Category: Uncategorized

On October 10, 2025, two days before the 18th anniversary of his passing, Anaheim University proudly commemorated the enduring legacy of Dr. Kisho Kurokawa, the renowned Japanese architect and sustainability pioneer for whom the Anaheim University Kisho Kurokawa Green Institute is named, during the Japan–United States Leadership Summit held in October 2025. The tribute and summit were held at the United Nations University in Tokyo.  The summit brought together California and Japanese civic leaders, including mayors, city council members, county administrators, planners, and architects to advance collaborative strategies for a more sustainable future. A central theme of the event was environmental stewardship and cross-border leadership — ideals closely aligned with Dr. Kurokawa’s lifelong work and philosophy. Dr. Kurokawa (1934–2007) was one of Japan’s most influential architects and a founder of the Metabolist Movement, a visionary approach to design that emphasized flexibility, ecology, and the symbiosis between built environments and living systems. His internationally acclaimed works — including the Nakagin Capsule Tower, The National Art Center (Tokyo), and the Kuala Lumpur International Airport — reflect a commitment to sustainable, adaptive architecture. Beyond his architectural achievements, Dr. Kurokawa was a staunch advocate for environmental responsibility. In the final chapter of his life, he championed sustainability and ecological design. In 2008, the Kisho Kurokawa Green Institute was established at Anaheim University. Today, the Institute carries forward his vision by offering online degrees, diplomas, and certificates in Sustainable Management, empowering global leaders to integrate environmental and social considerations into business strategy. The tribute at the summit highlighted Dr. Kurokawa’s enduring influence on sustainability and international collaboration, recognizing not only his architectural legacy but also his profound belief in shaping a more balanced and resilient future through education and leadership. Dr. Yuri Konno, CEO of Dial Service who served as Vice-Chair of the Anaheim University Executive Advisory Board during Dr. Kurokawa’s tenure as Chair, offered reflections on his visionary leadership. Mr. Mikio Kurokawa, son of Dr. Kisho Kurokawa, also paid tribute, underscoring the lasting global impact of his father’s work and ideals. The two-day event also featured Paul Tange of the University of Tokyo, son of Kisho Kurokawa’s mentor, the late Kenzo Tange, who designed the United Nations University building in Tokyo, as well as Pritzker Prize laureate Shigeru Ban. As global leaders convened to address today’s environmental challenges, Anaheim University reaffirms its commitment to Dr. Kurokawa’s ideals by advancing accessible education that promotes responsible, sustainable management practices throughout the world. United Nations University in Tokyo Dial Service CEO and former AU Executive Advisory Board Vice-Chair Dr. Yuri Konno Mikio Kurokawa Architect Paul Tange Architect Shigeru Ban Japan-U.S. Leadership Summit delegation with architect Paul Tange Dr. Kisho Kurokawa and Dr. Yuri Konno, Chair and Vice-Chair of the AU Executive Advisory Board in 2003

It is with deep respect and heartfelt gratitude that Anaheim University’s Akira Kurosawa School of Film pays tribute to the legendary actor Tatsuya Nakadai, who passed away on November 8, 2025. Nakadai-san’s extraordinary artistry left an enduring legacy in Japanese and world cinema. His collaborations with Director Akira Kurosawa produced some of the most powerful performances in film history — including Yojimbo(1961), Sanjuro (1962), High and Low (1963), Kagemusha (1980), and Ran (1985). We at the Akira Kurosawa School of Film are profoundly grateful for his contribution to our Master of Fine Arts in Digital Filmmaking program. Nakadai-san shared his insights through a special video interview that continues to inspire Anaheim University students, offering firsthand wisdom on performance, discipline, and the soul of storytelling. As he said in his video interview in 2016: “I will give up when my body doesn’t move, but I want to stay an actor until I die.” True to his words, his final stage performance was held in Noto, Ishikawa, in May 2025 — a testament to his lifelong dedication to his craft. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, colleagues, and fans around the world. His legacy will forever live on through the films he made and the artists he continues to inspire. Thank you, Nakadai-san.