Month: October 2025

Tokyo Bunka Kaikan

Tokyo Bunka Kaikan, which has supported Japan's performing arts for 64 years, will close for approximately three years for construction work starting in May 2026. The final opera performance before the closure has been decided to be "Don Giovanni" (conductor: Riccardo Muti).

Tokyo Bunka Kaikan (Ueno Park, Taito Ward) was built in 1961 by Kunio Maekawa, one of Japan's leading postwar architects. For 64 years, this "temple of the performing arts" has shone brilliantly as the center of opera, ballet, and orchestral performances in Japan. However, it has been announced that the building will be closed for approximately three years for construction work, starting in May 2026. The hall has previously hosted performances from some of the world's leading opera houses, including the Vienna State Opera and La Scala in Milan. It has now been announced that the final opera performance before the closure will be a performance of " Don Giovanni " (composed by W.A. Mozart) by world-renowned conductor Riccardo Muti. An opening press conference was held to welcome Muti, who was visiting Japan for the Italian Opera Academy in Tokyo .

Muti's rare opera, conducted in Japan, even in his home base in Europe.

Riccardo Muti will conduct three staged opera productions of Mozart's "Don Giovanni" at the Tokyo Bunka Kaikan in April and May 2026. Directed by Chiara Muti, the all-Italian cast (with the exception of Masetto), led by Luca Micheletti in the title role, will be presented in a full-scale stage format, rather than a concert performance. The Tokyo Spring Festival Orchestra will take the pit, and the Tokyo Opera Singers will provide the chorus. Having performed under Muti's guidance at the Italian Opera Academy in Tokyo, they have earned the maestro's deep trust, leading to the decision to perform this production, which has already been performed in Italy, in Japan. A press conference was held at the Tokyo Bunka Kaikan, the venue, on September 10th, welcoming Muti, NBS Executive Director Norio Takahashi, and Tokyo Spring Festival Executive Committee Chairman Koichi Suzuki, who are currently visiting Japan.

Norio Takahashi (Executive Director, Japan Performing Arts Foundation)
"The Tokyo Spring Festival has invited Muti 13 times since 2006, and to date has presented 11 concert-style opera performances of six works. We at NBS have conducted numerous operas at relocation performances at La Scala in Milan, the Vienna State Opera, and the Teatro dell'Opera di Roma. The last staged opera conducted by a maestro was at the Vienna State Opera in 2016. As you know, Tokyo Bunka Kaikan will undergo three years of renovation work in May of next year, and in fact, for about three years now we have been thinking about whether it would be possible to have a staged opera conducted by a maestro. I discussed this with Tokyo Spring Festival. Just before the three-year closure, we decided to split the work, with Tokyo Spring Festival providing the music and us (NBS), our specialty in the staging. All the sets and costumes will be rented from the Teatro Regio di Torino, which will cost as much as a relocation. Since we won't be going through the opera house's administrative office, the process will be a lot of work. The Nihon Keizai Shimbun, celebrating its 150th anniversary this year, will be involved as a sponsor, and the three parties will be working together to launch the project. Tokyo Bunka Kaikan will be unable to stage large-scale productions for the next three years, starting next May. We are concerned about the decline of performing arts, and we strongly believe that we must continue to promote culture. Incidentally, this "Don Giovanni" will mark the completion of Muti's Da Ponte trilogy, following "Così fan tutte" during his 2008 visit to Japan with the Vienna State Opera and "The Marriage of Figaro," also from Vienna, in 2016. It will be a culminating performance.

Koichi Suzuki (Chairman of the Tokyo Spring Music Festival Executive Committee)
"I'm not involved with music, but I started the music festival over 20 years ago, and Muti came in the second year, and he taught me that there's meaning in continuing the festival. The Italian Opera Academy has nurtured young performers and has achieved great results, and I myself was taught Verdi from scratch. That's why Muti often teases me, saying, 'Many people go from Verdi to Wagner, but the reverse is rare.' When I see the academy mentoring young people, I think it must be extremely strict and difficult. But when I listen, the sound changes every day. This year marks the end of the academy, but Muti and I have decided, 'Even though we're getting old, let's live on for a while' (laughs). I hope Muti will continue conducting until he's about 100 years old. I've had the pleasure of listening to Muti's Mozart symphonies, such as "Haffner" and "Jupiter," and I'm looking forward to seeing how he will interpret Mozart in next spring's opera."

It would not be an exaggeration to say that I have devoted most of my life to the study of Mozart's works.

Riccardo Muti (conductor)
"Hello, fellow journalists. Thank you all for joining us today. I would like to thank my friend Suzuki Koichi. I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to Takahashi Norio, with whom I have built a cooperative relationship, and to the Nikkei Shimbun for lending their support to this operation. My long, long love affair with Japan began in 1975, with the Vienna Philharmonic's tour of Japan, and many more since then… Milan La Scala, Vienna State Opera, Philadelphia Orchestra, Vienna Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony Orchestra – the list of concerts and operas alone is enormous.

My relationship with Mozart runs deep, just like my relationship with Verdi. As music director of La Scala, I conducted six of his works. In Salzburg, I conducted "Così fan tutte," "Don Giovanni," "La Clemenza di Tito," "The Magic Flute," and many other symphonies. I'm not a Mozart specialist. However, it's no exaggeration to say that I've devoted most of my life to studying Mozart's works. I've performed with Vienna orchestras in Japan, and thanks to Suzuki-san, I've also performed Mozart with the Tokyo Spring Festival Orchestra. I feel it's especially important to study with young orchestras here. Because of my long relationship with the Vienna Philharmonic, I want to share my experience with young musicians like ripe fruit.

I consider Da Ponte's trilogy to be Italian opera. As we all know, Mozart understood and spoke Italian perfectly. The recitatives show how fluently Mozart spoke Italian. The recitatives in Don Giovanni are almost more important than the arias. Phrases, words, and things like that are important. It's not like the music comes first and the words are added later.

In Italian opera, it's especially important to understand Italian. The song in "Così fan tutte," "You have to know a lot of things by the time you're 15," is written to be spoken to. If a conductor who doesn't understand Italian were to conduct mechanically, it would immediately be obvious that it was wrong, not that it was German. At the academy, the students and the choir are wonderfully cooperative. I want to say that it's not that I know the truth. However, I'm able to teach today thanks to what my teachers have learned over generations.

Many years ago, a recording of "Don Giovanni" was released with some wonderful singers. Giorgio Strehler (1921-1987) was a brilliant director, and I consider him almost godlike as a director. My daughter, Chiara, studied at Strehler's school, and she also studied in my musical world. Chiara's production of "Don Giovanni," which will be performed here next year, was a great success at the Teatro Regio di Turin and also at the Teatro Massimo de Palermo. When this production was brought to Japan, I immediately said, "In that case, let's do it with a Japanese orchestra and chorus!"

