Showtime at Japan Expert Insights

Our guest today is a filmmaker whose work fearlessly explores the fringes of Japanese society with both grit and a profound sense of empathy. We are diving deep into the life and career of Eiji Uchida, the visionary director behind Midnight Swan and Lowlife Love. In this episode, we talk about how he chooses the stories to tell, lessons from working in the industry, and the future of Japanese cinema. Whether you are a longtime fan or new to his provocative filmography, this discussion offers a rare look at the guy behind the lens.

This week on Showtime at Japan Expert Insights, Maya Matsuoka and Michael Foster are taking a deep dive into the 2025 film Rental Family. Directed by the visionary Hikari, this poignant dramedy follows an American actor in Tokyo who joins a daiko agency to play various roles for hire. We will explore how Hikari utilizes the real world industry of Japanese rental services to examine the concept of tatemae and the blurred lines between performance and genuine connection.Our discussion highlights the stellar ensemble of Japanese performers who bring this story to life. From the vibrant Bakeneko Festival to the exploration of hikikomori culture, we break down the specific cultural references and Hikari's unique directorial lens that make this film a must watch.Finally, we will discuss how Rental Family serves as a powerful template for the future of Western and Japanese hybrid filmmaking as we believe Hikari’s approach shows how international co-productions can respect cultural specificities while telling a story that resonates with a global audience.

Welcome back to week two of Asian Pop-up Cinema. Today, our special guest is the visionary director Mipo O. A graduate of Osaka University of Arts and a former protégé of Nobuhiko Obayashi, Oh has established herself as a master of intimate, empathetic storytelling. She gained international acclaim with The Light Shines Only There, which served as Japan’s official Oscar submission in 2014. We are focusing today on her powerful return to the director’s chair with her latest film, How Dare You. This project marks a significant moment in her career, continuing her exploration of complex human emotions and societal pressures with her signature delicate touch.

We are back at the 2026 edition of Asian Pop-Up Cinema here in Chicago. For today’s podcast episode, we are sitting down for an in-person interview with director Satoko Yokohama to discuss her latest feature film, Seaside Serendipity.The film follows a group of teenagers in a small seaside town that has become a magnet for artists from across the country. Over the course of one summer, these young creators throw themselves into various art projects while the adults around them struggle to find answers to life's more elusive questions.Adapted from Gin Miyoshi’s manga, Satoko Yokohama’s film defies traditional narrative conventions. It is an offbeat, gently humorous "hang-out" movie that moves at a leisurely pace. Filled with whimsy and heart, this sunlit celebration of adolescent creativity serves as an invitation for young viewers to explore their own inner artist.Born in 1978, Satoko Yokohama graduated from The Film School of Tokyo in 2004. Her graduation short, Chiemi and Kokkunpatcho (2006), earned a production grant that led to her first independent feature, German plus Rain (2007). In 2009, she directed her first commercial feature, Bare Essence of Life, which screened at major international festivals including Toronto and Vancouver.Following her award-winning 2021 film Ito, Yokohama has become widely recognized for her ability to capture the intangible moments of everyday life. Her distinctive and expressive storytelling continues to solidify her reputation as a unique voice in contemporary cinema.

Welcome to the 2026 edition of Asian Pop-Up Cinema here in Chicago. For today’s podcast episode, we are sitting down for an in-person interview with director Yukihiro Morigaki to discuss his latest feature film, The Imaginary Dog and the Lying Cat.The story centers on eight-year-old Yamabuki, a young boy caught in the crossfire of his dysfunctional family. To cope with their constant antics, he begins petting an imaginary dog as a silent refuge. The narrative fast-forwards twenty-five years to the death of the family matriarch, the one person who managed to hold everyone together over the decades. As the family reunites, the film explores whether their deep-seated differences can finally be resolved or if old wounds will simply be laid bare once again.Director Yukihiro Morigaki brings a restrained and thoughtful approach to this chaotic family dynamic in his adaptation of Haruna Terachi’s novel. By showing how the destructive power of grief can consume people like a black hole, the film poses a compelling question. It asks if it is acceptable to feed one another with lies if those very lies are the only thing keeping a family from falling apart.Born in 1983 in Hiroshima Prefecture, Yukihiro Morigaki began his career making documentary films while in university. He is the founder of the creators group Kujira and has a prolific background in directing commercials. His debut feature, Goodbye, Grandpa! (2017), won Best Asian Film at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival and the Grand Jury Prize at the Vesoul International Film Festival of Asian Cinema.Following the success of his drama Rude to Love (2024), which was selected at the Karlovy Vary Film Festival, he returns with The Imaginary Dog and the Lying Cat (2025). This latest work continues his streak of international recognition, having been selected for the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival. Join us as we dive into his creative process and the themes of his newest release.

