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Tokyo Pride 2025
Tokyo Pride 2025

Metropolis Japan

time12 hours ago

  • Entertainment
  • Metropolis Japan

Tokyo Pride 2025

Experience the vibrant celebration of love, diversity, and inclusion at Tokyo Pride 2025, formerly known as Tokyo Rainbow Pride. This year's event marks a significant shift, aligning with global Pride Month in June and introducing a new name to reflect its broader scope. The theme for 2025 is 'Same Life, Same Rights', emphasizing equality and human rights for all. Pride Festival: Held on June 7–8 from 11am to 6pm at Yoyogi Park Event Plaza, the festival features booths from LGBTQ+ organizations, businesses, and food vendors, along with live performances on the Pride Stage. Pride Parade: Join the march on June 8, starting at 12pm, as participants walk a 3km route through Shibuya and Harajuku, advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and visibility. Pre-registration is required for participants. Pride Night: Celebrate the culmination of the weekend on June 8 from 6pm to midnight at AISOTOPE LOUNGE, featuring music and performances. This is a ticketed event. Youth Pride: Aimed at younger generations, this festival-style event takes place on June 14–15 at WITH HARAJUKU HALL, offering resources and networking opportunities. Queer Art Exhibition: From June 6–18, visit the exhibition at Tokyu Plaza Harajuku 'HaraKado' 3F, showcasing diverse artistic expressions from the LGBTQ+ community. Human Rights Conference: Engage in discussions on critical human rights issues on June 22. Details on the venue and schedule will be announced on the official website. Yoyogi Park Event Plaza ￥Most events are free and open to the public. However, some events, like Pride Night, require tickets.

Minobu Travel Guide
Minobu Travel Guide

Metropolis Japan

time21 hours ago

  • Entertainment
  • Metropolis Japan

Minobu Travel Guide

Would you try blue cheese and port kaikigori? A Kyoto hotel that makes traveling with kids easier (and more fun!) Check out our handpicked list of Tokyo festivals happening this month A look into life in Japan as a woman 'The Fabric of Macao' Wows Guests in Tokyo A one-stop beauty and anti-aging salon Check out the designs of Japan's new generation of banknotes A glimpse into Shibuya's artistic and culinary past, present and future

Will There Be a Giant Natural Disaster in Japan This July?
Will There Be a Giant Natural Disaster in Japan This July?

Metropolis Japan

time21 hours ago

  • Entertainment
  • Metropolis Japan

Will There Be a Giant Natural Disaster in Japan This July?

