Zojoji Tanabata Festival

The Zojoji Tanabata Festival offers visitors the opportunity to experience a fantastical Tanabata night, characterized by the visual splendor of colorful strips of paper—known as tanzaku—and the soft glow of washi paper candles. This celebration transforms the temple grounds into a space of reflection and traditional beauty.

Participating in the Traditions

From mid-June, a "Wish Writing Station" is established next to the plaza in front of the Main Hall, allowing visitors to participate in the tradition of writing their hopes and dreams. These wishes, inscribed on paper strips, are later prayed for during the "Tanabata-kai" ceremony, which takes place on July 7th starting at 17:30.

For those seeking specific success or victory, the Ankokuden hosts the "Tanabata Victory Luck Prayer Meeting." During this event, prayers for victory and success are offered to the Black Principal Image of Amida Nyorai, and visitors may obtain limited-edition Tanabata amulets.

Wish Writing Station

The "Tanabata-kai" ceremony occurs at the plaza in front of the Main Hall on July 7th from 17:30. The reception for writing wishes follows a staggered schedule:

• June 13th – 30th: 9:00 – 17:00
• July 1st – 5th: 9:00 – 20:00
• July 6th and 7th: 9:00 – 21:00

A prayer fee of 200 yen per paper strip is required for participation.

Ankokuden Offerings

As part of the "Tanabata Victory Luck Prayer Meeting," the temple provides prayers for victory luck along with the distribution of goshuin (temple stamps) and amulets.

Reception Dates and Times:

• July 6th (Mon): 19:00
• July 7th (Tue): 18:00, 19:00, 20:00

The prayer fee is 3,000 yen, which includes a limited-edition Tanabata victory luck amulet. Please note that these are available in limited quantities and will be discontinued once supplies run out.

Limited Edition Tanabata Goshuin

Special Tanabata goshuin are available from July 1st to July 7th. These are offered in limited quantities and will be unavailable once the stock is exhausted.

Washi Candle Night 2026

Organized by the "I Love Japan Project," the "Washi Candle Night 2026" takes place on the grounds of Zojoji from 18:00 to 21:00 on July 6th (Mon) and July 7th (Tue). The highlight of this installation is a representation of the Milky Way, created using washi paper candles displayed across the stairs of the Main Hall. This specific event will proceed in light rain but will be cancelled in the event of stormy weather.

For the most current event details, please consult the official website.

Basic Information

Location / Nearest Stations
Zojoji
Accessible via Shibakoen Station, Onarimon Station, or Daimon (Tokyo) Station.

Address
〒105-0011
4-7-35 Shibakoen, Minato-ku, Tokyo
MAP

Period
2026/06/13 (Sat) ～ 2026/07/07 (Tue)
*Note: The specific period varies depending on the individual event activity.

Official Website
https://www.zojoji.or.jp/event/ev%5Ftanabata.html

*Published content may be subject to change; please verify the latest information via the official website of the venue or organizer.

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What is the event?

On July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first humans to land on the Moon, touching down in the Lunar Module Eagle at the Sea of Tranquility. Michael Collins remained aboard the Command Module Columbia, maintaining orbit at approximately sixty nautical miles above the surface. The mission, designated Apollo 11, achieved the objective President John F. Kennedy established in 1961 to reach the Moon before the decade’s end.

The landing required unexpected manual navigation. Armstrong observed that the computer’s automated targeting system was directing the craft toward a hazardous boulder field. Assuming manual control while Aldrin called out altitude and velocity readings, Armstrong piloted the LM beyond the planned landing zone toward a clearer area. The spacecraft touched down with approximately 25 seconds of fuel remaining.

