Plain Talk
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD MAY 29. 2026No Rest For The Weary by Patrick Hattman
While vacationing with family and friends in the United States along the Outer Banks of North Carolina earlier this year, the remnants of a tropical storm passed near these famous barrier islands and drastically affected the weather where we were staying for a few days.
The Outer Banks are constantly being reshaped by the forces of Nature, particularly the waves and winds of powerful storms. And it was no different this time as I was able to witness first hand such awe-inspiring power and how the storm altered the land.
As a result of this memorable experience, I decided to write down my thoughts and feelings to capture the essence and the spirit of what I observed and how it moved me. I hope my attempt at free verse poetry resonates with readers:
I see wind-tossed waves thundering their way ceaselessly to this sandy spit of land.
Foaming, here comes the gloaming, twilight twinkling through the plumes of salt spray.
Waves crashing and smashing as the billowing wind propels them onto this strand.
The Moon dances, so the tide says okay, it is time to rejoin the forever fray.
Waves recede, it does not matter if any are in the lead, certainly none need command.
For there is no rest for the weary, that is the truth I want to convey.
今年初め、家族や友人と共に米国ノースカロライナ州のアウターバンクスで休暇を過ごしていた際、熱帯低気圧の残骸がこの有名なバリア諸島の近くを通過し、私たちが数日間滞在していた地域の天候に大きな影響を与えた。
アウター・バンクスは、自然の力、とりわけ激しい嵐の波や風によって絶えず形を変えられている。今回も例外ではなく、私はその畏敬の念を抱かせるほどの力と、嵐がどのように土地を変貌させたかを、この目で直接目撃することができた。
この忘れがたい体験をきっかけに、私は自分の思いや感情を書き留め、目の当たりにした光景の本質や精神、そしてそれが私に与えた感動を形に残すことにした。この自由詩が、読者の皆様の心に響くことを願っている。
風になびく波が、この砂州へと絶え間なく轟音を立てて押し寄せてくる。
泡を立てて、夕暮れがやってくる。潮の飛沫の柱の向こうで、薄明かりがきらめいている
吹き荒れる風が波を押し寄せ、波は砕け散りながらこの浜辺へと打ち寄せる。
月が舞い踊ると、潮は「よし、また永遠の戦いに加わる時だ」と応える。
波は引き、先頭を走る波があろうとなかろうと、それは問題ではない。指揮を執る必要など、誰にもないのだから。
疲れた者には休息などない――それが、私が伝えたい真実だ。
Plain Talk
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD TNB Throwback MAY 13. 2016Shuffling by William Livingstone
I make friends and study Japanese by playing Magic the Gathering at my local card games shops.
I go to something called Friday Night Magic every week, pitting my allied deck against top tier decks and excellent players. It's a lot of fun, and the best thing about it is I forget i'm a foreigner when i'm there- i'm one of the guys.
There is an occasional difficult card or effect, but I genererally know the key words:
senko shimasu - take the first turn, hakkai suru- destroy, suihou- exile, tapu jotai - enter tapped, stacku de - on the stack, hiku - draw shiteru- discard.
If other players have finished their games they will gather round to watch other players finish theirs. They console me when I get annihilated, they congratulate me when I win, as I do for them, and a mutual understanding is built.
We've already shared a lot together and I've learned so much about how Japanese people think, feel and react that I'm convinced this is the best place for me to really understand something big.
There are some great tournaments, and you can win some really great prizes, the 1st prize at the Nagoya tournament recently was 10,000 dollars. Tokyo has a card game shop near every major station, and often near the minor ones too. They usually have a list of events by the door and a sign up sheet near the counter.
So what do you need?
You need a deck of 60 cards that are currently used in standard play, with an optional sideboard of 15 cards that can be rotated in or out after the first game. At the start of each round you must reset these cards back into their original places (deck or sideboard).
You also need basic Japanese skills!
My two favorite shops in Tokyo are Yellow Submarine and Master's Square in Hachioji City. The best times to go are usually Friday evening or Saturday from about 4 or 5 pm. But wherever you go you are sure to make some friends.
I'm lucky to have such a nice group there, the game shuffling us together like a deck of cards.
近所のカードゲームショップでマジック・ザ・ギャザリング（カードゲーム）を通して友人を見つけたり、日本語を学んでいる。
自分のカードで手強い相手に闘いをいどむために、毎週「フライデー・ナイト・マジック」という集りに参加している。すごく楽しい、ゲームの最中、僕はただのプレイヤーで、自分が外国人という事を忘れる。
たまにわからないカードが登場するが、魔法の言葉を使う。
「せんこ・します。」「はっかい・する。」「すいほう。」「たぷ・じょたい。」「すたっく・で」「ひく。」「してる。」
自分のゲームを終えたプレイヤーは、他のプレーヤーのゲームを囲んで見守る。僕が完敗すると慰めてくれるし、勝つと喜んでくれる。僕も同様にそうする事で、みんなとの交流も深まる。
交流を重ねる事で日本人がどのように考える、感じ、行動するかいろいろと学んだ。自分にとって実りの多い場所だと思う。
大きな大会では、賞金もすごい。最近開かれた名古屋大会では一等賞は１万ドルだった。東京のメジャーな駅には必ずカードゲームショップがあるし、マイナーな駅にもしばしばある。入口にイベントのリストが掲示されていてカウンターにはサインアップシートがある。
参加するには何を持っていけばいいかって？
６０枚のカードを組み合わせた「スタンダードデッキ」がいる。第１ゲームを終え、サイドボーディングのための１５枚のオプショナルカードもいる。ゲームの始まりにサイドボーディングからカードを抜いて入れ替える。日本語の単語も必要だ！
東京で僕のお気に入りのショップは『Yellow Submarine』で八王子にある『Master's Square』だ。金曜か土曜日の４時〜５時がベストタイムだ。でもいつ行っても友達はできる。
いい仲間と出会え、ゲームができるなんてとてもうれしい。
Unfinished business
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD MAY 17. 2019Farewell to a Japan Jazz Icon by David Gregory
The messages from all over Japan read aloud during the service helped us realize how widely Koyama-san touched lives and how many like us were feeling something newly missing from our worlds. But, although wonderful and sometimes saddening us, they did not trigger crying. That happened next.
