san francisco | Geekscape

The Japan Film Festival of San Francisco Announces its Lineup!

by Kari LaneJune 14, 2016

The Japan Film Festival of San Francisco (JFFSF) is back for their 4th year and they recently announced a diverse roster of films!

“This year’s JFFSF proudly presents a broad collection of current and acclaimed Japanese cinema across a variety of genres such as action, sci-fi, documentary, anime, shorts, live music, kabuki theatre, crime mystery, and family drama.”

All films will be presented in Japanese language with English subtitles.

The film festival opens Saturday, July 23rd and runs through Sunday, July 31st at the New People Cinema in Japantown at 1746 Post St., San Francisco, CA 94115 (www.newpeoplecinema.com). Tickets to individual screenings are $15.00 each, unless otherwise noted. All ticket prices include the service fee with no further extra charge.

For the true film aficionado, this year, the JFFSF also offers the special JFFSF Festival Passports. Available for $150 each, a passport grants the holder priority access and seating at all JFFSF 2016 screenings. A complete listing of film summaries, trailers, screening times and advance tickets as well as festival passports are available at: JFFSF.org.

The special Guests of Honor include Director Shinsuke Sato (Gantz, The Princess Blade), who appears in person for the U.S. premiere of Library Wars: The Last Mission, Director Shunji Iwai (Love Letter, All About Lily Chou-Chou, Hana and Alice), who will appear for the California premiere of A Bride for Rip Van Winkle, and Director Ryusuke Hamaguchi, who will appear for the screening of HAPPY HOUR.

“We are honored to welcome three prominent directors from Japan as our Guests of Honor this year,” says Manami Iiboshi, Executive Director of the Japan Film Festival of San Francisco. “It is exciting to share with our beloved audience this rare opportunity to hear about the creative vision behind their films in person. I hope everyone enjoys exploring diversity of Japanese cinema through this year’s program.”

This year’s JFFSF also complements an extensive roster of entertainment also set to take place for J-POP SUMMIT 2016, the weekend of July 23rd and 24th at Fort Mason.

To read about the films playing during the festival see below or go to the festival’s website.

The following films will play at the NEW PEOPLE Cinema on the dates noted beginning on Saturday, July 23rd with screenings continuing until Sunday, July 31st.

Library Wars: The Last Mission ~ Saturday, July 23rd, 12:00pm

Featuring a special in-person appearance by Director Shinsuke Sato (Gantz, The Princess Blade)! In this new sequel to the first Library Wars film, the story is set in a near future where the expression of thought is censored and the media is controlled. Under instructor Atsushi Dojo whom she admires, Iku Kasahara is now a full-fledged member of the Library Defense ‘Task Force’. They are ordered to guard a public exhibition featuring ‘The Handbook of Library Law’ known as the symbol of freedom, with no clue what fate awaits ahead.

J-POP SUMMIT 2016 Presents: IA 1st Live Concert in Japan “PARTY A GOGO!” ~ Saturday, July 23, 3pm

Presented by J-POP SUMMIT 2016, the latest Vocaloid sensation “IA” ‘s first solo concert film, “IA First Live Concert in JAPAN: PARTY A GO-GO,” will have its San Francisco premiere at Japan Film Festival of SF! “IA” is a virtual artist brought to life as part of the VOCALOID™3 with its synthesizing technology, and IA-related videos have collectively garnered more than 100 million views online. Experience the hottest entertainment export from Japan!

Tokyo Short Shorts 2016 ~ Saturday, July 23, 4:15pm

JFFSF’s popular collaboration with Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia teams up to exclusively premiere a collection of special short films directed by a new generation of filmmakers from Japan! Films include: Plan B (Directed by Hatsuki Yokoo), Hana (Directed by Yusaku Okamoto) and Piece of the Future (Directed by Seiki Watanabe), Drifting cloud (Directed by Yuta Sukegawa) and Kerama Blue (Directed by Tsukasa Kishimoto).

Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Inferno ~ Saturday, July 23 at 6:00pm; Sunday, July 24 at 6:30pm; Monday, July 25 at 8:00pm; Tuesday, July 26 at 9:00pm

Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Inferno and Rurouni Kenshin: The Legend Ends are both sequels to 2012’s first Rurouni Kenshin live-action theatrical film. The live-action action movies were filmed back-to-back and cover the Kyoto Arc of Nobuhiro Watsuki’s original historical action manga. Kenshin Himura is a legendary swordsman in the wars accompanying the turbulent fall of Japan’s Shogunate in the 19th Century. Once feared as, ‘Battosai the Killer,” he became a wanderer living peacefully with his companions with the arrival of the ‘new age’ in Japanese history. But now he learns that Makoto Shishio, his crazed successor, is about to overthrow the new government. Can Kenshin stop him without breaking his vow to kill no more and save Japan from destruction?　(**Note: This is not a double feature. Separate tickets must be bought for each screening.)

A Bride for Rip Van Winkle ~ Sunday July 24, 12:00pm

Screening features a special personal appearance by Director Shunji Iwai (Love Letter, All About Lily Chou-Chou, Hana and Alice)! Director Iwai returns with a deceptively beautiful film about a struggling teacher obsessed with a new social-media site, where she meets people that lead her life to an unexpected place. With the wedding with a boyfriend she met online approaching, and with no relatives except for her divorced parents, she makes a questionable decision encouraged by Amuro, a jack-of-all-trades whom she had also met online.

Cinema Kabuki “NEZUMI KOZO: Noda Version” ~ Sunday July 24, 4:00pm

Don’t miss the rare opportunity to experience the authentic and unique beauty of contemporary kabuki performed by some of Japan’s greatest kabuki actors and presented in vivid HD on the big screen! Nezumi Kozo is based on the story of a real-life bandit from the Edo period (19th Century). After his execution, a legend grew that he had been a kind of Robin Hood, sharing his ill-gotten gains with the poor. Written and directed by Hideki Noda and starring Nakamura Kanzaburo XVIII.

Dou kyu sei – Classmates – ~ Monday, July 25, 6:30pm

Based on a popular yaoi (Boys’ Love) manga by Asumiko Nakamura, the film portrays the tantalizingly pure romance between two male high school students, Hikaru Kusakabe, a popular student in a band, and Lichit Sajo, an honor student. These boys would have never crossed paths until they begin to talk through preparing for an upcoming chorus festival together. A sensitive yet refined romantic masterpiece is brought to life.

The Anthem of the Heart ~ Tuesday, July 26, 6:30pm

Creators behind the popular Anohana Movie return with the original anime feature film, The Anthem of the Heart an all-new ode to youth set in the beautiful city of Chichibu, located in Saitama Prefecture, Japan. The story unfolds around Jun Naruse, a girl who is unable to speak from trauma in the past. Through happening to join a musical act with an unexpected mix of students, Jun gradually starts to regain her lost voice.

Solomon’s Perjury (Part 1: Suspicion & Part 2: Judgment) ~ Wednesday, July 27, 6:30pm

A special double-feature presentation.Court commenced with the death of a 14 year-old, and concluded with perjury. On a Christmas morning, the body of a student is discovered on the snow-covered schoolyard below a high rooftop. His death stirred up the latent malice that existed within the school, leading to accusations by an anonymous source claiming to be an eyewitness. A scheme for a new murder, sensational coverage by the mass media, then another victim and yet another… When the teachers have forsaken the students, concerned only with protecting themselves, one female student takes a stand to expose the hidden truth by holding a court trial within the school! Several collaborators come forward who are not intimidated by the pressure exerted by the teachers. Then, a defense counselor from another school comes forward to offer support. And finally, the 5-day trail begins.

The Boy and the Beast ~ Thursday, July 28, 6:30pm

The latest feature film from award-winning director Mamoru Hosoda (Summer Wars, Wolf Children)! When Kyuta, a young orphan living on the streets of Shibuya, stumbles into a fantastic world of beasts, he’s taken in by Kumatetsu, a gruff, rough-around-the-edges warrior beast who’s been searching for the perfect apprentice. Despite their constant bickering, Kyuta and Kumatetsu begin training together and slowly form a bond as surrogate father and son.

