Los Angeles' site unveils digital programming, showcasing top Manga art, culinary delights, cinema, and flower arrangement series
Los Angeles, a premier Japanese cultural destination in Hollywood, is launching a virtual program of educational and entertaining workshops. The website, an innovative project by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has three hubs in London, Los Angeles, and São Paulo.
The Los Angeles hub, located at 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028, features a gallery space, Japanese restaurant, library, event venue, and spectacular views of Hollywood and Downtown Los Angeles.
One of the highlights of the virtual program is the Manga & Anime-Inspired Character Drawing Workshops, taught by artist MinoMiyabi. Participants can learn to draw characters inspired by manga and anime, with materials needed including drawing paper, pencils, markers or colored pens, example images of popular manga and anime characters, and guides or tutorials on drawing techniques.
Another exciting offering is the Japanese Food Lab Home Cooking Series, featuring recipes curated by Japanese food ambassador, Tomoko Imade Dyen. This series offers hands-on cooking sessions, introduces participants to essential Japanese seasonings and ingredients, and discusses the cultural significance of food in Japan.
For movie enthusiasts, the Movie & Bites series pairs dishes with acclaimed Japanese films, starting with "Tampopo" (1985). Participants can enjoy a screening of the movie while preparing and tasting ramen, a staple dish in Japanese cuisine.
The virtual program also includes workshops on flower arrangement (Ikebana). Takeshi Nakamura's tutorial combines common greens, flowers, and stones found at home with household vessels for unique creations. Another tutorial by Mitsuko Osuga focuses on spring arrangements and achieving balance.
Future episodes will feature a variety of themes, healthy recipes, and ingredients, with one decided via a social media poll. The drawing workshops will be released in a four-part series, with the first episode, "Emotions with a Simple Smiley Face," already available. The workshops will teach basic drawing skills, ways to practice, drawing animals, and drawing characters in perspective.
The website Los Angeles can be found on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. The virtual program will include expanded content and can be found on the website's events or articles pages. Yuko Kaifu, president of the website Los Angeles, stated that the goal is to elevate awareness and appreciation for Japan through imaginative programming.
Creating immersive Japanese cultural workshops at home can be a fun and enriching experience. Other potential workshops include Kimono Dressing and Tea Ceremony, Japanese Crafts (origami, pottery, or calligraphy), and Japanese Music and Dance (e.g., shamisen or Kabuki). These workshops can create a rich cultural experience, allowing participants to explore and appreciate various aspects of Japanese culture from the comfort of their own homes.
- The Los Angeles hub, in the heart of Hollywood, hosts a gallery space, a Japanese restaurant, and an event venue, offering spectacular views of the city.
- MinoMiyabi, a skilled artist, conducts Manga & Anime-Inspired Character Drawing Workshops as part of the virtual program.
- Tomoko Imade Dyen, a famed Japanese food ambassador, leads the Japanese Food Lab Home Cooking Series, which introduces participants to essential Japanese seasonings and ingredients.
- The Movie & Bites series pairs classic Japanese films with recipes for dishes like ramen, providing a cinematic culinary experience.
- Takeshi Nakamura's workshop teaches flower arrangement (Ikebana) using common household items, while Mitsuko Osuga focuses on spring arrangements and achieving balance.
- Future workshops may cover topics like healthy recipes, kimono dressing, tea ceremonies, Japanese crafts (origami, pottery, calligraphy), and traditional music and dance.
- To participate in these virtual workshops and events, visit the Los Angeles hub's pages on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, or check the events or articles pages on the website.
- The aim of the virtual program is to elevate awareness and appreciation for Japanese culture through innovative educational and entertaining workshops, creating a rich cultural experience even from home.