Our next guest is Sophia Wong Boccio. Born and raised in Hong Kong, Sophia’s deep roots in the film industry began with her parents’ careers as a prominent editor and actress. She launched her professional journey in the 1990s by creating the Sophia’s Choice movie series in Beijing and later curating film festivals in Sydney. After relocating to Chicago in 2000, she served in leadership roles for the Chicago International Film Festival and other major arts organizations. In 2015, she founded the non-profit Asian Pop-Up Cinema to continue her lifelong advocacy for Asian film and cultural exchange. Drawing on extensive international business experience, she now brings her expertise in cinema and trade to our upcoming talk about this year’s film showcase at Asian Pop-Up Cinema.

Maya Tanaka Allwardt is an actor and musician originally from the Bay Area. She is a recent Jeff Award nominee for her role as Little Sally in Theo Ubique’s Urinetown. You can also see her on screen as Amy Keening on season 11 of Chicago Med. Maya is active in the improv/comedy world and was a recipient of Second City’s inaugural Victor Wong Fellowship in 2023, along with being an ensemble member with Chicago’s longest running asian-american comedy group, Stir Friday Night.

This week’s guest is Harry Wright, the founder of All Things Japan and the visionary behind a developing historical project titled The Black Ships: A Sea of Change. Drawing on his deep cultural fluency and a career as a retired U.S. Navy officer living in Japan, Harry is currently crafting a narrative that explores the 1853 arrival of Commodore Perry. This project aims to spotlight overlooked perspectives, including those of Black sailors and authentic Japanese voices, to tell a more inclusive story of this world-altering event. He is now seeking the right creative partners to help bring this historically grounded epic to life for global audiences. We’re excited to discuss how his real-world experiences are shaping this ambitious leap into historical storytelling.

There is a secret hidden at the summit of a Japanese volcano... and it isn't a myth. It’s canon.Did you know that within the official Harry Potter canon, there is a premier Wizarding School located in Japan? Situated at the summit of the volcanic island of Minami Iwo Jima, the school of Mahoutokoro stands as a fascinating bridge between ancient tradition and magical education.In this episode of the podcast, we go beyond the books to imagine a full-scale Harry Potter spin-off series set in Japan. We’re joined by a powerhouse duo from the Japanese film industry to discuss the creative and logistical "what-ifs": Would the series be a period piece or a modern-day thriller? Who would lead the cast? And how would Japanese folklore reshape the Wizarding World as we know it? Tokyo-based film producer Kanako Fujita is the founder of Felis Pictures Ltd. A graduate of King’s College London with a degree in Film Studies, Kanako has built a reputation for specializing in Asian–European co-productions that explore the moral and emotional complexities of modern society. Her first feature as a producer, Dead Fishes (2022), earned critical acclaim, screening at the San Francisco Independent Film Festival and winning Best Cinematography at the Japan Film Festival Los Angeles. A frequent participant in prestigious global forums like the Rotterdam Lab and the Busan Producer Hub, Kanako is currently developing several high-profile projects, including Push Button Syndrome (winner of the Asian Discovery Award at BIFAN) and The Funeral March, which recently received the One Cool Award at the Busan International Film Festival.Born in Yamagata and a graduate of the Tohoku University of Art & Design, Taro Kawasaki represents the next generation of Japanese directorial talent. He sharpened his skills working as an assistant director under celebrated filmmakers such as Yuji Nakae, Shinobu Yaguchi, and Natsuki Seta. Taro’s thesis film, DOUGHNUT HOLE (2021), was featured at the Kyoto International Student Film & Video Festival, signaling his arrival as a storyteller to watch. His debut feature, FARAWAY FAMILY (2023), which he co-directed, screened at the 19th Osaka Asian Film Festival before seeing its nationwide theatrical release in Japan in 2025.

On this episode of Showtime @ Japan Expert Insights, Maya Matsuoka and Michael Foster are kicking off the year by sharing their favorite Japanese movies and TV shows. They'll be diving into the latest hits and trends shaping the entertainment landscape.