Rurouni Kenshin: The Legend Ends ~ Thursday, July 28 at 9:00pm; Friday, July 29, 9:00pm; Saturday, July 30 at 3:00pm; Sunday, July 31 at 6:30pm

Don’t miss the exciting finale in the action-packed Rurouni Kenshin live-action saga!

Being Good ~ Friday, July 29, 6:30pm

Awarded NETPAC Jury Prize at the 37th Moscow International Film Festival, this film is a heart-wrenching portrayal of isolated people caught in downward spirals that also shows how simple acts of kindness can make a difference. Tasuku is a school teacher struggling to deal with his homeroom and his students’ over-protective parents. When he discovers that one of his students is being abused by their parents, he decides to stand up to make a difference.

DASHI & SHOYU: Essence of Japan ~ Saturday, July 30, 12:00pm

This visually striking food documentary is focused on two crucial essence of Japanese cuisine: the delicate soup stock, ‘Dashi,’ and the golden soy sauce, ‘Shoyu.’ Dashi is the bedrock of Japanese cuisine and a distillation of the natural resources of Japan. ‘Shoyu’ is a pillar of Japanese cuisine, which is made of soy that is transformed by a type of mold that exists only in Japan. History and secrets of Umami will be revealed. Screening will feature a special Dashi stock tasting.

Happy Hour ~ Sunday, July 31, 12:00pm

Screening to feature a special personal appearance by Director Ryusuke Hamaguchi! Japan’s up-and-coming director Hamaguchi’s award-winning epic Happy Hour returns to SF Bay Area with the filmmaker himself. This 5-hours-and-17-minutes-long film about the unstable lives of four girl friends in their thirties, played by real women with no acting experience in the past, should be surprisingly gratifying for any movie lover.

About JAPAN FILM FESTIVAL OF SAN FRANCISCO

Launched in 2013, Japan Film Festival of San Francisco is the first and only fully dedicated Japanese film event for the SF Bay Area. This year’s edition will feature a colorful mix of narratives, anime and documentary film premieres and exclusive screenings with special guest appearance at the NEW PEOPLE Cinema in San Francisco’s Japantown from July 23rd (Sat) through August 31st (Sun), 2016. More details and ticket information is available at jffsf.org.

About NEW PEOPLE CINEMA

NEW PEOPLE Cinema is a 143-seat cinema located in the underground floor of NEW PEOPLE in San Francisco. Equipped with a cutting-edge HD digital projection and THX®-certified sound system, NEW PEOPLE Cinema is home for local film festivals and creative events. newpeoplecinema.com

J-POP SUMMIT 2014: Geekscape Interviews YANAKIKU

by Kari LaneAugust 7, 2014

This was my first year attending the J-POP SUMMIT Festival in San Francisco and it was sugoi (Japanese for awesome)! The event is a celebration of Japanese pop culture, music, fashion, games, art, food and film. This was their 6th year and they broke all previous attendance records with more than 120,000 people attending the two-day festival in Japantown! There was one group in particular that stood out to me, YANAKIKU, and they were also a crowd favorite. I had never heard of them before this event, but now I am a huge fan!

“YANAKIKU” is a female J-Pop duo with a mission to share the wonders of Japan with the world.

Yana on the left and Kiku on the right

They first performed on Saturday afternoon on the Peace Plaza main stage and instantly attracted a large crowd. Fans returned to see them Sunday afternoon on the Japan Discovery Stage. I thoroughly enjoyed both shows. This duo engages the crowd by speaking with them (in English!) and teaching them to dance along with one of their routines. It took a lot of courage to speak in another language and it just made them all the more adorable. “Music is stronger than our differences” stated Kiku before performing their closing song ‘Hello World’ (during which she cried a little).

Singing ‘Hello World’

Their kimono inspired outfits are gorgeous and they even have a fun little costume addition for one song. They developed their own style, kimocos = kimono meets cosplay. Also, they are super genki (“enthusiastic, energetic, lively”)! They had constant energy that was infectious. You just could not help but love them.

Leaping into the air during ‘Ninja Iroha’

I made sure to snag an interview with them and even though they had been doing interviews for two hours prior, they were so friendly and excited. Below is our interview (with translation assistance by their manager, Kaoru Karen Sakurai).

