Half Japanese American writer, editor and lecturer Roland Kelts will appear with acclaimed musicians and writers connected to Japan for The Global Salon: Cities in Japan, an intimate talk and performance at The Greene Space in New York on Jan. 19.
Kelts, who lives half of each year in Tokyo and New York, is the author of Japanamerica: How Japanese Pop Culture Has Invaded the U.S. and writes about contemporary Japan for several publications in the U.S. and Japan. He is a frequent commentator on Japan for National Public Radio and the BBC. (Read a previous interview this Examiner conducted with him here.)
Hosted by WNYC News host Eddie Robinson and presented in cooperation with the Consulate General of Japan, The Global Salon: Cities in Japan presents compelling stories of courage and resiliency in the midst of unprecedented hardships of increased suicidal rates and unemployment, before and after the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. Robinson will engage the audience and esteemed guests through captivating dialogue and enchanting musical themes about the country's economic future, advances in technology, and the preservation of its remarkable culture.
Also scheduled to appear are:
Keiko Matsui, an icon of contemporary jazz. With nearly 1.2 million units sold in the U.S. alone and packed concert halls, she is one of the most recognized artists in the genre. Her elegant piano melodies and gentle jazz grooves have enormous appeal. (Read a previous interview this Examiner conducted with her here.)
Akiko Yano, a Japanese pop singer who has recorded with Pat Metheny, Thomas Dolby, The Chieftains, and the Yellow Magic Orchestra. Her singing style has been compared to contemporary English singer Kate Bush. Yano will collaborate with Matsui in an exclusive duet, together for the first time!
Ian Buruma, a British-Dutch writer and academic who worked as a journalist, and spent much of his early writing career travelling and reporting from all over Asia. He has written such books as God's Dust: A Modern Asian Journey, Behind the Mask and The Wages of Guilt: Memories of War in Germany and Japan.
Yasuhisa Kawamura, Deputy Chief of Mission.
The evening includes a complimentary glass of wine or beer and snacks that honor the country of exploration.
The Global Salon: Cities in Japan will be held at The Greene Space, 44 Charlton Street (between Varick Street and Sixth Avenue) on Thursday, Jan. 19 at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $25. For more information and to purchase, click here.
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