Those first few notes of the "'Round About Midnight" Miles Davis version, the cut Koyama-san always used to open Jazz Tonight, performed by a live piano and trumpet duo up front near the coffin, did it: Instant recognition, recollections, sighs around the room, eyes closed, arms crossed, heads dropped back or down, and tears, at least for me. How many times had we heard, after Miles breathed his somber opening, Koyama-san's low, raspy voice welcoming us into the studio with, "Minna-san, gokigen ikaga desho-ka everybody, how are you feeling?"?and never thought that someday we would hear him ask about us no more?
Koyama-san's widow, whom, like him, had never known me, stood alone at the coffin head and bowed in silence to everyone in turn after they placed flowers around his body as the duo continued with another slow number, the trumpet sounding so strong and crisp and unusual in a memorial service hall. After we placed our flowers, she responded to my hand on her shoulder, a touch just meant to console her, by immediately turning and reaching for me?a total stranger?burying her head in my chest, and breaking down. She needed that hug that everybody sometimes needs. She let go after her respite when she was ready to face the coffin and everyone else again, and returned to her position. Going to Kashiwa in a snowstorm was worth it just for those few moments when I could do something for her.
So our Kashiwa day was both sad and good. But, why did I even want to go a funeral for a man whom I only knew by voice, and who, although linked to jazz, was not even a musician?
Koyama-san and his Jazz Tonight program I listened to since at least the early 2000s. For more than sixteen years, while my life in Japan has been filled with huge uncertainties, he has been here Saturday nights on the radio, reliable, keeping me connected to the world's music and opening my ears to music from Japan I would not know without him. Listening to him always made me feel good, no matter what had happened in my life during the week or what was coming up in the weeks ahead. Koyama-san and Jazz Tonight were my respite. How well can I replace that comfort?
Koyama-san, thank you for helping this foreigner feel good in Japan. Please rest well in jazz heaven.
NHK Radio, thank you for giving Koyama-san a way to connect with us. Please encourage other DJs to continue doing what he did so well.
To Koyama-san's surviving family members: Please care well for yourselves now, and thank you for supporting and sharing Kiyoshi with us.
The Smallest Box by David Gregory
She came over to my table and asked if I remembered her.
“That’s my boyfriend over there.”
Their table hugged a pillar blocking the sunny Tokyo Bay view enjoyed by the other customers that afternoon in Chiba’s AquaRink ice skating facility café.
“Maybe we will marry next year.”
On my way out, I stopped to congratulate the potential groom to be. What I later heard happened with Hiromi and Hiroshi that night at another place also close to the bay sounded so too good to be true that I visited that place to confirm it really happened. It did.
Hiroshi had reserved for the course menu that night at OCEAN TABLE, next to Chiba Port, on the second floor, where tables sat by the huge windows facing Chiba Port Tower and Tokyo Bay. No view-blocking pillars there. And they had a wait, even with their reservation, because it was Christmas Eve, which in Japan matters much more than the following day; the Eve is the year’s couples’ night out, and single women without dates that night can feel their whole year was wasted.
Hiroshi had changed into a suit after skating, and had urged Hiromi, against her protests about overdressing, into a plaid one-piece, raising expectations. They had never come to a place this nice, one requiring reservations. Saizeriya was more their speed: fast faux-Italian, cheap, and everywhere.
The unexpected wait made Hiroshi antsy. He relaxed and all was perfect after they were seated.
They talked. They ate the Christmas Dinner courses. They ignored the soft Christmas background music. They admired the gleaming, golden Christmas Tree rising from the first-floor buffet area through the open center space across from their table. They could see outside the sparkling flashes and half the tree in Port Tower’s Christmas Illumination, and beyond, the lights from the ships on and facilities around Tokyo Bay, appearing almost twinkling. Perfect—but not for Hiromi.
She went to the toilet. Still he had not asked. The day was done. The reservation system only allowed them two hours there. They had been together all day. He had remembered her birthday-just by coincidence, also that day-with a necklace at AquaRink. Nice, but was that all? He had pestered her since early December about what Christmas present she wanted until she had finally exploded with, “Nothing! Don’t you know I just want a proposal?!” And had added she wanted it to be a surprise. Here he had the perfect chance, and he was wasting it.
