Was it the Silver Week’s long weekend or something else, but September just flew by in an instant! Here we are, heading fast toward the last week of the month, so let’s enjoy it in style with a few offline and online events. As usual, there’s something for everyone this weekend: from Tokyo Weekender’s own Live House to must-see exhibitions and must-attend online seminars. Stay safe and have a good week ahead!
2. Sunshine Aquarium ‘Super Sexy’ Exhibition
A special exhibition looking at the sexual activities of sea creatures returns to Sunshine Aquarium. This year’s installment of the aquarium’s sex-focused evening event promises an even sexier time, with pink neon lighting, interactive hands on exhibits and plenty of fascinating courting and copulating facts. Ever wondered how fish get frisky? Or are you curious about otters in love? You can even experience the scent and feel of parts of various cute (or slippery…) creatures. In addition limited exhibition goods will be on sale, including boxer shorts, original pink energy drinks and condoms!
When: Sep. 12, 2020 – Nov. 05, 2020
Where: Sunshine Aquarium, 1-3 Higashiikebukuro, Toshima-ku
When: Sep. 29, 2020, 15:00 – 16:00
Where: Online
Organized by Japan for Black Lives, “Break the Silence” is a live streaming rap battle and charity event that aims to raise awareness of Black culture, dance and music. Join famous Japan-based performers such as ¥ellow bucks, LUNA, Rhyming Gaijin, AFRA and more for an important and fierce Saturday afternoon filled with rap, dance, live music and more. All proceeds of the show will go to The Legal Aid Society, a non-profit legal aid provider based in New York City built on the belief that no person should be denied the right to equal justice.
When: Sat, Sept 26, 2020, 15:30 – 19:30
Where: Online
This interactive exhibition invites you to re(visit) Japan through the memories, dreams, and imaginations of 16 Austrian artists passing through four virtual zones. The project seeks to share a side of Japan perhaps unseen by most who visit her shores and as stated, reimage what Japan was, is and could be.
When: Until Nov. 30, 2020
Where: Online
For a limited time only, the public art installation “Counter Void” by Tatsuo Miyajima will be illuminated for all to see. Installed upon the wall of TV Asahi on Roppongi Hills Keyakizaka Dori, the huge piece will be easily visible for all who pass nearby.
When: Until Jan. 03, 2021
Where: Roppongi Hills, 6-11-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku
Japanese-Brazilian artist Asuka Anastacia Ogawa makes their first solo presentation at Blum and Poe, following the preview of the exhibition presented digitally on Blum & Poe Broadcasts last spring. Ogawa’s large figurative paintings depict androgynous children in chimerical dreamscapes, otherworldly scenes formed from solid fields of color and flat picture planes.
When: Sep. 23, 2020 – Nov. 07, 2020
Where: Blum & Poe, 1-14-34 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
©Paule Saviano
8. Embrace – Paule Saviano
An exhibition of photography exploring gender identity and the lives of transgender and gender-nonconforming people. New York-based photographer Paule Saviano began his ongoing ‘Embrace’ project in 2016, aiming to spread awareness of transgender issues and to document the diverse lives and experiences of transgender, intersex and gender-non conforming people from around the world. Held at Gallery EF in Asakusa, the exhibition will feature Saviano’s intimate and moving portraits alongside statements and stories from the subjects. You can read more about Paule Saviano and the Embrace series in our full article from earlier this year.
When: Until Oct. 25, 2020
Where: Gallery EF, 2-19-18 Kaminarimon, Taito City, Tokyo
A colorful installation of pinwheels creates a magnificent scene for a good cause at Aqua City Seaside. For a limited period, 700 kazaguruma pinwheel toys are adorning the 3F deck, adding some uplifting energy to the backdrop of Tokyo Bay during the hard times of Covid-19. The installation is part of project to raise money to provide acrylic splash partitions for students at the nearby Minato Municipal Odaiba Gakuen elementary and junior high school.
When: Until Oct. 31, 2020
Where: Aqua City, 1-7-1 Daiba, Minato City, Tokyo
This year, Freedom Toast Cafe has arranged an online talk with lawyer and activist Angelique Pouponneau to discuss climate crisis and why it is a human rights issue. Pouponneau will also tell us about what activists in small island states such as the Seychelles are doing to stop it.
When: Fri, Sep. 25, 2020, 19:00 – 20:30
Where: Online
Jean-Michel OTHONIEL Kiku – Ōtaniro (Earthen yellow-red-brown), 2020, Mirrored glass, stainless steel, 49 x 49 x 47 cm, Unique © Jean-Michel Othoniel / JASPAR, Tokyo 2020 Photo: Claire Dorn / Courtesy of the artist and Perrotin
11. Jean-Michel Othoniel «夢路» Dream Road
Explore the culture of Mexico through food, art, music and more! Now in its 21st year, Fiesta Mexicana is an annual event celebrating and strengthening Japan’s relationship with Mexico, where anyone is welcome to attend the party. Follow the Mariachi rhythm and watch out for high flying luchadores as you discover the rich and vibrant spirit of Mexico. Tuck into tacos and more, discover traditional arts and crafts and see dazzling dance and musical performances. Viva Shinjuku! Viva Mexico!
When: Sep. 25, 2020 – Sep. 27, 2020, 11:00 – 19:00
Where: Shinjuku Central Park, 2-11 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
This annual festival celebrating friendship between Japan and South Korea is a melting pot of traditional culture, music and food. Also known as the Nikkan Koryu Matsuri, the event goes online this year, mixing Japanese and Korean culture, encouraging cultural exchange through performances and demonstrations.
When: Sep. 26, 2020 – Sep. 27, 2020, 13:00 – 16:30
Where: Online
Perfect Liars Club Tokyo continues to keep the laughter flowing from a social distance with another online edition of their hilarious super sleuthing show. The smash hit comedy storytelling-interrogation show offers up an international live streaming edition for September. The setup is simple: four people tell a story, but only three of them are telling the truth. The audience (this time via chat) can join in on the action as the interrogation begins, but can you figure out who is the perfect liar? Listen, laugh, and laugh some more as you find out if your detective skills are up to par, or if you fell for a convincing faker. Unbelievable stories and good times are always guaranteed.
When: Sat, Sep. 26, 2020, 19:50 – 21:50
Where: Online
15. The 23rd Japan Media Arts Festival
With five different projects across Shibuya, this years Media Art festival is looking to be the biggest yet. From Projection Mapping by MAPP_ to Online talks from those deep in the art industry through Playing Tokyo, there’s a little something for everyone.
Where: Shibuya Station
Take a trip to a spooky, yet elegant laboratory and let your taste buds experiment with their scientific and tasty platters. Ghosts have taken over the Hudson Lounge restaurant at the InterContinental Tokyo Bay to bring you some cute and kooky cuisine with their Science Halloween Afternoon Tea.
When: Until Oct. 31, 2020
Where: InterContinental Tokyo Bay, 1-16-2 Kaigan Minato-ku, Tokyo
Mottainai can be roughly translated as “What a waste!” and is a phrase that encourages people to recycle, reuse and reduce waste. “Mottainai” flea markets are held regularly in the suburbs of Tokyo, with one of the smaller locations being the fashionable Nakano Central Park located just minutes from Nakano Station. This is a good chance to re-home some unwanted items or clear out your own clutter.
When: Sat, Sep. 26, 2020, 10:00 – 16:00
Where: Nakano Central Park, 4-10-2 Nakano, Nakano-ku, Tokyo
