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events (Page 8)

Tokyo Mask Festival invites visitors to put on a new face and join the masquerade

Jamie Koide
Feb 4, 2016
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Author Victor Hugo once said, “Virtue has a veil, vice a mask,” but what if Japanese, contemporary, and fetish masks are your vice? You’ll want to check out Tokyo Mask Festival Vol. 2!

Japan
(events • festivals • Japanese folklore • masks • Tokyo • Tokyo Mask Festival)

A feast for the eyes — Sailor Moon Art Exhibit is coming to Tokyo this April!

Kay
Jan 28, 2016

Sailor Moon fans can look forward to an exciting treat in the coming months — an art exhibit in the fashionable Roppongi district of Tokyo!

Japan
(anime • art • events • exhibits • Roppongi • Sailor Moon • Tokyo)

Grab your formalwear, gamers! Full-orchestra Kingdom Hearts/Final Fantasy concerts coming soon

Casey Baseel
Jan 26, 2016

Two-concert event to cover decades of video game musical history.

Japan
(concerts • events • Final Fantasy • Kingdom Hearts • music • orchestra • Square Enix • video games)

Roppongi Hills celebrates the return of artist Takashi Murakami with cute pop-up cafe

Oona McGee
Dec 16, 2015

Internationally acclaimed contemporary artist Takashi Murakami has returned to Japan with a long-awaited exhibition and Tokyo’s Roppongi Hills is celebrating with a cafe that offers up his art in edible form.

Japan
(art • cafes • events • Roppongi Hills • Takashi Murakami • Tokyo)

Virtual idol Hatsune Miku announces seven-city U.S., Canadian concert tour

Casey Baseel
Nov 13, 2015

The world’s biggest virtual idol is returning to the U.S. on a new concert tour, and also making her Canadian performance debut.

Canada, USA
(concerts • events • Hatsune Miku • J-Pop • music • Vocaloid)

Otaku speed-dating party lets participants chat online before event, review each other during it

Casey Baseel
Oct 21, 2015

Even as the world of otaku becomes an increasingly co-ed one, many of Japan’s obsessive fans of anime, video games, and other forms of pop culture struggle in finding a romantic partner. That’s where Aeullura, a matchmaking company specializing in konkatsu (marriage-minded dating) events for otaku, comes in.

But conventional speed-dating can be intimidating for even ordinarily outgoing individuals, let alone otaku who might very well spend more of their free time watching fictional characters than interacting with other people. Add in the pressure of a ticking clock, and some might not feel confident in their ability to walk up to an attractive stranger, make a good impression, and then find out more about them.

That’s why Aeullura is flipping that sequence of events for its upcoming otaku matchmaking party by giving the speed daters access to a wealth of information about one another, and even letting them communicate online, before putting them all in the same room together.

Japan
(Akihabara • anime • dating • events • otaku • romance)

Evangelion episode to be shown on giant skyscraper monitors across Japan for 20th anniversary

Casey Baseel
Oct 1, 2015

Japan’s urban landscape is dotted with giant TV monitors mounted on the sides of skyscrapers. Despite what you might expect, though, from watching science fiction anime or young adult-literature-sourced movies depicting dystopian futures, they aren’t constantly broadcasting information about where citizens should evacuate to during the current alien invasion or directives from the Office of the Supreme Leader.

No, usually they’re just devoted to ad loops. But this weekend, public big screens across Japan will be showing something a little more exciting: The entire first episode of anime hit Evangelion.

Japan
(anime • cool • Evangelion • events)

Seijiro Nakamura as Chris Redfield? Resident Evil stage play’s cast is entirely Japanese

Casey Baseel
Aug 28, 2015

I’m never really sure what I should call the zombie action series that began as a hit PlayStation game in 1996. Resident Evil, its internationally used name, is a lot more colorful than Biohazard, its Japanese one, but only the first of the many games takes place primarily in a home. What’s more, the source of the trouble is science run amok, not dark magic, so the “evil” part seems a touch melodramatic.

On the other hand, there are now five films in the franchise, with a sixth on the way, all of which are produced in English and usually come to Japan only after already premiering overseas, so score one point for Resident Evil.

But in the case of its upcoming stage adaptation, set to open in two months, I really think Biohazard is the most appropriate name, because it looks like every single member of the cast is Japanese.

