Jason Matsumoto
CO-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR // CO-FOUNDER
Over the past 10 years, Jason helped build Full Spectrum Features into a nationally-recognized multimillion dollar arts organization. Jason has produced or executive produced more than 20 short and feature-length films, including titles that have premiered at Sundance and Tribeca. He co-led the development of Full Spectrum’s digital cinematic history program, which has been awarded or presented at the American Historical Association, the National Council on Public History, and the Association for Asian American Studies.
Jason studied and performed taiko for more than 35 years. He led one of the Midwest’s premier taiko ensembles, Ho Etsu Taiko, as both executive and artistic director, and has consulted for Miyamoto Unosuke Shoten, a 160-year-old traditional Japanese instrument maker who officially serves the Emperor of Japan. Prior to a full time career in the arts, Jason spent a decade working in the financial derivatives industry as an equity options trader, and in regulatory oversight and strategic initiatives for the Chicago Mercantile Exchange.
Jason is the president of the Midwest Buddhist Temple’s board of trustees, a Council Leader of the U.S.-Japan Council (USJC), and remains involved in the Japanese American and broader Asian American community in Chicago and nationwide.