Da Ponte's trilogy is described as "Dramma Giocoso" (tragicomedy), and jokes always have a bitter edge . The finales of all three operas are negative. I think it's a mistake to have the characters act like clowns at the end. Don Giovanni is not a clown, after all. I think it expresses the spirit of evil. At the end, he descends into hell, but before he does, a dark light shines on his world. When he disappears, those left behind lose something and don't know what to do. The tragic music in the prelude begins with D'mor, which is the same as in the Requiem. This is a complex opera, and one of its messages is that "you can't trust anyone." It's not a comedy at all, and there's a melancholy sadness hidden within. I'm not saying it should be made like a funeral, but… Mozart and Da Ponte may appear to be light-hearted characters on the surface, but deep down they were tough people. It's true that Da Ponte may have chased women around in his youth, but the 1700s were a special time.

I've said a lot, but I urge you to see the performance and decide for yourself whether it was good or bad. The production features a wonderful cast. First of all, the lead singer, Luca Micheletti, is the most interesting baritone in Italy right now, and he began his career as an actor. He is also the director, and the other cast members have already performed together in Italy and have been well-trained.

We can't erase the past

I have been fighting this battle for a long time. A conductor does more than just read the notes and move his arms. It is important to acquire culture. Performing Mozart is not just about learning the notes. You need to study his life, his world, the things he suffered, and at the same time, the world of Da Ponte.

History and events of the past cannot be erased. Don Giovanni is an opera that may not be easily performed due to modern restrictions. Both Mozart and Verdi were humane composers, and their works deeply challenge the listener to consider questions such as what love is and what humanity is.

We cannot erase the past. We can erase past mistakes. By doing so, we are teaching young people that "the past was perfect," which is problematic. It is wrong to omit words from a script because they are politically incorrect. If there were mistakes in the past, we must remember them in order to make them right.

Finally, music… and I'm not saying this because I'm a musician, but I think it's the most important element that brings people together. I'd like to conclude this interview with the words of St. Agostino (354-430, Christian theologian, philosopher, and bishop). He wrote in Latin, so I'll start by reading it in Latin. Here's the Italian translation:
"All who sing and play are people who know how to love"
thank you very much.

Interview and text: Hisae Odashima (music writer)

Opera "Don Giovanni" composed by W.A. Mozart
Conductor: Riccardo Muti

■Official website : https://www.nbs.or.jp/stages/2026/dongiovanni/

■Performance Schedule
2026
April 26th (Sun) 14:00
April 29th (Wednesday) 14:00
May 1st (Fri) 14:00

■ Venue: Tokyo Bunka Kaikan (Ueno)

■ Main scheduled performers
Don Giovanni: Luca Micheletti
Donna Anna: Maria Grazia Schiavo
Donna Elvira: Mariangela Sicilia
Don Ottavio: Giovanni Sala
Leporello: Alessandro Luongo
Zerlina: Francesca Di Sauro
Masetto: Leon Kosavich
Knight Commander: Vittorio de Campo
Orchestra: Tokyo Spring Festival Orchestra Chorus: Tokyo Opera Singers

■Ticket prices
S=¥59,000 A=¥46,000 B=¥36,000 C=¥28,000 D=¥21,000 E=¥15,000
Supporter seats = 109,000 yen (S seats with donation)
U39 seat = ¥13,000 U29 seat = ¥10,000

■ Release Schedule
・NBS WEB Ticket & Tokyo Spring Music Festival WEB advance sale
2025/10/3 (Fri) 19:00 – 10/26 (Sun) 18:00

・General sale starts at 10:00 on Thursday, October 30, 2025

・U39 Seats & U29 Seats: Thursday, March 19, 2026, from 7:00 PM

*Supporter seats and U39 & U29 seats are only available through NBS WEB tickets.

Organized by: Japan Performing Arts Foundation / Spring Festival in Tokyo Executive Committee / Nikkei Inc.

[NBS] Press Release

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We look forward to seeing you at "Peace of Light" and the "Ueno Hirokoji Hiroba Social Experiment"!

Tokyo Metro Co., Ltd. (hereinafter "Tokyo Metro") will be holding a workshop in collaboration with the City Arts Cultivation Association (hereinafter "Arts Cultivation Association") at "Peace of Light," hosted by the Ueno Tourism Federation on Saturday, November 1st, and at the "Ueno Hirokoji Hiroba Social Experiment," hosted by the Ueno Urban Development Council on Sunday, November 2nd. The workshop will focus on plastic umbrellas that were scheduled to be discarded as lost property within Tokyo Metro.

One type of waste generated through railway operations is plastic umbrellas left behind on Tokyo Metro trains and in stations. In fiscal 2024, approximately 9,000 plastic umbrellas were recovered as lost property, but of these, approximately 8,500 were not collected by customers (number of umbrellas returned: approximately 500 (return rate: approximately 5.6%)).

"Peace of Light: Art Metro of Light," to be held on Saturday, November 1st, is a project in which participants who apply in advance are invited to decorate 500 plastic umbrellas that were scheduled to be discarded with LED lights as they like, and then parade through Ueno Park at night holding their homemade umbrellas.

The "Ueno Hirokoji Hiroba Social Experiment" will be held on Sunday, November 2nd, and two types of craft workshops will be held at Hakamagoshi Square in Ueno Park. Participants will be able to work with artists from the Geikukai Association to create a doll called "Reborn from Forgotten: Discarded Umbrella Kapparoid" by freely combining parts of discarded plastic umbrellas, and will also be able to decorate the discarded plastic umbrellas as they like.

The aim of this workshop is not only to contribute to reducing CO2 emissions caused by discarding plastic umbrellas, but also to highlight the power of art and encourage people to develop an attachment to their plastic umbrellas, thereby encouraging them to reconsider the habit of leaving their umbrellas on trains and other places, and to become aware of the importance of using things for as long as possible.

Tokyo Metro will continue to uphold the goal of "realizing a decarbonized, circular society," and will continue to make railways an even more environmentally friendly means of transportation. We will also promote various initiatives that encourage behavioral change in each individual while ensuring the enjoyment of our passengers, thereby contributing to the realization of a sustainable society.

About the "Peace of Light: Ueno Hirokoji Hiroba Social Experiment" Workshop

1. Peace of Light "Light Art Metro " 
(1) Overview
This event involves participants (500 people in total) decorating plastic umbrellas that were scheduled to be discarded with LED lights in their own way, then lighting up the completed umbrellas as they parade from Ueno Park to Shinobazu Pond. The parade will begin with a signal of "All aboard!" from a current Tokyo Metro station employee, and will then parade in a line that resembles a train through the tunnels of Ueno Park and along the banks of Shinobazu Pond, while listening to subway-related background music.

(2) Date and time: November 1st (Saturday) 14:30-17:30
*Participants will be divided into three groups (starting at 14:30, 15:30, and 16:30) to create their own original LED umbrellas.

(3) Workshop location: Hakamagoshi Square in Ueno Park

(4) Parade time: 18:00-18:30
*Meet at 17:45 (meet next to the statue of Saigo Takamori)

(5) Parade route: Statue of Saigo Takamori – Kiyomizu Kannon Hall – Gojo Tenjin Shrine – Lakeside of Shinobazu Pond – Lotus View Deck
*Routes may change depending on congestion.

