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.

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.

(Greg Lane)