Featured Events in Japan in January 2025 (June Updated)

March 3rd is Hinamatsuri, a traditional Japanese event where people decorate dolls and pray for the healthy growth of girls. This event will introduce Hina dolls from various eras and styles, such as the Imperial Prince and Princess decorations from the Edo period and the Palace decorations from the Showa period, which were mainly displayed in homes in the Chita region.

Konada Ikki is a Western-style painter living in Sakai City, and in 2023 he received the Japan Art Academy Award for "The Sorrow of Izanagi no Mikoto." To commemorate his award, who has been a judge since the first "Painting the Age of Himiko" painting contest held at our museum since 1995, we will be holding the first Konada Ikki exhibition in about 20 years. His dramatic brushstrokes, born from his studies in sculpture and his exploration of the origins of Western painting, depict the world of the story realistically and fantastically. In addition to his Japan Art Academy Award-winning works, please also take a look at his familiar Osaka landscape paintings, focusing on the "Kojiki" paintings that he has been working on in recent years.

When you think of pottery, you may imagine vessels used as tools, such as everyday pottery and tea ware. However, in contemporary pottery, there is a perspective that sees the form of the vessel as a three-dimensional form rather than a purpose or function, and there are also objets d'art works that capture elements related to pottery, such as materials, techniques, and traditions, from a unique perspective. The founder of this museum, Kikuchi Satoshi (1923-2016), was fascinated by the diverse productions of individual artists, their unknown thoughts, and aesthetic sense, and he actively collected Japanese ceramic works from the late 20th century onwards. In 1983, he held an exhibition of his own collection, "Japanese Ceramics Today," at the Thomas M. Evans Gallery of the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History (Washington, USA). The exhibition, which mainly featured works by artists in their 40s and 50s at the time and introduced contemporary Japanese culture amid trade friction between Japan and the United States, was well received, and this experience became an opportunity for Kikuchi to focus on cultural projects.

Curator: Zhao Yunzi

A symbol of Taisho romanticism, Yumeji Takehisa (1884-1934), who took the world by storm with his "Yumeji-style beauties," was an artist who best exuded the mature charm of modern Japanese art and culture from the Meiji period to the early Showa period. Yumeji was active in a wide range of genres, including not only painting but also magazines, sheet music, book covers, and the design of everyday items, and his work continues to fascinate us even today. This exhibition introduces Yumeji's artistic career and appeal through approximately 180 works and documents selected from a new perspective based on the latest research, centered on the carefully selected collection held by the Yumeji Local Museum. Please come and enjoy the world of Yumeji to your heart's content at the venue.

Basically, only one installation will be on display at this exhibition. A huge object that is neither architecture, nor a structure, nor even a three-dimensional work or sculpture, will penetrate the distinctive exhibition space of the Toyota Municipal Museum of Art. The installation will appear in various forms in the exhibition room, which changes from moment to moment with the shifting of the sunlight. In this unknown territory, where the various scales and standards of everyday life are temporarily suspended and shifted, we will be forced to reexamine the very act of experiencing something in space and time.

KAMIZU is inspired by the Japanese culture of helping others and cherishing things, and the exhibition aims to support people around the world in any way possible. In this exhibition, eight artists present their own interpretations of KAMIZU. The participating artists (in alphabetical order) include Kitagawa Kazunari, Sane Masafumi, Niitsubo Kenshu, Tanaka Ryoji, Hayashi Mikiko, Fuse Rintaro, Yamamoto Hisashi, and Yonezawa Hiiragi.

A show of hilarity and culture in equal doses! Katsura Sunshine completed his grueling traditional apprenticeship in Rakugo comic storytelling under the great Rakugo Master Katsura Bunshi VI in 2011. His performances have delighted audiences throughout the world as well as all over Japan. Sunshine has graced the Broadway stage with a different delightful Japanese story each month since 2019, at the famous New World Stages in Manhattan. Join Sunshine in his home theatre of Asakusa Mokubatei in the most historic and lively area of Tokyo, a minutes walk from Sensoji temple. Come for an hour of laughter and leave with a piece of Japan in you heart! “A Master Storyteller!” -The New York Times “There is only one Sunshine!” -The New Yorker “The King of Kimono Comedy!” -Reuters, New York Information Source: eventbrite

The exhibition will feature works by designer Kazunari Kitagawa, calligraphers Hisashi Yamamoto and Kimihiko Hino, exploring the relationship between letters, text and margins. The exhibited works include Kazunari Kitagawa's graphic design works, which explore the possibilities of printed materials, and calligraphers Hisashi Yamamoto and Kimihiko Hino, who typeset letters with related symbols, numbers and text pictures, creating a new world of calligraphy and exploring new possibilities between calligraphy and art.

