Blue Impulse Planes Fly over Osaka-Kansai Expo Site; Halfway Point of Event Reached
The event, which lasted for about 15 minutes, was performed by Blue Impulse, the ASDF's aerobatic demonstration team. The show was initially scheduled for April 13, the opening day of the Expo, but canceled due to bad weather.
Sunday marked three months since the opening of the Expo and the halfway point of the six-month event, which is taking place on the artificial island in Osaka Bay.
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a day ago
Timeline for July 2025
Roadside land prices, which are used for calculating inheritance and gift taxes, rise 2.7% on average, increasing for the fourth consecutive year. One of the factors is the rise in demand for housing and hotels for international visitors in urban areas and resorts. 3 An earthquake of level 6 lower on the seismic intensity scale is recorded on Akusekijima in the Tokara Islands, Kagoshima Prefecture. More than 1,000 tremors with a seismic intensity of 1 or more are recorded from June 21 to July 3. On July 4, voluntary evacuations from the islands begin. The Night of Baba Yaga , translated from Ōtani Akira's Baba Yaga no yoru by Sam Bett, wins Britain's CWA International Dagger for translated crime fiction, becoming the first Japanese book to receive the award. 6 Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako arrive in Mongolia for a visit lasting until July 13. During their stay, they attend the opening ceremony of the Naadam traditional sports festival. Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako, and Mongolian President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh on their way to watch the horse race event at the Naadam sports festival on July 12, 2025. (© Jiji) 9 The Ground Self-Defense Force begins relocation of its Osprey transport aircraft to Saga Prefecture as part of moves to strengthen defense of Japan's Nansei islands, including Okinawa. 10 The National Police Agency announces tightened rules for converting driving licenses issued abroad into Japanese documents. The test drivers must pass to receive a Japanese license will be made more difficult, with 50 questions rather than the current 10, with a requirement to answer 90% correctly. 11 Japan and China begin negotiations on the resumption of exports of Japanese beef to China, which were suspended in 2001 due to an outbreak of BSE. 12 The Air SDF Blue Impulse team performs an acrobatic display over the Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai venue on July 12 and 13. There have been more than 10 million visitors to the Expo since it opened in April. Spectators watch Blue Impulse aircraft perform in the skies over the Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai venue on July 12, 2025. (© Jiji) 14 Tsuruho Yōsuke of the Liberal Democratic Party resigns as chair of the House of Councillors Budget Committee after a comment during a campaign speech on July 8 that it was 'lucky' that there had been an earthquake in the Noto Peninsula. 15 Nissan announces that it will end vehicle production at its Oppama plant in Yokosuka, Kanagawa, at the end of fiscal 2027 and at the Shōnan plant of its subsidiary Nissan Shatai in Hiratsuka, Kanagawa, at the end of fiscal 2026. 16 A Japanese employee of Astellas Pharma, who was detained by Chinese authorities on suspicion of espionage, is sentenced to three years and six months in prison. It is announced that there are no winners for either the Akutagawa Prize or Naoki Prize. This is the sixth time for this situation to occur and the first for 27 years. Canadian convenience store giant Alimentation Couche-Tard announces the withdrawal of its takeover offer for Seven & I Holdings. 18 The Kanazawa branch of Nagoya High Court acquits Maekawa Shōji in a retrial concerning the murder of a junior high school girl in Fukui in 1986, stating that the witness testimony was not reliable. Previously, Maekawa was convicted and he was serving a prison sentence. Maekawa Shōji smiles at a press conference following the retrial in which he was found not guilty. (© Jiji) 20 The ruling coalition of the LDP and Kōmeitō wins just 47 seats in the House of Councillors election, falling short of the 50 it needs to maintain a majority. The coalition is now a minority in both lower and upper houses. Smaller parties the Democratic Party for the People and Sanseitō make notable gains. 