Featured Events in Japan in 2025 (August Updated)

Osaka Kansai Expo has decided to hold the "Japan Fireworks Expo", and the "Japan Fireworks Expo" will show the world the charm of Japan's unique culture, the world's highest level of fireworks technology. Fireworks festivals in various places have their own regional characteristics and are deeply connected to local culture and traditions. There are also many fireworks festivals with a history of 100 years. For example, fireworks festivals started to pray for the comfort of those who died in the great famine and plague and for the elimination of diseases. Fireworks festivals that started as a symbol of reconstruction after war and earthquakes, and include mourning and wishes for peace. Fireworks masters from all over the country gather together to compete in technology and artistry. Fireworks set off near the sacred shrine are solemn and there is a fireworks festival where you can feel a special atmosphere.

The Izumi Museum has a collection of more than 3,500 pieces, with a core collection of about 500 Chinese bronzes and bronze mirrors. Both in terms of quantity and quality, it is the leader in overseas bronze collections. Therefore, the "Age of Chinese Bronze" held at the Izumi Museum this spring is also worth paying attention to. If you go to visit the Izumi Museum's reopening exhibition, we also recommend that you pay special attention to this bronze exhibition, including the museum's treasure Tiger You, the early Warring States period chime bells, the Qiang bell, the Kui God drum, the owl zun, the taotie pattern square lei, the taotie pattern square yi, the ge you and other important bronze objects in the collection are all on display.

Yumeshima, the site of the Osaka-Kansai Expo, is a place that gives a sense of Osaka's unique character, which developed towards the sea. The numerous documents stored in the Osaka Castle Tower retain the image of the "water city" of the past, which can no longer be seen today. Please take the time to reflect on the history of Osaka, which was nurtured by its abundant waters.

During the Sengoku period, various cultural artifacts from Europe and Asia were brought to Japan through trade with the Western countries. This exhibition will focus on the various aspects of exchange with the world that had a major impact on Japanese society, such as the introduction of Christianity and firearms.

A special exhibition of the latest Gundam series, which is also a hot topic for its TV broadcast! Anime Tokyo Station, an exhibition center for anime that utilizes Japanese anime content with a strong fan base around the world, is holding a special exhibition of the theatrical advance version of "Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuX (Gi-Q Axe) -Beginning-". This work is the latest Gundam series work directed by Kazuya Tsurumaki, which attracted a lot of attention as it was the first collaboration between Studio Khara, the creator of the "Evangelion" series, and Sunrise, the creator of the Gundam series. The theatrical advance version, which was screened ahead of the TV series broadcast, with some episodes reconstructed, was very popular and continues to attract attention even after the anime began broadcasting in April this year. The special exhibition will feature scene cuts from the theatrical advance version of "Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuX -Beginning-", which was screened ahead of the TV series broadcast, looking back on famous scenes from the work. Other attractions include standees of characters and mobile suits, including the main character Amaterasu Yuzuriha (Machu), a photo spot that recreates scenes from the series, and valuable production materials such as scripts. There is also a corner where you can take AR photos with motifs of characters.

This is a touring, international exhibition designed and organised by the Musée de l'Orangerie in Paris, France, focusing together, for the first time, on two Impressionist/Post-Impressionist painters, Renoir and Cézanne.Featuring masterpieces like Renoir’s “Two Young Girls at the Piano” and Cézanne’s “Portrait of the Artist’s Son”, the exhibition explores the origins of modern art through approximately fifty works, including portraits, still lifes, and landscapes by these two great masters, as well as pieces by Picasso, who was influenced by them.Realised through cooperation between the Musée de l'Orangerie and the Musée d'Orsay, the exhibition travels the world, showing in Milan, then Martigny (Switzerland) and Hong Kong, before appearing at Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum, Tokyo, the only Japanese venue for the show.We hope that audiences will delight in the connections between Renoir and Cézanne, and in the extraordinary artistic expression of these two great masters who produced such unconstrained and diverse work on the eve of the birth of modern art.