Image is for illustration purposes only. Travelers from across Asia are canceling trips to Japan after a comic book by manga-profit Ryo Tatsuki warned of a natural disaster in July 2025. Tatsuki predicts a massive tsunami will strike in early July—and her track record has people spooked. She previously 'predicted' both the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami and the outbreak of a pandemic in April 2020, years before either occurred. In 2021, manga artist Ryo Tatsuki had a disturbing dream. She watched from above as the ocean floor between Japan and the Philippines cracked open and rose to the surface, sending massive waves to Japan. She says she saw text flash across a black screen, movie-style. 'The real catastrophe will come on July 5, 2025.' Tatsuki's cult-favorite comic series, The Future I Saw was published in 1999, chronicling her prophetic dreams. Some of her predictions had already occurred at the time of publishing, like the death of Freddie Mercury and the 1995 Kobe Earthquake. However, the manga truly built a following after she accurately predicted the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake. Her fame surged again in 2020 when fans noticed that the manga had also included a reference to a global pandemic that would begin in April 2020. Cover of The Future I Saw by Ryo Tatsuki (1999 version) The cover reads: 'Great disaster in March 2011' (published 1999) With each event that seemed to line up with her dreams, her reputation grew. Social media creators and news outlets began referring to her as 'Japan's Baba Vanga,' likening her to the Bulgarian mystic known for her apocalyptic predictions. The comic was also recently re-released as The Future I Saw: The Complete Version . The edition has already sold over 700,000 copies in Japan alone. It compiles her original dreams alongside her most chilling one yet: her vision of a giant tsunami hitting Japan in July 2025. The implication is clear: she was right before, so what if she's right again? View this post on Instagram A post shared by STEVEN W. (@allstarsteven) And while it's easy to laugh it off, these kinds of stories strike a chord. Earthquakes in Japan aren't hypothetical. Everyone here has a memory of a big one. Everyone has a go-bag packed. So when a manga taps into that fear, it doesn't take much for it to go viral. Travel agencies across Asia are reporting a surprising drop in bookings to Japan, and they're pointing fingers at the comic. The steepest drops are coming from Hong Kong, Taiwan and South Korea—the places where the prediction seems to have caught the most attention. According to The Guardian, citing Bloomberg Intelligence and ForwardKeys data, average bookings from Hong Kong are down 50% compared to last year. And for late June to early July, right when the so-called disaster is supposed to hit, bookings have fallen by as much as 83%. Meanwhile, Greater Bay Airlines and Hong Kong Airlines are cutting down on their Japan-bound flights. Of course, Japan's Meteorological Agency has made it clear: there's no scientific way to predict an earthquake this far in advance. In fact, there's still no reliable method to predict one, even a few minutes before it strikes. Tatsuya Honjo, head of the Association for Skeptical Investigation of the Supernatural (ASIOS), has publicly pushed back on Tatsuki's reputation as a seer. He points out that many of her earlier predictions never came true—and that her correct ones could just be lucky guesses. The cover of her first manga even listed dates like July 2, 1994 and November 26, 1995, which passed without incident. Even Tatsuki herself admits to Bunshun Online in an interview, 'To be honest, I can't say for sure what this dream really meant. I've always been the type who wants to understand the cause behind things, so I don't feel entirely convinced myself. That said, after what happened with the Great East Japan Earthquake, I also can't say with 100% certainty that something won't happen.' As Honjo comments, when a prediction appears to align with a real event—like March 11, 2011—people remember that one, not the duds. You could argue this story went viral because it hit a generation raised on earthquakes, media sensationalism and social media anxiety. This image is for illustration purposes only. But also, it's just a good story. It has suspense, visuals and a message of redemption—because in her dreams, the disaster isn't the end. According to Tatsuki, the world changes after July 2025. In a dream she had on January 1, 2001, she saw a bright future where people cooperate and connect more deeply. An 'age of mind,' she calls it. If that sounds like new-age fluff, you're not wrong. But in an era when hope feels harder to come by, it's part of the appeal. Short answer: There's no scientific research to say that you should. Japan remains one of the safest countries in the world to visit, with a robust disaster-response system and some of the most earthquake-resistant architecture globally. Japan's natural disaster experts and scientists have warned of no particular event to watch out for in July. If you're planning a trip, at any time, the best thing you can always do is prepare well. We've put together a few guides to help. Start with Earthquake and Tsunami Preparedness in Tokyo: Evacuation Tips and Access Guides. And if you're packing, don't miss our Emergency Evacuation Backpack List for a quick, practical checklist. For the ultimate learning experience, try an earthquake simulator at on of Tokyo's disaster prevention centers. Canceling your trip based on a dream from a manga artist? That's a personal choice. But it's not one yet backed by science. Still, stories like this remind us just how powerful fiction can be—not only to entertain but to influence behavior, reshape perception and create real-world consequences. Even in the age of data and digital alerts, it turns out we're still deeply superstitious creatures.

How To Get The Artist Visa in Japan: What It Is and How to Qualify
How To Get The Artist Visa in Japan: What It Is and How to Qualify

