The Samurai Re-Imagined: From Ukiyo-e to Anime
February 19 through August 9, 2009
The Samurai Re-Imagined explores the roots of the popular Japanese art forms of manga (graphic novels) and anime (animation) in the traditional arts of Japan by examining images of the iconic warrior, the samurai. By juxtaposing depictions of samurai in Edo era woodblock prints, ink paintings, historical photographs, animation cels and drawings, original manga panels, and toys, the exhibition will demonstrate the ongoing links between fine art and popular culture in Japan.
Student Films
As part of the public programming for The Samurai Re-Imagined: from Ukiyo to Anime, local animation students were invited to submit short films inspired by their experiences at USC Pacific Asia Museum.
Related Programs:
Members’ Only Event
Thursday, February 19, 6–9pm
Celebrate the opening of The Samurai Re-Imagined: From Ukiyo-e to Anime!
Curator’s Tour
Friday, February 27, 1pm
Explore The Samurai Re-Imagined with Dr. Deborah Deacon.
UCLA Extension Course Lecture, Drawing a Revolution: A History of Japanese Anime and Manga
Saturday, March 7 & 14, 10-1pm
This two-part course begins with a classroom discussion examining the roots of anime and manga. Part two includes a field trip to the USC Pacific Asia Museum and a tour of The Samurai Re-Imagined from Ukiyo-e to Anime.
Japanimation Festival
Saturday, March 14, 12 noon-4pm
Join our FREE Family Festival and celebrate The Samurai Re-Imagined. Enjoy performances, crafts, demonstrations, exhibitions, and more. Free for all ages.
Discussion, Games People Play
Saturday, March 21, 2-5pm
Join game designer Alexei Othenin-Girard as he discusses the history and development of game design. The event is followed by a workshop on the fundamentals of game design.
Authors on Asia, Stan Sakai
Sunday, March 22, 3pm
Critically acclaimed and multi-award winning creator of the popular Usagi Yojimbo series will discuss and sign his books, which feature Miyamoto Usagi, the rabbit ronin (leaderless samurai). Mr. Sakai will also include a demonstration of his art. Reservations strongly recommended for this program, as space is limited.
Curator’s Tour
Saturday, May 2, 1pm
Explore The Samurai Re-Imagined with Julian Bermudez.
Student Animation Festival- one night only!
Saturday, May 23
Celebrate the art of animation with new short films created by local students inspired by artwork from USC Pacific Asia Museum. Award winners will be announced prior to the screenings.
Anime Film Festival
Bleach Movie 1: Memories of Nobody
Thursday, June 11, 8:00pm
Enjoy extended gallery hours plus Bleach Movie 1: Memories of Nobody screened under the stars in the museum’s beautiful courtyard garden with an introduction by animation historian Charles Solomon. This is an outdoor event, so beach chairs, blankets and picnics are welcome!
After an accidental transfer of power from a Soul Reaper, 15-year-old Ichigo Kurosaki takes on the duties of defending humans from evil spirits and guiding departed souls to the afterlife. Fighting to protect friends and repay a debt, Ichigo wields a soul-cutting sword that can change its appearance.
Please note: This film contains mature content and is not recommended for children under the age of 13. Members: Free Non-members: Included with museum admission
Anime Film Festival
Mobile Suit Gundam: The Movie
Thursday, June 23, 8:00pm
Enjoy extended gallery hours plus Mobile Suit Gundam: The Movie screened under the stars in the museum’s beautiful courtyard garden with an introduction by animation historian Charles Solomon. This is an outdoor event, so beach chairs, blankets and picnics are welcome!
In the Earth Federation’s war with the rebellious Principality of Zeon, much of the Earth’s fighting force is composed of Mobile Suits (Gundams), humanoid robots piloted by teenage boys that fight in space and on land, using cannons, giant energy blades and shields, and occasionally their fists.
Please note: This film contains mature content and is not recommended for children under the age of 13. Members: Free Non-members: Included with museum admission.
Curator’s Tour
Saturday, July 25, 1pm
Explore The Samurai Re-Imagined with Julian Bermudez.
Anime Film Festival
Samurai X: The Motion Picture
Thursday, July 9, 8:00pm
Enjoy extended gallery hours plus Samurai X: The Motion Picture screened under the stars in the museum’s beautiful courtyard garden with an introduction by animation historian Charles Solomon. This is an outdoor event, so beach chairs, blankets and picnics are welcome!
The scarred hero of “Rurouni Kenshin” and his friends encounter a rebel group opposed to the Meiji government as they offer protection and aid to those in need.
Please note: This film contains mature content and is not recommended for children under the age of 13. Members: Free Non-members: Included with museum admission.
Anime Film Festival
Seven Samurai and Samurai 7
Thursday, July 23, 8:00pm
Enjoy extended gallery hours plus Seven Samurai and Samurai 7 screened under the stars in the museum’s beautiful courtyard garden with an introduction by animation historian Charles Solomon. This is an outdoor event, so beach chairs, blankets and picnics are welcome!
Kurosawa’s film masterpiece explores what happens when desperate villagers hire seven masterless –and equally desperate – samurai as protection against bandits. Anime serial “Samurai 7” transports the story from 16th century Japan into a futuristic world.
Please note: This film contains mature content and is not recommended for children under the age of 13. Members: Free Non-members: Included with museum admission.
Anime Film Festival
TV Night: favorite episodes of Jubei-chan, Samurai Champloo, Rurouni Kenshin and Peacemaker
Thursday, August 6, 8:00pm
Enjoy extended gallery hours plus favorite tv episodes screened under the stars in the museum’s beautiful courtyard garden with an introduction by animation historian Charles Solomon. This is an outdoor event, so beach chairs, blankets and picnics are welcome!
The action-comedy Jubei-chan: The Ninja Girl follows 14-year-old Jiyu Nanohana, a modern high school girl who discovers an eye patch that transforms her into the re-incarnation of Yagyu Jubei Mitsuyoshi, Japan’s famed one-eyed samurai/ninja folk hero.
Samurai Champloo takes place during the Edo period (1602 – 1868), but includes anachronistic elements like hip hop culture, break dancing, slang terms, and graffiti. The stylistically innovative series references actual events like the Shimabara Rebellion, and includes versions of real-life Edo personalities like Mariya Enshiro and Miyamoto Musashi.
Rurouni Kenshin follows Himura Kenshin as he travels through early Meiji Japan offering protection and aid to those in need, in atonement for the murders he committed as an assassin.
Peacemaker takes place in 19th century Japan as Young Tetsu serves the samurai who protect the capital under order of the Shogun. The series is renowned for its deep character development, especially as Tetsu grapples with his conflicting desires for revenge and peace.
Please note: Some of these episodes contain mature content and are not recommended for children under the age of 13.
Members: Free Non-members: Included with museum admission.