Month: October 2024

A relaxing space connecting the forest, town and station

JR East Cross Station Development Company, Ltd. will participate in "Pandabashi Picnic 2024 Autumn," an event to promote the attractions of the region, held in collaboration between East Japan Railway Company (hereinafter referred to as JR East) and Taito Ward on "Panda Bridge," an east-west free passage connecting the Iriya ticket gate of JR Ueno Station to the town of Ueno and Ueno Park.

The theme of this event is "A relaxing space that connects the forest, town and station." We will be providing alcoholic drinks and food, as well as railway-themed workshops, creating a relaxing space that both adults and children can enjoy together.

Pandabashi Picnic 2024 Autumn Event Overview

■Date and time:
October 26th (Sat) and 27th (Sun)
26th (Sat): 12:00-19:00 / 27th (Sun): 12:00-18:00
*Only some events will be held in the event of rain.
*Event cancellations will be announced on the relevant websites and social media.

■ Location: Panda Bridge outside the Iriya ticket gates at JR Ueno Station
■Organizer: East Japan Railway Company (Tokyo Moving Line)
■Co-organized by: Taito Ward, JR East Cross Station Development Company, Ltd.
■ Cooperation: JR East Sports Co., Ltd. (Jexer Fitness & Spa Ueno), JR East Urban Development Co., Ltd., Iwakura High School
■ Participating shops (operated by JR East Cross Station Development Company)

・noie…sells natural wine and curry bread
・Higurashi Bookstore: A collection of bookstores from the neighborhood. Used books and books for sale.
・CERA STORE…Sales of second-hand clothes, antiques, and used books
・TONTOKOBOY…Sales of craft beer, etc.
・VectorBrewing: Craft beer sales, etc.
・Snack Linne…drinks and food sales, brooch-making workshop
・Guruguru Gelato…gelato for sale
・Asakusa Vehicle Manufacturing Co., Ltd.: Leather ticket workshop, railway goods sales

A collection of shops offering a relaxing atmosphere

Shops and experience corners will be set up on the Panda Bridge, which connects Ueno Park and the station, with the theme of "a relaxing space connecting the forest, town, and station."

[List of participating shops]

Various workshops are also held

Various workshops will be held under the theme of "A relaxing space that connects the forest, town, and station." You can enjoy art, experience railroad work, or get some exercise. Please enjoy your time in your own way.

■Train simulator & on-board ticket issuing experience (10/26 only)

Date and time: Saturday, October 26th, 12:00-16:30 (every 30 minutes)
Duration: Approximately 45 minutes
Lecturer: JR East employee
Number of participants: 1 person per session x 2 courses
Participation fee: [Regular course] 3,000 yen (tax included)
[Upgrade Course] 4,000 yen (tax included) *This is an experience using the real master controller used on the E217 series.
How to participate: Advance reservation at JRE MALL
[Reservation page]
・Normal course
https://event.jreast.co.jp/activity/detail/a002/a002-097
・Upgrade course (using E217 series master controller)
https://event.jreast.co.jp/activity/detail/a002/a002-98

■ Original Clock Making Art Workshop (10/27 only)

Date and time: Sunday, October 27th, 12:00, 14:00, 16:00
Duration: Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes
Lecturer: NiJi$uKe (Nijiaki Doi)
Number of participants: 12 people per session
Participation fee: 4,500 yen (tax included)
How to participate: Advance reservation on the experiential event site (aini)
[Reservation page]
https://helloaini.com/travels/49375?prcd=rdX6

■Fitness by instructors from JEXER FITNESS CLUB

Date and Time:
・ZUMBA
October 26th (Saturday) 13:00
・LESMILLS BODY ATTACK
October 26 (Sat) 14:30
・LESMILLS DANCE
October 27th (Sun) 13:00
・LESMILLS BODY COMBAT
October 27 (Sun) 14:30

Duration: Approximately 1 hour per session
*LESMILLS DANCE only takes about 45 minutes
Instructor: JEXER FITNESS CLUB instructor
Number of participants: Up to 100 people per session
Participation fee: 2,500 yen (tax included)
How to participate: Advance reservation on the experiential event site (aini)
[Reservation page]
・ZUMBA
https://helloaini.com/travels/49558?prcd=rdX6
・LESMILLS BODY ATTACK
https://helloaini.com/travels/49560?prcd=rdX6
・LESMILLS DANCE
https://helloaini.com/travels/49547?prcd=rdX6
・LESMILLS BODY COMBAT
https://helloaini.com/travels/49545?prcd=rdX6

