Created for expats living in Japan

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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Monet: The Late Waterscapes

Monet: The Late Waterscapes

Oct 5, 2024 - Feb 11, 2025
The National Museum of Western Art

An exhibition focusing on the culmination of the later works of Claude Monet, a leading Impressionist painter known as the "Painter of Light," will showcase approximately 50 pieces, including seven being displayed for the first time in Japan. These works have arrived from the Musée Marmottan Monet in Paris. In addition, the exhibition will feature works from various collections across Japan, highlighting the pinnacle of Monet's late artistic achievements. Notably, over 20 of Monet's most significant late-period works on the theme of "Water Lilies" will be on display, making this the largest exhibition of "Water Lilies" ever held in Japan. https://www.ntv.co.jp/monet2024/english/  

Hello Kitty Exhibition - As I change, so does she

Hello Kitty Exhibition - As I change, so does she

Nov 1, 2024 - Feb 24, 2025
Tokyo National Museum, Hyokeikan

Hello Kitty has been with us for 50 years, and this exhibition provides an excellent opportunity to explore its uniqueness. The exhibition will feature the largest number of Hello Kitty goods ever displayed, video content, and more. For details, please check the link below. Details:https://www.tnm.jp/modules/r_event/index.php?controller=dtl&cid=5&id=11120&lang=en (English)https://www.tnm.jp/modules/r_event/index.php?controller=dtl&cid=5&id=11120&lang=ja (Japanese)

KOSÉ MIDTOWN ICE RINK

KOSÉ MIDTOWN ICE RINK

Nov 22, 2024 - Feb 24, 2025
11:00 - 21:00
Grass Square

At KOSÉ MIDTOWN ICE RINK, you can enjoy winter in Tokyo skating surrounded by greenery in the daytime or magnificent lights at night. For more information including ticket prices and rental fees, please check the link below. Details:https://www.tokyo-midtown.com/jp/event/7161/ (English)https://www.tokyo-midtown.com/jp/event/7160/ (Japanese)

The Japanese Art of Happiness ―From Itō Jakuchū to Yokoyama Taikan and Kawabata Ryūshi

The Japanese Art of Happiness ―From Itō Jakuchū to Yokoyama Taikan and Kawabata Ryūshi

Dec 14, 2024 - Feb 24, 2025
10:00 - 17:00
Yamatane Museum of Art

This exhibition features approximately 60 artworks themed around happiness. It contains works with Japanese lucky motifs, artworks that evokes positive feelings, and more. For more information including list of exhibits, please check the link below.Details:https://www.yamatane-museum.jp/exh/english/2024/happy.html (English)https://www.yamatane-museum.jp/exh/2024/happy.html (Japanese)

Le Corbusier: Synthesis of the Arts 1930-1965

Le Corbusier: Synthesis of the Arts 1930-1965

Jan 11 - Mar 23, 2025
Panasonic Shiodome Museum of Art

The architect Le Corbusier (1887–1965) referred to his later attempts to connect painting and sculpture under the direction of architecture as "the synthesis of the arts." More than just a concept, "the synthesis of the arts" served as a slogan that reflected his overall artistic vision, guided by idealism in unity, harmony, and universal principles. While Le Corbusier is globally renowned as a master of modern architecture, he also brought innovation to various fields of visual arts. This exhibition features his paintings, sculptures, drawings, and tapestries from the 1930s onward, shedding light on his artistic pursuit of new uses of technology. Additionally, by showcasing his late architectural works, the exhibition reveals Le Corbusier's mature artistic vision, far beyond traditional frameworks. These optimistic and joyful works challenge the functionalist image often associated with his famous phrase, "a house is a machine for living." By juxtaposing his works with those of contemporaneous avant-garde artists such as Léger, Arp, and Kandinsky, the exhibition also highlights Le Corbusier’s place within the artistic movements of his time.   https://panasonic.co.jp/ew/museum/exhibition/25/250111/en.html      

Special Exhibition WASHOKU: Nature and Culture in Japanese Cuisine in Aichi

Special Exhibition WASHOKU: Nature and Culture in Japanese Cuisine in Aichi

Jan 18 - Apr 6, 2025
Toyota City Museum

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 - FUKUOKA

Haniwa Tomb Sculptures of Japan - FUKUOKA

Jan 21 - May 11, 2025
Kyushu National Museum

"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.  https://haniwa820.exhibit.jp/    

HEAVENESE FREEDOM FIGHT12

HEAVENESE FREEDOM FIGHT12

Feb 13, 2025
ZEPP DIVER CITY

[Performance] HEAVENESE [Date & Time] Thursday, February 13, 2025 Doors Open: 18:00 / Show Starts: 19:00 [Venue] Zepp Diver City [Tickets]General Admission: ¥8,000Elementary & Middle School Students: ¥5,000*Free admission for preschool children.*All seats are unreserved (except FC seats). [Production] HEAVENESE COMPANY [Ticket Purchase] Click here to buy tickets [Detail] http://freedomfight.heavenese.jp/upcoming/ *For those who are interested, we can also provide a translator.   Please contact Natsuko Enno for any inquiries. office@heavenese.jp Attention to NATSUKO ENNO  

Niigata Sake no Jin 2025

Niigata Sake no Jin 2025

Mar 8 - Mar 9, 2025
Toki Messe Wave Market

This event is dedicated to sake from Niigata Prefecture. The event will be held in two sessions (changeover system): the morning session from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, with tastings taking place from 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM, and the afternoon session from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM, with tastings running from 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM. Only visitors over the age of 20 can attend this event. For more details including ticket information, please check the link below. Details:https://www.niigata-sake.or.jp/en/sakenojin/ (English)https://www.niigata-sake.or.jp/sakenojin/ (Japanese)

Special Exhibition WASHOKU: Nature and Culture in Japanese Cuisine in Kyoto

Special Exhibition WASHOKU: Nature and Culture in Japanese Cuisine in Kyoto

Apr 26 - Jul 6, 2025
The Cultural Museum of Kyoto

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    

Special Exhibition WASHOKU: Nature and Culture in Japanese Cuisine in Kumamoto

Special Exhibition WASHOKU: Nature and Culture in Japanese Cuisine in Kumamoto

Jul 19 - Sep 21, 2025
Contemporary Art Museum Kumamoto

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