She could try enjoying what was left of the evening. Dessert was next. At least here was better than Saizeriya….She was still stuck when she returned to the table, and had no chance to do or say anything, anyway. It was his toilet turn.
Their desserts came. Hiromi sat and waited and pondered the future. Outside, the tower stood alone against the dark sky and Tokyo Bay’s inky darkness.
Their desserts waited. Maybe his tooth was bothering him again. Maybe he was just tolerating it to make the night go well. Maybe for her. Maybe she should go to check on him. Wait-maybe she just heard his voice across the room.
No, only Santa Claus, posing for photographs with diners at the far table. He then started circling the room, giving a small present from his big sack at each table. She could check after he was done.
Hiroshi still had not returned to his seat when Santa reached their table. He handed Hiromi a big, red stocking, by far the room’s largest gift, accompanied by a squeaky, “Atari! You’re a lucky one!” Yeah. She set it aside and Santa moved on. What was he still doing in the toilet?
Santa finished his round, returned to Hiromi, and pointed at her unopened stocking with squeaky, “Un! Un!” grunts. The other diners had opened their presents. She forced a smile and said she was waiting for her boyfriend to return. “Un! Un!”
When Hiromi still resisted, Santa took the stocking in his white-gloved hands and opened it himself. Out first came a big, pink box, heart shaped. He opened that and pulled out another heart-shaped box, and then, from inside that, another heart-shaped box. Another smaller, heart-shaped box followed. He removed from that an even smaller heart-shaped box, and thrust it to Hiromi with one more squeaky, “Un!”
Still gone. Well, he’d miss it. Hiromi obeyed Santa this time and opened it, the smallest box in the room …and her mind and face went blank.
After that frozen moment passed, Hiromi looked at Santa. The second shock hit, and more followed. Santa Claus had ripped off his gloves, furry hat, sunglasses, and huge, flowing beard. He took the box from her?she was still speechless?dropped onto one knee, held the open box out and up to her in both stretching hands, and said in a voice loud enough for everyone in the room to hear, “Hiromi-san, boku-to kekkon shite kudasai! Hiromi, please marry me!”
Outside, to anybody looking, Port Tower’s Christmas Illumination still flashed, and the lights on and around Tokyo Bay still appeared almost twinkling. Inside OCEAN TABLE, on the second floor, everything was happening so fast that Hiromi just did not know which was more difficult to believe: Hiroshi and the ring he first tried slipping onto the finger on her right hand, the one he had taken in his before she held out her left hand, or the following PAN! and PAN! PAN! PAN! PAN! PAN! and PAN! PAN! and PAN! explosions ripping and ribbons shooting around the room as diners at the floor’s other tables popped the party crackers they had found with the notes in their presents from Santa Claus.
Copyright © 2018 David L. Gregory All rights reserved.
I Did It! by David Gregory
She had been here before. But, those were tour-guided or hand-held visits. After living most of her life in white-bread suburban USA, driving everywhere, shopping in giant malls and supermarkets, and needing only one currency and one language, my mother ventured out on her own, within and beyond Chiba, during one trip to Japan. From her notes, here are Dorothy's...
ADVENTURES IN JAPAN
Grocery Shopping in Neighborhood―Walk five blocks...buy only one bag...walk five blocks back. Survived it!
Shopping in City Center―Walk six blocks to bus stop. Ride bus fifteen minutes. Arrive at stores. Walk around. Look. Decide: cookies.
Buying: “Ikura desu-ka how much?” Hmm. “Kakimasu kudasai write please.”
Paying options: give large bill, let clerk figure change, or open change purse, let clerk take out correct amount. Decide to just give some cash.
Clerk shakes her head (“NO! MORE!”), then counts out correct amount needed from register and shows me. I mimic her action from my change purse. Smiles! Deep bows with many, “Arigato gozaimasu thank you very much!”-es.
(My error: thought there was decimal point in Yen price....)
Open cookies, expecting pirouettes with chocolate centers. Instead, peanut butter waffle rolls, no chocolate. No wonder, now I see peanut sketch on package. “Shoganai can’t be changed,” I did it to myself. It could have been worse!
~~~
Travelling to Visit Friend’s Family on Other Side of Chiba―Walk ten blocks to train. Purchase ticket. Electronic lady on ticket machine screen says, “Arigato gozaimasu” and bows. Ride train twenty minutes, watching for correct stop, get off, walk seven blocks to house. I did it myself!
Visiting Hisae Overnight―My Japanese study partner in USA returned to Japan, now lives on other side of Tokyo Bay.
Take large purse and large tote bag with jacket, nightie, toothbrush, cosmetics. Walk six blocks to bus stop. Ride bus to train station. Ride train eighty minutes to Yokohama. Find correct exit from station. EASY. Did not even look at note in pocket explaining route and Japanese signs. And, look! Hisae and three-year old Kei are waiting! “Hello!” they say! Many hugs!
I did it!
Then, still more travel: train together fifteen minutes, short taxi uphill to lovely apartment, sunny and bright.
Returning to Chiba, just reverse process. Next time, we can meet at a station halfway in between. I can do it.
I can do it!