21 Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru states his intention to continue as LDP president and prime minister, citing the need to take responsibility as the leader of the largest party to prevent political paralysis. He reiterates his intention at a meeting of LDP lawmakers on July 28, despite calls for him to step down. 22 Kansai Electric Power announces that it will restart geological surveys with the aim of building a next-generation reactor at its Mihama Nuclear Power Station in Fukui Prefecture. Tariff negotiations between Japan and the United States end in agreement. From August 1, the United States will impose 15% tariffs on Japanese imports (down from the previous announcement of 25%). Additional tariffs on automobiles and parts, which had been 25% from April, are halved; in combination with the base duty of 2.5%, they now amount to 15%. Japan promises to make a huge investment of ¥550 billion in the United States and to open up its automobile and rice markets. US President Donald Trump posts on social media about the tariff agreement with Japan. (© Jiji) 25 The Junglia Okinawa theme park opens in the north of Okinawa's main island. It stretches across 60 hectares, with extensive natural forest and 22 attractions. A dinosaur attraction at Junglia Okinawa. Photograph taken on July 22, 2025 (© Jiji) 29 Tokyo Electric Power Company announces that full-scale removal of melted nuclear fuel debris from the no. 3 reactor at its Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station will not begin until fiscal 2037 at the earliest. This may delay the completion of the plant's 2051 target for decommissioning, set together by the government and TEPCO. 30 Following an 8.7-magnitude earthquake off Kamchatka, Russia, the Japan Meteorological Agency issues tsunami warnings for the Pacific coast from Hokkaidō to the Kii Peninsula, as well as the Izu and Ogasawara Islands. The tsunamis are initially forecast to reach heights of up to 3 meters; a 1.3-meter tsunami is observed in Kuji, Iwate. There are major transport disruptions, including long suspensions of service on coastal train lines. The JMA announces that the temperature in Tanba, Hyōgo, reached 41.2° Celsius, setting a new record for the highest ever temperature measured in Japan. (Translated from Japanese. Banner photo: From left, Sanseitō leader Kamiya Sōhei, the LDP's Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru, and Democratic Party for the People leader Tamaki Yūichirō. © Jiji.)
Tokyo Weekender
3 days ago
- Tokyo Weekender
The Best Things To Do in Tokyo This Month: August 2025
Here is what's happening across Tokyo for the month of August. Check out exhibitions, festivals, events and more! List of Contents: Exhibitions and Art Shows Festivals and Outdoor Events Community and Family Events Anime and Manga Events Food and Drink Events Film and Game Events Related Posts Tokyo Exhibitions and Art Shows in August Aki Sasamoto: Laboratory Explore Aki Sasamoto's 20-year journey in Laboratory, blending sculpture, performance and video at the Tokyo Metropolitan Museum. Date & Time Aug 23-Nov 24・10:00-18:00・Last entry 30 minutes before closing Price Free Location Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Contemporary Art, 3F Special Exhibition Room More Details Ando Teru Exhibition: The Sculptor of The Hachiko Statue This exhibition revisits the sculptor behind Shibuya's beloved Hachiko statue, marking 80 years since his death. Date & Time Jun 21-Aug 17・10:00-20:00 Price ¥1000 Location The Shoto Museum of Art More Info Closed on Mondays (except for July 21, and August 11, 2025), July 22(Tue.), and August 12(Tue.), 2025 More Details Exhibition: World Fair in Japan 1970-2005 Architecture fans will delight in this deep dive into Japan's Expo designs, from Osaka in the '70's to Aichi 2005's eco-conscious pavilions. Date & Time Mar 08-Aug 31・10:00-16:30 Price Free Location National Archives of Modern Architecture More Info Closed on Mondays, except public holidays (closed the following