JAPAN HOUSE LA exhibition puts focus on NHK's cultural impact this June

Celebrating 100 years of broadcasting in Japan, JAPAN HOUSE LA will present NEO-JAPONISM – NHK’s Legacy in Cultural Preservation on June 7.

This exclusive event spotlights NHK’s groundbreaking approach to cultural storytelling—most powerfully seen in its beloved Taiga dramas, which bring Japan’s rich history to life with cinematic flair. From Yae’s Sakura to Kurara: The Dazzling Life of Hokusai’s Daughter, these series have captivated audiences with their powerful narratives and artistic excellence. The event features a talk with Taku Kato, Deputy Head of Content Strategy at NHK, acclaimed drama director, and the visionary producer behind the exhibition “NEO-JAPONISM – SAMURAI AND BEYOND: Exploring Tradition Through Technology” exhibition which runs through September 1 at JAPAN HOUSE LA.

Kato will offer exclusive insights into how NHK fuses tradition and technology to share Japanese heritage with audiences in Japan and around the world. The talk also explores the global reach of Japanese aesthetics — from the enduring influence of Japonism to the worldwide popularity of manga and other cultural exports.

Kato began directing and producing drama programs in 1991. In 2011, served as chief director and screenwriter for the third series of Cloud above the Slope. Standout work as chief director continued with the 2013 Taiga drama series Yae’s Sakura, which earned an International Emmy nomination in 2014. Other award-winning work includes Kurara: The Dazzling Life of Hokusai’s Daughter (2017), which won the grand prize at the ACA National Arts Festival and received an International Emmy nomination. Additionally, A Stranger in Shanghai (2019) won the Best of Festival award at the US International Film and Video Festival and was a finalist at the Shanghai TV Festival. In 2023, spearheaded the full-scale introduction of virtual production in the Taiga drama series.