Written by TC Team
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. The theme of the 2025 event is “tamayura,” a Japanese word that means “a fleeting moment.”
What happens?
The festival includes 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.
No reservations will be required except for certain concerts.
Schedule 2025
The full timetable for 2025 is yet to be released, but these are some of the usual highlights:
- September 5 (Fri.): At 10 a.m., the mikoshi usually makes its way from Tokyo University of the Arts to Ueno Park, where it arrives at around 11:30 a.m.. Performances continue there until 2:50 p.m. at Takenodai Square (Fountain Plaza).
- September 7 (Sun.): From 12 p.m. to 1 p.m., the portable shrines also parade down Ameyoko Shopping Street.