Metropolis Japan

time21 hours ago

  • Entertainment
  • Metropolis Japan

How To Get The Artist Visa in Japan: What It Is and How to Qualify

For creatives dreaming of living and working in Japan, the Artist (geijutsuka, 芸術ビザ ) visa offers a specialized but difficult pathway in. Whether you're a painter, writer, musician, composer, filmmaker or performing artist, this visa is designed specifically for those whose primary activity in Japan is artistic expression. But there's a catch—it's one of the rarest visas Japan grants. In fact, an immigration lawyer explained that fewer than 300 artist visas are issued each year on average. They're tough. But they are possible. So, how can you get one? Here's everything you need to know about how to get an artist visa in Japan. You might also be interested in How to Get Permanent Residency in Japan in Two Years . The artist visa is a special category under Japan's immigration law that allows foreign nationals to stay and create art, perform, or pursue creative work without being tied to a traditional employer in a full-time job, and without needing to have a Japanese spouse or student visa. It covers a wide range of disciplines: Fine arts (painting, sculpture, photography, calligraphy, etc) Literary arts (writing, poetry, journalism) Music and performing arts (dance, composition, instrumentalists, musicians, etc) Other creative fields (manga, illustration, etc) But, unlike a 'Working Visa', this one involves proving that your art is more than just a hobby—it must be your profession, you must earn your entire income through it, and it must be financially sustainable in Japan. According to data from Japan's Immigration Services Agency, only around 250 to 350 Artist Visas are issued annually—a tiny fraction compared to other visa categories like 'Engineer/Specialist in Humanities' or 'Instructor.' There are several reasons for this: Japan prioritizes work visas with more direct economic contributions. There's no employer sponsor, so applicants must demonstrate independent income. Visa officers require detailed proof of past work and future plans. It's hard to predict artistic income with certainty, making it riskier in immigration terms. To be approved for an Artist Visa, applicants must meet all of the following general conditions: You'll need to show substantial evidence of your professional career, ideally connected to Japan. This may include: A strong portfolio of work Evidence of exhibitions, publications, performances, or awards Articles or reviews in large-scale and reputable media A record of commercial or commissioned work You must outline what kind of creative activity you'll pursue in Japan. This includes: A detailed schedule (e.g., exhibitions, concerts, book launches) Contracts, invoices or letters of invitation from Japanese collaborators, galleries, or publishers Explanation of how your work contributes to Japanese culture or society Unlike some other visas, this one doesn't require a company sponsor—but it does require you to show how you'll support yourself. Immigration will usually expect: Documentation of savings Proof of income from past and future projects Potential contracts, grants, or royalties A guarantor As a general rule, you'll need to show your projected income is enough to live in Japan—usually at least ¥200,000–¥250,000/month. Artist Visas are typically issued for 6 months, 1 year, or 3 years. Renewal is possible, but only if you continue to meet the requirements and show activity in your field. Many artists use the first year to build relationships and prove their value to the local arts community. Networking will be important for this visa if you wish to renew it in the future. It's highly recommended to use a specialzied lawyer for this application so that you know you have all the necessary documentation in order, and so that you can present yourself professionally to the immigration office. Since this visa is tough to get, you don't want to risk making mistakes. Since the Artist Visa in Japan is so rare, I recommend you find a lawyer who specializes in this specifically. If you can't, at least choose a reputable immigration specialist lawyer. Consult with them first and bring all the timeline and documentation you currently have, so that they can assess whether they think you are a viable candidate. If you don't feel fairly confident that you will qualify for the visa, take their feedback and work on your professional development. Reattempt the application once you have the correct credentials and background, as per their consultation. Gather Documentation Portfolio and work history Contracts, invoices, letters of intent, and financial records Passport and completed visa application forms Guarantor signature Apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) Submit to the local immigration bureau in Japan (either in person or through a representative like your lawyer) COE processing time: about 1–3 months (varies depending on influx and backlog of applications) Apply for the Visa at Your Local Embassy After receiving your COE, you'll need to submit it with your passport to your nearest Japanese consulate or embassy abroad. Enter Japan / Register You'll receive your residence card and must register your address at the local city office within 14 days. Speak Japanese if possible. While not required, basic Japanese helps with networking, finding gigs, handling the immigration office communications, working with your lawyer, and navigating bureaucracy. While not required, basic Japanese helps with networking, finding gigs, handling the immigration office communications, working with your lawyer, and navigating bureaucracy. Build a network in Japan. Support from local contacts like galleries, venues, or patrons increases your credibility. Support from local contacts like galleries, venues, or patrons increases your credibility. Consider applying from within Japan. Some artists come first on a tourist visa, working holiday visa or work visa, establish connections, and then apply for the Artist Visa with local backing. If your goal is to build a creative career in Japan, the Artist Visa can be an incredibly rewarding path—but it's not easy. Immigration officials take a hard look at your track record and financial plans. However, for those who qualify, this rare visa can open the door to Japan's vibrant artistic scene and a deeper connection with its culture. Do your research, take your work seriously, and work with a reputable lawyer to minimize risk. *Please note that none of this article is intended to be legal advice. Please consult with a lawyer and refer to the Immigration Bureau for up-to-date and accurate information.

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