J-POP SUMMIT 2017 CELEBRATES JAPANESE POP CULTURE THROUGH AN IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE WITH “ARTS, EATS AND INNOVATIONS

The San Francisco Bay Area’s Premiere Japanese Pop Culture Event

Concludes Another Successful Annual Festival Showcasing Live Music,

Pop Art, Sake And Ramen, Travel And Cutting Edge Technology

The J-POP SUMMIT delivered another colorful edition this past weekend with a multifaceted celebration of Japanese pop culture for its 9th annual Festival held in San Francisco. The Festival took place at the expansive Ft. Mason Center for Arts and Culture on the San Francisco Bay.

This year’s theme was ARTS, EATS, and INNOVATIONS and the program delivered a vibrant array of Japanese pop culture genres that featured live music, food and travel attractions, and interactive technology displays and artistic demo opportunities. The Festival was further accented by ramen vendors, sake tasting, and appearances by several celebrity Guests of Honor. Attendance this year topped 20,000.

“The annual J-POP SUMMIT continues to be one of the preeminent platforms for showcasing unique aspects of Japanese pop culture in the United States and we want to thank all of the talented artists, sponsors and people that continue to make this one-of-a-kind event so special,” says Seiji Horibuchi, Chairman of the J-POP SUMMIT Committee. “We look forward to the continued evolution and growth of the J-POP SUMMIT brand and to begin working on the 10th anniversary of the event!”

This year’s artwork featured throughout the festival venue was designed by guest artist Hiroyuki-Mitsume Takahashi, who drew a huge crowd for his digital live painting collaboration with Bay Area local VJ Tim Abad. Other notable live acts on the main stage included BAND-MAID, May’n, Babyraids Japan, Misaki Iwasa, YANAKIKU, Zoomadanke, TOKYO GEGEGAY, Azumi Inoue & Yuyu, Mitz Mangrove and LINQ OG.

J-POP SUMMIT attendees also enjoyed the festival’s inaugural ARTIST PROJECT, a DIY area where one-of-a-kind artwork was created. Participating brands included CHIKAKEN x TAKEKICHI, MAMARACHO, Ukiyo-e Heroes, and s | kubo.

Another iconic performance artist that participated this year was Ken Hamazaki, who presented the Red Tea Ceremony in collaboration with ITO EN, one of Japan’s most popular tea brands, along with the best-selling shochu brand, iichiko USA, and SOU・SOU KYOTO San Francisco, a Kyoto-based apparel brand that features kimono-inspired contemporary designs.

Ramen Summit and Sake Summit
Japanese ramen and sake, as well as the opportunity to “virtually travel to Japan,” were among the highlights from this year’s summit. Now in its second year, the Ramen Summit featured top-rated ramen restaurants based in San Francisco including Nojo Ramen Tavern, Orenchi Beyond, Marufuku Ramen, Hinodeya Ramen & Bar and Yoroshiku, from Seattle. Each ramen booth featured their own unique style of ramen and over the weekend guests enjoyed more than 4,000 ramen bowls. Guests also treated themselves to a variety of popular snacks, drinks of various Japanese food and beverage companies from around the Bay Area and Japan, as well as good eats from local food trucks including JapaCurry, J-Shack, We Sushi and Wapioca.

The Sake Summit featured prominent sake-makers and distributors from Japan and the U.S., where guests were able to enjoy a one-hour tasting of a variety of sakes and whiskeys. Participating brands included Kikusui, Hakutsuru, Ohishi Whisky, Midorikawa,Takara Sake USA, Sasaiwai, and Hatsumago among others. New this year was the Sake Summit Premium – for guests who wanted to go beyond the daytime sake tasting. This Premium event featured an educational lecture by Todd Eng from Sake Brothers, small bites from Shige Sushi, Kemuri Japanese Baru x UZUMAKIYA and Dandelion Chocolate, and a sampling of rare premium bottles of Japanese sake, Okinawa Awamori and rice whisky from Sake Summit sponsors such as SUSHI RAN, Sakenomy, and Ohashi Ryoki. Attendees were also invited to join sake club Kampai Sake Box, a sake subscription and gifting service.

Travel Pavilion
Back after popular demand from last year’s J-POP SUMMT, the Travel Pavilion featured Japankuru’s virtual trip to Japan, “Japanimmersion” where guests were able to dive deep into Japanese culture and “visit” three zones - fusing the past, present, and future. Guests were also able to meet Go-Torch characters and regional mascot characters from multiple cities in Japan, as well as witness traditional dances, tea ceremony demonstrations, practice Japanese calligraphy and play interactive games. The entire Travel Pavilion was a true immersion into Japanese culture.

Interactive Summit
This year’s edition displayed cutting edge Japanese and US technologies collaborating exclusively at J-POP SUMMIT. With the theme of “Open Playground,” J-POP SUMMIT engaged leading corporations, emerging start-ups and J-Pop stars alike by collaborating to bring out the best of the burgeoning worlds of technology and entertainment. Panasonic and Fujitsu engaged in a “tech hug” revolution, where attendees’ whole bodies were transformed into remote controls that could make a jacket light up (A.C.T by Fujitsu) or control IoT objects (hugpathy technology by Panasonic).

At the forefront of gaming novelties, Interactive Summit gave visibility to the growing community of Dendama players led by guest stars Jake Wiens from Kendama USA (US) and Zoomandanke (Japan). The device is a new take on traditional “kendama” game turned into a highly addictive IoT agility game where friends can battle across continents. Panasonic exhibited interactive game “Samurai Battle” by using “Hugpathy,” and NTT Solmare brought their famous dating simulation game series "Shall we date?”

VR and AR was also big this year, as the Festival displayed new ways to showcase and engage virtual worlds. These places with clever, directional vibration patterns were sent to participants’ remote controls (Miraisens’ next generation 3D haptics). Visitors enjoyed the Milky Way galaxy like never before with footage captured in stunning 8k 360° resolution (NHK TV programs). Other technology put the rest of attendees’ bodies to use such as the challenging virtual drone battles (Xooms), AR concert digital graphic effect (Comusumegane by NTT West), and VR professional baseball training (VR sport coaching by NTT Data).. Attendees were also introduced to the modern singing synthesizer, Vocaloid by YAMAHA, which makes a virtual singer sing.

J-POP SUMMIT was a vibrant demonstration of Sci-Fi dreams; introducing products available to every type of consumer. Topology offered custom-made pairs of glasses molded to fit only the wearer’s face (goodbye sore ears!). Atmoph gave visitors the power to turn a bare wall into a vivid window to virtual lavender fields or snowy mountain landscapes at the touch of a button. Sound Table (KAMARQ) rendered audio speakers, weather stations and phone chargers obsolete by incorporating them all into a dining room table, leaving more space to enjoy with friends and family. SoftBank brought Dendama, Sound Table and Atomoph to J-POP SUMMIT as a part of their Future Marketing Unit project to showcase unique start-ups.

NHK WORLD culinary and pop culture personalities will be coming to J-POP SUMMIT 2016

Chef Tatsuo Saito and Yu Hayami of Dining with the Chef

NHK WORLD’s Chef Tatsuo Saito and Show Host Yu Hayami,

Artist/Japanese Pop-Culture Provocateur Sebastian Masuda and

Domobics to Highlight San Francisco’s J-POP SUMMIT 2016

Prominent Japanese Chef, Renowned Kawaii

International Art Director and Domo/Dance Group

Join Annual Festival to Celebrate Japanese Culture

NHK, Japan’s sole independent public broadcaster, will bring NHK WORLD culinary and pop culture personalities to the 8th annual J-POP SUMMIT in San Francisco.

J-POP SUMMIT 2016 takes place Saturday and Sunday, July 23rd and 24th at the historic Fort Mason Center located in San Francisco’s Marina district.

Chef Tatsuo Saito and Yu Hayami of “Dining with the Chef,” Sebastian Masuda, art director of “Kawaii International” and Domo, the official mascot of NHK, who will appear with the J-POP idol group, Tokyo Performance Doll (TPD) to perform on-stage Domobics, will convene in San Francisco to participate in the two-day Japanese pop culture extravaganza. NHK WORLD is the all-English language channel of NHK and is available in Washington, D.C., New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle and Charlotte.

Chef Saito and Yu Hayami, internationally-acclaimed singer and actress with deep passion for food, will introduce “JAPANESE FOOD,” NHK WORLD’s new website launching June 20. The website will include an array of recipes, tutorials, relevant articles and NHK WORLD program information for viewers to experience and try Japanese cooking at home. The duo will also demonstrate cutting technique of raw fish “Sashimi” and vegetables specific to Japanese cuisine preparation on the J-POP SUMMIT main stage. At the NHK WORLD booth #412, they will have a “Chef Saito’s Cook and Chat” show, demonstrating how to prepare an easy-to-make Japanese popular casual dish for U.S. home cooks. Sebastian Masuda is the art director of “Kawaii International,” NHK’s pop culture program that explores everything from Tokyo street fashion to art and design. He will welcome visitors to his “TIME AFTER TIME CAPSULE” workshop, which includes an interactive art installation in the shape of NHK mascot, Domo. Domo will accompany J-POP idol group, Tokyo Performance Doll (TPD) as they make their U.S. debut performing Domobics, a fun, rhythmic dance exercise.

