Written by Patrick Balfe
Tokyo events for Monday, August 25, to Sunday, August 31, 2025.
If you don’t mind a dance, then this is your week. Thursday night will see Kaytranada head to Toyosu while the 10th anniversary party of Kawaii Monster Cafė — replete with DJs and drag shows — hits Shinjuku-nichōme.
Meanwhile, more traditional dance celebrations will take over Minato Mirai and Asakusa over the weekend, and the world’s largest anime music event returns to Saitama.
Kaytranada
Off the back of the release of his fourth studio album Ain’t No Damn Way!, Kaytranada is doing a mini tour of sorts with a stop in Tokyo. Catch him at Toyosu Pit with an opening set from Lou Phelps.
| Advance sales: ¥10,800 | ||
Kawaii Monster Café 10th Anniversary Party
A sickly sweet party to celebrate the original opening of one of Harajuku’s most iconic establishments, Kawaii Monster Café. The event will feature DJ sets and drag shows from some of Tokyo’s finest, as well as an elaborate Monster Girl showcase performance.
| Advance sales: ¥3,600 | At the door: ¥4,000 | |
Kanazawa Fireworks
Held in the southern part of Yokohama, this event sees around 3,500 fireworks launched into the skies above the city’s only swimming beach. Marine Park (Umi no Koen) is a great location, as there is plenty of space to settle in with a picnic and wait for the show.
Minato Mirai Bon Dance Festival
Join the yukata-clad masses in the annual Bon dance tradition at Rinko Park — in the shade of the skyscrapers on the Yokohama port waterfront. If the dancing tires you out, there are also plenty of stalls and beautiful views of the illuminated Yokohama Bay Bridge to keep you occupied.
Asakusa Samba Carnival
The Asakusa Samba Carnival is a big, blown-out affair, with a lively parade. Reflecting Japan’s close ties with Brazil (Brazil has the largest Japanese diaspora in the world), the festival sees teams compete with samba floats, drummers, and, of course, dancers with tiny costumes and enormous feathered headdresses.
Ueno Super Highball Festival
Taste and compare over 120 different kinds of highballs. This festival takes that idea and runs with it, celebrating both Japan’s prolific whisky‑and‑soda tradition and the free‑wheeling, mix‑anything‑with‑bubbles style.
International Tokyo Toy Show
The Tokyo Toy Show is Japan’s biggest show for the toy trade. There will be a stage with entertainment for the kids — including appearances from various characters — as well as a “kids’ park” with — you guessed it — toys and activities.
| Advance sales: ¥1,800 | ||
| Advance sales: ¥0 | ||
Anisama
Anyone who loves anime knows that the music is one of the best parts of the show. At Anisama 2025, you can rock out to the musicians who made your favorite anime soundtracks, and this year’s event features performances from the artists behind Sword Art Online, Demon Slayer, Sailor Moon, and Naruto.
| Advance sales: ¥11,000 | ||
Candlelight Concert: A Tribute to Joe Hisaishi (Studio Ghibli)
A string quartet will take you on a journey through Studio Ghibli hits such as Howl’s Moving Castle, Spirited Away, My Neighbour Totoro, and Princess Mononoke. Take in the dreamy performances while being surrounded by candles.
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