JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles, located within Hollywood & Highland’s shopping and entertainment complex, offers two levels of cultural space (gallery/store on 2nd, library/restaurant/cafeteria on 5th) that foster greater appreciation of Japanese culture worldwide.
Uka Restaurant boasts an elegant Kaiseki menu consisting of nine delicious courses.
Location
Japan House is an innovative worldwide project that transcends physical and conceptual barriers to provide experiences that showcase modern Japanese culture. The project currently operates three hubs – in London, Los Angeles and Sao Paulo – each featuring gallery spaces, multi-purpose areas with theater facilities, retail, food & drink outlets, books as well as online connectivity – each designed as places of discovery and nurturing a greater appreciation of Japan in our global society.
Los Angeles was host to the Los Angeles branch of this project when it opened in December 2017 at Hollywood & Highland, an entertainment complex also home to Dolby Theatre. On its two floors are rotating art exhibits showcasing Japanese culture ranging from architecture and manga comics. Furthermore, talks and workshops covering an array of topics are held regularly at this space.
Nature/Supernature, for instance, features woodblock prints from the nineteenth century depicting natural and supernatural phenomena, and will be followed by a conversation between Professor Ryo Akama from Ritsumeikan University in Kyoto and Hollis Goodall from Los Angeles County Museum of Art on their themes that run throughout these works.
Pokemon X Kogei will certainly amaze visitors. Featuring over 70 handcrafted sculptures that celebrate Nintendo’s beloved characters, this exhibit from Kanazawa, Japan-based National Crafts Museum and The Pokemon Company honors both pop culture and traditional Japanese craftsmanship in equal measures.
Japan House features many interesting exhibits and offerings, including an impressive collection of books on Japanese art, design, travel and cuisine. The library space provides the ideal spot for reading or relaxing while using tablets to access the internet; plus there’s even a cafe offering hot green tea or tasty sushi meals!
Japan House provides opportunities to explore Japanese culture directly, with free weekend origami and piperoid paper workshops, live ikebana floral arrangements during its opening weekend celebrations (August 25 – 26 and Sept 1) and plenty of live performances of traditional music from Japan.
Restaurant
Japan House, sponsored by the Japanese government and dedicated to design, culture, and food from Japan is an international showcase that brings its best elements directly into cities around the globe. Boasting locations in London, Sao Paulo, Hollywood & Highland in LA & LA with programming ranging from exhibitions, restaurants, cooking classes & webinars!
The restaurant at this event is an integral component, located on the fifth-floor. Led by Chef Taro Araki and following traditional kaiseki haute culinary standards, its menu boasts intricate details reflecting seasonal ingredients in every dish served as well as offering set omakase menus with vegetarian options available.
While the ground floor of this space features minimalist style with glass walls and white floors, those making their way up to the fifth floor will experience a warm ambience as they pass through the bar and are shown their tables. As they arrive for dining they are welcomed with “Irrashaimase!” from chefs in the open kitchen which means “come in, welcome”.
Previous pop ups at UKA have featured sushi from Morihiro Onodera and ramen from Hiroo Nagahara (Chairman Truck/Bao Hiroo in Los Angeles’ Arts District). UKA marks a departure from this model by becoming a permanent dining destination.
Kaiseki is a Japanese multi-course dining tradition consisting of appetizers and main courses served in courses. Japan House seeks to introduce this cuisine to modern diners by creating an omakase menu that stays true to kaiseki cuisine while also including California-influenced dishes.
Restaurant is an intimate yet beautiful spot that all foodies should visit, featuring attentive and knowledgeable service, an extensive drink menu with sake from all over the country, and attentive waitstaff who can assist in selecting something suitable for their palettes. Reservations are highly recommended.
Gallery
Ovation Hollywood’s Gallery on the 2nd floor hosts various exhibitions, talks, workshops and food labs that aim to increase understanding about Japan internationally. This groundbreaking worldwide project designed by Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs seeks to deepen that relationship.
The gallery is currently presenting the POKEMON X KOGEI exhibit, featuring Pokemon artwork created by Japanese craft artists using traditional techniques. This unique display will be up until January 7th 2024; additionally, they’re selling a companion book that gives additional insights into each piece and its creation process.
This exhibition marks the inaugural pairing of popular video game franchises and traditional Japanese craft techniques, creating an amazing display that is sure to enthrall gamers and art enthusiasts alike. Don’t miss this free and open exhibition; stop by today.
JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles will also feature an exhibition of Flora and Fauna from Inujima Island as part of its Benesse Art Site Naoshima initiative, entitled Symbiosis: Living Island. This installation explores how art, architecture, community engagement and ecology exist side-by-side on this beautiful tropical isle.
The Gallery offers an eclectic range of exhibitions and shows, both traveling shows and exclusive to this space. Curated by gallery staff for both American and international audiences alike. Additionally, weddings and corporate events often take place here.
Japan House Los Angeles was established in 2011 as a non-profit to raise cultural appreciation of Japan around the globe. Their aim is to connect people and ideas from all backgrounds through arts, culture, education and business; three hubs–in London, Los Angeles and Sao Paulo–ensure a global appreciation of Japanese heritage by providing unique experiences and programs.
Events
Japan House Los Angeles is a cultural venue dedicated to Japanese art, culture, design, food and cuisine. Additionally, special events and educational opportunities for visitors are held here regularly. Operated by the Japanese government with three hubs located in London, Los Angeles and Sao Paulo respectively; their mission is to raise global awareness and appreciation of Japan through facilities carefully crafted to embody their best aspects while remaining immaculate – offering beautiful artworks with warm hospitality as hallmarks of their staff who staff them!
The Level 5 Salon’s Mindfulness Lounge provides visitors an opportunity to escape their daily lives and experience traditional Japanese mindfulness. Featuring comfortable mats and cushions from Japan as well as soothing projections of nature scenes, visitors can also relax with music that soothes as well as soothing scents – and all this for free. Don’t miss this relaxing retreat.
This space has served as home to both a sushi pop-up that became Michelin-star Morihiro Onodera’s restaurant, as well as Hiroo Nagahara’s pop-up ramen shop; soon, however, UKA (an elegant kaiseki destination from chefs Yoshitaka Mitsue and Shingo Kato) will make their permanent mark here.
Japan House Los Angeles now presents “POKEMON X KOGEI | Playful Encounters of Pokemon and Japanese Craft,” an exhibit featuring iconic Pokemon characters recreated through traditional Japanese craft techniques. Running until January 7, 2024 and free to attend, visitors can see Pikachu and Rowlet stenciled onto silk fabric, Charizard integrated into ceramic jar, Jolteon made out of copper hammered into lightning bolt shapes – among many more fascinating creations!
Japan House strives to foster friendship between the United States and Japan through education, cultural exchange, and artistic collaboration. Established by Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2014 as an innovative worldwide project, Japan House seeks to foster greater understanding and appreciation of Japanese culture worldwide by showcasing its best in arts, design, gastronomy, innovation technology.