This weekend, get ready to feel the summer vibes with music, drinks and food. What better way to celebrate the upcoming summer season (while the temperature is still bearable) than with these outdoor music festivals, art events, a Southeast Asian festival, and more. As always, click on the header of each event for more details.
Tokyo Metropolitan Rock Festival 2018 Tokyo
For those who don’t want to leave the comfort of the city, Metrock is the best way to make the most of festival fever without having to travel for miles and miles. The event features some of Japan’s best acts, including UVERworld, Fear, and Loathing in Las Vegas, Man with a Mission, and The Bawdies.
Roppongi Art Night 2018
An art extravaganza in the city that never sleeps, Roppongi Art Night will once again be showing a diverse array of artwork and performances. Highlights include Teppei Kaneuji’s fusion of sculpture and theater called “Tower” at Roppongi Hills Arena, “Hanging Colors,” a multi-coloured textile waterfall by Kengo Kito at the National Art Center, and Ujino’s version of “Dragon Head” that transforms a vehicle into a jaw at Tokyo Midtown.
Yokohama Dragon Boat Race
Crews of up to 20 members battle it out to be the fastest and the smartest dragon boat racers in the city. Every year, over 4,000 participants in 200 team join this event, which offers a ¥100,000 prize to the winners. Plenty of stalls with great food, drinks, and stages with performers ensure there’s something for everyone at this annual race.
Instameet Community JP: May 2018 (Mirrors)
This month’s Tokyo Instameet involves mirrors in Tokyo’s beautiful and tranquil Todoroki Valley. Anyone is free to join this fun photography event for beginners and pros alike. For this month’s theme, participants are requested to bring their own mirrors. The event is free to join, but participants are reminded that food, transport, and any personal shopping will be at their own expense.
Sankeien Garden Firefly Evenings 2018
If you’ve ever imagined being in a fairy tale, this annual event at Sankeien Garden may be just the ticket. Famed for its beautiful gardens, three-storied pagoda, and traditional buildings, this green expanse is also home to thousands of fireflies that come alive in late May to early June.
Laos Festival 2018
Experience Laotian culture from food to music and much, much more! Coinciding with “Visit Laos Year” the 2018 installment of this popular cultural festival will be bigger and better than ever. Visitors can immerse themselves in this colorful festival featuring everything from traditional rituals and parades, to delicious cuisine, workshops and booths selling Laos-themed goods.
Greenroom Festival Kanagawa
Located conveniently in the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse area, this art, film, music, and surf culture festival is a local favorite. Not only are there live performances by Japanese standards like Asian Kung-Fu Generation, Monkey Majik, and Soil & “Pimp” Sessions, the festival’s international line-up boasts Vintage Trouble, The Wailers, and more. There will be plenty of art stalls and shows, as well as movie showings. Or, you can just head to the chillout area and do some yoga — the choice is yours.
The 13th Nomi no Ichi Antiques Market
This large biannual flea market is a dream for collectors, retro shoppers, and antique enthusiasts. Don’t expect to be digging through dirty old junk here: the stalls are operated by some of the finest vintage, recycle, and boutique select shops from across Japan. The spring event incorporates a special section for Scandinavian goods (including crafts and homewares) in addition to an area specializing in chopstick rests and mamezara – Japan’s traditional tiny plates.
Echoes of a Masterpiece: The Lineage of Beauty in Japanese Art
What are the standards by which we declare something a masterpiece, and what effect do masterpieces of one generation have on the generations that come after? This is the last weekend to catch the this exhibit, which brings together about 130 extraordinary works of Japanese art, including National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties from many different locations and time periods.
Alessio Menconi West Meets East with Guest Yuki Arimasa
One of Italy’s most prominent guitar players takes the stage at the Keystone Club as part of his Japanese tour. Alessio Menconi is multi award-winning musician from Genoa, Italy, with a career spanning over 30 years. In addition to touring extensively around the globe he has contributed his talents to over 40 albums by a wide variety of renowned performers, as well as leading his own jazz trio and teaching music. Don’t miss the chance to catch this phenomenal jazz guitarist, with special guest pianist Yuki Arimasa.
