Justin’s Japan: Nippon in New York—‘Dragon Ball Z,’ Liberty City Anime Con, Waku Waku NYC
By JQ magazine editor Justin Tedaldi (CIR Kobe-shi, 2001-02) for Examiner.com. Visit his Japanese culture page here for related stories.In the dog days of summer, it’s best to escape the heat in a place that’s cozy and cool. For those into Japanese cultural events, this month offers a diverse selection of film premieres and live music—all in the comfort of indoor air conditioning.This month's highlights include:Aug. 4, 5, 7, 8 & 11Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection ‘F’AMC Empire 25, 234 West 42nd StreetChelsea Cinemas, 260 West 23rd StreetVillage East Cinema 7, 181-189 2nd Avenue$15Hot on the heels of last year’s summer blockbuster, Battle of Gods, Resurrection ‘F’ is the second film personally supervised byDBZ creator himself, Akira Toriyama. The new movie showcases the return of Frieza, the galaxy’s most evil overlord. After years in spiritual purgatory, Frieza has been resurrected and plans to take his revenge on the Z-Fighters of Earth. Facing off against Frieza’s powerful new form and his army of 1,000 soldiers, Goku and Vegeta must reach new levels of strength in order to protect Earth from their vengeful nemesis. English dub version.Friday, Aug. 28, 6:00 p.m.Always: Sunset on Third Street 3Japan Information Center Gallery, Consulate General of Japan in New York299 Park Avenue, 18th floorFree (email RSVP to kanako_shirasaki[at]jfny.org; photo ID required upon entry)A special screening of the third film in the wildly popular series! In 1964, novelist Ryunosuke Chagawa (Hidetaka Yoshioka) has married Hiromi (Koyuki), and the two now share a happy life with Junnosuke (Kenta Suga), the young boy he had taken in during the first film, who is now in high school. Hiromi is also pregnant, and the family prepares to welcome a new addition to their household. One day, Hiromi discovers a telegram that Chagawa had hidden. Who sent this telegram? What is the surprising identity of this new, rival writer? And what future awaits the people of Third Street? Presented in Japanese with English subtitles.Aug. 28-30Liberty City Anime ConCrowne Plaza White Plains, 66 Hale Avenue$50 for weekend passThe best three-day anime convention (just north of) New York City, the inaugural Liberty City Anime Con features over 100 events and panels, a dozen guests and entertainers, three days of cosplay, game tournaments and anime screenings, and concerts, balls and dances. Guest performers include idol singer Reni Mimura, female J-pop group Starberry, and New Jersey-based anime, video game and J-pop cover band Moshi Moshi.For the complete story, click here.