Latest News from Tokyo Weekender
Tokyo Weekender
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Tokyo Weekender
Everything You Need To Know About Tokyo Pride 2025
Get ready to paint the town rainbow for this year's Tokyo Pride. The event is expanding its programming in 2025 and shifting to June to align with the global Pride Month. That means more events, more visibility and more reasons to celebrate love and diversity in one of the world's most fascinating cities. From the iconic parade through Shibuya and Harajuku to intimate community gatherings, Tokyo Pride 2025 promises to be a joyful and important celebration of love and equality. List of Contents: Tokyo Rainbow Pride 2025: All the Essential Dates and Details Your Game Plan for the Festival and Parade Beyond TRP: Tokyo's LGBTQ+ Scene Related Posts Tokyo Rainbow Pride 2025: All the Essential Dates and Details Let's dive right in — when and where you need to be to catch all the rainbow magic. The Main Festival at Yoyogi Park (June 7-8) The heart of Tokyo Rainbow Pride 2025 beats at Yoyogi Park, where the main Pride Festival takes over the Event Plaza and Outdoor Stage, running from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on June 7 and 8. It's completely free. There will be diverse crowds, live performances, food stalls and booths representing organizations from across Japan's LGBTQ+ spectrum. The Pride Parade (June 8) Sunday, June 8 is when the real magic happens. The Pride Parade kicks off at around 12 p.m., following the classic Shibuya to Harajuku route that transforms Tokyo's busiest districts into a rainbow river of celebration. You don't need any registration or special permission to join the parade. Just show up at the designated waiting area at Yoyogi Park's tree-lined path, and you're officially part of the rainbow festivities. Youth Pride and Other Events Youth Pride takes over at With Harajuku Hall on June 14 and 15, creating a festival-style event that is specifically designed for younger generations. Art lovers, mark your calendars for the Queer Art Exhibition running between June 6 and 18 at Tokyu Plaza Harajuku. Located on the third floor of Baby The Coffee Brew Club, this free exhibition showcases the incredible creativity within Tokyo's LGBTQ+ community. For those interested in the serious side of progress, the Human Rights Conference on June 22 will tackle legal frameworks, intersectionality and diverse perspectives on LGBTQ+ rights. Registration is required, but attendance is free. If you're ready to party into the night, Pride Night at Aisotope Lounge in Shinjuku Ni-chome on June 8 (6 p.m. to midnight) offers the perfect after-parade celebration — though this one does require a ticket. Your Game Plan for the Festival and Parade Getting to Yoyogi Park Yoyogi Park is quite accessible, which is great news when you're running late in characteristically gay fashion. The park sits just three minutes from Harajuku Station if you're taking the JR Yamanote Line, or three minutes from either Yoyogi-koen Station or Meiji-jingumae Station (Harajuku) if you prefer the subway lines (Chiyoda or Fukutoshin). When in doubt, just follow the crowds donning colorful gear. What To Expect When You Arrive Tokyo Rainbow Pride has mastered the art of organized fun. Expect a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere where respect and celebration go hand in hand. The festival area buzzes with energy, but it never feels overwhelming. Pro Tips for the Event Dress comfortably : Tokyo in June can be warm and humid, so breathable fabrics are your friend. Hydration is key : Bring water and snacks, because parade energy burns calories. Sun protection : Bring a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, a rainbow parasol and your gayest snap fan. Respect boundaries : Photography is welcome, but always ask before taking someone's picture. Pack light : A small bag with essentials is perfect; you'll be doing a lot of walking and celebrating. This is a 'rain or shine' event, though extreme weather might lead to cancellations. Beyond TRP: Tokyo's LGBTQ+ Scene Shinjuku Nichome: Your After-Party Headquarters Once the official festivities wind down, Tokyo's legendary gay district, Shinjuku Nichome, becomes the unofficial after-party headquarters. This compact area packs an incredible number of bars, clubs and social spaces into just a few blocks. It's intimate, friendly, and has been the heart