J-Screen 2025 was a gathering of some of the most talented and creative minds in the entertainment industry, and Dorkaholics was honored to be invited back to cover the event’s red carpet and speak with guests and attendees.
The event was hosted by:
- the non-profit CAPE (Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment)
- venture capital firm Plug and Play
- the Beyond JAPAN -FILMMAKER- program
- the Consulate General of Japan Los Angeles
- the government organization JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization)
- Japan House, an overseas hub established by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan to showcase and communicate Japan with the international community
This year’s J-Screen offered glimpses into the personal journeys and professional highlights of stars and creatives through two panels:
- Diverse Creativity Across Genres
- Power of Casting in Shaping Filmworks
The first panel was moderated by Michelle Sugihara, the executive director of CAPE, and featured Aleks Le (the voice behind Zenitsu in “Demon Slayer”, Jiji in “Dandadan”, and Daredevil in “Marvel Rivals”), Steve Maeda (executive producer of Netflix’s live action “One Piece”), and Yuichiro Saito, producer and CEO of Studio CHIZU (“Scarlet”).
The second panel was moderated by actor and producer Masi Oka, best known for playing Hiro Nakamura in “Heroes,” and featured three casting directors: Masunobu Boo Motokawa (“Perfect Days”, “Kokuho”), Kei Kawamura (“Shogun”, “Rental Family”), and Yumi Takada (“Rental Family”).
Discovering the Dork Within
With each of my conversations on the red carpet, I opened with the question, “What made you a dork growing up?” Aleks Le candidly shared his upbringing.
“I was pretty glued to the TV screen when I was younger… My uncle bought us a computer and that was my first exposure to media,” Le stated. Stories like Le’s emphasize the power of early influences on creative paths.
Passion for Film
The red carpet was filled with film enthusiasts and cinephiles. Casting director Yumi Takada expressed her love for films such as “California Dreaming” and “Big Wednesday” which inspired her move to Los Angeles. Meanwhile, actress Leon Masuda reflected on the faithful adaptation of “One Piece” in its live-action, sharing her excitement for the future updates.
Voices of Influence
Aleks Le also delved into his voice acting and when posted with the question of which of the characters he’s played that he’d bring into the world of “Marvel Rivals”, he pondered one of his more comedic portrayals.
“I would love to see Jiji from “Dandadan” in “Marvel Rivals”,” he shared. “That would be really funny.”
His imaginative perspective highlighted the playful side of voice acting.
A Glimpse into Film and Casting
Our time on the red carpet also offered a peak into upcoming projects. Multihyphenate Neil Fierro revealed his directorial debut, “Sicario vs Shogun Robots”, describing it as a thrilling mix akin to “Crank” with Jason Statham fighting against shogun robots. He aims to bring the film to streaming platforms by summer 2026.
Casting’s essential role in storytelling was a focal point during the discussion. Kei Kawamura emphasized its significance, mentioning, “Casting directors, we are the first… to find that very important ingredient called the actor.”
Anticipating Future Releases
Excitement for upcoming releases was palpable, with movies like “Scarlet” stirring anticipation. Yuichiro Saito shared the film’s universal theme of overcoming hate and love oneself, stating, “Whoever watching “Scarlet” will believe that this is also their own story.”
J-Screen 2025 was not just a celebration of entertainment industry achievements but a testament to the community’s shared passion for storytelling. With every anecdote and humorous exchange, the essence of creativity and collaboration was clear, reminding us all of the magic that comes from embracing our unique selves (and inner dorks).
Neil Bui
I'm a self-proclaimed "professional dork." I've always been drawn to the creative and imaginative worlds found in comic books, video games, and other forms of entertainment, and I believe that these stories and characters have the power to inspire and bring people together. Through Dorkaholics, I've had the opportunity to attend conventions, interview some of my favorite artists and creators, and connect with a community of like-minded individuals who share my passion for all things dorky. When I'm not writing about the latest pop culture trends, you can usually find me playing video games, reading comic books, or exploring new fandoms. I'm thrilled to be able to share my love of pop culture with the world through Dorkaholics, and I hope to continue to inspire and entertain fellow dorks for years to come.
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