Copyright (C) 2015 David Gregory. All rights reserved. Chiba, Japan
Book Review
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD MAY 11 2018Cherry Blossoms in the Time of Earthquakes and Tsunami
by Rey Ventura Reviewed by Randy Swank video maker and scriptwriter Rey Ventura won the 2015 National Book Award for his third collection of essays, Cherry Blossoms in the Time of Earthquakes and Tsunami, but for some strange twist of fate you will find very little information on this book. You can’t even buy it on Amazon. This is a shame because Cherry Blossoms... is a beautiful, insightful and thought-provoking book. |
Cherry Blossoms in the Time of Earthquakes and Tsunami |
In "Miniskirts and Stilettos" we meet Ginto, a young lady who comes to Japan dreaming of making it big as a singer and entertainer but has to deal instead with a much darker reality; while "Mr. Suzuki Tries Again" and "Into the Snow Country" are tragicomic tales of arranged marriages where the dreams and expectations of bride-starved farmers from Japan's Deep North clash with those of young Filipino women who want to escape their poverty and go into marriage "as a girl goes into a convent." Ventura tells these stories with a great eye for detail and manages to find a ray of light even in the darkest corners, or poetry in the midst of a nuclear disaster. The book's first essay is called "The Slow Boat to Manila" and indeed, slowness is the first word that comes to mind when considering Ventura's approach to writing. Everything Ventura does is slow. He is no magazine reporter after all, and will spend days or even months getting to know a person he wants to write about. That's the kind of personal commitment and deep connection with his subject that one feels when reading his essays. |
Tokyo Fab
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD MAY 29, 2026
Pride Festival
The Pride Festival serves as the social heart of Tokyo Pride 2026, turning Yoyogi Park into a lively gathering space filled with performances, food stalls, community booths, and cultural activities. The festival brings together LGBTQ+ organisations, supporters, businesses, and visitors in an atmosphere designed to feel open, welcoming, and inclusive.
Visitors can explore advocacy spaces, discover local initiatives, enjoy live entertainment, and connect with groups promoting diversity and equality. Throughout the festival grounds, the atmosphere balances celebration with community engagement, creating an approachable environment where people can interact freely, learn from different perspectives, and experience the broader spirit of Pride beyond the parade itself.
2026.6.6 (Sat) & 6.7 (Sun) @ Yoyogi Park (Harajuku Sta. on JR Line)
Pride Parade
The Pride Parade is the most visible and symbolic event of Tokyo Pride 2026, bringing thousands of participants through the streets of Shibuya and Harajuku in a vibrant public celebration of identity, equality, and community. Rainbow flags, music, performances, and coordinated group marches transform central Tokyo into a space of visibility and solidarity.
More than a festive procession, the parade represents growing social awareness and support for LGBTQ+ communities in Japan. Activists, allies, embassies, companies, and community organisations all take part, creating an atmosphere that feels both celebratory and meaningful. The event highlights Pride’s role as both cultural celebration and public statement.
2026.6.7 (Sun) @ Shibuya - Harajuku
Have You Been To...
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD MAY 29, 2026
Entsuin [Matsushima, Miyagi]
Ents?in is a tranquil temple in Matsushima known for its beautiful Zen gardens and seasonal scenery. It is especially famous for its moss-covered grounds and autumn illuminations, when maple leaves glow against carefully designed landscapes. The temple also features a European-style rose garden, blending Japanese and Western aesthetics in a peaceful, reflective setting overlooking the scenic Matsushima area.
Shishigahana Marsh [Nikaho, Akita]
Shishigahana Marsh is a serene wetland area in Tochigi Prefecture known for its seasonal alpine flowers and rich biodiversity. Elevated boardwalks allow visitors to explore the marsh while protecting its fragile ecosystem. In early summer, vibrant blooms spread across the landscape, attracting nature lovers, hikers, and photographers seeking quiet scenery and untouched natural beauty in the mountains.
Shirakoma Pond [Yatsugatake, Nagano]
Shirakoma Pond is a high-altitude lake located in the forests of Nagano Prefecture, surrounded by one of Japan’s largest natural moss ecosystems. Wooden walking trails guide visitors through ancient woodland, reflecting perfectly on the still water’s surface. The area is especially popular in summer for its cool climate and in autumn for vivid foliage reflections.
Chatsubomi Moss Park [Iriyama, Gunma]
Chatsubomi Moss Park in Gunma Prefecture is a rare natural site famous for its vast moss-covered rock formations resembling a miniature green labyrinth. Walking paths lead visitors through soft, undulating moss landscapes shaped by volcanic terrain and spring water. The park offers a surreal, almost otherworldly atmosphere, especially in rainy seasons when the greens become intensely vivid and luminous.
Tokyo Voice Column
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD TNB Throwback: JULY 13. 2013
Music to the Soul by Esteban Lopez
As I stood waiting at my son’s school today and watched Japanese life unfold before me, a sense of calmness and serenity overcame me.
On a sunny and clear day as the clouds languidly rolled by, I watched as a group of middle school boys walked in front of me and weakly teased one another at a subdued auditory level or when the small service van pulled up in front of the apartment complex opposite of the school, the sound of the engine purring scarcely registered. I had to strain to make out whether the engine was on or not. The engine was so quiet and when it was shut off, I only knew it because I watched as the service man turned the key and stepped out of the vehicle with keys in hand.
