Shinichiro Watanabe and LeSean Thomas are teaming up to bring a weekend full of anime to New York City in November. Watanabe is the legendary director of Cowboy Bebop and Lazarus, while LeSean Thomas left his mark with Canon Busters and Yasuke. The two are taking part in a special series called Foreign Exchange 2025 that will take place November 20-22 at the Japan Society. Here are all the events you can take part in during that weekend.
Making of Lazarus: A behind-the-scenes conversation with Watanabe on the making of Lazarus. This will be an in-depth dialogue between Watanabe and Thomas on how Lazarus came to life. November 20 at 6 PM.
Lazarus, Baby Blue & A Girl Meets a Boy and a Robot: Attendees will watch the first episode of Lazarus, followed by short films Baby Blue and A Girl Meets a Boy and a Robot. This screening includes an introduction by Watanabe. November 20 at 8 PM.
Star Wars: Visions & The Future of Global Animation: Thomas joins Star Wars: Visions Co-Executive Producer Justin Leach for a behind-the-scenes look at how the anthology series came into existence and what made it so popular. November 21 at 6 PM.
Star Wars: Visions—Producer’s Cut: Leach presents a curated selection of the Visions shorts most personally meaningful to him. November 21 at 8 PM.
Macross Plus: Movie Edition: Attendees will get to witness the Macross Plus movie in all its glory with an introduction by Watanabe. November 22 at 1 PM.
Black Musical Traditions: Watanabe will reflect on the influence of Black American musical traditions across his Cowboy Bebop, Samurai Champloo, and Lazarus projects alongside Thomas. November 22 at 6 PM.
Cowboy Bebop: The Movie: Fans of Cowboy Bebop will get to witness the legendary movie in person with an introduction by Watanabe. November 22 at 8 PM.
Each event requires a separate paid ticket to attend. If you’re a member of the Japan Society, each ticket will cost $16. If you’re a student or senior, each ticket will cost $18. All other tickets will cost $20. The Japan Society is selling an All-Access Pass for those who wish to attend every event. It costs $90 for students, seniors, and those with disabilities and $100 for everyone else.
Source: Japan Society
