What's On & Upcoming Events in Japan
Check out the most up-to-date listings of what's going on in Japan right now or in the near future, including fun activities, art exhibitions, festivals, parties, food markets, flea markets, sporting events, fairs, concerts, and more.
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The Aesthetics of the Imperial Court:
In November 2023, marking its 30th anniversary since opening, the venue underwent a renewal and reopened as the "Sannomaru Shozokan of the Imperial Palace". In commemoration of this occasion, an exhibition is being held, spanning approximately 8 months, under the theme of "Elegance of the Imperial Household". The exhibition will showcase a diverse range of treasures associated with the Imperial Family, divided into four periods. Exhibits include national treasures, works produced on auspicious occasions for the Imperial Family, and items passed down through generations in places such as the Kyoto Imperial Palace and various imperial households. This exhibition will feature prominent masterpieces representing the essence of the museum. https://pr-shozokan.nich.go.jp/miyabi/index_en.html
"Strawberry Picking" in Minami-Alps
Despite being strongly associated with cherries, peaches, and grapes, Minami-Alps City also engages in strawberry cultivation. At local farms like "Aguberry" and "Ichigozanmai," visitors can enjoy strawberry picking until May. Both farms feature open-air layouts within their greenhouses, allowing visitors to freely sample various strawberry varieties at their preferred spots. Advance reservations are required for this delightful strawberry-picking experience. https://minami-alpskankou.jp/?p=16144
Toyota Automobile Museum’s “Okuradashi-Ten” (Storehouse Exhibition)
The Toyota Automobile Museum has over 400 historic vehicles in its storehouse, not counting the 140 vehicles permanently displayed at the Automobile Gallery. In the upcoming exhibition titled the “Okuradashi-Ten” (Storehouse Exhibition), 13 rare vehicles will be displayed out of the 400 or so that are not on permanent view despite their unique significance. The exhibits are grouped into five sections by theme, including Japanese and European cars for the public from six decades ago; legendary sports cars from Japan, Europe, and the U.S. in the 1960s–1970s; a commuter bus used to transport athletes in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics; and Japanese cars built exclusively for overseas markets. Some of these vehicles attract a large crowd whenever they are put on show, while a few others have never been presented to visitors before. We hope you will enjoy seeing these special vehicles, representing different times and places. https://toyota-automobile-museum.jp/en/event/detail/6424.html
Takashi Murakami - Mononoke Kyoto
To commemorate the 90th anniversary of the Kyoto City Museum of Art, a large-scale solo exhibition featuring Takashi Murakami, a leading figure in contemporary art, is being held. Murakami, who has had a deep interest in Edo-period painters since his early career, has created a new monumental piece along with representative series and works being shown for the first time in Japan, totaling approximately 170 pieces, the majority of which are new works. Set against the backdrop of Kyoto, where various forms of entertainment and art have thrived and intersected since the Edo period, this exhibition showcases Murakami's exploration of this cultural dynamic. For Murakami, who has primarily worked internationally, this marks his first large-scale solo exhibition in Japan in nearly eight years and the first outside of Tokyo. https://takashimurakami-kyoto.exhibit.jp/en/
Henri Matisse - Forms in Freedom
Henri Matisse (1869-1954) is regarded as one of the greatest masters of the 20th century. His paintings, known for their rich colors and profound impact, are celebrated worldwide. However, during the latter part of his life spent in Nice, Matisse explored the technique of "cut-out" or "paper cut-out" art, where he would use scissors to cut colored paper and arrange them into compositions. This exhibition focuses on Matisse's cut-out works, a technique he vigorously pursued in his later years, marking the first such exhibition in Japan. It delves into the monumental expressions he achieved, marking the culmination of his long artistic career. Additionally, the exhibition will feature the grand cut-out masterpiece "Flowers and Fruits," originally housed in the main hall of the Matisse Museum in Nice, which has undergone restoration specifically for this occasion, making its debut in Japan. https://matisse2024.jp/outline-en/
