Christopher House

This article is part of a two-part series. To learn about a biwa master and her music lessons, see here.Traditional Japanese instruments, also known as wagakki, are an intrinsic part of Japan’s rich cultural heritage. Whether it’s the vibrant, percussive beat of the taiko or the lilting, airy melodies of the shakuhachi, each instrument has enchanted audiences for centuries, and continues to do so to this day.To get better acquainted with just a few wagakki, we sat down with Toshinobu Shishido, who goes by the artist name Kouzan Oyama, a master of the shamisen, koto and sanshin. Read on to learn more about his life, and if you fancy, book a lesson with him to try your hand at one (or all) of these three instruments.

This article is part of a two-part series. To learn about a shamisen, koto and sanshin master and his music lessons, see here.The biwa is one of Japan's many wagakki (traditional musical instruments). A relative of the Chinese pipa, the pear-shaped instrument is often used as an accompaniment for songs about historical tales and epic narratives, which are sung by biwa players like our interviewee, Nobuko Kawashima.Ever since her youth, Nobuko has been the performing arts type, but music wasn't always her passion. The Nakano-born musician worked in theatre and ballet before ultimately making the switch to studying the biwa. Now she's been playing for over 25 years and teaching for over a decade. Read on to learn more about this music master and find out how you can book her class.

Surviving your first Tokyo summer is practically a rite of passage. With temperatures that can reach well into the thirties and humidity levels high enough to have you practically wringing out your shirt, it doesn't hurt to have a few items in your arsenal to help you push through the city's most brutal time of year.While you're on the hunt for sunscreens and things to help you stay cool, keep your eyes peeled for these additional summer essentials, all of which you can find at your local chemist or convenience store.RECOMMENDED: 12 best public swimming pools in Tokyo – from ¥200 per entry

Ah, go-go boys. What’s not to love? These professional dancers elevate the energy of any event where they perform, LGBTQ+-related or otherwise. From freestyle dancing and choreographed routines to the infamous ‘towel show’ – dancing completely in the buff holding nothing but a small towel to cover their bits – go-go boys (almost) bare it all for our entertainment.But who are these Adonises when they aren’t shaking their stuff on stage? Get to know these scientists, mathematicians, dog lovers and mama’s boys as we profile some of the city's best performers. Follow them on social media for more info on where to find their upcoming shows, and remember to bring a tip to show your appreciation. 

Summer is here, which means Tokyo's many great (and cheap) public pools are now open. Admission is usually around ¥600 or less, the atmosphere is laidback and everyone's welcome, from old-timers to families with small children. While some public pools can only be used by the residents of that particular ward or city, our picks are all open to the general public, so there's no stopping you from swimming into shape this summer. Unfortunately, tattoos are prohibited at all pools – however, here are some hacks to help you cover up your tattoos. RECOMMENDED: outdoor adventure parks near Tokyo 

Across the street from the Mega Don Quijote near Shibuya Crossing, you’ll find the ‘Amusement Vending Machine Park’ produced by Don Quijote. From instant ramen to Hello Kitty popcorn, this little alcove’s quirky vending machines let you enjoy various bits of Japanese culture all in one location, and then some.The spot is open 24 hours, so feel free to stop by even on those late-night Shibuya adventures. As an added bonus, there’s a sitting area for you to enjoy your purchase right there in the space.Here are a few of the machines that caught our eye.

Although progress has been made in recent years to improve the visibility and acceptance of the LGBTQIA+ community in Japan, there is still work to be done to eliminate prejudice and discrimination. Helping to do this is Tokyo Pride (previously Tokyo Rainbow Pride), which since its launch in 2012 has grown to become one of the largest and most inclusive pride celebrations in Japan. Whether you're a queer individual or an ally, Tokyo Pride offers a fantastic opportunity to be a part of Japan's journey towards a more equal future. This multi-event festival is filled with educational seminars, late-night parties, social gatherings and of course, the ever-growing Pride Parade, bringing together people from all walks of life. Here are some of the events happening over Pride Month. But the good work and fun don't stop here, as there will also be a handful of fringe events happening after the main festival ends.

