A Piano Concert Where Miracles Resonate with Miracles: A Tribute to Fujiko Hemming

Shimokitazawa, Tokyo – A special piano concert commemorating the life and legacy of the celebrated pianist Fujiko Hemming will be held on Saturday, August 17th, 2024, at the Tokyo Metropolitan Church in Shimokitazawa. This concert is a poignant tribute to Ms. Hemming, who held a deep affection for this vibrant Tokyo neighborhood.

A Musical Journey Through Miracles

The concert promises to be a moving experience, echoing the miraculous journey of Ms. Hemming’s own life and career. Her story, marked by personal struggles and a late-blooming yet spectacular success as a pianist, has resonated deeply with audiences worldwide. This concert seeks to capture the essence of her inspiring journey through a carefully curated selection of musical pieces.

Venue: A Church Steeped in History

The Tokyo Metropolitan Church, located a short distance from Shimokitazawa Station, provides a fitting backdrop for this commemorative concert. Known for its beautiful architecture and serene atmosphere, the church offers an ideal space for audiences to immerse themselves in the music and reflect on Ms. Hemming’s extraordinary life.

Event Details:

• Date: Saturday, August 17th, 2024
• Location: Tokyo Metropolitan Church, Shimokitazawa
• Access: Easily accessible from Shimokitazawa Station

Further Information:

Details regarding the program, featured performers, and ticket prices will be announced closer to the event date. Stay tuned for updates on this special concert that promises to be a celebration of music, resilience, and the enduring spirit of Fujiko Hemming.

Osaka Art Fireworks 2024: A Spectacular Display Over Osaka Bay

Witness the Largest-Ever Fireworks Show at Rinku Park on November 2nd!


Get ready for a breathtaking spectacle as the Osaka Art Fireworks illuminates the night sky over Osaka Bay on Saturday, November 2nd, 2024. This year marks the third edition of this incredible event, and it promises to be bigger and more dazzling than ever before. Held at the scenic Rinku Park, situated across from Kansai International Airport, the Osaka Art Fireworks offers an unforgettable experience combining stunning pyrotechnics with a mesmerizing waterfront location.

Rinku Park, renowned for its beautiful sunsets (ranked among Japan’s Top 100), provides the perfect backdrop for this extraordinary show. As the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky in vibrant hues, prepare to be amazed by a dazzling array of fireworks launched over the water. The event will feature a unique "water performance" utilizing a barge, allowing for creative and dynamic displays that can only be witnessed here.

A Symphony of Light and Sound:

For 50 non-stop minutes, Japan’s leading pyrotechnic artists will orchestrate a mesmerizing symphony of light and sound. The fireworks will be meticulously choreographed to synchronize with music, creating an immersive and emotional experience that will leave you breathless. Be captivated by:

• World-class fireworks painting the night sky with vibrant colors and intricate patterns.
• Mesmerizing reflections of the fireworks dancing on the water’s surface.
• A breathtaking spectacle that will fill you with awe and wonder.

Event Details:

• Date: Saturday, November 2nd, 2024
• Time:
  • Doors open: 3:00 PM
  • Fireworks launch: 6:00 PM
  • Event end: 7:00 PM (scheduled)
• Venue: Rinku Park
  • "Marble Beach"
  • "Promenade/Lawn Space behind Rinku Premium Outlets"
  • Address: Rinku Orai-minami 7-1, Izumisano City, Osaka Prefecture
  • Access: Approximately a 10-minute walk from JR/Nankai "Rinku Town Station"
• Fee: Starting from 6,500 yen
  • Super early bird discount available until 11:00 PM on Saturday, August 31st!
• Ticketing: All seats are reserved.
• Contact:
  • Phone: 080-8130-6887
  • Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://osakafireworks.com

Don’t miss this opportunity to witness the largest and most spectacular Osaka Art Fireworks yet! Secure your tickets early and prepare for an unforgettable evening of beauty, wonder, and artistic excellence.