[Participation Benefits]
①One free drink
② Use of the spa at "Jexer Fitness & Spa Ueno" on the day
*Jexer Fitness & Spa Ueno https://www.jexer.jp/fitness/ueno/

■Cork doll and spinning panda brooch

Date and Time:
October 26th (Sat) 12:00-19:00
October 27th (Sun) 12:00-18:00
Duration: 30 minutes
Lecturer: Chihiro Iijima
Number of participants: 6 people per session
Participation fee: Workshop 1,000 yen (tax included)
1 drink set: 1,500 yen (tax included)
How to participate:
[Reservation page]
https://snakrinne1026-27.peatix.com/
*Slots available on the day are on a first-come, first-served basis.

■Make your own one-of-a-kind Kawa no Ticket® at the Panda Bridge at JR Ueno Station (only on 10/27)

Date and time: Sunday, October 27th, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00
Time required: 20 minutes (per piece)
Lecturer: Asakusa Vehicle Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
Number of participants: 8 tickets per session / 40 tickets per day (up to 3 tickets per person)
Participation fee: 1,650 yen (tax included), patterned ticket + 330 yen (tax included)
How to participate: Reservation slots (20 tickets) + same-day slots (20 tickets)
[Reservation page] https://passmarket.yahoo.co.jp/event/show/detail/02x0cahcz2141.html
*Slots available on the day are on a first-come, first-served basis.

We also introduce other events!

■Dance performance by Iwakura High School Dance Club "Burst" (10/26 only)

A dance performance by first and second year students from the local Iwakura High School dance club "Burst." Enjoy their powerful dance!
Date and time: Saturday, October 26th, 16:00-17:00
Planning cooperation: Iwakura High School
Participation fee: Free

Demonstration experiment of utilization of "Panda Bridge," an east-west connecting passage at JR Ueno Station

Based on the Ueno District Urban Development Vision, East Japan Railway Company and Taito Ward are working to create a new base that everyone will want to use, with the aim of improving the mobility of Ueno Forest and the city. Since December 2022, a demonstration experiment has been conducted on Panda Bridge with new ways of spending time and using the bridge, with the aim of making the bridge a comfortable space. Through repeated verification of safety, comfort, etc., we will continue to develop the unique character of Panda Bridge.

About "TOKYO MOVING ROUND"

In line with its group management vision, "Move Up 2027," JR East is shifting from "provision of railway-based services" to "creation of people-based value and services" with the aim of realizing "enriched lives" for everyone in the local community.

In addition to services that improve the convenience of everyday life, including transportation, we will create a rich urban living space by bringing out the individuality of diverse towns and people and creating connections between stations, stations and towns, people and towns, and people and people.

As part of this, the Tokyo Moving Line is working on art initiatives, providing opportunities to casually enjoy art at everyday stations. Working with various curators, we are developing galleries that exhibit art in corners of station facilities and provide opportunities to casually interact with art, with the theme of "daily life connected to art."

"Tokyo Moving Line" Official Website and SNS Accounts
Official website :https://www.jreast.co.jp/tokyomovinground/
X https://twitter.com/tokyo_moving_o/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/tokyomovinground/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/tokyo.moving.round.jp/
Hashtags #TokyoMovingRound

*Image is for illustrative purposes only.
*The content may change depending on the situation.
*All prices include tax.

[JR-Cross] Press release

Article provided by: Kokosil Ueno

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Participating artists: Akiko Nakayama, Eiichi Sawado, and others
The food court, produced by J-WAVE’s event “INSPIRE TOKYO,” will be held from Friday, October 25th.

The Ueno Tourism Association will be holding a light art event called “Peace of Light” around Shinobazu Pond in Ueno Park, an urban oasis.