A prominent master of Japanese culinary arts around the world, Chef Tatsuo Saito has served as head chef at the Japanese embassies in Paris and Washington D.C. He also runs a cooking school in Tokyo, works in TV, magazines and on the lecture circuit, and is also a prolific author. In “Dining with the Chef,” Chef Saito takes audiences to the heart of Japanese cuisine through insightful analysis of the culinary techniques used with various ingredients and provides inside instruction on everything from basic to startling professional skills.

Creator of the art project “TIME AFTER TIME CAPSULE” and vanguard of Japan’s Kawaii culture, Sebastian Masuda, art director of “Kawaii International”, is celebrated for his film, theatre and clothing designs. Mr. Masuda speaks internationally at museums and conferences and often discusses the culture of Kawaii and its impact on pop culture in Japan and around the world. At this year’s J-POP SUMMIT, Mr. Masuda’s interactive “TIME AFTER TIME CAPSULE,” in the form of Domo, will be available for fans to insert Kawaii memorabilia into, which will return to Tokyo to be displayed during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

J-POP SUMMIT 2016 announces variety of festival contests

J-POP SUMMIT 2016 ANNOUNCES A FUN VARIETY OF JAPANESE

POP CULTURE INSPIRED SONG AND DANCE CONTESTS

The San Francisco Bay Area’s Premiere Japanese Pop Culture Event

Announces The Return Of J-POP IDOL Karaoke Contest,

Odottemita Dance Contest And Popular Cosplay Masquerade;

First-Ever “J-POP Queen” Drag Contest Also Announced

J-POP SUMMIT 2016, one of the world’s biggest Japanese pop culture events, has detailed a fun and colorful variety of festival contests, open to attendees and set to be hosted and judged by notable festival Guests of Honor.

J-POP SUMMIT 2016 takes place Saturday and Sunday, July 23rd and 24th at the historic Fort Mason Center located in San Francisco’s Marina district. This year, J-POP SUMMIT attendees will be able to experience a vibrant 2-Day celebration of Japanese pop-influenced culture including edgy fashion events, pop art exhibits, live music, interactive showcase and session, accented by ramen vendors, sake-tasting, and additional attractions also highlighted by celebrity Guests of Honor. Full details on 2016 J-POP SUMMIT are available at: www.J-POP.com.

Complementing this year’s dynamic live music program that features some of Japan’s hottest pop, rock and dance artists, J-POP SUMMIT 2016 will deliver a brand new edition of J-POP IDOL, karaoke contest with the support from The Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco. The participants are invited to pay tribute to their favorite Japanese pop stars. This year’s J-POP IDOL will be judged by featured Guest of Honor, pop stars, Silent Siren. The video submission period is from June 3rd to June 15th, and the winner will receive a special gift from Silent Siren, in person. Entry guidelines are available at: www.j-pop.com/j-pop-idol-contest-2016/.

J-POP SUMMIT 2016 is also proud to announce the launch of the festival’s first ever “J-POP Queen” Drag Contest that will feature special celebrity judge and Japanese drag royalty, Mitz Mangrove, and will be hosted by San Francisco’s most sought after gay icon D’Arcy Drollinger. Contestants are invited to empower their inner J-POP Queen and don their most extravagant costumes to compete with lip sync performances based on pop-inspired themes such as kimono, school-girl, cosplay, and Harajuku-looks. The submission period for performance videos runs from June 20th to June 30th. Full contest details and complete entry guidelines are available now at: www.j-pop.com/drag-contest.

Guest of Honor Mitz Mangrove is a celebrated Japanese TV personality and has used her gender fluidity, eloquent speech and powerful personality to help bring gay culture into the mainstream in Japan, smash stereotypes and redefine how it is perceived. Mitz Mangrive made her professional debut as a singer in 2011 through the Nippon Columbia label with the single, “Wakaitte Subarashii.” She is currently also an active member of the choral trio, Hoshikuzu Scat. Mitz Mangrove is also a star and host a variety of TV and radio shows, and has become a familiar face of everyday Japanese entertainment. For additional artist information, please visit: www.j-pop.com/guests/mitz-mangrove.

J-POP SUMMIT 2016 also celebrates the return of the Odottemita Dance Contest, an online dance phenomenon-inspired competition that has been part of the J-POP SUMMIT main stage program since 2011. This year, the competition will take the form of contestant created video submissions, with the pre-selected winners to the stage and perform as part of their prize. The contest will be judged by festival Guest of Honor and featured performers, GARNiDELiA. Join the competition now by submitting a dance video. The winner will receive an exclusive gift from GARNiDELiA in person. Entry guidelines are available at: www.j-pop.com/odottemita-dance-contest-2016/.

Finally, attendees are invited to join in, or simply witness the creativity and colorful spectacle of the JPOP SUMMIT 2016 Cosplay Masquerade, hosted by leading online cosplay community, Coskami. Winners will receive special prizes from JPOP SUMMIT 2016 co-host Coskami. Pre-registration is ongoing at: www.j-pop.com/cosplay-contest-2016/.

Jaoanese pop art illustrator KAORI WAKAMATSU to be a guest of honor at J-POP SUMMIT 2016

J-POP SUMMIT 2016 WELCOMES JAPANESE POP

ART ILLUSTRATOR KAORI WAKAMATSU

AS A GUEST OF HONOR

The San Francisco Bay Area’s Premiere Japanese Pop Culture Event

Presents The Renowned Artist And Illustrator For Her First-Ever U.S.

Professional Appearance As A Special Guest Of Kinokuniya Bookstores

J-POP SUMMIT 2016, one of the world’s biggest Japanese pop culture events, has announced that it will welcome pop art creator – Kaori Wakamatsu – as a Guest of Honor at this year’s festival.

J-POP SUMMIT 2016 will take place Saturday and Sunday, July 23rd and 24th at the historic Fort Mason Center located in San Francisco’s Marina district.

Kaori Wakamatsu is acclaimed for her vivid illustrations highlighted by delicate and stylized imagery and her innovative use of patterns, manga and fashion-esque themes. The artist will make her first-ever U.S. appearance for several exclusive autograph sessions on both days of the J-POP SUMMIT at the Fandom Booth powered by 2016 festival sponsor, Kinokuniya Bookstores.

Passes to attend one of the autograph sessions will be available to the first 200 people that purchase at least $20.00 of Kaori Wakamatsu products or a Kinokuniya Gift Card ($20.00 or more) from the Kinokuniya’s Retail Booth during J-POP SUMMIT. Autograph sessions will take place inside the Fandom Booth by Kinokuniya, located adjacent to main Kinokuniya’s Retail Booth. See more details at http://www.j-pop.com/kaori-wakamatsu-autograph-sessions.

This year, J-POP SUMMIT attendees will be able to experience a vibrant 2-Day celebration of Japanese pop-influenced culture including edgy fashion events, pop art exhibits, live music, a technology summit and display, and interactive activates, accented by ramen vendors, sake-tasting, and additional attractions also highlighted by celebrity Guests of Honor. Full details on 2016 J-POP SUMMIT are available at: www.J-POP.com.

A variety of affordable ticket options and V.I.P packages will give J-POP SUMMIT attendees the maximum amount of flexibility to customize a memorable festival experience. Adult single-day passes start at only $25.00 each; 2-day passes start at only $40.00 each. Ticket details are available at www.J-POP.com/Tickets.

Kaori Wakamatsu began her career as an illustrator in 2002. Her artwork is featured on a variety of consumer products including postcards, calendars, and book covers. The artist uses both traditional and digital tools to create her work and effectively conveys a vivacity that appeals to today’s digital generation while also incorporating delicate and whimsical details. Kaori Wakamatsu has gained widespread notoriety in Japan and also internationally among those interested in Japanese pop art and culture. She says, “When illustrating characters, I try to put the atmosphere and the world around the person into the picture.”

Kaori Wakamatsu’s notable works include the character designs for a popular Japanese social game, “Brilliant Thieves Royale (Kaito Royale).” Her bold and stylish designs have helped the game attract over 10 million players and prompted it to be adapted into a TV series. Wakamatsu also has designed cover illustrations for more than one hundred books across multiple genres including historical novels, detective stories, and youth fiction. In 2014, Kinokuniya bookstores in San Francisco and Seattle featured one of Wakamatsu’s designs on their loyalty cards.

Official Artist Website: www.graffiti-bunny.com
Official Artist Blog: http://gb-blog.seesaa.net.

J-POP SUMMIT 2016 announces advance ticket sales and V.I.P. special packages

Kyary Pamyu Pamyu

J-POP SUMMIT 2016 ANNOUNCES ON SALE

TICKETS AND V.I.P SPECIAL PACKAGES

The San Francisco Bay Area’s Premiere Japanese Pop Culture Event Announces

Advance Tickets Including Kyary Pamyu Pamyu Opening Night Bundles;

1-Day & 2-Day Festival Passes; Artist Meet & Greet Packages

J-POP SUMMIT 2016, one of the world’s biggest Japanese pop culture events, has announced advance tickets for this year’s 3-day festival will go on sale today, Friday, May 6th at 12pm (PST) at: www.J-POP.com.

J-POP SUMMIT 2016 commences with, “Kyary Pamyu Pamyu LIVE at J-POP SUMMIT OPENING NIGHT - KPP 5iVE YEARS MONSTER WORLD TOUR 2016 in San Francisco,” on Friday, July 22nd at The Regency Ballroom in San Francisco, CA.

