Actor Bill Skarsgård made a name for himself by embodying the character of Pennywise, the child-killing clown in the movie It, based on the Stephen King novel. Skarsgård stayed in character on set, horrifying child actors and leaving emotional scars for the native Swede. Ahead of Halloween, the Japan premiere of A Stone Appears, a short film starring Skarsgård and Emma Doxiadi as a couple stuck in an infinite routine loop, appears at the Short Shorts Film Festival. Other events happening in Tokyo this weekend that will create life-long memories include comedy shows, art exhibition launches and Babyface.

the film A Stone Appears

A Stone Appears

Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia 2019 Autumn Screening

About 30 short films will be screened from October 17–20 at this annual event aimed at spreading the world of short film and supporting up-and-coming filmmakers. A selection of the free 90-minute programs will include English subtitles.

Shibuya Music Scramble

Twenty stages throughout Shibuya will host an eclectic mix of Japan’s top performing artists, including Kalen Anzai (pictured). Don’t miss the Babywearing Dance.

New Sharon Church Rd. 62, 2018, Oil on panel, 18″ x 24″

Damian Stamer: Returning

Damian Stamer’s first solo exhibition in Japan showcases 14 new paintings from a series based on images connected to the artist’s recollection of his childhood memories growing up in North Carolina. Opening reception: October 19.

Pirates of Tokyo Bay improv group

© Michael Holmes

Pirates of Tokyo Bay

Pirates of Tokyo Bay’s comedy shows are a fast-paced mix of improvisational theater and songs. Catch them October 20 at What the Dickens! in Ebisu. Also check out our in-depth profile of Tokyo’s comedy scene.

Foreign visitors participate at outdoor tea ceremony at Hamarikyu Gardens

Tokyo Grand Tea Ceremony 2019 – Hamarikyu Gardens

Experience the Japanese traditional tea culture from October 19–20 at this picturesque garden with English-language support and professional teachers.

Photo by Randy Miramontez | Shutterstock.com

Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds

Legendary producer, songwriter and singer, Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, boasting over 100 million copies sold worldwide, comes to Billboard Live Tokyo on October 20 and 21.

Hibiya Cinema Festival

Showcasing state-of-the-art Japanese and international titles, the Hibiya Cinema Festival is back this fall allowing cinephiles to enjoy outdoor screenings in the heart of Tokyo.

Artwork by Claudia Pena Salinas

Courtesy of THE CLUB

Claudia Peña Salinas x THE CLUB: “Atlpan”

Learn more about Mexican-born, multi-disciplinary artist Claudia Peña Salinas and her works inspired by Mexican landscape, indigenous ideas and mythology from our exclusive interview.

YamanoteYamanote [SWISSDESIGN x Made in Japan]

YamanoteYamanote, a poster project born from the creative minds of Swiss designers, participates in this campaign to recognize the collaboration of two cultures.

Kyoto Film Festival

The Kyoto International Film and Art Festival kicks off on Thursday for its sixth edition. Set in various locations around Japan’s old capital, see unique artwork and watch a variety of movies in the city known as the “birthplace of Japanese Cinema.”