Featured Events in Japan in 2025 (August Updated)

From July to November 2025, YOASOBI will start its first domestic tour with 40 performances in 14 counties across the country. This is the first Hall tour in the country for YOASOBI.

With the expansion of the launch area, you can enjoy a fireworks display that is even larger in scale than last year. In addition to the diverse displays that unfold at close range, the spectacular fireworks that shoot straight up into the air will create a spectacular sense of realism. This year, the number of fireworks will be increased even further, allowing you to experience a sense of dynamism that feels as if the climax is never ending. The colorful and flashy displays that are unique to the Kansai region will brightly color the summer night sky.

Overview Theme: Designing Future Society for Our Lives Subthemes: Saving Lives Empowering Lives Connecting Lives Concept: People's Living Lab 1. A space where 8 billion people from around the world will not only view exhibits but will co-create our future society. 2.Even before the Expo begins, an online platform for sharing challenges and solutions from around the world will be launched. 3.A place where the world’s knowledge such as cutting-edge technology will be brought together, used to create new ideas, and shared, all to help resolve global issues facing mankind. Purpose World Expo has both cohesive and communication capabilities. We will use these capabilities as a trigger to sustain growth and development of Osaka, Kansai as well as Japan following on from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics. What is a World Expo? A World Expo is an event that brings together people and innovations from around the world in an effort to address issues facing humankind on a global scale. The Osaka Expo 1970, Japan’s, and Asia’s, first ever, became a symbol of Japan’s rapid economic growth and one of the country’s most lauded events. Twenty years after the Aichi Expo 2005, Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai will bring the international community back to Japan. A World Exposition is a place, where new technologies and products are born, triggering greater convenience in our daily lives. Elevator (New York Exhibition, 1853), telephone (Philadelphia Centennial Exposition, 1876) Family restaurants, wireless telephones, electric cars, moving sidewalks (Expo 1970 Osaka) Entry tickets embedded with IC chips, AED, dry mist (Aichi Exposition, 2005) Goals of Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai To contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)Achievement of Japan’s national strategy Society 5.0EXPO for SDGs In 2025, the world will be a mere five years away from 2030, the year the United Nations has set as the target for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), making it a crucial one for ramping up efforts to achieve these goals. Therefore, Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai will become a key platform for reaching the SDGs by 2030. The key is “Society 5.0” “Society 5.0” is Japan’s national strategy to develop a human-centered society that progresses economically and resolves social issues through a system that combines both cyber and physical spaces in a sophisticated manner. It refers to a new form of society chronologically following hunting, farming, industry, and information societies. A society that is able to resolve a variety of issues on a global scale with technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics, big data, and biotechnology is a society that will have achieved the SDGs. What we will realise at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai Bringing together the wisdom of the world, including breakthrough technologies, to create and communicate new ideasExpansion of domestic and overseas investmentCreation of innovation through activation of human interactionActivation of regional economies and small and medium enterprisesA chance to communicate the wealth of Japan’s cultureThe multiple merits of a world expo held in Osaka, Kansai, Japan Activation of Japan’s economy and the Osaka, Kansai regional economy, and strengthened management of small and medium enterprises resulting from expanded business opportunities are expected to have an economic ripple effect of about JPY 2 trillion.Further development of Osaka, Kansai’s world-class life sciences and biomedical achievements through new innovation in line with Expo’s theme.Further enrichment of Osaka, Kansai’s proud, long history and culture through interaction with foreign cultures, and elevation of its global recognition.Enabling Japan’s young, next-generation creators in a variety of fields to communicate their talents to the world.Japan possesses one of the safest environments and most advanced transport infrastructure in the world, and Osaka, Kansai can be easily accessed from major cities in the world.

