Minpaku’s 50th Anniversary Special Exhibition: The Folk Tool Perspective — Discovering, Observing, and the Essence of Ingenuity (March 20 – June 3, 2024)

This special exhibition, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the National Museum of Ethnology (Minpaku), offers a unique opportunity to explore the world of folk tools. Running from March 20th (Thursday, a holiday) to June 3rd (Tuesday), 2024, "The Folk Tools Exhibition: Discovering, Observing, and the Seeds of Wisdom" presents a carefully curated selection of 1,300 items from two significant collections: the EEM Collection and the Musabi Collection.

Minpaku’s 50th Anniversary Special Exhibition

Folk tools, born from the necessities of daily life, offer a tangible connection to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of past generations. These objects, crafted and utilized for everyday tasks, provide valuable insights into the knowledge, skills, and perspectives of the people who created them. They reflect a deep understanding of readily available materials and a harmonious relationship with the natural world. Collected by researchers during their travels, these tools have become integral parts of museum collections, representing the diverse cultures they encountered.

A sake set, part of Minpaku’s collection

The exhibition draws from two distinct sources. The EEM Collection comprises folk tools from around the globe, gathered for the 1970 Osaka Expo. The Musabi Collection, held by Musashino Art University, focuses on Japanese folk tools collected during the same period. By examining these artifacts from multiple viewpoints, visitors can discover the inherent appeal of folk tools, observe the unique characteristics of each item, and explore the "seeds of wisdom" embedded within their design and function.

A repaired tesui-bachi water basin

To clarify the origins of these collections:

• EEM (EXPO ’70 Ethnological Mission): This refers to the team responsible for collecting approximately 2,500 ethnographic materials from around the world for display in the Tower of the Sun, the theme pavilion of the 1970 Osaka Expo. These objects were intended to represent the origins of humanity.
• Musabi Collection: Assembled by the Musashino Art University Institute of Daily Life Culture and the Kinki Nippon Tourist Japan Cultural Tourism Research Institute, this collection was spearheaded by the renowned folklorist Tsuneichi Miyamoto, sometimes referred to as the "Wandering Giant." It includes ceramics, bamboo crafts, and dyed textiles, representing the daily life and culture of Japan, gathered with the intention of establishing the National Museum of Ethnology in 1975.

Related Events

A series of related events will complement the exhibition, providing deeper insights into the collections and the broader context of folk tools. For detailed participation methods, please refer to the Minpaku website.

Public Symposium ①: The Genealogy of Collections

• Date and Time: March 30th (Sunday), 13:20-16:25 (Doors open at 12:30)
• Venue: Main Building 2nd Floor, Seminar Room 5
• Lecturers:
  • Koji Kato (Professor, Musashino Art University)
  • Zenji Jinno (President, Japan Folk-craft Association; Professor Emeritus, Musashino Art University)
  • Kiyoshi Kawamura (Associate Professor, National Museum of Japanese History)
  • Shingo Hidaka (Professor, National Museum of Ethnology)
  • Madoka Nishi (Editor)
• Capacity: 50 attendees (in-person) / 450 attendees (online)
• Content: This symposium will trace the formation of large folk tool collections, focusing on the EEM Collection, the Musabi Collection, and the recent folk tool collection from the Oku-Noto Triennale’s "Okurazarae Project." The discussion will also address the future utilization and development of these valuable resources.

Public Symposium ②: Doing TSUNEICHI: Rereading ‘The Forgotten Japanese’

• Date and Time: April 13th (Sunday), 13:20-16:25 (Doors open at 12:30)
• Venue: Main Building 2nd Floor, Seminar Room 5
• Lecturers:
  • Koji Kato (Professor, Musashino Art University)
  • Katsutaka Hojo (Professor, Sophia University)
  • Shisuke Yamakawa (Part-time Lecturer, Musashino Art University)
  • Shingo Hidaka (Professor, National Museum of Ethnology)
  • Ryusuke Kotani (Chief Leader, Center for Conservation Science)
• Capacity: 50 attendees (in-person) / 450 attendees (online)
• Content: Stemming from discussions held by the "Doing TSUNEICHI" reading group at Musashino Art University Ichigaya Campus, this symposium aims to re-examine Tsuneichi Miyamoto’s The Forgotten Japanese within its historical context. The discussion will explore the public role of contemporary humanities and the significance of museum collections, moving beyond a simple celebration of the work as a masterpiece.

