Hey Japan!
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Explore the best of Japan with us! Follow for event updates, travel guides, and insider tips. Hokkaido to Okinawa, we've got it all. https://hey-japan.com
Otaru's canal warehouses exist because of herring fertilizer and citizen defiance. Built to store fish ground into crop feed, they made the city one of Japan's richest. When the government tried to demolish them for a highway in the 1960s, residents fought for a decade — and won.
February 10, 2026 at 9:30 PM
Otaru's canal warehouses exist because of herring fertilizer and citizen defiance. Built to store fish ground into crop feed, they made the city one of Japan's richest. When the government tried to demolish them for a highway in the 1960s, residents fought for a decade — and won.
A powerful winter pressure system is burying Japan right now. Northern regions recorded over 180 cm of snow in 24 hours. Tokyo saw 5 cm Sunday — enough to close expressways and halt trains. Even typically mild Kyushu is under rare snow warnings. February 2026 is hitting different.
February 9, 2026 at 9:30 PM
A powerful winter pressure system is burying Japan right now. Northern regions recorded over 180 cm of snow in 24 hours. Tokyo saw 5 cm Sunday — enough to close expressways and halt trains. Even typically mild Kyushu is under rare snow warnings. February 2026 is hitting different.
The “Ukiyo-e Cat Encyclopedia: Lazy, Round, and Totally Cat” exhibition opens at The Eki Museum Kyoto from April 4 to May 10, featuring over 100 ukiyo-e prints exploring cats in Japanese art and culture.
More: www.hey-japan.com/event/ukiyo-...
More: www.hey-japan.com/event/ukiyo-...
February 9, 2026 at 2:30 PM
The “Ukiyo-e Cat Encyclopedia: Lazy, Round, and Totally Cat” exhibition opens at The Eki Museum Kyoto from April 4 to May 10, featuring over 100 ukiyo-e prints exploring cats in Japanese art and culture.
More: www.hey-japan.com/event/ukiyo-...
More: www.hey-japan.com/event/ukiyo-...
TOKYO CREATIVE SALON 2026, one of Japan’s largest creative festivals showcasing fashion, design, art, technology, and craft, will be held from Mar 13-Mar 22.
TOKYO CREATIVE SALON 2026, Tokyo | Hey Japan!
TOKYO CREATIVE SALON 2026 returns with city-wide programs across Tokyo, featuring fashion, design, art, and technology during cherry blossom season.
www.hey-japan.com
February 8, 2026 at 9:30 PM
TOKYO CREATIVE SALON 2026, one of Japan’s largest creative festivals showcasing fashion, design, art, technology, and craft, will be held from Mar 13-Mar 22.
The pick is purely based on personal preference and does not reflect any charts or other metrics. Our “Song of the Week” showcases a variety of Japanese artists and genres, ensuring there’s something for everyone!
February 8, 2026 at 1:47 PM
The pick is purely based on personal preference and does not reflect any charts or other metrics. Our “Song of the Week” showcases a variety of Japanese artists and genres, ensuring there’s something for everyone!
We present our Song of the Week! #HeyJapanSOTW
People In The Box - Seijatachi
Listen on Apple Music: music.apple.com/song/%E8%81%...
Listen on Spotify: open.spotify.com/track/4KqsLR...
Listen on YouTube Music: music.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJgX...
People In The Box - Seijatachi
Listen on Apple Music: music.apple.com/song/%E8%81%...
Listen on Spotify: open.spotify.com/track/4KqsLR...
Listen on YouTube Music: music.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJgX...
February 8, 2026 at 1:47 PM
We present our Song of the Week! #HeyJapanSOTW
People In The Box - Seijatachi
Listen on Apple Music: music.apple.com/song/%E8%81%...
Listen on Spotify: open.spotify.com/track/4KqsLR...
Listen on YouTube Music: music.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJgX...
People In The Box - Seijatachi
Listen on Apple Music: music.apple.com/song/%E8%81%...
Listen on Spotify: open.spotify.com/track/4KqsLR...
Listen on YouTube Music: music.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJgX...