of Tokyo's LGBTQ+ nightlife for decades. LGBTQ+ Friendly Spots Around the City There's a lot more to Tokyo's queer scene beyond Nichome. Black Bird Eatery is an intimate, international café and bar that will be holding events throughout Pride Month. Many international hotel chains have also made commitments to inclusive service, making Tokyo an increasingly welcoming destination for LGBTQ+ travelers. Community Resources and Support Organizations like Stonewall Japan, Pride House Tokyo and TELL (Tokyo English Lifeline) provide ongoing support for Tokyo's LGBTQ+ community. These groups offer everything from social events to mental health resources, proving that Tokyo's Pride celebration is just one part of a year-round commitment to inclusion. Tokyo Rainbow Pride 2025 isn't just an event — it's a celebration of community and an ongoing fight for progress. Whether you're there to march, observe, learn or simply soak up the fantastically gay vibes, you're contributing to something bigger than yourself. So mark your calendar, get out your most colorful clothes and get ready for what promises to be an unforgettable celebration of love and acceptance. Related Posts Visit Japan: Tips for LGBTQ Travelers 7 LGBTQ Authors From Japan Shiba and Koji: The Japanese Dads Sharing Their Love Story With the World
Tokyo Weekender
2 days ago
- Tokyo Weekender
What To Do in Kyoto on a Rainy Day
If you're traveling to Japan during the rainy season, checking the weather app can be mildly upsetting — popular areas like Kyoto and Tokyo may display a continuous streak of drizzly cloud icons. But a little rain in Kyoto can actually be a blessing in disguise, offering a unique opportunity to delve deeper into the city's rich culture and hidden gems, away from the usual crowds. From ancient temples to hands-on traditional crafts, Kyoto has a plethora of captivating indoor activities. Here are a few. List of Contents: Explore World-Class Museums Engage in Traditional Japanese Experiences Indoor Shopping and Culinary Gems Temples and Shrines with Indoor Appeal Practical Tips for a Rainy Day in Kyoto Related Posts Explore World-Class Museums As the nation's cultural capital, Kyoto is home to some of Japan's most impressive museums and art galleries. From the vast collection of Japanese art in Kyoto National Museum to the treasure troves at the Kyoto International Manga Museum, there is no shortage of wonders to admire indoors. Below are some great options: Kyoto National Museum One of Japan's most well-known museums, Kyoto National Museum showcases traditional Japanese art and artifacts across various eras. Its vast collections provide an excellent overview of the nation's artistic heritage. Boasting an extensive collection of over 12,000 items, including sculptures, paintings, calligraphy, pottery, fabrics, lacquerware, metalworks and archaeology, the museum is a must-visit landmark. Kyoto City Kyocera Museum of Art Opened in 1933 and recently renovated, Kyocera Museum is a landmark for modern and contemporary art in Kyoto. It houses a diverse collection of around 4,400 pieces of Kyoto art from various eras and genres, including Japanese paintings, Western paintings, sculptures, prints, crafts and calligraphy. Its new wing, Higashiyama Cube, focuses on contemporary art. The museum is known for its excellently curated special exhibitions. Fukuda Art Museum Perfect for those visiting Arashiyama, Fukuda Art Museum offers picturesque views of the river and a more peaceful atmosphere than some of Kyoto's larger museums. It boasts a collection of approximately 2,000 works by Japanese painters from the Edo period to the modern era, including rare pieces. Kyoto International Manga Museum Housed in a former elementary school, this museum is a must-visit for manga enthusiasts. It features a vast collection of over 300,000 manga volumes (many available for reading), exhibits on the history and evolution of manga, interactive experiences and even opportunities to get a personalized portrait drawn by a manga artist. Kyoto Railway Museum Perfect for train lovers of all ages, this museum delves into Japan's railway history with interactive exhibits and impressive train displays, including steam locomotives and bullet trains. Raku Museum Dedicated to the esteemed Raku family of potters, this museum provides a deep dive into their unique style of tea ceremony ceramics, which have been produced since the 16th