Yosakoi is a unique style of dancing combining traditional Japanese moves with modern music – think somewhere between awa-odori and cheerleading. Large teams perform their choreographed routines in colorful historically inspired costumes, punctuating the dancing with energetic shouts, flag waving and hand percussion. This weekend more than yosakoi 40 teams will perform at Kiba Park. During the Edo Era this large park in Koto City was a wooded area that provided the timber for the construction of Tokyo.

Oedo Soran Matsuri 2019

This yosakoi festival at Kiba Park prides itself on being accessible to all, welcoming teams and visitors of all ages and abilities, from the local community and across Japan. Expect lively performances, catchy tunes and plenty of loud Japanese spirit.

©Asakusa Samba Carnival facebook page

Asakusa Samba Carnival 2019

Expect dazzling costumes, sequins, feathers, and plenty of shimmying and shaking to the samba rhythms along Kaminarimon Dori at the 38th annual Asakusa Samba Carnival.

BUDX Tokyo

BUDX amplifies the voices and stories of artists that are seizing new and energizing opportunities. Alongside workshops, art installations and masterclasses from the best in the business, patrons can also witness DJ sets and performances from the biggest, best and newest talent from around the world.

Artwork by Mad Dog Jones

AFTERL-IFE WORLD | MAD DOG JONES

Instagram sensation and Toronto -based artist Mad Dog Jones launches his world premiere exhibition of 15 of his works at Diesel Gallery in Shibuya. The artist will hold an autograph session on September 7.

Jazz guitarist Larry Carlton

Larry Carlton with Special Guest Richard Bona

American guitarist Carlton, who built his career as a studio musician in the 1970s and ’80s for acts such as Steely Dan and Joni Mitchell, has appeared on more than 100 gold records. Check out our interview with the four-time Grammy Award-winning artist ahead of his five-night stand at Tokyo Blue Note.

Hi Beer Garden 2019

Japan’s largest beer garden takes over Hibiya Park for an eight-day spree of fine beer drinking. There will be around 80 kinds of beer and a variety of live entertainment from bands to dance performances.

American artist Vaughn Spann

Vaughn Spann: Scorched Earth and The Weeping Sun

Kaikai Kiki Gallery in Motoazabu holds an opening reception on August 30 for American artist Vaughn Spann, a painter who devotes his practice to abstraction and figuration.

Japanese band The Novembers

Neck vol. 14, feat. DATS and The Novembers

Longstanding rock gig Neck reaches its 14th edition, bringing bands DATS and The Novembers to the stage. Together, the two groups seek to bring new points of view to the Tokyo music scene at large.

Kuniyuki Shield by Kobayakawa Shusei

Kobayakawa Shusei Exhibition: Infinity and Tranquility

This highly anticipated exhibition portrays Japanese painter Kobayakawa Shusei’s view on life and death and his perception of war’s “tranquility.” Centering on “Kuni no Tate (Shield of The Nation),” this exhibition displaying approximately 40 pieces and takes you on a journey through Kobayakawa Shusei’s painting career.

Amp. Bad Mary Japan Tour

Do you like Blondie, The Ramones, Green Day and Paramore? Brooklyn’s Bad Mary is coming to Tokyo with a time machine, ready to rock out to some of punk’s most classic tunes.

Machida Tenmangu Antique Market

A charming flea market held regularly at Machida Tenmangu, about 40 minutes from Shinjuku by train. This small market takes over the grounds of the local shrine offering a wide selection of antiques, collectibles, vintage items and just plain junk.

Erika Kobayashi, My Torch, 2019, C-print 54.9×36.7cm (each, set of 47), Collection of the artist ©Erika Kobayashi Courtesy of Yutaka Kikutake Gallery Photo: Kasane Nogawa

Image Narratives: Literature in Japanese Contemporary Art

This group exhibition features six Japanese contemporary artists, who are active both inside and outside the country. In addition to being born over a broad span of time, from the 1950s to the 1980s, the artists make use of a diverse range of expressive methods, including installations that incorporate videos and photographs.