Minpaku Seminar: Behind the Scenes of the Folk Tools Exhibition: EEM Collection x Musabi Collection

• Date and Time: May 17th (Saturday), 13:30-15:00 (Doors open at 13:00)
• Venue: Minpaku Intelligent Hall (Auditorium)
• Lecturers:
  • Shingo Hidaka (Professor, National Museum of Ethnology)
  • Atsushi Nobayashi (Professor, National Museum of Ethnology)
  • Koji Kato (Professor, Musashino Art University)
• Capacity: 400 attendees
• Content: This seminar will provide an overview of the EEM and Musabi Collections featured in the special exhibition, highlighting the unique appeal of the folk tools on display.

Exhibition Details

• Dates: March 20, 2025 (Thursday, Holiday) – June 3, 2024 (Tuesday)
• Closed: Wednesdays
• Hours: 10:00-17:00 (Last entry at 16:30)
• Venue: National Museum of Ethnology, Special Exhibition Hall (10-1 Senri Expo Park, Suita City)
• Admission:
  • General: ¥880
  • University Students: ¥450
  • High School Students and younger: Free
• Contact: 06-6876-2151 (Main)
• Website/SNS: https://www.minpaku.ac.jp/

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What is Minpaku?

Minpaku, officially the National Museum of Ethnology, is a research institution and museum in Suita, Osaka, Japan. Established in 1974, it focuses on cultural artifacts and ethnological research, providing a platform for scholars and the public to explore global human cultures.

The museum houses a diverse collection of folk tools, textiles, musical instruments, and everyday objects, offering insights into various societies’ ways of life. Minpaku’s exhibitions aim to enhance understanding of cultural diversity and human creativity, serving as a resource for academic research and public education.

Beyond exhibitions, Minpaku engages in research projects and international collaborations, contributing to discussions on cultural heritage and anthropology. Its library and archives offer researchers access to extensive ethnographic materials and scholarly works.

As Minpaku marks its 50th anniversary, it continues to encourage exploration and appreciation of cultural heritage, inviting visitors to connect with the stories and traditions that define our human experience.

Sunshine Aquarium Special Exhibition: "Midnight Creatures"

A Unique Opportunity to Observe Nocturnal Animals 🌙

The Sunshine Aquarium is set to host a special exhibition titled "Midnight Creatures," offering visitors a rare glimpse into the lives of animals that thrive in the dark. This event, running from March 14, 2025, to November 24, 2025, showcases approximately 20 species that are most active in low-light conditions.

A Nocturnal Navigation

The exhibition is thoughtfully divided into three distinct zones: cave, night sea, and forest. Each area provides detailed explanations of the unique attributes of nocturnal, cave-dwelling, and bioluminescent creatures. The dimly lit environment of the exhibition allows for an unusual opportunity: observing nocturnal animals in their active state, as opposed to their typically dormant daytime behavior.

One of the highlights is the "peephole" feature, designed for discreet observation of the Splendid Alfonsino. This fish uses a light-emitting organ to glow, and visitors can witness the flickering light through the peephole.

The exhibition also includes the extremely rare Slender Giant Salamander. Thought to be extinct in the wild in China, there are only two known individuals kept in Japan, making their display a truly exceptional event.

Exclusive Merchandise

In addition to the biological displays, the exhibition offers a range of original merchandise, including T-shirts and mugs. Special admission tickets that include an original "Midnight Creatures Exhibition" glow-in-the-dark sticker are also available. These stickers come in two designs, one featuring forest creatures and the other sea creatures, both revealing images of animals active at midnight when viewed in the dark. The specific sticker received with the ticket is randomly assigned.

Essential Information for Visitors

• Location: Sunshine Aquarium
• Nearest Stations: Higashi-Ikebukuro Station / Ikebukuro Station
• Address: Rooftop, World Import Mart Building, Sunshine City 3-1, Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 170-8630
  MAP
• Venue: Sunshine Aquarium Special Exhibition Hall
• Event Period: March 14, 2025 (Friday) – November 24, 2025 (Monday/Holiday)
• Opening Hours: Vary depending on the period; please check the official website for details.
• Fees:
  • Regular Admission Ticket: 600 yen
  • Admission Ticket with "Original Glow-in-the-Dark Sticker": 800 yen
• Official Website:
  https://sunshinecity.jp/file/aquarium/mayonaka/

Please be aware that the details provided are subject to change, so it is advisable to check the official website of the venue or organizer for the most current information.

For those planning to visit from afar, consider exploring accommodation options in the area: 🛏️ See hotels near Tokyo.