The Ghibli 3D Modeling Exhibition, which explores the appeal of Studio Ghibli works, will be held at Warehouse Terada B&C HALL/E HALL in Tennoz, Tokyo from Tuesday, May 27th. Studio Ghibli works, including the movie "How Do You Live?", which has been released in over 80 countries and regions, are now being watched all over the world. Behind the scenes, there were people in each country and region who loved the works and tried to spread them over a long period of time. This exhibition will introduce famous scenes from the movies through 3D models, tracing how overseas partners distributed the works. The 3D Modeling Exhibition is the origin of the full-scale Studio Ghibli exhibition that began in 2003, and will return to Tokyo after 22 years of evolution. Of particular interest is the Savoia S-21 flying boat that appears in the movie "Porco Rosso". The impressive flying boat, created based on the assumption that it "really existed," will look like it is about to take off from Warehouse Terada at any moment. The event will run from May 27th (Tuesday) to September 23rd (Tuesday, national holiday). The "Ham Ramen" that was on sale at the "Friday Road Show and Ghibli Exhibition" two years ago and became a hot topic will be back at the water facility "T-LOTUS M" next to the venue. In addition, tickets will be sold in combination with the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka and tickets linked to hotel accommodation plans.

A "Detective Conan" mystery-solving event will be held at Osaka Castle! Take on the challenge of solving mysteries with Edogawa Conan and Hattori Heiji! A strange code was discovered in the city overlooking Osaka Castle. The identity of the culprit and his motives are unknown. Heiji, who received a top-secret request, begins an investigation with Conan. Before long, the two realize that the code is not just a play on words, but a device that also involves the surrounding "scenery." Can you solve all the codes using the clues scattered around the city?

The newly formed Korean group TWS is preparing for their first concert, and the atmosphere is growing increasingly tense. The concert titled "2025 TWS TOUR '24/7: WITH:US'" will tour cities across Japan from July to August. Recently, Weverse shared a vibrant concert poster with social media platforms, delighting fans immensely. On the poster, the members are smiling under a clear blue sky. Their radiant smiles were filled with joy and anticipation for the concert. TWS aims to become a shining new generation of stage artists. Their performances will feature vibrant choreography and stable live singing, leaving a lasting impression. Pledis Entertainment is dedicated to presenting a genuine show that showcases TWS's growth and commitment to its fans.

‘ULTRA JAPAN’ is the Japanese version of ‘ULTRA MUSIC FESTIVAL’ (UMF), the world's largest urban dance music festival, which originated in Miami, USA, in 1999. As a pioneer in dance music festivals, UMF is now held in 27 countries and regions around the world. The 2025 ‘ULTRA JAPAN’ features three stages: ‘ULTRA MAIN STAGE,’ ‘RESISTANCE,’ and ‘ULTRA PARK STAGE,’ with the ULTRA MAIN STAGE being one of the most visually stunning stages. Over the past nine editions, world-class DJs and music producers have captivated audiences with their vibrant and energetic dance music. ‘RESISTANCE’ focuses on the essence of dance music, highlighting underground music styles that have recently gained renewed attention in the current music scene, such as techno and tech house, offering audiences an immersive and intoxicating experience. The ‘ULTRA PARK STAGE’ brings together emerging artists from both domestic and international scenes, each presenting their unique musical styles to create a diverse and dynamic stage. As an urban music festival accessible within a 15-minute drive from Shibuya, ULTRA JAPAN has consistently attracted audiences with its high fashion appeal and diverse charm. In 2025, the festival will mark its 10th anniversary. Among the first batch of announced lineups, Grammy Award-winning international superstar Calvin Harris will make his debut at ULTRA JAPAN, while Martin Garrix, who has topped the DJ Mag ‘Top 100 DJs’ chart for five consecutive years and is a regular headliner at major music festivals worldwide, has sparked buzz on social media with his confirmed participation. In the ever-evolving electronic dance music scene, ULTRA JAPAN will present music fans with a new cultural wave and an unforgettable experience. 【HEADLINERS】 Calvin Harris / DJ Snake / Gryffin / Hardwell / Martin Garrix / Slander 【RESISTANCE HEADLINERS】 Adam Beyer / Amelie Lens / Argy / ARTBAT / Korolova 【SUPPORT】 Apashe / Black Tiger Sex Machine / Morten / MYKRIS 【ADDITIONAL SUPPORT】 AOY / AVY / AXCELL B2B PANCII / Beginning / BOPCORN / BRAIZE B2B DJ YU-KI / chomo / CITY / DAIJIRO / DAITTO B2B CLESENT / DJ Celly / DJ DARUMA & JOMMY / DJ HIRo / DJ KOMORI / DJ WILDPARTY / DJ YAGI / ecec / ERIMIYA / f5ve / JO3 / KANDARTA / KEN ISHII B2B DRUNKEN KONG / KENTARO / KIYOTO / KYUNDESU / LEMI / lit / MARZY / MIDNIGHT ROCK / n.i.p.r / okadada / REXY=DEXY / RHY B2B TOMOPIRO / RYOHEI / SID3 EFFECT / Sota & Hayato / SPRAYBOX / Takkyu Ishino/ TJO / TREKKIE TRAX CREW / VIVID / YAKSA

