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The Independent
2 days ago
- The Independent
Nobu Hotel, Barcelona review
Often cited as the catalyst for the transformation of Barcelona's Sants neighbourhood, Nobu Barcelona sits amongst the vermouth bars and the homes of young, hip Barceloneses, offering a phenomenal restaurant, free yoga classes for guests, a spa and rooftop bar with nightly DJ sessions. Location Nobu Hotel, Barcelona is located in the residential area of Sants. While the neighbourhood might only be a 10-minute metro ride from the centre of the city, it wasn't always what you'd describe as cool. Its large railway station – the main terminus in the Catalonian capital – gave the location the vibe of an airport departure lounge: transient, liminal. That is, until Nobu arrived in 2019 and a switch-up ensued. Inarguably sleek, stylish and full of people you swear you recognise from Instagram, the luxury hotel 's arrival coincided with Sants' glow-up, which is now home to fashionable young Barceloneses, who've made the area their home thanks to its vermouth bars, community feel and easy access to transport links. Ideally located for nipping into central to see the main tourist attractions, or jumping on a train to escape the city and explore further afield areas like Sitges or Girona for a day trip, Sants is also home to a lively food market, as well as Parc l'Escorxador – where the Joan Miró sculpture Dona i Ocell looms. The vibe The hospitality group behind Nobu's hotels and restaurants views itself as 'place-makers,' actively selecting locations in areas they believe could use revitalisation. As such, the hotel is inside a former 1970s office block. To put it bluntly, it's ugly from the outside. But the entrance – inspired by a Japanese Shinto Temple gate – offers a zap of zen as soon as you step over the threshold. As you might expect, the hotel's interior design is heavy on Japanese influence mixed with artwork by Gaudí to give a nod to its host city. Throughout the 23-story building, the views over Barcelona are gorgeous and panoramic, with the city's highest rooftop pool and lounge perched on the top floor. 'Life's all about balance' is the hotel's ethos, so rooftop DJ sets take place mere hours after complimentary guest yoga classes. It's an undoubtedly fun place to grab a drink, even if you're not staying the night. Service The service here is attentive without being overly doting. Just as we're about to take a quick siesta before a night of partying, there's a gentle rap on the door: a bell hop, bringing us CBD patches, eye masks and sleep mist to ensure we get the best shut-eye we can before our night kicks off at midnight. Contrastingly, on arrival, we're handed warm flannels and herbal tea to shake off the stress of the outside world. Rave and recovery probably best sums up this fun wellness approach, with wait staff at the rooftop restaurant ready and eager to recommend the best cocktails and small plates to gorge on. Bed and Bath Nobu's rooms are minimalist and immaculate. Think crisp white sheets, a rain shower, double sinks, sliding doors, light tiling, and spacious baths in the Sake Suites. Everywhere you turn, the view is there, with huge windows drenching the room with light and exposing the beauty of Barcelona's cityscape. Amenities include a 65-inch TV, Bluetooth speakers, a Nespresso coffee machine and, of course, a traditional Japanese tea set. Food and drink The food at Nobu is phenomenal, with the main restaurant on the 23rd floor serving the group's famed black cod in miso dish. If you want to go for it, opt for the six-course menu which features tuna tataki with truffle Tosazu. Or, for a more casual option, nip down to the lobby-side restaurant Kozara, where healthy bites like grilled salmon and tuna poke bowls are on the menu. If you prefer to remain poolside, you could opt to have lunch at the Rooftop's terrace restaurant. Quite literally everything is delicious, but the grilled tuna skewers are especially so. Breakfast is a pretty straightforward buffet that is restocked quickly, even at peak times, with everything from fresh pastries to English fry-up classics. Facilities As Nobu is as serious about relaxation as it is about partying, it's no surprise their wellness facilities are a main feature of their Barcelona hotel. They say the Japanese philosophy of Shiawase – a celebration of happiness and wellbeing – is used to infuse moments of fitness and relaxation into details of your stay. This manifests itself in the Nobu Spa, in which there's a sauna, steam bath, and water circuit. In the gym, where workout equipment is available 24/7 and in the free yoga classes for guests. Or, if you're more private, the wellness classes are also available through the TV in your room. There is also free wifi running throughout the hotel. Disability access Ten wheelchair-friendly rooms with wheelchair-accessible bathrooms are available. Pet policy Pets are allowed, with the hotel providing special amenities, toys, beds and guides to the best dog friendly places in the city for canines. Dogs are, however, not allowed in the Nobu restaurant and a €50 (£42) per night charge will be added at check out. Check in check out Check-in at Nobu Hotel Barcelona is from 3pm, and check-out is at 12pm. Family friendly Nobu hotel is family friendly, offering colouring books to children at check-in and in the restaurants. They also offer a Nobu Family package, where they offer a special rate on a second connecting room for children. The only thing to note is children under 16 are not permitted to enter the hotel's spa facilities. At a glance Best thing: Unbelievable food and a fun atmosphere balanced out by a commitment to wellness. Worst thing: It is markedly further from tourist attractions than other hotels in the city. Right for: Anyone who likes sashimi and staying stress-free. Not right for: Those who want to wake up in walking distance to the Sagrada Familia. Instagram from: The rooftop with a cocktail in your hand.