Organized by the Chicago Japan Film Collective, this special in-person conversation with Ed Godziszewski and Steve Ryfle, writers of Ishiro Honda: Memoirs of a Film Director, talks about the life and career of Japanese director Ishiro Honda, focusing on his films, war experiences, and friendship with Akira Kurosawa. Over a span of 46 feature films, Honda became a pioneer of the modern disaster genre and Japan's most internationally successful director before Hayao Miyazaki.Ed Godziszewski is editor and publisher of Japanese Giants magazine. He is the author of a Godzilla film encyclopedia and has written for Fangoria and other publications. Steve Ryfle has contributed film journalism and criticism to the Los Angeles Times, San Francisco Chronicle, Cineaste, Virginia Quarterly Review, POV, and other publications. He is the author of a book on the history of the Godzilla film series.

This week's guest is Ron Reid Jr., a Toronto native who originally traveled to Japan with just $400 in his pocket and has since established himself as a prominent filmmaker and actor in Tokyo. His award-winning documentary work includes 614, which chronicles a pastor's vision to aid communities by living amongst them, as well as Love Letter to Kumamoto, a project born from his earthquake relief efforts. On screen, Ron has appeared as Detective Allen and can be seen in the upcoming NHK drama The Queen of Mars this December. Beyond his own productions, he is deeply committed to training the next generation of filmmakers and supporting fellow artists through his workshops.

Our next guest is Aki Takabatake, the founder and CEO of Momo Films Inc., a Toronto-based boutique film distribution company specializing in Japanese cinema. A University of British Columbia graduate, she began her career as a film buyer in Tokyo and has since held diverse roles in Toronto, including with the Toronto International Film Festival and on productions like Netflix's Age of Samurai and Apple TV +'s Pachinko Season 2. For the last 12 years, Aki has been the driving force behind the Toronto Japanese Film Festival (TJFF), overseeing all programming and logistics, even for its Tokyo event. Leveraging her industry depth, Momo Films has expanded to include a talent agency and content sales division, focusing on selling international content into the Japanese market.

In this episode, we meet Megumi Nishikura, a US-based documentary filmmaker whose work explores identity, belonging, and the cultural intersections between Japan and the world. Her feature documentary film “Hafu – the mixed race experience” screened theatrically throughout Japan and aired on PBS and NipponTV. She produced “Fall Seven Times, Get Up Eight: The Japanese War Brides,” which aired globally on BBC World News. In 2019, Megumi directed and produced “Minidoka,” a short film about the Japanese American internment experience during WWII, which was published by TIME magazine. She is currently making a film about Japan’s Nationality Law and the dual citizenship issue in Japan. When she’s not making her own films, Megumi works as a producer on docuseries for major streaming platforms.

Tokyo-based Japanese film producer Kanako Fujita is the founder of Felis Pictures Ltd. and a graduate of King’s College London, where she earned her degree in Film Studies. A participant of Rotterdam Lab 2025 and the Busan Producer Hub 2024, she specializes in Asian–European co-productions that bridge cultures and explore the moral and emotional complexities of modern society.Her first feature as a producer, Dead Fishes (2022, dir. Tomoaki Kaneko), was released theatrically across Japan, screened at the San Francisco Independent Film Festival, and won Best Cinematography at the Japan Film Festival Los Angeles. She is currently developing and producing several short and feature projects, including Push Button Syndrome (dir. Riko Murakami), which won the Asian Discovery Award at BIFAN It Project Market 2024, and The Funeral March (dir. Naoya Fujita), which received the One Cool Award at the Busan International Film Festival APM 2025.

This week’s guest is Takashi Horie, a New York-based independent filmmaker. Born in Sendai, Miyagi, he graduated from the USC School of Cinematic Arts in 1996.Since then, Horie has built a versatile career as a director, cinematographer, and editor, creating numerous award-winning music and promotional videos in the U.S. His short film, Ordinary Days, was nominated and screened at various film festivals. His most recent feature, The Last Passenger, received multiple awards and was theatrically released in Japan in October 2024. Horie is currently directing a road movie about four Japanese bandmates traveling Route 66 and is also filming a documentary on the vibrant, multicultural lifestyle of the Rockaway surfers in New York.

