JQ Magazine: Mackenyu @ Japan Society, YOASOBI, Anime NYC
By JQ magazine editor Justin Tedaldi (CIR Kobe-shi, 2001-02). Justin has written about Japanese arts and entertainment for JETAA since 2005. For more of his articles, click here.
This month’s highlights include:
Courtesy of AnimeNYC.com
Sunday, August 23, 4:00 p.m.
Japan Society, 333 East 47th Street
$35 Panel Only (Members), $45 Panel Only (Public), $150 Panel Ticket and Signing (Members), $180 Panel Ticket and Signing (Public)
Mackenyu takes NYC! Join Japan Society in collaboration with Anime NYC for this special hour-long conversation about his career followed by a signing! Best known as Roronoa Zoro in the Netflix live action adaptation of One Piece, Mackenyu will be making his first North American convention appearance at Anime NYC this August, and as part of his time in New York, he’ll be visiting Japan Society for an onstage Q&A and autograph signing. Mackenyu was born in Los Angeles in 1996 and is the son of actor, producer, director and martial artist Sonny Chiba. His fame grew dramatically following his supporting role as Cadet Ryoichi in the feature Pacific Rim: Uprising and lead role in the racing action movie Over Drive. Mackenyu was then cast as the villain, Yukishiro Enishi, in the blockbuster Rurouni Kenshin: Final Chapter and as Scar in Fullmetal Alchemist: The Revenge of Scar and Fullmetal Alchemist: Final Transmutation. In 2021, Mackenyu was cast as Roronoa Zoro in the Netflix live action series adaptation of One Piece. NOTE: A signing ticket is required to take part in Mackenyu’s autograph session. You may bring one item to be signed. Attendees are requested to bring official items to be signed connected to Mackenyu’s acting roles.
Janus Films
July 30-August 13
Walter Reade Theater (Film at Lincoln Center), 165 West 65th Street
$11, $14
Kiyoshi Kurosawa’s stately, meticulously composed period drama, set in 16th-century Japan, is a tense and metaphysical whodunit with the director’s characteristic philosophical overtones. In 16th-century Japan, Lord Murashige (Masahiro Motoki) turns against Oda, the warlord he once served, and is besieged inside his own castle, where inexplicable crimes begin to hilook to Murashige and his frightened advisors like signs of divine judgment. As Oda’s invading army tightens its grip outside and suspicion infiltrates the stronghold, Murashige is forced to consult Kanbei (Masaki Suda of Cloud), the cunning strategist he has locked in the dungeon, while his wife Chiyoho (Yuriko Yoshitaka) and his generals try to keep the court from devouring itself. Kiyoshi Kurosawa’s stately jidaigeki—adapted from Honobu Yonezawa’s best-selling, Naoki Prize–winning novel and selected at this year’s Cannes Film Festival—is a tense and metaphysical whodunit with the director’s characteristic philosophical overtones, bringing the winding investigations of Cure and Serpent’s Path into a meticulously composed period piece about the manipulation of terror.
Courtesy of Bluenotejazz.com
July 31-August 2, August 6, 8:00 p.m.
Bob James Quartet featuring special guest Christian McBride
Blue Note New York, 131 West Third Street
$45 bar, $55 table
The career of multi-Grammy winner Bob James is long, varied and continues to evolve at every turn as he continues to captivate audiences throughout the world for more than 50 years, 58 albums, and innumerable awards. While James is recognized as one of the progenitors of smooth jazz, his music has also had a profound effect on the history of hip-hop, having been sampled frequently since the early days of the genre. A longtime star in Japan, he has recorded a piano duet album with Keiko Matsui, and worked with Seiko Matsuda as a guest vocalist on “Put Our Hearts Together,” written by James and his daughter Hilary in response to the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011. Christian McBride is an eleven-time Grammy-winning bassist, composer, and bandleader. From jazz to R&B, and pop/rock and hip-hop/neo-soul to classical, he is a luminary with one hand ever reaching for new heights—inviting us to join him.
