If you want to visit Japan when every block seems to be holding a party, summer’s your call. From omatsuris (traditional Japanese festival) in the city to food/DJ booths decked out on the beach, whether you’re in the concrete jungle or out in the nature, you’re bound to find the party most fit for you. However if you haven’t been warned yet, brace yourselves, because summer in Japan is bound to be extremely hot. Don’t take this caution lightly. And yes we do intend to threaten you oh so slightly when we say this, but it’s all coming from a good place because here, we’re introducing three spots you can enjoy this summer that’ll keep you nice and cool, whether inside or out! Moreover, this is about to be an essential summertime event listing for those who have been continuously intrigued by the ever-entertaining Japanese pop culture, whether traditional or modern.

1. From Eery to Endearing: Yōkai in the Arts of Japan

Maybe it was only with the recent revolutionary wave that is “Yō-kai Watch” that you discovered the term “yō-kai” and how it encapsulates monsters, spirits and demons in Japanese. What you may not know yet is that these yōkais have an extensive history that dates back to the 12th century or the late Heian period. Since then, they have acted as figures to ease the anxieties toward the mysteries that surround the spiritual world; some works even illustrate household items transforming into yō-kais, proving how monsters can give you a little laugh. The exhibit, “From Eery to Endearing: Yōkai in the Arts of Japan” takes you through its history by exploring the art-history aspect of the Yō-kai, from Jōmon-period clay figurines to the drawings and handscrolls illustrated in the Heian and Kamakura period, the ukiyo-e from the Edo-period, all the way up to present-day Yō-kai representatives, “Yōkai Watch.” Uncover the evolution of yō-kais at this exhibition that’s bound to give you some chills — but just enough to cool you down from the scorching outdoor heat.

2. “The NINJA – who were they?”

 If you came out all the way to Japan, you might as well take the opportunity to become a certified Ninja, which is exactly what you can do at the “Ninja — who were they?” exhibit held at the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation: more often known as the Miraikan.
Being a Ninja (or a covert agent) in Feudal Japan required three major components: an intelligent mind, skills and a well-built physique, and this exhibit is about to train all curious souls on all three of these. If you’re a true Ninja fan, you may already be familiar with the throwing a shuriken bit, which is now offered at quite a number of Edo-themed parks. However not many allow you to improve your jumping power and coach you on enhancing your memory, sharing secret messages and breathing like the Ninja do, all of which this exhibit is ready to provide you with. The exhibit is divided into three sections: (1) Improve Your Body (2) Enhance Your skills (3) Perfect Your Mind, and it wraps up with a Ninja Certification so you can fully embrace your Ninja identity at the end of it all. (FUN.) This also means when time machines are set and ready to go and you miraculously make it to Feudal Japan, you’ll be able to work your Ninja role at ease. That’s reassuring. The exhibit will also be exhibiting ninjutsu (unconventional war tactics practiced by Ninjas) manuscripts allowing visitors to deepen their knowledge on Ninjas, and as the official website notes, you’ll be able to “find hints that may help us to survive in the coming future.” Now isn’t it nice to know that they’re going to give us some Ninja-made advice for future survival? This exhibition is hands down going to be the coolest, both figuratively and metaphorically.

3. Pikachu Outbreak ~This time we’re getting wet???~

This wild event that amasses a gang of 1,000 Pikachus over the period (the numbers are totally accurate) wasn’t initially set to become an annual event, but the hype definitely exceeded expectations — because who wasn’t going to go crazy over this charming event? Making its debut in 2014, the Pikachu Outbreak drew roughly 1.4 million people in total, which, to put into perspective, surpasses the whole population of Estonia. Now it’s back again this year for its third round at their usual Minatomirai location, while it also follows up to their international debut, aka their New York invasion this past February.

On top of this wonderful news stating the return of the cutest rodents on the planet, the event is set to be updated with a new water-splashing show where the cute yellow figures will help you cool down and perhaps even save you from a heat stroke. Other than that, you can watch them parade down the streets of Yokohama, and perform their cute little dances all over the designated spots listed below! Go and restore (or overdose on) that much-needed kawaii fix at this insanely adorable event!

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