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This January, Asia Society Texas Center in Houston will present Kodama ★ Echoes Across Time, an original dance work that celebrates Japan's rich artistic legacy through an energetic fusion of dance, live manga illustration, and music. These performances—made possible with support from Humanities Texas and the By the People: Conversations Beyond 250 initiative—will take place on Saturday, January 24, and Sunday, January 25. A moderated Q&A with the audience will follow the Sunday performance.

Created by ballet artist Nao Kusuzaki and performed by Houston Contemporary Dance Company, the piece draws inspiration from centuries of artistry and explores how Japan’s rich history and heritage have shaped global and American entertainment. Kusuzaki’s choreography blends traditional Japanese dance with contemporary styles, celebrating America’s embrace of international artistic influences in the spirit of modern creativity. Discussion following the performance will draw connections between between Kusuzaki’s work and broader themes of cultural identity, innovation, and America’s ongoing dialogue with the world.

Houston

Asia Society Texas Center
1370 Southmore Blvd

Saturday, January 24
7:30 p.m.

Sunday, January 25
2:00 p.m.
This performance will followed by a moderated Q&A session.

Additional details and tickets are available on the Asia Society Texas Center website.

By the People: Conversations Beyond 250 is a series of community-driven programs created by humanities councils across the United States, its territories, and the District of Columbia in collaboration with local partners. Together, these programs explore 250 years of the nation's cultural life and imagine its shared future. The initiative was developed by the Federation of State Humanities Councils and the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage as a complement to the 2026 Smithsonian Folklife Festival.