Tokyo's nine metropolitan gardens are lending out wagasa, traditional Japanese parasols, free of charge this summer. Stroll the grounds shaded from the sun, or use one for a memento photo. From 11 July to 27 September, on sunny days only, with parasols available near each entrance.
Photos from the Tokyo Pride Parade & Festival, held on 6-7 June. Youth Pride takes place on 13-14 June, the Human Rights Conference on 20 June, and the Queer Art Exhibition runs until 28 June, entry free. More: pride.tokyo
Japanese classic idioms pack whole ideas into a few kanji. A handful of characters can set down a whole mood, a moment, or a way of seeing the world (from "My Special KANJI Book: Japanese Classic Idioms" by Natsume).
more: www.promax.co.jp/mhoc/2026/#s...
The Monster Hunter Orchestra Concert "Shuryo Ongakusai 2026" tours four Japanese cities: Tokyo (23 Aug), Hyogo (22–23 Sep), Fukuoka (31 Oct) and Sapporo (9 Nov). Conducted by Hirofumi Kurita, the programme features music from across the series. Pre-sale lottery opens 11 June.
The 73rd Todabashi Fireworks Festival "Sky Fantasia" lights up the Arakawa riverbank in Toda, Saitama, on August 1. Marking the city's 60th anniversary, it runs alongside the Itabashi Fireworks Festival across the river, with synchronised displays from both banks. Gates 4pm, show from 7pm.
To mark 60 years of cassette tape production in Japan, a series of Cassette Day exhibitions runs this summer: hands-on listening, revived retro designs, cassette art and DJ sets. In Shibuya (25-31 Jul), Sendai (7-11 Aug) and Hakone (23-29 Aug). Free to enter. www.cassettedays.net
Sakai Traditional Crafts Museum is exhibiting chusen yukata, summer kimono dyed by a traditional stencil method that colours both sides at once. New designs feature, along with Mucha-pattern fabric and new tenugui hand towels by Hasegawa Aya. On show 15-21 June, sales 20-21 June.
We present our Song of the Week! #HeyJapanSOTW
Casiopea - Midnight Rendezvous
Apple Music: music.apple.com/song/midnigh...
Spotify: open.spotify.com/track/56prPh...
Our weekly pick - personal taste, no charts involved. Spotlighting Japanese artists across every genre, so there's something for everyone.