(6) Supervising Artist: Kenta Ichinose (Moderator: Yunosuke Oka)

(7) How to participate
A. Eligibility: Anyone can participate
Capacity: 500 people (excluding accompanying persons)
*Preschool children must be accompanied by a companion.
C) Application period: October 16th to October 30th
D. Participation fee: Free
How to participate: Please apply using the application form below.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSccyBXQnn65Zj2QuFwMJMIXl_vSEnyL1ijpSLwszQFENj3CbA/viewform

* Advance registration is required. Registration will close once capacity is reached.
*Please check Geikukai's X (formerly Twitter) for application status.

(8) What to bring
Nothing in particular

(9) Notes
Please use public transportation on the day

2. Ueno Hirokoji Hiroba Social Experiment (Craft Workshop)

2-1 Let's make "Born from Forgotten: Discarded Umbrella Kapparoid"!
(1) Overview
This workshop involves working with artists from the Art Education Association to create a doll (Kapparoid) from umbrellas that have been broken down into bones and vinyl. There are a variety of parts that can be freely selected and arranged. The aim is to foster a "mind that values things" and "free creativity" through creative work. A vinyl umbrella that would have been discarded will be reborn as a special, one-of-a-kind figure.

(2) Date and time: Sunday, November 2nd
①11:00-12:30 ②14:00-15:30

(3) Venue: Hakamagoshi Square in Ueno Park

(4) Supervising Artist: Chika Toys Kobori Sayaka

(5) How to participate
A. Target: Elementary school students
Capacity: 40 people (20 participants per workshop, excluding accompanying persons)
C) Application period: October 16th to October 30th
Participation fee: Please purchase a participation ticket that can be used for both the workshops held at Hakamagoshi Square.
(500 yen per session)
Time required: 60 to 90 minutes
How to participate: Please apply using the application form below.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScKTeQXKcl_3c_fksRV8TMpuQGeJvfJTxh_h1e3ZqoQX7viyg/viewform

* Advance registration is required. Registration will close once capacity is reached.
*Please check Geikukai's X (formerly Twitter) for application status.

2-2 "Consumption choices that can be taken home"
(1) Overview
Participants can experience positive reuse by customizing discarded umbrellas that are still in good condition with Metro's original numbering stickers and taking them home. This event allows participants to pick up an umbrella from the umbrella box set up in Hakamakoshi Square, wander around the square looking for stickers scattered throughout the square, and create their own special umbrella.

(2) Date and time: Sunday, November 2nd, 11:00-16:00

(3) Venue: Hakamagoshi Square in Ueno Park

(4) Supervising Artist: MAHANA

(5) How to participate
A. Eligibility: Anyone can participate
Capacity: 100 people (first come, first served)
Participation fee: None
How to participate: Anyone can participate on the day

3. Artist introduction

Based in Ueno, Tokyo, and New York, he develops a wide range of expressions with the aim of "making the world happier through art." His signature work, the "Happy Panda Bench" in front of the main gate of Ueno Park (co-created with the Tokyo Ueno Lions Club), is beloved by many visitors to Ueno. He has curated events such as Art Fair Tokyo and Tokyo Gendai, and is also involved in artist production. His wide-ranging activities include artwork creation, exhibition planning, and urban development utilizing art with an emphasis on economics and business. He has also made numerous media appearances, including appearances at "Ad-Machi-Kantei-Ji Temple" (2018) and "Ueno Park" (2022), and playing the role of Geek in King Gnu's "Tokyo Rendez-Vous" (2017). He completed his doctoral studies at the Tokyo University of the Arts Graduate School of Fine Arts. He founded the "Geiiku-Kai"*, an organization that supports artists in the Ueno area community, and will serve as its secretary general until 2023.

Sculptor. His works explore the coexistence of AI and humans through futuristic, retro designs. The robots with oddly shaped heads exude a charming sense of humor, and at times a hint of melancholy, in contrast to their rugged, rusted appearance. He reexamines the relationship between technology and humans, and takes a critical view of a sustainable future. His unique worldview invites viewers to consider what it means to be human, through the relationship between society and themselves.

Soft sculpture artist. Believing that "cuteness will save the world," she works to bring healing and hope to people living in oppressive societies. Using high-quality materials such as German-made fur fabric, she is committed to consistently high-end handmade production, from creating patterns to sewing, dyeing, and accessories. Rooted in her childhood as a school dropout and recluse, she learned sewing from her grandmother and mother in order to survive. This was the catalyst that led her to embark on her career as a stuffed animal artist. She explores the possibilities of stuffed animal media through advertising visuals, event booths, and social media posts, primarily using the Uchinoko series.

Creative director of artist/designer brand "fair enough" and sculpture shop MAHANA.
An artist whose work spans genres including fashion, sculpture, and graphics. His approach explores the boundaries of sight, physical sensation, and emotion while addressing social issues, resonating with the viewer's inner self and creating new connections between art and fashion.

A talk artist/host. He began working as a radio personality while still in college, appearing mainly on talk variety shows and news programs. He has also hosted medical conferences and auctions, and acted as a reporter on cable TV programs. He also works as a "talk artist," narrating on stage and demonstrating sales using his special talent for sales pitches, mainly in Ueno, Tokyo. He currently works as an employee of a major consulting firm, while also working irregularly as a radio personality and event host.

* Geikukai: An organization that brings together businesses in the Ueno area, including Ueno, Yushima, Ikenohata, Okachimachi, Nezu, Yanaka, and Akihabara, with the aim of revitalizing the town together with young artists. Ueno is known for art, Yushima for performing arts, Okachimachi for crafts, and Akihabara for technology art. By promoting the appeal of each town as a "town that nurtures the arts," the organization builds an art brand image for the Ueno area. The organization aims to create lasting connections with young artists throughout the town and develop the town with the goal of promoting the arts.

4. Contact details for workshop inquiries
Tokyo Metro Customer Center https://www.tokyometro.jp/support/index.html

5. Details of the Peace of Light Ueno Hirokoji Hiroba Social Experiment
Please check the event page for details.
Peace of Light: https://ueno.or.jp/peaceoflight/
Ueno Hirokoji Hiroba Social Experiment: https://ueno-machi.org/

[Tokyo Metro] Press Release

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National Museum of Western Art

Wednesday, November 26th, 2025 – Thursday, December 25th, 2025 Open until 8pm on Fridays and Saturdays!

"Christmas at the Museum" will be held for approximately one month from Wednesday, November 26th to Thursday, December 25th, 2025, allowing visitors to enjoy a winter day at the National Museum of Western Art in their own way. This project, which began in 2007, is a winter tradition at the National Museum of Western Art, which has a rich collection of Western art with Christian themes.

There's plenty to enjoy, including the winter-only audio guide "Curator's Voice 2025," in which researchers themselves talk about the works on display in the permanent collection; the "Everyone's Christmas Carol Concert," which anyone, including small children, can enjoy; and gallery talks that will help you enjoy the permanent collection even more. The museum is also open until 8:00 PM every Friday and Saturday, and after viewing the art, you can enjoy dinner in the museum's restaurant. From families with children and first-time museum visitors to regulars, we have events to suit everyone's tastes, so please take advantage of this opportunity to visit.