Hanshin’s Spice Curry Expo 2024: A Flavorful Fiesta (August 28th – September 2nd)

Calling all curry enthusiasts! The highly anticipated Hanshin Spice Curry Expo returns for its third year, promising a tantalizing journey through the world of spice. From Wednesday, August 28th to Monday, September 2nd, the "Shokusai Terrace" at the Hanshin Umeda Main Store will transform into a vibrant hub celebrating the diverse flavors of Japanese curry.

This year’s expo features an impressive lineup of 15 spice curry vendors from across Japan, with a particular focus on the Kansai region. Prepare your taste buds for an explosion of flavors, as you explore a spectrum of curry styles, including:

• European-inspired curries
• Spicy Chinese curries
• Authentic traditional curries
• Innovative and creative curry creations

To ensure a fresh and exciting experience, the vendor lineup will rotate every two days. This means each visit offers a chance to discover new and exciting culinary delights.

Leading the charge as the expo’s "Super Presenter" is none other than Mr. Matsumura Takaki, a renowned curry expert and editor. Building on the success of previous years, Mr. Matsumura will be on hand to share his extensive knowledge and passion for all things curry.

Beyond the delicious eats:

Don’t miss the opportunity to enhance your own culinary adventures! The expo will also feature:

• Spice kits: Recreate your favorite expo curries at home with ease.
• "Kansai Spice Curry Recipe Books" 1 & 2: Edited by Mr. Matsumura himself, these best-selling recipe books offer a deep dive into the world of Kansai spice curry.

Hanshin’s Spice Curry Expo 2024 is a must-visit event for any curry lover. Come eat, explore, and learn – immerse yourself in a flavorful loop that will leave you craving more!

Event Details:

• Dates: Wednesday, August 28th – Monday, September 2nd, 2024
• Hours: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
• Venue: Hanshin Umeda Main Store 1F Shokusai Terrace (1-13-13 Umeda, Kita-ku, Osaka City)
• Admission: Free
• Website: https://web.hh-online.jp/hanshin/contents/str/20240828.html

Taiwan-Japan Grand Harbor Fruit Festival

Embrace the Flavors of Taiwan and Japan at the Grand Harbor Fruit Festival!

Event Date: August 24th – 25th, 2024

Event Location: Kaohsiung Pop Music Center Sea Breeze Plaza and Riverside Corridor (No. 1, Zhen’ai Road, Yancheng District, Kaohsiung City)

Organizer:

• Kaohsiung City Government
• Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association

Guidance Unit: Council of Agriculture

Co-organizer: General Association of Chinese Culture

(Please note that the specific times for each event activity are subject to the organizer’s latest announcements.)

Event Description

The Taiwan-Japan Grand Harbor Fruit Festival, also known as the Japan-Taiwan Kaohsiung Fruit Festival, is a vibrant celebration of the delicious fruits cultivated in both Taiwan and Japan. This two-day event will take place at the beautiful Kaohsiung Pop Music Center, offering a fantastic opportunity to experience the unique flavors and agricultural richness of these two nations.

Event Highlights:

• Diverse Fruit Stalls: Explore a wide array of booths showcasing a colorful variety of fruits from both Taiwan and Japan. Discover new favorites and savor the sweetness of seasonal specialties.
• Cultural Exchange: Immerse yourself in the rich cultures of Taiwan and Japan through engaging activities and performances.
• Family-Friendly Activities: Enjoy a fun-filled day for the whole family with interactive games, workshops, and entertainment.

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Event Schedule, Booth List, and Market Map

To help you plan your visit and navigate the festival, we’ve provided the following resources:

• Event Schedule: View the detailed event schedule here.
• Booth List: Discover the exciting vendors and their offerings.
• Market Map: Find your way around the festival grounds with ease.

Share the Fruitful Fun!

Spread the word about the Taiwan-Japan Grand Harbor Fruit Festival with your friends and family:

• Share to Facebook
• Tweet it!
• Share to Weibo
• LINE to Friends

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We look forward to seeing you at the Taiwan-Japan Grand Harbor Fruit Festival!

