“Japanimated” — focusing on the art and culture of the land of the rising sun — is the theme of the Brooklyn Museum’s “First Saturday” on April 5.
All who attend are encouraged to dress as their favorite manga (Japanese comic book) or anime — animated Japanese film or TV show — character and the best will win a catalogue for the museum’s new exhibit, “Murakami.”
In addition to the “cosplay,” the program will feature screenings of several films including “Space Battleship Yamato: The New Voyage,” a movie based on a hugely popular, 1970s Japanese TV series; a performance by drumming group Taikoza (pictured); and a dance party — the “highlight of the evening,” according to Traslin Ong, manager of adult services.
“We actually invited one of the top Japanese hip-hop DJs, DJ Muro — they call him ‘The King of Diggin’ — to spin a mix of hip-hop, funk and soul,” said Ong. “We’re trying to explore how Japanese and American culture cross. So, to have a Japanese hip-hop DJ in our backyard is pretty cool.”
“Japanimated” begins at 5 pm on April 5 at the Brooklyn Museum (200 Eastern Pkwy. at Washington Avenue in Prospect Heights). Admission is free. For a complete schedule of events, call (718) 638-5000 or visit www.brooklynmuseum.org.