Kari: How was your J-POP experience?

Yana: Exciting! I didn’t know so many people were interested in Japanese culture.

Kiku: We were worried…because no one knows us, but the people sang and danced with us. We felt we were touching each other’s hearts.

Yana

Kari: At your second show, Kiku, you got a little emotional. Daijoubu desu ka (Are you ok)?

Kiku: I was so worried. It was our last show. I saw the most beautiful sight, all smiles! The happiness just came out.”

*Via the translator, I told her I cried a little with her. It was overwhelming to watch her cry a little on stage. It was such a precious moment.*

Kari: How long have you been performing together?

Both: About a year and a half.

Kari: Will you be touring in the future?

Manager: Right after this [J-POP SUMMIT] is Hyper Japan in London, and this will be their second time performing there. They will be performing on the main stage next weekend. After that is Korea, China, then Europe.

Kiku: We want to conquer the world!

Kiku

Kari: When will you have more YouTube videos?

Manager: There are currently three videos on YouTube and there will be more soon.

Kari: Why kimonos?

Kiku: The kimono is very traditional. The younger generation does not want to wear it but we think they are cool. We want to renew the image. Connect the past and future.

Kari: What made you chose wigs?

Yana and Kiku at the same time: We wanted to be twins!

At their booth

“PAKU PAKU KINGYO KINGYO” means Golden Fish in Japanese.

Here is one of their fun videos that captures their quirky style. The song itself starts at :47 after a cute intro. This is their explanation of the lyrics:

In Japan we have this festival game called, “KINGYO SUKUI (golden fish scooping)” that you catch the fish with a shallow paper. The song is about a little crush on a boy and trying to sneak and get his heart like you sneak to catch the golden fish!

They are fantastic live performers and hopefully they will be back soon!

You can purchase their music on iTunes.

Follow them on facebook, twitter, and YouTube.

Check out their website.

Selfie with the audience! You can see me on the left against the stage with the purple scarf

J-POP SUMMIT And Japan Film Festival In SF This Weekend!

by Kari LaneJuly 18, 2014

J-POP SUMMIT is happening in conjunction with the opening weekend of the 2014 Japan Film Festival of San Francisco. The film festival opens Saturday, July 19th and runs through Sunday, July 27th with screenings taking place at the NEW PEOPLE Cinema (located at 1746 Post St.). Read on to learn about some of the awesome films screening this weekend!

J-POP SUMMIT Festival film premieres include the inspiring anime omnibus SHORT PEACE, and J-POP Splash! 2014, a music video collection presented by the Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco, featuring the hottest J-Pop artists, along with TOKYO SHORT SHORTS: A New Generation Of 5 Short Films which takes place in Tokyo and other parts of Japan and was directed by a innovative new generation of young filmmakers.

J-Pop fans and film-goers will also not want to miss the very special U.S. theatrical premiere of COUNT FIVE TO DREAM OF YOU and KOTODAMA: SPIRITUAL CURSE. Both films star the members of Tokyo Girls’ Style in leading roles. The group will host a special audience Q&A immediately following the film screenings.

Also don’t miss special in-person appearances by JFFSF Guests of Honor actor Yuki Furukawa, who will help mark the U.S. theatrical premiere of his new short film, “wo ai ni” in TOKYO, and director Mitsutoshi Tanaka who appears to celebrate the Bay Area premiere of his newest work, Ask This of Rikyu. Both films will screen at NEW PEOPLE Cinema during J-POP SUMMIT.

Tickets and additional information at: www.JFFSF.org.

TOKYO SHORT SHORTS: A New Generation Of 5 Short Films

COUNT FIVE TO DREAM OF YOU

KOTODAMA: SPIRITUAL CURSE

Ask This of Rikyu

The J-Pop Summit Line-Up Has Been Announced!

by Kari LaneJune 9, 2014

The line-up for 2014 J-Pop Summit Festival has been announced and it is an impressive one! The theme this year is “POP Is Our Tradition” and this year’s festivities will be highlighted by the appearance of a unique array of top Japanese pop, rock and Kawaii acts.