This week, we once again welcome Kanako Horii. Born in Chicago, Kanako spent most of her life in Tokyo before returning to the U.S. decades later to make it her home once more. Her passion for launching creative projects with a social purpose led her to develop the card game "SHAKE HANDS" as part of an enablement project with Enable Partners LLC. In this special episode, we'll take a deep dive and an introductory course into the world and economics of J-Dramas.

This week’s guest is Greg Dale, a Princeton graduate with a decade of experience in New York theater, has been directing and acting in Broadway-level productions and films in Japan. He has written half a dozen screenplays and recently wrote and directed his debut feature, the romantic comedy “Rules of Living”. The film won Best Feature Comedy at the 2024 Sedona International Film Festival and has been selected for 12 other festivals worldwide. Starring Minami Kaho, Shiina Kippei, Sumire, and Kawakita Mayuko, “Rules of Living” premieres Friday, September 20th, with a roadshow at Shinjuku Piccadilly and 60 other cinemas across Japan.

This week's guest is Stefanie Arianne, an accomplished actress with roots in both the Philippines and Japan. After moving to Japan to pursue acting, she quickly rose to prominence, earning a Best Supporting Actress Award at the Malaysia International Film Festival for her role in the critically acclaimed film “Plan 75". The film was also a standout at the 75th Cannes International Film Festival and represented Japan at the 2023 Oscars. Arianne remains a vibrant presence in Japan's entertainment world, with recent work including her musical stage play debut in "Mahal Ko Medley”.

This week, we have Kanako Horii. Born in Chicago, she spent most of her life in Tokyo before returning to the U.S. decades later to make it her home again. Her passion for bringing creative projects into society led her to create the card game "SHAKE HANDS" as part of a social enablement project with Enable Partners LLC.

This week, we have Jason Gray, a veteran of the Japanese film industry with over two decades of experience. Beginning his career as a translator and film business journalist, he is now an accomplished feature film producer. His impressive resume includes producing five theatrical releases, such as Kiyoshi Kurosawa’s "To the Ends of the Earth" and Chie Hayakawa’s "Plan 75", which was Japan’s official entry to the 2023 Oscars. Gray's latest production, Hayakawa's RENOIR, was featured in competition at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival before its theatrical release across Japan.

This week, we feature Jeffrey Rowe, a Canadian actor, voice actor, and producer. He splits his time between Okinawa, Tokyo, and Vancouver. Rowe has appeared in nearly 50 films and TV projects, including the NHK Taiga dramas Ryomaden and Seiten wo Tsuke, Prime Video's The Silent Service, and numerous Japanese documentaries where he served as narrator. As the founder of Mirus Pictures, he produced Rules of Living, All the Songs We Never Sang, and BLT Sandwich Cafe, which was the first American-style sitcom in Japanese TV history.

This week have Daniel L. Smith, an award-winning director, producer, and journalist, and co-founder of Aurora Borealis Entertainment. He has produced numerous TV series and documentaries for major U.S. and Japanese media companies, including FOX, NBC-Universal, and Amazon. Smith is a leading producer of original content from Japan and Asia, highly sought after for Hollywood and international film and TV production support in Japan. His acclaimed work includes documentaries on Michael Jackson and Mariah Carey, the award-winning Defending Japan series, and PR campaign films for Warner Bros. Japan and Universal.

Get ready for a special recap episode of "Showtime at Japan Expert Insights"! This week, we're taking a nostalgic and celebratory look back at the past twelve episodes of our show. It's been an incredible journey, and we're excited to revisit some of the most memorable moments and profound insights shared by our incredible guests. Join us as we highlight our most renowned guests, from industry leaders to cultural connoisseurs, and dive back into the wonderful and diverse expertise they've brought to the show. We'll revisit their fascinating stories and the unique perspectives they’ve shared on everything from Japanese business etiquette to the country's vibrant pop culture scene.But that's not all! In this exclusive episode, we're also taking a deeper dive into something you've all been asking about: Michael's original screenplay, "From Chicago to Osaka." Michael will pull back the curtain and share more about the inspiration behind this ambitious project, its key themes, and what it’s been like to bring this cross-cultural story to life.Whether you're a longtime listener or a new fan, this episode is a perfect opportunity to catch up on the best of "Showtime at Japan Expert Insights" and get an exclusive look at the creative process behind "From Chicago to Osaka." Tune in for a powerful episode filled with reflection, revelation, and a few surprises!