Euronews
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Euronews
Why Zurich's creative side makes it a top city break destination
When I checked into my hotel, I noticed a man slumped in the corner of the lobby. He looked dishevelled, more like a jet-lagged backpacker than a guest at a five-star retreat. The front desk staff barely glanced at him, so I thought better of rubbernecking. It wasn't until later, while touring the property and admiring works by Salvador Dalí and Joan Miró, that it clicked. I returned to the lobby, got face-to-face with the man in the corner and realised he was no man at all. He was an art installation. I was at the Dolder Grand, a lavish resort built among Zurich's wooded hills, like a fairytale castle towering over the Zürichsee. Originally opened in 1899 as a Curhaus, or spa retreat, it still attracts the world's well-heeled with Alpine views and quiet luxury. But inside, the Dolder Grand offers a glimpse of a lesser-known Zurich, where art, not just affluence, shapes the experience. With more than 100 pieces by major 20th- and 21st-century artists scattered across the property, the hotel doubles as a gallery, reflecting the city's deep ties to creativity and design. And it's far from an outlier. Public artwork brings unexpected beauty to everyday life Zurich is often seen as the domain of financiers, FIFA officials and other members of the Maserati-driving classes. But it also gave the world Dadaism, the radical movement that emerged in 1916 at Cabaret Voltaire and laid the groundwork for surrealism and pop art. Later, Zurich became the birthplace of Swiss Style, which championed grid-based design, sans-serif typefaces like Helvetica and a pared-back, rational aesthetic that still shapes everything from transport signage to websites. Its creative spirit isn't limited to the annals of history, either. 'Zurich is understated but buzzing,' says Jacqueline Uhlmann, manager of the Löwenbräukunst art centre in the up-and-coming Zurich-West district. 'There's a quiet confidence and a collaborative spirit here, driven less by trend and more by substance. It's a city where design, art, architecture and technology constantly intersect.' Some of that is credit to the city's Kunst im öffentlichen Raum (KiöR) programme. It has commissioned and maintained over 1,300 public artworks, ranging from underpass murals to sculptures in cemeteries and playgrounds. At Zurich Main Station, you're welcomed by Niki de Saint Phalle's purple-and-gold 'Guardian Angel.' At Zürichhorn, Jean Tinguely's mechanical 'Heureka' greets you with spinning parts and surreal charm. Even Bahnhofstrasse, the city's high-end shopping boulevard, hosts Max Bill's minimalist 'Pavilion Sculpture.' 'There's a growing movement around reclaiming and creatively using urban space,' explains Milica Vujcic of Zurich Tourism. Perhaps the most surprising example of Zurich's artistic undercurrent is found inside the last place you should be: the police station. Here, the entrance features a vivid fresco of blooming flowers painted by Augusto Giacometti. Known as 'Blüemlihalle,' it's a landmark you can visit freely – no arrest required. A former industrial district now leads Zurich's creative renaissance Follow the Limmat River west from Zurich's medieval centre and the cobblestones give way to train tracks, industrial towers and a different rhythm entirely. Zurich-West, once the city's manufacturing core, has been transformed into a creative hub humming with energy. At its heart stands Löwenbräukunst, a red-brick brewery transformed into one of Europe's most unique cultural complexes. Under a single roof, you'll find the Kunsthalle Zürich, Migros Museum für Gegenwartskunst and major galleries like Hauser & Wirth and Francesca Pia, alongside Edition VFO, which specialises in limited-edition prints. In one moment, you can be peering at kinetic sculptures and oil paintings, and in the next, you're eating vegan dishes at Bistro LOI or chatting with gallery owners. 'Zurich's strength lies in its diversity and density,' says Jacqueline Uhlmann, Löwenbräukunst's manager. 'While it may be quieter than Basel during art week, it offers a year-round, highly active contemporary art scene with a remarkable mix of galleries, off-spaces, major institutions, collectors and universities – all within walking distance.' That proximity can fuel cross-pollination. Uhlmann explains that the Löwenbräukunst hosts regular meetups that allow anyone interested in art to plug into the district's creative pulse. 