The J-Pop Summit Festival will be held in San Francisco’s Japantown district on Saturday, July 19th and Sunday, July 20th. The event is FREE to attend (though there are some activities that will require an admission fee)! There will be concert sets by some of Japan’s hottest pop and rock acts that will take place throughout both days on the Pagoda Main Stage in Japantown’s Peace Plaza, as well as at a special open-air live concert, “J-POP LIVE AT UNION SQUARE,” in the city’s downtown Union Square on the evening of Saturday, July 19th.

Check out the line-up info below!

Headliners scheduled to perform this year include pop/rock/anime singer May’n, the popular idol group Tokyo Girls’ Style, which makes its first-ever U.S. appearance at J-POP SUMMIT, the return of the amazing beat box vocal skills of DAICHI, a special musical performance by Harajuku fashion model/singer Una, the U.S. debut of the kimono cosplay duo YANAKIKU, and the hard rocking sounds of J-rock bands Pinky Doodle Poodle, and the all-girl punk rock trio, The Akabane Vulgars on Strong Bypass. Details and specific set times will be posted on the official 2014 J-POP SUMMIT Festival website at: www.J-POP.com.

2014 J-POP SUMMIT Festival Music Artists:

May’n – Special Appearance AT UNION SQUARE ON Saturday, JULY 19^th & Headline Show at SLIM’S S.F. ON Sunday, JULY 20^th

Japanese pop/rock/anime star May’n (pronounced “Main”) is known as the singing voice of Diva of the Galaxy Sheryl Nome from the blockbuster anime film, Macross Frontier, as well as many other popular anime series. Her powerful rock and pop vocal style has drawn critical acclaim and legions of fans. In addition to a very special appearance at J-POP LIVE AT UNION SQUARE, the 2014 J-POP SUMMIT Festival proudly presents a May’n Special Live Concert at the famous SF live venue, Slim’s (333 11^th St., San Francisco, CA 94103) on Sunday, July 20^th,at 8:00pm. Advance tickets are available along with special VIP show packages that include an exclusive artist meet-and-greet. (Quantities are limited) More details on the Slim’s show are available at: http://www.j-pop.com/2014/mayn-live-concert-at-slims.

Tokyo Girls’ Style – Two live shows On July 19^th & July 20^Th

Tokyo Girls’ Style is a massively popular Japanese teen idol vocal group and will make their U.S. debut at J-POP SUMMIT this year. The group will perform at J-POP LIVE AT UNION SQUARE on Saturday, July 19^th, and also on the Pagoda Main Stage in Japantown on Sunday, July 20^th. Tokyo Girls’ Style consists of 5 teenage girls whose funk and disco sounds infused with glossy urban appeal have garnered the group a massive following in Japan. Additional info is available at: http://www.j-pop.com/2014/tokyo-girls-style.

As part of the U.S. debut of Tokyo Girls’ Style, the J-POP SUMMIT Festival and the 2014 Japan Film Festival of San Francisco (JFFSF) will also present the U.S. theatrical premiere of Count Five to Dream of You, an inspiring feature film starring Tokyo Girls’ Style set in all-girls high school that captures the short-lived and unforgettable moments of adolescence. Also set to premiere is Kotodama – Spiritual Curse, a J-horror movie about a haunted school based on the bestselling book “Gakkou no Kwaidan,” in which members of Tokyo Girls’ Style play the leading roles. Both films will screen at the NEW PEOPLE Cinema following the group’s special appearance. Advance ticket sales start on June 3^rd at the JFFSF website at: www.JFFSF.org.

Daichi – Two live shows On Saturday & Sunday July 19^th & July 20^Th

The 23-year-old Japanese human beat-box, DAICHI, taught himself his amazing vocal skill beginning at the young age of 10. Without using any instruments or machines, DAICHI can create more than 50 different sounds using only his voice, and moreover, can play rhythm beat and sing melody simultaneously. DAICHI is known internationally for his talents and he has opened for the likes of Boys II Men and collaborated with numerous singers, dancers, DJs and performers. DAICHI will perform at J-POP LIVE AT UNION SQUARE on Saturday, July 19^th, and also on the Pagoda Main Stage in Japantown on Sunday, July 20^th. Additional info is available at: http://www.j-pop.com/2014/daichi.