■ Winter only! Audio guide "Curator's Voice 2025" [Free]

This year we will be offering a new version of the audio guide narrated by a researcher from the National Museum of Western Art, which was well received last year.
The program will explain the works and special feature corners on display during the period of the permanent exhibition. In addition to being available in the exhibition room, you can also listen to it online from the comfort of your own home.
Scan the 2D barcode at the information desk to access the audio guide web app. Please bring your smartphone and earphones when using it in the exhibition rooms. A script is included, so text information is also provided.
Screening period: Wednesday, November 26, 2025 – Thursday, December 25, 2025

■ Kawasaki Free Sunday

In principle, the permanent exhibition is free to view on the second Sunday of every month. Enjoy the Christmas tree in the lobby and other decorations unique to this time of year.
Date and time: Sunday, December 14, 2025 9:30-17:30 (last entry at 17:00)

■ Relaxing Day with Your Baby — Art Museum for Ages 0 and Up — [Advance registration required / First come, first served / Free]

On this day, you can freely view the permanent exhibition with your small children on closed days. Picture book readings are also planned.
Venue: Permanent exhibition room and other locations
Date and time: Monday, December 15, 2025, 10:00-15:00 *Closed on
*The same program is scheduled to be held on Monday, January 26, 2026.

■ Everyone's Christmas Carol Concert [Advance registration required / First come, first served / Free]

This is an a cappella concert featuring Christmas-themed songs. The lighting in the auditorium will be bright, making it easy to enter and exit the hall even during the performance. This concert can be enjoyed safely by everyone, including those visiting an art museum for the first time, small children, people with disabilities, and art and music fans.
Cast: Ai Okada (soprano), Momoka Osawa (soprano), Masanori Taguchi (tenor), Naohito Sekiguchi (baritone)
Venue: Auditorium *Capacity 100 people per session, same program for each session
Date and time: Saturday, December 20, 2025 15:00-15:40
Sunday, December 21, 2025 13:00-13:40

■ Gallery Talk [Registration on the day / Free (however, a ticket valid for admission to the current exhibition is required)]

Volunteer staff will talk about several works from the permanent exhibition that are related to Christianity and Christmas.
Venue: Permanent Exhibition Room *Maximum of 15 people per session (first come, first served)
Date and time: Saturday, December 20, 2025 11:00-11:30/13:00-13:30
Sunday, December 21, 2025 11:00-11:30/13:00-13:30
*Sign language interpretation and the hearing aid system "Roger" will be available for rental on Saturday, December 20th from 11:00 to 11:30.

■ Volunteer Tour [Registration on the day / Free (however, you will need a ticket valid for admission to the current exhibition)]

This program is open to everyone, from children to adults, and allows them to enjoy simple creative activities inspired by artworks in the museum's collection. It is planned and run by volunteer staff. Interpreters will be available, so those who use sign language can participate with peace of mind. Further details will be posted on the National Museum of Western Art's website.
Venue: Workshop Room (New Building, 2nd floor, near the Print and Painting Exhibition Room)
Date and time: Saturday, December 20th, 2025 and Sunday, December 21st, 2025 *Sign language interpretation available on both days

*For programs that require advance registration, applications will close once capacity is reached. For details on each program, including how to apply, please visit the National Museum of Western Art website.
https://www.nmwa.go.jp/jp/experience-learn/detail/christmas2025.html

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Open until 8pm on Fridays and Saturdays! Enjoy a special Christmas dinner and sweets in addition to appreciating the art.

●CAFÉ Suiren
This popular, open café restaurant faces a lush courtyard. We offer roast beef courses and original Christmas cakes for a limited time only (11/26 – 12/25).
Open until 8:00 PM every Friday and Saturday (food 11:00 AM – 7:10 PM last orders, cafe 10:00 AM – 7:30 PM last orders)

Christmas version wrapping available

●SHOP
We will be offering a picture book based on the National Museum of Western Art, "The Story of the Museum at the Edge of the Forest" (National Museum of Western Art limited edition cover version), in Christmas packaging, and a stuffed toy with a ribbon featuring John Everett Millais's "The Duckling," which appears in the picture book.
Other popular sweets will also be displayed with ribbons. Come and find a gift!

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■ Exhibitions held during the "Christmas at the Museum" period

・Special Exhibition "Impressionism from the Musée d'Orsay – A Tale of Interiors"
Dates: Saturday, October 25, 2025 – Sunday, February 15, 2026 Venue: Special Exhibition Room
・Permanent Exhibition
Small Feature Exhibition: "Black Lines that Tell a Story – Woodblock Prints from Dürer's 'Three Great Books'"
Dates: Saturday, October 25, 2025 – Sunday, February 15, 2026 Venue: Print and Painting Exhibition Room (Permanent Exhibition Room)
"Flemish Saints' Panel Paintings from the Groening Museum and the National Museum of Western Art: A Reunion After 100 Years"
Dates: Saturday, October 25, 2025 – Sunday, May 10, 2026 Venue: Main Building Exhibition Room (Permanent Exhibition Room)

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National Museum of Western Art [Ueno Park, Tokyo]
7-7 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-0007 https://www.nmwa.go.jp

Closed: Mondays (open on public holidays and closed the following weekday), New Year's holiday (December 28, 2025 – January 1, 2026)
Opening hours: 9:30-17:30, until 20:00 on Fridays and Saturdays. *Last admission 30 minutes before closing.
Permanent exhibition admission fee: 500 yen for adults, 250 yen for university students
*Permanent exhibitions are free for high school students and younger, those under 18, those 65 and older, and those with a disability certificate* and one accompanying person (please present proof of age, such as a student ID, or a disability certificate upon entry).
*Applicable certificates: Physical disability certificate, Rehabilitation certificate, Mental disability health and welfare certificate, Atomic bomb survivor health certificate
*A separate admission fee will be charged for the special exhibition "Impressionism from the Musée d'Orsay – Tales of Interiors."
For inquiries, please call 050-5541-8600 (Hello Dial)
Directions | 1 minute walk from JR Ueno Station (Park Exit)
7 minutes walk from Keisei Ueno Station on the Keisei Electric Railway
8 minutes walk from Ueno Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line or Hibiya Line
*There is no parking lot at the National Museum of Western Art, so please refrain from coming by car.

[National Museum of Western Art, Independent Administrative Institution, National Museum of Art] Press Release

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Kan'ei-ji Temple on Mount Toei

The Chain Museum Co., Ltd. has begun implementing the ticket sales system of its art communication platform, "ArtSticker," for the Tokyo Biennale 2025, an international art festival originating from Tokyo, which will run from Friday, October 17th to Sunday, December 14th, 2025.

Event theme

The Tokyo Biennale is a "social dive" international art festival that "dives" into various areas of the city of Tokyo, discovering and creating together the charm and new value that lives in the culture and lifestyles of the people who gather there.