Six and a half hours after landing, Armstrong backed through the hatch and descended the nine-foot ladder. His boot depressed roughly one inch into the fine, powdery regolith. Aldrin joined him nineteen minutes later. During their 2 hours and 31 minutes of extravehicular activity, they deployed the Early Apollo Scientific Experiments Package, which included a laser ranging retroreflector and a seismometer for monitoring moonquakes and meteoroid impacts. They collected 47.5 pounds of lunar material using long-handled scoops, tongs, and صندوق containers, sealing each sample and documenting its location with a 70mm Hasselblad camera. An estimated 650 million viewers watched the transmissions, relayed through tracking stations at Goldstone, California; Honeysuckle Creek, Australia; and Madrid, Spain.

Odor Exhibition in Space Travelium TeNQ

The "Odor Exhibition in Space Travelium TeNQ" is set to arrive at the special exhibition area of Space Travelium TeNQ, a dedicated space experience facility located on the 6th floor of the Yellow Building in Tokyo Dome City. This event marks the first appearance of the traveling "Odor Exhibition" at this specific venue—an event that has already generated significant conversation across the country by challenging visitors to experience a spectrum of scents ranging from the exquisitely beautiful to the profoundly repulsive.

While the touring exhibition is known for its eclectic olfactory variety, this iteration is unique due to its integration with the space-themed environment. To bridge the gap between Earth and the cosmos, the organizers have developed two original scents imagining the smells of "Aliens" and "Planets," allowing guests to engage with the concept of deep space through a sensory medium rarely utilized in scientific exhibits. Beyond these cosmic additions, visitors can explore a curated selection of scents, including the infamous "extreme stench" corner featuring Surströmming, widely regarded as the world’s smelliest food. To complement the experience, the venue plans to offer original Space Travelium TeNQ merchandise and a themed cafe menu throughout the event period.

Main Exhibition Contents

The exhibition is organized into three distinct areas, each designed to evoke different emotional and physical responses through scent.

Area 1: Standard scents of the "Odor Exhibition"
This section presents a diverse world of aromas, beginning with a chronological progression of flower scents spanning twelve months. The curation extends to the biological world with the smells of various insects and animals, and even delves into the historical realm with "scents related to great figures," such as Sakamoto Ryoma and Oda Nobunaga. Furthermore, a specialized corner reproduces the "life of an insignificant man," offering an exhibit where the odor serves as a primary tool to convey the atmosphere of a specific living space.

Area 2: 4 types of extreme stenches
For those seeking a more intense experience, this area features four of the most potent odors known to man, each housed within dedicated boxes to contain the scent. These include:

• Surströmming: The Swedish canned fish cited as the smelliest food globally.
• Stinky Tofu: A fragrance so pungent it has historically caused foul-odor commotions that resulted in the halting of trains.
• Foot odor: A familiar, yet extreme, example of human scent.
• Kusaya: A specialty product of the Izu Islands renowned for its unique and powerful aroma.

Area 3: Scents related to space
This area blends the permanent offerings of Space Travelium TeNQ with exclusive event additions. Visitors can experience the "Scent of the Moon’s Surface" and the "Scent of Space(R)" (a registered trademark of Promo Tool Co., Ltd.), alongside the two aforementioned exclusive scents imagining "Aliens" and "Planets."

Related Exhibition: Daily Necessities of Space Life

Adjacent to the main olfactory displays is an exhibition focused on the practicalities of maintaining hygiene and comfort in the void of space. This section features product exhibitions—rather than interactive trials—provided by Lion Corporation, IRiS Tokyo Co., Ltd., and Sansei Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

Notable exhibits include:

• Lion Corporation "relaXspace A": A skin-application stick designed to mitigate concerning odors or provide a pleasant fragrance. The specific scents proposed for astronauts were developed using an AI diagnosis algorithm that analyzed over 900 combinations to determine preferred fragrances.
• IRiS Tokyo Co., Ltd. / Sansei Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. "Eye mask incorporating scented capsules": An eye mask engineered for the unique environment of space. This technology was launched to the International Space Station (ISS) on August 24, 2025, for use by astronauts.

