Viz Media is participating in the JAPAN! CULTURE + HYPER CULTURE exhibit taking place in the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. on Feb. 5-17, 2008. The event showcases the best in Japanese theater and dance, music, fashion, architecture, sculpture, poetry, literature, photography and film. For their part, Viz Media will operate a special Manga Café and Reading Lounge showcasing their hottest products. A few examples available for reading for free include Bleach, Death Note, Naruto, Inuyasha, and Hikaru no Go. There will be various toys, posters, signs, and viewings of popular anime trailers.

Additionally, they will also be offering daily drawings and free workshops by Robin Nishi, creator of the manga Mind Game.

This is a great opportunity to not only read free manga, but to be immersed in Japanese art and pop-culture with hundreds of artists, performances and free events scheduled. Anime and Manga is only a small part of this exhibit. You just might find something that interests you, or which might be familiar from anime or manga. The exhibit is also open a lot longer than the typical three to four days of anime conventions.

Besides the fun and the learning experience you get, there is one more reason to check out the exhibit. Washington D.C. is a lot closer and cheaper to get to than traveling to Japan.