Latest Events in Osaka Prefecture(June Updated)

Overview Theme: Designing Future Society for Our Lives Subthemes: Saving Lives Empowering Lives Connecting Lives Concept: People's Living Lab 1. A space where 8 billion people from around the world will not only view exhibits but will co-create our future society. 2.Even before the Expo begins, an online platform for sharing challenges and solutions from around the world will be launched. 3.A place where the world’s knowledge such as cutting-edge technology will be brought together, used to create new ideas, and shared, all to help resolve global issues facing mankind. Purpose World Expo has both cohesive and communication capabilities. We will use these capabilities as a trigger to sustain growth and development of Osaka, Kansai as well as Japan following on from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics. What is a World Expo? A World Expo is an event that brings together people and innovations from around the world in an effort to address issues facing humankind on a global scale. The Osaka Expo 1970, Japan’s, and Asia’s, first ever, became a symbol of Japan’s rapid economic growth and one of the country’s most lauded events. Twenty years after the Aichi Expo 2005, Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai will bring the international community back to Japan. A World Exposition is a place, where new technologies and products are born, triggering greater convenience in our daily lives. Elevator (New York Exhibition, 1853), telephone (Philadelphia Centennial Exposition, 1876) Family restaurants, wireless telephones, electric cars, moving sidewalks (Expo 1970 Osaka) Entry tickets embedded with IC chips, AED, dry mist (Aichi Exposition, 2005) Goals of Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai To contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)Achievement of Japan’s national strategy Society 5.0EXPO for SDGs In 2025, the world will be a mere five years away from 2030, the year the United Nations has set as the target for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), making it a crucial one for ramping up efforts to achieve these goals. Therefore, Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai will become a key platform for reaching the SDGs by 2030. The key is “Society 5.0” “Society 5.0” is Japan’s national strategy to develop a human-centered society that progresses economically and resolves social issues through a system that combines both cyber and physical spaces in a sophisticated manner. It refers to a new form of society chronologically following hunting, farming, industry, and information societies. A society that is able to resolve a variety of issues on a global scale with technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics, big data, and biotechnology is a society that will have achieved the SDGs. What we will realise at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai Bringing together the wisdom of the world, including breakthrough technologies, to create and communicate new ideasExpansion of domestic and overseas investmentCreation of innovation through activation of human interactionActivation of regional economies and small and medium enterprisesA chance to communicate the wealth of Japan’s cultureThe multiple merits of a world expo held in Osaka, Kansai, Japan Activation of Japan’s economy and the Osaka, Kansai regional economy, and strengthened management of small and medium enterprises resulting from expanded business opportunities are expected to have an economic ripple effect of about JPY 2 trillion.Further development of Osaka, Kansai’s world-class life sciences and biomedical achievements through new innovation in line with Expo’s theme.Further enrichment of Osaka, Kansai’s proud, long history and culture through interaction with foreign cultures, and elevation of its global recognition.Enabling Japan’s young, next-generation creators in a variety of fields to communicate their talents to the world.Japan possesses one of the safest environments and most advanced transport infrastructure in the world, and Osaka, Kansai can be easily accessed from major cities in the world.

The details of BTS member JIN's first-ever fan concert tour, "#RUNSEOKJIN_EP.TOUR in JAPAN," have been officially announced. This tour is themed around "Kim Seokjin's journey to meet ARMY (BTS fandom name)," embodying JIN's heartfelt desire to "reach fans all over the world." JIN eagerly shared, "I can't wait to see ARMY—let’s all enjoy the stage together with full energy!" The concert will feature all tracks from his second solo album Echo, released on May 16th, as well as beloved songs from his debut solo album Happy, released last November. Backed by live band performances, JIN will showcase his unique and vibrant stage presence—stay tuned!