One of Japan’s most influential and iconoclastic artists, Tadanori Yokoo has spent over six decades reshaping the boundaries of contemporary art. From his bold graphic designs in the 1960s to his later exploration of painting, photography and installation, the Hyogo native’s oeuvre makes for a kaleidoscopic journey across time, culture and personal mythology. His ever-evolving practice is marked by a restless spirit of experimentation and a refusal to settle on a single, ‘complete’ form of expression. This ongoing journey informs ‘Mikan: Myself, Incomplete’, on display at the Gucci Ginza Gallery until August 24. Offering a glimpse into Yokoo’s inner world, the show brings together around 20 works, including six previously unexhibited new pieces. Ranging from self-portraits to depictions of family, they’re all centred on the theme of incompleteness and the ongoing journey of artistic creation.

Fujimoto Yoshimichi (1919-1992) pursued realistic and deep color paintings, and in 1986 was recognized as a holder of the Important Intangible Cultural Property for colored porcelain. He developed the technique of "Yubyo-kasai" to depict the background, using shades of paint to create a three-dimensional motif and to make it look like it is one with the white porcelain surface. The main motif is a bird. The appeal of colored paintings lies in the layered expression created by overlapping paints and glazes, but by depicting a pale landscape like a watercolor painting under the colored painting of a bird, he created a unique expression that is realistic and spreads into the depths of the vessel, yet also has the abstractness of a ceramic pattern.Fujimoto studied craft design at Tokyo School of Fine Arts (now Tokyo University of the Arts), and after graduating he entered the Ministry of Education's Crafts Technical Training Institute, which was located on the school grounds, to gain practical skills, where he was taught by Tomimoto Kenkichi (1886-1963) and Kato Hashimoe (1900-1968), both of whom would later become Important Intangible Cultural Property Holders for overglaze porcelain. His family had no connection to pottery, and after graduating from the training institute he continued to create his own works while moving around from Tokyo to Gifu, Kyoto, Wakayama, Kagoshima, and other places as Tomimoto's assistant, ceramic designer, and instructor. During his time working at Kyoto City University of Arts (now Kyoto City University of Arts), he participated in the Sodeisha and Modern Art Association, and attracted attention for his ceramic objects, but after becoming an assistant professor at Tokyo University of the Arts in 1962, he gradually began to concentrate on overglaze painting as he created the right environment.This exhibition explores the relationship between the deepening of Fujimoto Noboru's expression and technique through works from the mid-1970s to his final years in 1991, when he developed materials and techniques and worked on colored porcelain.

Famous swords were the supreme treasure of samurai families. Not only were they excellent weapons, but over the years, they have been possessed by many rulers during times of war, or given as gifts at happy turning points in life, and as a result, their value has increased even more. In this way, for hundreds of years, many famous swords have been passed down from hand to hand, and have been preserved and passed down to the present day along with their gorgeous sword fittings that are befitting of their status. This exhibition will focus on the swords and sword fittings in the collection of the Tokugawa Art Museum, and will display famous swords associated with famous warlords and daimyo, as well as gorgeous sword fittings, while focusing on the various stories surrounding the works. This large-scale exhibition, befitting the 90th anniversary of the museum's opening, will feature a selection of national treasures, important cultural properties, and famous items. The profound world of swords and sword fittings, which continue to be fascinating even through the ages, will be introduced from both the historical background and the beauty of the works themselves.