J-POP SUMMIT 2016 continues Saturday and Sunday, July 23rd and 24th at the historic Fort Mason Center located in San Francisco’s Marina district. Attendees will experience a vibrant celebration of Japanese pop-influenced culture including edgy fashion shows, pop art, live music, technology exhibits and interactive activates, accented by ramen vendors, sake-tasting, and additional attractions highlighted by celebrity Guests of Honor.

A variety of affordable ticket options and V.I.P packages will give attendees the maximum amount of flexibility to customize a memorable J-POP SUMMIT 2016 experience.

This year, packages will be available offering ticket options to attend the Kyary Pamyu Pamyu OPENING NIGHT concert as well as multi-day V.I.P. options for Fort Mason.

Standard J-POP SUMMIT 2016 (Ft. Mason-only) 1-Day, 2-Day, and Kid’s Passes (ages 6-12) also will be offered. Adult single-day passes start at only $25.00 each; 2-day passes start at only $40.00 each. Ticket details can be found at www.J-POP.com/Tickets.

Visit www.J-POP.com for festival programming information and secure online advance purchase and a complete listing of all the available J-POP SUMMIT 2016 ticket packages.

About J-POP SUMMIT J-POP SUMMIT is one of the world’s biggest Japanese pop culture events, held every summer in San Francisco, CA. By introducing the latest in Japanese music, fashion, film, art, games, tech-innovations, anime, food, as well as niche subcultures, the festival has become a landing platform for new trends from Japan.

Official website: www.j-pop.com
Official YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/JPOPSUMMIT/featured

J-POP SUMMIT 2016 announces first line-up of concert and muscial artists

J-POP SUMMIT 2016 ANNOUNCES FIRST LINE-UP

OF LIVE CONCERT AND MUSICAL ARTISTS SET

TO PERFORM AT THIS SUMMER’S FESTIVAL

The San Francisco Bay Area’s Premiere Japanese Pop Culture Event

Announces Exciting Slate Of Top Japanese Pop/Rock/Electronica/Dance

Artists To Play at Fort Mason Center This Summer

J-POP SUMMIT 2016, one of the world’s biggest Japanese pop culture events, has announced an exciting and diverse first line-up of music artists set to perform this year. This summer’s festival will be highlighted by an exciting 3-day slate of live music from a wide range of top Japanese pop idol, ani-pop (anime pop), electronica, and rock artists that will complement an extensive roster of attractions, participants and exhibits, and other live programming. Tickets will go on sale on Friday, May 6th at: www.J-POP.com.

J-POP SUMMIT 2016 starts with “Kyary Pamyu Pamyu LIVE at J-POP SUMMIT OPENING NIGHT - KPP 5iVE YEARS MONSTER WORLD TOUR 2016 in San Francisco” on Friday, July 22nd at The Regency Ballroom. Other musical guests to perform at J-POP LIVE concert on Saturday and Sunday July 23rd and 24th at Fort Mason Center include electronic dance group, WORLD ORDER, all-female pop rock band, Silent Siren, pop house unit, Wednesday Campanella, and ani-pop duo, GARNiDELiA. Additional live artists and specific set times will be announced soon.

About WORLD ORDER
WORLD ORDER is an electronic dance performance group produced by Genki Sudo, the legendary mixed martial arts fighter. The group is known globally for its pop and sensitive dance music and the choreographed performances that feature tightly syncopated movements by suited members. Their monotonous black suits and eerie, robot-like movements are deliberate and prompt the audience to reflect on contemporary society, working styles, global culture, and images of modern Japan. From its inception, WORLD ORDER aimed to become a globally known group and has gained widespread support in Asia, North and South America, and EU countries.
Official artist web site: http://worldorder.jp
YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/user/crnaviofficial.

About SILENT SIREN
Silent Siren is a 4 piece all-female band formed by Su (Sumire Yoshida on vocals and guitar), Hinachu (Hinako Umemura on drums), Ainyan (Aina Yamauchi on bass), and Yukarun (Yukako Kurosaka on keyboards). Silent Siren held its first overseas concert in Hong Kong in 2014. Since then, they have actively performed overseas. An Asian tour in 2015 saw the group perform 20 shows in over 16 cities, and a solo concert in Jakarta, Indonesia was celebrated by over 2,000 local fans. Silent Siren made history as being the first all-female band to perform a solo concert at Nippon Budokan the legendary hall for singers in Japan. All of their 12 singles and albums after their 3rd album have been ranked in the Top 10 in the national music charts.
Official artist web site: http://silent-siren.com/en

About WEDNESDAY CAMPANELLA
Wednesday Campanella is a pop house unit that delivers a mixture of house, techno, and trance style music. The unit is formed by Kom I (front man), Kenmochi Hidefumi (composer), and Dir.F (all the rest). Of the three, Kom I will be the only one to perform at the J-POP SUMMIT this year. The group is recognized for its comical and sensational music videos and for the singer’s very unique personality. The group’s recent activity includes release of the album, “Zipangu” based on a concept of traveling around Eurasia and looking back to Japan from overseas. Wednesday Campanella has performed major music festivals such as South by Southwest 2016, Summer Sonic 2015, Rising Sun Rock Festival 2015, and the Rock in Japan Festival 2015.
Official artist web site: www.wed-camp.com
YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/user/wedcamp

About GARNiDELiA
GARNiDELiA is a Japanese ani-pop duo consisting of vocalist, MARiA, and composer, toku. Their first major single, “ambiguous” was used as the opening theme of the anime series, Kill la Kill. Many of the duo’s subsequent singles have been used in popular anime series such as The Irregular at Magic High School, Gundam, Reconguista in G, Linkage Ring, and Gunslinger Stratos. GARNiDELiA actively performs both inside and outside of Japan. Their recent global activity includes performances in Anime Festival Asia 2014 Indonesia, Anime Festival Asia 2014 Singapore, SakuraCon in the U.S., Anison Dream Stage 2015 in Hong Kong, and SMASH in Australia. The duo is on their way to becoming one of the hottest ani-song units in recent years.
Official artist web site: www.garnidelia.com
YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/user/GARNiDELiAVEVO

About J-POP SUMMIT
J-POP SUMMIT is one of the world’s biggest Japanese pop culture events, held every summer in San Francisco, CA. By introducing the latest in Japanese music, fashion, film, art, games, tech-innovations, anime, food, as well as niche subcultures, the festival has become a landing platform for new trends from Japan.
Official website: www.j-pop.com
Official YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/JPOPSUMMIT/featured

Japan's Pop Princess KYARY PAMYU PAMYU to kick off J-Pop Summit 2016

J-POP SUMMIT 2016 ANNOUNCES OPENING

NIGHT LIVE CONCERT WITH JAPAN’S POP

PRINCESS KYARY PAMYU PAMYU

Premiere Japanese Pop Culture Festival Welcomes Return

Of Edgy Pop Singer For Special Live Concert Performance

In San Francisco At The Regency Ballroom For

“KPP 5iVE YEARS MONSTER WORLD TOUR 2016”

J-POP SUMMIT 2016, one of the world’s biggest Japanese pop culture events, proudly presents pop princess -- Kyary Pamyu Pamyu – for a very special live concert performance in San Francisco at the Regency Ballroom on Friday, July 22nd to kick off the weekend-long J-POP festivities.

Tickets will go on sale on Friday, May 6th. KPP Concert Ticket BASIC and PREMIUM packages, along with KPP + J-POP SUMMIT Combo Tickets, will be available for purchase at www.J-POP.com. The Regency Ballroom is located at 1290 Sutter St, San Francisco, CA 94109.

Kyary Pamyu Pamyu is one of Japan’s biggest pop and fashion stars and represents the dynamic fusion of Japanese pop culture, fashion and music.

The singer is currently marking her 5-year anniversary as an artist with an international concert tour “KPP 5iVE YEARS MONSTER WORLD TOUR 2016” supporting the upcoming release of her very first retrospective album, KPP BEST. Kyary Pamyu Pamyu was a headliner at the J-POP SUMMIT 2013 and returns to San Francisco to celebrate her anniversary with fans on Friday, July 22nd at J-POP SUMMIT 2016 Opening Night.

J-POP SUMMIT 2016 continues Saturday and Sunday July 23rd and 24th at the historic Fort Mason Center located in San Francisco’s Marina district. Attendees will experience a colorful assortment of Japanese pop-influenced culture including fashion, pop art, live music and technology, accented by ramen vendors, sake-tasting, and other attractions to be complemented by celebrity Guests of Honor, anime programming, cosplay and karaoke contests, and a wide assortment of vendors and other programming.

Kyary Pamyu Pamyu LIVE at J-POP SUMMIT OPENING NIGHT – KPP 5iVE YEARS MONSTER WORLD TOUR 2016 in San Francisco ticket options include:

*KPP Concert Ticket BASIC • $40 each
Includes general admission at Regency Ballroom

**KPP Concert Ticket PREMIUM • $150 each
Includes general admission at the Regency Ballroom, exclusive meet & greet with Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, and a special gift.

**Both options DO NOT include entrance to the J-POP SUMMIT at Fort Mason.

KPP + J-POP SUMMIT Combo Tickets -- including J-POP SUMMIT 1-day and/or 2-day passes that each include a KPP Concert Ticket BASIC starting from $55 each – will be also available on Friday, May 6th at www.J-POP.com.

