On the first leg of her eight-month tour around the world, Moomin creator Tove Jansson stopped in Japan where Moomin was recently published for the first time, and Fuji Telecasting was producing an animated movie.

According to tovejannson.com, “The movie proved to be a horrifying experience for Tove. Her characters were unrecognisable, Moomintroll got a beating from Moominpapa and war broke out in Moominvalley. Tove could not prevent the film from being shown in Japan, but showings elsewhere in the world were banned.”

The author, who passed in 2001, should be much happier with Moominvalley Park, which opened last month in Saitama. Fans of Jannson’s work must also visit Mori Arts Centre Gallery in Roppongi for the largest Moomin exhibition ever.

Check out a host of other horrifically fun events happening in Tokyo this weekend.

Feature image: © Moomin Characters™

Tove Jansson, drawing for an illustration to Comet in Moominland, 1946 adapted 1968, ink on paper, MOOMIN MUSEUM

Moomin: The Art and the Story

The largest Moomin exhibition ever offers the chance to experience the true wonder of Tove Jansson’s colorful artwork and thoughtful storytelling via 500 Moomin sketches, illustrations and more.

‘Pooh sitting on his branch… beside him, ten pots of honey’ Winnie-the-Pooh chapter 9, line block print, hand coloured by E.H. Shepard, 1970
© E H Shepard colouring 1970 and 1973 © Ernest H. Shepard and Egmont UK Limited

Winnie-the-Pooh – Exploring a Classic

As one whimsical exhibition launches, another one comes to an end. Before this Winnie-the-Pooh exhibition closes on Sunday, discover the English origins of the silly old bear and the story behind the creative partnership of A.A. Milne and E.H. Shepard.

Leftwing : Kody

Since forming in 2012, this duo of British DJs has notched numerous award nominations and jumped up the charts. The party starts at 10pm in Shibuya.

Sake Festival 2019

Lovers of sake can sample from more than 100 varieties including offerings from 30 independent breweries from every corner of Japan.

Connan Mockasin × OGRE YOU ASSHOLE

Japan alternative rock band OGRE YOU ASSHOLE (best band name ever) and multi-talented Kiwi musician Connan Mockasin double headline this concert in Daikanyama.

Tokyo Romantic Flea Market

Find a sophisticated and charming selection of goods from around 100 shops, boutiques and traders specializing in antique and vintage items.

New National Theatre Tokyo’s Opera House Backstage Tour

The New National Theatre, Tokyo invites guests on a backstage tour following the performance of the opera “Eine Florentinische Tragödie / Gianni Schicchi” on April 14.

The Science Behind Pixar Exhibition

Ahead of the release of Toy Story 4 this summer visitors can learn about the filmmaking techniques and animation production of Pixar through hands-on interactive exhibits.