This week, we have Mayu Nakamura, a lifelong traveler and storyteller from Japan, who left home at 16 to study in the U.K. and eventually moved to New York City to pursue a career in filmmaking. She earned her MFA from NYU’s Graduate Film Program and now creates both fiction and documentary films while splitting her time between Tokyo and NYC. Her fiction feature Intimate Stranger premiered at the 2021 Tokyo International Film Festival, and her documentary Alone Again in Fukushima debuted at the 2020 Yamagata International Documentary Film Festival. Most recently, she received a BAFTA award for her work as a producer on the BBC documentary Atomic People.

This week’s guest is Fujiko, a vibrant and rising Japanese comedian based in Chicago who brings laughter, insight, and a unique cross-cultural perspective to the stage. Originally from Osaka, Japan, Fujiko discovered her passion for comedy through her gift for connecting with audiences, delivering joy with her positive energy, sharp wit, and empowering humor.From her roots in Osaka to the vibrant U.S. comedy scene, Fujiko has harnessed the power of humor to connect and empower, navigating the unique challenges and joys of building a cross-cultural career. As a Japanese woman in American stand-up, she masterfully weaves her identity and cultural experiences into her performances, offering a fresh perspective that bridges different worlds. Her ultimate mission is to uplift and inspire audiences through laughter, making her journey a compelling story for anyone interested in comedy, Japanese culture, or the universal power of humor to transcend boundaries.

This week, we welcome Donie Ordiales and Sho Ikushima—two dynamic voices in contemporary Japanese cinema. Donie Ordiales is an independent director and screenwriter from the Philippines, a graduate of the prestigious Tokyo Film Center School of Arts, where he majored in film directing. Joining him is Sho Ikushima, a multifaceted Japanese actor, producer, and choreographer known for his compelling performances and creative versatility.The duo will delve into their latest collaboration, Crosspoint—a gripping 2024 Philippine-Japanese action thriller written and directed by Ordiales, with Ikushima starring in a lead role. They’ll take us behind the scenes of filming in Japan, exploring the creative challenges and cultural intersections that shaped the project. Donie and Sho will also reflect on their unique artistic journeys and the unexpected crossroads that brought them together on this cinematic venture.

This week, we have Kei Kurosawa, a Filipino-Japanese actress, singer-songwriter, dancer, and content creator. She is known for the Japanese indie horror film, The Red Dress (2023), the Filipino youth-oriented series, Zoomers (2024), and the international Japanese action-drama film, Crosspoint (2024). She has also made guest appearances in several hit television series in the Philippines. In 2024, she also made her singer-songwriter debut with "This Time It's New", currently being used as the official soundtrack of Zoomers. Kei is the first of her generation to be on our show, and we're excited to learn about Kei's perspectives from her rapidly accelerating career.

We are thrilled to share that Michael recently sat down with director Jun'ichi Yasuda and acterss & assistant director Yuno Sakura to discuss their breakout film A Samurai in Time (侍タイムスリッパー)—a fantasy comedy that has captured the hearts of Japanese moviegoers.Made on a modest budget of 26 million yen and initially screened in just one theater, this indie gem has won several awards, among which is the 48th Japan Academy Film Prize. If you haven't watched it yet, the film follows Kosaka Shinzaemon, an Aizu Domain samurai who is struck by lightning and wakes up in 2007 Japan—where he carves out an unlikely career as a kirareyaku, a stunt actor who specializes in being slashed down in period dramas. His quiet success turns into something much bigger which we are not going to disclose here in order not to spoil the surprise.Jun'ichi Yasuda is a director known for A Samurai in Time (2023), Kenjû to medamayaki (2014), and Gohan (2017). Born in Kyoto in 1967, after graduating from Osaka University of Economics, he worked at various jobs before starting his own videography business. His work ranges from kindergarten recitals to bridal photography, corporate videos, event video production, direction and design, multi-cam event recording and broadcasting, and production and distribution of low-budget films.Yuno Sakura is an actress known for A Samurai in Time (2023) and Kimi to Yukite Saku: Shinsengumi Seishun Roku (2024). Born in Kyoto in 1967, when she graduated from elementary school, she dreamed of becoming an actress, but she did not study acting. She entered her current industry through a yukata contest, and her first acting experience was appearing in an opening video for an event filmed by Jun'ichi Yasuda. Since 2015, Asian Pop-Up Cinema has presented more than 300 films from across Asia, from mainland China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Mongolia, the Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. In our interview, Yasuda san talks about the film’s journey from passion project to sleeper success and the appeal of combining history with humor. Whether you love Japanese cinema, independent filmmaking, or just a great underdog story, don’t miss this film!