Additional news will be coming soon on J-POP SUMMIT tickets, including V.I.P packages, and information on other artists set to perform.

About Kyary Pamyu Pamyu
Born in Tokyo 1993, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu began her career as a model for several Harajuku fashion magazines while she was still in high school. Her unique look and uninhibited, self-expressive personality quickly garnered the attention of Japan’s bustling fashion and music scenes. In 2011, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu released her debut mini-album, MOSHI MOSHI HARAJUKU (Hello, Harajuku) under Warner Music Japan. The music video for its single “PONPONPON,” has been played over 93 million times on YouTube. Her first full-length album, Pamyu Pamyu Revolution, was released 2012. The following year was Nanda Collection, and another release, Pika Pika Fantajin in 2014. Last year, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu released the single, Mondai Girl, which was followed by a Halloween-themed single, Crazy Party Night (Pumpkin no Gyakushu).

In May 2016, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu will release her first retrospective album, KPP BEST, a collection of 23 career-spanning tracks that includes infectious hit singles such as Invader Invader, Kira Kira Killer, Fashion Monster, as well as 5th anniversary song “5iVE YEARS MONSTER”.

About J-POP SUMMIT
J-POP SUMMIT is one of the world’s biggest Japanese pop culture events, held every summer in San Francisco, CA. By introducing the latest in Japanese music, fashion, film, art, games, tech-innovations, anime, food, as well as niche subcultures, the festival has become a landing platform for new trends from Japan.

J-POP SUMMIT to return to Fort Mason Center in July 2016

Photo © David-Toshiyuki

J-POP SUMMIT WILL RETURN TO

HISTORIC FORT MASON CENTER

IN SAN FRANCISCO FOR 2016

The Bay Area’s Premiere Japanese Pop Culture Event

Announces Dates For Summer 2016 Festival At Expansive

New Home In San Francisco’s Historic Marina District

The J-POP SUMMIT Committee, the organization that presents the Japanese pop culture celebration held annually in San Francisco, has announced that the 2016 J-POP SUMMIT will be held at the historic Fort Mason Center, the weekend of Friday, July 22nd thru Sunday, July 24th.

The Bay Area’s popular celebration of Japanese pop culture, music, art, anime, fashion, food, technology, travel and film, marked its evolution into a ticketed event this year, and attracted more than 30,000 people to its first Festival staged at the historic Fort Mason Center in San Francisco’s Marina district earlier this summer. It was also complemented by additional events in Union Square and at the NEW PEOPLE Cinema in Japantown. Full details and images from the 2015 J-POP SUMMIT are featured at: www.J-POP.com.

“As we look ahead to presenting the 8th consecutive J-POP SUMMIT, we will continue to deliver a unique showcase of Japan’s latest pop trends,” says Seiji Horibuchi, Chairman of the J-Pop SUMMIT Festival Committee and the founder of NEW PEOPLE, Inc. “Every year we add new attractions and special events to highlight not only popular current trends but also emerging new aspects of Japanese pop culture. Fort Mason gives us many possibilities for future growth and we look forward to presenting another extraordinary line-up of artists and programming for 2016!”

Held since 2009, the J-POP SUMMIT is a one-of-a-kind, yearly event that has developed a unique festival format to present a diverse array of the latest in pop-influenced culture and artists from Japan. J-POP SUMMIT began as an annual street fair-style outdoor festival held in San Francisco’s Japantown and has drawn as many as 125,000 people in past years. Previous notable J-POP SUMMIT headliners have included Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, May’n, Tadanobu Asano, Takako Tokiwa, Tomomi Itano, Eir Aoi, Gacharic Spin, Tokyo Girls Style, and JAM Project.

About J-POP SUMMIT
The J-POP SUMMIT is an annual Japanese Pop Culture celebration held in San Francisco, CA that features live bands and artists from Japan, pop culture panel discussions, film premieres, fashion shows and events, food and spirits, art, and celebrity appearances. Details on J-POP SUMMIT are available at www.J-POP.com.

Additional events announced for J-POP SUMMIT's "Interactive Pavilion"

2015 J-POP SUMMIT ANNOUNCES

TECH-FOCUSED KEYNOTES, PANELS,

PITCH EVENTS AND “IDEA-THONS”

FOCUSING ON INTERNET OF THINGS (IoT)

AND THE GLOBAL MAKER MOVEMENT

S.F.’s Annual Japanese Pop Festival Adds A First-Of-Its-Kind Showcase

Of Attractions That Showcase How Japanese Innovation Is

Driving Creativity And Linking Technology And Culture

The 2015 J-POP SUMMIT, the Japanese pop culture event held annually in San Francisco, augments its just-announced “Interactive Pavilion,” with a special series of technology-focused keynotes, panel discussions, “idea-thons,” and pitch events focusing on the burgeoning “Maker Movement” and the evolving Internet of Things (IoT) to be led by several notable technology luminaries from San Francisco Bay Area, Silicon Valley, and Japan.

The J-POP SUMMIT “Interactive Pavilion” is a first-of-its-kind showcase of cutting edge Japanese technology, consumer product design and innovation from a diverse range of large, as well as start-up companies, pushing the limits of Japanese technical innovation and development. The 2015 J-POP SUMMIT takes places Saturday and Sunday August 8th & 9th at the historic Fort Mason Center in San Francisco’s Marina district.

Throughout the weekend, J-POP SUMMIT attendees to Fort Mason can enjoy a colorful assortment of Japanese pop-influenced culture, fashion, pop art, live music, technology, and travel attractions that will be complemented by celebrity Guests of Honor, Panels, Music live concert, and a wide assortment of vendors and other programming. Tickets and V.I.P Passes are available now at: www.J-POP.com.

J-POP SUMMIT Interactive Pavilion Keynote & Panel Discussion

An Interactive Technologies Keynote will be delivered by one of the world's leading digital creators, Kaoru Sugano, on Sunday, August 9th on the Fort Mason Main Stage. The Creative Director of Dentsu Inc. will speak on how pop culture and technology are driving the creation of digital content. Through case studies of past projects such as Sound of Honda - Ayrton Senna 1989, which won the Grand Prix at Cannes Lions Titanium and Grand Prize at the Japan Media Arts Festival. The film features legendary Formula One driver Ayrton Senna driving through a dazzling environment of digital light and sound. Mr. Sugano will show how he utilizes data that is undetectable to the naked eye to create revolutionary emotional productions with lasting emotional resonance.

The Interactive Technologies Panel Discussion will take place on Sunday, August 9th on the Fort Mason Main Stage and will focus on “Manufacturing That Links Tech & Culture -- The Future of the "Maker Movement." This panel will examine the transition from mass production to an age of individual manufacturing, and what that means for the tech world. With the emerging "Maker Culture" as a theme, the J-POP SUMMIT presents this session specially focused on the maker movement.

J-POP SUMMIT Interactive Pavilion Technology Forum

The 2015 J-POP SUMMIT “Interactive Pavilion” also presents a special Interactive Technology Forum, to take place on Saturday and Sunday, August 8th & 9th at the Firehouse, located adjacent to the Fort Mason Festival Pavilion. As part of this event, a pair of “Idea-thons” and a technology “pitch event” will focus on the theme of the "Internet of Things” (IoT).

J-POP SUMMIT IoT Idea-thon Vol. 1: "Build-Up Smart Home with MESH!"
With the spread of Nest and Smartthings, there has been a surge of interest in smart homes being built around Silicon Valley. This Idea-thon will offer attendees a glimpse into a new type of IoT x DIY construction using MESH and a cardboard building kit to build a prototype design of a smart house.”

J-POP SUMMIT IoT Idea-thon Vol. 2: "Hack the Data with Yamaha Motor and more!"
With the growing popularity of activity tracking using technology like FitBit, Apple Watch and other devices that collect environmental data from sensors attached to homes and cars, a fast emerging topic is how to utilize all the acquired information. How will the world change when this data can be used to highlight areas of daily human life that were previously overlooked? This will be an IoT x Data Idea-thon debating the truel nature of IoT.

J-POP SUMMIT Interactive Pavilion Technology Pitch Contest

The 2015 J-POP SUMMIT “Interactive Pavilion” presents a Japanese-American start-up pitch contest “POP Tech Pitch / Innovation Weekend SF x Japan X” co-sponsored by SunBridge Global Ventures, Inc. and the Women's Startup Lab that will take place Saturday, August 8th at the Firehouse.

Startups and entrepreneurs using premier technologies from Japan and America will gather to present a variety of innovative business plans. Judges will include a panel of technology investors and business accelerators active in various markets. The contest winner and runner-up will be awarded a trip to Japan and pitch at the ’Innovation Weekend Grand Finale’ in Tokyo at the end of the year along with other winners from all over the world.

About The "Interactive Pavilion"
Emphasizing 3 distinct categories, the “Interactive Pavilion,” is presented with support and cooperation from the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) San Francisco Office and presents a dynamic array of technology and interactive product exhibits from 21 companies highlighting a diverse range of large, as well as start-up companies, pushing the limits of Japanese technical innovation and development. "HOME,” focusing on individuals and families; "WORK,” focusing on the office lifestyle; "MOBILITY,” focusing on links between home-life and office-life.