The 2nd phase of the exhibition commemorating the 90th anniversary of the birth of Fujiko F. Fujio
Fujiko F. Fujio, who has always prioritized his love for Osamu Tezuka's manga, Westerns and SF movies, UFOs and unidentified creatures, history and ruins, among other things. In this exhibition, original drawings that vividly depict Fujiko F. Fujio's world of manga born from his love will be displayed. In the second phase, in addition to the eight themes of "Manga," "Stories," "Movies," "Creation," "Railways and Models," "History and Ruins," "Dinosaurs," and "Cameras" from the first phase, original drawings themed around "Long-Length Doraemon" and "T.P. Bone" will be introduced. In conjunction with the second phase, the latest works will be screened at the "F Theater" on the second floor, and new menus and products will also be introduced. https://fujiko-museum.com/info/34100/ Website in Englishhttps://fujiko-museum.com/english.html
The Firebird-Life Work of Osamu Tezuka
To commemorate the 30th anniversary of the museum's opening from Friday, March 1, 2024 to Sunday, June 23, 2024, and Sunday, June 23, 2024, "Firebird-Life Work of Osamu Tezuka-" Will be held. https://www.city.takarazuka.hyogo.jp/tezuka/4000020/4000385.html
The Collection of the Edo-Tokyo Museum: Life and Transportation in Edo-Tokyo
This special exhibition explores the various modes of transportation utilized in Edo and Tokyo from the perspective that transportation reflects the era of a city. Through the lens of transportation, it delves into the activities of the diverse people living in the city. Drawing from the transportation materials preserved by the Edo-Tokyo Museum, the exhibition highlights how in the past, different modes of transportation were available based on one's social status or class, and also sheds light on the presence of artisans who crafted these vehicles. Furthermore, the exhibition is structured into chapters, introducing the transition from the human-pulled rickshaws of the Meiji era to the advent of railways. https://www.tatemonoen.jp/english/special/2024/20240323.php
Stamp Facial Research Institute Exhibition
The Stamp Facial Research Institute, held in 1999, made a comeback as a remake project, incorporating stamps issued after 2000. Under the theme of "stamps featuring faces," a unique collection is displayed, featuring not only human faces but also faces of gods, Buddhas, masks, and adorable animal faces. Additionally, there is a section showcasing stamps with face painting, people wearing glasses, and close-ups of lips, as well as stamps depicting skulls, offering a plethora of impactful stamps. https://kitte-museum.jp/2024/02/29/k20240403/
Why do humans create human-shaped objects?
An exhibition focusing on the theme of "人形 (ningyō)" or "人がた (hitogata)" (figures representing humans), exploring the concept of "the form of humans." The exhibition showcases a wide range of items including Jomon clay figurines, Haniwa clay figures, female figurines from the Stone Age, folk dolls from the museum's collection, traditional local toys like kokeshi dolls, and contemporary acrylic stands. It introduces the profound charm of dolls, where the forms of human hearts and bodies are uniquely intertwined and born. https://www.doll-museum.jp/14018
Giorgio De Chirico: Metaphysical Journey in Tokyo
Giorgio de Chirico (1888-1978)—one of the great masters of the 20th century. The "metaphysical paintings" (works expressing a surreal world through enigmatic landscapes and still lifes) that de Chirico began to produce around 1910 exercised a profound influence on the artists and international art movements.Dividing de Chirico’s roughly 70-year painting career in some themes—such as “Piazza d'Italia (Italian Piazza),” “Metaphysical Interior” and “Mannequin”—this exhibition will cover the entire range of his artistic output, from early to late-period works. It will be the first large-scale exhibition to be held in Japan in a decade, in which the world that de Chirico created is fully explored. https://dechirico.exhibit.jp/
Animals, Animals, Animals! From the Edo-Tokyo Museum Collection
This exhibition features various animal-themed artworks from the collection of Edo-Tokyo Museum. It is divided into 2 terms, with some artworks being changed. To learn more the exhibition, please check the website below.Details: https://www.ejrcf.or.jp/gallery/english/archive_202404_dobutsu.html (English)https://www.ejrcf.or.jp/gallery/exhibition/202404_dobutsu.html (Japanese)