ENHYPEN is a global boy group formed through Mnet's large-scale project "I-LAND," which aired from June 2020 for approximately three months. The group consists of seven members: Jungwon, Heeseung, Jay, Jake, Sunghoon, Sunoo, and Ni-ki. They debuted in November 2020 with "BORDER: DAY ONE" and made their Japanese debut in July 2021 with the single "BORDER: Hakanai." In January 2023, as a "4th generation" K-POP act, they held a solo dome concert at Kyocera Dome Osaka as part of their "MANIFESTO" world tour, setting the fastest record for a dome concert within approximately two years of debut. Later, during their September 2023 "FATE" world tour, they became the fastest K-POP boy group to hold a solo concert at Tokyo Dome. Their fifth mini-album "ORANGE BLOOD," released in November 2023, achieved double million sales, and their latest album "ROMANCE: UNTOLD" also reached double million sales in initial shipments, continually breaking their own records. ENHYPEN will hold their first stadium concert in Japan this summer, titled "ENHYPEN WORLD TOUR 'WALK THE LINE' IN JAPAN -SUMMER EDITION-." The concerts will take place on July 5-6 at Ajinomoto Stadium in Tokyo and August 2-3 at Yanmar Stadium Nagai (Nagai Stadium) in Osaka. This marks the first time a "4th generation" K-POP group has held stadium concerts in two cities—an unprecedented feat. Additionally, ENHYPEN achieved this milestone in approximately 4 years and 7 months since debut, the fastest among non-Japanese artists.

ILLIT is a South Korean girl group launched by the South Korean entertainment company Belift Lab. The members of the group were selected through the survival audition program "R U Next?" and officially debuted on March 25, 2024, with their mini-album "Super Real Me". In terms of music style, ILLIT's songs mainly feature a dynamic and energetic electronic pop style. Their debut song, "Magnetic", has attracted a large number of fans with its catchy melody, energetic rhythm, and the members' clear and lovely timbres. The song has achieved excellent cumulative playback figures on Spotify, the world's largest music streaming platform, which proves the group's strength and appeal. Their second mini-album, "I'LL LIKE YOU", has also achieved good results on the Japanese Oricon and Billboard Japan charts.

Discover the enchantment of TWICE's 《THIS IS FOR》 WORLD TOUR in Osaka, hosted at the renowned Kyocera Dome Osaka. Mark your calendars for July 26th and 27th for this exclusive opportunity to witness the international sensation, TWICE, perform live. Immerse yourself in this extraordinary concert experience and soak up the vibrant atmosphere of Osaka. Don't let this unforgettable event pass you by!

TryHard Japan Co., Ltd. (Chuo-ku, Osaka City) is pleased to announce that paid seats for the "Senshu Yume Fireworks" to be held at Tarui Southern Beach (Sennan City, Osaka Prefecture) in SENNAN LONG PARK on Saturday, August 23, 2025, will be sold on Friday, May 23, 2025. With the expansion of the launch site, you can enjoy a fireworks display that is even larger than last year. In addition to the diverse performances that unfold at close range, the powerful fireworks that shoot straight up create a spectacular sense of realism. This year, the number of fireworks has been increased, allowing you to experience a sense of dynamism as if the climax is always continuing. The colorful and flashy performances unique to Kansai will brighten up the summer night sky.

The newly formed Korean group TWS is preparing for their first concert, and the atmosphere is growing increasingly tense. The concert titled "2025 TWS TOUR '24/7: WITH:US'" will tour cities across Japan from July to August. Recently, Weverse shared a vibrant concert poster with social media platforms, delighting fans immensely. On the poster, the members are smiling under a clear blue sky. Their radiant smiles were filled with joy and anticipation for the concert. TWS aims to become a shining new generation of stage artists. Their performances will feature vibrant choreography and stable live singing, leaving a lasting impression. Pledis Entertainment is dedicated to presenting a genuine show that showcases TWS's growth and commitment to its fans.

Summer Sonic is back! Summer Sonic is known for featuring some of the biggest acts from around the world. The festival is held simultaneously in Chiba and Osaka, with acts switching days – so you won’t miss out, whichever you choose.

Born in Osaka and self-taught in architecture, Tadao Ando began his architectural design career in 1969. Since then, he has produced a succession of innovative architectural works that break through preconceived notions. Since the 1990s, he has expanded his scope of activity to the world, while also working hard on social contribution projects such as environmental restoration and earthquake recovery. His vigorous work across many fields, going beyond the framework of an architect, has earned him high praise both at home and abroad. This exhibition, which will be held in Osaka, where Ando remains based, will bring together the history of his grand challenges as well as his vision for the present and future, providing a comprehensive view of the work of Tadao Ando. Please come and experience that energy for yourself. The venue is "VS." at Gran Green Osaka, the forefront of the Osaka urban renewal project, where Ando has also worked hard for many years.

