When legendary director Hayao Miyazaki announced his retirement from Studio Ghibli recently, the world of Japanese anime was in mourning. In the vacuum left by the famed director, known for masterpieces like Spirited Away and My Neighbor Totoro, an opportunity has emerged for new talent to take center stage. Scriptwriter Dai Sato and animator/producer Justin Leach come to Japan Society to talk about the future of anime in the post-Miyazaki era. Dai Sato has written scripts for highly acclaimed television series and films including Samurai Champloo, Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex, and Cowboy Bebop. Justin Leach has also worked many years in the animation industry, including as a CG creator on Innocence: Ghost in the Shell 2 and on the animation sequences in Kill Bill. Dai and Justin are both members of Japan Society’s Innovators Network. Followed by a reception.

Tickets: $13/$10 Japan Society members, seniors & students 

Box Office phone number: (212) 715-1258

Website: http://www.japansociety.org/event/the-state-of-japanese-animation-in-a-post-miyazaki-world