This year's theme, "Would you like to take a walk together?" focuses on how the way we connect changes depending on "who" and "where" we walk, connecting us in a soft, gentle way. This year's Tokyo Biennale attempts to discover and create new relationships through a variety of artworks themed around "walking." The base venue, Toeizan Kan'ei-ji Temple, dates back to the Edo period, and Etoile Kaito was founded in 1902, making it a place with a long history in the region. You can experience the profound meaning of "walking" from the comfort of your own home at these two historic venues, or you can actually walk through the six areas. Why not experience the expression of a "social dive" that creates encounters between people, and between people and cities?

■Message from the General Producer

The mission is to dive into Tokyo and become deeply involved with the city.

The Tokyo Biennale is a "social dive" international art festival that "dives" into various areas of the city of Tokyo, discovering and creating together the charm and new value that lives in the culture and lifestyles of the people who gather there.
The theme of this year's event, "Would you like to take a walk with me?" focuses on the fact that the way we connect with others changes depending on "who" we walk with and "where," and is an attempt to create a new form of "walk" that gently and tenderly connects us. Through this uncharted walk, we will explore the expression of a "social dive" that creates encounters between people and people, and between people and cities.
Even in a world where conflicts are deepening, the physical act of walking side by side with someone, even if it's the first time we've met, can provide an opportunity to get to know each other, spark interest in the city and its culture, and become the seed of dialogue. Tokyo, a city twice reduced to ruins by the Great Kanto Earthquake and World War II, continues to nurture diverse streetscapes and people's lives. We want to cherish the miraculous moment of being able to walk together. In particular, we must not forget the existence of "underlying culture"—the wisdom, faith, self-governance, performing arts, and townspeople's culture of urban life that has continued since the Edo period. These traditions still live on inconspicuously throughout the city, and are important cultural resources that can serve as breeding ground for new creativity in the modern era. Tokyo Biennale 2025 will carefully uncover these hidden corners of Tokyo's culture and attempt to connect them to the future through art projects.
To that end, we will explore forms of expression that involve deliberately drifting around the streets of Tokyo, actively taking detours, using the imagination and methodology of artists. This art project, which involves a "stroll" that weaves new relationships, gently connects the city and its people. For example, when you go to see the installation at Toeizan Kan'ei-ji Temple, which is celebrating its 400th anniversary since its founding, or the collection of artworks quietly placed in the gaps of the city, it is in the scenery you encounter along the way and the casual interactions with people that you will make discoveries that can only be experienced here and now. When you come across something that catches your eye, be sure to stop and take a moment to look at it. There you may find an unexpected moment of spiritual opening.
Tokyo Biennale 2025 will dive into Tokyo through 14 exhibition venues, works by 39 participating artists, and numerous walking programs, creating art projects that are deeply connected to the city.

General Producer: Masato Nakamura

Three Features of Tokyo Biennale 2025

Feature 1: A citizen-led, participatory art festival with the theme "Stroll"

Tokyo Biennale 2025 will feature two exhibition locations and six areas filled with artworks and projects. Participating citizens will create their own routes and discover things beyond the artworks that make them wonder, "Is this really art?" This is an art festival created by citizens. A "Stroll University Special Lecture" will also be held before the event begins, sharing the meaning of strolling and new perspectives. Numerous walking-related workshops and tours will also be held during the event.

Feature 2: Two "art maps" – paper and digital – connecting two bases and six areas

The Art Map will accompany you on your walks and discoveries as you participate in Tokyo Biennale 2025. With fun illustrations and an art map that shows you the highlights at a glance, you can explore the exhibition venues and areas. In addition to the exhibits, the "This Is Art Discovery Team" has been formed to connect interesting information hidden in local cultural facilities, public art, and the city, and will conduct research and gather information in advance. Traces of social trends, culture, and people's lives will also be plotted based on "Edo/Tokyo Lifestyle Studies." These will be reflected on a single map in digital space, connecting the Tokyo Biennale's host areas.

Feature 3: International and local, where people intersect

Through collaboration with artists invited from overseas, such as through the international artist open call project "SOCIAL DIVE" and the "Overseas Collaboration Project," we will rediscover and reconstruct the potential hidden in our lives, culture, behavior, and language from a multifaceted perspective. Through walks, events, dialogue, and more, we will discover new perspectives and possibilities for Tokyo together with the citizens that we would normally not notice.

■Venue and exhibiting artists – The venue will be in six diverse areas in northeastern Tokyo

Tokyo Biennale 2025 will be held in multiple facilities and public spaces in the northeastern Tokyo wards of Chiyoda, Chuo, Bunkyo, and Taito. Centered around two main exhibition venues (fees apply), Toeizan Kan'ei-ji Temple and Etoile Kaito Living Hall, visitors can enjoy exhibitions and events in six free areas, each with its own history and culture.

Base Exhibition
Kan'ei-ji Temple, Toeizan (1-14-11 Ueno Sakuragi, Taito Ward)
Etoile Kaito Living Hall (1-15-15 Higashikanda, Chiyoda-ku)

Exhibition Area
Ueno/Okachimachi area, Suidobashi area, Kanda/Akihabara area, Otemachi/Marunouchi/Yurakucho area, Nihonbashi/Makuicho area, Yaesu/Kyobashi area

Tokyo Biennale 2025 Events

Sanpo University Special Lecture No. 4 "Sanpo no Machi" (Strolling Town)

Toshiya Yoshimi

President of Sanpo University Professor at the Faculty of Tourism and Urban Planning, Kokugakuin University

General admission: 1,500 yen / Students: 500 yen
We will listen to the genius loci hidden in the local areas of Tokyo and engage in dialogue with the history and memories that have been passed down there.
Date and time: November 6, 2025 (Thursday) 18:30~20:00
Guest: Naoki Oshiro (Professor of Cultural Geography, Faculty of Letters, Meiji University)

Event Overview

title
Tokyo Biennale 2025: An international art festival originating from Tokyo

theme
Would you like to take a walk with me?

Dates
October 17, 2025 (Friday) – December 14, 2025 (Sunday)

venue
Base exhibition (2 venues): Toeizan Kan'eiji Temple, Etoile Kaito Living Hall
Exhibition areas (6 locations): Ueno/Okachimachi area, Kanda/Akihabara area, Suidobashi area, Nihonbashi/Bakurocho area, Yaesu/Kyobashi area, Otemachi/Marunouchi/Yurakucho area
*Historic buildings, public spaces, stores, unused buildings, etc. in each area

Ticket prices
Advance tickets (two venues common ticket)
General admission: 2,500 yen
Students: 1,500 yen

General ticket (two venues common ticket)
General admission: 2,900 yen
Students: 1,700 yen

Tickets by venue: Etoile Kaito Living Hall
General admission: 2,100 yen
Students: 1,400 yen

Tickets by venue: Toeizan Kan'eiji Temple
General admission: 1,100 yen
Students: 400 yen

Organizer
Tokyo Biennale General Incorporated Association

Sponsor
Chiyoda Ward, Chuo Ward, Bunkyo Ward, Taito Ward, Chiyoda Ward Tourism Association, Chuo Ward Tourism Association, Bunkyo Ward Tourism Association, Embassy of the Republic of Armenia in Japan, Embassy of the Kingdom of Denmark, Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, Embassy of Norway, Embassy of Brazil in Japan, Polish Information and Cultural Center

Special Grant
Ishibashi Foundation, a public interest incorporated foundation

Grant
Arts Council Tokyo [Tokyo Arts and Culture Appreciation Support Grant]
The Japan Foundation

Sponsorship
Mitsui Fudosan Co., Ltd., Mitsubishi Estate Co., Ltd., Daimaru Matsuzakaya Department Stores Co., Ltd., Palace Hotel Tokyo, Fujifilm Business Innovation Japan Co., Ltd., YKK Corporation, Park Hotel Tokyo, Wonder Powered You Co., Ltd.