Interactive Corner

To engage visitors of all ages, the venue will host an interactive quiz. Participants are tasked with identifying a "mysterious odor" placed at the venue by searching for the matching scent among the various displays within the special exhibition area. This activity encourages guests to rely on their own olfactory perception while touring the exhibits.

For further details regarding the specific content of the quiz and exhibitions, visitors are encouraged to check the official website.

Basic Information

Location / Nearest Station
Space Travelium TeNQ

• Suidobashi Station (3 min walk)
• Korakuen Station (7 min walk)

Address
〒112-0004
6F Yellow Building, 1-3-61 Koraku, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
MAP

Venue
Special Exhibition Area within Space Travelium TeNQ

Period
2026/04/22 (Wed) ～ 2026/07/14 (Tue)

Fee / Cost
Included in the facility admission fee

Inquiry
Tokyo Dome City Waku-Waku Dial
03-5800-9999 (Reception hours: 10:00～17:00)

Official Website
https://www.tokyo-dome.co.jp/tenq/event/exhibition-stt-6.html

Note: Posted content may be subject to change. Please verify the latest information via the official website of the venue or organizer.

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Space Travelium TeNQ opened in July 2014 on the upper floors of Tokyo Dome City’s Yellow Building. It is operated under the concept of “Museum × Entertainment,” which here means pairing educational content with interactive media and theatrical presentation rather than conventional glass-case display. The name TeNQ derives from the Japanese word for sky, ten, combined with “Question” and “Queue”—suggesting both the upward gaze and the sequence of inquiry that astronomy tends to generate.

The building is organized around Theater 23-5. The auditorium contains an 11-meter domed screen and 145 reclined seats, with programming that cycles through high-resolution satellite imagery, rover telemetry, and full-dome visualizations of stellar fields. Because the screen occupies the ceiling and the seats face upward, the theater is designed to remove the framing devices of ordinary cinema; the image simply occupies the viewer’s peripheral vision.

Beyond the theater, the museum maintains several exhibition zones. The Science Area, developed with JAXA, presents flight hardware, material samples, and structural components from actual satellite missions. The Imagination Area, in contrast, invites artists and designers to respond to space exploration through installation work, sound, and non-literal cartography. Across roughly 1,800 square meters on two floors, the institution has historically relied on visual and auditory means to convey its material.

The 2026 Odor Exhibition introduces scent as a further channel of information. Working with chemists, the museum developed olfactory profiles tied to specific environments: the sharp metallic and ozone residue of a spacecraft airlock, the sulfur compounds detected in Venusian atmospheric data, and the cold hydrocarbon haze associated with Titan. Each station presents the scent alongside its chemical context, treating smell as another measurable property of places most visitors will never enter directly.

Black Tea Afternoon Tea Returns to Kichijoji Excel Hotel Tokyu with a New Menu

The Kichijoji Excel Hotel Tokyu welcomes back its popular annual afternoon tea event, this year centering entirely on the nuanced flavors of black tea, presented through a completely refreshed menu. For enthusiasts of themed afternoon teas or those seeking a refined culinary experience in Kichijoji, this event offers a unique exploration of black tea incorporated into both sweet and savory preparations.

A Refreshed Menu Focused on Black Tea

Building on its annual popularity, the hotel introduces a novel selection designed to highlight different facets of black tea. A standout item is the "Earl Grey and Apple Verrine," a visually appealing dessert constructed in layers to offer evolving flavors with each spoonful; it combines a refreshing apple jelly base, a smooth milk mousse middle, and a fragrant Earl Grey jelly topping.

Beyond the verrine, the pastry chef has curated additional sweets that complement the theme. Guests can expect items such as a rich "Chocolate Terrine," offering a deep cocoa flavor, and a "Black Tea Madeleine," noted for its subtle fragrance derived from the tea infusion.