'Initiatives like our monthly Art Walk West – a collaboration across the Zurich-West district – are designed to activate and connect with the broader community,' she says. 'It fosters informal conversations that often lead to real collaborations.' Back in the old town, the art spaces offer a different aesthetic. Kunsthaus Zurich, the city's most renowned fine arts institution, is one of the largest museums in Switzerland, housing works by Marc Chagall, Alberto Giacometti and Swiss-born innovator Sophie Taeuber-Arp. But it's not all reverent silence and oil portraits. Recent exhibitions have tackled everything from NFTs to feminist interventions. And if you need a breather, the leafy Heimplatz square outside is perfect for people-watching with a pastry in hand. If you time your visit right, you might also catch Zurich Art Weekend, a three-day event in early summer that features more than 70 exhibitions across the city. Organised just before Art Basel, the annual art weekend involves everything from rooftop talks to guided tours, all free and open to the public. Zurich's hotels offer discovery as well as design Even Zurich's hospitality industry has a creative edge. The vibrant 25hours Hotel Zurich West was brought to life by Swiss designer Alfredo Häberli. The Boutique & Art Hotel Helvetia houses sculptures, paintings, prints and more in its clean riverside space. And then there's the Dolder Grand, where art is everywhere. Reportedly worth over €800 million, its collection is interwoven with the guest experience. One morning, I walked into Blooms, the hotel's garden restaurant, and found a towering Keith Haring sculpture rising from the flower beds. 'Unlike in a traditional museum setting, guests encounter art in a relaxed and inviting atmosphere,' says Markus Granelli, the general manager. 'It encourages lingering, observation and conversation.' You experience that whether you're sipping a cocktail at the Canvas Bar & Lounge – where each drink is inspired by a different piece in the hotel's collection – or admiring a giant mushroom sculpture by Takashi Murakami in the modern wing. There are works by Francesco Clemente, Urs Fischer, Mel Ramos and even Sylvester Stallone. But the piece that lingers is Duane Hanson's 'Traveller,' also known as the man in the lobby. Made with a mix of found materials – clothing, hair, paper tickets – he looks startlingly lifelike. Orlando International Airport has a version, too, and passersby regularly try to wake him. I nearly did the same. While he may not move, let alone talk, the man in the lobby will tell you everything you need to know about Zurich. Art isn't kept behind glass here; it's part of the experience. As Uhlmann puts it: 'It's a place where something is made, not just shown.'
Tokyo Weekender
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Tokyo Weekender
The Best Things To Do in Tokyo This Month: July 2025
Here is what's happening across Tokyo for the month of July. 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 July 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 Joan Miró Exhibition From March 1 to July 6, the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum will host a retrospective dedicated to Joan Miró, one of the 20th century's most celebrated artists. Date & Time Mar 01-Jul 06・09:30-17:30・Fridays open until 8:00 p.m. / Last entry 30 minutes before closing / Closed: Mondays (except April 28 and May 5) and May 7 Price ¥2,300 / ¥1,300 for University Students / ¥1,600 for people over 65 years old Location Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum More Details Fe_Ca_Sn Exhibition at Kaamer The exhibition Fe_Ca_Sn, showcasing the works of three Tokyo-based artists, is being held at Kaamer in Tokyo from June 27 to July 6. Date & Time Jun 27-Jul 06・12:00-21:00 Price Free Location Kaamer More Details Kenjiro Okazaki Exhibition at Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo Kenjiro Okazaki's first major Tokyo retrospective highlights groundbreaking works, exploring the transformative power of form across media. Date & Time Apr 29-Jul 21・10:00-18:00 Price Location Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo 1F/3F 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 Tokyo Festivals and Outdoor Events in July Tokyo Racecourse Fireworks 2025 The theme for 2025 is 'J-Pop Best,' and the fireworks will be set off to famous songs in keeping with the 100th anniversary of the Showa era. The fireworks will be synchronized with music on the vast horse racing track, which