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/
Ancient Mexico
From around the 15th century BCE to the Spanish conquest in the late 16th century, Mexico's ancient civilizations thrived for over 3,000 years. This exhibition focuses on the Maya, Aztec, and Teotihuacan civilizations, showcasing approximately 140 diverse artifacts. These artifacts have been carefully selected from major museums in Mexico, including the National Museum of Anthropology, the Alberto Ruz Lhuillier Palenque Archaeological Museum, the Templo Mayor Museum, and the Teotihuacan Archaeological Zone, among others. https://mexico2023.exhibit.jp/english
MONET in Osaka
This exhibition commemorates the 150th anniversary of the birth of Impressionism in 1874, and is composed of "100% Monet" works, all of which are by Monet. The exhibition traces the life of the artist, who maintained a constant dialogue with time and light, with works from the 'pre-impressionist' period, centred on the large portrait painting Lunch, which is on display in Japan for the first time, and a series of paintings based on motifs such as 'piled straw' and 'water lilies'. https://www.monet2023.jp/
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
SPRING FESTIVAL IN TOKYO
The largest classical music festival in Japan, the "Tokyo Spring Music Festival 2024," set against the backdrop of Ueno in spring when cherry blossoms bloom, is scheduled to take place. Utilizing various facilities within the cultural hub of Ueno Park, such as the Tokyo Culture Hall and various art museums and museums, the festival will feature a diverse range of concerts, including opera, orchestras, chamber music, and recitals, performed by top-class artists from both domestic and international scenes. The year 2024 marks the significant 20th anniversary of this celebration of culture. https://www.tokyo-harusai.com/
ODAIBA DINASOUR EXPO 2024
In collaboration with Fukui Prefecture and the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum, this exhibition showcases the immensely popular dinosaur fossils and specimens from the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum. Alongside these exhibits, specimens excavated in Fukui are also on display, featuring the latest research findings presented by researchers from the museum. The total number of exhibited specimens is planned to be 70. Additionally, a life-sized robot of Spinosaurus, measuring approximately 15 meters, has been developed specifically for this exhibition, replicating lifelike movements. Visitors can also experience a hands-on dinosaur fossil excavation by striking real rocks in a designated area created for this exhibition. https://www.fujitv.com/whats-new/odaibadinosaurexpo2024/
Dharma Jun Fukukawa/Hiroto Kimura DUO
No Room For Squares Dharma Jun Fukukawa/Hiroto Kimura DUOOPEN/START 14:00/14:30Charge￥3,000 https://www.nrfsbar.com/events/dharma-fukugawajun-kimurahirohito-duo
hako galley Dharma Jun Fukukawa/Hiroto Kimura DUO
Dharma Jun Fukukawa/Hiroto Kimura DUOOPEN/START 19:00/19:30ADMISSION FEE ¥3000
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/
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
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
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
Special Exhibition WASHOKU: Nature and Culture in Japanese Cuisine in 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