2015 JAPAN FILM FESTIVAL OF SAN FRANCISCO announces film lineups

 2015 JAPAN FILM FESTIVAL OF SAN FRANCISCO ANNOUNCES

FILM LINEUPS FOR THE J-POP SUMMIT WEEKEND

The Bay Area’s Only Dedicated Japanese Film Festival Complements

The 2015 J-POP SUMMIT With Premiere Screenings And Special

Guest Appearances At NEW PEOPLE CINEMA;

Additional Films To Be Announced Shortly

The 2015 Japan Film Festival of San Francisco (JFFSF), the first and only fully-dedicated Japanese film celebration for the S.F. Bay Area, has announced an exciting schedule of screenings and special guest appearances taking place during the weekend of the 2015 J-POP SUMMIT.

Opening in conjunction with the 2015 J-POP SUMMIT on Saturday, August 8th and running thru Sunday, August 16th, the 2015 Japan Film Festival of San Francisco will take place at the NEW PEOPLE Cinema, located inside the NEW PEOPLE entertainment complex in Japantown at 1746 Post St., San Francisco, CA 94115 (www.newpeoplecinema.com). Tickets to individual screenings are $13.00 each, unless otherwise noted. Film summaries, trailers, screening times and advance tickets are available at www.JFFSF.org.

The 2015 Japan Film Festival of San Francisco proudly presents more than 25 celebrated films, many premiering in the U.S. for the first time, showcasing a wide range of Japanese cinema, including live-action, anime, short film, and documentary titles across a range of genres such as action, science fiction, historical drama, crime drama, coming-of-age, and romantic mystery.

Special guests for the 2015 Japan Film Festival of San Francisco will include acclaimed Japanese actor Tadanobu Asano, who is widely known for roles in movies such as Ichi the Killer, Zatoichi, Thor, 46 Ronin, and Battleship, as well as one of Japan’s top anime directors, Koji Morimoto, who is a founder of renowned Studio 4℃ and known for works such as Animatrix and Genius Party Beyond.

A special Opening Night Event on Friday August 7th at The Castro Theatre kicks off the 2015 J-POP SUMMIT and Japan Film Festival of S.F. with a special 35mm presentation of director Sogo Ishii’s Electric Dragon 80000V, a rollicking comic-book style action film that stars top Japanese actor Tadanobu Asano.

The evening will be highlighted by a personal appearance by actor Tadanobu Asano, who will introduce the film and participate in an audience Q&A, as well as a live DJ set collaboration by one of Japan’s legendary techno DJ and producer, Ken Ishii, along with Japan’s top anime director Koji Morimoto. Advance tickets to the 2015 J-POP SUMMIT/JFFSF Opening Night Event at the Castro Theatre are available now for $25.00 each from http://jpop2015.brownpapertickets.com.

The 2015 J-POP SUMMIT takes place Saturday and Sunday August 8th & 9th at the historic Fort Mason Center in San Francisco’s Marina district. Tickets and V.I.P Passes to the 2015 J-POP SUMMIT are available now at www.J-POP.com. Throughout the weekend, attendees can enjoy a colorful assortment of Japanese pop-influenced culture, fashion, pop art, live music, technology and travel that will be complemented by celebrity Guests of Honor, anime programming, cosplay and pop idol contests, and a wide assortment of vendors and other programming.

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 entertaining events. www.newpeoplecinema.com.

1000 Treasure Hunters outdoor puzzle solving attraction will return for the 2015 J-POP SUMMIT in August

1000 Treasure Hunters players at the 2014 J-POP SUMMIT.

2015 J-POP SUMMIT TO PRESENT A NEW EDITION

OF 1000 TREASURE HUNTERS BY SCRAP

Ingenious Outdoor Scavenger Hunt/Puzzle Game Returns For The Bay

Area’s Biggest Japanese Pop Culture Celebration With A New Edition

The 2015 J-POP SUMMIT, the Japanese pop culture celebration held annually in San Francisco, is proud to partner once again with SCRAP Entertainment to present – 1000 Treasure Hunters 2015 – a brand new incarnation of the popular outdoor mass puzzle solving attraction that will make its North American debut at the Festival. SCRAP is the Kyoto-based creative company that also developed the Real Escape Game which has become an international phenomenon.

The 2015 J-POP SUMMIT will take place Saturday and Sunday August 8th & 9th at the historic Fort Mason Center in San Francisco’s Marina district. This year, the Festival begins with an Opening Night Premiere Screening event on Friday August 7th at The Castro Theatre, presented in partnership with the 2015 Japan Film Festival of San Francisco. Tickets and V.I.P Passes to the 2015 J-POP SUMMIT are available now at: www.J-POP.com.

Throughout the weekend, attendees can enjoy a colorful assortment of Japanese pop-influenced culture, fashion, pop art, live music, technology and travel that will be complemented by celebrity Guests of Honor, anime programming, cosplay and pop idol contests, and a wide assortment of vendors and other programming.

The 1000 Treasure Hunters first debuted at the 2013 J-POP SUMMIT and quickly became festival favorite. Advanced tickets to 1000 Treasure Hunters 2015 go on sale on Tuesday, June 9th through Friday, August 7th for $30.00 each at: http://realescapegame.com/1000TH2015/; Day-of tickets purchased at J-POP SUMMIT will be $35.00 each. Each ticket also includes admission to 2015 J-POP SUMMIT at Fort Mason (limited to the day of participation in the game).

Legions of players of all ages are invited to take part in a unique interactive puzzle hunt and search for dozens of clues and puzzles ingeniously hidden throughout the Fort Mason Festival Pavilion grounds. Players begin at check-in with the J-POP SUMMIT Registration Reception Team, located at the entrance of the Festival, any time between 11:00am and 5:00pm during each day of the Festival. Players must bring a valid photo ID and their printed ticket with barcode or downloaded to a smartphone to pick up game materials.

Players will receive a “kit” containing clues, hints, and a detailed map of the Fort Mason Pavilion that will become the “game area.” This treasure hunt is not a “race to victory game.’ There is no time limit. No special skills are needed, just astute cognition skills and a keen sense of logic. Players should keep their eyes peeled because clues can be anywhere, in plain sight or hidden, both outdoors across the entire J-POP Summit Festival grounds. Players may work individually or in teams. As each clue is solved, players/teams will move on to the next location where the ongoing mystery leads. Game play runs between 2-4 hours depending on players/teams. A solution debriefing session and lottery to recognize the grand winner will be held on Sunday, August 9th as the last event of daytime program on the J-POP SUMMIT Fort Mason Stage.

“The Real Escape Game and 1000 Treasure Hunters both made their U.S. debuts at J-POP SUMMIT and at the NEW PEOPLE venue in Japantown, which continues to host the Real Escape Game attraction,” says Seiji Horibuchi, Chairman of J-POP SUMMIT and Founder of NEW PEOPLE. “These games have thrilled, stumped and captivated thousands of players and drawn wide acclaim for their ingenuity. We look forward to new as well as veteran fans of 1000 Treasure Hunters joining us at J-POP SUMMIT for the fun of the latest edition.”

Tickets for the 2015 J-POP SUMMIT are now on sale

Eir Aoi

 FIRST OFFICIAL GUESTS OF HONOR ANNOUNCED

General Admission And V.I.P. Passes To The Bay Area’s Premiere

Japanese Pop Culture Event At Fort Mason Are Available -

Pop Singer Eir Aoi And All-Girl Rock Band Gacharic Spin To Perform

The J-POP SUMMIT, the Japanese pop culture celebration held annually in San Francisco, has announced that tickets to attend the 2015 edition of the festival are now available. General admission as well as V.I.P. passes are now available.

The 2015 J-POP SUMMIT will begin with an Opening Night Premiere Screening event on Friday August 7th at The Castro Theatre, and also take place Saturday and Sunday August 8th and 9th at the historic Fort Mason Center in San Francisco’s Marina district. Additional details are available at: www.J-POP.com.

The 2015 J-POP SUMMIT also announces its first two Guests of Honor – pop singer Eir Aoi and the all-girl rock band Gacharic Spin. Both artists will perform live for fans and attendees on the Fort Mason Center main stage.

Passes for 2015 J-POP SUMMIT are available at: http://www.j-pop.com/#tile_registration_anchor

ONE DAY J-POP SUMMIT PASS: FORT MASON: Includes One-Day access to J-POP SUMMIT at Fort Mason Center either on Saturday, 8/8 or Sunday, 8/9.
Early Bird: $20.00 Advance: $25.00 At The Door $30.00
(Early bird pricing is available until 6/30)

WEEKEND J-POP SUMMIT PASS: FORT MASON: Includes full Two-Day access to J-POP SUMMIT at Fort Mason Center on both Saturday, 8/8 and Sunday, 8/9.
Early Bird: $35.00 Advance: $40.00 At The Door $45.00
(Early bird pricing is available until 6/30)

KIDS WEEKEND PASS: FORT MASON: Includes Full Two-day access to J-POP SUMMIT at Fort Mason Center on both Saturday, 8/8 and Sunday, 8/9.
Ages 6-12: $15.00 Ages 0-5: FREE *No One-day Pass for kids.