day instead) More Details Isao Takahata Exhibition: The Man Who Planted Japanese Animation Explore the life and legacy of Isao Takahata, co-founder of Studio Ghibli, through rare art and materials from his iconic films, including Grave of the Fireflies, opening this summer at Azabudai Hills Gallery. Date & Time Jun 27-Sep 15・10:00-20:00・Last Entry 19:30 Price ¥1,200-¥2,000 Location Azabudai Hills Gallery More Details The Architecture of Sou Fujimoto: Primordial Future Forest The Mori Art Museum will be exhibiting "The Architecture of Sou Fujimoto: Primordial Future Forest," a comprehensive overview of projects from architect Sou Fujimoto's design journey. Date & Time Jul 02-Nov 09・10:00-22:00・10:00-17:00 on Tuesdays, Open until 22:00 on September 23 Price ¥2300 for adults, ¥2000 for seniors, ¥1400 for university/high school students, free for children Location Mori Art Museum More Info admission price varies on weekends and holidays, online tickets are discounted More Details Discover Tokyo, Every Week Get the city's best stories, under-the-radar spots and exclusive invites delivered straight to your inbox. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy . Tokyo Festivals and Outdoor Events in August Nagaoka Fireworks Festival 2025 Held on August 2 and 3, the Nagaoka Fireworks Festival is a memorial service for those who died in the Nagaoka air raids of 1945, a display of gratitude to those who worked so hard for reconstruction and a wish for lasting peace. Bleacher seats are set up on both banks of the Shinano River so that the fireworks can be viewed from both directions. The width of the river and its banks allows the festival to use a large number of impressive shaku-dama — large-shell fireworks — for the display. The sho-sanshaku-dama fireworks, boasting a burst diameter of 650 meters, and the Reconstruction Phoenix Fireworks — a five-minute display stretching approximately 2 kilometers in length — are highlights of the spectacle. Date & Time Aug 02-03・19:20-21:10 Price Free Location Shinanogawa Kasen Park More Details Omagari Fireworks Festival 2025 Held in Daisen City, Akita Prefecture, the Omagari Fireworks Festival has been held since 1910, and runs as a competition of pyrotechnicians from all over Japan. The fireworks craftsmen are required to make their own fireworks and bring them to the competition, where judging will focus on design, color and creativity. The Prime Minister's Prize is also awarded in this prestigious competition. Spectators can enjoy completely different fireworks displays in the daytime and at night. Daytime fireworks in particular are rare in Japan, making this a fascinating competition in which beauty is decided not by light but by smoke. Date & Time Aug 30, 2025・17:10-21:30 Price Free Location Omono Riverside Ryokuchi Athletic Park More Details Make Your Own Odori Geta at Fairfield by Marriott Gifu Gujo Date & Time Jul 31-Aug 29 Price ¥6,000 per person (tax included) Location Fairfield by Marriott Gifu Gujo More Info 10 people per session (minimum 5 participants). Participants must be in upper elementary grades or older. (Children under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian.) More Details Tokyo City View Star Festival in the Sky Now for a limited time, Tokyo City View observation deck invites guests to come stargazing above the Tokyo metropolis. Inspired by tanabata, visitors can enjoy the venue's immersive experiences including a Milky Way photo spot and bamboo centerpieces filled with wishes. Enjoy the twinkles of the night sky with panoramic views from the deck. Date & Time Jun 20-Sep 07・10:00-22:00・last admission: 21:30 Price ¥2400 for adults, ¥2100 for seniors, ¥1700 for university/high school students, ¥1100 for children Location Tokyo City View More Info admission price of online tickets varies More Details My Melody & Kuromi Anniversary Party at Sanrio Puroland and Harmonyland To celebrate My Melody's 50th anniversary and Kuromi's 20th anniversary, Sanrio Puroland and Harmonyland theme parks will have new attractions, entertainment, photo spots, merchandise and food. Date & Time Jan 17-Dec 31・Specific event and attraction dates may vary Price Location Sanrio Puroland More Details Tokyo Live