As one of the largest metropolitan cities in the world, Tokyo has so much more to explore beyond the usual tourist spots. With so many events happening every weekend and so many things to discover around each corner, Tokyo still induces a sense of fomo in us who live here – what more for visitors who only have a few days to cram in all the biggest hits the city has to offer. Take this feature as your tried-and-tested itinerary as we reveal to you the Time Out Tokyo editorial team’s personal favourite restaurants, bars and things to do in Tokyo. You’re welcome. Now go out there and explore. RECOMMENDED: Useful apps for travelling in Tokyo and Japan

Springtime cherry blossoms may very well take the prize for most iconic Japanese flower, but early summer belongs to hydrangeas. These multi-coloured beauties were first cultivated in Japan as early as the eighth century, but fossil records show their existence dates back tens of millions of years.Each year during the rainy season in June and July, hydrangeas begin to bloom in shades from cool blue to vivid neon pink. From temples to footbridges, these flowers can be found all over. Here are some fun facts to keep in mind while you’re snapping pics of those pretty flower pom-poms.RECOMMENDED: 12 places to see hydrangeas in and around Tokyo

June brings with it the chance to get out in the fields and watch nature at play. Firefly (or hotaru in Japanese) season is upon us, and while it's true that Tokyo is rather limited in the field department these days, there are still some great spots to see these homegrown fireworks. Check out our top picks of hotaru-watching events in and around Tokyo. RECOMMENDED: 10 best summer destinations in Japan

Origami is the Japanese art of folding paper into intricate shapes: plants, animals, everyday objects, abstract art… the possibilities are virtually endless. The practice evolved over the centuries after the introduction of paper into Japan from China in the seventh century, and now it's a worldwide phenomenon that everyone can enjoy.Whether you're looking to cross origami off your bucket list or wanting to brush up on skills you already have, here are a few great origami classes to try in Tokyo. The best part? You get to take your creations home with you. RECOMMENDED: See the best sides of Tokyo with these guided walking tours

It's no secret that Tokyo is pretty darn big. With so much to see and do – from gardens to jazz bars – there's always something more to experience in the city. So much, in fact, that it can sometimes be hard to figure out what to do. If you want to skip the effort of planning your next outing, these tour companies have got you covered. Whether you're looking to bar crawl and party or get cultured at a museum or two, these are the tours to check out to experience the many sides of Tokyo.RECOMMENDED: Here are some of the best free museums in Tokyo

As we all know, Tokyo has one of the best public transport systems in the world. Unfortunately, maintaining that standard requires serious moolah, and passengers will soon feel the effects. According to Japan Today, JR East announced on August 1 it will be increasing its fares starting March 2026, a move that somewhat incredibly marks the company's first price increase since its founding in 1987 (consumption tax increases notwithstanding).The railway operator had applied for government approval to raise fees as early as last December, when Executive Vice President Chiharu Wataru announced his company must 'spend effort and money on safe railway operations'. The increases are estimated to bring in ¥88.1 billion in revenue annually – money that JR means to invest in equipment and repairs, as well as use to raise wages for staff and offset rising operational costs. Photo: Anna Demidova/Dreamstime On average, fares will rise by 7.1%, with the base fare for central Tokyo's Yamanote Line increasing ¥10, from ¥150 to ¥160. As always, IC card users will have slightly lower rates compared to paper ticket holders (between ¥8 and ¥9 increase), so we recommend getting yourself one of those to save a yen or two.If you're a bit of a stickler for paperwork, you can find the full Japanese report on the increase here.More from Time Out TokyoI'm donut? opens a speciality gluten-free doughnut shop in ShibuyaFilm adaptation of cult indie game 'The Exit 8' due for release in late AugustRoppongi

