pm (doors 6 pm)

Roland Kelts in Conversation with Nao Yazawa
Thursday, February 27, 6:30 pm (doors 6 pm)

Location: All events will take place at The Japan Foundation, Toronto
Address: 131 Bloor St. W., 2nd Floor of the Colonnade Building
Admission: FREE
RSVP: www.jftor.org/whatson/rsvp.php

The Life and Works of the God of Manga, Osamu Tezuka
Monday, February 24, 7 pm (doors 6:30 pm)
In this intimate lecture, Roland Kelts, author of Japanamerica and contributing writer for The New Yorker, introduces the tremendously influential and genre-defining works of manga master Osamu Tezuka, best known for his works Astro Boy and Black Jack. Expert Kelts engages with longtime fans and novices to answer questions and explore the manga master’s legendary works in a fresh new context. The trauma of World War II, Japan's postwar faith in science and reinvention, and today's ambivalence toward atomic power drive Kelts's fresh analysis. There will also be a book sale and signing at the event.

Language: English
RSVP: www.jftor.org/whatson/rsvp.php

Anime and Hollywood
(the dance of rivals seeking to embrace)
Tuesday, February 25, 6:30 pm (doors 6 pm)

Roland Kelts talks about modern Anime, its influences on Hollywood, and vice-versa. An 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 other directors 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. Death Note, Naruto, Cowboy Bebop and the attempts to make feature films out of stalwarts like Dragon Ball Z and Grave of the Fireflies will be addressed with passion. Anime vs. Hollywood: Who wins? A close look at the challenges and potential missteps along the way.

Language: English
RSVP: www.jftor.org/whatson/rsvp.php

In Conversation with Manga Artist Nao Yazawa
Thursday, February 27, 6:30 pm (doors 6 pm)

We will begin to wrap up our month of pop culture events with a conversation between our two special guests! Scholar Roland Kelts and manga artist Nao Yazawa will sit down for a discussion on the current state of pop culture in Japan. Shojo and shonen manga, anime, film, fashion, Akihabara- join us for a lively talk between two pop culture experts.

Language: English and Japanese with English interpretation
RSVP: www.jftor.org/whatson/rsvp.php