The savory offerings have also been thoughtfully designed to align with the black tea concept. Included is a "Ceylon Tea Flavored Chicken Salad," which features a dressing infused with Ceylon tea, lending an aromatic quality to the dish. Another notable savory item is the "Smoked Duck and Orange with Earl Grey Jelly," pairing moist, tender smoked duck with the distinctive citrus and bergamot notes of Earl Grey, presented in jelly form. This iteration distinguishes itself from previous years by presenting an entirely new menu, ensuring a fresh experience even for returning visitors.

Event Details

Here is the essential information for planning your visit:

• Location / Nearest Station:
  • Kichijoji Excel Hotel Tokyu
  • Kichijoji Station (approximately an 8-minute walk)
• Address:
  • 〒180-0004 Tokyo, Musashino City, Kichijoji Honcho 2-4-14
  • View Map
• Venue:
  • Lounge & Dining SORAE, located within the Kichijoji Excel Hotel Tokyu
• Event Period:
  • March 1, 2025 (Saturday) – June 1, 2025 (Sunday)
• Time:
  • A 2-hour seating limit applies.
  • Last order for drinks is taken 1 hour and 30 minutes after seating.
• Price / Fee:
  • 6,000 yen per person (inclusive of tax and service charge)
• Official Website:
  • Visit the Lounge & Dining SORAE / Kichijoji Excel Hotel Tokyu website for more details.

Please note that published content is subject to change. It is advisable to check the official website of the venue or organizer for the most current information before visiting.

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What is Kichijoji?

Kichijoji is a neighborhood in the western part of Tokyo, Japan, known for its mix of urban life and natural surroundings. It attracts both locals and tourists with its variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants. Inokashira Park, a notable feature of the area, provides a peaceful retreat with opportunities for walking, picnicking, and viewing cherry blossoms. Kichijoji’s combination of lively streets and cultural sites makes it a worthwhile stop for visitors to Tokyo.

The Great Kaiji Exhibition: A Retrospective on Adversity (April 5th – May 11th)

Exhibition Key Visual

Nobuyuki Fukumoto’s manga series "Kaiji," which commenced serialization in "Weekly Young Magazine" back in 1996, stands as a significant work in the gambling manga genre. It chronicles the journey of its protagonist, Kaiji Ito, who, burdened by substantial debt, engages in high-stakes gambles where life itself is often on the line. This event, titled "Retrospective of Adversity: The Great Kaiji Exhibition," offers a comprehensive look back at the numerous trials and tribulations depicted throughout the "Kaiji" series. Attendees will have the opportunity to view a collection of original drawings, some of which have never been publicly displayed before, alongside representations of famous scenes from the manga. This exhibition represents the most extensive collection of "Kaiji" materials assembled to date.

Steel Beam Crossing Exhibit Photo

■ Immersive Recreations and Photo Opportunities

The exhibition features several engaging photo spots designed to immerse visitors in the world of "Kaiji." Iconic scenarios such as the perilous "Steel Beam Crossing" and the humiliating "Burning Prostration" are recreated. Additionally, visitors can experience the "Loser’s Room," the confined space within the Espoir ship where participants branded as losers in Restricted Rock-Paper-Scissors were held. Other recreations include "17 Steps," which captures Kaiji’s decisive winning tile on the mahjong table, the poignant "Love is More Important than a Sword," and the tense "Friendship Confirmation Game." A highlight is the full-scale replica of "The Bog," the notorious pachinko machine from the Teiai Group’s underground casino, the creation of which was made possible through a successful crowdfunding campaign. These exhibits collectively offer a unique opportunity to experience the atmosphere of the "Kaiji" series firsthand.

