Featured Events in Tokyo in May 2025 (July Updated)

Naofumi Maruyama begins painting by placing a cotton cloth, saturated with water, on the floor. Utilizing the effect of pigments spreading and seeping into the fabric through the water, he has created numerous landscapes where the boundaries of objects dissolve ambiguously. Unlike applying layers of paint onto a firm and solid support, his process involves gradually generating colors and forms on a damp surface, much like a wetland. This approach resonates with the reality of our own existence, as we stand and live on unstable, physically shifting ground.

Taka Ishii Gallery is pleased to present “strips, trunks, trees and dots”, a solo exhibition of the works of Portuguese artist Leonor Antunes, from Saturday, April 19 to Saturday, May 31. This exhibition marks Antunes’s second show at the gallery since 2022, featuring ten new works.

Tadanori Yokoo, who is known as the "Japanese Andy Warhol", is one of the most internationally renowned Japanese designers. He is good at integrating Japanese elements with pop art in his illustrations, posters, record covers and other creations. In the spring of 2023, Yokoo began a series of "continuous paintings" as he faced the gradual decline of his physical functions. This exhibition takes the river photos of the artist's childhood hometown as the starting point, and evolves into a visual river that integrates the images of life and death.

The exhibition focuses on 17 new works created recently by the artist. In Mizukami Aimi’s creations, the act of painting exists as an accumulation of time. Myths and folk tales from all over the world give her paintings a kind of allegory, allowing her to engage in dialogue between ancient and modern times.

Whitestone Ginza New Gallery is pleased to present MADARA MANJI’s solo exhibition, PRESSURE. MADARA MANJI is often associated with solid, three-dimensional works created through the traditional Japanese 'mokumegane' technique. However, this exhibition introduces a new series, Touch, which challenges his sharp-edged image. Touch features a wall-mounted style, with the central 'mokumegane' pieces framed in aluminum alloys, expanding into a vast universe through curves and bulges that defy the rigidity of metal.

State Asia 2025, a pivotal event set to unfold in the bustling heart of Tokyo, promises to be a beacon of insight and innovation. Hosted at The Westin Tokyo from May 13 to May 15, this gathering will bring together thought leaders, industry pioneers, and policy makers from across the continent. With a focus on shaping the future of Asia's economic landscape, State Asia 2025 will delve into pressing topics such as sustainable development, technological advancements, and regional cooperation. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in high-level discussions, network with influential figures, and explore cutting-edge solutions that address the challenges and opportunities facing Asia today. As the world turns its gaze to Tokyo, this event stands as a testament to the region's dynamic potential and its role in the global arena.

Canon Gallery S on the first floor of Canon S Tower will be hosting a photo exhibition by Takehisa Sato entitled "U.F.O.". Photographer Takehisa Sato has been photographing strange things from around the world from a natural history and aesthetic perspective. For nearly 20 years, he has travelled the world, observing the diverse cultures and folk customs, as well as the people who live in each region. This exhibition will display 140 works that depict not only mysterious worlds, but also neutral perspectives, from his early works in 2003 to his new works in 2025, tracing the trajectory of his travels.

The Sanja Festival is a festival held at the Asakusa Shrine. It is also a large traditional festival in Tokyo and is known as one of the three major festivals in Edo. This festival is held to commemorate the gods protected by the people of Asakusa. The so-called "Sanja" refers to the Asakusa Shrine, which worships Amitabha, Guanyin Bodhisattva and Shizhi Bodhisattva. At the festival, people wear Edo-era costumes and carry "mikkoshi" to celebrate the "Sanja Festival". The Sanja Festival (Japanese: さんじゃまつり) is a regular festival of the Asakusa Shrine in Asakusa, Taito District, Tokyo, Japan. It is held from Friday to Sunday in the third week of May every year. The name "Sanja Festival" comes from the old name of Asakusa Shrine, Sanja Daigongensha.

Explore accurate Tokyo E-Prix sporting information and times for 17th May, as well as links for Motorsport news, tickets and more with Fixture Calendar. The Tokyo E-Prix is one of the most anticipated motorsport events in the world. Held in the heart of Tokyo city, this electric street racing event is organized by the FIA Formula E Championship. The race takes place on a 2.7 km street circuit located within the bustling business district. Some of the top racing teams such as Audi Sport, Jaguar Racing, and Panasonic Jaguar Racing participate in this event. The 45-minute race is divided into 25 laps, with drivers reaching speeds of up to 225 km/h. With renowned drivers such as Jean-Eric Vergne, Lucas di Grassi, and Sebastien Buemi competing, the Tokyo E-Prix promises to be an exhilarating and action-packed event. The Yas Marina Circuit provides a stunning backdrop to the race, further adding to the excitement and intensity of the event. Information Source: fixturecalendar.com

Joan Jonas is an American pioneer of video and performance art and a central figure in the performance art movement of the 1960s. This exhibition focuses on 80 works on paper, highlighting the relationship between painting and performance in Jonas's artistic practice, as well as her connections to Japan, a country she first visited in the 1970s.