Shiranui Monogatari (The Tale of Shiranui) was a popular Edo-period story blending samurai honor, revenge, and the supernatural. This ukiyo-e by Toyokuni III depicts a scene based on a Kawarazaki Theater performance from Kaei 6 (1853), showing Wakana-hime atop a giant spider amid churning waves.
February 7, 2026 at 9:30 PM
Shiranui Monogatari (The Tale of Shiranui) was a popular Edo-period story blending samurai honor, revenge, and the supernatural. This ukiyo-e by Toyokuni III depicts a scene based on a Kawarazaki Theater performance from Kaei 6 (1853), showing Wakana-hime atop a giant spider amid churning waves.
The "Shimane Crafts: Iwami Nagahama-yaki & Nagahama Dolls" exhibition at the Shimane Prefectural Art Museum, running until March 9, focuses on Nagahama-yaki pottery and Nagahama dolls, once distinctive products of the Iwami region.
February 7, 2026 at 9:57 AM
The "Shimane Crafts: Iwami Nagahama-yaki & Nagahama Dolls" exhibition at the Shimane Prefectural Art Museum, running until March 9, focuses on Nagahama-yaki pottery and Nagahama dolls, once distinctive products of the Iwami region.
Event link: www.superkids.co.jp/z-brass/conc...
「ズーラシアンブラス 誕生祭2026」｜ズーラシアンブラス【株式会社スーパーキッズ】
www.superkids.co.jp
February 6, 2026 at 9:30 PM
Event link: www.superkids.co.jp/z-brass/conc...
Zoorasian Brass Anime Carnival, performed by the Zoorasian Philharmonic Orchestra, will be held on May 6 at Bunkamura Orchard Hall in Shibuya, Tokyo.The concert features symphonic arrangements of anime songs from Digimon Adventure, Dragon Ball, Detective Conan, Zootopia, and more.
February 6, 2026 at 9:30 PM
Zoorasian Brass Anime Carnival, performed by the Zoorasian Philharmonic Orchestra, will be held on May 6 at Bunkamura Orchard Hall in Shibuya, Tokyo.The concert features symphonic arrangements of anime songs from Digimon Adventure, Dragon Ball, Detective Conan, Zootopia, and more.
The Urasa Bishamondō Naked Man Festival is held annually on March 7. This traditional event, with a history of around 1,200 years, takes place at Fukuji Temple, which is dedicated to Bishamonten, the Buddhist deity associated with warriors, protection, and good fortune.
Urasa Bishamondō Naked Man Festival
Experience Urasa Bishamondō Naked Festival - 1,200-year winter tradition with bare-chested men competing to reach temple, carrying 30kg candle through snow. Visit Niigata.
www.hey-japan.com
February 6, 2026 at 1:21 PM
The Urasa Bishamondō Naked Man Festival is held annually on March 7. This traditional event, with a history of around 1,200 years, takes place at Fukuji Temple, which is dedicated to Bishamonten, the Buddhist deity associated with warriors, protection, and good fortune.
A new remake film, Doraemon the Movie: New Nobita and the Castle of the Undersea Devil, is planned for release this year.
February 5, 2026 at 10:30 PM
A new remake film, Doraemon the Movie: New Nobita and the Castle of the Undersea Devil, is planned for release this year.
“Doraemon: Nobita and the Castle of the Undersea Devil and the Secrets of Adventure Exhibition” is on view at the Fujiko·F·Fujio Museum through June 21, featuring original artwork from the Doraemon film Doraemon: Nobita and the Castle of the Undersea Devil (1984).
February 5, 2026 at 10:30 PM
“Doraemon: Nobita and the Castle of the Undersea Devil and the Secrets of Adventure Exhibition” is on view at the Fujiko·F·Fujio Museum through June 21, featuring original artwork from the Doraemon film Doraemon: Nobita and the Castle of the Undersea Devil (1984).
Hina tsurushi kazari are hanging decorations made of small, colourful fabric ornaments displayed during Hina Matsuri. The exhibition is free to view at the Nagoya Marriott Associa Hotel, Main Lobby (15th floor), from February 3 to March 3.