is approximately 2 kilometers long. All seats are reserved, so you can enjoy the fireworks in comfort without worrying about crowds, and facilities such as restrooms and food booths are available for people of all ages to enjoy the fireworks in comfort. The venue is only a short walk from the nearest station, making it easy to visit from within Tokyo. In order to bring out the world view of the music to the fullest, the fireworks display is carefully calculated in terms of color, shape, height, and even the afterglow when the fireworks fade away. The most notable feature is the dynamic fireworks display, which is shot off at a distance of only 100 meters from the bleachers. Date & Time Jul 2, 2025・19:30-20:40 Price ¥5,000 and up Location JRA Tokyo Racecourse More Details HandMade In Japan Festival Now in its 17th year, HandMade In Japan Fes' returns with 3,000 creators from across the country for a weekend celebrating craft, culture and design. Held at Tokyo Big Sight, the event features two themed market zones: Accessories & Fashion and Interior & Lifestyle. Visitors can also enjoy workshops, live painting, stage performances and handmade food. Date & Time Jul 19-20・11:00-19:00 Price ¥1,300 - ¥2,500 Location Tokyo Big Sight More Details Tenjin Festival 2025 With over 1,000 years of history, the Tenjin Festival at Osaka Tenmangu Shrine in Osaka is one of the three major festivals in Japan. On the first day of the event, there are prayers for safety and prosperity at the shrine, and on the second day, the festivities really kick off with parades and fireworks. With a river procession of 100 boats and a fireworks display, the Tenjin Festival is a celebratory extravaganza. Every year, the festival's original kobai (red-blossomed Japanese plum) firework, which opens in the shape of the ume-bachi family crest, is launched in honor of Tenjin-sama, the patron deity of scholarship and learning. There are also many other unique fireworks to be enjoyed throughout the fireworks spectacle. Date & Time Jul 24-25・15:00~ Price Free Location Kema Sakuranomiya Park More Details Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival 2025 The Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival, which clocks in at 90 minutes in length, is one of the largest fireworks festivals in Tokyo. The origin of this festival is the Ryogoku no Kawabiraki Hanabi, which started in 1733 as a memorial event for those who perished during a famine and disease outbreak the year before. The festival, which combines the sophisticated skills of pyrotechnicians with the emotional landscape of old Tokyo, features dynamic performances by fireworks artisans. Fireworks are launched from two different sites along the Sumida River (first site: between Sakurabashi Bridge and Kototoi Bridge; second site: between Komagata Bridge and Umaya Bridge). Though both sites boast an incredible array of fireworks, the fireworks competition at the first site is not to be missed. Date & Time Jul 26, 2025・19:00-20:30 Price Free Location Taito Riverside Sports Center More Details Fairfield by Marriott's Michi-no-eki Aquarium Experience in Wakayama Guests staying at Fairfield by Marriott Wakayama Kumano Kodo Susami are invited to a special behind-the-scenes tour at the Susami Town Shrimp and Crab Aquarium. Date & Time Jul 26, 2025・16:00-17:00 Price FREE, EXCLUSIVE TO GUESTS OF FAIRFIELD BY MARRIOTT WAKAYAMA KUMANO KODO SUSAMI Location SUSAMI TOWN SHRIMP AND CRAB AQUARIUM More Info After booking your stay, please call Fairfield by Marriott Wakayama Kumano Kodo Susami (Tel: 0739-34-2105) to participate in the tour. More Details Akigawa Valley Hydrangea Festival 2025 Hosted on Mount Minamisawa, this mountain is said to be where Chuichi Minamisawa, who once lived in this area, began planting hydrangeas along the path to his parents' grave. Continuing to plant them for 50 years, today there are over 15,000 hydrangeas blooming on the are over 50 different varieties of hydrangeas here, including some rare types that are scarcely seen even within Japan. Surrounded by tall trees, the area becomes enveloped in a magical atmosphere for about a month starting in June, as vibrant blue, purple, and white hydrangeas bloom in full splendor. Date & Time Jun 07-Jul 06・09:00-17:00 Price ¥2,000 Location Minamisawa Ajisai Mountain More Details Wonderful Nature Village Hydrangea Festival 2025 Wonderful Nature Village in Akiruno is home to over 15,000 blossoming flowers of an impressive 60 varieties. The hydrangea area covers 30,000 