Shosoin THE SHOW, an exhibition event supervised by the Imperial Household Agency's Shosoin Office, will be held on the occasion of the Osaka-Kansai Expo, where visitors can experience and enjoy the miracle of Shosoin and its treasures, which are still in good condition after 1,300 years of rare items. These treasures, which still shine and do not fade, have been passed down through the hearts and hands of people throughout the ages. This exhibition will unravel the story of the miracle of Shosoin's 1,300 years from the three perspectives of "love, beauty, and weaving." This exhibition is unique in that it will make full use of the latest digital techniques. The treasures will be scanned from 360 degrees and displayed in high-definition 3D digital data, allowing visitors to experience the details and texture of the treasures in a realistic way. In addition, the "replicas" that the Shosoin Office has been researching and producing will be exhibited in combination with video, music, and lighting, providing a new encounter with Shosoin. In addition, new works created by contemporary artists, including fashion designer Tomoe Shinohara, inspired by Shosoin treasures will be introduced. Photography and posting on social media is permitted throughout the venue, not just at the photo spots. This is an exhibition event that is truly colored with the splendor of a show, with cutting-edge creators directing the words and space.

Kuroda Jutaro, a prominent figure in the Kyoto Western-style painting scene, was not only a painter but also a prolific writer. His literary works conveyed the trends of European art, particularly those in France, and played a significant role in the acceptance of Western art in Japan. His 1947 publicationKyoto Yoga no Reimeiki(“The Dawn of Kyoto Western-style Painting”) provides a systematic account of the development of Western-style painting in Japan, focusing on Kyoto. With the publication of a revised and expanded edition in 2006, the book remains an essential work for understanding the Kyoto Western-style painting scene today. This Special Display traces the formation of Kyoto’s Western-style painting scene as told by Kuroda, introduced through the Museum Collection. From pioneers such as Tamura Soryu, the establishment of the Kyoto Prefectural School of Painting, the formation of the Kansai Bijutsukai, and the arrival of Asai Chu in Kyoto, please enjoy exploring the foundations that shaped the development of Western-style painting in Kyoto.

There are many artists and works that are still unknown to the world in Japanese art. For example, in the case of Ito Jakuchu (1716-1800), an exhibition held at the Kyoto National Museum in 2000 triggered an unprecedented boom in Jakuchu's work, but before 2000, Jakuchu was a "hidden treasure trove" for the general public. Since then, Jakuchu and other eccentric painters have been unearthed, but there are still many hidden treasures from the Jomon period to modern times. This exhibition aims to unearth these treasures once again and establish them as beautiful gems in the history of Japanese art. We would like the audience to use their own eyes to find "future national treasures."

A celebration of Hello Kitty 50 years in the making. Come enjoy this exhibit showcasing Hello Kitty’s uniqueness! Hello Kitty made her debut 50 years ago, and has become a global icon and beloved household name. Look across the world and stories like hers are quite rare. So, what made, and continues to make, Hello Kitty so popular? The hint lies in her connection to each and every one of her fans. At this exhibit, the secret will be revealed in various corners of the exhibit, including the largest assemblage of Hello Kitty goods in history, artist collaborations with Hello Kitty overflowing with personality, and original video made for the event.

The "Japanese Graphic Design 2025" exhibition selects about 300 works from the yearbook, covering 10 major categories including posters, book binding, product packaging, brand logos, digital media, films, and space design, supplemented by physical exhibits and video materials, to fully present the current creative enthusiasm and professional depth of Japanese graphic design.

"Ukiyoe Immersive Art Exhibition" is an immersive digital art museum where visitors can experience the world of ukiyo-e through 3D CG animation and projection mapping. The exhibition is based on more than 300 masterpieces by world-famous ukiyo-e artists such as Katsushika Hokusai, Utagawa Kuniyoshi, Utagawa Hiroshige, Kitagawa Utamaro, Tōshūsai Sharaku, and Utagawa Kunisada. The venue consists of approximately nine immersive zones, allowing visitors of all ages to fully immerse themselves in the dynamic world of ukiyo-e. This exhibition has already been held in Nagoya, Milan (Italy), Kagoshima, and Tokyo, attracting over 200,000 visitors worldwide. All areas of the venue allow photo and video shooting, enabling visitors to take stunning pictures while stepping into the enchanting world of ukiyo-e. Enjoy a limited-time immersive exhibition where masterpieces of ukiyo-e, which have captivated the world across generations, come to life in a dynamic and engaging way.