Business Partner
Tokyo Dome Corporation

Special Cooperation
Kan'ei-ji Temple, Etoile Kaito Co., Ltd.

cooperation
Kyobashi Saiku Area Management General Incorporated Association, NTT East Japan, Ebiwara Shoten, Otemachi First Square Co., Ltd., Command A LLC, Tokyo University of the Arts, Toda Corporation, East Japan Railway Company

Subsidy project
FY2025 Japan Cultural Expo 2.0 Project (Japan Arts Council/Agency for Cultural Affairs)

This project supports the "All Welcome Tokyo" campaign, which aims to create a Tokyo that everyone can enjoy, regardless of whether they have a disability or not, or whether they have a language or cultural difference.

List of participating artists (in alphabetical order)

[Domestic]
Tamari Akiyama, Junko Iwaoka, L PACK., Kaze Ouchi, Junya Kataoka + Rie Iwatake, Mari Katayama, Nozomu Kubota, Yoshiaki Kurihara, Takeru Kurokawa, Mami Osemura, SIDE CORE, Naoki Sato, 6lines studio + Yoshiharu Tsukamoto, Shingo Suzuki, Akio Suzuki, Risaku Suzuki, Kazuki Takahashi, Mika Terauchi, Sachiko Toda, Yasuko Toyoshima, Masato Nakamura, Naoya Hatakeyama, Nobuyuki Fujiwara, Hogarty, Chihiro Minato, Milk Warehouse The Coconuts, Goro Murayama, Junichi Mori, Yasushi Mori, Shun Yonaha, Eiji Watanabe

[abroad]
Naraka Wijewardene (Sri Lanka), Camilla Svensson (Brazil), Tenthaus Art Collective and the OVEN Network (Norway/Thailand), Mariam Tovmasyan (Armenia), Truong Que Chi/Nguyen Phuong Linh (Vietnam), Piotr Buyak (Poland), Elke Leinhuber (Germany), Adam Leugert (Sweden)

Website
https://tokyobiennale.jp/

About ArtSticker

Operated by The Chain Museum Co., Ltd., this platform provides opportunities to encounter art and places to enjoy dialogue, "connecting a series of experiences" in art appreciation. It features a wide range of works, from well-known artists to up-and-coming young artists. The genres of the works are also diverse, including installations, paintings, and performing arts.
ArtSticker also hopes to connect art and artists directly with the world by connecting them to unique real-life locations, not just digitally.

▽ArtSticker Website
https://artsticker.app/

▽ArtSticker download URL
App Store: https://apps.apple.com/app/artsticker/id1446438049

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For museums and event organizers who want to implement ticket sales functionality

ArtSticker is currently looking for event organizers who would like to implement the ticketing feature.
It is also possible to sell and link audio guides to the exhibits.
For more information, please see below and contact us.

▽Contact us here
Ticket: https://artsticker.app/services/ticket/
Audio guide: https://artsticker.app/services/audio-guide/

Overview of The Chain Museum Co., Ltd.

Company name: The Chain Museum Co., Ltd. (pronounced: The Chain Museum)
Address: Daikanyama TOKO, 3rd floor, Daikanyama Art Village, 17-10 Sarugakucho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Representative: Representative Director Masamichi Toyama

▽The Chain Museum Official Website
https://www.tcm.art/

[The Chain Museum Co., Ltd.] Press Release

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Ueno Royal Museum

To commemorate the 40th anniversary of the serialization of "City Hunter," published by Coremix Inc. , on February 26, 2025, the largest original art exhibition in the series' history, "City Hunter Original Art Exhibition ~FOREVER, CITY HUNTER~," will be held at the Ueno Royal Museum from Saturday, November 22, 2025 to Sunday, December 28, 2025.

Tickets for the exhibition will go on sale from 10:00 AM on Thursday, September 25th. This exhibition is dedicated to all fans of "City Hunter," and is the largest exhibition in the series' history, packed with memorable scenes and lines that are etched in everyone's hearts. The fateful encounter between Ryo and Kaori. The trust built with unique colleagues and clients. And the bond between Ryo and Kaori, who recognize each other as irreplaceable partners. This cool, comical, sometimes poignant, and deeply moving story is now condensed into one big exhibit. An impressive display of over 400 original drawings will be on display. Furthermore, the exhibition is packed with must-see exhibits for fans, including rare materials, photo spots where you can immerse yourself in the world of the series, and special videos.

Please enjoy to your heart's content the endless charm of "City Hunter," which has continued to shine for over 40 years. Further information regarding this exhibition will be announced in late October or early November. In addition, a crowdfunding project titled "XYZ…We want to bring Ryo Saeba to the Ueno Royal Museum!!" is also being held in preparation for the exhibition.

Exhibition ticket information

In addition to regular tickets, we have prepared tickets for the 11/22-23 designated date and time for those who want to enjoy the exhibition before the general public. We also have a wide variety of tickets available for sale, including set tickets that come with special perks like an original snow globe and original pins, and partner tickets that offer great deals for two people visiting together. For more details about tickets, please refer to the exhibition website or each ticket agency.

■Release date
September 25th (Thurs) 10:00~

■Ticket sales URL
e+
Full-year ticket/11/22-23 designated date and time ticket
https://eplus.jp/cityhunter40th_ex/

JRE MALL
Seasonal ticket
https://event.jreast.co.jp/activity/detail/a075/a075-00012
11/22-23 date and time ticket
https://event.jreast.co.jp/activity/detail/a075/a075-00001

■Ticket details
11/22-23 Scheduled Date Ticket: 3,500 yen
*November 22nd (Sat) and 23rd (Sun), designated time slots every hour, admission bonus (holo sticker) *Not for sale
Regular advance tickets and same-day tickets will not be valid for admission on these two days.

Same-day tickets: Adults 2,900 yen, Elementary and junior high school students 1,100 yen
Advance tickets: Adults 2,500 yen, Elementary and junior high school students 800 yen
Partner ticket: 4,500 yen
*Partner tickets are available for a limited time from Thursday, September 25th to Friday, October 10th.
*Please come in groups of two. Entering one person at a time is not permitted.