What is Sunshine Aquarium?

Sunshine Aquarium is an aquatic facility located in Tokyo, Japan, atop the Sunshine City complex in Ikebukuro. It offers visitors the opportunity to explore a variety of marine life through its exhibits. The aquarium features both local and exotic species, showcasing environments from coral reefs to deep-sea habitats. It emphasizes conservation and education, making it a popular destination for those interested in marine biology and oceanic ecosystems.

<h1>Cherry Blossom and Strawberry Afternoon Tea "Spring Breeze" at Kimpton Shinjuku Tokyo</h1>

<p>
The <a href="https://www.kimptonshinjuku.com/jp/sakura_celebration/">Kimpton Shinjuku Tokyo</a> hotel presents an afternoon tea experience themed around the ephemeral beauty of spring, specifically "Cherry blossom trees blooming by riversides and lakeshores, beautifully harmonizing with the greenery. Cherry blossom petals floating on the rippling water surface." This evocative imagery sets the stage for an afternoon tea service characterized by the gentle flavors and soft colors one would associate with the season.
</p>

<h2>A Symphony of Spring Flavors</h2>

<p>
The selection of eight sweets is primarily flavored with the quintessential tastes of cherry blossom and strawberry. The assortment includes unique creations such as a swan-shaped mousse, elegantly presented as if floating on a tranquil lake, and matcha cream puffs crafted to evoke the image of budding trees. This carefully curated menu has been designed to provide a comprehensive sensory experience of spring.
</p>

<p>
For those seeking an elevated experience, the premium plan includes a decorative cherry blossom tree, instantly transforming the table into a picturesque scene reminiscent of a cherry blossom viewing party. Furthermore, the high tea option, available during dinner time, offers a unique opportunity to enjoy the ambiance of night cherry blossom viewing.
</p>

<h2>Event Details</h2>

<ul>
<li>
<strong>Location:</strong> <a href="https://www.enjoytokyo.jp/spot/l_00062937/">Kimpton Shinjuku Tokyo</a>, accessible via Tochomae Station or Shinjuku Station.
</li>
<li>
<strong>Address:</strong> 3-4-7 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0023 (<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=35.68559299,139.69226464">MAP</a>)
</li>
<li>
<strong>Venue:</strong> District Brasserie, Bar & Lounge (Kimpton Shinjuku Tokyo, 2nd floor)
</li>
<li>
<strong>Event Period:</strong> March 1st, 2025 (Saturday) – April 30th, 2025 (Wednesday)
</li>
<li>
<strong>Time:</strong> 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
</li>
<li>
<strong>Pricing:</strong>
<ul>
<li>
<strong>Premium Plan:</strong> Weekdays ¥9,800 / Weekends & Holidays ¥10,600
</li>
<li>
<strong>Standard Plan:</strong> Weekdays ¥7,000 / Weekends & Holidays ¥7,800
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
<strong>Inquiries:</strong> District Brasserie, Bar & Lounge at <a href="tel:03-6258-1414">03-6258-1414</a>
</li>
<li>
<strong>Official Website:</strong> <a href="https://www.kimptonshinjuku.com/jp/sakura_celebration/">https://www.kimptonshinjuku.com/jp/sakura_celebration/</a>
</li>
</ul>

<p>
<em>Please note that the information provided is subject to change. It is recommended to check the official website of the venue or organizer for the most up-to-date details.</em>
</p>

<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.ozmall.co.jp/countprogram/entry/?affiliateId=496&entryPageId=0&entryPageUrl=/restaurant/7456/&scid=salp01013ozma">Book with OZmall <img alt="OZMALL" src="https://static.enjoytokyo.jp/assets/img/article/logo_ozmall.png"></a></li>
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</ul>

<img alt=’Cherry Blossom and Strawberry Afternoon Tea "Spring Breeze" [Kimpton Shinjuku Tokyo]_1′ src=’https://rstatic.enjoytokyo.jp/assets/images/event/92/2001600/img_1.jpg?1740981383&p=t&w=1800′>
<img alt=’Cherry Blossom and Strawberry Afternoon Tea "Spring Breeze" [Kimpton Shinjuku Tokyo]_2′ src=’https://rstatic.enjoytokyo.jp/assets/images/event/92/2001600/img_2.jpg?1740981383&p=t&w=1800′>
<img alt=’Cherry Blossom and Strawberry Afternoon Tea "Spring Breeze" [Kimpton Shinjuku Tokyo]_3′ src=’https://rstatic.enjoytokyo.jp/assets/images/event/92/2001600/img_3.jpg?1740981383&p=t&w=1800′>
<img alt=’Cherry Blossom and Strawberry Afternoon Tea "Spring Breeze" [Kimpton Shinjuku Tokyo]_4′ src=’https://rstatic.enjoytokyo.jp/assets/images/event/92/2001600/img_4.jpg?1740981384&p=t&w=1800′>

What is Sanja Matsuri?

