This Weekend: Tokyo Area Events for May 28–29

From firefly viewing, an international affairs photo exhibition, two charity events, and a women career seminar to a beer garden event and a handmade craft expo, this week’s events take entertainment to another level, making us reassess the most important things we have in our lives. Join any of these events for a reminder of the beauty of nature, the priviledge of safety many of us have living away from war and conflicts, the need to support and lean on each other in difficult times, as well as the importance of exploring our creativity through art and new ideas. Have a wonderful weekend!

Days Japan Photo Exhibition
One of the most influential and internationally-acclaimed photojournalism magazines, Days Japan is launching a free photo exhibition displaying powerful photos of some of the world’s most striking ongoing issues. This is a must-visit photo exhibition for anyone interested in international affairs, human rights and photojornalism covering topics we are (or may be) all influenced by. Witness refugee struggles, citizens’ lives in conflict-stricken Afghanistan, the horror of Nepal’s devastating earthquake in 2015, the human cost of Agrochemicals and more.

When: Sat, May 28 through Sun, June 19, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Where: Carrot Tower, 4-1-1 Taishido, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo
How much: Free

Bilingual Charity Event for Kumamoto
OnJapan Café in Harajuku will hold a bilingual charity “Izakaya” event this Saturday to support Kumamoto Earthquake recovery efforts. Join for a chance to taste a variety of sake and shochu from the Kyushu area in the company of a group of other internationally-minded people and great food. Thirty percent of all proceeds from food and drink purchases will be donated to earthquake recovery efforts.

When: Sat, May 28, 6 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Where: OnJapan Café, 6-8-1 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo
How much: Free! No reservation required.

Laos Festival Yoyogi Park 
Yoyogi Park is well-known for its annual international festivals and this week we’ll be enjoying  a taste of the beautiful, yet not very culturally known (at least in Japan) Laos! Whether you’re after Tam Mak Houng (Spicy Green Papaya Salad), Ping Kai (Grilled Chicken), simple Lao barbeque, or dance and music, stop by for a chance to explore the mysteries of Laos!

When: Sat, May 28 & Sun, May 29, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Where: Yoyogi Park, 2-3 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
How much: Free!

Women Rising Careers Strategies Seminar
Join FEW for a transformational day of self-development, professional learning, community, connection and fun. Learn from other professional women about important tools, resources and strategies to rise up and shine in your career! Register by today!! Read more about this event here.

When: Sat, May 28, Saturday May 28th, 9:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Where: Shibaura House, 3-15-4 Shibaura Minato-ku, Tokyo
How much: Members ¥10,000 / Non-members (Women only) ¥12,000 / Non-member Students & Interns (Women only) ¥10,000 / Non-preregistered Attendees ¥15,000

Ikebukuro Beer Garden
Rise high above the urban heat and concrete to the top floor of the Tobu department store, and enjoy its “carnival” summer beer garden, accompanied with a gorgeous overview of the city. Choose between a variety of party food sets, lots of beer, wine, whisky and other goodies to satisfy your appetite and thirst. Note: these places get crowded, so we highly recommend a reservation in advance.

When: Now through Sun, Oct. 2, 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. (weekdays), 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. (weekends & holidays)
Where: 16F Tobu Department Store, 1-1-25 Nishi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo
How much: ¥4,320 for Standard Course (including all-you-can drink), ¥5,400 for Premium Course, or order a-la-carte.

Firefly Viewing in Yokohama   
Summer brings a long list of natural pleasures, but these little bugs lighting the night sky aglow like floating lanterns, create one of the most beautiful natural phenomenons for this season. Though we’ll see many similar events happening in and around Tokyo in the next couple of months, Yokohama opens up the season with a firefly festival at its famous Sankeien Gardens. The best viewing time is between 7:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. In case you arrive before sunset, however, don’t miss out the Garden’s Azalea Bonsai Exhibition on display until June 5.

When: Sat, May 28 – Sun, June 5, 2016, sundown – 9 p.m. (last entry 8:30 p.m.)
Where: Sankeien Garden, 58-1, Honmoku Sannotani, Naka-ku, Yokohama
How much: ¥500 (adults), ¥200 (children below elementary school age)

TELL Charity Walk & Run
What’s a better way to spend your weekend than contribute to the society while enjoying a refreshing scenic run? The 17th TELL Charity Walk & Run takes place at Tamagawa’s running course this Saturday. All proceeds from the event will support TELL in its efforts to provide confidential mental health support and counseling to the international and Japanese community. Register here or on-site from 8:30 a.m. Registration will take place at the Furuichiba Track and Field Stadium (Kashimada Station), Shin-Kawasaki or Yaguchinowatashi stations.

When: Sat, May 28, Race times: 5k 10 a.m., 10k 10:30 a.m., walk 10:35 a.m.
Where: Tamagawa running course, 2 Chome-134-1 Furuichiba, Saiwai-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa
How much: ¥3,500 (adults), ¥2,500 (children aged 6-12), free for children under 5

Yokohama Handmade Marche 2016
One of the largest fairs of its kind in Japan, this is heaven for anyone with the skills and ability to appreciate handmade work. Browse through thousands of original goods made by a total of 3,500 professional and amateur craftsmen and artists from all over Japan. Most works, including decor, fashion goods, accessories, artwork and much more, are also available for sale.

When: Sat, May 28 & Sun, May 29, 2016, 11 a.m – 6 p.m.
Where: Pacifico Yokohama, 1-1-1 Minatomirai, Nishi-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa
How much: ¥1,000