2026 EXECUTIVE TEAM
- Creative Consultant :
- DOUGLAS HEIL
- Douglas Heil is a Professor Emeritus at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh where he taught visual aesthetics, filmmaking, and scriptwriting. He is also a writer/producer/composer, a columnist for Stereo World magazine, and the author of two books: Prime-Time TV Authorship and The Art of Stereography.”
- Jury President :
- JEFF CHEN
- Jeff Chen is a versatile actor with a growing presence in television and film. He has appeared in acclaimed shows such as The Pitt and Young Sheldon, bringing depth and authenticity to every role. His film work has been showcased at numerous film festivals, including the prestigious Tribeca Film Festival, highlighting his commitment to impactful and emotionally resonant storytelling. A lifelong movie enthusiast, Jeff’s passion for performance and narrative has guided his journey in the entertainment industry. He has also brought his talent to national commercial campaigns for major brands such as the NBA, Chevrolet, Marvel, and Shipt.”
- JAMA president :
- YUMA ASAKURA
- Yuma Asakura was born in Nagoya, Japan. He majored in Japanese Literature and obtained a Japanese language teaching qualification. He runs a Japanese community center in Irvine, and is a director of the Japanese Language Scholarship Fund, and a director of the Orange County Japanese American Association. He also organized the Japan Film Festival Los Angeles as the representative of the Japan America Media Association. He volunteers as editor-in-chief of “Orange Network”.
- Executive Producer :
- NAOYUKI IKEDA
- Naoyuki Ikeda, an award-winning actor from Nagoya, graduated from Tsuru University with a degree in English Literature before working as an English teacher in Japan. In 2009, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting, quickly expanding his creative career while actively serving the Japanese American community. Beyond acting, he has contributed as an interpreter, emcee, magazine writer, and performer at cultural events. In 2018, he began volunteering with the Japan Film Festival Los Angeles and became festival director in 2019. That same year, he joined Asian World Film Festival, later managing Japan Relations and Theatre Operations. He continues building bridges between Japanese communities and American society in Los Angeles.
- Co-Director / Managing Director :
- KANA KANO
- Kana Kano is an actor and event & stage coordinator from Japan. She began her career at 15 as a professional dancer, performing on TV and live stages for various artists before expanding into choreography, casting, and performance coaching.Now based in Los Angeles, she connects Japan and the U.S. through cultural events, film, and storytelling. With experience both on stage and behind the scenes, Kana creates a cycle of empowerment through entertainment and collaboration.Her guiding motto is “Your vision, Their power.”
- Co-Director / Director of Operations & Relations :
- MIKIO NAKAZATO
- Mikio Nakazato, or Mighty Nice as a filmmaker name, is based out of Los Angeles, California. He began his career as an independent filmmaker after studying film productions at Los Angeles City College. Over the years, he has won awards for his short film scripts, project pitches, 48 hours shootout, online video contents and more at various festivals. Currently, He is more dedicated than ever to developing international projects between Japan and the United States, while also working on his first book of Japanese movie essays.
- Co-Director / Program Director :
- TOSHIYA SHIBUSAWA
- Toshiya Shibusawa is an award-winning screenwriter and director from Japan. After working in the TV commercial industry, he pursued his dream of filmmaking at UCLA Extension. Since then, he has contributed to numerous film productions while also engaging as a film critic and historian. With a deep passion for the history of cinema, he believes in film as an art form that can refine our artistic sensibility, enrich our future, and foster conversations across cultures and backgrounds, leading to deeper understanding.
- Assistant Director :
- MITSUE MAGGARD
- Mitsue Maggard, originally from Tokyo, Japan, began acting at the age of three at Gekidan Tohai, appearing in commercials and television dramas in Japan. She later honed her craft at the Theatre of Arts in Hollywood, where she developed her skills and passion for performance. In addition to her acting, Mitsue is dedicated to education, currently teaching English to Japanese children. She also shares her voice as a radio personality on TJS Radio, a Japanese station based in Los Angeles, where she connects with the community through culture, language, and entertainment.
Welcome to JFFLA !
JFFLA is accepting volunteers who are interested in planing events, PR, producing an ad video, foreign language translation, guest services, and more. We are planning to have the 2025 festival in September. Of course, we are welcoming people who just love films or organizing events! Even if you don’t have any experience, don’t worry. It’s going to be your first and the best experience! As a volunteer, definitely you will get the opportunity to grow up in the specific field. We do not just want you to help us. We want you to make new connections which lead to your next step and expand your possibilities!
About JFFLA
Japan Film Festival Los Angeles is presented by the Japan America Media Association, a nonprofit charitable organization. Your generous donation is tax deductible as permitted by law under the 501 (c)(3) provisions of the U.S. tax code.
Japan Film Festival Los Angeles would appreciate your generous donations so that we can continue with our mission which is to introduce Japanese culture and Japanese film industry talent to people in the United States.
Please support JFFLA. Thank you.
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