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I-House Art and Design Division, under the leadership of Director Yuko Hasegawa, is organizing discussions among experts from different fields to explore the roles culture and art can play in promoting empathy and communication and connecting today’s divided cultural, political, economic, scientific, and other domains.

“Japanese Anime and the US Economy”
with Takashi WASHIO, Morley ROBERTSON

Why Did “Weakness” Resonate Globally?

Yuko Hasegawa, Director of Art and Design, explored the relationship between Japanese anime and the U.S. economy in conversation with anime producer Takashi Washio and journalist Morley Robertson. Rather than focusing on themes of success or strength, Japanese anime frequently depicts processes of trial and error, uncertainty, and hesitation. What is it about these narratives that captured the hearts of young people worldwide? This discussion underscored anime’s unique power to transcend boundaries—between Japan and the United States, culture and economy, and children and adults alike.

What Is Interdisciplinary Talk?

Our orderly ways of life have been disrupted in many places around the world, notably in Ukraine and Gaza, and there is little prospect of an early recovery. The issues modern society must consider, such as generative AI, climate change, and DEI promotion, have also grown more complex. The I-House Art and Design Division, under the leadership of Director Yuko Hasegawa, is organizing discussions among experts from different fields to explore the roles culture and art can play in promoting empathy and communication and connecting today’s divided cultural, political, economic, scientific, and other domains.

Takashi WASHIO,Producer

Born in Akita, Japan, in 1965, Takashi Washio studied law at Keio University. He began his career at an educational publishing company, later working as a news reporter for a TV station. In 1998, he joined Toei Animation and made his debut as a producer with Mr. Muscleman: Second Generation.
In 2004, he launched Futari wa Pretty Cure, serving as producer for five years through Yes! Precure 5 GoGo! in 2008. Since 2015, he has overseen the Pretty Cure franchise as a general producer, contributing to the production of 22 TV series and 33 feature films to date.
Beyond Pretty Cure, Washio has launched other notable projects, including Kaidan Restaurant, Toriko, Butt Detective, Zentendo, and Science × Adventure Survival!. In 2024, he produced the short animation Magic Candies, which won seven awards at international film festivals and was nominated for best animated short film at the 97th Academy Awards in 2025.

Morley ROBERTSON, International Journalist, Musician

Educated in both Japan and the United States, Morley Robertson graduated from Takaoka High School in Toyama. In 1981, he became the first known American to gain simultaneous acceptance to the University of Tokyo and Harvard University via Japan’s entrance exam system. He also received offers from MIT, Stanford, UC Berkeley, Princeton, and Yale. After completing one semester at the University of Tokyo, he enrolled at Harvard, where he majored in electronic music and animation, studying under leading authorities on analog synthesizers. He graduated in 1988.

He has since built a multifaceted career spanning journalism, broadcasting, music, and acting. In 2018, he was a featured speaker at a general meeting of the Japanese government’s Cool Japan platform, and in 2019 served as the face of the Tokyo Shimbun’s promotional campaign. Since 2021, he has been a policy advisor for the city of Himi in Toyama Prefecture.

His acting credits include NHK’s historical drama Reach Beyond the Blue Sky (2021, as Commodore Matthew Perry) and Golden Kamuy (WOWOW, 2024, as Eddie Dunn). His 2024 book in Japanese offering a guide to lifestyles beyond social media and cost consciousness received critical acclaim.

* Mr. Robertson passed away on January 29. We extend our deepest condolences and heartfelt prayers for his peaceful rest.