This Weekend: Tokyo Area Events for Mar. 12–13

Today marks five years since a terrible triple disaster struck the Tohoku region of Japan, and fittingly, there are various events happening around the capital to help people remember the victims and support the survivors. There is also an annual fire-walking festival at Mt. Takao, a tequila festival and some art exhibits to fascinate young and old viewers alike.

Relight Days

This weekend only, “Counter Void,” the large digital clock-like public artwork by Tatsuo Miyajima at the base of Keyakizaka in Roppongi Hills, will be lit up again in its full glory. The lights in the piece were extinguished after the March 11, 2011 disaster in order to save energy, and have only been turned back on a few times since then. This event will also include talks and workshops, such as a chat with the artist from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, at the Tsutaya across the road.

When: Now through Sun, Mar.13, 2016

Where: Roppongi Hills, 6-9 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo

How much: Free!

Peace on Earth

This outdoor concert festival is Tokyo’s largest annual event in memoriam of the Tohoku disaster victims. Includes performances by Japanese celebrities, activists and musicians. NPOs working at and for Tohoku will be presenting their work and collecting donations.

When: Now through March 12, all day

Where: Hibiya Park, 1 Hibiya Koen, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo

How much: Free!

Mount Takao Fire Walking

Each March a massive fire ritual called Saito Goma-ku is held in the at the foot of Mt. Takao. Participants rub their bodies with sticks called nadegi, before tossing them into the flames. When the flames die down, participants walk barefoot over the hot coals, praying for protection from illness and strife, and for safety within their families. It is said that the fire purifies by burning away contaminations. For visitors, the event is quite the spectacle to behold!

When: Sun, Mar. 13, 2016

Where: Takaosan Yakuoin Temple, Hachioji, Tokyo

How much: Free!

Tequila Festa Tokyo 2016

Could there ever be a more suitable event for a girls’ day out?! This annual festival, organized by the Japan Tequila Association, features handsome bartenders mixing up special cocktails out of some 200 kinds of the famous Mexican booze. Ticket prices allow visitors to sample as much tequila and mezcal as they can handle. There will also be a raffle and an opportunity to visit the event’s famed Mexican culture corner. Enjoy!

When: Sun, Mar. 13, 2016, 1–6:30 p.m.

Where: Tabloid, 2-6-24 Kaigan, Minato-ku, Tokyo

How much: ¥6,500 at the door; ¥5,500 in advance

Tickets: Purchase online or at the door

Art in Park Hotel Tokyo 2016

For this weekend only, Park Hotel Tokyo will transform its rooms into walk-in galleries presenting masterpieces within the framework of both the past and future of Japanese contemporary art. The event features a total of 39 art galleries presenting their work, including two international ones.

When: Sat, Mar. 12–Sun, Mar. 13, 2016, 12–7 p.m.

Where: Park Hotel Tokyo, Shiodome Media Tower, 1-7-1 Higashi Shinbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo

How much: ¥1,500

Pixar: 30 Years of Animation

If you have a child who grew up watching “Toy Story,” “Cars” or “Finding Nemo,” or if you’re a fan of the animations yourself, you’ll enjoy this special exhibition. The event introduces 30 years of Pixar’s creativity through early sketches, paintings, storyboards, maquettes, and much more.

When: Now through Sun., May 29, 2016, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. (closed Mondays except Mar. 21, May 2 and May 23; closed Mar. 22)

Where: Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo, 4-1-1 Miyoshi, Koto-ku, Tokyo

How much: ¥1,500 for adults; ¥500 for elementary and junior high school students; free for children preschool aged and under

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