[Ticket Purchase Notice] ※ Each accountis limited to purchasing 6 tickets, and tickets are required for those aged 3 and above. ※ On the day of the concert, attendees may be recorded in the footage. ※ Resale and illegal sale of tickets are prohibited. Tickets that have been resold are considered invalid and may result in denial of entry. ※ The organizer is not responsible for any issues arising from tickets purchased through resale. ※ To prevent ticket fraud, the organizer may conduct ID checks upon entry to the event. ※ During the performance, the use of photographic equipment, recording devices, mobile phones, and gaming devices for photography or recording is prohibited. Anyone found engaging in such activities will be asked to leave. ※ No refunds will be given unless the performance is canceled or postponed. ※ Re-entry is prohibited after leaving the venue. The legendary Chinese rock star Wu Bai will join hands with the band China Blue, which celebrates its 33rd anniversary, to welcome the much-anticipated first performance in Japan on October 2 (Thursday) at PIA ARENA MM, Wu Bai & China Blue Rock Star 2 WORLD TOUR IN JAPAN! In this Wu Bai & China Blue Rock Star 2 World Tour, there will be new songs that will debut in a large-scale concert, as well as re-arranged classics and original songs that you will never tire of. The long-lost modern dancers will make their appearance again, and the fiery brass band will still be full of passion. What is most anticipated is the tacit performance of Wu Bai & China Blue, which has been together for 33 years, on stage. The shocking rock performance performed live throughout the whole process is the core of the fascinating charm of "Rock Star" Wu Bai!

The Kyoto Hozugawa Fireworks Festival is held in Kameoka City, which has been declared a World Alliance Reiwa City, with the aim of praying for permanent world peace and the Reiwa era in Kameoka, and for the repose of those who died in past wars and disasters.

Summer Sonic is back! Summer Sonic is known for featuring some of the biggest acts from around the world. The festival is held simultaneously in Chiba and Osaka, with acts switching days – so you won’t miss out, whichever you choose.

Summer Sonic is back! Summer Sonic is known for featuring some of the biggest acts from around the world. The festival is held simultaneously in Chiba and Osaka, with acts switching days – so you won’t miss out, whichever you choose.

ILLIT is a South Korean girl group launched by the South Korean entertainment company Belift Lab. The members of the group were selected through the survival audition program "R U Next?" and officially debuted on March 25, 2024, with their mini-album "Super Real Me". In terms of music style, ILLIT's songs mainly feature a dynamic and energetic electronic pop style. Their debut song, "Magnetic", has attracted a large number of fans with its catchy melody, energetic rhythm, and the members' clear and lovely timbres. The song has achieved excellent cumulative playback figures on Spotify, the world's largest music streaming platform, which proves the group's strength and appeal. Their second mini-album, "I'LL LIKE YOU", has also achieved good results on the Japanese Oricon and Billboard Japan charts.

The fireworks display will be held in a format unique to Chofu City, with highlights including 70 No. 8 fireworks to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Chofu City, "Hanabillusion" combining music and fireworks with the theme of "Showa 100", and "Takumi no Hanabi", a celebratory fireworks display by fireworks artisans from all over the country.

The popular Poop Museum has made its glorious return to Fukuoka, better than ever! “＼”Power up!!”／ Poop Museum FUKUOKA” will be making its return to the city starting from April 18th, 2025. The experience has evolved since visiting Fukuoka last, and plenty of mainstays of the original exhibit as well as brand new and thrilling poo-ventures await you there! Cute and pop art influenced poop-designs will transform your humdrum everyday into a unique and unforgettable experience!

