From fall fests in Kyushu to dropping beats in Tokyo, 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: Northern vibes

Horio Kanta & John Richards
Sound designers and creators of original electronic instrumentation Horio Kanta and John Richards join together for a free performance. The musical meeting comes as part of the ongoing Sapporo International Arts Festival and will see the pair exploring physical phenomena, and devices where light, sound and vibration interact with each other.
When & Where
- Sep 18
- 7-7:30 p.m.
- AGS 6-3 Bldg, Sapporo - Map
- Free with SIAF passport
Tuesday: Cast a spell

Mystical Asia
This tantalizingly titled show presents mysterious objects from across Asia that were attributed with magical powers such as bringing good fortune and warding off evil spirits. Three exhibitions are offered: “Tibetan Esoteric Buddhism and Its Sculpture,” “Tang Sancai: Three-color Glazed Wares of the Tang Dynasty,” and “Prayer in Asia.” Among the objects on show are a doll for casting curses and a sword intended for slaying vampires.
When & Where
- Sep 19-Oct 15
- 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Tokyo National Museum - Map
- ¥620
Wednesday: Been there, Dan that

Donald Fagen & The Night Flyers
After guitarist Walter Becker’s recent death, Donald Fagen is all that remains of Steely Dan. But with Becker already unwell, Fagen had planned his solo tour in advance, noting in interviews that despite his fame, the inability to profit from recorded music due to rampant internet copyright infringement meant he could only make a living touring. Expect Fagen to perform Dan classics like “Kid Charlemagne” and “Bodhisatva.”
When & Where
- Sep 20
- 7 p.m.
- Osaka Festival Hall - Map
- ¥9,000-¥15,000
Thursday: Stately fall

Miyajidake Jinja Shrine Autumn Festival
Recently back in vogue as a “power spot,” the Miyajidake Shrine is dedicated to Empress Jingu. For 600 years, it’s hosted a magnificent celebration of the coming of autumn that features regal "gyoretsu" processions where people in historical costume carry portable shrines. The marches take place Sep. 21 and Sep. 23 while the Sep. 22 features a fireworks display, taiko drum performances and dedication dances.
When & Where
- Sep 21-23
- Various
- Miyajidake Jinja, Fukutsu City, Kyushu - Map
- Free
Friday: Beat-tastic

Mixmag Japan Launch Party
Born out of the U.K. in 1983, Mixmag has become a premiere source of dance music, culture, and entertainment reporting. Mixmag Japan arrives as Mixmag’s 15th global office.The launch party is headlined by “The Baron of Techno” Dave Clarke, who is known for iconic techno album "RED." Ken Ishii, who performed at Tomorrowland 2017 as the first Japanese DJ, will also be spinning on the same floor.
When & Where
- Sep 22
- 10 p.m.~
- Womb, Tokyo - Map
- ¥3,500
Saturday: Get in the spirit

Ideas to action, Resolve to get involved
Want to get involved in making the world a better place? Representatives from half a dozen nonprofits will tell you how at this seminar. Speakers to appear include those from Greenpeace, OGA/A Place to Grow, Refugees International, Resilience, Mirai no Mori and more. Panel presentations will be followed by a Q&A session and a breakout section where participants can speak directly with panelists.
When & Where
- Sep 23
- 1:30-5 p.m.
- Akasaka Community Center, Tokyo - Map
- ¥500
Sunday: Latin flavor

Tiempo 4 All, Festival Of Art And Intercultural Communication
In celebration of its 20th anniversary, Latin culture nonprofit Tiempo Iberoamericano presents its first Festival of Art and Intercultural Communication. Absorb performances by flamenco guitarist Conrado and other acts. Also on the bill are live paintings and art exhibitions featuring the work of Shinya Mori, Elida Maria Matsumoto and Vincent Lefrancois in the gallery space.
When & Where
- Sep 24
- 9 a.m.~
- Tiempo Iberoamericano, Fukuoka, Kyushu - Map
- Free
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