The art installation on the banks of Shinobazu Pond (Saturday, October 26th and Sunday, October 27th) and the live performance on the Waterside Music Hall Outdoor Stage (Saturday, October 26th) will be performed by painter Akiko Nakayama, with music by Eiichi Sawatari.
The food and beverage area, which will open in advance from Friday, October 25th, is produced by “INSPIRE TOKYO,” an event hosted by the radio station J-WAVE (81.3FM). A wide variety of delicious food and drinks will be available, from piping hot dogs and hamburgers to international food such as Vietnamese, Palestinian, and Korean cuisine, to craft beer, freshly brewed coffee, and sweets. This fall, be sure to enjoy art installations, music, and food by Shinobazu Pond in Ueno Park.

[Date, Time and Location]
“Peace of Light”

 

– Art installation: Akiko Nakayama and Eiichi Sawatari’s new video “Melting Waterscape”
Location: Shinobazu Pond, Ueno Park (in front of the Lotus View Deck)
Saturday, October 26, 2024 and Sunday, October 27, 2024 from 12:00 to 22:00 (free admission)

 

・Live performance
“Alive Painting” is constantly transforming, using the energy of Akiko Nakayama’s colors and flow.
A fusion of music played by Eiichi Sawatari!

Location: Ueno Park Water Music Hall Outdoor Stage
Held only on Saturday, October 26, 2023. Doors open at 17:00. Performance begins at 17:30 and ends at 20:00. *Advance tickets (500 yen including tax) are on sale at Lawson Ticket . https://l-tike.com/search/?keyword=70391
* Same-day tickets (500 yen including tax)
* Attendees will be given a glow stick wristband as a special gift (present your wristband at participating stores in Ueno Shopping Street after the show to receive the special gift only on Saturday, October 26th).
*Proceeds from admission fees will be donated to Ukraine’s humanitarian crisis relief fund through the Japanese Red Cross Society.
Scheduled artists: Akiko Nakayama, Eiichi Sawatari, style-3!, Aoi MichelE

 

■Akiko Nakayama Profile

He will perform a performance called “Alive Painting,” in which he creates pictures by using various materials, from liquids to solids, to react with each other.
He vividly depicts all manner of phenomena and colors in his work as metaphors for living things and relationships.
The works, in which various mediums and colors blend together and change, are like improvised poetry.
In recent years, he has worked on projects such as the Ars Electronica festival (Linz, Austria), MUTEK Montreal, the closing ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, and the opening video for the historical drama “Hikaru Kimi e.”
https://www.akikopainting.com

 

・Food and drink area produced by “INSPIRE TOKYO” (free admission)
Location: Shinobazu Pond, Ueno Park (in front of the Lotus View Deck)
Friday, October 25, Saturday, October 26, Sunday, October 27, 2024 12:00-21:00

*All events will proceed rain or shine, but will be canceled if there is severe weather.

In addition, a digital stamp rally will be held at the same time, where you can win tickets to the live performance at the Mizukami Music Hall Outdoor Stage on Saturday, October 26th!
Check out the official website for more details!

 

■Organizer: Ueno Tourism Association, Supported by: Taito Ward, J-WAVE
*For more information, please visit the Peace of Light official website.
URL: https://ueno.or.jp/peaceoflight/

 

From the press release of Daiichi Tsushinsha Co., Ltd.

Article provided by: Kokosil Ueno

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Saturday, October 26, 2024 – Sunday, December 8, 2024 at Ueno Geidai Art Plaza (free admission)

A special exhibition titled “Beautiful Foolishness – Were we born to play?” will be held from Saturday, October 26, 2024 at the “Geidai Art Plaza” gallery on the campus of the Tokyo University of the Arts Faculty of Fine Arts (Ueno, Taito Ward), a collaborative project between Shogakukan and Tokyo University of the Arts. The exhibition will feature works by approximately 10 artists associated with the university. Admission is free, and photography is generally allowed. Children are welcome.

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Exhibition announcement page
https://artplaza.geidai.ac.jp/column/25475/
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Special exhibition “Beautiful Foolishness – Were we born to play?” to be held on Saturday, October 26, 2024

Okakura Tenshin, who served as principal of Tokyo School of Fine Arts, the predecessor of the Faculty of Fine Arts at Tokyo University of the Arts, ended the first chapter of his book “The Book of Tea” with these words.

“Let us dream of evanescence, and linger in the beautiful foolishness of things.”
(Let us dream of transience for a moment, and surrender to the beautiful stupidity of things.)

