"Los Angeles announces exhibition titled 'NEO-JAPONISM: Samurai and Beyond - Delving into Tradition via Technology'"
From February 14 to September 1, 2025, the JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles will play host to the captivating exhibition, "NEO-JAPONISM | SAMURAI AND BEYOND." This innovative event promises to delve into the traditional aspects of Japanese culture, particularly the legacy of the samurai, while showcasing them through the lens of modern technology.
The exhibition, conceived by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, is an international project with hubs in London, Los Angeles, and São Paulo. It offers visitors a unique opportunity to discover and experience the best of Japan in an engaging and immersive manner.
One of the key features of the exhibition is the extensive use of 3DCG (3D computer graphics) technology. This cutting-edge tool is employed to digitally recreate and showcase a variety of Japanese cultural artifacts, such as samurai swords and Ukiyo-e prints, in highly detailed and interactive formats.
Visitors can interact with these heritage objects virtually, providing a deeper understanding of their craftsmanship and historical context than what is possible with physical displays alone. This fusion of tradition and contemporary digital art forms enhances the cultural experience, making it accessible and dynamic.
The exhibition is divided into four distinct zones: NEO-JAPONISM and NHK, The World of the Samurai, Art Icons of the Edo Period, and Cultural Artifacts and Architecture.
In the NEO-JAPONISM and NHK section, visitors can witness a behind-the-scenes video showcasing the innovative technology used for 3DCG artwork reproductions. NHK and its subsidiary NHK Enterprises have created a library of Japanese cultural artifacts using 3DCG technology.
The World of the Samurai zone features ultra-high-definition video 3DCG content of historical artifacts and simulated castle architecture from NHK's "Taiga" drama. Interactive artworks in this zone include 3DCG presentations of 15th century samurai armor, an 800-year-old tea bowl, and a 17th century screen painting.
The Art Icons of the Edo Period zone showcases work from Itō Jakuchū and Tsutaya Jūzaburō, with a 3DCG realization of Itō Jakuchū's work, Hyakka no zu, and large-format projections of ukiyo-e by Utamaro and Sharaku.
The Cultural Artifacts and Architecture zone showcases the 900-year-old Golden Hall of Chūson-ji Temple and the Shakōki Dogū, a cultural artifact from the late Jōmon-period. A 3D-printed replica of the Shakōki Dogū is also featured, offering an opportunity to discover original color and "Jōmon" rolled surface patterns.
The Los Angeles location of the exhibition is at 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028, and features an exhibition gallery, WAZA Shop, a multi-purpose hall (Salon), a library, and a Michelin-starred restaurant, UKA.
The exhibition commemorates the 100th anniversary of broadcasting in Japan by NHK. It is free to the public and open daily from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. (Mon. - Fri.) and 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. (Sat. - Sun.).
Related programs will run throughout the duration of the exhibition, with more information available on the Los Angeles website and social channels: Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
[1] "NEO-JAPONISM | SAMURAI AND BEYOND" Exhibition, JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles, [2] "NEO-JAPONISM | SAMURAI AND BEYOND" Exhibition, JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles, Press Release, January 15, 2025, [3] "NEO-JAPONISM | SAMURAI AND BEYOND" Exhibition, JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles, Behind-the-Scenes Video, [4] "NEO-JAPONISM | SAMURAI AND BEYOND" Exhibition, JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles, 3DCG Technology Explained,
- The captivating exhibition, "NEO-JAPONISM | SAMURAI AND BEYOND," at JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles, delves into traditional Japanese culture and the legacy of the samurai, highlighting them through modern technology.
- The international project, conceived by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, features hubs in London, Los Angeles, and São Paulo, offering a unique cultural experience.
- The extensive use of 3DCG technology in the exhibition allows visitors to interact with digitally recreated Japanese cultural artifacts for a deeper understanding of their craftsmanship and historical context.
- "NEO-JAPONISM | SAMURAI AND BEYOND" is divided into four distinct zones, including NEO-JAPONISM and NHK, The World of the Samurai, Art Icons of the Edo Period, and Cultural Artifacts and Architecture.
- In the NEO-JAPONISM and NHK zone, visitors can watch a behind-the-scenes video showcasing the innovative technology used for 3DCG artwork reproductions.
- The World of the Samurai zone features interactives such as 3DCG presentations of historical artifacts and architecture from NHK's "Taiga" drama.
- The Art Icons of the Edo Period zone showcases works from Itō Jakuchū and Tsutaya Jūzaburō, with 3DCG realizations of Itō Jakuchū's work, Hyakka no zu, and large-format projections of ukiyo-e by Utamaro and Sharaku.
- The Cultural Artifacts and Architecture zone showcases traditional items like the 900-year-old Golden Hall of Chūson-ji Temple and a 3D-printed replica of the Shakōki Dogū, offering a chance to explore original color and Jōmon rolled surface patterns.
- The Los Angeles location of the exhibition features an exhibition gallery, WAZA Shop, a multi-purpose hall, a library, and a Michelin-starred restaurant, UKA.
- Related programs will run throughout the exhibition's duration, with more information available on JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles's website and social channels (Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, LinkedIn).
