Asia Society Japan

20/04/2026

Can light shape how we experience time, memory, and space?

In this talk, Korean installation artist LIGYUNG explores how light, reflection, and sound become powerful artistic mediums—transforming monumental spaces and inviting us to rethink the boundaries of perception.

She introduces her ambitious trilogy, The Arc of Civilization, spanning from Brussels to the Pyramids of Egypt and Istanbul, and reflects on how global cities—including Tokyo—have shaped her work.

🎥 Watch the full talk:

TOKYO, February 12, 2026 — Korean installation artist Ligyung asks a fundamental question: does light simply illuminate, or does it remember? In this talk, s...

10/04/2026

What will the next phase of U.S. trade policy look like—and how will it reshape the global economy?

Join Wendy Cutler and Robert A. Feldman on April 16 for a timely conversation on tariffs, supply chains, and the future of the U.S.–Japan economic relationship.

In a rapidly shifting landscape, this is one discussion you don’t want to miss.

👉 Register now:

Wendy Cutler and Robert A. Feldman will explore what may lie ahead for U.S. trade strategy—and what it could mean for allies, competitors, and the global trading system.

30/03/2026

The future of U.S. trade policy is at a pivotal moment.

Join us for an in-depth conversation with Wendy Cutler, one of the foremost experts in U.S.–Asia trade relations, as she shares insights from nearly three decades at the U.S. Trade Representative. Moderated by Robert A. Feldman of Morgan Stanley Japan, the discussion will explore the Trump administration’s 2026 trade agenda and its implications for Japan, the Indo-Pacific, and the global economy.

From tariffs and industrial policy to supply chains and strategic partnerships, what lies ahead—and how should businesses and policymakers respond?

🔗 Learn more and register:

Wendy Cutler and Robert A. Feldman will explore what may lie ahead for U.S. trade strategy—and what it could mean for allies, competitors, and the global trading system.

17/02/2026

Culture in Crisis: Why Does So Much Contemporary Culture Feel So Blah?

Does today’s culture feel like an endless stream of reboots and recycled ideas? Join Tokyo-based authors W. David Marx and Roland Nozomu Kelts for a provocative conversation on the past, present, and future of cultural production.

From the bold experimentation of postwar “Ametora” to the algorithm-driven creative economy of today, this event explores what happened to originality—and what might come next.

📅 Learn more and register:
🔗 https://asiasociety.org/japan/events/culture-crisis-why-does-so-much-contemporary-culture-feel-so-blah

03/02/2026

26/01/2026

Are art and science truly separate cultures—or expressions of the same creative force?

In this thought-provoking talk, Dr. Peter Gruss explores how creativity unites scientific discovery and artistic expression. Drawing on neuroscience, music, and the lives of great scientists from Einstein to Heisenberg, he reveals how imagination, pattern recognition, and intuition drive innovation across disciplines.

TOKYO, December 16, 2025 — Are art and science truly separate cultures—or expressions of the same creative force? In this thought-provoking talk, Dr. Peter G...

19/01/2026

Japan produces world-class science, yet its global research impact is slipping. In this timely discussion, leading researchers and policymakers examine why Japan’s share of high-impact papers has fallen—and how bold reforms can reverse the trend.

Speakers include Nicholas Luscombe, professor at Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology; Noriko Watanabe, special advisor to the president of Chiba Institute of Technology; Motoko Kotani, executive vice president for Research at Tohoku University; and Shunichi Kasahara, researcher at Sony Computer Science Laboratories, Inc. Jesper Koll, chair of policy committee at Asia Society Japan, moderates the conversation.

TOKYO, November 26, 2025 — Japan produces world-class science, yet its global research impact is slipping. In this timely discussion, leading researchers and...

13/01/2026

The Board of Trustees of Asia Society announced today that the Honorable Kevin Rudd, Australia’s Ambassador to the United States, will return to lead the Asia Society from its global headquarters in New York on March 31, 2026.

Dr. Rudd will also serve as President of the Asia Society Policy Institute and will assume a leading role with ASPI’s Center for China Analysis, which he established in 2022. He succeeds Kyung-wha Kang, who stepped down as Asia Society President and CEO in October to serve as the Republic of Korea’s top diplomat in the United States. Dr. Rudd will also be actively engaged in ASPI’s Washington office, particularly through the Center for China Analysis, in his ongoing engagement across the U.S. system on China policy.

“We are thrilled that Kevin has accepted the Board’s invitation to lead Asia Society at such a critical moment for the institution, the Asia-Pacific, and the world. He is a true statesman and a visionary leader with peerless experience,” said John L. Thornton and Chan Heng Chee, Co-Chairs, Asia Society Board of Trustees.

“I am honored that the Board has chosen me for this important and impactful role. Asia Society is respected as one of the smartest, leading-edge, and distinguished institutions in the global think tank, artistic, and cultural diplomacy communities and I have been fortunate to have already played a part in its success. I look forward to continuing my work with the truly first-class global staff at Asia Society,” said Dr. Rudd.

Learn more here: https://asiasociety.org/asia-society-announces-appointment-hon-kevin-rudd-president-and-ceo

27/11/2025

What does it take for Japanese founders to build globally competitive companies?

In our latest Startup Nation Japan session, Shun Matsuzaka (TOY EIGHT) and Shozo Kamiya (I’mbesideyou Inc.) share how they’re scaling across Asia and Silicon Valley—shaping early childhood development, AI-powered communication, and the future of Japanese innovation.

Watch the full conversation:
🔗

Tokyo, October 27, 2025 — From childhood dyslexia to AI-powered mental health innovation, two Japanese founders share deeply personal stories of turning chal...

25/11/2025

We sat down with the producers of What Divides Us, a new feature film exploring John Hersey’s 1946 journey to Hiroshima and the human story that changed global consciousness.

Cannon Hersey and Taku Nishimae share the film’s inspiration, creative direction, and why its message matters today. Moderated by Noah Sneider of The Economist.

Watch the full conversation:
🔗

Tokyo, October 16, 2025 — At this Asia Society Japan luncheon, filmmakers Cannon Hersey and Taku Nishimae share an intimate look at “What Divides Us”, a powe...

24/11/2025

Explore how aesthetics becomes a practice rather than a theory.
In this thoughtful talk, University of Tokyo Associate Professor Futoshi Hoshino reflects on the “in-between” space where philosophy and art meet — shaped by his experiences in photography, music, and academic research.

Watch the full program on our YouTube channel:
🔗

Tokyo, October 8, 2025 — What lies between philosophy and art? In this talk, University of Tokyo Associate Professor Futoshi Hoshino explores aesthetics as a...

20/11/2025

Step into an intimate evening of music, photography, and storytelling with legendary guitarist and photographer Andy Summers and award-winning author Roland Kelts.

From Tokyo street scenes to memories from The Police era, Andy reflects on a lifelong fascination with Japan—through images, prose, and a live guitar performance.

Watch the full program on our YouTube channel:
🔗

Tokyo, October 7, 2025 — Legendary guitarist and photographer Andy Summers (The Police) joins author Roland Kelts for an intimate conversation exploring Japa...