Kobe Port weekend fireworks are set off regularly to liven up Meriken Park. We have added a February schedule. The bright fireworks in the cold and clear night sky are different from the summer. It is a great opportunity to enjoy the art of light with the winter night sky as the background. Fireworks time: [June][June] June 7 (Sat) 19:30 June 21 (Sat) 19:30 [July][July] July 5 (Sat) 19:30 July 19 (Sat) 19:30 [August][August] August 1 (Fri) 1 9:30　August 2 (Sat) 19:30 August 8 (Fri) 19:30　August 9 (Sat) 19:30 August 15 (Fri) 19:30　August 16 (Sat) 19:30 August 22 (Fri) 19:30　August 23 (Sat) 19:30 August 29 (Fri) 19:30　August 30 (Sat) 19:30 Fireworks location: Meriken Park

Japanese animation master Isao Takahata is known as "the man who created Japanese animation" He redefined the humanistic depth of animation with works such as Grave of the Fireflies, The Tale of Princess Kaguya, and The Legend of the Ancient Swordsman. This exhibition is held to commemorate the 90th anniversary of Takahata Isao's birth. Curated and assisted by Studio Ghibli, this is a look back at his artistic career Through the techniques and concepts that Takahata used in his works before joining Studio Ghibli and Studio Ghibli films to delve into the essence of animation production Showing his great contribution to the development of Japanese animation culture

How have the works of Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890) been passed down to the present day? This exhibition focuses on the collection that has been passed down through his family. Van Gogh's younger brother Theo, who supported Van Gogh's painting career and kept most of his works, passed away six months after his brother's death, and Theo's wife Yo took over the management of the vast collection. Yo dedicated her life to increasing her brother-in-law's fame, lending and selling his works for exhibitions, and organizing and publishing his vast letters. His son Vincent Willem created the Vincent van Gogh Foundation and worked hard to establish a museum to prevent the collection from being dispersed. The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam houses approximately 200 oil paintings and 500 drawings by the painter Vincent van Gogh, as well as letters, related works, and ukiyo-e prints. Most of the pieces were permanently loaned by the Vincent van Gogh Foundation when the museum opened in 1973. This exhibition will mainly feature works from the Van Gogh Museum, but will also display more than 30 of Van Gogh's works, as well as four of his letters, which will be on display in Japan for the first time, to introduce the collection that has been protected and passed down through the family.

The mysterious world of insects expands when you see and touch them. Interaction Corner You can touch large beetles such as the Hercules beetle, the white beetle, and the Caucasus beetle, for a total of 12 species.

The world's first immersive exhibition "Klimt Alive" will be held, where you can travel through a golden world. This long-awaited new work was planned and produced by Grande Experiences, an Australian planning company that has been highly praised for its fascinating storytelling and innovative exhibition methods, and has been involved in immersive exhibitions such as "Van Gogh Alive" and "Monet & Friends Alive". Grande Experiences has held more than 280 exhibitions in more than 200 cities on six continents, attracting more than 25 million people. This exhibition will feature a giant screen set up in a large, pitch-black space 7 meters high. Amidst the light, color, sound and scent, Klimt's masterpieces, including "The Kiss", "Judith", and "Death and Life", will be projected one after another across the entire venue. You can enjoy an experience of being captivated by Klimt's gorgeous decorativeness and sensual beauty while immersing yourself in the classical music that plays along with the images. Photography and video are permitted in all exhibition rooms. You can capture your own glamorous Klimt world on camera.

The Fuefuki River Ishikawa Cormorant Fishing event is held every year in Fuefuki City, Yamanashi Prefecture, and fireworks are set off on the day. Unlike general cormorant fishing, where fishermen control multiple cormorants in a small boat, cormorant fishing on the Fuefuki River is a unique Japanese fishing method, where fishermen walk in the river and control a cormorant. This is a unified "cormorant fisherman" fishing method with a history of more than 800 years. The cormorant fishing event will be held every Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday from July 20 (Sunday) to August 17 (Sunday), for a total of 17 days. After the cormorant fishing event, fireworks will light up the midsummer night sky for about 10 minutes.

The Illumination Night summer event depicts Yokohama's charming bay area, with fascinating exhibitions until the end of September! Explore photogenic Vietnamese lights similar to Hoi An Night Market and enjoy interactive experiences like lantern painting, just a 3-minute walk from Yokohama Station.

