360 Culture Experience: Japan House Los Angeles

In December, the Japanese Foreign Ministry soft-launched Japan House Los Angeles, a cultural institution surrounded by stars at the famous Hollywood & Highland landmark. This is the world's second Japan House, with one in São Paolo and another scheduled to open in London this year.

Currently, the public can explore the second floor, which holds a Japanese goods shop and art gallery. During late summer 2018, Japan House Los Angeles will open a new floor with a 659-square-foot library, a salon for gatherings and a Japanese restaurant.

The cultural showcase "aims to nurture a deeper understanding and appreciation of Japan in the international community, by creating a number of hubs from which to showcase and communicate Japan as a country of countless charms, able to enrich the rest of the world," according to the Japan House project vision statement.

Highlighting Japanese art, cuisine, design, entertainment, fashion, technology and more from Japan, the space caters to tourists from around the world who visit Los Angeles' iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame and Hollywood & Highlands many attractions.

To give you a taste, CPD 360 is pleased to share what it's like to be one of the first viewers to attend this tourist-friendly space for public diplomacy.

Let's head inside:

(Tip: Click and drag to view in all directions. In each 360° photo, click red icons to learn more.)

Hollywood & Highland

The Shop

As you walk through the doors of Japan House Los Angeles, soak in the many curious Japanese-made and -designed pieces, from home goods to fine art. 

The Gallery

After browsing different idiosyncratic products, from paper flower vases to delicate matcha tea accessories, it's time to visit the interactive gallery space. Gallery exhibitions rotate throughout the year.

Japan House Los Angeles' inaugural gallery featured world-renowned fashion designer and artist Kunihiko Morinaga's "Anrealage: A Light Un Light" interactive fashion collection.

As we leave the gallery, it is important to remember the world-famous location where Japan House Los Angeles lives. This spot was chosen to increase engagement with both local Angelenos and visiting tourists from around the world. 

We hope you enjoyed this viewing of Japan House Los Angeles.

Using the hashtag #CPD360, please share your thoughts on the cultural diplomacy and soft power of this unique space nestled in one of Los Angeles' most visited spots.

Produced by Kerry Velez (CPD Student Fellow, MPD '19).