UK arts events in Japan
Please note that, due to the rapidly changing COVID-19 coronavirus situation, all events are subject to cancellation or postponement. Please check event/organiser websites for the latest information.
Kenneth Macmillan’s Manon
One of Britain’s most defining ballets, Manon, by Sir Kenneth Macmillan, is based on Abbé Prévost’s 1731 novel Manon Lescaut. It follows the story of a young socialite who is caught between true love and her luxurious lifestyle. The ballet is notable for its complex and exciting choreography.
1-1-1 Honmachi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 151-0071
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Ryan Gander: The Markers of Our Time
After curating multiple exhibitions in Japan, British artist Ryan Gander is finally holding an exhibition of his own. Throughout the space, Gander’s work explores several themes such as time, values, education and the mundane, questioning why we take things for granted and approaching this with a sense of humour.
3-20-2 Nishi-shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 163-1403
THE GREATS: Masterpieces from the National Galleries of Scotland
Some of the greatest artistic treasures of Scotland have made their way to Tokyo. The National Galleries of Scotland is home to some of the finest collections of paintings from the renaissance to the late 19th century. Featuring works from many English painters, such as Thomas Gainsborough, William Blake, John Constable, and Scottish painters Sir Henry Raeburn, David Wilkie, and many more. In addition, the exhibition will be showing Diego Velázquez’s classic, An Old Woman Cooking Eggs, for the first time in Japan. To attend,
be sure to book tickets for your preferred date and time slot in advance. Please check the website for details.
8-36 Ueno Koen, Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-0007
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland
Based on the British author Lewis Carroll’s story, this ballet performance premiered at the Royal Ballet in London and was choreographed by British artist Christopher Wheeldon. The National Ballet of Japan is the only company in Asia that has been granted permission to perform this piece.
Banksy: Genius or Vandal?
This exhibition is celebrating the unknown artist referred to as Banksy. While most of his graffiti art is painted directly onto walls in public spaces, several individual collectors have collaborated to put together the world’s largest Banksy exhibition, with more than 70 original pieces, illustrations and 3D objects. Genius or Vandal? See for yourself!
Harry Potter: A History of Magic
An exhibition in the heart of Tokyo will be showcasing some of the fantastical subjects taught at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry from the iconic Harry Potter universe. The exhibition will contain some of the myths and legends that author J.K. Rowling drew inspiration from.
1-9-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0005
JR Tokyo Station Marunouchi North Exit
The Lion in Winter
Set in 1183, the story of The Lion in Winter depicts the life of King Henry II and a fierce battle between himself and other members of the British royal family. This theatre performance is directed by Shintaro Mori and has an all-Japanese cast!
1-8-1 Nishiikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 171-0021
Damien Hirst, Cherry Blossoms
Iconic contemporary British artist Damien Hirst is going to be presenting his cherry blossom paintings—done in his signature dot painting style—in Tokyo, just in time for hanami season!
Tokyo, 7-22-2 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-8558
The Bee
First shown in London in 2006, Hideki Noda and Colin Teevan adapted Yasutaka Tsutsui’s short story, The Bee, into an entertaining performance. The play features four actors who switch between the different roles and is now available for viewing in one of Tokyo’s famous theatres.
1-8-1 Nishi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo, 171-0021
Prince Hotels & Resorts British Fair 2021
For the third time, Prince Hotels & Resorts are hosting the British Fair. Multiple different events are being held across the 12 Prince Hotels throughout the metropolitan area, showcasing classically British food and drink products. The fair is sponsored by the British Embassy Tokyo, the British Chamber of Commerce in Japan, the Japan-British Society and the Japan Tourism Agency.
Mummies of Ancient Egypt: Rediscovering Six Lives
The National Museum of Nature and Science is holding a special exhibition, showing some of the fascinating ancient Egyptian artifacts that belong to the British Museum in London. Six mummies, research results and an introduction to the life and culture of that time will be on show.
Gilded catonnage mummy mask © The Trustees of the British Museum
7–20 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo 110–8718
QUEEN 50th Anniversary Exhibition
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the iconic British rock band Queen, an exhibition is being held in the Seibu Shibuya Modiva Hall. Unpublished photographs, valuable images, musical instruments and other valuable items will be on display, all while Queen’s music echoes around the hall.
21-1 Udagawacho, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-8330
Eric Clapton Lockdown Sessions
During the pandemic Eric Clapton decided to gather Nathan East, Steve Gadd and Chris Stainton to film an acoustic live session, without an audience. A film of this performance will be shown at the Shinjuku Piccadilly cinema and other locations.
3-15-15 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-0022
How to Build a Girl
This is a 2019 coming-of-age comedy, starring Beanie Feldstein and directed by British director Coky Giedroyc. English journalist, author and broadcaster, Caitlin Moran wrote the screenplay, based on her 2014 novel of the same title.
Musashino Building 3F, 3-27-10 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-0022
Swan Lake
Opening for the 2021–22 season will be eight performances of the timeless masterpiece, Swan Lake. Performed by the dancers of the National Ballet of Japan, the production is choreographed and produced by the British ballet teacher, choreographer, director and former professional dancer, Sir Peter Wright CBE.
Photo: Takuya Uchiyama
1-1-1 Honmachi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, 151-0071
Discover BUNRAKU
Bunraku (traditional Japanese puppet theatre) was in 2003 inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The National Theatre is hosting a two-part Bunraku performance, with guidance in English. Part of the Japan Cultural Expo programme celebrating Japanese arts and culture, the Discover BUNRAKU programme will showcase the “Nozaki-mura” scene from Shinpan Utazaimon.
4-1 Hayabusacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 102-8656