UNA – Two live shows On Saturday & Sunday, July 19^th & July 20^Th

Una was formally a charismatic shop assistant in Harajuku and began her modeling career in 2010. It didn’t take her long to begin appearing regularly in numerous fashion magazines. With her beautiful looks and edgy fashion style Una represents a new type of model capable of expressing not only Kawaii style but also showcasing other cool aspects of Harajuku culture. Una also has a budding singing career and has performed with top artists including Katy Perry and Kyary Pamyu Pamyu. She will appear at J-POP SUMMIT in support of her newest single, “BOOM BOOM BOOM,” and will participate in this year’s HARAJUKU KAWAii!! fashion events as well as perform at J-POP LIVE AT UNION SQUARE on Saturday, July 19^th, and also on the Pagoda Main Stage in Japantown on Sunday, July 20^th. Additional info available is at: http://www.j-pop.com/2014/una.

Yanakiku – Live Performance on Saturday, July 19^th

YANAKIKU is a unique Japanese kimono cosplay duo consisting of members Yana and Kiku. In 2013, they performed for international audiences at Hyper Japan (London) and TIFFCOM (Japan) and have garnered a massive following for their costume and dance performances. YANAKIKU makes their U.S. debut at the 2014 J-POP SUMMIT Festival and will perform on the Pagoda Main Stage in Japantown on Saturday, July 19^th and participate in the Festival’s cosplay contest and events. The duo will also host a meet and greet session and have a selection of merchandise available for sale to attendees. Additional info is available at: http://www.j-pop.com/2014/yanakiku.

Pinky Doodle Poodle – Live performance on Sunday, July 20^th

Pinky Doodle Poodle is a high energy, female fronted rock band from Tokyo that formed in 2008. The group features lead vocalist/bassist/guitarist Yuria, a successful Japanese anime singer often heard in popular video games in Japan as well as on solo records and with her band Honey Bee. Pinky Doodle Poodle just completed their first full-length record which was produced by Goo Goo Dolls member Robby Takac. The 10-song self-titled album, Pinky Doodle Poodle, was released worldwide in the spring of 2014 on Takac’s Good Charamel Records. Pinky Doodle Poodle will perform on Sunday, July 20^th on the Pagoda Main Stage in Japantown. Additional info at: http://www.j-pop.com/2014/pinky-doodle-poodle.

The Akabane Vulgars On Strong Bypass – Live Set On Saturday, July 19^th

The Akabane Vulgars On Strong Bypass is an all-girl punk rock trio from Tokyo and returns for their third consecutive concert appearance at J-POP SUMMIT. A favorite with Festival-goers, the band plays in support of their two newest releases “Proclamation” and “Live in Brooklyn.” Catch the Akabane Vulars on Strong Bypass on Saturday July 19^th for a powerful live set on the Pagoda Main Stage. Additional info at: http://www.j-pop.com/2014/akabane.

Stay tuned for additional J-POP SUMMIT Guest of Honor, programming and event announcements!

About J-POP SUMMIT Festival

Launched in 2009, J-POP SUMMIT Festival is an annual street fair held in San Francisco, CA that celebrates Japanese popular culture. By introducing the latest in Japanese music, film, art, fashion, gaming, anime, food, as well as niche subcultures, the festival has become a prominent platform to showcase the latest pop trends and creative innovations from Japan.
The 5^th annual J-POP SUMMIT held in July 2013 welcomed more than 80,000 attendees, making it one of the largest Japanese festivals in the United States. In addition to the original Festival held in Japantown, new attractions include the J-POP LIVE AT UNION SQUARE concert in downtown San Francisco, the Bay Area’s premier dedicated Japan Film Festival of San Francisco, and sake-tasting and fine foods events at the POP GOURMET Food Festival, which have each further enriched the experience. Additional information about J-POP SUMMIT Festival is available at: J-POP.com.