17 Steps Mahjong Exhibit Photo

■ Venue-Exclusive Newly Recorded Voices

Enhancing the immersive experience, the exhibition will feature newly recorded audio content exclusive to the venue, performed by the distinguished voice cast from the anime adaptation. This includes Masato Hagiwara reprising his role as Kaiji, Tomoyuki Morikawa as the formidable Yukio Tonegawa, and Fumihiko Tachiki as the Narrator. Visitors will be greeted by a welcome voice message, hear Tonegawa’s memorable speech delivered aboard the Espoir, and listen to narration introducing the various gambles depicted at each photo spot. A particularly notable inclusion is an audio rendition of the climactic scene from the "Tobaku Datenroku Kaiji: 17 Steps" arc—an episode not yet adapted into anime—where Kaiji dramatically declares "Ron" eleven consecutive times. Furthermore, the full-scale "The Bog" photo spot will feature a special presentation combining Kaiji’s lines, narration, and music, bringing the high-stakes pachinko battle to life.

(C)Nobuyuki Fukumoto/Kodansha

Exhibition Details

• Period: April 5th (Saturday) – May 11th (Sunday), 2025. Open every day during the exhibition period.
• Hours:
  • Weekdays: 13:00 – 18:00
  • Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays: 10:00 – 18:00
  • Special Hours (April 28th – May 2nd): 10:00 – 18:00
  • Last entry is permitted 30 minutes before closing time.
• Venue: Osaka Nanko ATC Gallery (ITM Building 2F, 2-1-10 Nanko-Kita, Suminoe-ku, Osaka City)
• Admission Fee:
  • General: 2,000 yen (Advance/Group: 1,800 yen)
  • High School/University Students: 1,500 yen (Advance/Group: 1,300 yen)
  • Elementary/Junior High School Students: 500 yen (Advance/Group: 300 yen)
  • Preschoolers are admitted free of charge.
• Advance Tickets: Available for purchase until April 4th (Friday) at 23:59. Advance rates also apply to groups.
• Contact: 050-1724-468 (The Great Kaiji Exhibition Osaka Venue Office)
• WEB/SNS: Official Exhibition Website

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What is Kaiji?

"Kaiji" is a Japanese manga and anime series by Nobuyuki Fukumoto. It follows Kaiji Itou, a gambler caught in high-stakes games that test his survival skills. The series delves into themes of risk and human nature through its engaging narrative and well-developed characters.

Kaiji’s story begins when he is forced into gambling events to clear a large debt. These games often have severe consequences, challenging Kaiji’s mental and emotional resilience. The series is known for its complex game designs, which demand both strategy and psychological insight.

The artwork in Kaiji is notable for its unique style, enhancing the story’s tension. Fukumoto’s storytelling combines suspense and unpredictability, offering a compelling look at human behavior under pressure.

The Great Kaiji Exhibition in Osaka celebrates the series, featuring original artwork and interactive displays. Fans can engage with the series’ themes through strategic games inspired by Kaiji. Whether familiar with the series or new to it, the exhibition offers an engaging experience in the world of manga and anime.

Uemura Matsuen 150th Anniversary Retrospective at the Nakanoshima Museum of Art, Osaka (March 29–June 1)

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Commemorating the 150th anniversary of the birth of Uemura Matsuen (1875-1949), the Nakanoshima Museum of Art in Osaka presents a major retrospective exhibition from March 29th to June 1st, 2025. Uemura Matsuen established herself as a preeminent figure in the genre of bijin-ga (pictures of beautiful women) during a period when female artists faced significant societal constraints. Through remarkable dedication and effort, she not only gained renown but also carved out a unique artistic path. While deeply respecting and studying artistic traditions, Matsuen developed her own distinct mode of figurative expression, consistently pursuing and depicting her idealized vision of femininity throughout her life.

Her portrayals of elegant and pure female figures possess a timeless quality that continues to resonate deeply with contemporary audiences. Matsuen’s prolific artistic career spanned six decades, leaving an indelible mark on the trajectory of modern Japanese art. Furthermore, her achievements position her as a crucial pioneer for subsequent generations of female artists in Japan. This exhibition represents the first large-scale retrospective of her work to be hosted at an Osaka museum, offering a significant opportunity to engage with her legacy.

