This Week(End): Tokyo Area Events For June 15-16

Shows, Films, And Art In The City

By The Savvy Team |
June 14, 2019 |
What's Happening

The rainy season finally kicked in, so get ready for a few gloomy weekends ahead. But that doesn't mean that the city entertainment has stopped — to the contrary! There is a great lineup of indoor events, including international film gatherings, exhibitions, a very important (and fun) event dedicated to women and the society — and last but not least, Tokyo's largest toy event! Enjoy them all!

Toys 'R For All Of Us

International Tokyo Toy Show

The most popular show of its kind in Japan, the International Tokyo Toy Show attracts more than 160 exhibitors and 35,000 toys each year. Although plenty of traditional toys will also be exhibited, the star of the show will be the latest technology-infused gadgets for kids (and adults), including virtual reality games and robotic toys.

Date: SAT, JUNE 15-SUN, JUNE 16, 2019
Time: 9 A.M.-5 P.M. (SAT), 9 A.M.-4 P.M. (SUN)
Location: TOKYO BIG SIGHT, WEST EXHIBITION HALL 1, 2, 3, 4, 3-11-1 ARIAKE, KOTO-KU, TOKYO
Fee: FREE
Info: RECOMMENDED FOR: FAMILIES, KIDS, PEOPLE WHO LOVE TOYS

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For Mental And Physical Balance

Temple Pilates

It's no wonder that the temple fitness trend has been on the rise in Japan — it provides both the serenity of a traditional religious institution and professional guidance to achieve mental and physical relaxation through exercising. This time, the Toyokawa Inari Temple is organizing an afternoon pilates session for ten people at its premises. Book in advance, bring a towel and fitness wear, and say namaste to this unique experience!

Date: TUE, JUNE 11, 2019
Time: 6 P.M.-7 P.M.
Location: TOYOKAWA INARI TOKYO BETSUIN, 1-4-7 MOTOAKASAKA, MINATO-KU, TOKYO
Fee: ¥2,000 (INCLUDES A BOTTLE OF WATER)
Info: RECOMMENDED FOR: PILATES FANS, PEOPLE IN NEED OF SOME RELAXATION AND PEACE

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Find Your Success

ELLE Forum: New Era, New World

Held for the sixth consecutive year, this one-day forum led by ELLE Japan aims to encourage female success by helping women realize their potential, improve their performance, and achieve a work-life balance. A variety of workshops and seminars will be offered, as well as special guest talks by influential celebrities, including announcer Christel Takigawa, Ete owner and chef Natsuko Shoji, model Ai Tominaga, and Veronica Prat Van Thiel, President & CEO of Cartier Japan.

Date: SAT, JUNE 15, 2019
Time: 10 A.M.-7:40 P.M. (SEE WEBSITE FOR PROGRAM DETAILS)
Location: SHIBUYA HIKARIE 9F HIKARIE HALL A&B, 2-21-1 SHIBUYA, SHIBUYA-KU, TOKYO
Fee: FREE
Info: RECOMMENDED FOR: WOMEN, FRIENDS, COUPLES, FAMILIES

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Circus Prince

The Broadway Musical Pippin

An amazing performance full of acrobatic fun will tell the story of Pippin, a young prince who longs to find passion and adventure in his life. Although the songs will be performed in Japanese, the craft of the show is that of a circus which means you can enjoy the story whatever your language level. It's a fun-filled indoor option for all the family to enjoy.

Date: NOW THROUGH SUN, JUNE 30, 2019
Time: 12:30 P.M., 1:30 P.M., 5:00 P.M., 6:00 P.M.
Location: THEATRE ORB, SHIBUYA HIKARIE 11TH FLOOR 2-21-1 SHIBUYA, SHIBUYA-KU, TOKYO
Fee: ¥9,000-¥15,000
Info: RECOMMENDED FOR: CIRCUS LOVERS, FRIENDS, COUPLES

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It's A Mini, Mini World

Photo Exhibition: The World of Miniature Life

The perfect exhibition to help us see the world from a different perspective, this event brings together 17 creative designers who have mastered the art of creating mini dioramas of all kinds and themes. Step into the tiny room of a Japanese "salaryman" or enjoy a 7-mm donut as big as the tip of your pinky. The details and meticulous work put into creating these tiny figures is simply amazing and definitely worth seeing!

Date: NOW THROUGH SUN, JUNE 16, 2019
Time: 11 A.M.-6 P.M.
Location: TODAYS GALLERY STUDIO, 5-27-6 ASAKUSABASHI, TAITO-KU, TOKYO
Fee: ¥600
Info: RECOMMENDED FOR: FAMILIES, INSTAGRAMMERS

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A New Take On Old Traditions

Gujyo Odori In Aoyama

The Gujyo Odori is one of the three most important Bon Festivals (a Buddhist custom of celebrating your dead ancestors) in Japan. The main festival takes place at Gujyo Hachiman, a small town in Gifu Prefecture, in mid-August and the dance consists of ten traditional songs with corresponding dances. Luckily, for those in Tokyo, Aoyama will be holding their own 26th annual festival earlier in June for a glimpse into this fascinating tradition.