This week, we have Moeka Iida, a reporter and researcher at The Economist’s Tokyo bureau, covering Japanese politics, society, business, and culture. With a keen interest in subcultures and social trends, she has written about host clubs in Tokyo’s red-light district, the rise of female writers in Japan’s literary scene, and the changing face of masculinity. She also contributes to The Economist’s daily podcast, The Intelligence, and has reported from Thailand and South Korea. Born in Japan and raised in the UK, she studied anthropology at Sophia University in Tokyo. We're very thrilled to have her on the show!

This week, we have Chiaki Yanagimoto, a Japanese-born, Los Angeles-based producer with many award-winning features. After producing a series of genre films, Chiaki switched gears to documentaries, including “KAMPAI! For the Love of Sake,” which premiered at the San Sebastian International Film Festival and was released by IFC Films/Sundance Selects. She is also a founder of SAKKA, a US-based distribution hub for Japanese independent films. As a unique multicultural creative force, she began her career working for Taka Ichise and is currently developing international documentaries and scripted films under her own Synepic Entertainment. Her first directorial feature, "AUM: The Cult at the End of the World," premiered at the Sundance Film Festival 2023 in the US documentary competition. We’re thrilled to have her on the show!

Mark Schilling is a reporter, critic, and author who specializes in Japanese films and popular culture. Since 1989, Mark has been a regular film critic for The Japan Times and has covered the Japanese film industry for Screen International (1990–2005) and Variety (2005–present). Mark has written or contributed to several books, including The Encyclopedia of Japanese Pop Culture (1997), Contemporary Japanese Film (1999), and No Borders, No Limits: Nikkatsu Action Cinema (2007). He has also served as a program advisor for film festivals such as the Udine Far East Film Festival and as a script advisor on Edward Zwick's The Last Samurai (2004). Major media outlets, including BBC, CNN, NPR, The New York Times, and The Washington Post, have recognized Mark's expertise.

In the fourth episode, we’re excited to welcome Susan Miyagi McCormac, the founder and Editor-in-Chief of JapanCulture NYC, a website that introduces New Yorkers to Japanese culture and promotes Japanese-related events. In addition to her work with JapanCulture NYC, Susan is a Vice President of the Japanese American Association of New York, serves on the JET Alumni Association of New York’s Board of Directors, and co-chairs the Communications Committee of the U.S.-Japan Council’s New York Region. We're excited to have her on the show!

In the third episode of Showtime at Japan Expert Insights, we’ll chat with Tetsuki Ijichi about his extensive experience in the entertainment industry and the valuable advice he has for those just starting. With over 45 years in the field, especially independent film world. Tetsuki is an acclaimed film distributor and producer, having distributed more than 200 films locally and worldwide. As the founder of Tidepoint Pictures and Rain Trail Pictures, he specializes in not only identifying and promoting independent films with international potential but also producing music and film events to share the value of independent cinema with people. Renowned for his expertise as a producer’s representative, he excels at securing international distribution across multiple platforms as well as consulting filmmakers.

In the second episode, we’re thrilled to welcome Douglas Montgomery, founder and CEO of Global Connects. Douglas will share his insights on the urgent need for Japan to leverage more data in the entertainment industry, while also exploring the dynamic intersection of media and technology. Actively engaged with the Asian community in Los Angeles, Douglas serves on the Board of Directors for the Japan-America Society of Southern California and holds the title of Chairman Emeritus. He was also honored with the Cool Japan Award in 2016, presented by the Japanese government’s “Japan House” initiative in LA. We're excited to have him join us on the show!

In this premiere episode, guest Waka (Konohana) Ikeda will discuss the rise of Japonism in the 20th Century and the problems facing Japan that have been revealed through recent international co-productions. Then, she’ll make insightful suggestions on how the Japanese entertainment industry can move forward. Waka san has interviewed countless numbers of Oscar-winning and highly acclaimed artists including Hugh Jackman, Ang Lee, Claude Lelouch, Naoko Yamazaki, Hirokazu Koreeda, and many, many more. She also writes columns on Japanese culture and society for various publications such as the Japan Times, Newsweek, Huffpost, ELLE, and Vogue. We are thrilled to have her as our first guest.