The National Museum of Western Art will hold the "Nationalmuseum of Sweden Drawing Collection - From Renaissance to Baroque" exhibition from July 1st to September 28th, 2025. The Nationalmuseum of Sweden, located in Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, is one of the oldest art museums in the world, based on art collected by the Swedish royal family. In particular, the museum's drawing collection is known for its rich quality and quantity, even on a global scale. This time, we will hold an exhibition that introduces a selection of masterpieces from the drawing collection, from the Renaissance to the Baroque. Since drawings are easily affected by changes in the environment, light, and vibration, it is usually difficult to exhibit drawings held overseas in Japan, so this will be the first time that the world's best collection of drawings, about 80 pieces, will come to Japan. This exhibition allows you to fully enjoy the charm of drawings, which are filled with all of the artist's skill and imagination, including works by masters such as Dürer, Rubens, and Rembrandt.

Sou Fujimoto (born 1971 in Hokkaido) has design offices in Tokyo, Paris, and Shenzhen, and is involved in a wide range of projects around the world, from private homes to universities, commercial facilities, hotels, and complexes. After garnering attention with his Aomori Museum of Art Competition in 2000, he has completed a series of highly acclaimed projects, including the Musashino Art University Museum and Library (Tokyo, 2010), the Serpentine Gallery Pavilion 2013 (London), and in recent years the apartment complex L'Arbre Blanc (The White Tree) (Montpellier, France, 2019) and the music complex House of Hungarian Music (Budapest, 2021). He is currently one of the most notable Japanese architects, serving as the venue design producer for the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo.

Fukahori Ryusuke (born in Aichi Prefecture in 1973) is an artist who is fascinated by goldfish and continues to create works of art. This exhibition will feature around 300 works, from his early period to his latest, with a focus on his Goldfish Sake series, which the artist named himself after the incident of being saved by a goldfish. His virtuoso 2.5D (dimensional) paintings (which look like swimming goldfish when viewed from above, but what about from the side?) bring to life the cruelty, strangeness, beauty, loveliness and transience of life.

This fireworks display will be held at Ajiura Beach in Hitachinaka, one of the most beautiful beaches in Ibaraki Prefecture. In 2025, the event will be held for seven days in July and August, mostly on weekends. For about 10 minutes, colorful fireworks will be launched from the sea surface, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful sight of the fireworks reflected on the water. It is conveniently located a 5-minute walk from Ajiura Station on the Hitachinaka Seaside Railway. Although the event is short, impressive fireworks such as the 8-inch and 13-inch ones light up the night sky. Feel the sea breeze and enjoy the fireworks on a pleasant summer night.

The Gujo Odori is one of Japan's oldest and longest-running Bon Odori festivals, with a history of over 400 years. Held in the scenic Gujo Hachiman Castle Town, this two-month festival invites locals and visitors to dance in the streets every night, passing on a rich cultural tradition.

From July 17 to August 31, Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden will host the Summer Garden Festival, a seasonal event where visitors can enjoy a variety of different activities. There will be fields of blooming sunflowers, a cooling mist garden, nighttime illuminations, and drinks from the terrace bar featuring mint and edible flowers grown on site. Families with children shouldn’t miss out either – there are a number of activities designed just for kids. From making your own cosmos seed paste “dumplings” to take home and plant, to exploring the garden’s herb scavenger hunt, there’s plenty to keep kids interested.