The word “foolishness” is usually only used in a negative sense. By describing it as “beautiful,” Tenshin seems to be paying the highest praise to things or things that are utilitarian and useless, or to seemingly worthless existences that are freed from social contexts and relationships.

In addition, the “Ryōjin Hishō”, compiled by Emperor Goshirakawa, who could be called the emperor of pop in Japan, contains a passage that had a major influence on subsequent literary works: “Was I born to play? Was I born to frolic?”

This time, the Tokyo University of the Arts Art Plaza focused on two phrases: “Beautiful Folly” and “Was I Born to Play?” We wondered if it would be good to have art that exists like that.

Take a moment to immerse yourself in the “beautiful and silly” and “born for fun” works created by Tokyo University of the Arts artists.

 

■ Overview of the special exhibition <br />Special exhibition name: Special exhibition “Beautiful Foolishness – Were we born to play?”
Venue: Geidai Art Plaza (Tokyo University of the Arts, Faculty of Fine Arts, 12-8 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo)
Dates: Saturday, October 26, 2024 – Sunday, December 8, 2024
Admission fee: Free Opening hours: 10:00-18:00
Closed: Mondays *Business hours may change. Please check the official website or SNS for the latest information.

■ List of artists scheduled to exhibit: Haruna Asanoi / Kanshin Imai / Ryo Ogata / Kenichi Kato / Aya Kurashiki / Shotarou Sanada / Hinako Suda / Honami Matsuo / Juri Hayashi / Naoko Hayashi

 

What is Geidai Art Plaza?

The Tokyo University of the Arts (Geidai) has produced many top artists, and the gallery “Geidai Art Plaza” exhibits and sells works by faculty, students, and graduates of the university. It is one of the precious places on the Ueno campus of the university that is open to the public throughout the year. It began operation in 2018 as a collaborative project between Shogakukan and the University of the Arts.

Currently, exhibitions with different themes are held every one or two months. Each special exhibition features 10 to 50 artists, who bring together works that are expressed using the diverse techniques and approaches unique to Tokyo University of the Arts, including oil painting, Japanese painting, sculpture, crafts, and design.

Exhibition view of the special exhibition “Geidai Art Plaza Art Award Winners Invitation Exhibition – Geidai Stars” to be held from August to October 2024
https://artplaza.geidai.ac.jp/column/25284/

Inside the store, there is a permanent exhibition corner called “LIFE WITH ART” that focuses on art that fits into daily life, such as tableware and accessories, and a bookshelf that is linked to special exhibitions. During the store’s business hours, you can take a break with a cafe drink from the outdoor food truck “NoM cafe”.

Admission to the Tokyo University of the Arts Art Plaza is free. Taking photos and sharing them on social media is also welcome. We aim to be a place where anyone, not just art fans, can easily experience art.

 

Geidai Art Plaza Basic Information

■ Access Nearest station: JR Ueno Station (Park Exit) or Uguisudani Station, approx. 10-minute walk Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line, Nezu Station, approx. 10-minute walk Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line, Ueno Station, approx. 15-minute walk Keisei Electric Railway, Keisei Ueno Station, approx. 15-minute walk Toei Bus Route 26 (Kameido – Ueno Park), Yanaka bus stop, approx. 3-minute walk *Please note that there is no parking lot, so please do not come by car.

■ Official social media accounts
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/geidai_art_plaza
X:
https://x.com/artplaza_geidai
Podcasts (Spotify):
https://open.spotify.com/show/2FlkumYv9ScWy69UlBtqWy
Threads:
https://www.threads.net/@geidai_art_plaza

 

■ Exhibition in 2024

January-March 2024 “Geidai Art Plaza Art Award Winners Exhibition”
https://artplaza.geidai.ac.jp/column/22308/

March-May 2024 “Welcome to the art zoo!”
https://artplaza.geidai.ac.jp/column/22560/

June-July 2024 “The Art of Tea”
https://artplaza.geidai.ac.jp/column/23855/

August-October 2024 “Geidai Art Plaza Art Award Winners Invitation Exhibition – Stars of Geidai”
https://artplaza.geidai.ac.jp/column/25284/

 

■ Inquiries <br />Click here for frequently asked questions
https://artplaza.geidai.ac.jp/qa/

 

[Shogakukan Inc.] Press release

Article provided by: Kokosil Ueno

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See other exhibition information