Osaka Kansai Expo has decided to hold the "Japan Fireworks Expo", and the "Japan Fireworks Expo" will show the world the charm of Japan's unique culture, the world's highest level of fireworks technology. Fireworks festivals in various places have their own regional characteristics and are deeply connected to local culture and traditions. There are also many fireworks festivals with a history of 100 years. For example, fireworks festivals started to pray for the comfort of those who died in the great famine and plague and for the elimination of diseases. Fireworks festivals that started as a symbol of reconstruction after war and earthquakes, and include mourning and wishes for peace. Fireworks masters from all over the country gather together to compete in technology and artistry. Fireworks set off near the sacred shrine are solemn and there is a fireworks festival where you can feel a special atmosphere.

How have the works of Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890) been passed down to the present day? This exhibition focuses on the collection that has been passed down through his family. Van Gogh's younger brother Theo, who supported Van Gogh's painting career and kept most of his works, passed away six months after his brother's death, and Theo's wife Yo took over the management of the vast collection. Yo dedicated her life to increasing her brother-in-law's fame, lending and selling his works for exhibitions, and organizing and publishing his vast letters. His son Vincent Willem created the Vincent van Gogh Foundation and worked hard to establish a museum to prevent the collection from being dispersed. The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam houses approximately 200 oil paintings and 500 drawings by the painter Vincent van Gogh, as well as letters, related works, and ukiyo-e prints. Most of the pieces were permanently loaned by the Vincent van Gogh Foundation when the museum opened in 1973. This exhibition will mainly feature works from the Van Gogh Museum, but will also display more than 30 of Van Gogh's works, as well as four of his letters, which will be on display in Japan for the first time, to introduce the collection that has been protected and passed down through the family.

The Aizen Matsuri is one of Osaka's three major summer festivals, dedicated to the gods of love and charm. Carefully selected young women from a community known as "Aizen Shoujo" will ride on beautifully decorated floats during the parade. Every year, about 300 to 400 women apply to become Aizen Shoujo, but only eight finalists are selected based on their charm, energy, love of traditional festivals, and ability to participate in all activities. Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old and be able to wear a yukata independently, reflecting their deep roots in Japanese culture. In addition to the parade, there are festival food stalls, traditional Japanese performances, and sparrow dances. This event marks the true beginning of summer and provides an unforgettable experience for locals and tourists alike.

The Hirano-go Summer Festival is held at Kumada Shrine in Hirano-ku, Osaka City. It is one of Osaka's famous float festivals, attracting more than 300,000 people every year. The highlight is the night of July 12th and 13th. Elegant floats (decorated parade floats with wheels) representing the nine neighborhoods of the old Hirano-go area are unveiled! The nine floats travel along Nanko-dori Avenue to the grounds of Kumada Shrine, with a flower-pulling competition on the way.

One of Japan's premier whisky tasting events, the Osaka Whisky Festival is a must-attend for all lovers of the tipple. The festival brings together over 100 exhibitors from around the world and is open to anyone aged 20 and over. You can sample a wide range of whiskies, many of which are free to sample. Held in cities such as Tokyo and Osaka since 2007, the festival has become a major event, with special events such as the Bourbon Festival and Bottled in Black Festival. Visitors can take part in expert-led workshops, blind tastings and sample cocktails from top bartenders, while browsing whisky-themed merchandise and enjoying delicious snacks.

At the Senshu Beach Lantern Festival, thousands of sky lanterns fly up into the night sky, creating a fantastic sea of ​​light. At this event, participants entrust their past worries and burdens to the lanterns and release them into the sky, hoping to purify their hearts and take a new step forward. The light of the lanterns connects people's hearts as a symbol of love, peace, and hope, and colors special moments. It is used for weddings, anniversaries, and various festivals, and as its light soars into the sky, There is a widespread culture of believing that wishes can reach heaven. The floats, carrying various wishes for the future - the theme of the Osaka Expo - will soar into the night sky, illuminating the night sky.

