The scorching summer is in full swing here in Osaka! The calendar is chock-full of fun events at the Expo site to liven up your summer. So whether you’re looking to make more summer memories or you just haven’t had enough fun yet, be sure to visit!
We’ve picked out some of the most exciting events in the second half of the summer vacation period to introduce to you. Many of the events don’t require reservations, so be sure to check them out too.
*Please note that events may be changed or canceled without notice.
Jakub Kuszyk, winner of the 18th International Chopin Piano Competition, and outstanding string musicians from the Krakow Philharmonic Orchestra will perform a concert of Polish music.
The program includes solo piano pieces such as Chopin’s Mazurkas and Preludes, as well as string quartet versions of the romantic master’s world-famous piano concertos.
This event will provide an opportunity for the young generation, who will be responsible for the future, to take social issues personally, think about the kind of society they want to create in the future, and feel closer to scientists.
📅Thursday 14 – Tuesday 19 August
⏰10:00-20:00
📍EXPO Exhibition Centre “WASSE” (North)
Demonstration and Special Exhibition “The World of BUNRAKU” [No reservation required]
Bunraku puppet theater, a traditional performing art that originated in Osaka and has a history of over 300 years, has been designated as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. This marvelous performing art will be presented to visitors through demonstrations, displays of actual puppets and other artifacts to help them understand and enjoy it.
📅Thursday 14 – Sunday 17 August
⏰10:00 – 20:00
📍Gallery EAST
This is the largest high school esports tournament in Japan! Regional block qualifying matches will be held across Japan, with the winning teams advancing to the national finals at the Expo to determine the best high school team in Japan. Which team will rise above the fierce competition to be crowned the champions? Don’t miss out on this heated battle of high school esports this summer!
📅Friday 15 – Sunday 17 August
⏰10:00 – 21:00
📍EXPO Hall “Shining Hat”
Founded in 1991 in Seto City, Aichi Prefecture, the Seto Children’s Taiko Komainu-za is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year. Come join us and enjoy the powerful sounds of taiko drums surrounded by the rich traditions of Japan.
📅Saturday 16 August
⏰13:00-16:00
📍Festival Station (indoor event space)
This live music festival is organized by the web media outlet FORTIS.TOKYO. Three incredible artists – TRiDENT, Kikuchi Ryota, and UNRESON – will come together for a special performance that is not to be missed.
📅Sunday 17 August
⏰13:00-17:10
📍Pop-up Stage Inner East
Featuring: UNRESON, Kikuchi Ryota, TRiDENT
A joint performance by national folk performing arts groups that conveys the essence of Lithuanian dance and song.
📅Thursday 21 August
⏰12:00-18:00
📍Pop-up Stage West
Even will include a variety of craft exhibitions, demonstrations, and hands-on workshops that will allow you to experience the charm of traditional crafts that have been made in Japan for generations. Don’t miss this opportunity to directly experience the production process of different crafts and interact with the artisans, which you would normally only be able to do in a workshop.
📅Friday 22 – Sunday 24 August
⏰10:00-19:00 *Only on the 24th, 10:00-18:00
📍Gallery EAST
The Yosakoi Festival was born in Kochi prefecture and has spread to all of Japan and even around the world. It continues to evolve and develop to this day. You can enjoy it together with Kochi’s Street Market (Sunday Market), one of the largest in Japan, boasting a history of over 300 years at the sales and experience corner.
📅Friday 22 – Saturday 23 August
⏰22 August: 12:00-20:00 *Doors open at 11:30
⏰23 August: 10:00-18:30 *Doors open at 9:00
📍EXPO Arena “Matsuri”
The YouTube group QuizKnock will investigate questions sent in by the audience in advance. Let’s find answers to your questions together!
📅Sunday 24 August
⏰16:30-17:30
📍EXPO Arena “Matsuri”
Featuring QuizKnock (IZAWA Takuji, Fukura P, KAWAMURA Takuya, Togen)
A traditional Arabic band will take to the stage, performing timeless melodies on ancient instruments that reflect the spirit and heritage of the Kingdom. Their music will weave stories of tradition and unity, showcasing the rich musical culture that runs deep in Saudi Arabia.
📅Sunday 24 August
⏰18:30-21:00
📍Pop-up Stage North
Through musical performances by top Liberian bands and artists and a performance of the “Liberian Peace Folklore Cultural Dance,” this event will provide you with a wonderful opportunity to experience the special relationship between Japan and Liberia.
📅Monday 25 August
⏰18:00-21:00
📍Pop-up Stage North
“XROBOCON” is a next-generation competition that combines robots, AI, and games to overturn conventional ideas about sports! This extreme robot sports event combines the thrill of extreme sports with cutting-edge technology. The first ever tournament will be held at the Expo site!
📅Tuesday 26 – Wednesday 27 August
⏰14:00 – 17:00
📍EXPO Hall “Shining Hat”
This is an event where you can experience the charm of Ishikawa Prefecture’s diverse festivals and culture.
Festivals representative of Kaga and Noto (Iida Toroyama Festival, Abare Festival, Okaeri Festival, etc.) and traditional performing arts (Gojinjo Taiko, Yamashiro Daidengaku, etc.) will come together in one place with spectacular exhibitions and performances.
📅Wednesday 27 August
⏰10:30-18:30
📍EXPO Arena “Matsuri”
This special dance performance will be held at the EXPO Hall “Shining Hat”. It wil feature dance clubs from junior high schools, high schools, and universities, as well as students studying dance at dance studios and vocational schools.
📅Thursday 28 August
⏰15:30-20:30
📍EXPO Hall “Shining Hat”
Presenters: NMB48
Aron Landahl, author and illustrator of the Swedish picture book “Everybody Eats Everybody,” will read the book accompanied by live music from the acoustic band Music for Isolation! Furthermore, the world-renowned Swedish children’s book “Pippi Longstocking” will be performed as a rokyoku by the up-and-coming rakugo storyteller MAYAMA Hayato and shamisen player SAWAMURA Sakura! Don’t miss this unique fusion of Japanese and Swedish creativity!
📅Saturday 30 August
⏰12:00-15:00
📍Pop-up Stage Inner East
Ten talented Moldovan dancers will perform the traditional Moldovan folk dance “Hora,” including a simple demonstration that even beginners can follow. Towards the end the audience will be invited to join in the dancing!
📅Sunday 31 August
⏰15:00-15:30
📍Pop-up Stage North
⏰17:30-18:00
📍Pop-up Stage Inner East
⏰20:00-20:30
📍Pop-up Stage West
What do you think? With so many events, it’s hard to decide which one to go to!
Even if you weren’t able to reserve a pavilion through the advance lottery, there are plenty of events you can just drop in to, so be sure to check the events for the day you plan to visit and plan your schedule accordingly!