Japan
(Biohazrd • events • plays • Resident Evil • video games • zombies)

They’re back! Pikachus overrun Yokohama for second straight year and dance up a storm! 【Videos】

Casey Baseel
Aug 19, 2015

Although I’ve never witnessed either in-person, I’m sure that the running of the bulls in Spain’s Pamplona and the return of the swallows each spring to their nesting grounds in Southern California are wonderful sights to see. And yet, I think I’m still happiest with what we get here in Yokohama: an annual visit from packs of Pikachus!

Just like they did last year, the loveable Pokémon once again overran the Minato Mirai harbor district for a week this August, But just like Nintendo’s Pocket Monsters routinely acquire enhanced abilities with each new video game or anime installment, in the time since their last appearance in Yokohama our adorable visitors had learned some new moves…dance moves!

Read on for all of our videos and photos of Pikachus grooving and swaying to hip-hop, hula, and more, with costumes to match!

Japan
(anime • awesome • cute • events • nintendo • Pikachu • Pokemon • video games • Yokohama)

Prepare for a “poopoopoo” picnic with Nintendo’s Kirby at Kiddyland this month

Mike
Aug 14, 2015

It’s hard to believe that our beloved, voracious powderpuff Kirby is over 20 years old now! “Born” in 1992 on the Nintendo Game Boy, the adorable little guy is actually a fully grown adult now, possibly with a driver’s license and, like, maybe even a family we don’t know about. We picture him holding down a boring office job somewhere in Tokyo, willing himself not to snap at his irritating boss and hoover him up (thus gaining his incredible powers of bureaucracy and micromanagement).

But, even though everybody’s favorite non-Jigglypuff pink ball creature is all grown up now, that doesn’t stop him from enjoying a good picnic!

A Poopoopoo picnic, to be exact.

Japan
(events • Harajuku • Kiddyland • Kirby • nintendo • toys • Umeda)

You can take this 33,000-pound robot for a virtual test drive, watch it dance to J-pop 【Video】

Casey Baseel
Jul 19, 2015

Now that we’re living in the age of giant fighting robots, it’s time to update the list of things a fully capable member of society needs to be able to do. And while many anime make piloting a huge mecha as simple as falling into the cockpit and learning as you go, it’d be irresponsible to assume things are so easy in the real world.

That’s why we sent one of our reporters to check out a 15,000-kilogram (33,000-pound) giant robot that’s on display in Tokyo right now. Not only is it awesome to look at, its creators will even let you take it for a virtual test drive.

Japan
(awesome • cool • events • robots • Super Guzzilla • technology • VR)

All-you-can-eat stinky fermented soybeans come to Ginza, if that’s your thing

Jessica
Jul 10, 2015

Spend a while in Japan, and at some point you’ll no doubt encounter natto, sticky, stinky fermented soybeans that often get served over rice for breakfast. This polarizing food has its superfans and impassioned detractors among Japanese and foreigners alike, but if you happen to be in the former camp, you should know there is an all-you-can-eat premium natto pop-up bar in Tokyo’s Ginza this weekend.

Japan
(events • food • natto • restaurants • Tokyo)

Full orchestra to perform music from Attack on Titan, Madoka Magica, Evangelion at Tokyo concert

Casey Baseel
Jul 9, 2015

The music plays a huge role in setting the mood of some of anime’s most memorable hits, but it can be kind of hard to notice behind all of the dialogue and sound effects. Grabbing the series’ soundtrack and popping in your earphones is a good way to appreciate the compositions, but an even better way is to hear them performed live by a full orchestra, which is just what fans of Evangelion, Puella Magi Madoka Magica, Attack on Titan, Berserk, and more will be able to do at a special concert taking place in Tokyo this month.

Japan
(anime • Attack on Titan • concerts • Evangelion • events • music • Puella Magi Madoka Magica)

Want to shake hands with an adorable otter? You can right now at this Tokyo aquarium

Casey Baseel
Jun 25, 2015

Tokyo’s Ikebukuro is an archetypical part of the concrete jungle of Japan’s capital. The neighborhood is even home to Sunshine 60, one of the tallest buildings in a city that’s already packed with massive skyscrapers.

With so much space to work with, Sunshine 60 houses a shopping center, restaurants, planetarium, museum, and even a parlor for playing the Japanese board game go. But what convinced us to visit recently was the complex’s aquarium, which right now is offering a chance to shake hands with its adorable river otters!