During the Osaka Kansai Expo, Osaka Prefecture and each city and town will promote the charm of Osaka to both domestic and overseas audiences through the "Osaka Week - Spring, Summer, and Autumn" held in three periods throughout the year! In autumn, a music-centered event "Osaka Festival! - EXPO2025 Autumn Battle" is planned.

The Sumiyoshi Festival is one of the three major summer festivals in Osaka, and it is also a grand festival in the back of the summer in Osaka. The three-day event starts on July 30 and ends on August 1. There are three well-known events: "God Washing the Gods", "Xia Yuexi" and "God Yu Yu". "God washes the gods" refers to the ritual of washing the gods with sea water on July 30. The shrine starts from Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine and heads towards Sumiyoshi Park, which used to be in the direction of Yoshihama, washing the shrine with sea water as it goes. This seawater is brought back in the morning by the special ship "Shiokabune" of the Osaka Sumiyoshi Fisheries Association from Osaka Bay, which is considered a sacred seawater. After the cleaning was over, Miyu returned to Sumiyoshi Taisha. "Xia Yue's sacred events" is considered to be an intangible cultural heritage, and it is also the highlight of the annual festival on July 31. It is a ceremony in which a gorgeously dressed Xia Yue girl and a golden boy and a jade girl drill the thatch together. Ordinary people can also participate, praying for no disease and no disaster. "Shinyu Togo" refers to a ceremony in which the deity of Sumiyoshi the Great God parades through the shrine to Sakai no Judo Intongu. Local residents will participate in the activities of raising the gods, and the scene is very lively.

This exhibition will feature 54 works by 18 ukiyo-e artists carefully selected from the museum's collection of masterpieces, including Kitagawa Utamaro, a leading figure in painting beautiful women who established the style of "large neck painting" that focuses on the face rather than the whole body, and Katsushika Hokusai, a genius artist who influenced not only Japan but the world. Please also take a look at 12 works being shown at the museum for the first time, including Kitagawa Utamaro's "Blue Chamber of Victory - Tamayauchi Komurasaki and Hanamurasaki" and Tsukioka Yoshitoshi's "One Hundred Views of the Moon - Nankaitsuki," known as the last ukiyo-e artist and active from the end of the Edo period to the Meiji era.

In 2025, Osaka will be transformed into a giant art museum! "Learning: Osaka Kansai International Art Festival 2025" will be held from April to October. The exhibition will cover various areas of Osaka and take the World Expo as an opportunity to bring an unprecedented art feast. Among the first wave of 28 international artists announced, heavyweight creators such as surreal sculpture master Ron Mueck and conceptual artist Maurizio Cattelan will surely present a visual feast that subverts imagination!

This exhibition will be held to coincide with the Osaka-Kansai Expo, as the first of the Expo commemorative exhibitions, with the theme of "Getting to Know Osaka." The aim is to widely disseminate Osaka's urban residential culture, and it will be held to coincide with the Osaka-Kansai Expo, as the first of the Expo commemorative exhibitions, with the theme of "Getting to Know Osaka." Osaka has a long history as a major city, spanning approximately 400 years from the Edo period to the present. During the Edo period, Osaka flourished as a commercial city of water transport and the "Kitchen of the Nation." During the Meiji period, the city was modernized and industrialized as it entered the modern era, earning it the nickname "Manchester of the East." During the "Great Osaka" period, Osaka became the largest city in Japan in terms of both population and area, and during the prewar Showa period, suburban residential areas and villa areas were developed, establishing a new form of urban residence. Over its long history, Osaka has developed its own unique urban residential culture, which is the foundation of Osaka today. The theme of the Osaka-Kansai Expo is "Bringing together efforts for a future society where life shines and showing hope for the future to the world," and the city's gaze is directed toward the future. This exhibition looks back on the 400-year evolution of the urban residential culture that is the foundation of Osaka's current prosperity. We hope that this will provide an opportunity for you to experience the charms of urban living and lifestyle culture in Osaka, while also thinking about urban living from the present to the future.

During the Sengoku period, various cultural artifacts from Europe and Asia were brought to Japan through trade with the Western countries. This exhibition will focus on the various aspects of exchange with the world that had a major impact on Japanese society, such as the introduction of Christianity and firearms.