From fireworks festivals to sumo wrestling, Osaka is full of tradition this summer, and for the next few months, the vibrant city is promoting another staple of Japanese culture: Noh theatre. The ancient art with its striking masks and expressive dances is one of the oldest forms of theatre in the world, and from now until October 30, all of Osaka's Noh theatres are coming together to put on the aptly named Osaka Noh Festa to showcase the art.The event seeks to introduce the uninitiated to Noh theatre through bilingual workshops and performances centred around a few well-known Noh plays. Over the course of the festival, you'll not only see Noh performances, but also get the chance to try on masks, play instruments and more. Read on to find out how to take part in the unique experience. Photo: Yamamoto Noh Theater 'Tsuchigumo' at Yamamoto Noh Theater Yamamoto Noh Theater, Osaka's oldest Noh stage, is holding its Noh workshop and performance on August 31 from 3pm to 5pm. The performance is 'Tsuchigumo', a tale of a band of warriors fighting a giant spider monster. No worries about a language barrier, as a bilingual MC will offer guidance before and during the show.After the play, you'll have the chance to try on Noh masks and play traditional Japanese drums. You can also head to the second floor of the theatre to sip matcha during a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. All this is included in the price of the ticket.Tickets are ¥5,000 each and limited to only 50 participants –

東京はオタクの楽園だ。 「ハローキティ」のホームともいえる「サンリオピューロランド」やスタジオジブリ関連の店舗など、熱心なファンが楽しめる場所が数多くある。そこへ2025年7月18日（金）、新たに「セガストア トーキョー（SEGA STORE TOKYO）」が加わった。 Photo: Keisuke Tanigawa 本店舗は、5月にオープンした「セガストア シャンハイ（SEGA STORE SHANGHAI）」に続く、世界で2番目のセガストア。セガを代表するキャラクター「ソニック・ザ・ヘッジホッグ」（以下、ソニック）の映画シリーズだけで約1000億円（10億ドル）を超える興行収入が記録されていることを考えると、実店舗を展開する戦略は理にかなっているといえるだろう。 Photo: Keisuke Tanigawa セガのグローバル・トランスメディア・グループを率いる副社長のジャスティン・スカルポネ（Justin Scarpone）は「朝の7時から列に並ぶ人や、フィンランドからセガストア トーキョーのためだけに来日した女性もいました」と取材時に語ってくれた。 Photo: Keisuke Tanigawa 同店は「渋谷パルコ（PARCO）」の6階に入居。「ポケモンセンター シブヤ」「ニンテンドートウキョウ（Nintendo TOKYO）」「カプコンストアトーキョー（CAPCOM STORE TOKYO）」「ジャンプショップ（JUMP SHOP）」「ゴジラ ストア シブヤ（Shibuya）」などが同じフロアにあるため、一度にさまざま漫画やアニメ、ゲームのグッズやコンテンツが楽しめる。 Photo: Keisuke Tanigawa メインはやはり、ソニックのグッズだ。そのほか「テイルズ」「ナックルズ」「ドクター・エッグマン」をはじめ、人気キャラクターのキーホルダーからアクリルスタンド、ぬいぐるみまで幅広い商品がラインアップする。 Photo: Keisuke Tanigawaメインは『ソニック・ザ・ヘッジホッグ』のグッズ また、同店舗限定のソニックのぬいぐるみも3種類展開。デザインは、コラージュアーティストの河村康輔が手がけ、シュレッダーアートやコラージュの技法が落とし込まれている。 Photo: Keisuke Tanigawaコラージュアーティストの河村康輔がデザインした限定アイテム 加えて、メディコム・トイによるフィギュア「BE@RBRICK」のソニック版「BE@RBRICK SONIC THE HEDGEHOG CHROME Ver. 100% ＆ 400%」も見逃せない。 Photo: Keisuke Tanigawa「BE@RBRICK」のソニック版「BE@RBRICK SONIC THE HEDGEHOG CHROME Ver. 100% ＆ 400%」 ほかにも、ゲームシリーズ『龍が如く』のクッションやフィギュア、初音ミクのグッズなど、さまざまなアイテムが目立つ位置に展示されている。ファンにはたまらないだろう。 Photo: Keisuke Tanigawa『龍が如く』のクッション Photo: Keisuke Tanigawa『龍が如く』のフィギュア Photo: Christopher House初音ミクのアイテム さらに、ロールプレイングゲーム『ペルソナシリーズ』の商品も豊富に用意する。特に『ペルソナ3 リロード』や、傑作と名高い『ペルソナ5』のアイテムが人気があるそうだ。 Photo:

