2008
J-Collabo was founded in 2008 as a NY State 501(c)3 non-profit organization and started as an online gallery with the theme of “Experience Japan in Brooklyn.” The gallery also published interviews with prominent Japanese in the U.S., including Ryuichi Sakamoto, Hiroshi Sugimoto, and Shinzo Abe etc. In addition, J-Collabo was involved in the planning and management of many cultural events, including a charity event for the Great East Japan Earthquake at St. John the Divine Cathedral, and a tourism promotion event at Grand Central Station. BELLA GAIA, a collaboration of traditional Japanese performing arts such as Gagaku and Noh, and video of the Universe by NASA, has been successfully performed at NYU Skirball, Yakushiji Temple, and Himuro Shrine.
Experience Japan in NY!!
Interviews
2014
Since 2014, J-Collabo has established a permanent base in Brooklyn, where it plans and manages educational programs on traditional Japanese culture such as tea ceremonies, flower arrangement, calligraphy, rakugo and Noh, and traditional crafts such as bamboo crafts, pottery, lacquer ware, and Japanese paper. Under the concept of “Brooklyn + Japan,” J-Collabo provides free community events to connect with local people. In addition, since 2017, J-Collabo has held an annual art group exhibition, providing opportunities for outstanding artists to showcase their work, including solo exhibitions in the U.S. and Japan.
Educational Exchanges
Free Cultural Workshops
Young Artist Supports
2020
Developed a test marketing program to support small businesses in collaboration with SMEs and local governments. To date, more than 500 companies have utilized the platform. With potential companies, we are developing products based on the concept of “Brooklyn + Japan” and have begun selling them in Japanese department stores (3 in Tokyo and Kyoto).
Small Business Supports
Young Artist Supports
2024
J-COLLABO and BBFL Sustainable LLC, a joint venture of about 35 Japanese companies, will open the “Brooklyn Beauty/Fashion Labo,” a Japan-U.S. cultural exchange laboratory in Brooklyn, in 2024.
