Takashi Murakami, one of Japan's leading artists, originally aspired to be an animator and founded the Kaikai Kiki Animation Studio PONCOTAN in 2011. He, like many others, has been influenced by Japanese anime, which has gained widespread popularity around the world, leaving few untouched by this dynamic art form.

Japanese manga emerged during the Edo period, when Japan was isolated from the rest of the world, allowing its culture to thrive. Notable works such as manga by Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849), bromide prints of Kabuki actors by Toshusai Sharaku (active 1794-1795), Ukiyoé with perspective by Utagawa Hiroshige (1797-1858), and the exquisite Rimpa school served as early prototypes for modern manga and anime expression. Murakami's incorporation of anime and manga culture as "super flat" concepts in fine art has become a standard in Japanese art.

During the pioneering era of Japanese animation production, Osamu Tezuka, known for his expertise in animation and manga, created "Tetsuwan Atomu" based on the science fiction manga of the same name (Kobunsha, 1952-1968). The TV broadcast of "Tetsuwan Atomu" in 1963, along with Tezuka signing a contract with NBC in the U.S. to publish "ASTRO BOY" the same year. Since then, Japanese anime culture has gained popularity throughout North America, South America, and Europe.

In the 19th century, Van Gogh and Toulouse Lautrec were inspired by the previous form of manga - Ukiyoé, and that impact has carried on into the present day, greatly influencing this generation of artists. This exhibition showcases the global influence of Japanese anime and manga, illustrating how it has inspired contemporary artists of diverse backgrounds, transcending the boundaries of fine art and entertainment to create a captivating world.

Exhibiting Artists: Daniel Fishkin, DRAGON76, Hiroki Otsuka, Jessica Luna, June Kim, Naruki Kukita, Richard Ford III (RF3RD), Reiner Heidorn

This exhibition is organized by The Nippon Club, supported by JCC Fund, and curated by Kyoko Sato with Special Thanks to Mr. Peter Tatara, Director of Film, Japan Society, Mr. Jake Price, a producer, director, immersive doc creator & educator, and Koshin Rentals Inc.