Sanja Matsuri is an annual festival held in Asakusa, Tokyo, during the third weekend of May. It honors the founders of Senso-ji Temple: Hinokuma Hamanari, Hinokuma Takenari, and Hajino Nakatomo. The festival centers around Asakusa Shrine, built to commemorate these figures.

The event is known for its lively atmosphere, attracting many visitors to see the processions and performances. A key feature is the parade of mikoshi, or portable shrines, through Asakusa’s streets. Participants carry these shrines while chanting and moving to the beat of taiko drums.

Sanja Matsuri celebrates religious devotion and showcases local culture. It includes traditional music and dance, food stalls with local dishes, and handcrafted souvenirs. The festival offers insight into Tokyo’s cultural heritage, appealing to both locals and tourists.

Midtown Bloom 2025

Enjoy Spring at Tokyo Midtown: Cherry Blossom-Lined Streets and Art in the Heart of the City, The Ritz-Carlton Tokyo Opens an Outdoor Lounge! Cherry Blossom Light-Up Too 🌸

Tokyo Midtown invites you to experience the unique joys of spring in the city’s heart. This year’s event, themed "MIDTOWN in Bloom," offers a delightful cherry blossom viewing stroll. The approximately 100 cherry trees lining the "Spring Promenade" create a breathtaking backdrop for a truly memorable experience.

A key feature of this year’s event is the "ROKU〈Six〉 MIDTOWN BLOSSOM LOUNGE," a collaborative space with The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo. This high-quality lounge offers a curated selection of original cocktails, food, and sweets, allowing visitors to savor the season’s flavors while immersed in the beauty of the blossoms.

Beyond the promenade, the event extends into the building, offering a diverse range of art experiences. Visitors can enjoy:

• Restaurants offering stunning views of the cherry blossoms.
• Exhibitions featuring works by Flower Art Award 2025 and TOKYO MIDTOWN AWARD winners.
• Performances staged around public art installations.

Midtown Bloom 2025 presents a unique opportunity to embrace the arrival of spring, combining the beauty of nature with stimulating artistic encounters.

Basic Information

• Location / Nearest Station: Tokyo Midtown (Roppongi Station / Nogizaka Station)
• Address: 〒107-0052 Tokyo, Minato-ku, Akasaka 9-7-1 and others (MAP)
• Venue: Tokyo Midtown Midtown Garden, along Sakura Street, in front of Garden Terrace
• Event Period: 2025/03/14(Fri) – 2025/04/13(Sun)
• Time: 12:00 – 20:00 (L.O. 19:30). On Fridays, Saturdays, and when cherry blossoms are in full bloom, the event will remain open until 21:00 (L.O. 20:30).
• Price / Fee: Free
• Light-up:
  • Period: 2025/03/14(Fri) – 2025/04/13(Sun)
  • Time: 17:00 – 23:00
• Inquiries: Tokyo Midtown Call Center (03-3475-3100)
• Information in case of rain: Cancelled in case of severe weather

Please note that the published content is subject to change. For the latest information, please refer to the official website of the venue or organizer.

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What is Tokyo Midtown?

Tokyo Midtown is an urban development in the Roppongi district of Tokyo, Japan. Opened in 2007, it combines modern architecture with cultural and recreational spaces. The complex includes commercial, residential, and leisure facilities such as luxury hotels, office spaces, retail shops, art galleries, and dining options.

The centerpiece of Tokyo Midtown is the Midtown Tower, one of Tokyo’s tallest buildings, which contains corporate offices and the Ritz-Carlton Tokyo. The development also features the Suntory Museum of Art, which focuses on traditional Japanese art, and 21_21 DESIGN SIGHT, a design museum known for its innovative exhibitions.

Tokyo Midtown is surrounded by gardens and parks, offering a peaceful retreat from the city. These outdoor areas are especially popular during cherry blossom season, when visitors participate in hanami, the tradition of flower viewing. By integrating art, nature, and modern amenities, Tokyo Midtown exemplifies the balance between urban life and cultural heritage in Tokyo.

