Asia Society to present a global Year of Japan

NEW YORK, TOKYO; JUNE 30, 2023 — Asia Society is pleased to announce a global Year of Japan to examine and celebrate Japan’s rich culture, dynamic economy, and the country’s unique and important role in Asia and in the world. The Year of Japan is a series of cultural, policy, business, and family programs and digital content presented across Asia Society’s 16 locations in the U.S., Asia, Australia, and Europe from July 2023 to June 2024. The initiative will also showcase the growth and impact of Asia Society’s Japan Center, established in 2018 in partnership with the International House of Japan.

Under the theme “Ambitious Reimagination,” the Year of Japan draws on a six decades-long history of engagement between Asia Society and Japan, Asia’s second largest economy, to showcase the country’s economic and cultural power, reimagined diplomacy, and growing strategic role in Asia.

Over the course of the year, Asia Society will deliver over 50 public programs including policy and business discussions, artist talks, films, performances, family events, and programs exploring food, fashion, and contemporary society. The centerpiece of the initiative is the Asia Society Museum exhibition Meiji Modern – 50 Years of New Japan that will be on view in New York from October 3, 2023 through January 7, 2024.

“The Year of Japan builds on Asia Society’s long-standing track-record of programs and partnerships in Japan, dating back to our founding in 1956. This initiative leverages Asia Society’s strengths across arts, culture, policy, and business to offer an extensive and rich calendar of programs focused on Japan at a time when the nation’s role in Asia and the world has never been more critical,” said Asia Society Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Debra Eisenman.

Jesper Koll and Christopher P. Wells, co-chairs of the Year of Japan Committee note, “Japan stands at an inflection point. Ambitious reimagination is now replacing post-bubble resignation. Whether in the economy, in the arts, or on the global stage, Japan’s unique ability to combine resilience and proud commitment to traditions together with pragmatic innovation and curiosity for the new is well worth exploring. Japan has much to offer and is a refreshing source of inspiration for global creators, leaders, and the next generation. By launching the Year of Japan, Asia Society aims to create a portal for the world to discover Japan’s new dynamism.”

Beyond events, the Year of Japan will highlight Asia Society and Asia Society Policy Institute’s ongoing programming and analysis from its fellows in Japan, India, Australia and the U.S., as Japan takes on the mantle of the G7 presidency and its national security strategy and defense policy evolve.

“The Year of Japan is a great opportunity to showcase the past, present, and future of Japan to the world through various lenses. We look forward to working with Asia Society on upcoming programs to promote Japan’s culture, policy, and business,” said Ambassador Mikio Mori, Consul General of Japan in New York.

The Year of Japan starts as the Spotlight on India season comes to a close. From July 2022 to June 2023, Asia Society delivered over 30 events on India’s politics, economy, art, and society presented across our global network and published a number of research papers and reports and audiovisual content, all supported by a year-long social media campaign. A highlight of the Spotlight on India was the opening of the Delhi office of the Asia Society Policy Institute and the appointment of Dr. C. Raja Mohan, one of India’s foremost strategic thinkers, to lead the Policy Institute’s work on India.

Find out more about the Asia Society Year of Japan initiative, events, analysis, and more here.