Japan
(animals • aquariums • cute • events • Ikebukuro • Otters • Tokyo)

First video ad for 2015 Pikachu outbreak event reminds us how adorable last year’s was

Casey Baseel
Jun 17, 2015

Roughly half an hour south of Tokyo by train, the city of Yokohama is a great place to hang out in the summer. The city boasts great dining and beautiful parks, plus most of its attractions are located near the harbor, which is regularly caressed by cooling breezes.

Of course, it’s not just people who enjoy heading down to the bayside capital of Kanagawa Prefecture, but Pokémon as well. Just like they did last year, packs of Pikachus will be spending their summer vacation in Yokohama, and the first ad for their upcoming visit gives us a taste of what’s in store.

Japan
(anime • events • Kanagawa • nintendo • Pikachu • Pokemon • video games • Yokohama)

No plans for the weekend? Free CG animation festival is going on in Tokyo 【Videos】

Casey Baseel
Jun 5, 2015

If you were just looking at the clock and smiling because you’ve reached the end of your workweek, but have since switched to frowning and looking at the Tokyo weather report (clouds or rain all week long), cheer up, because it just so happens there’s a great indoor event going on.

Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia 2015 kicked off earlier this week, and until June 14 will be showcasing the works of talented short film makers from around the globe at venues in Tokyo and Yokohama. Best of all, admission is free, and today we’re taking a peek at some of the festival’s amazing computer animated shorts that are screening this weekend.

Global, Japan
(animation • anime • art • events • freebies • movies • Tokyo • Yokohama)

Women, gamers, and foreigners all show up to be samurai for a day at Sengoku battle reenactment

Casey Baseel
May 20, 2015

Some people in Japan have no more than a passing interest in the country’s long and fascinating history, which is at least partly the fault of how the subject is taught in schools. Many history classes place a heavy emphasis on memorization of the exact dates and years of important events, leaving less time for studying the people and motivations behind them.

There’s been a recent surge in history buffs, though, especially in regards to the Sengoku, or Warring States, period which lasted from the mid 15th century until the very start of the 17th century. But it’s not crusty old historians leading this charge, as a recent samurai battle reenactment had women making up some 40 percent of the volunteers, whose ranks were also bolstered by video gamers and foreign residents of Japan.

Japan
(cool • events • foreigners in Japan • history • samurai • video games)

The running of the otaku! Event staffer learns not to get in fans’ way as gates open【Video】

Casey Baseel
Apr 27, 2015

With some jobs, the risks are obvious. Want to be an F1 racer? Driving cars at unsafe speeds is pretty much the extent of your work responsibilities. Firefighter? Be prepared to get up-close and personal with dangerous flames, because after all, the position isn’t called “fire-mediation-and-peacekeeping-liaison.”

Working the gate at a fan event for a video-sharing website seems like it should be relatively safe, though. That’s not always the case, though, as one man found out when he became a human speed bump standing against a crowd of stampeding fans at the recent Niconico Chokaigi.

Japan
(crazy • events • funny • Niconico Douga • otaku)

Tokyo exhibition on cultural impact of anime and video games adds list of series to be examined

Casey Baseel
Apr 25, 2015

On any given day in a Tokyo summer, you can expect the weather to be hot, rainy, or a sticky mixture of the two. As such, it’s usually a good idea to have a couple of indoor activates in mind in case you need a break from the sweltering heat.

Thankfully, Japan’s capital is filled with museums, and one will be holding a special exhibition on the cultural impact of anime, manga, and video games. We’ve been looking forward to this event for a while, and now there’s even a partial list of titles that are scheduled to be highlighted.

Japan
(animemanga • culture • events • museums • video games)

All-you-can-drink sake in the park as 23 brewers come to Tokyo for the Shibuya Sake Festival

Casey Baseel
Apr 22, 2015

Late spring is one of the few universally pleasant times to spend outdoors in Japan. The cold of winter and the heavy pollen counts of early spring are gone, and the heat and humidity of summer are yet to make their appearance.

Of course, some would say that no matter how nice the weather is outdoors, it’s even more comfortable to have a drink in hand. Next month, you’ll be able to scratch both those itches at once with the Shibuya Sake Festival in Tokyo’s Miyashita Park, where you can spend a day drinking as much as you’d like of more than 100 different kinds of sake.