February 5, 2026 at 1:01 PM
Hina tsurushi kazari are hanging decorations made of small, colourful fabric ornaments displayed during Hina Matsuri. The exhibition is free to view at the Nagoya Marriott Associa Hotel, Main Lobby (15th floor), from February 3 to March 3.
The Bungu Joshi Expo, Japan’s largest stationery fair, will be held from March 5 to March 8 at ATC Hall in Osaka — a great opportunity for all Japanese stationery lovers.
Bungu Joshi-haku in Osaka 2026
The Bungu Joshi Expo is Japan’s largest stationery fair, with 750,000+ visitors, featuring brands, original products, and hands-on shopping for all fans.
www.hey-japan.com
February 4, 2026 at 10:30 PM
The Bungu Joshi Expo, Japan’s largest stationery fair, will be held from March 5 to March 8 at ATC Hall in Osaka — a great opportunity for all Japanese stationery lovers.
Kitazawa Yasushi is a souvenir pennant collector from Hokkaido. Coinciding with the start of the Sapporo Snow Festival on February 4, his account announced that he will be posting Sapporo Snow Festival pennants. Follow Kitazawa-san to see more beautiful pennants!
Souvenir pennant in Japan, my collection.
"さっぽろ雪まつり" Sapporo Snow Festival, Sapporo City, Hokkaido Prefecture.
This is a pennant from the 26th Sapporo Snow Festival held in 1975. This pennant depicts the Sapporo Clock Tower and the rabbit of the Chinese zodiac.
Length 61cm （24.0in). 1975. #vintage
"さっぽろ雪まつり" Sapporo Snow Festival, Sapporo City, Hokkaido Prefecture.
This is a pennant from the 26th Sapporo Snow Festival held in 1975. This pennant depicts the Sapporo Clock Tower and the rabbit of the Chinese zodiac.
Length 61cm （24.0in). 1975. #vintage
February 4, 2026 at 5:12 PM
Kitazawa Yasushi is a souvenir pennant collector from Hokkaido. Coinciding with the start of the Sapporo Snow Festival on February 4, his account announced that he will be posting Sapporo Snow Festival pennants. Follow Kitazawa-san to see more beautiful pennants!
“Unknown Kawaii Sofubi Exhibition” runs until February 15 at SOMSOC GALLERY in Harajuku, Tokyo. The exhibition brings together sofubi (soft vinyl) artists from Japan and overseas.
Unknown Kawaii Sofubi Exhibition
Discover the Unknown Kawaii Sofubi Exhibition at SOMSOC GALLERY, Tokyo, showcasing unique soft vinyl art from Japanese and international artists.
www.hey-japan.com
February 3, 2026 at 9:30 PM
“Unknown Kawaii Sofubi Exhibition” runs until February 15 at SOMSOC GALLERY in Harajuku, Tokyo. The exhibition brings together sofubi (soft vinyl) artists from Japan and overseas.
Ehomaki is a thick sushi roll eaten on Setsubun. The custom is to eat it silently, without cutting it, while facing the year’s lucky direction to bring good luck and good health. This year’s lucky direction is south-southeast.
February 3, 2026 at 4:00 AM
Ehomaki is a thick sushi roll eaten on Setsubun. The custom is to eat it silently, without cutting it, while facing the year’s lucky direction to bring good luck and good health. This year’s lucky direction is south-southeast.
Setsubun is a Japanese festival held on February 3rd that marks the day before the start of spring in the traditional calendar. People throw roasted soybeans while shouting “Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!” (Demons out! Good luck in!) to drive away bad luck and invite good fortune.
February 2, 2026 at 9:09 PM
Setsubun is a Japanese festival held on February 3rd that marks the day before the start of spring in the traditional calendar. People throw roasted soybeans while shouting “Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!” (Demons out! Good luck in!) to drive away bad luck and invite good fortune.
The special exhibition “The Happiness of Netsuke” is currently on view at the Kyoto Seishu Netsuke Art Museum through March. The exhibition focuses on netsuke that express humour and playful ideas.
Netsuke are small carvings originally used as toggles to secure personal items worn with kimono.
Netsuke are small carvings originally used as toggles to secure personal items worn with kimono.
