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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Haniwa Tomb Sculptures of Japan - FUKUOKA
"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/
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/
Emulation and Admiration: Two Stories of Collecting European Art European Master Paintings
This exhibition brings together approximately 90 paintings from the collections of the San Diego Museum of Art, which houses some of the earliest Western paintings collected on the U.S. West Coast, and the National Museum of Western Art, Tokyo, which has the only systematic collection of Western paintings in East Asia. The exhibition traces the history of Western art over 600 years, from the Renaissance to 19th-century Impressionism, with a focus on how to enjoy and appreciate the artworks. Related pieces are displayed in pairs or small groups for comparison, allowing visitors to explore the stories behind the paintings from various perspectives. https://art.nikkei.com/dokomiru/en/
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
Unraveling the Mysteries of Ancient EGYPT from Brooklyn Museum in Shizuoka
An exhibition showcasing a selection of masterpieces from the Brooklyn Museum's renowned Ancient Egyptian collection. Around 150 artifacts, including sculptures, coffins, jewelry, pottery, papyrus, and even human and cat mummies, offer a glimpse into the lives of the people who created this advanced culture. The exhibition also features the latest research on pyramid exploration, conducted by Egyptologist Yukinori Kawae, revealing new findings about the daily lives of ancient Egyptians. Visitors can explore these discoveries, including overlooked facts from past Egypt exhibitions, through multimedia presentations that combine images, sounds, and cutting-edge pyramid research techniques. https://egypt-brooklyn.exhibit.jp/en/
Special Exhibition WASHOKU: Nature and Culture in Japanese Cuisine in 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
Yanaka Antique Market (May 3-4)
Set in the historic townscape of Yanaka, the Yanaka Antique Market offers a chance to discover timeless treasures from the past. The venue is the parking area of Enmeiin Temple, a site with roots going back to the Edo period. On the grounds stands a majestic chinquapin tree said to be over 600 years old. Beneath this tree—witness to centuries of everyday life—the market connects the past and present through antiques and vintage finds. Conveniently located just a 3-minute walk from Nippori Station and 1 minute from Yanaka Ginza shopping street, the market is the perfect starting point for exploring Yanaka’s charming old temples, stylish cafés, antique shops, and vintage boutiques. https://www.yanaka-antique-market.com/