Likewise, the elderly woman returning home from the supermarket, her footfalls hardly made a sound. It was all so quiet. Even the sound of the wind seemed to be hushed. The sounds or lack thereof seemed to be composing a soundtrack − a day in the life of suburban Tokyo. It was music to my soul and just sitting there and soaking it all in was so calming. Don’t get me wrong; I know the difference between downtown Tokyo and the suburbs. Like most other people, I work in downtown and I know how noisy and demanding it is to just walk down any given street, particularly in Shinjuku and not be assaulted by a barrage of noise emanating from either a pachinko parlor or a barker standing in front of a restaurant soliciting business.
Truth be told, I’ve never lived in a city as big as Tokyo and so I don’t claim to be an authority on the matter, but I do find it rather incredulous that at times Tokyo is at odds with itself, from one extreme to the other.
今日、学校の前で息子を待つ間、目の間で繰り広げられる日本の日常生活を目撃し、その落ち着いた静寂な様に圧倒された。
雲がゆったりと流れる晴天の日、私の前を中学生の男子学生が数名歩いていた。たがいにからかいあっていたがひかえめで騒々しくはなかった。学校の反対側にはマンションがありその前に商業用のワンン車が止まった。エンジンの低い音はほとんど聞こえなかった。私はエンジンが止まっているのか確かめるため耳を澄まして聞くほどだった。エンジンは本当に静かで、サービスマンがキーを抜いて、キーを手に持ち車から出たのを確認してやっとエンジンが切れたとわかった。
他も同様で、年老いた女性がスーパーから帰宅した。足音はほとんどしなかった。なにもかもが静寂に包まれていた。風でさえシーッと黙らされたようだった。音、そしてその欠如は、『東京郊外のある一日』というサウンドトラック音楽を作っているようだった。私の心に響く音楽だった。そこに座ってその音に浸っていると、気持ちが満たされた。私は東京の街中と郊外の違いは知っていると誤解のないよう言っておこう。大勢の人と同じ様に、私は都会で働き、どんなに騒々しいかわかっている。新宿等の街中を歩けば、パチンコ屋からの騒音の集中砲火だけでなく、レストランの客引きのどなり声を浴びる。
真実を明かすと、私はこれまで東京のような大都市に住んだ事はなかったので、音についての大家だと主張するつもりはない。しかし、東京はまったく正反対の側面をもち、時に折り合わないというにわかには信じられないことを発見した。
MUSEUM -What's Going on?-
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD MAY 15. 2026
Rain Blooms
Rain Blooms is a digital art exhibition that explores the relationship between nature, emotion, and technology through immersive visual experiences. Combining interactive installations with atmospheric sound and light, the exhibition invites visitors into a dreamlike environment where rainfall becomes a source of creativity and transformation.
The exhibition uses digital projection, motion-sensitive elements, and layered visual effects to create spaces that constantly shift and evolve. Flowers appear to bloom in response to movement, while changing patterns of rain alter the atmosphere throughout the gallery. This interaction encourages visitors to become part of the artwork rather than simply observing it from a distance.
One of the exhibition’s strengths is its emotional tone. Rather than presenting technology in a cold or mechanical way, Rain Blooms emphasizes softness, reflection, and sensory beauty. Gentle sounds and flowing visuals create a calming environment that contrasts with the fast pace of urban life.
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The exhibition also reflects the growing popularity of immersive digital art in Japan. By combining artistic storytelling with advanced technology, the creators blur the boundaries between physical and virtual spaces. Visitors are encouraged to slow down, observe carefully, and experience how small movements can influence the surrounding environment.
For international visitors, Rain Blooms offers an accessible introduction to contemporary Japanese digital art culture. The exhibition does not rely heavily on language, making it easy to appreciate through sight, sound, and interaction alone.
Whether you are interested in modern art, photography, technology, or simply unique sensory experiences, Rain Blooms presents a visually captivating journey where nature and digital creativity merge in elegant harmony.
Period: - 5/31/2026, 2026
Venue: NEORT++
Closed: Mon, Tue, Holiday Hours: Wed - Sun, 14:00 - 19:00
Admission: Free
For more information, please visit
https://two.neort.io/en/exhibitions/rain_blooms
MOT Collection: Art for Starters
MOT Collection: Art for Starters is an approachable and engaging exhibition designed to introduce visitors to the world of contemporary art. Presented by the Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo, the exhibition focuses on helping audiences explore artistic ideas in an accessible and enjoyable way, regardless of their prior experience with modern art.
The collection features a diverse range of works, including paintings, sculptures, photography, video installations, and conceptual pieces by Japanese and international artists. Rather than overwhelming visitors with complex theory, the exhibition encourages curiosity and personal interpretation, making contemporary art feel inviting rather than intimidating.
One of the exhibition’s key themes is the idea that there is no single “correct” way to experience art. Visitors are encouraged to reflect on their own reactions and discover how different works connect to memory, society, technology, and everyday life. This welcoming approach makes the exhibition particularly appealing for newcomers and younger audiences.
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The variety of artistic styles also highlights the evolution of postwar and contemporary art in Japan. Traditional influences often appear alongside experimental techniques and multimedia installations, showing how artists continue to challenge boundaries while responding to modern culture. The museum’s spacious galleries allow visitors to experience each work at a comfortable pace, creating an environment suited for thoughtful exploration. Informative displays and carefully curated themes help guide audiences through the exhibition without requiring specialist knowledge.