February 2, 2026 at 2:03 PM
The special exhibition “The Happiness of Netsuke” is currently on view at the Kyoto Seishu Netsuke Art Museum through March. The exhibition focuses on netsuke that express humour and playful ideas.
Netsuke are small carvings originally used as toggles to secure personal items worn with kimono.
Netsuke are small carvings originally used as toggles to secure personal items worn with kimono.
Godzilla × Hokusai “collaboration”: Godzilla Ukiyo-e Giclée Prints featuring Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji: The Great Wave off Kanagawa, Sudden Shower beneath the Summit, and Nihonbashi in Edo.
A Hanzō Co., Ltd. production in collaboration with the film Godzilla Minus One.
A Hanzō Co., Ltd. production in collaboration with the film Godzilla Minus One.
February 1, 2026 at 9:30 PM
Godzilla × Hokusai “collaboration”: Godzilla Ukiyo-e Giclée Prints featuring Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji: The Great Wave off Kanagawa, Sudden Shower beneath the Summit, and Nihonbashi in Edo.
A Hanzō Co., Ltd. production in collaboration with the film Godzilla Minus One.
A Hanzō Co., Ltd. production in collaboration with the film Godzilla Minus One.
The pick is purely based on personal preference and does not reflect any charts or other metrics. Our “Song of the Week” showcases a variety of Japanese artists and genres, ensuring there’s something for everyone!
February 1, 2026 at 5:16 PM
The pick is purely based on personal preference and does not reflect any charts or other metrics. Our “Song of the Week” showcases a variety of Japanese artists and genres, ensuring there’s something for everyone!
We present our Song of the Week! #HeyJapanSOTW
7th Vega - Hey! Crush!
Listen on Apple Music: music.apple.com/song/hey-cru...
Listen on Spotify: open.spotify.com/track/5llPol...
Listen on YouTube Music: music.youtube.com/watch?v=TLm0...
7th Vega - Hey! Crush!
Listen on Apple Music: music.apple.com/song/hey-cru...
Listen on Spotify: open.spotify.com/track/5llPol...
Listen on YouTube Music: music.youtube.com/watch?v=TLm0...
February 1, 2026 at 5:16 PM
We present our Song of the Week! #HeyJapanSOTW
7th Vega - Hey! Crush!
Listen on Apple Music: music.apple.com/song/hey-cru...
Listen on Spotify: open.spotify.com/track/5llPol...
Listen on YouTube Music: music.youtube.com/watch?v=TLm0...
7th Vega - Hey! Crush!
Listen on Apple Music: music.apple.com/song/hey-cru...
Listen on Spotify: open.spotify.com/track/5llPol...
Listen on YouTube Music: music.youtube.com/watch?v=TLm0...
A new attraction for cat lovers: a giant glowing cat lights up the Daiwa House Premist Dome Observation Deck in Sapporo, Feb 4–11.
January 31, 2026 at 9:30 PM
A new attraction for cat lovers: a giant glowing cat lights up the Daiwa House Premist Dome Observation Deck in Sapporo, Feb 4–11.
For cat lovers:
“The Terrible Things My Cat Did to Me” — an exhibition by illustrator 'poshichi'.
Humorous and affectionate scenes from everyday life with cats.
Feb 14–Mar 8, 2026, Galerie GEEK/ART (Shibuya, Tokyo)
Admission: Free
“The Terrible Things My Cat Did to Me” — an exhibition by illustrator 'poshichi'.
Humorous and affectionate scenes from everyday life with cats.
Feb 14–Mar 8, 2026, Galerie GEEK/ART (Shibuya, Tokyo)
Admission: Free
January 31, 2026 at 2:01 PM
For cat lovers:
“The Terrible Things My Cat Did to Me” — an exhibition by illustrator 'poshichi'.
Humorous and affectionate scenes from everyday life with cats.
Feb 14–Mar 8, 2026, Galerie GEEK/ART (Shibuya, Tokyo)
Admission: Free
“The Terrible Things My Cat Did to Me” — an exhibition by illustrator 'poshichi'.
Humorous and affectionate scenes from everyday life with cats.
Feb 14–Mar 8, 2026, Galerie GEEK/ART (Shibuya, Tokyo)
Admission: Free