Warner Bros. Pictures
August 2 & 5
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory 55th Anniversary
Various theaters
Various prices
Part of Fathom Entertainment’s Big Screen Classics! Take an unforgettable, uniquely magical, musical journey through the deliciously delightful, whimsically wonderful world of Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory. When eccentric candy man Willy Wonka (Gene Wilder) promises a lifetime supply of sweets and a tour of his chocolate factory to five lucky kids, penniless Charlie Bucket (Peter Ostrum) seeks the priceless golden ticket that will make him a winner. Thanks to his Grandpa Joe (Jack Albertson), Charlie gets the prize of his dreams! But a far more wonderful surprise than Charlie ever imagined awaits him. In a land of chocolate waterfalls, giant lollipops, edible flowers and, of course, Oompa Loompas, it’s nonstop, mouth-watering fun in this timeless fantasy! This special 55th anniversary release includes exclusive insight from Leonard Maltin.
Courtesy of YOASOBI
Thursday, August 6, 8:00 p.m.
YOASOBI – Never Ending Stories Tour
Barclays Center, 620 Atlantic Avenue (Brooklyn)
From $63.25
Japanese pop phenomenon YOASOBI has redefined the global reach of J-pop by transforming acclaimed short stories into emotionally resonant, genre-blending anthems that have captivated audiences around the world. Formed in 2019 by composer and producer Ayase and vocalist ikura (Lilas Ikuta), the duo exploded onto the international stage with the record-breaking hit "Yoru ni Kakeru" before following with worldwide successes including "Gunjō," "Kaibutsu," "Shukufuku," and the chart-topping "Idol," which became the first Japanese-language song to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart. Their cinematic live performances, dazzling visuals, and seamless blend of pop, rock, electronic music, and storytelling have earned them a devoted international following, culminating with their first-ever U.S. arena tour launched in tandem with their latest album, THE BOOK for,. Their previous New York appearance (two years ago to the day) was a sold-out debut at the legendary Radio City Music Hall, demonstrating the group's remarkable global appeal and setting the stage for their continued rise as one of Japan's most celebrated contemporary musical exports.
GKIDS
August 8 & 10
Tales from Earthsea 20th Anniversary
Various theaters
Various prices
Part of Fathom Entertainment’s Studio Ghibli Fest! From the legendary creators of Spirited Away and Howl’s Moving Castle, and the director of From Up on Poppy Hill, comes an animated fantasy epic based on the classic book series by Ursula K. Le Guin! As crops dwindle and dragons reappear, mankind stands on the verge of total chaos. Lord Archmage Sparrowhawk, a powerful wizard, and Arren, a troubled young prince, search for the force behind this mysterious imbalance that threatens to destroy the land of Earthsea, in a tale of redemption and self-discovery that will take your breath away. Featuring the voices of Timothy Dalton, Willem Dafoe, Cheech Marin, and Mariska Hargitay.
GKIDS
August 9 & 11
Only Yesterday 35th Anniversary
Various theaters
Various prices
Part of Fathom Entertainment’s Studio Ghibli Fest! It’s 1982, and Taeko (Daisy Ridley) is 27 years old, unmarried, and has lived her whole life in Tokyo. She decides to visit her relatives in the countryside, and as the train travels through the night, memories flood back of her younger years: the first immature stirrings of romance, the onset of puberty, and the frustrations of math and boys. At the station she is met by young farmer Toshio (Dev Patel), and the encounters with him begin to reconnect her to forgotten longings. In lyrical switches between the present and the past, Taeko contemplates the arc of her life, and wonders if she has been true to the dreams of her childhood self. From Academy Award-nominated director Isao Takahata (The Tale of The Princess Kaguya) and general producer Hayao Miyazaki, Only Yesterday is a masterpiece of time and tone, rich with humor and stirring emotion, and beautifully animated by one of the world’s most revered animation studios.
Courtesy of MSG.com
August 11-17, 8:00 p.m.
