From guitar gods to living samurai, there’s something for everyone happening across the archipelago. If you’re doing something cool, leave us a comment or send us an email to have your event listed.
Monday: Get your folk on
The Lumineers
It’s already been 12 years since the neo-Americana trio formed and six since the massive success of their single “Ho Hey.” The Lumineers arrive in Japan touring their second studio album "Cleopatra," after which they return to the U.S. to open for U2 as their Joshua Tree tour crisscrosses the continent.
When & Where
- April 10
- 7 p.m.
- Akasaka Blitz, Akasaka Tokyo - Map
- ¥7,500
Tuesday: Contemplate masterpieces
Kaiho Yusho Exhibition
Born into a military family, Yusho Kaiho was destined to trade the sword for a paintbrush. He served as a lay priest in a Kyoto shrine and then went on to make a living as a painter, establishing his own school. For its 120th anniversary, the Kyoto National Museum presents a retrospective of his sumi-e ink paintings and better known gold leaf screens.
When & Where
- April 11-May 21
- 9:30 a.m.–6 p.m.
- Kyoto National Museum - Map
- ¥1,500
Wednesday: Classical guitar god
Alexis Vallejos Guitar Serenade
Chilean classical guitarist Alexis Vallejos joins the Tokyo Sinfonia as featured soloist to perform works by Isaac Albeniz, Antonio Vivaldi and other great composers. Hailed as following in the illustrious footsteps of the likes of Andres Segovia, Vallejos is considered today to be South America’s most famous classical guitarist.
When & Where
- April 12
- 7 p.m.
- Oji Hall, Tokyo - Map
- ¥5,000
Thursday: Live techno freakout
Loudness
What comes around goes around. And so it is that the ultimate button-pressing electronic music maestro Squarepusher has launched his first live instrumental band, Shobaleader. Possessed of uncompromising musical chops, the masked quartet will follow up a quick Japan tour with a visit to this summer’s Sonicmania festival.
When & Where
- April 13
- 7:30 p.m.
- Nagoya Club Quattro - Map
- ¥6,000
Friday: Hit an art jamboree
Tokyo Art & Antiques 2017
The Kyobashi-Nihonbashi is one of Tokyo’s main art districts but remains less well known than Ginza. To remedy this, the area’s over 80 galleries, museums and art shops join forces to host a two-day celebration of art. During the event there will be a wide range of programs designed to enhance enjoyment of the event for a range of visitors — from experts and beginner-collectors to visitors from abroad.
When & Where
- April 14-15
- See gallery hours
- Kyobashi-Nihonbashi, Tokyo - Map
- Free
Saturday: Trip back to the samurai era
Echizen Historical Costume Parade
Every April, the denizens of Fukui City dress up as important figures and armor-clad feudal warlords in Fukui’s history and parade through the town center. Women in gorgeous period kimono complete the unrolling of what resembles a real-life historical scroll painting.
When & Where
- April 15
- 1 p.m.
- Fukui Castle - Map
- ¥3,500
Sunday: Midori Hirano MimiCof Japan Tour
Midori Hirano MimiCof Japan Tour
MimiCof is the solo project of Midori Hirano, a Japanese experimental music composer based in Berlin. She returns to Japan to celebrate the release of her third album, "Moon Synch," in which she “explores the realm of experimental music and detailed rhythmic patterns... ” MimiCof has performed at various festivals and events such as the Rotterdam International Film Festival and Boiler Room Berlin.
When & Where
- April 16
- 5 p.m.
- Environment Zero Gauge, Osaka - Map
- ¥2,500