square meters that spreads along a hiking trail, so visitors can walk through the stunning scenery. Date & Time Jun 07-Jul 06・09:00-17:00 Price ¥850 Location Wonderful Nature Village More Info Free for elementary school children, admission to the dog park is also included with your ticket 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 July Candlelight: Magical Movie Soundtracks Enjoy iconic Disney and Pixar songs live under the glow of candlelight at Kanze Noh Theater. A magical evening of movie music awaits! Date & Time Jul 21, 2025・15:05-16:10 Price ¥4,200-¥8,100 Location Kanze Noh Theatre Ginza More Details Candlelight : A Tribute to Joe Hisaishi at Christ Shinagawa Church Enjoy the enchanting music of Joe Hisaishi at Christ Shinagawa Church, with a candlelit performance of iconic Studio Ghibli scores by the Fleurs Quartet. Date & Time Jun 27-Jul 04・16:45-17:50 Price ¥3,800 - ¥7,200 Location Christ Shinagawa Church More Details Candlelight : A Tribute to Joe Hisaishi Experience the music of Joe Hisaishi like never before at a candlelit tribute concert in Tokyo's Kanze Noh Theater, featuring iconic Studio Ghibli scores performed live by Ensemble Themis. Date & Time May 24-Jul 21・ Price ¥4000 - ¥8200 Location Kanze Noh Theatre Ginza More Details Tokyo Community and Family Events in July More events coming soon. Tokyo Anime and Manga Events in July Bleach: The Locus of the Brave II From June 11 to July 13, dive into the world of Bleach with this special Tokyo exhibition! Explore exclusive production materials, behind-the-scenes footage, immersive experiences, and stylish photo spots. Also, don't miss the mysterious "Kurosaki" corner and tons of exclusive Bleach goods. Date & Time Jun 13-Jul 13・11:00-20:00 Price TBA Location Sunshine 60 Observatory Tenbou-Park 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 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 July Morning Farm Experience & Field Breakfast at Fairfield by Marriott Hyogo Tajima Yabu A hands-on farming adventure at Wataya Farm awaits, organized exclusively for guests of Fairfield by Marriott Hyogo Tajima Yabu. Date & Time Jul 13, 2025・07:00-09:00 Price ¥1,500 per adult, free for children of elementary school age and younger Location Fairfield by Marriott Hyogo Tajima Yabu More Info Wear comfortable clothes and shoes you don't mind getting dirty (boots recommended), plus a hat, towel and water bottle. Gloves will be provided for adults; children should bring their own gloves. More Details Le Petit Chef ANA InterContinental Tokyo recently announced the opening of Le Petit Chef, a cinema dining restaurant with projection mapping. Date & Time Feb 07-Jul 31・12:00-22:00・Three Seatings Price ¥14,000-¥21,000 Location ANA InerContinental Tokyo More Details Pierre Hermé Paris Afternoon Tea at Nineteen Eighty Lounge & Bar Nineteen Eighty Lounge & Bar is providing a "classic" afternoon tea service in collaboration with Pierre Hermé from June 1, 2025. Date & Time Jun 01-Jul 31・ Price ¥7,500 Location Nineteen Eighty Lounge & Bar More Info ¥11,000 includes a macaron gift 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 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 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 (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 July 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 Japan in July: The Best Things To Do and Places To Visit
Times
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Times
Exhibition honours Spain's ‘forgotten surrealist'
F or decades, the Spanish surrealist painter Óscar Domínguez was reputed to be the 'wildest and woolliest' of Paris's artists. But a hot night of heavy drinking in 1938 in his Montparnasse studio proved fateful. He accidentally blinded the Romanian painter Victor Brauner in one eye when he threw a glass in defence of another artist. The affray contributed to the breakup of the surrealist group. Such was Domínguez's bohemian cavorting that his 'excesses' overshadowed his art. So argues Isidro Hernández, the curator of an exhibition in Malaga that seeks to restore Domínguez to his 'rightful place' alongside Joan Miró and Salvador Dalí as one of the outstanding Spanish luminaries of the movement. Domínguez may have agreed, but it was carousing that first liberated him to pursue painting. The son of a wealthy Canary Islands banana plantation owner, he arrived in Paris in 1925 at the age of 19 to sell his father's produce. 'I went on a binge for three months,' he recalled. 'Naturally, he fired me.'
