Geisai – Tokyo University of the Arts Festival

The Tokyo University of the Arts in Ueno (commonly known as Geidai) is one of the most prestigious arts universities in Japan — and a hotbed for creative talent.

All that talent is on display during this three day festival at their main Ueno campus.

What to expect

In past years (the 2022 event seems to be a return to an in-person event) the festival has included talk sessions with prominent creatives, a full music stage schedule (with everything from tribute bands to originals), art exhibitions, a “Miss Geidai” competition (a common feature of university festivals in Japan) and a parade with specially made creative mikoshi (portable shoulder-borne shrines).

The festival traditionally ends with a huge, raucous samba band performance with both water and clothing being thrown freely.

The theme of the 2022 event is one of those really long hard to translate slogans that seem to be popular with arts festivals—“Look, listen, touch, smell, taste. Humans, society, nature, and arts”

Friday 2: At 11:00 the mikoshi will make its way from Tokyo University of the Arts to Ueno Park where it will finish in a performance at 13:00 in Takenodai Square (Fountain Plaza). No reservation needed.

Tickets

For 2022, you won’t need a reservation for events held at Ueno Park, but you will need to reserve for the events on campus. Details here (Japanese).

(Greg Lane)

Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.