This Weekend: Tokyo Area Events for Mar. 19–21

Before the city turns pink with sakura blossoms, it's time to get green and hit the Tokyo streets, because this long weekend Japan will be celebrating St. Patrick's Day, early Earth Day and a lot more that's worth attending. Have a bowl of tasty noodles at Yokohama's Ramen Festival for the ladies, learn how to wear a kimono, help aspiring artists get famous, join an amateur painting party, and witness Brenna Whitaker, the newest American pop-jazz diva, sing the night away for her first-ever performance in Japan.

Ramen Girls Festival 2016

Things are changing fast in Japan. Up until a few years ago, ramen—the high-calorie, late-night noodle bowl or quick lunch choice mostly favored by Japan’s salarymen—would not normally be associated with female customers. But recently we are seeing an increasing number of new ramen stores targeting women, and now there’s even a Ramen Girls Festival. Indulge on a wide selection of the best of Japan’s noodle bowls at this event specifically targeted at female lovers of the Japanese soul food. Guys are welcome, too!

When: Thu, Mar. 17–Mon, Mar. 21, 2016, 11 a.m.–9 p.m.

Where: Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse, 1-1 Shinko, Naka-ku, Yokohama

How much: Free entry, ¥900 per bowl of ramen

St. Patrick’s Day Festival

You don’t have to be Irish to enjoy this festival, so wear something green and plunge into the wildness happening this very weekend at the third annual I Love Ireland Festival 2016 in Yoyogi Park. Includes performances by top Irish musicians and dancers, delicious food and drinks, as well as various sports, culture and craft activities. Don’t miss the annual Tokyo St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Omotesando boulevard, where 1,500 participants from all over the world will march together to celebrate Ireland’s national day.

When: Sun, Mar. 20, 2016, 10 a.m–6 p.m.

Where: Yoyogi Park Event Arena and Omotesando boulevard

How much: Free!

Traditional Culture and Performing Arts Experience Program for Foreigners

Gain firsthand experience of traditional Japanese culture and bring some lovely gifts back home through this event organized by Arts Council Tokyo. Activities include freehand yuzen coloring, Edo style hand-painted paper lanterns, and kimono dressing. All programs will be carried out with explanations in English. What’s even better? Everything is free!

When: Fri, Mar. 18–Mon, Mar. 21, 2016, 12–5:30 p.m.

Where: Moshi Moshi Gallery, 2F Moshi Moshi Box (Harajuku Information Center), 3-23-5 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

How much: Free!

Wonder Seeds 2016

Join in helping young aspiring artists promote their work and gain recognition. This rare open exhibition displays and sells works of young artists. Choose your favorite artworks from among 100 entries of paintings, prints, illustrations, and photographs from all across Japan, and enjoy being one of the first supporters to have helped a potential superstar.

When: Now through Sun, Mar. 20, 2016, 11 a.m.–7 p.m.

Where: Tokyo Wonder Site Shibuya, 1F Shibuya Workers’ Welfare Hall, 1-19-8 Jinnan, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

How much: Free!

Advanced Style 2 Snapshot Exhibition

After last year’s much-buzzed-about “Advanced Style” snapshot exhibition, the event is now back with even more photos of New York’s most fashionable mature women. This time, there will also be shots of women taken all over the world, showing how fashion senses change from country to country. Don’t miss the chance to see some truly inspiring fashion icons express their beauty and confidence through originality and style.

When: Now through Sun, Mar. 27, 2016, Mon–Sat, 10 a.m.–9 p.m.; Sun and hols, 10 a.m.–8 p.m. (closes at 5 p.m. on the last day)

Where: 7F Event Hall, Building A, Seibu Shibuya, 21-1 Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

How much: ¥500 for adults, free for high school students and under

Cool Paint Party

Get together with a group of amateur painters in Shibuya for a casual, fun night of painting, chatting, drinking, dining and good company. This week, the event’s participants will be painting “Horse Ranch.” No need to bring anything—just your inspiration and positivity!   

When: Sat, Mar. 19, 2016, 3–5 p.m.

Where: Kahin Shibuya, 8F Gems Shibuya, 3-27-11 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

How much: ¥3,240 (food and drinks charged separately)

Brenna Whitaker

David Foster’s newest protégé has as deep of a voice and presence as Amy Winehouse or Adele and she’ll be proving that during her first three days of live shows in Japan. Enjoy listening to a great selection of songs off her debut self-titled album, including “Black and Gold,” “Love Back” and much, much more.

When: Fri, Mar. 18, 2016, 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m.; Sat, Mar. 19–Sun, Mar. 20, 2016, 5 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Where: Blue Note Tokyo, Leica Bldg., 6-3-16 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo

How much: ¥8,500

Tickets: Reserve online or by calling 03-5485-0088

Earth Day in Tama

A month ahead of Earth Day in April, Tokyo will be filled with various celebrations of the mother nature, with the first being this event, held at Tama Chuo Park, straight across from Tama Center station. The event features various performances, food, drink and craft stalls, charity booths, a paper-rock-scissors competition, a vegetable market, and a Twinkle Jack ice cream van delivering 100 percent organic ice cream. Bring your own cup and spoon for a discount! A perfect place to take the kids out over the weekend.

When: Sat, Mar. 19–Mon, Mar. 21, 2016, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Where: Tama Chuo Park, 2-35 Ochiai, Tama-shi, Tokyo

How much: Free!

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