Period: − Sunday, August 16, 2026
Venue: Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo
Closed: Mondays (except July 20), May 7 and July 21
Hours: 10:00 -18:00 (admission 30 minutes before? closing)
Admission: Adults − 500 yen / University & College Students − 400 yen / High School Students, Over 65 − 250 yen / Junior High School Students & Younger − free
For more information, please visit
Strange but True
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD MAY 29. 2026
Coffee-Stealing Parrot!
In a bizarre incident that quickly spread online, a cafe´ in Seoul became the centre of attention after a loose parrot began repeatedly stealing coffee from customers. The bird reportedly flew between tables, landing casually near drinks before dipping its beak into unattended cups and flying off with surprising confidence. Staff initially assumed it was a one-off disturbance, but the parrot kept returning throughout the day, targeting espresso cups, iced lattes, and even takeaway orders. Customers were more amused than annoyed, with many filming the bird’s antics as it quickly gained a local reputation. Social media users dubbed it the “caffeine thief,” and clips of the bird calmly “sampling” drinks went viral. Cafe´ staff eventually attempted to guide it outside, but the parrot continued hovering nearby, seemingly unfazed. The incident has since become a light-hearted example of unexpected wildlife behaviour in urban spaces.
Emotional Coffee Machine?
Across several modern office cafe´s, AI-powered coffee machines are beginning to feel less like vending systems and more like oddly perceptive companions. Using facial recognition and behavioural analysis, these machines recommend drinks based on perceived mood, energy levels, and even stress indicators. Some users report receiving stronger coffee suggestions after long work sessions, while others are offered calming teas when appearing visibly tense. Although designed as a personalised wellness feature, the technology has sparked humorous reactions among office workers who feel as though they are being quietly evaluated before every caffeine order. The idea of a machine “reading” your emotional state before serving coffee has turned routine breaks into slightly surreal experiences. Developers insist the system is simply optimising user experience, but many employees jokingly claim the machine now understands their emotional state better than their colleagues or managers do.
Links
Guesthouse Tokyo
10 minutes to Ikebukuro.
Interhouse
safe and accessible solution for your accommodation needs in Tokyo.
Sakura House
1830 monthly furnished rooms at 204 locations in Tokyo.
TOKYO ROOM FINDER
Contact our international team that will assist you in finding housing
and overcoming any communication barriers in Japan!
J&F Plaza
Furnished & unfurnished guesthouses and apartments in Tokyo.
May Flower House
Tokyo furnished apartments. Ginza, Roppongi, Yotsuya and more.
TenTen Guesthouse
33,000yen/30 days for working holiday students.
GOOD ROOM TOKYO
Share room, Private room, under 50,000yen
MOVE JAPAN
Private furnished rooms in Tokyo with free internet. Call us first or call us last!
Tokyomove.com
Hassle free moving starts from 6000yen.
Tokyo Helping Hands
Very flexible working hours to effectly help you with moving, deliveries, disposal, storage and more!
AirNet Travel
We'll cut you the best air ticket deals anywhere.
Fun Travel
Discount air travel & package tours 2min from Roppongi Stn.
No.1 Travel
We go the extra mile for you. International air tickets and hotels.
JR Tokai Tours
Top-value travel to Kyoto, Osaka, Nagoya from Tokyo by Shinkansen.
Matsuda Legal Office
All kinds of Visa, Immigration & Naturalization, International Marriage etc.
Futaba Visa Office
Licensed immigration lawyer & certified public tax consultant.
American Pharmacy
English speaking pharmacy since 1950.
Tokyo Skin Clinic
EU-licensed multi lingual doctors.
Tax-free AKKY
Japanese Appliance, Watch, Souvenirs
Tokyo Speed Dating
1st Sat. & 3rd Sun. at Bari n Roppongi ETC.
Tokyo Spontaneous
Picnic, Parties, Language exchange
TMA
Japanese women & Western men.
Tokyo Fab
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD MAY 29, 2026Pride Festival
The Pride Festival serves as the social heart of Tokyo Pride 2026, turning Yoyogi Park into a lively gathering space filled with performances, food stalls, community booths, and cultural activities. The festival brings together LGBTQ+ organisations, supporters, businesses, and visitors in an atmosphere designed to feel open, welcoming, and inclusive.
Visitors can explore advocacy spaces, discover local initiatives, enjoy live entertainment, and connect with groups promoting diversity and equality. Throughout the festival grounds, the atmosphere balances celebration with community engagement, creating an approachable environment where people can interact freely, learn from different perspectives, and experience the broader spirit of Pride beyond the parade itself.
2026.6.6 (Sat) & 6.7 (Sun) @ Yoyogi Park (Harajuku Sta. on JR Line)
Pride Parade
The Pride Parade is the most visible and symbolic event of Tokyo Pride 2026, bringing thousands of participants through the streets of Shibuya and Harajuku in a vibrant public celebration of identity, equality, and community. Rainbow flags, music, performances, and coordinated group marches transform central Tokyo into a space of visibility and solidarity.
More than a festive procession, the parade represents growing social awareness and support for LGBTQ+ communities in Japan. Activists, allies, embassies, companies, and community organisations all take part, creating an atmosphere that feels both celebratory and meaningful. The event highlights Pride’s role as both cultural celebration and public statement.
