Featured Events in Japan in January 2025 (June Updated)

The newly launched "Ginza Sony Park" has officially opened on January 26, 2025 (Sunday), and the first wave of planning activities "Sony Park Exhibition 2025" will be held simultaneously. With the theme of Sony's six major fields of music, semiconductors, finance, games, entertainment technology and movies, six groups of artists including YOASOBI, Sheep Literature, Vaundy, BABYMONSTER, Creepy Nuts, and Kensuke Ushio will be invited to participate in the creation, using art and high technology to create amazing experiences. Exhibiting works, the event will be divided into two stages, with three groups of works on display in each stage.

Tokyo Metropolitan Government has created a new tourist resource for nighttime viewing by using the exterior wall of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building No. 1 as a screen to express a variety of art with light and sound, and to perform projection mapping all year round in order to activate and revitalize nighttime tourism. This time, as the 45th anniversary is approaching next year, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government will begin showing works using the world-famous "Pac-Man". The game board appears on the outer wall of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, and Pac-Man, who is making a futuristic scene, eats up everything vividly. The music of the game of Pac-Man, which has a futuristic feel, and the music of the highly friendly soundtrack maker Mr. Haraguchi Sasuke have produced. Please enjoy the collaborative work of Pac-Man and Tokyo that can only be seen in the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.

Are you ready for a great party? Join Kuromi, My Melody and Hapidanbui for an exciting exhibition! Dive into interactive displays, dance to hit music, and enjoy hands-on fun.

This original art exhibition will introduce works with "science" and "magic" motifs, and will explore Fujiko F. Fujio's unique way of making dreams come true. The secret gadgets of the future in "Doraemon," the science laws of Planet Marl that appear in "Chimpui," the magic used in "Jungle Kurobee," and more... Through the original drawings, you can enjoy the world of "science" and "magic" that only Fujiko F. Fujio could depict.

Nihon Hidankyo, the Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Sufferers Organizations, has been awarded the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize. It can be said that this is the fruit of the activities carried out by the only country in the world that has suffered from atomic bombings, which has continued to call for the abolition of nuclear weapons and has poured its heart and soul into such efforts. The recognition that peace is the common prayer of all human kind is universal, regardless of whether we live in the East or the West. In light of the recent international situation, the Koji Kinutani Tenku Art Museum will hold a Special Exhibition, “Koji Kinutani Peace,” a proposal for peace through the power of art and the arts. At the root of Kinutani's world, which uses rich images and colors to explore all things in nature as a motif, is the strong belief that “Art is mightier than nuclear weapons.” His ideals and strong passion are to show the power of art as “wisdom” to help people all over the world who are suffering from the ravages of war, and to celebrate the revival of dreams and hopes in the hearts of people. Please fully experience the true essence of Kinutani’s art.

In Iwin, where Okakura Tenshin, a modern Japanese scholar and art critic, lived in his later years, there is an inaccessible mountain along the shore. Coming out of the deep mountain forest, there is a valley. There are the remains of rain-fed rice terraces, now a swamp covered with reeds. They look like secret rice terraces. Considering the long existence of nature and the continued presence of human activities, we decided to create art works with the remains of rice terraces hidden in the forest. Then, walking through the forest covering the ruins of rice terraces and investigating the vegetation, we wanted to turn the entire forest covering the ruins of rice terraces into an art space that blends in with the surrounding plants. teamLab's project Digitized Nature explores how nature can become art. The idea of ​​the project is that immaterial digital technology can turn nature into art without harming it. The works explore how the existence of these forms can be used to create a place where we can transcend the boundaries of our understanding of the continuity of time and feel the long continuity of life. Using these manifestations of long-term presence, we can try to transcend boundaries and understand the long continuities of time, and how we can continue to accumulate meaning in this place even today.

