Japan Society Annual Dinner Reimagined

As a new reality set over New York City with the outbreak of COVID-19, the Japan Society moved swiftly to engage their supporters in the United States and Japan around a “Reimagined” virtual version of their signature Annual Gala fundraiser. To accomplish this, Japan Society turned to Empire’s New York and Tokyo offices to produce an Annual Gala like never before. Working on an accelerated timeline, across 12 time zones and two languages, Empire’s team of producers, creatives, and technical directors supported the Japan Society with content development, scripting, graphics, host coaching, pre-recording sessions, pre-recorded packages, technical production and the livestream broadcast. Incorporating a beautifully-scripted video broadcast, streamed to viewers worldwide, and five curated live virtual sponsor receptions, the NY-evening / Japan-morning event brought together leaders from government and business to raise money and awareness for the century-old organization. Program highlights included participation from Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe; Joshua W. Walker, President and CEO of Japan Society; Governor George Pataki, 53rd Governor of New York State; and many more. The virtual event’s culminating moment was a heart-felt presentation of the Japan Society Award by Dr. Larry Kominz to Japan’s very own “national treasure,” Mansaku Nomura – celebrated for his life-long commitment to Japanese Kyogen (traditional Japanese comic theater), and cross-cultural exchange.