2026.6.7 (Sun) @ Shibuya - Harajuku
Have You Been To...
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD MAY 29, 2026Entsuin [Matsushima, Miyagi]
Ents?in is a tranquil temple in Matsushima known for its beautiful Zen gardens and seasonal scenery. It is especially famous for its moss-covered grounds and autumn illuminations, when maple leaves glow against carefully designed landscapes. The temple also features a European-style rose garden, blending Japanese and Western aesthetics in a peaceful, reflective setting overlooking the scenic Matsushima area.
Shishigahana Marsh [Nikaho, Akita]
Shishigahana Marsh is a serene wetland area in Tochigi Prefecture known for its seasonal alpine flowers and rich biodiversity. Elevated boardwalks allow visitors to explore the marsh while protecting its fragile ecosystem. In early summer, vibrant blooms spread across the landscape, attracting nature lovers, hikers, and photographers seeking quiet scenery and untouched natural beauty in the mountains.
Shirakoma Pond [Yatsugatake, Nagano]
Shirakoma Pond is a high-altitude lake located in the forests of Nagano Prefecture, surrounded by one of Japan’s largest natural moss ecosystems. Wooden walking trails guide visitors through ancient woodland, reflecting perfectly on the still water’s surface. The area is especially popular in summer for its cool climate and in autumn for vivid foliage reflections.
Chatsubomi Moss Park [Iriyama, Gunma]
Chatsubomi Moss Park in Gunma Prefecture is a rare natural site famous for its vast moss-covered rock formations resembling a miniature green labyrinth. Walking paths lead visitors through soft, undulating moss landscapes shaped by volcanic terrain and spring water. The park offers a surreal, almost otherworldly atmosphere, especially in rainy seasons when the greens become intensely vivid and luminous.
Tokyo Voice Column
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD TNB Throwback: JULY 13. 2013Music to the Soul by Esteban Lopez
As I stood waiting at my son’s school today and watched Japanese life unfold before me, a sense of calmness and serenity overcame me.
On a sunny and clear day as the clouds languidly rolled by, I watched as a group of middle school boys walked in front of me and weakly teased one another at a subdued auditory level or when the small service van pulled up in front of the apartment complex opposite of the school, the sound of the engine purring scarcely registered. I had to strain to make out whether the engine was on or not. The engine was so quiet and when it was shut off, I only knew it because I watched as the service man turned the key and stepped out of the vehicle with keys in hand.
Likewise, the elderly woman returning home from the supermarket, her footfalls hardly made a sound. It was all so quiet. Even the sound of the wind seemed to be hushed. The sounds or lack thereof seemed to be composing a soundtrack − a day in the life of suburban Tokyo. It was music to my soul and just sitting there and soaking it all in was so calming. Don’t get me wrong; I know the difference between downtown Tokyo and the suburbs. Like most other people, I work in downtown and I know how noisy and demanding it is to just walk down any given street, particularly in Shinjuku and not be assaulted by a barrage of noise emanating from either a pachinko parlor or a barker standing in front of a restaurant soliciting business.
Truth be told, I’ve never lived in a city as big as Tokyo and so I don’t claim to be an authority on the matter, but I do find it rather incredulous that at times Tokyo is at odds with itself, from one extreme to the other.
今日、学校の前で息子を待つ間、目の間で繰り広げられる日本の日常生活を目撃し、その落ち着いた静寂な様に圧倒された。
雲がゆったりと流れる晴天の日、私の前を中学生の男子学生が数名歩いていた。たがいにからかいあっていたがひかえめで騒々しくはなかった。学校の反対側にはマンションがありその前に商業用のワンン車が止まった。エンジンの低い音はほとんど聞こえなかった。私はエンジンが止まっているのか確かめるため耳を澄まして聞くほどだった。エンジンは本当に静かで、サービスマンがキーを抜いて、キーを手に持ち車から出たのを確認してやっとエンジンが切れたとわかった。
他も同様で、年老いた女性がスーパーから帰宅した。足音はほとんどしなかった。なにもかもが静寂に包まれていた。風でさえシーッと黙らされたようだった。音、そしてその欠如は、『東京郊外のある一日』というサウンドトラック音楽を作っているようだった。私の心に響く音楽だった。そこに座ってその音に浸っていると、気持ちが満たされた。私は東京の街中と郊外の違いは知っていると誤解のないよう言っておこう。大勢の人と同じ様に、私は都会で働き、どんなに騒々しいかわかっている。新宿等の街中を歩けば、パチンコ屋からの騒音の集中砲火だけでなく、レストランの客引きのどなり声を浴びる。
真実を明かすと、私はこれまで東京のような大都市に住んだ事はなかったので、音についての大家だと主張するつもりはない。しかし、東京はまったく正反対の側面をもち、時に折り合わないというにわかには信じられないことを発見した。
MUSEUM -What's Going on?-
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD MAY 15. 2026Rain Blooms Rain Blooms is a digital art exhibition that explores the relationship between nature, emotion, and technology through immersive visual experiences. Combining interactive installations with atmospheric sound and light, the exhibition invites visitors into a dreamlike environment where rainfall becomes a source of creativity and transformation. One of the exhibition’s strengths is its emotional tone. Rather than presenting technology in a cold or mechanical way, Rain Blooms emphasizes softness, reflection, and sensory beauty. Gentle sounds and flowing visuals create a calming environment that contrasts with the fast pace of urban life. |
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The exhibition also reflects the growing popularity of immersive digital art in Japan. By combining artistic storytelling with advanced technology, the creators blur the boundaries between physical and virtual spaces. Visitors are encouraged to slow down, observe carefully, and experience how small movements can influence the surrounding environment. |
