NYC’s Japan Society is screening the anime film “The Adolescence of Utena” this week!

(Featured Image Source: © 1997 BE-PAPAS/CHIHO SAITO/SHOGAKUKAN • SHOKAKU • TV TOKYO)

Experience the classic and impactful anime film The Adolescence of Utena this week, thanks to the Japan Society!

The newest entry in the Japan Society’s Monthly Anime screening series. The Adolescence of Utena was released in 1999 as a continuation of the anime series Revolutionary Girl Utena. It was directed by Kunihiko Ikuhara and written by Yōji Enokido and stars Tomoko Kawakami, Yuriko Fuchizaki, Takehito Koyasu, and Kotono Mitsuishi.

Revolutionary Girl Utena is the story of teenage girl Utena Tenjou who after entering a sword dueling tournament, the prize being the hand of the Rose Bride Anthy Himemiya, finds her life forever changed. The anime series debuted in 1997 and has become a cult classic, receiving praise for its depiction of gender roles and sexuality and LGBTQIA+ relationships. The anime series was created by the Be-Papas production, with the manga series written and illustrated by group member Chiho Saito.

A chance to see a captivating anime film, the Japan Society screening will begin with a trivia contest & book give-away and will be followed by a summer’s end reception, both funded in part by publisher Coqui-san. Coqui-san information and books will be on display in the Japan Society lobby, letting you learn more about their published works. The reception will also feature complimentary beverages from Brooklyn Kura, Moshi, and Sapporo U.S.A.

Adolescence of Utena Japan Society screening will be held on Friday, Aug 18 @ 7 pm at 333 East 47th Street, New York, NY. You can buy your tickets here.

(Source: Japan Society)

Anime NYC 2025 has wrapped up, so make sure to check out our coverage to see what happened at NYC’s largest anime convention! And stay tuned! Anime NYC 2026 is set for August 20-23! We will keep you up to date as they announce their special guests, event lineup, and when badge sales go live!