The British Museum of Natural History is coming to Japan for the first time! A full-body reconstructed skeleton of the 37-meter-long "Patagotitan mayorum" is on display! The exhibition "Titanosaur: Life as the Biggest Dinosaur," which was well received at the British Museum in London, is coming to Japan! Yokohama will be the first stop on its international tour. The museum will introduce the world's largest sauropod, Patagotitan mayorum, through an impressive, fully restored skeleton measuring approximately 37 meters in length, and interactive exhibits. Many specimens from Japan are also gathered here! Learn about not only giant sauropods, but also the history of the gigantism and prosperity of dinosaurs. Under the supervision of the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum and the Fukui Prefectural University Dinosaur Research Institute, numerous specimens of dinosaurs other than sauropods and other creatures are collected from all over the country and exhibited in one place. The museum introduces the history of the flourishing of dinosaurs and the evolution of living things through a wide range of specimens, including non-dinosaur paleontologists and extant mammals. A moving specimen?! An impressive dinosaur robot is also on display! This robot is made by Kokoro Co., Ltd., a company that makes high-quality dinosaur robots that are exhibited in museums both in Japan and overseas, such as the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum and the British Museum of Natural History. Even adults will be amazed by its life-size, realistic appearance.

Ogasawara treasures each unique encounter with a landscape, and his landscape paintings, created using the techniques of Japanese painting and based on meticulous sketches, are bright and clear in style with a gold base, and while their expression is simple, they are imbued with elegance. This exhibition will feature works depicting the natural scenery of rural areas around Japan, such as mountain valleys covered in blossoms including cherry blossoms, and waterside scenes of clear streams.

The Konica Minolta Planetarium TOKYO (Yurakucho) will hold the "Summer Starry Sky Festival", which you can enjoy in the planetarium dome, which is cool even on hot summer days. The starry sky, fireworks, summer festival limited menus, game booths, let you enjoy extraordinary moments that can only be found here.

The "Showa 100th Anniversary Summer Festival" at Seibuen Amusement Park is a large-scale summer event themed on commemorating the Showa era. The event is usually held in the summer and aims to lead visitors to relive the customs and culture of the Showa period through various entertainment programs and cultural activities.

Kimono have been used as clothing to adorn people's bodies. Kimono are decorated with designs on the surface, and because they are made from a fixed width of cloth sewn in straight lines, they have a very flat appearance, but the colorful designs they incorporate give them a three-dimensional appearance when worn as clothing. This shift between flat and three-dimensional is interesting, as it is very different from Western clothing, which is designed and produced from the beginning using three-dimensional cutting.

This is the world's first immersive experiential digital art museum where you can be immersed in Japan's proud world of Yokai (supernatural monster) art, focusing on "Hyakki Yagyo Emaki" (Night Parade of One Hundred Demons scrolls), "Hyaku Monogatari" (A Collection of 100 Supernatural Tales), Oni (ogres/demons), Tengu (long-nosed goblins), Kappa (river imps), and Tsukumogami (artifact spirits), depicted by various painters from the Edo and Meiji periods, combined with cutting-edge video technology and three-dimensional modeling.

With the Yokohama Hakkeijima Ocean Park, a park with four aquariums and various amusement facilities, as the background, the night sky and the sea are the stage for the fireworks symphony. The new technology brings a 52-meter-high "Pyramid of Light", with fireworks and projection images, accompanied by exciting music, as if entering a fantasy world. It will be held for more than 10 days, with 2,500 fireworks set off every day, attracting about 55,000 people.

I'm Uncle Friday, who graced the opening of Friday Road Show from 1997 to 2009. It was created by director Hayao Miyazaki and finished by director Yoshifumi Kondo. Now, everyone. Was it through Friday Road Show that you first encountered Studio Ghibli films? Since airing "Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind" in 1986, we have been bringing Studio Ghibli films to everyone. Many people all over Japan are watching at the same time. It's a special experience that can only be had through this program.

The Seven Wonders of Fukagawa, a legend of Edo Fukagawa, are depicted in ukiyo-e-style woodblock prints! The darkness of Edo is brought back to life!! The appeal of the Seven Wonders of Fukagawa is that you can identify the modern geographical place names. It's even more enjoyable when you compare the modern locations with the old maps on display alongside the ukiyo-e-style woodblock prints!