Joe Hisaishi - Cinema Music Concert
Radio City Music Hall, 1260 Sixth Avenue
From $116.35
Fresh from a pair of sold-out classical performances at Carnegie Hall in July, acclaimed composer, conductor, and pianist Joe Hisaishi returns to Radio City Music Hall for a remarkable seven-night residency, August 11–17, leading the Orchestra of St. Luke's and MasterVoices in an unforgettable celebration of one of the most beloved bodies of film music ever composed. Widely regarded as one of the world's greatest living composers for the screen, Hisaishi has written more than 100 film scores during a career spanning over four decades, earning international acclaim for his breathtaking collaborations with legendary filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki and Japan's celebrated Studio Ghibli. His unforgettable melodies for a dozen of their films have become synonymous with animated masterpieces including My Neighbor Totoro, Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away, Howl's Moving Castle, Ponyo, The Wind Rises, and the Academy Award-winning The Boy and the Heron, captivating generations of audiences around the globe. This special residency will showcase selections from his iconic Studio Ghibli catalog alongside music from Takeshi Kitano's celebrated films, Isao Takahata classics, and other career-spanning compositions, with Hisaishi himself conducting and performing on piano.
Resurgence Media Group/Saga
August 16 & 19
Various theaters
Various prices
This summer…experience the edge, presented by Fathom Entertainment in fully restored 4K! In Los Angeles, a gang of bank robbers call themselves the Ex-Presidents and commit their crimes while wearing masks of Reagan, Carter, Nixon and Johnson. The F.B.I. believes that the members of the gang could be surfers and sends young agent Johnny Utah (Keanu Reeves, 47 Ronin) undercover at the beach to mix with the surfers and gather information. Before the film, join surfing icon Matt Archbold as he reflects on the meaningful pursuit of surfing, looking back on his time as a surf double for Patrick Swayze and teaching the cast how to surf for the film.
Courtesy of Eventbrite.com
Thursday, August 20, 6:00 p.m.
JICUF Summer Gathering with Alumni and Students
Haymaker Bar and Kitchen, 252 West 29th Street
$30 before August 4, then $40
Join the Japan ICU Foundation for a memorable cross-cultural evening at Haymaker Bar and Kitchen. This is the perfect opportunity to reconnect with old friends, make new connections, and catch up with current ICU, Aoyama Gakuin University, Kindai University, and Kwansei Gakuin University students. Twelve students will be visiting New York for two and a half weeks as part of JICUF's Global Citizen Fellowship. Please come by for delicious food and drinks and wonderful company, featuring familiar faces and new ones!
Courtesy of Animenyc.com
August 20-23
Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, 655 West 34th Street
From $65
For this year’s four-day celebration of Japanese animation and pop culture, attendees will be able to view exclusive anime screenings and meet major guests courtesy of international animation and manga publishers, play the latest in Japanese gaming technology, enjoy Japanese delicacies and fusion cuisine, rock out to musical guests direct from Tokyo, and more! Centerpiece events this year include the Kagurabachi anime world tour premiere screening; selfie meet-and-greets with with One Piece live action’s Mackenyu (Zoro) and Taz Skylar (Sanji); author of Kiki’s Delivery Service Eiko Kadono; concerts by Club Ironmouse and Hololive; rare import gaming and screenings; the Anime NYC Masquerade; and much more!
Courtesy of Bluenotejazz.com
August 20-23
Hiromi: The Piano Quintet feat. PUBLIQuartet
Blue Note New York, 131 West Third Street
$55 bar, $75 table
Since Hiromi’s debut album Another Mind (2003), the world-renowned pianist’s sound has evolved with every release, erasing the lines between jazz and classical, composition and improvisation. Born in Hamamatsu, Japan, Hiromi began studying piano when she was six years old. When she was 17, Chick Corea invited her to play with him at a Tokyo concert. She attended Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, where she was mentored by jazz legend Ahmad Jamal. A prolific artist, she has also recorded the soundtrack to Blue Giant, an animated feature film based on the popular manga. Hiromi is a perennial favorite on DownBeat’s Annual Critics and Readers Poll, and has performed at the world’s finest jazz festivals, including Montreux, Umbria, North Sea, Newport, and Monterey. Her work has been celebrated by media including the New York Times, NPR and NPR Music, and the Washington Post, and she was a featured performer at the Tokyo Olympics opening ceremony in 2021.
Courtesy of Sonymusic.com
Friday, August 21, 5:15 p.m.
