The translation of the text is: «LOST iN Party in West Hollywood: Japanese Traditions and Luxury»
13 may 2026 в 21:13
**West Hollywood, California** — Last Friday, the hills of West Hollywood became the site of a rare blend of ancient ritual and modern luxury. The company LOST iN, a media giant focused on millennials and Generation Z, transformed the magnificent AvantStay estate into a Japanese sanctuary for a select audience of celebrities, influencers, and cultural thought leaders.
The evening was a masterclass in creating an atmosphere that felt less like a standard industry gathering and more like a private journey through Tokyo. The experience began the moment guests crossed the threshold of the modern mansion. Serene melodies from traditional Japanese koto played on the white marble floor, instantly creating a sense of arrival. As guests moved through the spacious living areas, the sound palette shifted, blending traditional string instruments with the rhythmic pulse of a lo-fi DJ set.
The night remained incredibly vibrant thanks to a flawless flow of curated hospitality. In the backyard, surrounded by the sparkling Los Angeles skyline and illuminated by the warm glow of traditional Japanese lanterns, guests were treated to a special tasting from Golden Reserve Caviar. Known in the industry as the «Caviar Guys», - the team offered an exquisite, interactive experience, serving their premium reserve on homemade blinis prepared on-site. Fresh crème fraîche was served alongside, creating a decadent station that became the energy hub throughout the night.
To refresh guests, San Pellegrino offered its signature sparkling waters, while the premium sake brand Sake High! from Venice introduced a modern taste of Japan. Guests were poured sake directly from founder Brenna Turner, whose energetic presentation and accessible approach to the traditional drink blended California style with ancient traditions.
The highlight of the evening was the thunderous, rich sound of taiko drummers signaling the start of Maguro KAITAI — the ceremonial butchering of a 150-pound bluefin tuna. This ancient practice, rooted in a 1,300-year-old Japanese tradition of honoring the gifts of the sea, was executed with surgical precision by chef Shaunt Mesrkhani and the Sushi Lux team.
As camera flashes lit up the night, the crowd held its breath. This was not just a treat; it was a performance of «Omotenashi» — the Japanese spirit of hospitality. Between traditional chants from master chefs, wagyu skewers, and the melt-in-your-mouth quality of the freshest toro in the city, the event redefined the concept of a «pop-up» culinary experience.
LOST iN continues to surpass standard «influencer events», - focusing on high-quality, energetic storytelling. While other recent high-priced gastronomic events in the city have faced criticism from foodies for lacking substance and low energy, LOST iN bets on authenticity and the power of «real» connections.
«We're not just hosting dinners; we’re combating the digital fatigue that has defined the last decade», - says Jonathan Skogmo, founder of LOST iN. «There is a deep yearning — especially among Generation Z — to put down their devices and remember the moment. Our mission is to use the most incredible traditions from around the world to bring people back to the physical world. If you want to capture the attention of this generation, you need to give them something they can feel, not just scroll past».
Skogmo, an active advocate for reducing screen time and restoring human experience, believes that the future of travel and media lies in these «non-scrollable» moments. His vision is supported by current market trends: by 2026, three out of four millennials and Generation Z consumers report prioritizing experiences over material goods, spending billions annually on unique memories that provide social and personal enrichment.
As the night drew to a close and the music shifted…
The evening was a masterclass in creating an atmosphere that felt less like a standard industry gathering and more like a private journey through Tokyo. The experience began the moment guests crossed the threshold of the modern mansion. Serene melodies from traditional Japanese koto played on the white marble floor, instantly creating a sense of arrival. As guests moved through the spacious living areas, the sound palette shifted, blending traditional string instruments with the rhythmic pulse of a lo-fi DJ set.
The night remained incredibly vibrant thanks to a flawless flow of curated hospitality. In the backyard, surrounded by the sparkling Los Angeles skyline and illuminated by the warm glow of traditional Japanese lanterns, guests were treated to a special tasting from Golden Reserve Caviar. Known in the industry as the «Caviar Guys», - the team offered an exquisite, interactive experience, serving their premium reserve on homemade blinis prepared on-site. Fresh crème fraîche was served alongside, creating a decadent station that became the energy hub throughout the night.
To refresh guests, San Pellegrino offered its signature sparkling waters, while the premium sake brand Sake High! from Venice introduced a modern taste of Japan. Guests were poured sake directly from founder Brenna Turner, whose energetic presentation and accessible approach to the traditional drink blended California style with ancient traditions.
The highlight of the evening was the thunderous, rich sound of taiko drummers signaling the start of Maguro KAITAI — the ceremonial butchering of a 150-pound bluefin tuna. This ancient practice, rooted in a 1,300-year-old Japanese tradition of honoring the gifts of the sea, was executed with surgical precision by chef Shaunt Mesrkhani and the Sushi Lux team.
As camera flashes lit up the night, the crowd held its breath. This was not just a treat; it was a performance of «Omotenashi» — the Japanese spirit of hospitality. Between traditional chants from master chefs, wagyu skewers, and the melt-in-your-mouth quality of the freshest toro in the city, the event redefined the concept of a «pop-up» culinary experience.
LOST iN continues to surpass standard «influencer events», - focusing on high-quality, energetic storytelling. While other recent high-priced gastronomic events in the city have faced criticism from foodies for lacking substance and low energy, LOST iN bets on authenticity and the power of «real» connections.
«We're not just hosting dinners; we’re combating the digital fatigue that has defined the last decade», - says Jonathan Skogmo, founder of LOST iN. «There is a deep yearning — especially among Generation Z — to put down their devices and remember the moment. Our mission is to use the most incredible traditions from around the world to bring people back to the physical world. If you want to capture the attention of this generation, you need to give them something they can feel, not just scroll past».
Skogmo, an active advocate for reducing screen time and restoring human experience, believes that the future of travel and media lies in these «non-scrollable» moments. His vision is supported by current market trends: by 2026, three out of four millennials and Generation Z consumers report prioritizing experiences over material goods, spending billions annually on unique memories that provide social and personal enrichment.
As the night drew to a close and the music shifted…
© Puhova Marina