This fireworks display is held in Ueda, Nagano Prefecture. The highlight is the grand display of about 8,000 fireworks, including star-studded fireworks. The fireworks are synchronized with the music, and the finale is impressive. You can enjoy the beauty of the summer night while watching the beautiful fireworks blooming in the night sky. There are many food stalls around the venue, so you can fully experience the charm of Ueda.

Japanese ticketing giantePlushas announced the launch ofFAVOY, a new project dedicated to online music culture, alongside an upcoming live event featuring some of the scene’s most notable artists. Over the past decade, online music has evolved into a dominant force in the mainstream, with viral hits shaping global music trends. However, the landscape remains diverse, with Vocaloid producers, cover singers, Vtubers, and various digital artists each contributing their own distinct styles. Recognizing this, FAVOY aims to create unique live experiences by bringing together artists who have never shared a stage before, using ePlus’ extensive ticketing data to curate unprecedented collaborations. The nameFAVOYcombines “Fave,” a term widely used in international youth culture to express admiration for favorite artists, a slang term popularized on Japanese social media in the 2010s meaning “to like” or “favorite” a post. The project seeks to offer fans a chance to experience their favorite artists beyond the digital space while discovering new talent in a live setting.

Every August, more than 400,000 people come to participate in the Fussa Tanabata Festival. The Fussa Tanabata Festival originated in 1951 as an activity to revitalize the shopping street, and later gradually evolved into a grand citizen event. Centered around the west exit of Fussa Station, there will not only be Tanabata Weaver Competitions, but also folk dance performances, and various activities to interact with citizens will be held on a special stage set up in the city hall square. There are about 100 citizen stalls on the street, and you can feel the lively atmosphere of the Tanabata Festival just by strolling on the street.

The Yonago Gaina Festival, a traditional summer festival in the commercial city of Yonago, has been decided to be held on August 9 and 10, 2025. The festival will be livened up by traditional Gaina Manto lanterns and a firework display of about 4,000 fireworks. The keyword this year is "Omossee," and in addition to a dance competition near JR Yonago Station on the eve of the festival, the first-ever Gaina Manto performance, known as the Masters Tournament, is planned.

ILLIT is a South Korean girl group launched by the South Korean entertainment company Belift Lab. The members of the group were selected through the survival audition program "R U Next?" and officially debuted on March 25, 2024, with their mini-album "Super Real Me". In terms of music style, ILLIT's songs mainly feature a dynamic and energetic electronic pop style. Their debut song, "Magnetic", has attracted a large number of fans with its catchy melody, energetic rhythm, and the members' clear and lovely timbres. The song has achieved excellent cumulative playback figures on Spotify, the world's largest music streaming platform, which proves the group's strength and appeal. Their second mini-album, "I'LL LIKE YOU", has also achieved good results on the Japanese Oricon and Billboard Japan charts.

U-NEXT MUSIC FES - Love Live! Series EXPO 2025 STAGE ~Right now!~ is a live concert to be held by U-NEXT which features the Love Live! franchise on its third day. The concert will take place at EXPO Arena "Matsuri", Osaka on August 14, 2025.

Eiheiji Temple in Fukui Prefecture is a famous ancient temple in Japan, also known as "Japan's No. 1 Zen Meditation Center", which attracts many believers to practice Zen. The traditional summer event of Eiheiji Town, "Eiheiji Town Great Lantern Festival", is an important ceremony to announce the end of summer. Lanterns from all over the country gather together. Daytime activities include markets, food stalls and children's playgrounds, providing a festive atmosphere suitable for parents and children to have fun together. In the evening, about 100 monks from the main temple of Eiheiji Temple will come to preside over the "Great Food Offering Dharma" ceremony, reciting the precepts and Dharma names written on the offering lanterns one by one. After the ceremony, about 10,000 lanterns will be released into the Kuzuryu River. The scene of the lanterns floating on the water has been included in the 100 night views of Japan. The scene formed by the light band is very dreamy.

During the Osaka Kansai Expo, Osaka Prefecture and each city and town will promote the charm of Osaka to both domestic and overseas audiences through the "Osaka Week - Spring, Summer, and Autumn" held in three periods throughout the year! In autumn, a music-centered event "Osaka Festival! - EXPO2025 Autumn Battle" is planned.