century. It features an impressive collection of handmade Raku ceramics and seasonal exhibitions. Engage in Traditional Japanese Experiences Tea Ceremony A quintessential Kyoto experience, traditional tea ceremonies provide people with the opportunity to learn the art of matcha preparation and appreciate Japanese hospitality in a serene indoor setting. Many tea houses, like those in Kiyomizu, offer English-friendly sessions, some even with kimono rental options. Traditional Crafts Workshops Get hands-on with Kyoto's heritage. Options include: Pottery workshops , such as making Kyo-yaki. Wagashi-making classes using ingredients like red bean paste, rice flour and agar. Origami and calligraphy classes with easy steps and guidance. Woodblock printing ( Karakami ) , which involves carving an image in reverse onto a wooden block, inking it and then pressing it onto paper or fabric. The Samurai Ninja Museum with Experience: Located near Nishiki Market, this interactive museum offers insights into Japan's warrior culture with engaging exhibits and opportunities to try ninja tools or samurai sword performances. Cooking classes: From sushi and ramen to bento boxes and traditional Kyoto dishes, you can learn to recreate your favorite Japanese flavors. Many classes also include a trip to Nishiki Market for ingredient sourcing. Nishiki Market Indoor Shopping and Culinary Gems Rainy days are perfect for exploring Kyoto's vibrant covered shopping arcades and cozy cafés, offering a chance to discover souvenirs and local flavors. Browse Shopping Arcades Nishiki Market (Kyoto's Kitchen): While often bustling, the majority of Nishiki Market is covered, making it an ideal rainy-day destination. Explore over 100 stalls selling fresh produce, seafood, traditional Kyoto delicacies and souvenirs. Teramachi and Shinkyogoku Shopping Streets : These two interconnected, covered shopping arcades run parallel to each other and offer a fantastic mix of traditional and modern shops. You'll find everything from clothing, cosmetics and souvenirs to quirky anime goods and delicious street food. They're also home to several small temples and shrines. Department Stores : For a more modern shopping experience, Kyoto's department stores offer multiple floors of fashion, homewares and exquisite food halls that are a feast for the senses. Cozy Cafés Cafés with a View : Seek out cafés that offer serene garden views, even on a rainy day. Many traditional machiya (townhouses) have been converted into charming cafés with inner courtyards. Nittodo Kyoto Cafe and Inoda Coffee are some beautiful options. Local Coffee Shops : Kyoto has a thriving coffee scene. Check out places like Weekenders Coffee or Walden Woods Kyoto for a relaxing brew. Kenninji Temple Temples and Shrines with Indoor Appeal While many temples are known for their outdoor gardens, several in Kyoto offer significant indoor areas for contemplation, art appreciation, or to simply to enjoy the tranquil atmosphere. The Thousand-Armed Kannon at Sanjusangen-do. Sanjusangendo Temple An impressive temple that is home to 1,001 life-sized statues of Kannon, all housed in a magnificent wooden hall. Kenninji Temple Located in Gion, Kyoto's oldest Zen temple offers beautiful dry gardens visible from inside its main halls. You can also experience sutra copying or zazen meditation here. Higashi Honganji Temple This vast temple complex near Kyoto Station features immense halls that provide a peaceful and uncrowded indoor experience. Tofukuji Temple Known for its stunning autumn foliage, Tofukuji also has impressive indoor areas, including its main hall and various sub-temples, offering serene spaces for reflection. Nijo Castle While the castle grounds are outdoors, the Ninomaru Palace offers a fantastic indoor exploration with ornate sliding doors, 'nightingale floors,' which chirp to warn of intruders, and historical exhibits. Practical Tips for a Rainy Day in Kyoto Wear Appropriate Footwear Comfortable, waterproof shoes are recommended. Carry an Umbrella While most accommodations offer umbrellas, having your own is convenient. You can also purchase affordable umbrellas at convenience stores, or purchase one of Japan's famously high-quality and quirky designs. Consider Public Transportation Buses and subways are excellent for navigating Kyoto on a rainy day, keeping you dry between destinations. Embrace the Atmosphere Rain can add a slower-paced beauty to Kyoto's sights, especially around temples and gardens, highlighting the lush greens and damp stone. Check Opening Hours Always verify the operating hours of attractions, as some may have reduced hours or specific closing days. Related Posts Alternative, Less Crowded Temples and Shrines in Kyoto Rainy Season Style: How To Stay Both Dry and Fashionable During Tsuyu The Best Indoor Things To Do in Tokyo When It's Raining