Jacob K. Javits Convention Center (Main Stage), 655 West 34th Street
$31 General, $42 Bronze
Catch Sony Music J-pop artist yama in concert at Anime NYC in their first East Coast appearance! yama is a solo singer known for a clear, ethereal voice, emotionally nuanced performances that capture feelings of loneliness and inner conflict, and a mysterious low-profile presence that resonates with young listeners in Japan and overseas. After a striking debut in April 2020 with the original song “Haru wo Tsugeru,” yama has released a series of hit tracks, including “Magical Syndrome,” featured in the Magical Chiikawa special music video, and “Shikisai (color),” the ending theme for the TV anime SPY×FAMILY. In 2025, yama held the Asia tour “Koshitantan 2025,” performing in Seoul, Taipei, Kaohsiung, Singapore, and Hong Kong, drawing a total audience of around 7,000 fans. In March 2026, yada will release the concept EP “C.U.T” and kick off a nationwide tour titled “Uka.” An Anime NYC badge valid for attendance on Friday (such as a Friday, 4-Day, or AnimeNYC+ badge) is required in addition to the ticket to attend the concert.
Courtesy of Sonyhall.com
Friday, August 21, 7:00 p.m.
An Evening with Jake Shimabukuro
Sony Hall, 235 West 46th Street
$37, $47
Since gaining prominence in the early 2000’s, ukulele marvel Jake Shimabukuro has mesmerized audiences with his innovative and dynamic style, taking the instrument to dizzying new heights. Over a dozen solo albums, Shimabukuro has shown a knack for moving effortlessly between genres, sometimes in the same song. After being taught the instrument by his mother at age four, Jake became a local phenom, performing on his own and in a local group Pure Heart. Early in his solo career he became a YouTube sensation when his cover of George Harrison’s “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” went viral. Shimabukuro's latest album is Pop Experience, which celebrates modern pop hitmakers with instrumental ukulele arrangements of recent songs by artists like Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, Olivia Rodrigo, and Billie Eilish, led by the preview single “Golden.”
© Akiko Higashimura/SHUEISHA
Saturday, August 22, 7:00 p.m.
Blank Canvas with Akiko Higashimura Q&A
Japan Society, 333 East 47 th Street
$22 public, $17 members
Japan Society presents a special U.S. movie premiere in collaboration with Anime NYC! Blank Canvas: My So-Called Artist’s Journey is an autobiographical manga by Eisner-winner Akiko Higashimura (Princess Jellyfish, Tokyo Tarareba Girls) about her high school dream to become a comic book creator. Published in Japan from 2011 to 2015, it inspired a live-action adaptation in 2025. Japan Society is honored to present this film with original manga creator Higashimura, also known as ACCO Sensei to her fans worldwide, joining in-person for a Q&A and signing. High schooler Akiko (Mei Nagano) has big plans to become a popular manga creator before she even graduates, but she needs to get much better at drawing if she ever wants to reach her goal. Looking for an easy fix, she signs up for an art class, thinking all her problems will soon be solved. She’s in for a surprise: her new instructor is a sword-wielding taskmaster who doesn’t care about manga one bit. But maybe this unconventional art teacher is just what she needs to realize her dreams! Following the screening, the author will sign autographs and pose for pictures. Please bring copies of her manga from home or shikishi for signature. Books will not be sold at this event.
GKIDS
August 22-25
Castle in the Sky 40th Anniversary
Various theaters
Various prices
Part of Fathom Entertainment’s Studio Ghibli Fest! One night, Pazu spies a young girl floating down from the sky, held aloft by a glowing pendant. Her name is Sheeta and she is in search of the legendary floating castle, Laputa. Pazu and Sheeta embark on a journey together to discover the castle’s location and to unravel the mystery of Sheeta’s luminous crystal. But their quest won’t be easy, as soon they are being pursued by greedy air pirates, the military, and secret government agents, who all seek the power that Sheeta alone can control. Castle in the Sky is a timeless story of courage and friendship, with stunning animation from acclaimed Academy Award-winning director Hayao Miyazaki. Featuring the voices of Anna Paquin, James Van Der Beek, Cloris Leachman, Mark Hamill, Mandy Patinkin, and more.
For more JQ articles, click here.