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The exhibition brings together an impressive collection of over 100 works, meticulously tracing Matsuen’s artistic development from her early explorations to her mature, later-period style. Visitors will have the chance to view celebrated masterpieces, including pieces designated as Important Cultural Properties such as Mother and Child and Jo-no-mai (First Dance). Other significant works on display include Kusazoshiarai-Komachi and Late Autumn. This comprehensive assembly of exquisite paintings provides a thorough overview of Uemura Matsuen’s influential artistic journey.

■ Related Events

A series of lectures and gallery talks will accompany the exhibition, offering deeper insights into Uemura Matsuen’s art and context:

• March 29 (Sat) Lecture: "On the Art of Uemura Matsuen (Tentative Title)"

  • Speaker: Reiko Nakamura (Chief Researcher, The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo)

• April 26 (Sat) Lecture: "The Transition of Female Figures Depicted by Uemura Matsuen"

  • Speaker: Satoshi Yamada (Art Historian)

• May 11 (Sun) Lecture: "20th Century Female Painters"

  • Speakers: Megumi Kitahara (Professor Emeritus, Osaka University), Tomoko Ogawa (Curator, Osaka Nakanoshima Museum of Art)

  Details for the above three lectures:

  • Time: 14:00 – 15:30 (Doors open at 13:30)
  • Venue: Osaka Nakanoshima Museum of Art, 1st floor hall
  • Capacity: 150 people (Admission is on a first-come, first-served basis; no prior registration is required)
  • Fee: Free admission to the lecture itself; however, an exhibition ticket (a used stub is acceptable) is required for entry.

• April 16 (Wed) & May 22 (Thu) Gallery Talk by the Curator in Charge

  • Time: 15:00 – 15:45
  • Capacity: 30 people (Prior registration is required)
  • Venue: Osaka Nakanoshima Museum of Art, 4th floor exhibition room
  • Fee: Free admission to the talk; however, an exhibition ticket valid for the day of the talk is required.

Exhibition Details

• Exhibition Period: March 29 (Sat) – June 1 (Sun), 2025
  • First Period: March 29 – May 11
  • Second Period: May 13 – June 1
• Closed: Mondays, and Wednesday, May 7. Please note the museum will be open on Monday, April 28 and Monday, May 5 (national holiday).
• Opening Hours: 10:00 – 17:00 (Last admission is at 16:30)
• Venue: Osaka Nakanoshima Museum of Art, 4th floor exhibition room (4-3-1 Nakanoshima, Kita-ku, Osaka City)
• Admission Fees:
  • General: 1,800 yen (1,600 yen)
  • University/High School Students: 1,500 yen (1,300 yen)
  • Elementary/Junior High School Students: 500 yen (300 yen)
  • Prices shown in parentheses represent advance purchase or group rates. Advance tickets are available for purchase until 23:59 on Friday, March 28.
  • Residents of Osaka City aged 65 and over are subject to the standard general admission fee.
• Contact: 06-4301-7285 (Osaka City General Call Center / Naniwa Call)
  • Reception Hours: 8:00 – 21:00 (Open year-round)
• Official Website/SNS: https://art.nikkei.com/shoen/

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Understanding Bijin-ga

Bijin-ga, meaning "pictures of beautiful women," is a genre of Japanese art that depicts women, emphasizing their beauty, grace, and elegance. This genre played a significant role in Japanese art history, especially during the Edo period, and is closely linked with ukiyo-e woodblock prints. Artists in this genre portrayed women in various contexts, from everyday life to more idealized representations, capturing the fashion, hairstyles, and cultural practices of the time.

Beyond physical beauty, bijin-ga reflects cultural and aesthetic values, illustrating idealized femininity and the societal roles of women in historical Japan. Artists like Uemura Matsuen, known for their skill in bijin-ga, have enriched the genre with emotional depth and technical precision, creating works that continue to engage audiences. Through the use of color, composition, and expression, bijin-ga provides insight into Japan’s cultural and artistic heritage, encouraging viewers to appreciate the complexity of its subjects.