Music and Night Life Events in August LuckyFes 2025: Japan's Fastest-Growing Music Festival LuckyFes 2025, Japan's fastest-growing music festival, returns from August 9 to 11 with more than 100 artists performing across four stages. Date & Time Aug 09-11 Price 1-day pass: ¥13,500 | 2-day pass: ¥24,000 | 3-day pass: ¥35,000 Location Hitachi Seaside Park More Details Tokyo Community and Family Events in August Sanrio Puroland Neo Summer Matsuri Sanrio Puroland theme park is hosting a special summer festival. Mixing retro and futuristic neon themes, the Puroland Neo Natsu Matsuri is bringing fun festival games, workshops, character greetings, seasonal menus and merchandise. Date & Time Jul 11-Sep 02 Price starting at ¥4300 Location Sanrio Puroland More Details Tokyo Anime and Manga Events in August Naruto Shippuden Shinobi Scout Caravan Naruto Shippuden fans and prospective shinobi, here's your opportunity to train your ninja skills. The Naruto Shippuden Shinobi Scout Caravan at Shibuya Cast is an immersive pop-up anime event with attractions, photo spots and exclusive merchandise. Date & Time Jun 26-Aug 04・12:00-19:00・Last entry is at 18:00, The venue will open from 13:00 starting on July 11 Price Prices vary by course Location Shibuya Cast More Details © Sotsu, Sunrise Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX -Beginning- Exhibition A special exhibition of the latest work in the Gundam series, Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuuX (Siege Ax) -Beginning-, is currently being held. Date & Time May 24-Aug 11・11:00-19:00 Price Free Location Anime Tokyo Station More Details Operation Gundam R with WHG Hotels The 'Operation Gundam R with WHG Hotels' initiative features a massive Gunpla giveaway and the opening of special Gundam themed hotel rooms. Date & Time Jul 15-Aug 31 Price The rooms are priced at ¥45,000 Location Hotel Gracery Tamachi More Info Includes breakfast for up to two people More Details My Hero Academia Original Art Exhibition The globally acclaimed manga series My Hero Academia is being honored with a special exhibition in Tokyo, celebrating creator Kohei Horikoshi's artistic journey and the series' conclusion after a remarkable 10-year run. This exhibition offers fans a rare opportunity to experience the evolution of one of Japan's most successful modern manga series up close. Date & Time Jun 21-Aug 31・10:00-20:00 Price ¥2200 Location CREATIVE MUSEUM TOKYO More Info Discounts for students More Details Leiji Matsumoto Manga Exhibition The "Leiji Matsumoto Exhibition: A Journey of Creation" exhibit at Tokyo City View showcases more than 300 original drawings, including Matsumoto's early works and never-before-seen content from "Galaxy Express 999" and "Space Pirate Captain Harlock." Date & Time Jun 20-Sep 07・10:00-20:00 Price Location Tokyo City View More Details Ghibli 3D Sculpture Exhibition In 2003, Tokyo was blessed with the Ghilbli 3D sculpture exhibition. Now, 22 years later, it is back and bigger than ever. Dive into the worlds of My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away and Pom Poko with full-scale sculptures from the films. You can even see the Savoia S-21 flying boat from Porco Rosso. Date & Time May 27-Sep 23・09:30-20:00・Last Entry at 19:00 Price ¥1,900 Location Warehouse TERRADA B&C HALL More Details Tokyo Food and Drink Events in August Le Pristine Tokyo and Nogizaka Shin Celebrate the Charm of Summer A special between Dennis Kuipers, executive chef at Le Pristine Tokyo and Shinji Ishida, the owner-chef of Nogizaka Shin. Date & Time Aug 02-03・Dinner from 18:30 on August 2: Lunch from 12:30 on August 3 Price ¥44,000 per person Location Le Pristine Restaurantt Tokyo More Info Non-alcoholic pairings are also available upon request More Details A Farm-to-Table Dinner at Tamba Wine Fairfield by Marriott Kyoto Kyotamba invites hotel guests to an exclusive duck and wine dinner on August 30. Date & Time Aug 30, 2025・16:15-21:15 Price ¥25,000 Location Fairfield by Marriott Kyoto Kyotamba More Details Sapporo Beer The Perfect Black Label Wagon Event Sapporo's Perfect Black Label Wagon is touring at 13 stops celebrating their flagship draft beer around the country. Guests can enjoy Sapporo beer and