Keith Haring Art to the Streets
A large-scale retrospective exhibition of Keith Haring, beloved worldwide for his bright and poppy imagery. The exhibition will feature the artist's works, and original merchandise adorned with Haring's art will also be available for sale. https://www.ktv.jp/event/kh2023-25/
Special Exhibition: Are You a Dog Person or a Cat Person? -From Tawaraya Sotatsu, Takeuchi Seiho, and Leonard Fujita to Yamaguchi Akira
At this exhibition, a variety of artworks depicting cats and dogs will be displayed. The exhibition features works from the Edo Period to the modern times. Please note that it is closed on Mondays. The first half of this exhibition is from May 12 to June 9, and the second half is from June 11 to July 7 with some artworks being changed. Details:https://www.yamatane-museum.jp/exh/english/2024/dogcat.html (English)https://www.yamatane-museum.jp/exh/2024/dogcat.html (Japanese)
Sanja Matsuri
This is one of Tokyo's most well-known festivals and it is an excellent opportunity to experience Japanese culture. Please check the website below for more information, including schedule, etc. Details:https://www.asakusajinja.jp/en/sanjamatsuri/ (English)https://www.asakusajinja.jp/sanjamatsuri/ (Japanese)
International Student Job & School Fair 2024
This event is a job and school fair for international students in Japan. It will be held over 2 days. This is a great opportunity to meet employers, universities and colleges. For more information, please check the link below.https://www.expat-expo.jp/ryugakusei/
Giorgio De Chirico: Metaphysical Journey in Kobe
Giorgio de Chirico (1888-1978)—one of the great masters of the 20th century. The "metaphysical paintings" (works expressing a surreal world through enigmatic landscapes and still lifes) that de Chirico began to produce around 1910 exercised a profound influence on the artists and international art movements.Dividing de Chirico’s roughly 70-year painting career in some themes—such as “Piazza d'Italia (Italian Piazza),” “Metaphysical Interior” and “Mannequin”—this exhibition will cover the entire range of his artistic output, from early to late-period works. It will be the first large-scale exhibition to be held in Japan in a decade, in which the world that de Chirico created is fully explored. https://dechirico.exhibit.jp/
Special Exhibition WASHOKU: Nature and Culture in Japanese Cuisine in Nagano
Celebrating the 10th anniversary of Washoku's inclusion in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list, the National Museum of Nature and Science will present the special exhibition of Washoku (traditional Japanese cuisine). This exhibition aims to introduce Washoku, which is attracting increasing attention around the world, from various perspectives including science and history, through a diverse range of specimens and exhibits. https://washoku2023.exhibit.jp/en.html
Haniwa Tomb Sculptures of Japan - TOKYO
"Haniwa" refers to unglazed clay figurines arranged in ancient tombs known as kofun, which were the graves of kings. Their origins date back approximately 1750 years ago. Over the 350 years of the Kofun period, diverse haniwa were crafted, each reflecting the era and region, offering insights into the people surrounding the kings and the lifestyle of the time. Among them, the national treasure "Haniwa: Armored Warrior" is considered a masterpiece. To commemorate the 50th anniversary since its designation as a national treasure, a special exhibition will showcase around 120 selected treasures from across the country, marking an unprecedented gathering. From simple and "relaxed" figures to charming animals, and from elaborate armor to household items, the exhibition is packed with the allure of haniwa. Please look forward to the haniwa exhibition held at the Tokyo National Museum, the first in about half a century. https://haniwa820.exhibit.jp/
Special Exhibition WASHOKU: Nature and Culture in Japanese Cuisine in Aichi
Celebrating the 10th anniversary of Washoku's inclusion in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list, the National Museum of Nature and Science will present the special exhibition of Washoku (traditional Japanese cuisine). This exhibition aims to introduce Washoku, which is attracting increasing attention around the world, from various perspectives including science and history, through a diverse range of specimens and exhibits. https://washoku2023.exhibit.jp/en.html
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