A project four years in the making, New People Center is the brainchild of VIZ Pictures President Seiji Horibuchi. Now that it's a reality, Horibuchi was joined by two stars of the 20th Century Boys film, its "dark hero" Tomodachi or "Friend", actress Takako Tokiwa (who plays tomboy Yukiji) as well as Dana Lewis, President of the Japan Society of Northern California and Paul Osaki, Executive Director of the Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California to crack open a barrel of sake to commemorate the center's opening.
Kagami-wari is the breaking open of a wooden taru or sake barrel to signify the start of a sacred ceremony, special occasion or a new beginning such as a wedding, a new product launch or a new business venture.
Lewis called the opening of New People "a landmark moment for Japanese culture in San Francisco." She also mentioned that the Japan Society is working with VIZ Cinema to launch a series of film showings and lectures. "Finally, San Francisco will have what the New York Japan Society has been offering all these years."
- Check out my scene report from the opening of New People and the J-Pop Summit Festival
- Check what's playing soon at VIZ Cinemas
- Visit VIZ Pictures' webpage for the 20th Century Boys film trilogy
- Visit VIZ Signature's website for the 20th Century Boys manga
- See what's new and coming soon in Japanese films from VIZ Pictures
- Learn more about the Japan Society of Northern California
- See all the fashion stores featured on the second floor of New People Center
- See more about visiting San Francisco's Japantown