From rockers to art snobs and ascetic believers, there’s something for everyone across the archipelago this week. If you’re doing something cool, leave us a comment or send us an email to have your event listed.
Monday: Experience illuminated Kyoto
Photo: © musume miyukiHigashiyama Hanatoro
The southern Higashiyama tourist district comes alive at night, as lanterns are placed along the roads and byways of this magical area. The centerpiece of the event focuses on Maruyama koen Park, where Kyoto art students install light sculptures and other works.
When & Where
- Mon, March 6
- 6-9:30 p.m.
- Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto - Map
- Free
Tuesday: Rock out
Bo Ningen
England-based Japanese group reimport their shaggy update of vintage ‘70s Japanese rockers like Flower Travelin’ Band, a style they term “Far East Electric Psychedelic.” Bo Ningen (“Stick Man”) have supported the likes of Primal Scream and will perform tracks off their latest “III” and other discs.
When & Where
- Tue, Mar. 7
- 7:45 p.m.
- Shangri-la Osaka, 1 Chome-1-14 Oyodominami, Kita-ku, Osaka - Map
- ¥3,000
Wednesday: Celebrate women and art
Blossom Blast Exhibition & International Women’s Day Reception Party
In tandem with International Women’s Day (IWD) celebrated globally on March 8, art collective TokyoDex and gallery UltraSuperNew have invited curator Miki Saito to gather a group of artists who explore the concept of this year’s Blossom Blast show, “What It Means To Be A Woman” today.
When & Where
- Wed, Mar. 8 (exhibition through Mar. 18)
- 7-10 p.m. (exhibition 10 a.m.-7 p.m.)
- UltraSuperNew Gallery, 1-1-3, Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo - Map
- Free
Thursday: Gorge on polka dots
Yayoi Kusama: My Eternal Soul
At 87 years young, Yayoi Kusama is the unparalleled doyenne of Japanese contemporary art, spreading her polka dots far and wide across the galaxy. ‘My Eternal Soul’ — one of her largest ever in Japan — sprawls across the massive spaces of the NACT with canvasses created since 2009.
When & Where
- Through May 22
- 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
- National Art Centre Tokyo, 7-22-2 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo - Map
- ¥1,600
Friday: Get your jazz fix
Roy Hargrove Quintet
With over 20 albums to his name and collaborations with folks from Herbie Hancock to Erykah Badu, Roy Hargrove is one of the quintessential jazz trumpeters of our times. He arrives with a quintet featuring local piano man Tadataka Unno.
When & Where
- Fri, Mar. 10
- 6:30 & 9 p.m.
- Blue Note Tokyo, 5-32-5 Daizawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo - Map
- ¥8,500
Saturday: Hit the dancefloor
Womb presents Mathew Jonson
Canadian-born, Berlin resident Mathew Jonson is unarguably one of the world’s most influential techno composers and DJs. His work with the Modern Deep Left Quartet, Cobblestone Jazz and his solo material is simultaneously moody and uplifting. Look for this one to be rammed.
When & Where
- Sat, Mar. 11
- 11 p.m.
- Womb, 2-16 Maruyama-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo - Map
- ¥3,500
Sunday: Join fire-walking Buddhist priests
Photo: travelbookmarker_mHiwatari-sai at Mt. Takao
Participants are invited to follow Buddhist priests in the ascetic fire-walking festival Hiwatari-sai. The ancient ritual takes place at Takaosan Yakuoin Temple located atop Mt. Takao west of Tokyo. Believers pray for safety and then follow monks in walking barefoot over a sacred fire that is still smoldering.
When & Where
- Sun, Mar. 12
- Call 042-661-1115 for details
- Takaosan Yakuoin Temple, 2177 Takaomachi, Hachioji-shi - Map
- Free
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