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Experience Japan

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Welcome to the Cool Japan Center

Students from Academeia 21st Century in Japan welcome you to the Cool Japan Center in Irvine, California

Enjoy

Musical Performances

embrace

Authentic Experiences

experience

Cultural Events

Celebrate

Culinary Art

January 25, 2025 Opening Event

Bonsai
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Iju’s Japanese fusion dance performance
Iju’s Japanese fusion dance performance
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Dance & Taiko
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Shakuhachi (Japanese flute)
Shakuhachi (Japanese flute)
Attendees enjoy shodo (Japanese calligraphy)
Shodo (Japanese calligraphy)
Screenshot
Shodo
Ikenobo Ikebana Society of Los Angeles President Izumi Minamitani
Ikenobo Ikebana
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Ikebana
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Ikebana (flower arranging)
Ikebana (Japanese flower arranging)
Ikebana (flower arranging)
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November 2, 2024 Pre-Opening Event & Award Ceremony

Sony's Crunchyroll receives Cool Japan Center Cool Business Award
Crunchyroll: Cool Business Award
Yamanashi Governor Kotaro Nagasaki
Yamanashi Gov. Kotaro Nagasaki
Shodo (Japanese calligraphy)
Shodo
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Actor Takaaki Hirakawa as emcee (Shogun)
Actor Takaaki Hirakawa as emcee (Shogun)
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Rickshaw and driver from Asakusa, Tokyo, Japan
Japanese Pop Culture Exhibit. Artwork by students of Akademeia 21st Century
Student art exhibit
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Student art exhibit
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Ikenobo Ikebana Society of LA Award
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Irvine Mayor Farrah Khan
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Ribbon cutting ceremony
Cool Japan Center International Friendship Award presented to the City of San Diego (from left to right: Cool Japan Center Director Dr. Anthony Al-Jamie, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria, Yamanashi Prefecture Governor Kotaro Nagasaki, Akademeia 21st Century Chancellor Dr. Hiroshi Tasaka
San Diego International Friendship Award

Visit the Cool Japan Center

Explore the fascinating world of Japanese culture
Join us in Irvine, California

What is the Cool Japan Center

The Cool Japan Center is a cultural hub dedicated to celebrating and sharing Japan’s rich cultural heritage. It showcases contemporary and traditional exhibitions, workshops, and events that reflect the diversity and vibrancy of Japan’s cultural landscape.

Where is the Cool Japan Center

The Cool Japan Center is located across from the University of California, Irvine at 4199 Campus Drive, Suite A, Irvine, CA 92612.

Special Events

Special events have already begun, and the center’s gallery will be officially open to the public from January 25th, 2025.
★★★★★

The Cool Japan Center is poised to become a vibrant destination for art, anime, manga, fashion, technology, cuisine, and more.

Dr. Anthony Al-Jamie
Cool Japan Center Director

News
News

Team Building Through the Art of Ikebana

We were honored to host a special team-building experience at the Cool Japan Center for the teams from Yamaha USA! Led by Izumi Minamitani-Sensei, President of the Ikenobo Ikebana Society

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Cool Japan Center April 9, 2026
News

Japanese Art Students Unite Through Art at Cool Japan Center

The Cool Japan Center proudly welcomed student art ambassadors from Japan from November 21–24. High school and college student artists from Akademeia 21st Century traveled to Irvine from Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka, joining peers from Yamanashi Prefecture and Shizuoka

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Cool Japan Center December 27, 2025