Things to do in Tokyo this week

We Are One is a 10-day global film festival on YouTube. The free online event will be showing international films as well as talks with the cast and crew curated by some of the world's most prestigious film festivals including Cannes, Sundance and of course, Japan's very own Tokyo International Film Festival. Running from May 29 to June 7, the online festival will screen movies, documentaries and shorts featured at previous festivals to benefit the World Health Organisation’s Covid-19 Solidarity Response Fund. Six Japanese films from the Tokyo International Film Festival have been added to lineup so far, preview the films here. As of now, this year's Tokyo International Film Festival is scheduled for October 31 to November 9. However, it's still subject to change depending on the coronavirus situation in Tokyo.  For more information, including the film schedule, see the official YouTube page.

If you miss live music, you’ll be glad to know that our open mic nights are making a comeback – now available for free online. Time Out Tokyo’s fifth open mic night will be held over a live-stream performance on our official Instagram account on June 5. The 30-minute special will feature singer-songwriter Josiah Hawley who you may recognise from some of our previous open mic nights. Josiah is best known for edgy R&B-laced vocals and catchy original tunes, which you can listen to here.  Mark your calendars for 8pm JST and don’t forget to tune in for a night of great music that you can enjoy from the comfort of your home. The performance will be streamed live on our Instagram account, so make sure to follow us here.

Organised by renowned music producer Seiji Kameda, this free outdoor festival will feature dozens of live performances from the likes of the Kameda-led Music Park Orchestra, Japanese pop group Dreams Come True, world-famous guitarist and singer Miyavi and local rapper Kreva. Don’t miss the chance to apply for free tickets online. The live gigs will be complemented by a roster of workshops, which are also free to attend. You can shop for musical instruments, and if you feel peckish, head to one of the food stalls. This is your perfect chance to get a (free) taste of Japan’s music scene.

The Laos Festival has been steadily winning fans in recent years. The relative lack of crowds (especially compared to the Thai festival), the relaxed atmosphere and an attractive array of food stands and handicraft stalls make it one of the more chilled-out of Yoyogi Park's many colourful cultural celebrations. Visitors can also expect a variety of stage appearances by both Laotian and Japanese performers – from traditional dancers to rock stars.

The ritzy Ginza Six department store will be decked out with a mesmerizing cloud-like art installation created by Japanese designer and artist, Yoshioka Tokujin, from February 27 until the end of October. His works have been displayed all around the world including at the Musée d'Orsay and the Art Institute of Chicago. Recently, Tokujin turned heads with his designs for the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympic and Paralympic torches. As the name Prismatic Cloud suggests, Tokujin’s gigantic sculpture is made from over 10,000 white prism rods dangling from the top in the centre of the building, creating the illusion of a cloud hovering just below the ceiling.

Japan’s way of wrapping gifts is an art in itself, and at this Ginza exhibition you'll learn more about this beautiful tradition, including a special gift-appropriate method of tying knots, plus the delicate way of folding paper in origami style. The tradition of handing over meticulously wrapped gifts that reflect the givers' sincerity dates back to the Muromachi period (around 1336-1573). On April 11, you can participate in a free gallery tour and talk about origami-folding techniques (reservation required). Make sure not to miss the workshops on May 9 and June 20, where you’ll be taught how to wrap gifts origami-style for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day (¥2,000, reservation required).

A popular shopping mall in the city centre, Tokyo Midtown will be hosting a series of family friendly activities from late April. Enjoy outdoor yoga in the mall’s grassy central plaza, participate in paper craft workshops, or even watch movies at the outdoor cinema. More than 50 designers and 100 artists will also exhibit their work. From May 2 to 6, you can also visit the mall's Hawaii Music & Life Festival, complete with hula competitions, live performances, and shops selling Hawaiian fashion, accessories and food.

Shine On! Kids is a Tokyo-based non-profit organisation supporting children with cancer and serious diseases through a reading assistance programme, From Tales to Paws, and therapy dogs. Now that we’re all staying home, Shine On! Kids will host free online events for children and their families to have fun and bond.  Every Friday from 12.30pm to 1.30pm, the whole family is invited to play online bingo. The special twist? You’ll get bingo hints from cute and funny dogs. Learn about a special hospital dog program which trains pups to provide emotional support to patients, enjoy a fun game, and get to know new humans and canines – all from the comfort of your own home. The free event is limited to 20 participants, so sign up here. For more information, see the Facebook event. 

Keep your child’s reading skills sharp with the Shine On! Kids free online reading program From Tales to Paws. Every Wednesday from 11am to 12pm, children are invited to read to some very special guests – therapy dogs Masa and Ty. Is your child a nervous reader? Don’t worry, the dogs will help them relax and turn reading into a fun time.  The 15-minute session will take place over Zoom. All kids have to do is choose their favourite book in advance to read with the pups. The event is limited to four participants, sign up here. For more information, see the Facebook event.  Shine On! Kids is a Tokyo-based non-profit organisation supporting children with cancer and serious diseases. The Hospital Facility Dog program is training pups to work full time providing emotional support to patients in hospitals.