It goes without saying that Japan is the place for Hello Kitty lovers. From airports to theme parks, Kitty-chan fans are spoiled for choice when on the hunt for merch. If you're looking for items that are a little different this summer, you're in luck, as Kitty's just gotten a bit of a makeover.  Photo: Christopher House For a limited time only, the cat-girl is ditching her iconic red bow and going all blue. Until August 6, you can pick up sky-blue Hello Kitty merch at Marimo Craft’s pop-up store on the third floor of Shibuya Sakura Stage. Items include bags, hairbands, scrunchies, keychains, stickers and much more. Photo: Christopher House Photo: Christopher HouseHello Kitty pop-up store We didn't find the little shop to be crowded in the slightest following its July 17 opening, but the store has announced it would implement a ticket system to manage visitors if necessary. Check its official social media account here for updates (in Japanese only). Photo: Christopher House Photo: Christopher House If you aren't able to make it to the store in person, the online shop is your best bet. The items sold online are the same as what you'll find in the store, but note that only shipping within Japan is available.More from Time Out TokyoSega Store Tokyo is now open – here's what we saw inside4 Tokyo bars named in the World's 50 Best Bars 2025 listThe timetable for Summer Sonic 2025 is out nowThe Fuji Rock timetable for 2025 is hereThe Mt Fuji climbing season has officially

Tokyo is otaku paradise. From Hello Kitty's home to various Ghibli stores, there are plenty of locations for dedicated fans to get their IP fix. Now it's time to add another to the list – Sega Store Tokyo is officially open. Photo: Keisuke Tanigawa This is the second Sega store in the world, following the opening of Sega Store Shanghai in May 2025. With over $1 billion reported in box office receipts from the Sonic the Hedgehog film franchise alone, the move to branch out with brick-and-mortar Sega stores certainly makes sense. Photo: Keisuke Tanigawa Sega Store Tokyo is located inside Shibuya Parco on the sixth floor, which just so happens to be the same floor as the Pokémon Center, Nintendo Store, Capcom Store, Jump Store and Godzilla Store, so we recommend getting your geek on all in one go when you visit. Photo: Keisuke TanigawaSega Store Tokyo The star of the show is the Sonic merch, natch. You'll find a wide selection of products featuring Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, Dr Robotnik (Dr Eggman in Japan) and other fan favourites, ranging from keychains and acrylic stands to pillows and plushies. Photo: Keisuke Tanigawa In addition to the everyday plushies, you'll be able to get your hands on three exclusive Sonic plushies not found elsewhere. Their designs are a collaborative effort between Sega and collage artist Kosuke Kawamura of 'Akira: Art of Wall' fame. While you're picking up exclusive items, don't forget your Sonic Bearbricks. Photo: Keisuke Tanigawa Photo: Ke

Time to whip out your hiking gear. The Mt Fuji climbing season officially began on Tuesday July 1, reports Japan Today. In an effort to manage over-tourism and ever-growing crowds, online registration and fee increases were established earlier this year for those wishing to climb Japan's most famous mountain. Advance registration is strongly recommended, while the ¥4,000 entry fee is required for all climbers. Photo: Krisada Wakayabun/DreamstimeHikers climbing Mt Fuji Currently, only the Yoshida Trail in Yamanashi prefecture is open to the public; Shizuoka prefecture's three trails are scheduled to open July 10. The Yoshida Trail has set a limit of 4,000 daily visitors and will close its gate to the summit daily from 2pm until 3am the following day, though there are no such restrictions announced for Shizuoka's trails at this time.The climbing season will last from now until September 10. Make your reservation here, and remember to follow all necessary safety protocols for a safer climbing experience.More from Time Out TokyoSanrio has announced its 2025 character ranking resultsIconic Ghibli films come to life in 3D at the studio's sculpture exhibition in TokyoEmbark on a creative journey through time and space at the Leiji Matsumoto exhibitionEvangelion's 30th-anniversary art exhibition is happening later this year3 Tokyo restaurants named in the World's 50 Best Restaurants 2025 listWant to be the first to know what's cool in Tokyo? Sign up to our newsletter for the latest