The Takatsuki Festival is a traditional summer festival held annually in Takatsuki, Osaka Prefecture, Japan, usually in early August. The festival is known for its colorful activities and lively atmosphere, including parades, traditional dances, music performances and fireworks. Daytime activities are mainly concentrated in the streets of the city center, and participants will wear traditional costumes, dance and perform, showing local cultural characteristics and community spirit.

Yumeshima, the site of the Osaka-Kansai Expo, is a place that gives a sense of Osaka's unique character, which developed towards the sea. The numerous documents stored in the Osaka Castle Tower retain the image of the "water city" of the past, which can no longer be seen today. Please take the time to reflect on the history of Osaka, which was nurtured by its abundant waters.

What many people may not know is that June is the perfect time for hydrangeas to bloom. Different varieties of hydrangeas change color depending on the pH of the soil, ranging from blues, pinks, purples to soft pastels. One of the best places to see early summer flowers is at Osaka Flower Culture Garden, also known as Fululu Garden. Spread over 10 hectares, the garden features a variety of seasonal flowers, including roses, clematis, peonies, plum blossoms, and the bright hydrangeas that will bloom this summer. The colorful flowers can be seen year-round, and the pyramid-shaped greenhouse is a popular photo spot. The garden also hosts a variety of activities, workshops, and exhibitions that are perfect for the whole family. While you're there, don't forget to relax in the cafe and take beautiful photos among the hydrangea fields to regain your summer energy.

The Tenjin Festival kicks off on July 24 with religious ceremonies at the shrine and river, lion dances, and prayers for peace and prosperity for Osaka. Once preparations are complete, men wearing red turbans beat drums to announce the start of the festival. The Tenjin Festival is an exciting summer festival for Osaka residents, featuring a variety of activities including various Shinto rituals, dance, music, and parades of mikoshi (portable shrines). The festival climaxes with a spectacular one-and-a-half-hour fireworks display in the evening. The festival is held in honor of Sugawara no Michizane, the god of learning enshrined at Tenmangu Shrine. His spirit is transferred to a mikoshi at the shrine and carried along the streets to the river, where it is loaded onto a boat and prayed for the prosperity of Osaka. The highlight of the festival is the evening parade of illuminated mikoshi, some of which are lit with bonfires, on the Okawa River. You can enjoy the festival wearing Yukata (traditional summer dress) and geta (traditional shoes).

U-NEXT MUSIC FES - Love Live! Series EXPO 2025 STAGE ~Right now!~ is a live concert to be held by U-NEXT which features the Love Live! franchise on its third day. The concert will take place at EXPO Arena "Matsuri", Osaka on August 14, 2025.

The origin of the Kishiwada Float Festival is said to be in 1703 (Genroku 16), when the then Kishiwada lord Okamoto Nagayasu established the Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine in the Sannomaru area of ​​Kishiwada Castle and held the Inari Festival to pray for a good harvest. It is said that the "float parade" we know today began during the Inari Festival in 1745 (Enkei 3), when residents living in the five towns around Kishiwada Castle (Honmachi, Sakaimachi, Uoya-machi, Minami-machi, and Kitamachi) made small floats "hiking floats" and placed decorations in the shape of people and scenery on them, and then pulled the floats around in a parade. After that, "float parades" began to be held not only in castle towns but also in villages during festivals. In recent years, each town has competed to build huge and majestic "floats" to show off their speed and the splendor of their "wheels", making it a major event in the autumn in the Senshu area.

Nihon Hidankyo, the Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Sufferers Organizations, has been awarded the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize. It can be said that this is the fruit of the activities carried out by the only country in the world that has suffered from atomic bombings, which has continued to call for the abolition of nuclear weapons and has poured its heart and soul into such efforts. The recognition that peace is the common prayer of all human kind is universal, regardless of whether we live in the East or the West. In light of the recent international situation, the Koji Kinutani Tenku Art Museum will hold a Special Exhibition, “Koji Kinutani Peace,” a proposal for peace through the power of art and the arts. At the root of Kinutani's world, which uses rich images and colors to explore all things in nature as a motif, is the strong belief that “Art is mightier than nuclear weapons.” His ideals and strong passion are to show the power of art as “wisdom” to help people all over the world who are suffering from the ravages of war, and to celebrate the revival of dreams and hopes in the hearts of people. Please fully experience the true essence of Kinutani’s art.