Internationally acclaimed contemporary Japanese artist Takashi Murakami, who is represented by 11 works in the Broad collections, was in conversation with author and longtime resident of Japan Pico Iyer. Murakami is known for his bold, graphic works that merge fine art, design and animation and continue to blur the lines between high art and pop culture. His wide appeal and star power often mask his deeply intelligent take on Japanese culture and knowledge which emerges from extensive training in classical painting and his doctorate in Japanese art. The author of numerous books on crossing cultures and a regular contributor to Time, Harper's, The New York Review of Books, The New York Times, and many other publications, Iyer's writings intersect with Murakami's work in their focus on the common disconnect between local tradition and imported global pop culture. The pair discussed the complex social and historical narratives woven into Murakami's work and how they reflect upon contemporary Japanese culture.