A Beautiful Glimpse of Japan in San Diego

Japanese Friendship Garden’s Annual Cherry Blossom Festival at Balboa Park in San Diego, CA

By Tokyo Journal Intern Megan Aceron

As March comes to an end, the cherry blossom trees begin to bloom, welcoming spring with their vibrant pink petals. Attracting San Diegan natives and tourists alike, the Japanese Friendship Garden’s Annual Cherry Blossom Festival promotes a unique cultural experience. The festival embeds glimpses of Japanese culture immersing visitors with traditional performances, foods, arts, crafts and vendors. Visitors also have a chance to bring a cherry blossom sapling with them home for $175. In 2019, tickets were $12 for adults; $10 for students, seniors, and military with IDs; and free for children six and under. Creating endless photo opportunities, Balboa Park’s sen-kei-en (three-scene garden) Japanese Friendship Garden embraces Japan’s prideful cherry blossom season through an unforgettable experience.

Tokyo Journal Receives Commissioner Award from the Japan Tourism Agency

On October 2, 2017, the Japan Tourism Agency (JTA) held their 9th Annual Commissioner Award. The government agency, which operates under Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, is responsible for promoting the rapidly growing tourism industry in Japan and overseas.

Tokyo Journal was one of four recipients to receive the prestigious award. Tokyo Journal, established in 1981 as Japan’s oldest English magazine and sold in bookstores, was acknowledged for their extensive coverage of Japanese travel and culture. The English magazine, distributed internationally, introduces readers to a variety of subjects relating to Japan and Japanese culture including:bra

* Popular tourist destinations
* Japanese entertainment
* Japanese cooking recipes
* Fashion trends

Tokyo Journal’s articles represent Tokyo’s diversity, covering a wide range of topics for a global readership, from Japanese pop culture to Buddhism. Japan is teeming with the latest trends, innovations and discoveries – ideas Tokyo Journal communicates in an entertaining and informative way to encourage travel to Japan.

Awazu Kiyoshi Graphic Design Exhibit at Los Angeles Museum of Contemporary Art (LACMA)

The Los Angeles Museum of Contemporary Art (LACMA) is hosting a dazzling show to honor the work of the Japanese artist Awazu Kiyoshi entitled “Graphic Design: Summoning the Outdated.” The exhibition started in October 13, 2016 and lasts until May 7, 2017. It is located on the third level of the Helen and Felix Juda Gallery. The exhibition shows books and posters from the 1960’s to the 1970’s. It is an exploration of Japanese visual culture, a personal journey with imagery that presents a folk-influenced character, an investigation of shades and forms, and a reflection on the prospects of the functions of possibility. The show takes the observer amidst Awazu’s foundation of surreal alignment in his work that advertises movies, theatre, art, and literature. LACMA’s ongoing intent to collect and display graphic design means that all the pieces in the exhibition have been acquired fairly recently. A walk-thru of the show gives a feeling of extended rural life.

AkibaFest 2016

by Tokyo Journal Intern Michael Tang

AkibaFest was filled of fun activates for amine lovers and was held on October 15th and 16th, 2016 in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles. The two-day event, created by Aniplex of America, attracted a large crowd of amine fans. It seamlessly filled the event space with attendees, cosplayers, industry professionals and Akihabara-lovers. The event had a Maid Café, video game demonstrations, merchandise, workshops, screenings, cosplay contests, and more.

Silent Siren Makes Some Noise

From Models to J-Pop Idols

Silent Siren - nicknamed Saisai - performed in Hollywood on September 30th to kick off their S World Tour. Silent Siren is a Japanese all-female pop band formed in 2010. The group consists of four members who were originally models from popular Japanese girls’ magazines: vocalist/guitarist Sumire Yoshida (Suu), drummer & leader Hinako Umemura (Hinanchu), bass guitarist Aina Yamauchi (Ainyan) and keyboardist Yukako Kurosaka (Yukarun). The band’s highest achievement to date was performing at Japan’s famous Nippon Budokan, a 14,000-seat venue. Tokyo Journal intern Michael Tang had a chance to sit down with the band members before their Hollywood concert to learn more about Silent Siren.

We Are X Documentary is a Must See

Visual Kei Pioneers Go from the Center Stage to the Silver Screen

By Tokyo Journal Intern Michael Tang

We Are X is a documentary about the lives of the Japanese rock band X Japan and its leader Yoshiki. Even those who have never listened to X Japan before will leave the theater incredibly emotional and moved.

2016 OC Japan Fair

A Japanese Cultural Experience in Southern California

By Tokyo Journal Intern Michael Tang

On September 9th and 10th, 2016, the OC Japan Fair returned for another amazing festival showcasing Japanese culture in Orange County, California. This year’s event was located at the Phoenix Club of Anaheim. The OC Japan Fair featured an exhibit hall where vendors sold various Japanese related goods, from anime merchandise to traditional Japanese kimonos. There was an area for children to play kingyo-sukui, the fun and sometime stressful game of catching goldfish with a paper scooper.

Perfume kicked off their latest world tour, Cosmic Explorer, at The Wiltern in Hollywood. Perfume is one of Japan’s most popular and recognized girl groups and the energy that surrounds the group while on stage can only be matched by the level of bass that was blasting through the speakers. In the 16 years since their formation, Perfume has not lost any steam, as they dominate both Japanese and foreign electro-pop music scenes. Tokyo Journal intern Michael Tang had a chance to experience their Hollywood performance during their Cosmic Explorer World Tour.