Fashion United
26-06-2025
- Business
- Fashion United
Digital art also has legal limits: Mango condemned for rights infringement in NFTs
The Provincial Court of Barcelona issued an unprecedented ruling in the Spanish legal landscape, condemning the fashion group Mango (Punto Fa, S.L.) for the unauthorised exploitation of works of art in digital format. The ruling, issued by Section 15, specialising in commercial matters, established for the first time in Spain the infringement of copyright in the context of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and virtual environments such as the metaverse. The case, brought by the management entity VEGAP (Visual Entidad de Gestión de Artistas Plásticos) on behalf of the heirs of Joan Miró, Antoni Tàpies, and Miquel Barceló, arose from a marketing campaign that accompanied the opening of a Mango store in New York in 2022. In summary The Provincial Court of Barcelona condemned Mango for exploiting digitised artworks without authorisation in NFTs and the metaverse. The ruling sets a legal precedent in Spain, protecting copyright in virtual environments and NFTs. Mango must cease the illicit activity, destroy the NFTs, and pay compensation of 750,380.21 euros, although it plans to appeal the decision. In May 2022, Mango celebrated the opening of its flagship store on Fifth Avenue in New York with an ambitious digital campaign. The brand exhibited five original works by Spanish artists — Joan Miró, Antoni Tàpies, and Miquel Barceló — in the physical store, belonging to the private collection of Isak Andic, founder of the company. Beyond the physical exhibition, Mango took the works to a new digital dimension by transforming them into animated compositions and converting them into NFTs. These pieces were disseminated through various platforms, including the OpenSea marketplace and the Decentraland virtual universe, and were also promoted on social networks such as Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn. Owning painting does not give right to digitally exploit or modify it The digitisation and dissemination of these works without the express consent of their authors or heirs led to the complaint by VEGAP, the entity that represents the rights holders. In its lawsuit, VEGAP alleged the infringement of several rights protected by the Intellectual Property Law: reproduction, transformation, public communication, integrity of the work, and right of dissemination. The argument held that physically owning a painting does not imply having the right to exploit it digitally or to modify it. According to the lawsuit, the use of these works as part of a marketing strategy without prior license not only violated economic rights but also 'damaged the image and cultural legacy of the authors'. The entity claimed the immediate withdrawal of the NFTs and any digital reproduction, the publication of a public rectification, and compensation in excess of 1.3 million euros for economic and moral damages. Initial ruling in favour of Mango In January 2024, the Commercial Court number nine of Barcelona dismissed VEGAP's claim. The first instance judgment acquitted Mango, which argued that it had acted in good faith and without profit. The defence maintained that its initiative sought to enrich the public experience, promote culture, and pay tribute to the authors, all in the absence of clear regulations on NFTs in the Spanish context. Mango even invoked an interpretation similar to the Anglo-Saxon concept of 'fair use'. However, VEGAP appealed and, after months of litigation, Section 15 of the Provincial Court upheld the appeal in its judgment, and the court overturned the initial ruling, condemning Mango for copyright infringement, both economic and moral. The ruling ordered the immediate cessation of the illicit activity and the destruction of all NFTs and physical or digital materials derived from the altered works. It also obliged Mango to publish the content of the ruling on its website and social networks, as a way of publicly acknowledging that it acted without the artists' authorisation. Regarding compensation, the resolution set a total amount of 750,380.21 euros. Precedent in uncharted territory Although Mango has announced that it will appeal the ruling to the Supreme Court, the ruling already represents a turning point in Spanish legal system. It is the first time that an infringement of copyright has been recognised in the context of NFTs and the metaverse. Mango insists that its actions were never for profit or intended to commercially exploit the works. They also allege that, until that time, there were no legal precedents or specific regulations clarifying the legal limits of the use of digitised art as NFTs. For VEGAP, however, the ruling is a resounding victory. Its director general, Javier Gutiérrez, called the ruling 'historic' in extending legal protection for visual artists to the virtual environment. He stressed that this resolution reinforces the principle that copyright continues to apply even when technologies are new and disruptive. The Mango case leaves a clear lesson for the industry: although the legal framework continues to evolve, the rights of authors — their recognition, integrity, and fair remuneration — remain as fundamental pillars, also in the metaverse. This article was translated to English using an AI tool. FashionUnited uses AI language tools to speed up translating (news) articles and proofread the translations to improve the end result. This saves our human journalists time they can spend doing research and writing original articles. Articles translated with the help of AI are checked and edited by a human desk editor prior to going online. If you have questions or comments about this process email us at info@