J-Pop Summit and The Japan Film Festival of San Francisco Dates Have Been Announced!

by Kari LaneDecember 4, 2013

So if you didn’t already know, J-Pop is a pretty big deal! Read on to learn more about this awesome festival taking place in San Francisco via this informative press release!

NEW PEOPLE, a dynamic entertainment destination bringing the latest examples of Japanese popular culture to North American shores, and the J-POP Summit Festival Committee have announced the dates for the 2014 J-POP Summit Festival.

The popular annual celebration of Japanese pop culture, music, art, anime, fashion, and film will return to San Francisco’s Japantown and will also present another special J-Pop concert in Union Square the weekend of Saturday and Sunday, July 19th and 20th, 2014.

The J-POP Summit Festival is the Bay Area’s premier annual Japanese pop culture celebration featuring a variety of live bands and artists, pop culture panel discussions, film premieres, fashion shows, DJ dance events, interactive games, celebrity appearances, and much more. Many of the attractions are free to attend. The Festival is hosted by J-POP Summit Festival Committee in cooperation with the Japantown Merchants Association. Additional details will be forthcoming at www.J-POP.com.

In 2013, J-POP Summit welcomed more than 80,000 people to Japantown and nearly 10,000 more music fans to the Festival’s first-ever concert held in Union Square that featured Japan’s Ambassador of Kawaii, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, as well as Kylee, Daichi, and LoVendoЯ. The downtown San Francisco Union Square stage will host a compelling line-up of J-Pop artists again next year.

Also returning as part of the 2014 J-POP Summit will be the second annual Japan Film Festival of San Francisco, the only full-fledged Japanese film festival held in the Bay Area. The week-long series of live-action and anime film theatrical premieres will run Saturday, July 19th through Sunday, July 27th at the NEW PEOPLE Cinema and will be highlighted by red carpet events featuring appearances by prominent Japanese directors and actors, as well as several lecture presentations, workshops, autograph sessions, and film industry networking opportunities. Additional information will be available at: www.JFFSF.org.

Showcasing cutting edge Japanese fashion has always been a popular aspect of the J-POP Summit. 2013’s theme of “Making Kawaii Universal” resonated with thousands of attendees that savored leading brands as well as live shows featuring top models from the bustling Harajuku fashion scene including Kyary Pamyu Pamyu. Next year’s programming will present even more brands and icons to highlight a wide selection of exclusive designs, apparel, and accessories only available for a limited time during the Festival.

The 2014 J-POP Summit Festival also will present the return of the POP GOURMET Food Festival, which will delight attendees with a scrumptious array of innovative Japanese and Asian-influenced cuisine along with Japanese sake and teas. Festival-goers will be able to enjoy popular local gourmet food trucks and exclusive sake tasting by premier sake distillers/distributors on an even bigger scale.

“The growth of the J-POP Summit Festival has been phenomenal since our very first one in 2009 that also marked the Grand Opening of the NEW PEOPLE complex,” says Seiji Horibuchi, the President/CEO of NEW PEOPLE, Inc. and Chairman of the J-Pop Summit Festival. “The J-POP Summit Festival has become an integral part of San Francisco’s summertime fun and after 2013’s tremendous success we are planning even bigger and more exciting programming for 2014. Stay tuned for news and updates as we begin announcing artists and events early next year!”

About J-POP SUMMIT FESTIVAL

The J-POP SUMMIT FESTIVAL is an annual Japanese Pop Culture celebration that features live bands and artists from Japan, pop culture panel discussions, film premieres, fashion, food, art, and celebrity appearances. The Festival is hosted by NEW PEOPLE in cooperation with the Japantown Merchants Association. In 2013, the two-day event attracted 80,000 attendees.

About NEW PEOPLE, Inc.
Based in San Francisco, California, NEW PEOPLE, Inc. (www.newpeopleworld.com) offers the latest films, art, fashion, and retail brands from Japan through its unique entertainment destination as well as through licensing and distribution of selective Japanese films. NEW PEOPLE Entertainment (www.newpeopleent.com), a film division of NEW PEOPLE, Inc. strives to offer the most entertaining motion pictures straight from the “Kingdom of Pop” for audiences of all ages, especially the manga and anime generation, in North America.