Tokyo Weekender
2 days ago
- Politics
- Tokyo Weekender
Japan Attempts To Ban Outlandish Kirakira Baby Names
In this week's news roundup we report on the revised Family Registry Act, which is cracking down on kirakira names. Japanese universities consider accepting foreign students from Harvard. An ANA flight is forced to make an emergency landing after a man tries to open the exit doors midair. Onosato is promoted to the highest rank of yokozuna. And Shohei Ohtani inches closer to a pitching return. List of Contents: Japanese Government Revises Law on Kirakira Names Japanese Universities Consider Accepting Foreign Students From Harvard ANA Flight Makes Emergency Landing After Man Tries To Open Exit Doors Midair Onosato Promoted to the Highest Rank of Yokozuna Ohtani Hits 20th Homer, Return to the Mound Expected After All-Star Break Related Posts Japanese Government Revises Law on Kirakira Names On Monday, the Family Register Act was revised in Japan in an attempt to crackdown on so-called kirakira (sparkly) names, such as Pikachu. It means parents in Japan will no longer be free to choose whatever name they like for their child. Now, if the pronunciation of their baby's name clearly deviates from convention, they'll be asked to spell it out in katakana during the registration process. Local officials then have the power to reject that name if the phonetic sound doesn't match how its characters are typically pronounced. Around 3,000 or so kanji characters are permitted by the revised law, but they must be pronounced clearly and in accordance with tradition. Names considered too disconnected from the characters used will be banned. The reason, according to the government, is that they can cause confusion in schools, hospitals and other public institutions. It's also believed that children with kirkira names could face harassment. The rise in kirkira names towards the end of the 20th century was seen as part of a larger shift towards individualism in Japanese society. Japanese Universities Consider Accepting Foreign Students From Harvard On Tuesday, Japan's education ministry called on universities nationwide to consider accepting or supporting students who may no longer be able to study in the United States. The move comes after the US government announced that it planned to revoke Harvard University's ability to enroll foreign students. District Judge Allison Burroughs issued a restraining order last Friday, temporarily blocking the measure after Harvard filed a lawsuit. Yesterday, a federal judge extended that order. While these rulings have been welcomed by international students, they remain in limbo. On Monday, the University of Tokyo said it would consider temporarily accepting international students from Harvard University if they were forced to leave. Kyoto University said likewise the following day. Other universities, such as the University of Osaka, Tohoku University, Waseda University and Hokkaido University are believed to be considering the possibility of receiving those students. According to education minister Toshiko Abe, the Japan Student Services Organization will soon release details of the support measures provided by each participating university to assist Harvard students if they are displaced. ANA Flight Makes Emergency Landing After Man Tries To Open Exit Doors Midair An All Nippon Airways (ANA) flight headed to Texas from Tokyo was forced to make an emergency landing at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on Saturday after a male passenger attempted to open two exit doors during the flight. According to the police, the man, who has not been identified , was 'having a medical crisis.' He was restrained by the crew and passengers before being taken to hospital for medical evaluation after the plane landed. It's currently unclear whether he'll face any charges. The plane — a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner — departed Tokyo at approximately 10:30 a.m. local time on May 24, bound for George Bush Intercontinental Airport. Following the disturbance, it landed at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport at approximately 4 a.m. The plane reached its destination in Houston, Texas, at 12:40 p.m., four hours after its scheduled arrival time. 