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
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 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/
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 about 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)
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/
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/