Ticket with special merchandise
Ticket with bonus goods①: 10,000 yen
Ticket with bonus goods②: 13,000 yen

Bonus Item 1: "City Hunter Original Art Exhibition Original Snow Globe"

Bonus Item 2: "City Hunter Original Art Exhibition Original Pin Set"

*All prices include tax.
*The bonus image is for illustrative purposes only. The design may change without notice.

XYZ…I want to invite Ryo Saeba to the Ueno Royal Museum!!

To mark the 40th anniversary of the start of the serialization of "City Hunter," we will be holding a crowdfunding project to recreate famous scenes together with fans.
At the venue of the City Hunter Original Art Exhibition ~FOREVER, CITY HUNTER!!~, there will be a life-size reproduction of Ryo relaxing and sipping coffee at the counter of the Cat's Eye Cafe, a spot often seen in the City Hunter series. We will work with you to create a spot where you can sit next to Ryo Saeba at the counter of the Cat's Eye Cafe and take commemorative photos!

■Application period
September 24th (Wednesday) 19:00 – October 26th (Sunday) 23:59

■Project page URL
https://ubgoe.com/projects/981

■Examples of return gifts
*Supporter names and comments will be posted on the "Giant XYZ Message Board" at the exhibition venue.
※SAEBA Shoji employee giveaway set of 6 items [①SAEBA Shoji business card (with your name), ②SAEBA Shoji president Ryo Saeba business card, ③pass case with neck strap, ④special ballpoint pen, ⑤special memo pad, ⑥special towel]
*Invitation to a premium preview on the day before November 21st
* Catalog signed by Hojo Tsukasa
※Life-size Ryo Saeba

Overview of "City Hunter Original Art Exhibition ~FOREVER, CITY HUNTER~"
Event period: Saturday, November 22, 2025 to Sunday, December 28, 2025
Opening hours: 10:00-17:00 (last entrance 16:30)
Venue: Ueno Royal Museum (1-2 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo)
Organizer: Toei Coamix
Official website: https://www.cityhunter-ex.jp
X: https://x.com/cityhunter_ex
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cityhunter_ex/

Original information

The three letters "XYZ" are written on the message board at the east exit of Shinjuku Station – a desperate message from a client who has "no more chances." Ryo Saeba, a top-notch sniper but also an unrivaled lover of beautiful women, and his partner Kaori Makimura team up as "City Hunters," sweepers of the underworld, to solve various requests, sometimes even getting aroused by beautiful clients. The series was serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump from 1985 to 1991, and celebrated its 40th anniversary on February 26, 2025.

[Comics information]
Zenon Selection "CITY HUNTER" all 29 volumes on sale now
Tsukasa Hojo
Published by: Coremix
Price: 880 yen (tax included)

[Coamix Corporation] Press Release

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On that day, your city will become a huge gaming space.

Gab Inc. is pleased to announce that it will be participating in the planning and management of "Seisochu," a game-style litter collection event scheduled to be held in Ueno, Taito Ward, Tokyo on October 18, 2025.

The game-like trash collection event "Seisochu" is coming to Ueno, Taito Ward, Tokyo!
Complete various missions and aim to achieve them!
Ueno becomes a game area, and you can enjoy a new experience where fallen trash turns into points.

・Event details

[Implementation Information]
Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025
Reception location: Okachimachi Park
Organized by: Taito Ward Tourism Division
Planning and management: Gab Co., Ltd.
Capacity: 100 people selected by lottery
Reception begins: 9:15 / Opening ceremony: 9:45 / End: 12:00
Participation fee: Free
Will proceed in light rain / Will be postponed in severe weather

[In the event of an event postponement]
The event may be postponed depending on the weather on the day of the event.
Postponed date: October 19, 2025 (Sunday)
Reception location: Okachimachi Park
Reception begins: 9:15 / Opening ceremony: 9:45 / End: 12:00

[Application Deadline]
Until 23:59 on Sunday, October 12th

[Lottery results announcement]
October 13th (Monday)

If the event is postponed, we will contact you by email around Wednesday, October 15th.
Important emails regarding the event will be sent, so please make sure that you can receive emails from seisouchu@gab.tokyo. If you do not receive the email, please check your spam folder.

【Items to bring】
·drink
・One smartphone that can use LINE per team
・Comfortable clothing (comfortable shoes, hat, rain gear)
*Please bring a mobile battery if you have one.
*Tongs, bags, gloves, and other equipment will be provided by the organizers, so there is no need to bring cleaning supplies.

[Participation Q&A]
Q: Can elementary school students participate alone? Also, do infants and toddlers need tickets?
A: For safety reasons, elementary school students cannot participate alone. Children under elementary school age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian aged 18 or over. All guests, including parents and infants, will need a ticket.

Q: How many tickets can I apply for?
A: Because Seisou is a team event, the maximum number of people per application (one team) is 5. If you are participating with 6 or more people, please apply for separate teams.

Q: Do I need to bring cleaning supplies?
A: Equipment such as tongs, bags, and work gloves will be provided by the organizers, so cleaning supplies are not necessary. Please bring drinks, comfortable clothes, comfortable shoes, etc. If there are any items to protect yourself from the heat, please bring them with you.

Q: Do I need to bring a mobile battery?
A: This event will use the free calling app "LINE" and the map app "Google Maps" to distribute missions during the event. If you need one, please prepare a mobile battery.

Q: What if I don't want to be photographed or photographed in media coverage?
A: There may be photography and media coverage on the day. If you do not want to be photographed, please let the event staff know in advance.

[Notes regarding participation]
・Data communication charges are your responsibility.
・In the event of an infectious disease outbreak or a disaster, we may be forced to postpone the event.
・Please note that once you have submitted the application form, you will not be able to add or edit any information.
・Photographs and videos will be taken during the event. The rights to the images belong to Gab Inc. and the Taito City Tourism Division, and they may be used for news reports, social media, and other promotional purposes during the event. (If you do not want your images to be used, please inform the reception staff on the day.)
・Please note that there may also be media interviews.
・By completing your application, you agree to this notice, disclaimer, and the Seisouchu Privacy Policy ( https://www.seisouchu.com/privacypolicy ).

[Disclaimer]
・One person can participate with one ticket.
・Ticket cancellations will be subject to teket's ticket cancellation regulations.
・Personal information entered on the application site will be strictly managed in accordance with the Seisouchu Privacy Policy and shared internally. It will also be used as part of public relations activities, but will not be used for any purposes other than those related to this event.
・If you violate the terms of use or other rules set by our company, this ticket may become invalid.
・If the event is postponed or canceled due to force majeure or other reasons beyond our control, we may not be able to provide refunds or other compensation for this ticket.
・We are not responsible for any damages caused by natural disasters, troubles, incidents, accidents, etc. that occur during the event.
・We cannot be held responsible for any of the following issues that occur during the event.
1. A malfunction of the mobile device occurred while the game progress page was open.
2. Troubles between participants that occur during the event
3. Accidents and incidents caused by using a smartphone while walking
4. Accidents or incidents that occur intentionally outside the game area
5. Any trouble, incident or accident that occurs in a building unrelated to the event.
6. Troubles, incidents, and accidents caused by not following precautions
7. Troubles, incidents, or accidents caused by not following the instructions of staff during the race
8. Natural disasters, etc.
*This event is insured.

