STEP 05
The Best Local Experiences
at the Los Angeles Summit
Spreading "True Cool Japan" in Los Angeles
The 1st LA Summit
From June 17 to July 14, 2024, 30 students stayed in Los Angeles for approximately one month, participating in a special curriculum to convey "True Cool Japan," which goes beyond just anime and Japanese cuisine.
What is "True Cool Japan"?
At Akademeia 21st Century, we aim to share with the world the deep spirituality and progressiveness rooted in Japanese culture. We believe that by reexamining unique aspects of Japanese culture, such as the "spirit of mutual assistance," "ichigo ichie" (treasuring encounters), and "mottainai" (not being wasteful), we can address a variety of global challenges. Through this hands-on effort to communicate "True Cool Japan"--which cannot be fully conveyed through things like anime or cuisine alone--students will grow into "intercultural globalists" active on the world stage.
Days of Hard Work with Members from Different Fields
The students began preparations more than two months before their trip. What is their vision of "True Cool Japan," and how can they communicate it? What resources do they need? How can they explain it in English? They discussed these topics daily, making revisions up until the last moment before taking on the challenge. At times, they disagreed and clashed, and there were delays due to communication issues--experiences that are common in the real world after graduation. The students formed teams with others studying specialized skills in different fields, and through the experience of working together on projects, they developed essential real-world skills, such as interpersonal communication and collaboration.
A Month Packed with Practice and Experience
During their stay in Los Angeles, in addition to spreading the concept of "True Cool Japan," students participated in a variety of experiences and learning through fieldwork. Each day, they engaged with different cultures and experienced the world at its best. For students aspiring to become professionals in their respective fields, real-world experiences are the best learning opportunities.
Learning About the Roots of Japanese People
We met with businesspeople who had settled in the area after overcoming challenging times, and we learned about the local Japanese community.
Interacting with Top Creators
We invited some of Disney's top creators to the Los Angeles Academy campus, where students learned skills through hands-on experiences.
Learning about Sports Culture
We explored the sports business through interactions with executives at VANS headquarters, interviews at skateboarding classes, and by attending baseball games.
Experiencing Art
We watched the "Pageant of the Masters" and experienced authentic, world-class art and performance.
Now It's Time for the Real Thing: Will Our Message Be Understood?
After exhibiting at smaller events, we finally reached the climax: "Anime Expo 2024."
Held annually in Los Angeles, Anime Expo is the world's largest Cool Japan festival, attracting approximately
400,000 visitors.
Amid the many anime and cosplay booths, Akademeia 21st Century presented booths where visitors could
experience the world of "The Tale of Genji" and "Kawaii culture."
Many visitors immersed themselves in authentic Japanese culture, and we received enthusiastic feedback, with
some saying "Amazing!" and "This is completely different from the Japan I imagined from manga!"
"The Living EMAKI" allowed visitors to experience the culture of the Heian aristocracy, inviting them into the world of The Tale of Genji, which is also featured in the popular historical drama "Hikaru kimi he" (To You Who is Shining).
At "World Kawaii Project," the power of Kawaii was communicated through polaroids and decorating experiences, with an opportunity to interact with Sebastian Masuda, a leading figure in Kawaii culture.
At "LA Hyakki Yakou," monsters took over Anime Expo. The booth not only shared information about monsters but also presented traditional culture related to monsters in an interactive, game-like format.
The theme of "Aoharu (Youth) x Los Angeles" was "uniforms," showcasing how they have evolved from the past to the present. A recreated classroom allowed visitors to experience the fun, changes, and current state of Japanese youth culture.
Los Angeles Summit Official Instagram
The Birth of the "Cool Japan Center"
This initiative led to the creation of
the "Cool Japan Center," a student-run hub for sharing information about Japanese culture. The center officially opened in Irvine, Los Angeles, on July 12, 2024.
At the center, students studying in 45 fields--including hospitality, business, and design--will continue making efforts to promote "True Cool Japan."
Overview of "Cool Japan Center"
location
Los Angeles Akademeia
4199 Campus Dr, Suite A, Irvine, CA 92612
(Adjacent to the University Center on the Irvine campus)
Hours
10:00-17:00