Mark the calendars, folks! The much-anticipated Japan IT Week Show 2025 is just around the corner, and it's shaping up to be an event to remember. From January 22nd to January 24th, 2025, INTEX Osaka will play host to a gathering of the brightest minds in the tech industry. With a jam-packed schedule of cutting-edge exhibits, keynote speeches, and networking opportunities, it's the place to be for anyone who's serious about staying ahead of the curve in IT. So, don't miss out on the chance to rub shoulders with industry leaders and get a firsthand look at the latest innovations. Osaka awaits, and it's sure to be a show-stopper!

Japanese Instrument Koto class @ the heart of Kyoto Come join us for a unique experience in the beautiful city of Kyoto! Our koto class will take place at the charming Gojo Paradiso 五条パラディソ, where you'll learn how to play Japanese instrument koto from a skilled instructor. Immerse yourself in the rich culture of Kyoto while playing this traditional art form. Don’t worry if you’ve never played a musical instrument before, this workshop is beginner-friendly, and our instructor will provide guidance to help you master the song. Don’t miss out on the chance to create lasting memories and connect with Japan’s musical heritage in a fun, interactive setting! Please make a reservation by the day before. Information Source: Gojo Paradiso - Kyoto | eventbrite

Mark your calendars for the much-anticipated Next Generation EC & Store EXPO 2025, where innovation meets commerce in the bustling city of Osaka. From January 22nd to 24th, INTEX Osaka, Osaka Prefecture, Japan will play host to this exceptional event, showcasing the latest advancements in e-commerce and retail. " "Industry leaders and forward-thinking minds will gather to exchange ideas, explore cutting-edge technologies, and shape the future of shopping. The expo promises to be a hub of inspiration and knowledge, with exhibits, seminars, and networking opportunities designed to propel businesses into the next era of consumer experiences. " "Next Generation EC & Store EXPO 2025 is not just another trade show; it's a beacon for those looking to stay ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving market. Osaka awaits to welcome attendees to this groundbreaking event, setting the stage for the next generation of e-commerce and retail. Don't miss out on the opportunity to be part of the conversation that will define the future of the industry.

RoboDex 2025, the premier event for robotics enthusiasts and professionals, will be held from January 22 to January 24, 2025, at Tokyo Big Sight in Koto, Tokyo, Japan. This highly anticipated event promises to showcase the latest advancements in robotics technology, bringing together industry leaders, innovators, and researchers from around the globe. Attendees can expect to explore cutting-edge exhibits, attend insightful seminars, and participate in interactive workshops, all designed to foster collaboration and innovation within the robotics community. With its strategic location in Tokyo, RoboDex 2025 offers an unparalleled opportunity for networking and discovering groundbreaking solutions that are set to shape the future of robotics. Mark the calendar for RoboDex 2025 and be part of this transformative experience in the heart of Japan's vibrant tech scene.

The Automotive Lightweight Technology Expo 2025, set to take place from January 22 to January 24 at Tokyo Big Sight in Koto, Tokyo, Japan, promises to be a pivotal event for industry professionals. This premier expo will showcase the latest advancements in lightweight materials and technologies, crucial for enhancing vehicle efficiency and performance. Attendees can expect to engage with cutting-edge innovations, from high-strength steel and aluminum to carbon fiber and composite materials. With a focus on sustainability and fuel efficiency, the event will feature expert-led seminars, interactive displays, and networking opportunities with leading manufacturers and suppliers. The Automotive Lightweight Technology Expo 2025 is an unmissable occasion for those dedicated to driving the future of automotive engineering.