'The safety of our passengers and crew is our top priority, and we applaud the efforts of local law enforcement for their support,' ANA said in a statement. Onosato Promoted to the Highest Rank of Yokozuna Onosato was promoted to the highest rank of yokozuna on Wednesday following his Summer Grand Sumo Tournament triumph. The 24-year-old Ishikawa Prefecture native achieved the feat after just 13 professional tournaments, making him the fastest to attain the exalted rank in the modern era. The previous record was held by fellow Ishikawa Prefecture native Wajima, who secured promotion after his 21st meet in 1973. Onosato , whose birth name is Daiki Nakamura, is the first Japanese-born sumo wrestler to become grand champion since 2017. The only other Japanese-born competitor promoted to the top rank of the sport this century was his stablemaster Nishonoseki , who wrestled as Kisenosato . He retired in 2019. Since Asashoryu's ascent to the highest rank 22 years ago, sumo has been dominated by Mongolian wrestlers, with six of the last eight yokozuna hailing from the world's second-largest landlocked country. The rise of Onosato, though, could mark a new era in the sport. A remarkable talent, he is the first wrestler to turn yokozuna without a single losing record. Ohtani Hits 20th Homer, Return to the Mound Expected After All-Star Break On Tuesday night, Shohei Ohtani became only the third Los Angeles Dodgers player in history to hit 20 homers within the team's first 55 games. The fastest he had reached that number before was in 70 matches. What's even more exciting for fans of the franchise is that the two-way superstar may soon be ready for a return to the mound. In a simulated game before the Dodgers' matchup with the New York Mets on Sunday, Ohtani threw 22 pitches to five batters. 'He looks good,' said pitching coach Mark Prior. 'He looked healthy. That's always the main thing with facing hitters. That he feels confident, his endurance is good, he maintained his stuff.' According to coach Dave Roberts, Ohtani is unlikely to return to the mound until after the All-Star break. 'He's doing his first simulated game for two innings, and, in theory, you got to build a starter up to five, six innings,' said Roberts. 'And so just the natural progression, I just don't see it being before that.' Related Posts Number of Foreign Visitors to Japan Hits Yet Another Record High British Couple in Shorts and T-Shirt Rescued From 'Ghost of Yotei' Mountain Actors Kei Tanaka and Mei Nagano Deny Affair Rumors Following Private Messages Leak
Tokyo Weekender
3 days ago
- Politics
- Tokyo Weekender
Japanese Universities Consider Accepting Foreign Students From Harvard
On Tuesday, Japan's education ministry called on universities nationwide to consider accepting or supporting students who may no longer be able to study in the United States. The move comes after the US government announced that it planned to revoke Harvard University's ability to enroll foreign students. District Judge Allison Burroughs issued a restraining order last Friday, temporarily blocking the measure after Harvard filed a lawsuit. While the ruling was welcomed by international students, they remain in limbo. The next hearing will take place in Boston later today. Japanese Universities To Support International Students at Harvard On Monday, the University of Tokyo said it would consider temporarily accepting international students from Harvard University if they were forced to leave. Kyoto University said likewise the following day. Other universities, such as the University of Osaka, Tohoku University, Waseda University and Hokkaido University are believed to be considering the possibility of receiving those students. According to education minister Toshiko Abe, the Japan Student Services Organization will soon release details of the support measures provided by each participating university to assist Harvard students who could be displaced. 'We've been hearing growing concerns from Japanese students in the United States as well as those planning to study there,' said Abe at Tuesday's press conference. 