▼If you would like to participate, please apply below.
https://teket.jp/9471/54434

・What is Seisouchu?

"Keisouchu" is managed and operated under the responsibility of Gab Inc. with the official permission of Fuji Television Network, Inc. and the "Run for Money" production team.

Seisouchu is a garbage collection event that combines gamification (*1) with garbage collection. Teams work together to collect garbage, and points are awarded based on the type and weight of the garbage collected, as well as the degree of mission completion notified via smartphone, with the top teams receiving luxurious prizes. By creating a world where littered garbage is transformed into items and the entire city becomes a game area, this near-future environmental education content provides an opportunity to think about garbage issues through the introduction of "fun."

*1 Gamification refers to the application of game design elements and game principles to things other than games. Research has been progressing in recent years because of its effectiveness in promoting stress-free learning and behavior while still providing a fun, game-like experience.

・About the operating company

Company name: Gab Inc.
Address: Shibuya 3-chome Square Building 2F, 3-5-16 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Representative: Moeto Yamauchi
Company Overview: A startup company in its fifth year of business with the mission of "Solving Problems in a Unique Way." The company is involved in projects that contribute to the realization of a sustainable society, such as the game-like litter picking event "Seisochu," the Instagram account "Ethical Living" which provides lifestyle tips that lead to solving social issues, the "Ethical Living Online Store" where you can solve social issues just by enjoying shopping, and pop-up events held in various locations.
Website: https://www.gab.tokyo/

[Gab Inc.] Press Release

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Emperor Rockhopper, which creates emotionally honest entertainment theatre with the concept of "easy to understand and easy to watch" and the motto of "truth in a world of lies," will perform their 5th stage performance, "Things Left Unfinished," at Ueno Storehouse from November 6th (Thurs) to November 10th (Mon), 2025. The key visual for the performance has been released.

In this film, Hayakawa Iori, who is active mainly in stage productions such as the play "Furiko" and the musical "Nintama Rantarou," and Sato Tomohiro, who is expanding his range of activities with the film "Futari Futatsu no Saien" and the musical "Nintama Rantarou," play brothers, as the older brother (Sato Tomohiro) desperately searches for "unfinished business" for his younger brother (Hayakawa Iori), who has been given a terminal diagnosis. Other unique actors also appear in the film, adding to the excitement of this film.

The script and direction will be handled by Taiga Kurihara, a talented actor who has appeared in many popular stage productions, including the musical "Nintama Rantaro," the stage production "Yowamushi Pedal," and the stage production "Kaze ga Tsuyoku Fuiteiru." Tickets will go on sale from Monday, September 22nd.

[Comment from Taiga Kurihara]
I'm Kurihara Taiga, the scriptwriter and director. This production will be themed around "things left undone" as it is the last act of one's life. We've brought together a wonderful cast of actors, including the two co-stars. Each character has their own struggles. What the person who is dying has left undone. What the person who is leaving has left undone. I hope you enjoy each perspective.

[Comment from Iori Hayakawa]
This time, I will be co-starring with Sato Tomohiro. My name is Hayakawa Iori. I am very excited to be appearing in a work written and directed by Taiga for the first time! Just reading the synopsis has me excited to see what kind of work it will be! I will work with all my heart to create a work that will make people glad they watched it.

[Comment by Tomohiro Sato]
Nice to meet you if this is your first time. Thank you as always to those who already know me. I'm Sato Tomohiro. After hearing about this role, reading the synopsis, and moving on to the visual shoot, I feel that I'll regret it if I don't cherish each and every scene and word. I'm sure I'll feel even more motivated once I read the script. I'll make sure to keep it all going from rehearsals to the final performance.

——————————————————–
<Performance details>
Emperor Rockhopper 5th stage performance "Things left unfinished"
Screenplay and direction: Kurihara Taiga

■ Performance Schedule
Thursday, November 6th – Monday, November 10th, 2025
November 6th (Thursday) 7:00 PM
November 7th (Friday) 14:00/19:00
Saturday, November 8th 13:00/18:00
November 9th (Sun) 13:00/18:00
November 10th (Monday) 14:00
*Doors open 45 minutes before the start of the show, and reception and same-day ticket sales begin 60 minutes before the start of the show.
*The performance is scheduled to last approximately 120 minutes.
*Preschool children not allowed
*★ indicates that Blu-ray filming will be included.

■ Theater: Ueno Storehouse (NORD Building B1, 1-6-11 Kitaueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo)

■Synopsis:
Ryota is a young man who has been told he has only a short time left to live.
Ryota says there is one thing he has left to do before he dies, but he won't tell us what it is.
His older brother Yuta continues to desperately search for that “unfinished business.''
Will Ryota's wish be granted?

■ Cast:
Hayakawa Iori (co-starring)
Tomohiro Sato (co-starring)

Takuya Ohara
Moeha Gomoto
Manami Tanaka
Tsukino Miumi

Nana Mihime
Masato Kushida
Hiromasa Kudo
Takuya Murakami
Asuka Kanzaki
Kanon Minami
Hikaru Hoshina

Taiga Kurihara

■Ticket information:
Front row with special benefits* ¥8,500
Second row with special benefits* ¥7,500
Regular A seat ¥5,900
Same-day tickets +¥500
*Includes a not-for-sale 2L-size bromide (signed)
Please note that the seats in the front row will be mini chairs.

■Ticket sales
General sale: Monday, September 22, 2025, 10:00
Confetti https://www.confetti-web.com/@/kouteirockhopper_5
Corich https://ticket.corich.jp/apply/400815/

■ Staff
Script and direction: Taiga Kurihara (Emperor Rock Hopper) / Stage director: Keiichi Maeda (LDA) / Stage art: Aiko Maeda (LDA) / Sound: Yusuke Kakumaru (DISCOLOR Company) / Lighting: Kaori Iwaisako (DISCOLOR Company) / Merchandise photography: Taichi Maruyama / Merchandise hair and makeup: Kaori Mochizuki / On-site merchandise: satsuki / Practice Manager: Yuka Mikuni (Emperor Rock Hopper) / Promotional art: Shuho Sakato / Videography and editing: Akinori Onodera / Production and ticket sales: style office / Organizer: Vtoly / Planning: Emperor Rock Hopper / Producer: Takuya Ohara (Emperor Rock Hopper)

■ Cooperation (in alphabetical order)
Adesso / Apollo Bay / RMP / It's Follies / SPM / All Staff / Queen's Avenue / Space Craft / Timely Office

■Organization name: Emperor Rockhopper
■Official website: https://kouteirockhopper.wixsite.com/main
■Official Group X: https://x.com/k_rockhopper
■Performance website: https://yarinoko2025.com/

[Style Office Co., Ltd.] Press Release

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