This digital art and music show held at the Ueno Park Amphitheatre is organised by local businesses and graduate students of the Urban Design Lab from the University of Tokyo. The one-night-only event on May 27 features mesmerising works of art by world-renowned digital artist Akira Hasegawa, who seeks to soothe and comfort those affected by the pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war.
Guitarist Hirotaka Shimizu, known for being a member of Yoko Ono’s Plastic Ono Band, will be performing alongside a cello duo. The performance will be enhanced with vibrant light projections. The night’s lineup also includes an instrumental Japanese music performance by the country’s youngest shamisen performer, Yasutaka Yamashita, accompanied by satsuma-biwa lute played by Tsurushin Tomoyoshi. Local elementary school students and refugees from Ukraine, Myanmar and other countries will be present at the event to release 100 white balloons into the sky as a message of hope.
After the festivities, head over to the outdoor terrace between Nakamachi-dori and Fukinuki Yokocho streets and enjoy an ice cold craft beer from Ueno’s Shinobazu Brewery Hitsujiaisu. The ale on offer is made with locally grown hops, and it pairs well with some of the food served here including cured ham, menchi-katsu, unagi over rice and more.
The event is free but limited to 600 people. So book your tickets in advance here.