From art tours to fashion walks to jazz fests, there’s something for everyone this week in Japan. If you’re doing something cool, leave us a comment or send us an email to have your event listed.
Monday: Get animated
Photo: Ryo Inoue (2016)Channel 8 Ryo Inoue
This exhibition comes as part of a series that introduces outstanding contemporary artists. The focus for the current show (the eighth occasion) is animator and video maker Ryo Inoue. Visitors can enjoy his humorous musical-style video installations and even join a free anime workshop on Sept. 23.
When & Where
- Aug 28-Sep 24
- 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art, Kobe - Map
- Free
Tuesday: Art in season
National Museum of Modern Art Summer Festival
The National Museum of Modern Art offers special summer tours for both kids and adults, workshops related to the ongoing exhibitions and a weekends-only food truck zone where you can pick up some beer, wine and snacks to be enjoyed on the museum lawn. Two intriguing shows are underway: “The Japanese House: Architecture and Life after 1945” and “Producing/Discussing/Looking at/Hearing, Sculptures.”
When & Where
- Aug 29-Sep 30
- 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
- The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo - Map
- Various
Wednesday: RnB now
Take 6
Ever popular in Japan, Take 6 has traveled far and accomplished a lot with their music. From collaborations with timeless legends like Ray Charles and Whitney Houston to performances at the White House, the collective power of Take 6’s incredible voices have propelled them to places they could only have dreamed about. The a capella sextet sing in an uplifting gospel style with contemporary RnB influences that can’t help but make your spirit soar. It’s no wonder these guys won multiple Grammys.
When & Where
- Aug 30-31
- 6:30 & 9:30 p.m.
- Billboard Live Osaka - Map
- ¥12,000-¥13,000
Thursday: Fashion transformation
Yukata Walk in Hakata
For the last day of summer, experience strolling around the streets of Hakata in a yukata. Staff at Rental Kimono Mine will help you choose a light cotton kimono from among many designs, and assist with properly putting it on. The rental and dressing fee also includes free entrance to the Hakata Machiya Folk Museum. Reservations are limited and English reservations should be done via email three days in advance.
When & Where
- Aug 31
- 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
- Rental Kimono Mine, Hakata - Map
- ¥3,200
Friday: Foot-tappin’ fun
Tokyo Jazz
For its 16th installment, Japan’s biggest, baddest jazz fest moves from the Tokyo International Forum to NHK Hall and environs — relocating itself to the musical hub of Shibuya. Big stars include pianist Chick Corea and drummer Steve Gadd, whose musical partnership is the stuff of legend. Also on the bill are guitarist Al Di Meola, drummer Ron Carter and a host of powerhouses. The nights will come alive with club acts featuring Japan’s hotter jazzsters and DJs.
When & Where
- Sep 1-3
- Various
- NHK Hall, Yoyogi Park, WWW and others, Tokyo - Map
- Various
Saturday: Indie sounds
Gareth Dickson
Gareth Dickson is ghostlike. From the dark outskirts of Glasgow he has sent three studio albums into the world — "Collected Recordings" (2009), "The Dance" (2010) and "Quite A Way Away" (2012). These albums have bewitched a growing inner circle, including some of the most innovative musicians around today like Juana Molina and Vashti Bunyan to name a few. Gareth has been the only constant member of Vashti’s touring outfit over the past ten years and lately they have stripped down to a duet on their worldwide travels. Dickson kicks off a weeklong Japan tour in Tokyo on Saturday.
When & Where
- Sep 2
- 4 p.m.
- Think of Things, Tokyo - Map
- ¥3,500
Sunday: Bric-a-brac brouhaha
Photo: flickr.comTo-ji Temple Flea Market
From modern-day faith healers purveying dubious cures, to pricey antiques, Toji market is one of Japan’s busiest shopping experiences. The action transpires each month at To-ji, a Buddhist temple of the Shingon sect in Kyoto. Also called Kobo-san, the temple entrance itself is free of charge, meaning you can enjoy the atmospheric grounds after the market.
When & Where
- Sep 3
- 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
- To-ji Temple, Kyoto - Map
- Free to attend
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