From hip-hop revelations to a magical mystery tour, 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 here.
Monday: Images of Japan past
Photo: © Marc Riboud/Magnum PhotosMarc Riboud’s Japanese Women
Legendary French photojournalist Marc Riboud is the subject of two exhibitions celebrating his lifework. Just underway at Leica Gallery, Kyoto, the exhibit is a look at the recently deceased master’s portraits of Japanese women. Many of these were shot on a 1958 trip and depict louche women at cabarets, as well as more traditional women such as, for example, an "ikebana" (flower arrangement) sensei.
When & Where
- Oct 2-Jan 18
- 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
- Leica Gallery, Kyoto - Map
- Free
Tuesday: International arts
Photo: Cai Guo-Qiang “Bonsai Ship: Project for Kyoto Culture City of East Asia 2017” Installation view at Nijo Castle Photo: Takeru KorodaAsia Corridor Contemporary Art Exhibition
Asia Corridor Contemporary Art Exhibition is under way at the Kyoto Art Center and Nijo Castle as part of a three-nation project Culture City of East Asia. Representing the most established generation of artists in Japan, China and South Korea today, Kusama Yayoi, Cai Gio-Qiang and Choi Jeonghwa join other internationally renowned artists from the three nations, including those based in Kyoto. Approximately 80 percent of the artworks presented by the 25 exhibitors will be newly created for the event.
When & Where
- Oct 3-15
- Depends on venue
- Kyoto Art Center & Nijo Castle - Map
- Depends on venue
Wednesday: Indie tunes
Belle and Sebastian
Twenty years since forming, Scottish indie darlings Belle and Sebastian are now deans of the scene. In addition to headlining this weekend’s Asagiri Jam festival, the group will perform some in-town gigs. Expect the group to perform their latest single "We Were Beautiful," as well as numbers from their copious back catalog.
When & Where
- Oct. 4
- 7 p.m.
- Zepp Divercity, Tokyo - Map
- ¥7,500
Thursday: House beats
Francois K. Japan Tour
A DJ’s DJ, Francois K. is a man who needs little introduction to dance music aficionados. There, at the birth of disco and house at Studio 54 and Paradise Garage in 1970s-80s New York, Kevorkian has gone on to make quite a name for himself through his legendary Body & Soul Sunday afternoon events and solo Deep Space all-nighters and independent-minded techno productions.
When & Where
- Oct. 5
- 9 p.m.
- Kieth Flack, Fukuoka - Map
- ¥3,000
Friday: Mystery tour
Photo: Yusuke AbicoHalfway to Hanshichi
Based on the popular Kido Okamoto detective stories, “The Curious Casebook of Inspector Hanshichi,” “Halfway to Hanshichi” has audiences experience a site-specific theatrical adaptation in the city of Matsudo, Chiba Prefecture. Hunting for clues to solve a mysterious case, audiences travel between various unique locations in the city.
When & Where
- Oct 6-9
- 3 p.m.
- Fanclub, Matsudo, Chiba - Map
- ¥3,500
Saturday: Black music extravaganza
Soul Camp
MTV Japan knows its audience well, scheduling a two-day romp of the old-school hip-hop, soul and jazz-funk for which Japan has a predilection. The Saturday bill is topped by neo-soul queen Erykah Badu, with an appearance also in the cards for the effortlessly graceful vibraphonist and singer Roy Ayers. Sunday doesn’t look too shabby either, with party masters De La Soul ready to rock the house and songstress Faith Evans on hand to soothe the masses.
When & Where
- Oct 7-8
- 2 p.m.
- Toyosu Pit & MIFA Football Park, Tokyo - Map
- ¥13,000
Sunday: Bring your jazz hands
Yokohama Jazz Promenade
Dozens of Japan’s top jazz musicians gather in Yokohama for the second of two days of performances. Launched in 1993, the Yokohama Jazz Promenade celebrates the port city’s status as one of the country’s first city’s to absorb foreign influences. Veteran musicians jazz in halls and clubs, while up-and-coming players hit the street corners. Among the artists to perform are the Orquesta Libre and Joe Otsuka Trio, while foreign guests include the Guillermo McGill Quintet from Spain.
When & Where
- Oct. 8
- Noon-9 p.m.
- Various venues, Yokohama City - Map
- ¥5,000
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