Step into a World of Color at the Immersive Museum Osaka 2024: Post-Impressionism

Following the resounding success of last year’s exhibition, the Immersive Museum returns to Osaka’s Dojima River Forum. This year, prepare to journey into a world of vibrant color and emotion with "Post-Impressionism," running from June 1st to August 21st, 2024.

This isn’t your typical art exhibit. Rather than passively observing, you’ll be immersed in iconic masterpieces on a grand scale. Imagine being enveloped by Van Gogh’s "Sunflowers" and "The Starry Night," or finding yourself within the pointillist landscape of Seurat’s "A Sunday on La Grande Jatte."

Cutting-edge technology transforms these masterpieces into a captivating 360-degree experience. Projected across a massive 450 square meter space, with towering 6-meter-high displays, the art comes alive with movement and sound. You’ll gain a whole new appreciation for the artists’ techniques and perspectives, feeling the emotion and energy pulsating from every brushstroke.

Don’t miss this opportunity to experience Post-Impressionism in a completely new light!

Exhibition Details:

• Dates: June 1st (Sat) – August 21st (Wed), 2024
• Closed: June 6th (Thu)
• Summer Holiday Hours: August 13th (Tue) – 21st (Wed) – Weekend & Holiday pricing applies
• Hours: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Last entry 7:00 PM)
• Location: Dojima River Forum (1-1-17 Fukushima, Fukushima-ku, Osaka)

Tickets:

Purchase your tickets in advance on the Immersive Museum Osaka website for the best prices:

• Advance Tickets (Weekdays):
  • General: ¥2,500
  • Junior High & High School Students: ¥1,800
  • Elementary School Students: ¥800
• Advance Tickets (Weekends & Holidays):
  • General: ¥2,700
  • Junior High & High School Students: ¥1,800
  • Elementary School Students: ¥800
• Same-Day Tickets (Weekdays):
  • General: ¥2,700
  • Junior High & High School Students: ¥2,000
  • Elementary School Students: ¥1,000
• Same-Day Tickets (Weekends & Holidays):
  • General: ¥2,900
  • Junior High & High School Students: ¥2,000
  • Elementary School Students: ¥1,000
• Free admission for preschool children (up to 2 children per accompanying adult)

Inquiries: 0570-200-888 (Kyodo Information, closed on weekends and holidays)

Get Your Bellygom Fix at the Seibu Shibuya Pop-Up Shop!

Calling all Tokyo trendsetters and fans of adorable characters! The beloved Korean brand, Bellygom, is bringing its signature cuteness to Shibuya with a limited-time pop-up shop.

From August 20th to September 2nd, 2024, immerse yourself in the world of Bellygom at the Seibu Shibuya Department Store. This is your chance to snag exclusive merchandise, snap photos with adorable displays, and experience the charm of Bellygom firsthand.

Pop-Up Shop Details:

• Dates: August 20th (Tuesday) – September 2nd (Monday), 2024
• Location: Seibu Shibuya Department Store
• Getting There: Directly connected to Shibuya Station

Don’t miss out on this special event! Mark your calendars and get ready to experience the irresistible world of Bellygom.

A Taste of Autumn: Smoked Meat Afternoon Tea at the Hilton Tokyo

Indulge in the rich flavors of fall with a unique afternoon tea experience at the Hilton Tokyo, featuring an array of delectable smoked meats prepared over an open fire.

As the summer heat gives way to the crispness of autumn, the Hilton Tokyo in Shinjuku invites you to savor the season with a special culinary event. Their "Autumn Smoky Meat Afternoon Tea" offers a sophisticated twist on the traditional afternoon tea, showcasing the rich and savory flavors of smoked meats.

Imagine indulging in delicate finger sandwiches filled with succulent smoked salmon or tender pastrami, all infused with the distinctive aroma of wood smoke. Complementing these savory delights is a selection of autumnal pastries and sweets, offering a harmonious balance of flavors.