'We will continue to monitor the situation closely and do everything we can to ensure that these eager, talented young people can continue their studies.' A support hotline has also been set up. There are currently 110 Japanese students, and 150 researchers enrolled at Harvard. If Judge Burroughs' decision is overturned, they could be forced out of the private Ivy League university. Trump vs. Harvard Claiming that Harvard has failed to stamp out antisemitism on campus, the Trump administration froze more than $2 billion in research grants and $60 million in contracts to the university in April. It also intends to revoke its tax-exempt status and, earlier this week, urged government agencies to cancel roughly $100 million in remaining federal contracts with Harvard. According to The New York Times , a letter was sent to agencies, asking them to report back on the progress of their reviews by June 6. Related Posts Japan Reacts to Trump's Tariff Pause Trump Meets Akie Abe, Says Meeting With Ishiba Possible Before Inauguration Japan Reacts to Trump and Zelenskyy's Heated Exchange
Tokyo Weekender
3 days ago
- Sport
- Tokyo Weekender
Introducing Onosato: Japan's Record-Breaking Yokozuna Grand Champion
Onosato was promoted to the highest rank of yokozuna on Wednesday following his Summer Grand Sumo Tournament triumph. The 24-year-old Ishikawa Prefecture native achieved the feat after just 13 professional tournaments, making him the fastest to attain the exalted rank in the modern era. The previous record was held by fellow Ishikawa Prefecture native Wajima, who secured promotion after his 21st meet in 1973. Onosato, whose birth name is Daiki Nakamura, is the first Japanese-born sumo wrestler to become grand champion since 2017. List of Contents: A New Era in Sumo The Rise of Onosato Related Posts A New Era in Sumo The only other Japanese-born competitor promoted to the top rank of the sport this century was his stablemaster Nishonoseki, who wrestled as Kisenosato. He retired in 2019. Since Asashoryu's ascent to the highest rank 22 years ago, sumo has been dominated by Mongolian wrestlers, with six of the last eight yokozuna hailing from the world's second-largest landlocked country. The rise of Onosato, though, could mark a new era in the sport. A remarkable talent, he is the first wrestler to turn yokozuna without a single losing record. 'I'll devote myself to training in order not to bring the rank of yokozuna into disrepute, and aim for a one-of-a-kind yokozuna,' said Onosato during his promotion ceremony at his Nishonoseki stable in Ami, Ibaraki Prefecture. Nishonoseki added, 'I hope he leads by example and lifts the entire world of sumo. It's important to be strong, but I hope he becomes a role model for other wrestlers. I hope he wrestles while being aware (of a yokozuna's responsibilities).' The Rise of Onosato Described as 'the most eagerly awaited prospect to come out of collegiate sumo in decades,' Onosato only became a professional in May 2023 after graduating from Nippon Sport Science University. Speaking about the wrestler's potential, his former coach at Niigata's Kaiyo High School said , 'It may be presumptuous to call him the Shohei Otani of sumo, but I have high hopes for him to become a 'monster of a new era.'' So far, he has lived up to the hype. Beginning as a pro in the third-tier makushita division, Onosato won the Emperor's Cup in his seventh tournament, the fastest since the championship system was established more than a century ago. He secured his fourth career championship last Friday with two days to spare in the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament. Going into the final day, he had a perfect 14-0 record. Hoshoryu , however, spoiled his bid to finish the tournament undefeated. The Mongolian is, of course, sumo's only other current yokozuna. He was promoted in January. The last two wrestlers promoted to yokozuna in the same year were Hokutoumi and Onokuni in 1987. It's hoped that the sport's latest rivalry will become one for the ages. Hoshoryu currently has the upper hand, with six wins in eight career bouts between the pair. They will meet as yokozuna for the first time at the IG Arena in Nagoya in July. Onosato will be hoping to claim his third successive title this year, while Hoshoryu will be aiming for his third career championship. Related Posts The Greatest Sumo Rivalries of All Time | List of 7 London To Host First Overseas Sumo Tournament in 20 Years A Guide to Sumo in Tokyo