V.I.P. J-POP SUMMIT PASS: FORT MASON: Includes Full Two-day access to J-POP SUMMIT at Fort Mason Center on both on Saturday, 8/8 and Sunday, 8/9.
Early Bird: $90.00 Advance: $100.00
(Early bird pricing is available until 6/30)

J-POP SUMMIT V.I.P Passes include: A ticket to the Opening Special Premiere Event at The Castro Theatre on Friday, 8/7; a Weekend Pass to Fort Mason Center for Saturday, 8/8 & Sunday 8/9; Access to Priority Line to the film screenings at the Japan Film Festival of San Francisco at NEW PEOPLE Cinema from Sat. 8/8 to Sun. 8/16 (NOTE: Film tickets are NOT included, sold separately); Access to Priority Line to SAKE SUMMIT at UNION SQUARE on Sat. 8/8 and Sun. 8/9. (NOTE: Admission to SAKE SUMMIT is NOT included, sold separately); Access to VIP Check-In at The Castro Theatre and Fort Mason Center; Access to premium viewing areas at the Fort Mason Center Stage; Exclusive J-POP SUMMIT Gift Bag.

The 2015 J-POP SUMMIT is proud to announce pop singer Eir Aoi and the all-girl rock band Gacharic Spin as its first two featured performers and official Guests of Honor. Both artists’ appearances are made possible with the support of PROMIC (Foundation for Promotion of Music Industry and Culture) and RAIJ (Recording Industry Association of Japan).

Pop singer Eir Aoi is widely known for performing the theme songs to a variety of popular anime series including Fate/Zero, Sword Art Online and Kill la Kill. She has released 3 full albums since her debut in 2012. In Japan, Eir Aoi is signed to SME Records (Sony Music Entertainment). Additional artist information is available at: http://www.j-pop.com/eir-aoi.

Gacharic Spin

The 2015 J-POP SUMMIT also welcomes Gacharic Spin, one of the strongest, most aggressive, most flamboyant, all-female bands from Japan. Gacharic Spin has performed in the U.S., Korea, China, Hong Kong, France and Luxemburg and will make their first-ever San Francisco appearance at the 2015 J-POP SUMMIT. Additional information on Gacharic Spin is available at: http://www.j-pop.com/gacharic-spin.

“We are extremely honored to kick off our music programming for the 2015 J-POP SUMMIT by announcing Eir Aoi and Gacharic Spin,” says Takeshi Yoshida, Executive Producer of the J-POP SUMMIT. “With the assistance and support of the Japanese Foundation for Promotion of Music Industry and Culture and the Recording Industry Association of Japan we look forward to presenting a dynamic roster of top pop and rock artists that showcase the tremendous music scene happening in Japan. Spreading the fun and excitement of Japanese pop culture, fashion, film and music has always been the mission of the J-POP SUMMIT and we will make this summer event one that people won’t soon forget!”

Dates for 2015 J-POP SUMMIT Festival in S.F. announced

Ayumi Seto (center) at 2014 J-POP SUMMIT Festival

 J-POP SUMMIT ANNOUNCES DATES FOR 2015

FESTIVAL THAT WILL OFFER A WIDER ARRAY

OF JAPANESE POP CULTURE ATTRACTIONS

The Bay Area’s Premiere Japanese Pop Culture Event Moves To Historic

Fort Mason And Transitions To A Ticketed Event Offering An Even Wider

Variety Of Japanese Film, Food, Fashion, Music And Entertainment

The J-POP SUMMIT, the Japanese pop culture celebration held annually in San Francisco since 2009, has announced that its 7th annual event will take place Friday, August 7th through Sunday, August 9th.

The 2015 J-POP SUMMIT kicks off on Friday, August 7th with a very special Friday night premiere event at the historic Castro Theatre in association with the 2015 Japan Film Festival of San Francisco.

This year, the popular Bay Area annual celebration of Japanese pop culture, music, art, anime, fashion, and film moves from Japantown, where it has been held since 2009, to the historic Fort Mason Center in San Francisco’s Marina district.

The J-POP SUMMIT also transitions to become a ticketed attraction this year. Tickets will go on-sale on April 10th. Details and information on featured performers and events will be posted at www.J-POP.com.

Returning as part of the 2015 J-POP SUMMIT will be the 3rd annual Japan Film Festival of San Francisco, the only dedicated Japanese film festival held in the Bay Area. The week-long series of live-action and anime film theatrical premieres will be highlighted by special personal appearances by a variety of prominent Japanese directors and actors and kicks off on Friday August 7th with a special opening night premiere event co-presented by J-POP SUMMIT at San Francisco’s landmark Castro Theatre. The 2015 Japan Film Festival of San Francisco then runs at the NEW PEOPLE Cinema, located inside the NEW PEOPLE venue on Post St. in Japantown, from Saturday August 8th until Sunday August 16th. Tickets and additional information will be available at www.JFFSF.org.

Notable new and returning fan-favorite events for the 2015 J-POP Summit will include:

LIVE MUSIC: Savor a diverse roster of some of Japan’s hottest pop and rock acts LIVE on-stage in special concert performances. This year, an expanded program of artists will perform live on the J-POP SUMMIT indoor stage at Fort Mason. Exclusive autograph and meet-and-greet sessions are also planned. Announcements of featured performers coming very soon!

FASHION: Straight from the streets of Tokyo come the newest and most cutting edge looks by an array of the latest designers. Catch fashion shows and fun contests by Japan’s hottest brands. Also browse a wide variety of products and exclusive designs for sale from many featured Japanese fashion labels. Look for news on the roster of fashion events and featured brands in coming weeks!

FILM PREMIERES: The 2015 Japan Film Festival of San Francisco will host its opening night premiere event at San Francisco’s celebrated Castro Theatre. Together with NEW PEOPLE Cinema, the Bay Area’s preeminent Japanese film festival will host screenings and receptions featuring popular Japanese actors and directors from Japan’s latest live-action film and anime releases.

INTERACTIVE TECHNOLOGY: The 2015 J-POP SUMMIT is pleased to present the Bay Area’s very first Japanese IT and Technology-focused showcase event with exhibition, panels and keynote talks. As a trend-setting center of the consumer technology world, San Francisco is the perfect venue to present a variety of pioneers and luminaries at the J-POP SUMMIT including hardware and software, arts and sciences, and entertainment and gaming companies.

TRAVEL: A unique and informative pavilion offers the many sides of Japan to potential travelers. A variety of pop-focused companies will also showcase aspects not normally seen or accessible in traditional tours but of keen interest to many J-POP SUMMIT attendees.

SAKE & JAPANESE FOOD: Let sake flow!! The Sake tasting events that have occurred at previous J-POP SUMMITS transform into the first-ever SAKE SUMMIT, an even larger-scale and more comprehensive event! The 2015 J-POP SUMMIT joins forces with a variety of major sake brands of Japan as well as key players in the sake business in the Bay Area: from distilleries, distributors to retailers. This event will help promote Japanese sake culture to a larger audience and entice more Americans to enjoy Japan’s national spirit. More information will be released in coming weeks!

MANGA & ANIME: Catch insightful discussions and autograph sessions led by a vanguard of Japan’s renowned manga and anime creators. Fans also can atch a wide variety of anime titles at the 2015 Japan Film Festival of San Francisco, which will take place at the NEW PEOPLE Cinema in Japantown.

POP ART: Take in several Japanese pop art exhibitions that accent the 2015 J-POP SUMMIT. Featured live performance art and other exhibits, as well as autograph sessions by world- renowned artists, will be presented as well as vendors offering handmade arts and crafts.

“The J-POP SUMMIT has expanded substantially every year since our very first event in 2009 and it has become an important annual showcase for the latest trends in Japanese popular culture,” says Seiji Horibuchi, Chairman of the J-Pop SUMMIT Committee and the founder of NEW PEOPLE, Inc. “This year’s move to Fort Mason and the transition to a ticketed event is the next stage in the evolution of the J-POP SUMMIT and it will allow us to develop and present an even higher caliber of attractions and featured performers. Fort Mason’s expansive festival grounds also will provide for increased secure parking, better show management, and an even higher quality experience for attendees. We look forward to announcing this year’s roster of artists, performers and unique attractions over the coming weeks!”

2014 J-POP SUMMIT Festival set new attendance record

 2014 J-POP SUMMIT FESTIVAL SET NEW ATTENDANCE RECORD WITH

MASSIVE WEEKEND CELEBRATION OF JAPANESE POP CUTURE

S.F.’s Annual Japanese Pop Culture Extravaganza Attracts Huge

Crowds For Music, Anime, Film, Fashion And Ramen

The 2014 J-POP SUMMIT Festival, San Francisco’s premiere celebration of Japanese pop culture, music, fashion, games, art, food and film, broke all previous attendance records during its recent 6th annual weekend-long event. More than 120,000 people attended the two-day Festival that took place across the city’s Japantown on July 19th and 20th.

The second annual J-POP Live at Union Square concert took place on the evening of Saturday, July 19th and attracted nearly 5,000 people who filled the iconic downtown plaza and surrounding vantage points to enthusiastically welcome an array of headlining live musical performers from Japan.

The 2014 J-POP SUMMIT also kicked off the second annual Japan Film Festival of San Francisco, which ran thru Sunday, July 27th at the NEW PEOPLE Cinema, located at 1746 Post St in Japantown.

The 2014 J-POP SUMMIT presented several top Japanese artists that made their U.S. debut including pop stars and Guests of Honor former AKB48 memeber, Tomomi Itano, May’n, Una and the teen idol group, Tokyo Girls’ Style, as well as crowd favorite Kimono Cosplay pop singing duo, Yanakiku, Japanese-American pop singer Kylee, and the return of human beat box phenomenon, DAICHI. Japanese actor and star of Itazura Na Kiss, Yûki Furukawa, also appeared in-person to introduce the U.S. theatrical debut of his new film at NEW PEOPLE Cinema, "wo ai ni” (I love you) in TOKYO, as well as director Mitsutoshi Tanaka who appeared for the premiere of his new historical biopic, Ask This of Rikyu.

