Been looking for a reason to check out the New People arts center in Japantown? Stop by the complex’s underground Viz Cinema Mar. 6-9 for the Artist Series Festival Vol. 1, a collection of six films documenting contemporary artists living and working in Japan. Notables include painter Hisashi Tenmyouya, whose blending of traditional Japanese painting techniques (think gold leafing and cherry blossoms) with modern graphics (ala armored soccer players and robotic ninjas) have earned him the nickname Hip-Hop-Samurai. In addition to three U.S. premieres, three films will be returning due to popular demand, including Traveling with Yoshitomo Nara, an up-close look at the renowned modern artist’s world tour. Chances are you’ll recognize his pastel-hued drawings of wide-eyed kids accompanied by witty one-liners, like a tot smoking above the slogan “Too young to die.” Attend all six screenings with a series pass for $30 or choose individual shows for $10 a pop. Either way, it’s a good introduction to contemporary Japanese art before a look around the center’s third-floor Superfrog Gallery.

New People, 1746 Post St., 415.525.8600, newpeopleworld.com