Noritake was founded in 1904 (Meiji 37) with the aim of manufacturing dinner sets for export. A dinner set is a set of tableware with a set size and purpose for the number of people. Since successfully manufacturing such sets in 1914 (Taisho 3), the company has developed and sold shapes and patterns to meet market needs. At times, the company has sought added value beyond the tableware's original function and design in order to provide products that are in line with the times. This trend accelerated after the period of high economic growth. When consumers had the financial means to spend on interior design, Noritake sold ceramic reproductions of works by painters, calligraphers, and illustrators. In the mid-1960s, when the penetration rate of black-and-white televisions exceeded 90%, the company also began to produce melamine children's tableware decorated with characters from anime and puppet shows. The 1970s marked an era of fashion and diversification of everyday items. Noritake, which places emphasis on developing high-value-added products that add color to life, began manufacturing and selling tableware in 1977 in collaboration with a famous fashion designer. This was the beginning of the boom in designer and character products in the ceramics industry. This led to an increase in design collaborations and joint development with artists and other companies. In recent years, with the growth of content businesses such as manga and anime, the needs and target demographics of character products have expanded. The expansion of sales networks with the spread of online services has increased consumers' options, and products are increasingly required to have value other than functionality and a story. Against this backdrop, collaborations that utilize the mutual advantages of companies are not uncommon. During its long history, Noritake has cultivated the technology to commercialize high-quality models with rich colors and delicate patterns. Enjoy the world of co-creation created by sharing the desire to utilize this to deliver products that resonate with your heart.

The exhibition will feature 11 three-dimensional works and 18 two-dimensional works, including new acquisitions, centered around Inoue Bukichi's "My Sky Hole 94-6 Forest Labyrinth," which can be said to be the signature piece of the museum, in the main gallery, which has remained in the same condition since the museum first opened.

The TV anime "Haikyu!!", based on the popular volleyball manga by Haruichi Furudate, is celebrating its 10th anniversary! To commemorate the 10th anniversary of the anime "Haikyu!!", the "Connecting Project" has been launched.

In the second half of the 19th century, Impressionism was overthrown and Western music began to be criticized. Painters studying legal countries had new ways of expression, and each country showed its independence. The main focus of this exhibition is the museum's collection of Impressionist works, which have been collected near the museum since the museum opened in 1898. The exhibition especially points out various aspects of beautiful Impressionism and traces each film and movie together.

The "Detective Conan Exhibition 30th Anniversary Exhibition" will be held at the special venue of Osaka Yomiuri TV from December 18, 2024 to January 8, 2025. The history of Detective Conan will be introduced in detail in 6 major exhibition areas, including It includes famous quotes, a list of criminals, event information, Conan's opponent "Phantom Thief Kidd" and special videos. There are also Detective Conan Osaka-limited products on site, which Conan fans must not miss!

K-pop boy band ENHYPEN is set to launch their upcoming 'Walk The Line' world tour from 2024 to 2025.

"Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba", which has been loved by generations, is a manga created by Koyoharu Gotouge and animated by ufotable. It has been 5 years since the first episode was aired, and after the final episode of "Hiraru Training Arc" aired in May this year, the "Theatrical Version of "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba" Infinite Castle Arc" was announced, which has set off a new wave of topics. The focus of this exhibition is on the "Hiraru" swordsmen of the Demon Slayer Corps, who have inherited the love-hate relationship with Muzan Kibutsuji for thousands of years. The exhibition will allow the audience to have a deeper understanding of the personality and background of the nine pillars through exquisite displays and interactive experiences.

The Osaka Half Marathon was first held in 2006, and in the past two decades it has grown into one of the most famous half marathons in Japan. More than 6,000 runners participate each year. It features a strict time limit (2 hours and 5 minutes) and a unique course setting.

The 20th anniversary exhibition will be held in Ikebukuro, Osaka and other places in Japan on December 14, 2024. The exhibition will focus on displaying the original paintings of all the characters in the top 50 in the fan popularity vote of "Gintama". These works not only show the unique charm of the characters, but also reflect the profound influence of "Gintama" in the history of animation. Such a large cast of characters and exquisite original paintings will surely make people feel a strong sense of nostalgia and new expectations. Especially for players who love characters, this is undoubtedly a feast of vision and emotion.