Sanrio announced on Sunday June 29 the results of its 2025 character ranking, which racked up over 63 million votes worldwide. Compared with 2024's results, this year saw Pompompurin leap from fourth place to snatch the crown with just over 5.6 million votes. Previous champion Cinnamoroll dropped to second place with 5.4 million votes, and Pochacco also saw a dip in popularity, slipping from second to third place to earn 3.9 million votes.But what about the iconic Hello Kitty? With 3.3 million votes, she hasn't budged from last year's position of fifth place, and actually hasn't even managed to crack the Top 3 since taking the crown in 2019. (The lack of votes hasn't stopped Kitty from getting her own airport though, so we reckon she's doing just fine.)This year's Top Ten characters are:1. Pompompurin2. Cinnamoroll3. Pochacco4. Kuromi5. Hello Kitty6. My Melody7. Little Twin Stars8. Hangyodon9. Tuxedosam10. AhirunopekkleSee the full ranking of all 90 characters here.More from Time Out TokyoIconic Ghibli films come to life in 3D at the studio's sculpture exhibition in Tokyo Embark on a creative journey through time and space at the Leiji Matsumoto exhibition Evangelion's 30th-anniversary art exhibition is happening later this year 3 Tokyo restaurants named in the World's 50 Best Restaurants 2025 list The 55-minute fireworks at Lake Kawaguchiko is back this yearWant to be the first to know what's cool in Tokyo? Sign up to our newsletter for the latest updates from Tokyo and Japa

Expo 2025 Osaka announced Sunday June 29 on social media that it had reached 10 million visitors (including staff). The Expo's 10 millionth visitor, accountant Kazuhiro Asano from Yamagata prefecture, received official merch and a multi-entry Summer Pass as a thank-you gift, but the celebrations don't stop there. Image: Expo 2025 OsakaCommemorative stamp For a limited time only, the Expo is offering a commemorative stamp to all visitors to celebrate the 10 million milestone. To get yours, head to the Team Expo Pavilion in the Future Life Zone near the West Gate from now until July 15. Just make sure to bring your own paper or stamp book, as these items won't be provided by the venue.The Expo will continue until October 13 – purchase your tickets here. Happy 10 million visitors!More from Time Out OsakaHow to purchase tickets for the 2025 Osaka ExpoOsaka named one of the world's most liveable cities in 20257 reasons to visit Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai at nightThis chain of unmanned 24-hour cafés in Osaka is perfect for remote workOsaka Expo 2025 is hosting a spectacular monthly fireworks showcase

It's almost time to get in the robot again. From November 14 2025 to January 12 2026, Tokyo City View will be hosting 'All of Evangelion', an art exhibition to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the beloved Evangelion franchise. Image:『ヱヴァンゲリヲン新劇場版』シリーズ　©カラーEvangelion Unit-01 As its name suggests, the exhibition will span the entirety of Evangelion’s decades-long history, featuring everything from original cels and drawings from the Neon Genesis Evangelion anime series to never-before-seen digital materials from the Rebuild of Evangelion films. With planning support from big names like Studio Khara, the Anime Tokusatsu Archive Centre and more, the event is bound to offer plenty to enjoy for both casual and die-hard Eva fans alike. Image: ©カラー／Project EvaEvangelion 2.0: You Can (Not) Advance Directed by Hideaki Anno and produced by animation studio Gainax, Neon Genesis Evangelion follows the story of 14-year-old Shinji Ikari, a boy recruited to pilot a giant mech known as an 'Eva' to fight mysterious creatures called Angels. Released in October 1995, the 26-episode animated series has since spawned several films, spin-offs, video games and a vast multitude of merch collabs ranging from Fila to McDonald's. Image: ©カラー／Project EvaEvangelion: 3.0+1.01 Thrice Upon a Time Ticket prices and exhibition hours will be announced at a later date. Keep an eye on the official 'All of Evangelion' website for updates.More from Time Out Tokyo3 Tokyo restaurants named in the World's 50