The Meiji era saw the country moving forward towards a modern nation. Young people who dreamed of a new Japan blossomed in their own way. Natsume Soseki, Masaoka Shiki, and Mori Ogai were all pioneers of modern literature and had a huge influence on the world. More than 100 years after their deaths, this year's exhibition will focus on the handwritten manuscripts of Soseki, Shiki, and Ogai from the many modern literary materials held by Tenri Library. Manuscripts handwritten by authors themselves are first-class materials for the study of the author and his work. You can still hear them breathing through the pages, with various traces of revision and editing notes. What kind of lives did these three men, who lived in the same era and who sometimes interacted with each other, lead? We hope that you will be able to get a glimpse of their lives through the various literary works on display.

The charm of Hayashi Takeshi's works lies in the complete context and completion throughout the creative process. His representative works include the installation "Measurement" (1997/Tokyo Gallery) integrated with the white cube space, "Paddy Field-Minami Arima" (2004/Minami Arima Town, Nagasaki Prefecture) composed of mud and stone, "Room Between Stones" (2006/Tokyo Gallery) that can be climbed, and "Stone Language" (2014/Tokyo Gallery + BTAP) that imitates the screen in front of the tea ceremony furnace. The artist continues to expand the possibilities of creation by constantly breaking through the boundaries of sculpture and integrating natural and historical elements into stone performance.

Tokyo Gallery + BTAP presents Straddling the Rain, Takeshi Hayashi’s sixth solo exhibition at the gallery, opening May 24. A renowned sculptor born in 1956 in Gifu Prefecture, Hayashi blends natural materials and historical motifs to expand the boundaries of stone sculpture. This exhibition explores the theme of rain, which the artist associates with time, memory, and transient emotion. Featuring abstract installations using stone and water chestnuts, the works evoke dynamic spatial relationships and ethereal sensations. Now retired from teaching at Tokyo University of the Arts, Hayashi continues to create in Shirakawa, Gifu, inviting viewers into quiet reflection through his evolving practice.

"German Brand Design: Reshaping West Germany's National Brand after 1945" curated by German designers Katharina Sussek and Jens Müller (vista design firm) at Ginza Ginza, Tokyo, focuses on how West Germany rebuilt its national image through systematic visual identity design after World War II, presenting the most milestone period in the history of German design development: from Peter Behrens' early corporate design, to the functionalist concept of Bauhaus, to the systematic thinking of the Ulm School of Design (HfG Ulm), West Germany conveyed a new image of democracy, modernity and order to the world through design language.

Friday, May 9 at jazz club “Sometime” in Kichijoji, Tokyo - a full night of exciting Latin jazz, featuring noteworthy artists Marcelo Kimura, Daniel Baeder, and Show Kudo. I’ve made special arrangements of basically 2 kinds of classics: 1. Stan Getz, Joe Henderson, Cedar Walton… 2. Hermeto Paschoal, Egberto Gismonte, Joao Bosco, Joyce Moreno, Joao Donato…. Join me for this exciting, fun, and unique night of high-level music! 吉祥寺 SOMETIME 東京都武蔵野市吉祥寺本町 1-11-31 B1F TEL 0422-21-6336 Information Source: James Butler | eventbrite

The Data Driven Management Expo [Spring] 2025 is set to be a pivotal event in the bustling city of Koto, Tokyo, Japan, from May 28 to May 30. This premier gathering is designed for industry leaders, data enthusiasts, and management professionals eager to explore cutting-edge innovations in data-driven strategies. Hosted at the renowned Koto venue, the expo promises an immersive experience with thought-provoking keynote speeches, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities that will leave attendees buzzing with new insights. With a focus on harnessing data to drive business success, the event will showcase the latest technologies and trends shaping the future of management. Participants can expect to engage with experts and pioneers who are at the forefront of data analytics, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation. The Data Driven Management Expo [Spring] 2025 is not just an event; it's a gateway to the future of data-centric management practices.

Astana Build 2025 is set to be a pivotal event in the construction and building industry, taking place from May 28 to May 30 in the vibrant city of Nur-Sultan. Hosted at the prestigious Sultan venue, located within the EXPO-2017 Administrative Office in Akmola Province, Kazakhstan, this event promises to be a cornerstone for industry professionals. Astana Build 2025 will showcase cutting-edge innovations, sustainable building practices, and the latest advancements in construction technology. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with leading experts, explore groundbreaking projects, and participate in insightful discussions that shape the future of the industry. With a focus on fostering collaboration and driving growth, Astana Build 2025 stands as a must-attend event for those looking to stay ahead in the ever-evolving world of construction.

In this exhibition, works from these two genres will be displayed side by side in two halves of the exhibition room, allowing visitors to first experience the difference in their form with their own eyes. The exhibits will mainly consist of national treasures and important cultural properties from the museum's collection. What makes these works so outstanding, and how? We will introduce points to look out for in appreciation, such as the highlights as calligraphy and their historical importance, while also explaining technical terms in an easy-to-understand way. Let's begin our appreciation of sutra copying and calligraphy through these masterpieces.

The Tokyo Port Festival is held annually to commemorate the opening of Tokyo Port on May 20, 1941. This year marks the 84th anniversary of the opening of Minato Ward, and the Minato Festival will be held at the Tokyo International Cruise Terminal. The two-day event will feature a promotional corner where visitors can experience what it's like to work at Tokyo Port, rare vessels that are not normally open to the public, refrigerated containers, a concert by the Government Band on the Port Stage, and a variety of other stage shows and food trucks that are sure to please. Water buses, water taxis, and other vessels operated by Tokyo Port will also be available on the day on a first-come, first-served basis.