5 art festivals to catch in Japan this September and October

Inspired by Maebashi’s vision of the city’s future development and a decade of private sector-led redevelopment, the inaugural Maebashi Biennale unfolds across the central district of Maebashi city in Gunma prefecture. Art, architecture, food, music and poetry come together at art sites scattered throughout the city centre, weaving walkable art experiences into Maebashi’s evolving urban landscape. The line-up of some 70 artists and groups ranges from Martin Margiela to Mika Ninagawa with EiM, who will unveil a brand-new installation.

Sep 19-Dec 20

Works by the likes of Yayoi Kusama and Abraham Poincheval pop up in parks, parking garages and across the shores of Tokyo Bay when this new international art exhibition takes over the Daiba, Aomi and Tennozu districts. Highlights include Leiko Ikemura’s 6-metre-tall rabbit sculpture in the water off Odaiba Marine Park’s artificial beach, and Zhao Yao’s giant balloon installation. Seeking to sprinkle contemporary art into daily life, Tokyo Atlas is sure to make a splash along the waterfront.

Oct 10-Dec 20

Art comes to the historic hot springs of Gero with the inaugural edition of this international showcase featuring 59 artists from 14 countries. Besides the town of Gero Onsen, works will be displayed in old post stations, abandoned schools and secluded groves. Lithuanian luminary Stasys Eidrigevičius exhibits a sculpture inspired by a local snake legend at a Shinto shrine, while Eat & Art Taro unveils a project centred on local culinary culture.

Sep 11-Nov 8

Experimental performing arts from Japan and abroad are coming together in Kyoto this October, in the form of a diverse programme spanning genres such as theatre, dance, music and the visual arts. In addition to the performance programme, the Kyoto Experiment initiative takes a multifaceted approach, including ‘Kansai Studies’, a project that seeks to foster a research-based creative foundation in the Kansai region, along with talks and workshops. This is your chance to experience a connection between contemporary society and artistic expression that goes beyond just watching a performance.

Oct 3-25

Since its launch in 2000, the open-call Spiral Independent Creators Festival has platformed numerous creators now working at the forefront of contemporary art and design. This year, SICF will be held in Fukuoka for the first time. Selected creators will come together to showcase works across genres including painting, installation, photography, fashion and performance. Awards including the Grand Prix and Runner-up Grand Prix, as well as other prizes selected by judges active at the forefront of Japan’s creative industry, will be presented during the festival.

Sep 9-22