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has announced plans to temporarily waive base water fees starting in June or July of this year. The waiver is proposed to last four months.The idea behind the initiative is that if you're saving money on your water bill, it may encourage you to spend it on other utilities like AC to keep cool. The unprecedented decision is in response to last year's intense summer heat and aims to reduce the amount of heatstroke-related incidents. Photo: photo-ac, 白鼬舎Dripping water tap Don't let the taps run free though, as the waiver only covers base costs. Those are estimated to be between ¥860 and ¥1,460 per month depending on the size of your water pipes – anything beyond base fees will still be your responsibility to pay.The exact amount to be covered is yet to be announced, but it's estimated that most Tokyoites can save up to ¥5,000 during the four-month period.More from Time Out Tokyo Hello Kitty land in Tokyo will be overrun by zombies this summer Netflix Japan to air ‘Grave of the Fireflies’ from July 15 Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo is offering a dreamy dinner buffet accompanied by fireflies The mountaintop Unkai Terrace in Hokkaido opens out to a sea of clouds Tokyo’s latest Godzilla art exhibition is a roaring tribute to the 70-year-old icon Want to be the first to know what’s cool in Tokyo? Sign up to our newsletter for the latest updates from Tokyo and Japan.

Grab your tissues, folks. Netflix Japan has announced it will stream Grave of the Fireflies starting from July 15. The critically acclaimed tearjerker has been available in 190 other countries and regions since September of last year, though this summer marks the first time it will be streamable specifically on Netflix Japan.  Image: Studio Ghibli, Grave of the FirefliesGrave of the Fireflies Grave of the Fireflies – released in 1988 and directed by the late Isao Takahata – is an animated film based on the semi-autobiographical novel of the same name by Akiyuki Nosaka. The emotionally gripping film tells the story of 14-year-old Seita and his little sister Setsuko as they struggle to survive the brutalities of the Second World War. The timing of the streaming is especially poignant, since this year marks the 80th anniversary of the air raid on Kobe, as depicted in the picture. Image: Studio Ghibli, Grave of the FirefliesGrave of the Fireflies Grave of the Fireflies will be available for streaming in Japanese only, with English subtitles. It is the first Studio Ghibli film to be offered on Netflix Japan. More from Time Out Tokyo The mountaintop Unkai Terrace in Hokkaido opens out to a sea of clouds Tokyo's latest Godzilla art exhibition is a roaring tribute to the 70-year-old icon This hidden temple in Gifu is offering a special nighttime photo op this June Tokyo ranked among the most affordable holiday destinations of 2025 Test the latest in accessibility tech at Harajuku

Martial arts equipment manufacturer Mitsuboshi Co, Ltd (est 1953) has recently opened its flagship store Mitsuboshi Global, a budo sports pro shop in Asakusa not far from Sensoji Temple. The venue is your one-stop shop for all things Japanese martial arts from uniforms and gear to apparel and accessories, specialising mainly in judo, aikido and karate.Here are a few reasons to visit the store, even if you don't consider yourself a martial arts enthusiast. (Hint: there's Hello Kitty merch.) Photo: Keisuke TanigawaRacks of gi 1. Get your gi Mitsuboshi Global sells kid-sized and adult gi for karate, judo and aikido. The store offers ready-to-wear uniforms you can get off the rack, but it also does custom fittings – just get measured at the store or send your measurements in and let the store handle the rest. Pre-made gi cost between ¥10,000 and ¥30,000 depending on the size and fabric, while custom-made gi will set you back around ¥50,000. Your order will be ready for pick-up or delivery after about a month (international shipping available).  Photo: Keisuke TanigawaBudo gear 2. Grab some budo gear If you've already got your gi covered, you can pick up other budo gear like shin guards (from ¥3,850) and sparring gloves (¥4,290). Don't see what you're looking for? Check the in-store brochure, which has much more budo equipment – including kendo swords and armour – available for pick-up or delivery. Photo: Mitsuboshi GlobalMitsuboshi Global karate class 3. Learn karate basics