Period: - 5/31/2026, 2026
Venue: NEORT++
Closed: Mon, Tue, Holiday Hours: Wed - Sun, 14:00 - 19:00
Admission: Free
For more information, please visit
https://two.neort.io/en/exhibitions/rain_blooms
MOT Collection: Art for Starters MOT Collection: Art for Starters is an approachable and engaging exhibition designed to introduce visitors to the world of contemporary art. Presented by the Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo, the exhibition focuses on helping audiences explore artistic ideas in an accessible and enjoyable way, regardless of their prior experience with modern art. |
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The variety of artistic styles also highlights the evolution of postwar and contemporary art in Japan. Traditional influences often appear alongside experimental techniques and multimedia installations, showing how artists continue to challenge boundaries while responding to modern culture. The museum’s spacious galleries allow visitors to experience each work at a comfortable pace, creating an environment suited for thoughtful exploration. Informative displays and carefully curated themes help guide audiences through the exhibition without requiring specialist knowledge. |
Period: − Sunday, August 16, 2026
Venue: Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo
Closed: Mondays (except July 20), May 7 and July 21
Hours: 10:00 -18:00 (admission 30 minutes before? closing)
Admission: Adults − 500 yen / University & College Students − 400 yen / High School Students, Over 65 − 250 yen / Junior High School Students & Younger − free
For more information, please visit
Strange but True
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD MAY 29. 2026Coffee-Stealing Parrot!
In a bizarre incident that quickly spread online, a cafe´ in Seoul became the centre of attention after a loose parrot began repeatedly stealing coffee from customers. The bird reportedly flew between tables, landing casually near drinks before dipping its beak into unattended cups and flying off with surprising confidence. Staff initially assumed it was a one-off disturbance, but the parrot kept returning throughout the day, targeting espresso cups, iced lattes, and even takeaway orders. Customers were more amused than annoyed, with many filming the bird’s antics as it quickly gained a local reputation. Social media users dubbed it the “caffeine thief,” and clips of the bird calmly “sampling” drinks went viral. Cafe´ staff eventually attempted to guide it outside, but the parrot continued hovering nearby, seemingly unfazed. The incident has since become a light-hearted example of unexpected wildlife behaviour in urban spaces.
Emotional Coffee Machine?
Across several modern office cafe´s, AI-powered coffee machines are beginning to feel less like vending systems and more like oddly perceptive companions. Using facial recognition and behavioural analysis, these machines recommend drinks based on perceived mood, energy levels, and even stress indicators. Some users report receiving stronger coffee suggestions after long work sessions, while others are offered calming teas when appearing visibly tense. Although designed as a personalised wellness feature, the technology has sparked humorous reactions among office workers who feel as though they are being quietly evaluated before every caffeine order. The idea of a machine “reading” your emotional state before serving coffee has turned routine breaks into slightly surreal experiences. Developers insist the system is simply optimising user experience, but many employees jokingly claim the machine now understands their emotional state better than their colleagues or managers do.
Links
Guesthouse Tokyo10 minutes to Ikebukuro. Interhousesafe and accessible solution for your accommodation needs in Tokyo. Sakura House1830 monthly furnished rooms at 204 locations in Tokyo. TOKYO ROOM FINDERContact our international team that will assist you in finding housing and overcoming any communication barriers in Japan! |
J&F PlazaFurnished & unfurnished guesthouses and apartments in Tokyo. May Flower HouseTokyo furnished apartments. Ginza, Roppongi, Yotsuya and more. TenTen Guesthouse33,000yen/30 days for working holiday students. GOOD ROOM TOKYOShare room, Private room, under 50,000yen |
MOVE JAPANPrivate furnished rooms in Tokyo with free internet. Call us first or call us last! Tokyomove.comHassle free moving starts from 6000yen. |
Tokyo Helping HandsVery flexible working hours to effectly help you with moving, deliveries, disposal, storage and more! |
AirNet TravelWe'll cut you the best air ticket deals anywhere. Fun TravelDiscount air travel & package tours 2min from Roppongi Stn. |
No.1 TravelWe go the extra mile for you. International air tickets and hotels. JR Tokai ToursTop-value travel to Kyoto, Osaka, Nagoya from Tokyo by Shinkansen. |
Matsuda Legal OfficeAll kinds of Visa, Immigration & Naturalization, International Marriage etc. |
Futaba Visa OfficeLicensed immigration lawyer & certified public tax consultant. |
|
American PharmacyEnglish speaking pharmacy since 1950. |
Tokyo Skin ClinicEU-licensed multi lingual doctors. |
|
Tax-free AKKYJapanese Appliance, Watch, Souvenirs |
Tokyo Speed Dating1st Sat. & 3rd Sun. at Bari n Roppongi ETC. Tokyo SpontaneousPicnic, Parties, Language exchange |
|
TMAJapanese women & Western men. |
|
50 Shades of Yikess