other exclusive goods at the event. Date & Time Apr 09-Aug 24・Please check event details for each venue Price Experience passes: ¥1200 (Tokyo), ¥1000 (other locations) Location Roppongi Hills Arena More Details Shake Shack x Human Made Collaboration Shake Shack has teamed up with Human Made, a lifestyle brand founded by NIGO, to release a collaboration collection and menu in select stores throughout Japan and Asia. Date & Time Jul 19-Aug 31・Collaboration will end when items sell out Price Location Shake Shack More Details Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura Tokyo Summer Menu Gucci Osteria has a new "Mediterranean and Japanese Summer" tasting menu, blending Italian and Japanese culinary traditions. Date & Time Jun 03-Aug 31・11:30-23:00・Closed from 15:00-18:00; Closed on Mondays Price Prices vary Location Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura More Details Asian Spice Afternoon Tea – A Fragrant Feast of Spices and Dim Sum ANA InterContinental Tokyo is offering Asian Spice Afternoon Tea – A Fragrant Feast of Spices and Dim Sum at Karin Chinese Restaurant. Date & Time May 01-Aug 31・11:30~・Three Sittings, 2-hour limit: 11:30 - 14:-00 - 17:30 Price ¥8,855 Location Karin Chinese Restaurant More Info Enjoy an optional free-flow drink plan for an extra ¥3,000 per person More Details Jade Garden Hosts Executive Chef Wang Bin Until August 31, Hyatt Regency Tokyo's Jade Garden is welcoming Executive Chef Wang Bin and his culinary team from Tongyuan 600. Date & Time Jul 05-Aug 31・11:30-15:00・Dinner: 17:30-22:00 Price Lunch ¥10,000, Dinner ¥16,000-¥22,000 Location Jade Garden More Info Prices include tax and 15% service charge More Details Mesm Tokyo's Afternoon Exhibition Chapter 14: Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji, First Half Mesm Tokyo is offering a special afternoon tea program titled 'Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji, First half' at its bar and lounge, Whisk. Date & Time Jun 01-Aug 31・14:00~ Price ¥7,000 Location Bar & Lounge Whisk, Mesm Tokyo More Details Mori no Beer Garden's 40th Edition Mori no Beer Garden is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. Enjoy an all-you-can-eat barbecue and an all-you-can-eat drinks menu. Date & Time Apr 15-Sep 23・16:30-22:00・Weekends and Holidays: 12:00-22:00. From July 19 to August 31: 14:00-22:30, Weekends and Holidays: 12:00-22:30 Price ¥6,000-¥7,000 for adults Location Niko Niko Park, Meiji Jingu Gaien More Details WHG Hotels' Spice Up Your Morning Fair A total of 28 WHG Hotels are holding a fair called "Spice Up Your Morning" from July 15 to September 30, 2025. Date & Time Jul 15-Sep 30 Price Free for guests staying at one of the hotels Location Hotel Gracery Tamachi More Details (c)Kristin Perers Bills Spring-Summer 2025 Menu The all-day dining restaurant Bills (stylized as bills) starts its spring-summer 2025 menu at all eight locations in Japan from April 22. Date & Time Apr 22-Oct 15 Price Breakfast-Brunch ¥3,000-¥3,999 Location bills Ginza More Info Dinner ¥5,000-¥5,999 More Details Mesm Tokyo's Bistronomy Lunch & Dinner Program: Ballet Cinderella 2025 Mesm Tokyo is offering a collaborative lunch and dinner program with the New National Theatre, Tokyo: Ballet Cinderella. Date & Time Jun 20-Oct 26・11:30-22:00 Price Lunch Program: ¥7,600, Dinner Program: ¥15,800 Location Mesm Tokyo, Autograph Collection More Info Prices include consumption tax and 15% service charge More Details Hilton Tokyo Odaiba's BBQ Terrace Ablaze Is Open Hilton Tokyo Odaiba's open terrace, Ablaze, offers a luxurious BBQ experience with panoramic views of Tokyo Bay and Tokyo Tower. Date & Time Apr 19-Oct 26 Price Course menus start at ¥6,800. Prices include tax and service charge. Location Hilton Tokyo Odaiba More Details Tokyo Film and Game Events in August Katamari Damacy Pop-Up Collaboration Cafe Step into the whimsical world of Katamari Damacy at its first-ever pop-up cafe in Shibuya Parco, featuring themed dishes and exclusive merch. Date & Time Jul 25-Sep 02・10:00-21:00 Price Free Location Tokyo Parade goods&cafe More Details See the Goblet of Fire at Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo From April 18 to September 8, 2025, Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo celebrates the 20th anniversary of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Date & Time Apr 18-Sep 08 Price Adult tickets start from ¥5,000; juniors ¥4,150; children ¥3,000 (prices may vary). Location The Making of Harry Potter - Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo More Details Related Posts The Ultimate Guide to Summer Festivals in Tokyo Unmissable Fireworks Festivals in Japan for Summer 2025