In addition to Japantown appearances by all of these artists, fans were treated to some J-flavored punk and alternative music from the Akabane Vulgars on Strong Bypass and Pinky Doodle Poodle, who were notably introduced on-stage by Robby Takac of The Goo Goo Dolls.

Kawaii-themed fashion programming was presented in partnership with ASOBISYSTEM and gave attendees and fashionistas kinetic live appearances by iconic Harajuku models Misa Kimura, Akira, Una and Ayumi Seto, who launched her new, “Aymmy in the batty girls” apparel line. Fans also were introduced to the sexy pop color explosion of the girls of Black Diamond from Shibuya and an array of other on-stage dance and fashion contests and other programming such as Baby, the Stars Shine Bright Contest, an “ODOTTEMITA” Dance Contest, Cosplay Masquerade, J-POP IDOL Contest and the Japan Discovery Stage.

Kinokuniya Book Stores of America and SEGA® of America welcomed visual artist, KEI, who designed the character of Hatsune Miku, the world’s first virtual pop star, and made his first-ever U.S. appearance to meet Miku fans and sign his art books.

Web-based Japanese cultural channel and sponsor JAPANKURU, taken from an original coined word that implies, “Come to Japan,” showcased the country’s strong influence on pop culture with a colorful JAPANKURU x J-POP SUMMIT Festival 2014 booth that offered attendees unique products unavailable in the U.S. and insights into travel to various parts of Japan.

The POP GOURMET Food Festival also returned to J-POP SUMMIT for its second consecutive year and offered new expanded attractions that included a Sake Tasting area, produced by Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco and hosted by more than a dozen premiere sake brands and brewers, as well as RAMEN Street, and a Japanese Beverage and Bites & Snacks Area hosted in-part by Takara Sake USA, which brought the festival’s official cocktail “J POP,” as well as Sapporo USA, Azuma Foods, Meiji and ITO-EN.

RAMEN Street was a brand new attraction for J-POP SUMMIT this year and was co-presented in cooperation with the Ramen Yokocho Association. The scrumptious event drew tens of thousands who cued in hours-long lines throughout the entire weekend for a taste of authentic hearty, made-from-scratch Japanese ramen from some of the best purveyors of the dish in the world. Many of the local restaurants, merchants and other businesses in the Japantown area also benefited from the massive attendance.

“The record setting attendance for the 2014 J-POP SUMMIT affirms the tremendous popularity that Japanese pop culture has across a truly wide cross section of people of all ages, from all walks of life, and it is a direct result of the support of our sponsors, the City of San Francisco, the Japantown community, and the passion and hard work invested by our Festival staff as well as legions of dedicated volunteers that so generously contributed their time before, during as well as after this year’s event,” says Seiji Horibuchi, J-POP SUMMIT Festival founder and chairman of the J-POP SUMMIT Festival Committee. “Each J-POP SUMMIT strives to present a unique composite of the latest pop culture trends happening in Japan right now. Many of the artists and content that has been featured goes on to become globally popular. As we look forward to 2015, we reflect on lessons learned and also the energy that J-POP SUMMIT has brought to Japantown and the fun and excitement it has given to so many attendees year after year.”

2014 J-POP SUMMIT Festival sponsors included: JAPANKURU, ASOBISYSTEM, TAKARA SAKE USA, SEGA, Biken International, MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON, the Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco, SAPPORO, Ma Chére Cosette?, Crunchyroll, United Airline, Kinokuniya USA, Meiji, Azuma Foods, JVTA, and the Japan Foundation.

Japanese cultural channel JAPANKURU to present special events at 2014 J-POP SUMMIT Festival

 2014 J-POP SUMMIT INVITES ATTENDEES TO

LEARN WHAT AWAITS THEM IN JAPAN WITH

SPECIAL FESTIVAL SPONSOR JAPANKURU

JAPANKURU x J-POP SUMMIT Offers Information On Traveling To

Japan And Highlights A Special Array Of Apparel, Cosmetics, And Pop

Culture Products From Arazou Watanabe, CANMAKE, Kotobukiya And

Manga Series NIJA & JANI About The Japanese Spirit Of Hospitality

The 2014 J-POP SUMMIT Festival, San Francisco’s premiere celebration of Japanese pop culture, music, fashion and film, is proud to partner with web-based Japanese cultural channel JAPANKURU to present JAPANKURU x J-POP SUMMIT Festival 2014, a special way for Festival-goers to learn more about what awaits them in Japan.

The 2014 J-POP SUMMIT Festival will take place across San Francisco’s historic Japantown district over the weekend of Saturday and Sunday, July 19th and 20th. “POP is Our Tradition” is the theme of this year’s event that has become one of the largest events in the United States dedicated to celebrating the many sides of Japanese pop culture and fandom. Attendance in 2013 exceeded 80,000 people. Festival details are available at: www.J-POP.com.

JAPANKURU x J-POP SUMMIT Festival 2014 will also host a display in San Francisco’s downtown Union Square throughout the day (beginning at 11am) on Saturday July 19th and leading up to the FREE J-POP Live at Union Square concert on the evening of Saturday, July 19th at 6:30pm that will present major Japanese pop stars including Tomomi Itano, Tokyo Girls’ Style, Una, DAICHI, May’n and more.

JAPANKURU is an original coined word that implies, “Come to Japan,” and will showcase the strong influence of pop culture with a colorful booth located on Post Street that will be open from 11:00am to 6:00pm on both days of J-POP SUMMIT. It will offer information about traveling to Tokyo and other cities in Japan, including notable sightseeing spots, shopping information, affordable hotels, dining and other valuable information not contained in ordinary guidebooks. Attendees can also hear from JAPANKURU members that have travelled to Japan and share their experiences. Additional information on JAPANKURU is available at: http://cometojapankuru.blogspot.jp/.

JAPANKURU will also offer free samples and product sales of many specialty items that are unavailable in the U.S. from premiere Japanese brands including apparel company, Arazou Watanabe, cosmetics company CANMAKE, and collectable manufacturer and retailer Kotobukiya. JAPANKURU also will present NIJA & JANI, a special manga series created by the Tokyo-based Daimaru Matsuzakaya Department Store and based upon the concept of “OMOTENASHI” or the spirit of hospitality.

TOMOMI ITANO's U.S. concert debut will be at J-POP Summit Festival

2014 J-POP SUMMIT FESTIVAL WELCOMES GUEST

OF HONOR TOMOMI ITANO FOR HER U.S. CONCERT

DEBUT DURING THE BAY AREA’S PREMIERE

JAPANESE POP CULTURE WEEKEND CELEBRATION

Former Member Of Japanese Pop Idol Super Group AKB48

Makes Her First-Ever U.S. Concert Appearance To Launch

Her First Full-Album Release And Will Perform A Special

FREE Concert Set In Union Square and Japantown

The 2014 J-POP SUMMIT Festival, San Francisco’s premiere celebration of Japanese pop culture, music, fashion and film, is proud to present famed pop music superstar Tomomi Itano for her first-ever U.S. performance. Tomomi Itano performs in support of her brand new full-length release, “SxWxAxG,” which was released on July 2nd.

Tomomi Itano will perform at a special FREE J-POP Live at Union Square concert on the evening of Saturday, July 19th at 7:50pm in the city’s downtown Union Square stage, and is also set to perform on the Pagoda Main Stage in Japantown on Sunday, July 20th at 11:00am.

50 VIP guests will be invited to join a special Meet & Greet with Tomomi Itano and each will be given an autographed poster. These lucky guests will be selected at random from fans that purchase VIP PASS A or B by Friday July 11th at 5pm PST (http://www.j-pop.com/2014/vip/). Those selected to join the Meet & Greet will be notified by email. Additional information about Tomomi Itano and her J-POP SUMMIT performances as well as the Meet & Greet are now available at www.j-pop.com/2014/tomomi-itano.

“POP Is Our Tradition” is the theme of this year’s J-POP SUMMIT and will be represented throughout the Festival which takes place across San Francisco’s historic Japantown during the weekend of Saturday and Sunday, July 19th and 20th.

The annual J-POP SUMMIT Festival and Union Square concert are FREE to attend (although certain activities/vendors will require a modest admission fee). J-POP SUMMIT has become one of the largest events in the United States dedicated to showcasing the many sides of Japanese pop culture and fandom. Attendance in 2013 exceeded 80,000 people. Full festival details and updates are available at: www.j-pop.com.

Special VIP Passes, providing optimum viewing for J-POP SUMMIT music concerts on both days, as well a special J-pop gift bag and opportunities to meet the celebrities will give attendees a way to maximize their Festival experience. VIP Pass information and secure online purchase is available at: http://www.j-pop.com/2014/VIP.

“We are delighted to welcome pop superstar Tomomi Itano as an official Guest of Honor for the 2014 J-POP SUMMIT and are very honored to present her exclusive U.S. concert debut in what is sure to be a memorable weekend,” says Seiji Horibuchi, the President/CEO of NEW PEOPLE, Inc. and Chairman of the J-Pop Summit Festival Committee. “This year’s theme, “POP Is Our Tradition,” affirms our dedication to contribute to a legacy of Japanese pop culture that has global impact, and to continue to provide a fun and compelling showcase for Japanese artists and media to reach an international audience. This year’s J-POP SUMMIT is not to be missed!”