Event Details:

• What: Autumn Smoky Meat Afternoon Tea
• When: Available starting August 14, 2024
• Where: Marble Lounge, Hilton Tokyo, Shinjuku, Tokyo (near Nishi-Shinjuku Station)

Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the essence of autumn in a truly unique and delicious way. Book your table at the Hilton Tokyo’s Marble Lounge and treat yourself to an unforgettable afternoon tea experience.

Beat the Summer Heat at the Hanshin Summer Kakigori Festival

Escape the summer heat with a trip to the Hanshin Summer Kakigori Festival, taking place from July 31st to August 12th, 2024. For 13 glorious days, the Hanshin Umeda Main Store 8th Floor Event Hall will transform into a haven for shaved ice enthusiasts, offering a cool and delicious respite.

Curated by renowned kakigori expert and author of "Kakigorist," Ryusuke Koike, this year’s festival boasts an impressive selection of over 80 varieties of kakigori (Japanese shaved ice). Fruit lovers are in for a treat, with a wide array of fruit-flavored creations taking center stage. But the festival doesn’t stop there! Indulge in unique flavors like white miso, corn, and even royal milk tea. And for an extra dose of cuteness, don’t miss the adorable bear-shaped kakigori crafted by a local rice cracker shop.

Event Details:

• Dates: July 31st (Wednesday) – August 12th (Monday/Holiday), 2024
• Time: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Last order 7:30 PM) Final day until 5:00 PM (Last order 4:30 PM)
• Location: Hanshin Umeda Main Store 8th Floor Event Hall (1-13-13 Umeda, Kita-ku, Osaka)
• Admission: Free (Numbered tickets may be distributed during peak hours)
• Inquiries: 06-6345-1201

Savor the Sweetness of Fukushima: A Two-Part GAP Fair Showcasing Exquisite Peaches and Pears

Indulge in the delectable flavors of Fukushima Prefecture’s finest GAP-certified peaches and pears at the upcoming Fukushima GAP Fair, hosted at MuSuBu near Shirokane-Takanawa Station. This exclusive event is divided into two parts, each highlighting a different seasonal fruit:

Part 1: Peach Paradise (August 21st – 25th, 2024)

Immerse yourself in the juicy sweetness of Fukushima’s renowned peaches. This five-day celebration will feature a variety of peach-centric dishes and treats, all crafted with GAP-certified peaches, ensuring the highest standards of quality and sustainability.

Part 2: A Pear-fect Delight (August 28th – September 1st, 2024)

Following the peach extravaganza, the focus shifts to the elegant pear. From August 28th to September 1st, experience the delicate texture and refreshing flavors of Fukushima’s prized pears, expertly incorporated into a unique and enticing menu.

MuSuBu: Your Gateway to Fukushima’s Bounty

Conveniently located near Shirokane-Takanawa Station, MuSuBu provides the perfect setting to savor the exquisite tastes of Fukushima. Known for its commitment to showcasing regional specialties, MuSuBu offers a welcoming atmosphere to enjoy the freshest seasonal ingredients.

What is GAP Certification?

GAP (Good Agricultural Practice) certification signifies that the agricultural products have been produced using methods that prioritize food safety, environmental sustainability, and worker welfare. By choosing GAP-certified products, you are supporting responsible farming practices and enjoying produce of the highest quality.

Don’t Miss This Opportunity!

Whether you’re a peach aficionado or a pear enthusiast, the Fukushima GAP Fair promises a delightful culinary experience. Mark your calendars for these two special events and discover the exceptional flavors of Fukushima’s fruit.

Event Details:

• Location: MuSuBu (Near Shirokane-Takanawa Station) – [Link to MuSuBu Website/Location Details]
• Part 1: Peaches: August 21st – 25th, 2024
• Part 2: Pears: August 28th – September 1st, 2024
• More Information: [Link to Official Event Page – if available]

Stay tuned for updates on the event-limited menu and further details!