Yomiuri Shimbun
4 days ago
- Yomiuri Shimbun
Mural at Expo Depicts Town's Recovery from 2011 Disaster, Made by Local Artist with Intellectual Disabilities
RIKUZENTAKATA, Iwate/OSAKA — A massive mural by Asuka Tazaki, a 44-year-old artist with intellectual disabilities from Rikuzentakata, Iwate Prefecture, is on display at the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo venue. The work is themed on the ongoing recovery from the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, which severely hit the city and many other areas. His father, who has supported his artistic endeavors, said: 'Through Asuka's painting, I hope people around the world will send their love to the disaster-hit areas.' The mural, about 8 meters high and 13 meters wide, is exhibited on the exterior wall of a building near the 'Forest of Tranquility,' where many trees are planted, in the central area of the Expo venue. The work is an enlarged print of 'The Path Through the Forest — Blue Forest,' his acrylic painting in 2016, depicting blue and purple trees, and yellow tracks symbolizing 'the way to the future' for the recovering town. Originally from Saitama Prefecture, Tazaki has intellectual disabilities and cerebral palsy. Under the watchful eye of his 78-year-old father Minoru, a metal engraver, he showed an interest in art exhibition catalogs around the age of two, beginning to draw various lines on paper. For junior high school, he and his family moved to Rikuzentakata, where the parents of his 73-year-old mother Miyoko lived. After graduating, he attended a welfare facility for people with disabilities while capturing the nature and animals around him through his art. On March 11, 2011, the tsunami caused by the Great East Japan Earthquake swept away his home, along with about 200 of his works and painting tools. About a week later, when visiting the former site of his home with his family, he appeared to clench his lips, his body stiffening. Even after moving into a temporary housing unit, he did not even try to pick up a paintbrush. About three months later, his father suggested, 'Try drawing people close to you.' Tazaki then painted a scene of six neighbors who had died in the disaster, smiling in heaven. 'I think he had strong emotions that he couldn't express in words. By pouring them into his paintings, he was able to organize his feelings,' his father said. Five years ago, Tazaki was approached by Heralbony Co., a startup company in Morioka that deals in works by artists with intellectual disabilities, and became a contract artist for the company. Since then, he has painted about 50 works based on the earthquake, including the 'Miracle Pine Tree,' depicting a tree that survived the tsunami. He has gradually shifted to using gentle was Heralbony that pitched exhibiting his work to the Expo organizer. The piece will be on display at the Expo's 'Study: Osaka Kansai International Art Festival 2025,' held through the closing day, Oct. 13. Hiromi Kurosawa, Heralbony's Chief Art Officer (CAO) who supervised the display, said: 'The mural harmonizes with the forest environment [at the Expo venue] and reflects the Expo's theme of 'harmonious coexistence.' I hope visitors will feel Tazaki's vision for the future and the resilience of people recovering from the disaster.' Tazaki said, 'I can hear the colors.' His father said that Tazaki was excited to see his work at the venue, sometimes asking, 'When are we going to see it?' The father said: 'Asuka captures what he sees with his heart. I hope that many visitors to the Expo will see his artwork that is filled with the joy of painting and hope for the future. I also hope that people around the world will learn about the current situation in the disaster-affected areas.'
