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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MOMAT Collection
The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo (MOMAT) holds one of Japan’s largest collections, with over 13,000 artworks. Approximately 200 works are displayed in each exhibition, showcasing a wide range of modern and contemporary Japanese art from the late 19th century to the present. This exhibition features 13 interconnected rooms, each dedicated to a small theme, allowing visitors to trace the flow of Japan’s modern and contemporary art. This time, the exhibition includes highlights of representative works of modern and contemporary art, as well as a theme titled "100 Years of Surrealism," exploring the major movements in 20th-century art with works by artists such as Max Ernst and Yves Tanguy. https://www.momat.go.jp/en/exhibitions/r6-3
Joan Miró
A major retrospective of Joan Miró, known for his unique and emotionally rich style, is being held. Considered one of the leading masters of the 20th century alongside Pablo Picasso, this exhibition offers a comprehensive look at Miró’s art, showcasing works from various periods, including his iconic "Constellations" series. The exhibition features three pieces from the "Constellations" series, along with paintings, ceramics, and sculptures representing each stage of his career, highlighting his continuous exploration of new forms of expression up to the age of 90. Masterpieces from Miró’s key periods will be gathered from around the world. https://miro2025.exhibit.jp/en/
Special Exhibition Featuring Creatures of the Night and Darkness
This special exhibition focuses on animals that are active in the middle of the night or in complete darkness. Around 20 species that thrive in dark environments are introduced under three categories: Nocturnal, Cave-dwelling, and Bioluminescent. The exhibition space is dimly lit, creating the atmosphere of exploring a nighttime forest or the depths of the ocean. Visitors can observe the behavior of nocturnal animals—usually asleep during the day—as well as creatures that glow in the dark. One highlight is a “peephole” where visitors can view the luminous splendid flashlight fish (Anomalops katoptron) using its light organ in darkness. Original merchandise featuring the animals in the exhibit will also be available for purchase. https://sunshinecity.jp/file/aquarium/mayonaka/
Tokyo Tower Highball Garden 2025
Enjoy top-quality highballs and delicious food that pairs perfectly with them at this gourmet event held at two outdoor areas beneath Tokyo Tower. In front of the Main Entrance on the 1st floor, the “TOKYO TOWER HIGHBALL GARDEN ‘CHO-TEN’” offers a chic, Japanese-modern atmosphere with lantern decorations. Guests can casually enjoy a wide variety of food and Suntory-certified “CHO-TEN” highballs. On the rooftop of FootTown, the “TOKYO TOWER HIGHBALL GARDEN ‘ROOF TOP’” features all-you-can-drink highballs and all-you-can-eat Genghis Khan BBQ from Mother Farm. https://www.tokyotower.co.jp/event/highballgarden2025/
European Attire – Focusing on the 19th to 20th Century
This exhibition showcases items from the POLA Cultural Research Institute's collection related to beauty and adornment in Europe during the 19th and 20th centuries, including cosmetics tools and accessories. As European society underwent modernization following the technological innovations of the Industrial Revolution, the beauty field also saw the emergence of cosmetics and techniques that directly connect to modern makeup. On display are delicate glass makeup sets, compact cases with built-in music boxes, and other items once used by women of the time, offering a glimpse into their daily lives and aesthetic culture. https://www.cosmetic-culture.po-holdings.co.jp/gallery/artandbooks/2025/03/event004/
Odilon Redon: Dream of light, luminous shadow
Odilon Redon (1840–1916) was a French artist of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born in Bordeaux in southwestern France, Redon studied the fundamentals of painting and printmaking in his hometown and in Paris.The Europe of Redon's lifetime was undergoing a shift in social structure brought about by the technological innovations of modern science, while a rejection of academic art led to the emergence of many new artistic movements such as Impressionism. Redon chose to walk a fine line between tradition and innovation to develop his own unique artistic style as he moved between different techniques and media, from charcoal and lithography to pastels and oils.Through approximately 110 works, many of them on loan from the Museum of Fine Arts, Gifu, this exhibition will present a full picture of his artistic journey. https://panasonic.co.jp/ew/museum/exhibition/25/250412/en.html
Leo Lionni: The Art of Picture Book Making
This exhibition celebrates the work of Leo Lionni, a master of picture books known for beloved classics such as Swimmy and Alexander and the Wind-Up Mouse. Active in a wide range of fields including graphic design, art direction, and picture book creation, Lionni is spotlighted here for his contributions to children's literature. Focusing on his picture books, the exhibition delves into his creative techniques such as collage, exploring the process behind his storytelling. In addition to original illustrations, visitors can immerse themselves in the world of Leo Lionni through various media, gaining insight into the messages he conveyed through his picture books. https://www.bunkamura.co.jp/museum/exhibition/25_leolionni/
Edo☆Ōoku
The “Edo☆Ōoku” exhibition will be held at the Tokyo National Museum from July 2025. Visitors can explore the world of the Ōoku through kabuki costumes, elegant kimono, embroidery, and historical illustrations. https://ooku2025.jp/index.html#highlight
