Written by Aarohi Narain
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
What happens?
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Tokyo is marking it with Pink Ribbon in Tokyo, a city-wide campaign aimed at raising awareness about breast cancer and encouraging regular screening.
Throughout October, the campaign will include a range of initiatives. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building and other landmarks across the city will be lit up in pink, symbolising the global pink ribbon movement.
Highlights 2025
The Pink Ribbon in Tokyo campaign runs throughout October, with major events and activities including:
- Awareness campaigns: In partnership with organizations such as Alvark Tokyo, FC Tokyo, Aeon Retail, Earth Holdings, and Japan Post, educational materials, pink ribbon goods, and posters will be distributed across Tokyo. Events include a booth at the Pink Ribbon Festival Opening Night (Oct 1, Yurakucho Asahi Hall) and a street campaign in Omotesandō (Oct 11, Machikado Garden).
- Landmark illuminations: Iconic sites such as the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, Shibuya Scramble Square, Cerulean Tower, Ajinomoto Stadium, and the Sumida River bridges will be illuminated pink at various times from Oct 1–31.
- Pink Ribbon Lunch and Exhibition: Special lunches inspired by the pink ribbon will be served in the staff cafeterias at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building from Oct 1–6 (open to the public), and a panel exhibition will run from Oct 1–7 on the building’s first floor.
- Digital signage campaign: Breast cancer awareness messages and information will be broadcast on digital signage, including Shinjuku Station’s west exit, throughout the month.
Greater Tokyo area
Pink Ribbon Light-up 2025 in Kanagawa will illuminate 94 locations across the prefecture, including Yokohama, from October 1 to 31 to promote early detection and screening for breast cancer.
A photo contest runs until November 7, inviting participants to share images of the light-ups on Instagram with #PinkRibbonKanagawa2025 and location tags.
Winners, announced on December 19, will receive prizes such as Hakone hotel stays and local products.
Full details and schedules are available on the Pink Ribbon Kanagawa website.