About Tomomi Itano:
Born in Kanagawa, Japan in 1991, Tomomi Itano rocketed to fame as a founding member of the Japanese all-girl pop idol super group, AKB48. The group was founded in 2005 and pioneered the concept of a new breed of J-Pop stars with distinct personalities and kinetic live shows. In 2011, while continuing activities as a core member of AKB48, Itano released her first solo single, “Dear J,” followed six months later by her second single, “Fuini,” which topped the Japanese Oricon pop music charts. Since then, she released additional chart topping singles such as, “10nen-go no Kimi e,” “1%,” and “little.” In 2013, Itano officially graduated from AKB48 to focus on her solo career.

Additional Tomomi Itano information is available at:

Official website: TomomiItano.jp (Eng)
Official Community Site: http://teamtomo.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tomomiitano
Twitter: https://twitter.com/tomo_coco73

Fans can also catch Tomomi Itano’s music videos:

Dear J
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WuVNanzKk9k

1%
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VhrJxo-r3AM

Crush
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vICOpj1hY9c

An insightful documentary film, DOCUMENTARY of AKB48 to be continued, is also available in North America and follows the unstoppable Japanese pop idol group and gives audiences a rare glimpse into the girls’ off-stage lives and personalities and charts their massive success and phenomenal popularity. The film was released on DVD in 2011 by NEW PEOPLE Entertainment and is available (Region 1, with English subtitles) at: www.newpeopleent.com/films/documentary-of-akb48.

2014 J-POP SUMMIT Festival General Programming & Key Events

2014 J-POP SUMMIT FESTIVAL RETURNS

TO SAN FRANCISCO NEXT WEEKEND

TO SHOWCASE THE LATEST EDGY

SIDES OF JAPANESE POP CULTURE

Celebrate This Year’s Theme – “POP Is Our Tradition” –

With Special Guest Of Honor, Live Music Concerts,

“KAWAii!!” Fashion Events, Film Premieres, POP

Gourmet & RAMEN Street And Much More!!

The 2014 J-POP SUMMIT Festival, San Francisco’s premiere celebration of Japanese pop culture, music, fashion and film, commences next weekend – Saturday & Sunday, July 19th and 20th – and will be open from 11:00am - 6:00pm on both days across the city’s entire Japantown District.

A special FREE live concert – J-POP LIVE at UNION SQUARE – also will take place in the S.F.’s notable downtown district on the evening of Saturday July 19th. Full Festival details are available at: www.J-POP.com.

The J-POP SUMMIT Festival has become one of the largest events in the United States dedicated to showcasing many diverse sides of Japanese pop culture and fandom. The annual event, which is FREE to attend, presents exciting live concert performances by several top Japanese pop and rock artists, as well as a variety of colorful and edgy “KAWAii!!” fashion events, special theatrical film premieres, POP Gourmet Japanese food and spirits, and a host of other J-Pop-inspired attractions and activities. More than 100 vendors also will complement the Festival on Post Street through the center of Japantown with a wide array of artwork, J-Pop collectables, apparel, and other unique items for sale.

Guests of Honor

The J-POP SUMMIT is proud to welcome several special Guests of Honor for 2014 including pop stars Tomomi Itano (former AKB48), Tokyo Girls’ Style, and May’n, Harajuku fashion models/designers Ayumi Seto, Una, Misa Kimura and Akira, the amazing beat boxer DAICHI, along with artist KEI, who created the iconic character design for the world’s first virtual pop singer Hatsune Miku. The J-POP SUMMIT also joins with the 2014 Japan Film Festival of San Francisco to present Japanese actor Yûki Furukawa (“Mischievous Kiss: Love in Tokyo”) and film director Mitsutoshi Tanaka (“Ask This of Rikyu”) as special Guests of Honor.

Fans and attendees can look forward to appearances by all of the Guests of Honor across a variety of events throughout the weekend. Additionally, several will participate in special meet & greet opportunities as well as audience Q&As, exclusive signings and photograph opportunities.

More information at: http://www.j-pop.com/2014/category/guests.

Live Music

J-POP SUMMIT attendees are invited to catch some of the hottest Japanese pop and rock acts in a series of FREE afternoon concert sets on the Pagoda Main Stage in Japantown’s Peace Plaza as well as at a special FREE open-air live concert, “J-POP LIVE AT UNION SQUARE,” in city’s downtown Union Square on the evening of Saturday, July 19th beginning at 6:30pm.

Music headliners scheduled to perform this year include the U.S. concert debut of famed pop music superstar Tomomi Itano, as well as the popular idol group Tokyo Girls’ Style, which also makes its first-ever U.S. appearance at J-POP SUMMIT. Others set to perform include the amazing beat box vocal skills of DAICHI, a special musical performance by Harajuku fashion model/singer Una, Japanese pop singer Kylee, the U.S. debut of the kimono cosplay idol 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.

Full details on the J-POP LIVE AT UNION SQUARE concert are available at: http://www.j-pop.com/2014/j-pop-live-at-union-square.

Also catch May’n at Slims for a special solo show on Sunday as the closing event of the Festival, on Sunday, July 20th. Details at: http://www.j-pop.com/2014/mayn-at-slims.

Fashion Programming

Festival-goers and fashionistas will not want to miss the return of a variety of “KAWAii!!” themed fashion shows, contests and live performances showcasing edgy new sides of Japanese pop style along with autograph and meet-and-greet opportunities with several of the J-Pop fashion world’s fastest rising stars.

This year’s KAWAii!! events are supported by Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco and presented as the first collaboration with MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON, a new initiative developed by ASOBISYSTEM, a prominent entertainment company based in Harajuku, Tokyo, to promote a wider range of Japanese pop culture on an even bigger, more global level.

Fashion Programming highlights appearances by several of Harajuku’s iconic models and designers including Ayumi Seto, Misa Kimura, Una and Akira. Several of these models will join others from Bay Area to showcase a colorful debut summer collection from Ayumi Seto’s fashion line, “Aymmy in the batty girls.” Many of the same outfits featured in the show will be available to purchase at KAWAii!! Pop-Up Store located inside the NEW PEOPLE building.

The action carries over the Pagoda Main Stage in Peace Plaza where fans are invited to catch solo live sets from Akira, a popular model and singer, as well as Una is a charismatic plenty of danceable groove to J-POP SUMMIT for special concert performances not to be missed!

More fashion programming information at: http://www.j-pop.com/2014/harajuku-kawaii.

Film Premieres & Events

J-POP SUMMIT film programs are presented in conjunction with the 2014 Japan Film Festival of San Francisco (JFFSF), the first and only fully-dedicated Japanese film celebration for the S.F. Bay Area which opens on Saturday, July 19th and runs thru Sunday, July 27th. Screenings take place at the NEW PEOPLE Cinema, located inside the NEW PEOPLE building at 1746 Post St.

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.

POP Gourmet Food, RAMEN STREET & Sake Tasting Attractions

The POP GOURMET Food Festival returns for its second consecutive year to present new expanded attractions including Sake Tasting, RAMEN Street, and a Japanese Beverage and Bites & Snacks Area, along with an array of the Bay Area’s most unique mobile eateries and food trucks.

RAMEN Street is a brand new attraction presented for the very first time at J-POP SUMMIT and will give attendees an appetizing look at Japan’s favorite food. RAMEN Street is organized and co-presented in cooperation with the Ramen Yokocho Association.

Those of legal age are also invited to sample an assortment of some of the world’s preeminent sake brands in a special Sake Tasting Area. Festival sponsor Takara Sake USA will offer a variety of sake and anchor a prominent “J POP” booth in Beverage Area promote its popular sparkling cocktail Takara Can Chu-hi “J POP” as well as present Takara’s Official “J POP” Ambassador, the amazing 23-year-old Japanese human beat-box, DAICHI, in a series of special in-booth performances.

More information at: http://www.j-pop.com/2014/pop-gourmet.

Additional Notable J-POP SUMMIT Attractions

Japan Discovery Stage: Presented by Biken International, J-POP SUMMIT Festival-goers can experience authentic Japanese culture with a wide assortment of traditional Japanese dance, calligraphy performances by Japanese famous calligrapher Rio Haruki, mini-live concerts and much more! J-POP SUMMIT Festival sponsor Biken International creates opportunities for people around the world to enjoy and experience authentic Japanese culture, from contemporary and innovative artworks and performances by artists to the traditional crafts produced by the hands of skilled craftsmen. http://www.j-pop.com/2014/japan-discovery-stage.

Real Escape Game at J-POP SUMMIT: 1000 Treasure Hunters 2014: A brand new outdoor treasure hunt/puzzle solving attraction from the creators of the Real Escape Game that will take place throughout the weekend of J-POP SUMMIT on Saturday and Sunday, July 19th and 20th. Legions of players of all ages are invited to take part in what could become Bay Area’s biggest simultaneous scavenger hunt and search for dozens of clues and puzzles ingeniously hidden throughout Japantown. No special skills or familiarity with Japanese or the Japantown area are needed to play. Tickets available at: http://realescapegame.com/1000th2014.