Gear up for an automotive extravaganza like no other - the TOKYO AUTO SALON 2025 is ready to rev up the engines and showcase the latest and greatest in car culture. This prestigious event will be taking place at the Makuhari Messe in Chiba Prefecture, Japan, from January 10th to 12th, 2025. It's the place to be for car enthusiasts and industry professionals alike, offering a glimpse into the future of automotive design and technology. Visitors can expect a dazzling display of custom cars, cutting-edge modifications, and the hottest trends in the world of automobiles. With exhibitors from around the globe, TOKYO AUTO SALON 2025 promises to be a melting pot of creativity and innovation. Attendees won't want to miss the chance to experience the latest advancements in electric and autonomous vehicles, which are sure to take center stage. Mark the calendars and set the GPS for Chiba - Makuhari Messe, where the automotive industry's finest will converge for three days of high-octane excitement. Whether it's to network, marvel at the craftsmanship, or simply indulge in a passion for cars, TOKYO AUTO SALON 2025 is the event that can't be missed.

Focusing on the uniforms stored in the EXPO '70 Pavilion, related materials and exhibits will be open to the public for a limited time. You can see models, exhibits, materials, videos, etc. that are not usually open to the public.

This is the first large-scale retrospective exhibition held in Japan for French-American artist Louise Bourgeois in 27 years. This exhibition will present Bourgeois's works from different periods, covering paintings, prints, drawings, sculptures, installations, manuscripts and other categories, and comprehensively review and interpret her creative career. The full name of the exhibition, "Louise Bourgeois: I have been to hell and back. And let me tell you, it was wonderful.", is quoted from one of her later works. This sentence implies the fluctuation of emotions and also conveys a sense of black humor. Louise Bourgeois considered herself a survivor who had survived adversity, and her work expressed a strong will to survive. This exhibition will present Bourgeois's paintings from 1938 to 1949 for the first time in Asia. The importance of these early paintings has only recently been recognized, and they show that during this period Bourgeois established the forms and themes that she would continue to create in the following decades. In addition, the exhibition also introduces her iconic "Spider" series, exploring the themes of maternal love, healing and memory conveyed by the large spider sculpture "Maman" located in Roppongi Hills.

Hair Expo Tokyo 2025, set to take place from January 15 to January 17, 2025, at Tokyo Big Sight in Koto, Tokyo, Japan, promises to be a landmark event in the beauty and hair industry. This premier expo will gather top professionals, innovative brands, and industry enthusiasts from around the globe, offering a unique platform for networking, education, and showcasing the latest trends and technologies in hair care and styling. Attendees can expect a series of engaging seminars, live demonstrations, and competitions that highlight cutting-edge techniques and products. With its strategic location in the bustling city of Tokyo, Hair Expo Tokyo 2025 is poised to be an unmissable event for anyone looking to stay ahead in the dynamic world of hair fashion.

This year, the LEGO NINJAGO special event will be held again. This park-wide event includes attractions in the LEGO NINJAGO World area, LEGO building experiences, and stage performances featuring popular LEGO NINJAGO characters.

Since the studio's opening in 1985, the Nippon Television Network's film program "Friday Road Show" has repeatedly aired many of Studio Ghibli's works, widely communicating their appeal through television. This exhibition will introduce the appeal of Ghibli's works, as well as the memories and records of the era when they were broadcast on Friday Road Show. There will also be various spaces where you can dive into the world of the works, making this an entertainment-type exhibition that can be enjoyed by children and adults alike.

Natural history specimens stored in museum storage are fundamental materials for understanding nature. Osaka Museum of Natural History holds approximately 2 million items, of which approximately 400,000 are plant specimens. These specimens are used by various researchers every day, and after extensive examination, the results are published as papers. For many people, the use of these specimens in research is probably something far removed from their imagination. This time, we will be exhibiting plant specimens held by Osaka Museum of Natural History that have actually been used in research, along with the results of that research, in the hope that many people will become aware of the excitement of research using specimens.