Barbapapa × Sunday Brunch

An Edible Picture Book? Barbapapa Collaboration Cafe, Open for a Limited Time!

To celebrate the 55th anniversary of the globally beloved picture book "Barbapapa," a collaboration cafe has been opened for a limited time at Sunday Brunch Kichijoji. The cafe allows visitors to experience the story of this colorful, free-spirited family, overflowing with praise and love for nature. In addition to collaborative menu items, workshops for parents and children to enjoy together are also planned around Mother’s Day and Father’s Day.

Menu

The cafe offers a unique menu inspired by the Barbapapa characters:

• Barba Family’s Earth Tart: A delightful almond tart topped with chocolate cream and strawberries. The character featured on the tart is a surprise.

  • With Drink: 1,760 yen (tax included) per cut
  • With Cream Soda: 2,750 yen (tax included) per cut

• Barba Mama’s Omurice: A healthy omurice dish featuring turmeric rice wrapped in eggs containing bamboo charcoal. It’s topped with a beet and potato cream sauce and garnished with spring vegetables.

  • With Drink: 2,200 yen (tax included)
  • With Cream Soda: 3,190 yen (tax included)

• Barbapapa’s Taco Rice: A vegetarian taco rice dish made with soy meat, adorned with Barbapapa and flower icing cookies.

  • With Drink: 1,870 yen (tax included)
  • With Cream Soda: 2,860 yen (tax included)

Workshops

Two special workshops are available, providing a hands-on experience for families:

"Let’s Make it Together, Parents and Children!! Mother’s Day Workshop"

Participants will decorate a banana tart with pink cream colored with beets, Barbamama and heart cookies, sprinkles, and strawberries — a perfect gift for Mother’s Day.

• Dates: May 3rd (Sat), May 10th (Sat), May 11th (Sun)
• Time: Reception at 10:00 AM, Workshop from 10:15 AM to 10:50 AM
• Participation Fee: 2,800 yen per person or pair (a pair creates one dessert together)
• Capacity: 8 groups per session
• Note: All workshops are takeaway only.

"Let’s Make it Together, Parents and Children!! Father’s Day Workshop"

This workshop involves decorating a ring-shaped cookie, sandwiched with chocolate ganache, with cream, fruit, and Barbapapa cookies.

• Dates: June 7th (Sat), June 8th (Sun), June 14th (Sat), June 15th (Sun)
• Time: Reception at 10:00 AM, Workshop from 10:15 AM to 10:50 AM
• Participation Fee: 2,800 yen per person or pair (a pair creates one dessert together)
• Capacity: 8 groups per session
• Note: All workshops are takeaway only.

Please note that photos and images are for illustrative purposes, and the contents are subject to change without notice. For further details, please refer to the official website.

Basic Information

• Venue / Nearest Station: Sunday Brunch Kichijoji, Kichijoji Station
• Address: Kichijoji Parco 4F, 1-5-1 Kichijoji Honcho, Musashino City, Tokyo 180-0004, MAP
• Event Period: March 5th, 2025 (Wed) – June 30th, 2025 (Mon)
• Time: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Last Order at 7:00 PM)
• Application: Reservations are accepted, starting from February 19th (Wed) at 11:00 AM.
• Inquiries: City Studio, [email protected]

The published content may have changed. Please check the official website of the venue/organizer for the most up-to-date information.

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What is Barbapapa?

Barbapapa is a character from a series of French children’s books created by Annette Tison and Talus Taylor in the 1970s. The character is a pink, blob-like creature who can change shape, representing themes of acceptance, creativity, and environmental awareness. The name "Barbapapa" comes from the French word for cotton candy, "barbe à papa," which reflects the character’s soft, rounded appearance.

The series follows Barbapapa, his partner Barbamama, and their seven children, each with distinct personalities and abilities. These characters often engage in problem-solving and educational adventures, promoting values such as kindness, cooperation, and respect for nature. Over the years, Barbapapa has become a cultural icon, inspiring animated television series, merchandise, and themed cafes like the Barbapapa Cafe at Sunday Brunch Kichijoji, where fans can explore the world of these characters.

Barbapapa’s enduring appeal lies in its simplicity and the universal themes it addresses. The stories encourage children to embrace diversity and think creatively, while also fostering an appreciation for the environment. This combination of entertainment and education has allowed Barbapapa to remain relevant across generations, making it a cherished part of children’s literature.