Date: FRI, JUNE 14-SUN, JUNE 15, 2019
Time: 4:30 P.M.-8:30 P.M. (FRI), 3:45 P.M.-8 P.M. (SAT)
Location: CHICHIBUNOMIYA RUGBY STADIUM, 2-8-35 KITA AOYAMA, MINATO, TOKYO
Fee: FREE
Info: RECOMMENDED FOR: MATSURI FANS, FAMILIES, FRIENDS, INSTAGRAMMERS

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What Are The Secrets Of Life?

Special Exhibition "Mammals 2: Struggle for Life"

This is the last weekend to see this popular exhibition on life, nature and survival. Following a massive success of its inaugural exhibition "Mammals" nine years ago, the National Museum of Nature and Science is bringing all the mammals once again to Tokyo, this time focusing on the theme of survival. Organized in various categories and using the latest technology, this super cool and educational exhibition lets us explore the secrets and special survival skills of our planet's mammals.

Date: NOW THROUGH SUN, JUNE 16, 2019
Time: 9 A.M.-5 P.M. (UNTIL 8 P.M. ON FRIDAYS, SATURDAYS, APRIL 28-MAY 5, UNTIL 6 P.M. ON MAY 6). CLOSED ON MONDAYS EXCEPT APRIL 29, MAY 6 AND JUNE 10. CLOSED ON MAY 7.
Location: NATIONAL MUSEUM OF NATURE AND SCIENCE, 7-20 UENO PARK, TAITO-KU, TOKYO
Fee: ¥1,600 (ADULTS), ¥600 (STUDENTS)
Info: RECOMMENDED FOR: FAMILIES, KIDS, COUPLES, FRIENDS, SOLO DATES, ANIMAL LOVERS

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For The Love of the Film

ShortShorts Film Festival

The last weekend of this famous short film festival for those of you who haven't had the chance to see it yet. Launched in 1999 as a small film festival in Harajuku that featured only six short titles by George Lucas when he was a student, this annual event has grown to become one of the largest Academy-recognized film festivals in Asia. This year, some 200 titles selected from 10,000 contestants from over 130 countries are screened in several locations around Tokyo. Go get some creativity and an inspiration boost!

Date: NOW THROUGH SUN, JUNE 16, 2019
Time: VARIOUS (SEE WEBSITE)
Location: OMOTESANDO HILLS SPACE O / ANDAZ TOKYO, ANDAZ STUDIO / ITSCOM STUDIO & HALL, FUTAGO TAMAGAWA RISE / SHIDAX CULTURE HALL, AND OTHERS
Fee: FREE (SOME PROGRAMS ARE CHARGED)
Info: RECOMMENDED FOR: FAMILIES, COUPLES, FRIENDS, SOLO DATES

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Someone's Reality

World Press Photo Exhibition

A photo exhibition depicting the gravity of some of the world's most severe conflicts and pressing issues, this eye-opening event brings together the award-winning works of 42 photographers divided into eight categories. As difficult it is to watch, this exhibition is a must-see for all of us. Plus, Savvy Tokyo is giving away 5 pairs of tickets to the exhibition as part of this month's Arts & Culture Giveaway. Check the giveaway page for details.

Date: SAT, JUNE 8-SUN, AUGUST 4, 2019
Time: 10 A.M.-6 P.M.
Location: TOKYO METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF PHOTOGRAPHY, 1-13-2 MITA, MEGURO, TOKYO
Fee: ¥800 (ADULTS), ¥600 (COLLEGE STUDENTS)
Info: RECOMMENDED FOR: PHOTOJOURNALISTS, JOURNALISTS, PEOPLE WHO WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT WHAT'S GOING ON IN THE WORLD

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The Best From Across Japan

Japanese Sake Fair 2019

Taste over 400 award-winning kinds of Japanese sake made across the archipelago. One of the largest sake events in the capital, this one also gives you access to seminars on sake in English, a chance to taste, buy and learn everything you need to about the country's national drink — plus a few small souvenirs to take back home!

Date: Sat, June 15, 2019
Time: Session 1: 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m.; Session 2: 3:30 p.m.-9 p.m.
Location: Sunshine City, World Import Mart Bldg. 4F, Exhibition Hall A, 3-1-1 Higashiikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo
Fee: ¥4,000 (Same day ticket)
Info: Recommended for: Sake Fans, People who want to know more about Japanese sake

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A Voyage Of Discovery

EU Film Days 2019

EU Film Days is a festival that brings the best of European cinema to audiences in Japan. This year's featured films, many of which are being shown for the first time in Japan, have been chosen in order to exhibit the wide range of film-making talent in the European Union as well as to showcase the EU’s cultural diversity and vibrancy. From Ireland's "The Queen of Ireland," a documentary on the life of Panti, the country's most famous drag queen, to Sweden's heartwarming "The Giant," there's much to see at this event. Check the schedule for details on each film.

Date: NOW THROUGH THU, JUNE 27, 2019
Time: DEPENDS ON SCREENING (SEE SCHEDULE)
Location: NATIONAL FILM ARCHIVE OF JAPAN, 3-7-6 KYOBASHI, CHUO-KU, TOKYO
Fee: SINGLE TICKET: ¥520, ELEMENTARY AND JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS: ¥100
Info: RECOMMENDED FOR: COUPLES, FRIENDS, FILM STUDENTS

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What are your plans for the weekend? If you’re organizing a fun or interesting event, or you know someone who is, contact us to get it listed!

Attending any of these events? Send us your best photos through Facebook or Instagram for a chance to be published on the site. #SavvyTokyo