#Japan #Tokyo #Hijiribashi Expo #Jimbocho #cultural festival

Welcome to Hijiribashi Expo 2025

On May 5, 2025, the Tokyo Cultural Resource Conference, led by Chairperson Toshiyasu Yoshimi, is set to hold the Hijiribashi Expo 2025 at the Solacity Conference Center. This exciting cultural event aims to showcase a myriad of cultural initiatives through engaging exhibits, workshops, seminars, and delightful culinary experiences. It promises a full day of fun, learning, and exploration centered around cultural resources.

With the overarching theme of “Jimbocho Future Vision,” this year’s expo highlights various cultural assets of Jimbocho, particularly those related to publishing and literature. Attendees can anticipate a wide range of activities focused on this literary hotspot, inviting exploration and innovation in the cultural landscape of Tokyo.

Event Overview

• - Date: May 5, 2025 (Monday), from 10:00 AM to 8:30 PM
• - Location: Solacity Conference Center, 4-6 Kanda Surugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
• - Admission: Free (Certain programs may require advance bookings or fees)
• - Access: Open entry throughout the day (some activities may require advance reservations)
• - Hosted by: Tokyo Cultural Resource Conference
• - Co-hosted by: Solacity Conference Center
• - Supported by: Chiyoda Ward, Jimbocho Cultural Communication Council (tentative)
• - Sponsors: Sumitomo Corporation, Nippon Steel Kowa Real Estate, Mitsubishi Estate, Yomiuri Shimbun

Highlights of the Expo

The event unfolds from 10 AM to 8:30 PM, featuring thematic exhibitions, seminars, and food stalls. Visitors can move freely between activities without prior registration, except for certain sessions that require it.

“Culinary Treasures of Jimbocho: Where Would Gorō Inokashira Go?”

• - Location: Terrace Room
• - Time: 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM
• - Admission: Free (Pre-registration required, capacity for 80 participants)

This discussion explores the rich culinary culture of Jimbocho, facilitated by three knowledgeable figures, including Masayuki Kuzumi, the manga artist behind “Kodoku no Gurume,” along with cultural policy researcher Yoshiyuki Taika, and Keiko Ishikawa, the editor of “Osanpo Jimbocho.”

Symposium: “Realizing the Jimbocho Future Vision”

• - Location: Room C
• - Time: 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM

This vital symposium will discuss the “Jimbocho Future Vision,” a comprehensive 10-year plan formulated to reposition Jimbocho as a leading example of a new urban model employing cultural resources. Collaboration among local stakeholders and various sectors is deemed essential for realizing this vision.

Jimbocho Zine Fair

• - Location: Room A
• - Time: 11 AM - 5 PM

As part of the Jimbocho Project, the Zine Fair encourages creatives to share their publications, regardless of genre, fostering local connections through self-published works.

Zine Making Workshop

• - Location: Entrance
• - Time: 1 PM - 4 PM

This workshop introduces participants to the world of zines, where they can express their interests and passions through creating small-format publications. With hands-on experience, attendees will leave with several copies of their zines.

Through workshops, talks, and exhibitions, Hijiribashi Expo 2025 offers a unique insight into Jimbocho's literary and cultural future. It represents a prime opportunity for networking and engaging with fellow culture enthusiasts. Join us in celebrating and shaping the narrative of one of Tokyo's cultural treasures!

Related Events

A unique evening tour, the Jimbocho Night Walk scheduled for May 14, will provide insights into the vibrant nocturnal life and culinary scene of Jimbocho, highlighting its cultural diversity and rich history.

Mark your calendars for May 5, 2025, and dive into the heart of Tokyo's cultural reinvention at the Hijiribashi Expo!