Celebrating 55 Years: Tokyo Weekender's Iconic Cultural Exhibit in Harajuku

From October 16 through October 20, 2025, Tokyo's own English lifestyle media outlet, Tokyo Weekender, is hosting a special photo exhibition titled "Life, Culture, and Creativity in Tokyo 1970–2025" in Harajuku. This event marks the 55th anniversary of the magazine, which has been a touchstone for both foreign residents and tourists looking to discover the allure of Tokyo. Leslie Kee, a globally recognized photographer, will be showcasing portraits of 15 influential figures who have shaped modern Japanese culture.

Tokyo Weekender, established in 1970, has consistently represented Tokyo's captivating charm through the unique lens of foreign editors. The upcoming exhibition seeks to explore the evolution and essence of Tokyo's culture and the interconnectedness of its past and present by displaying both rare archival materials and new portrait photography by Kee.

Highlights of the Exhibition

The exhibition presents a unique intersection of past and present, allowing attendees to experience the trajectory of Tokyo Weekender over the past 55 years and envision the future expressions of culture.

1. Leslie Kee's New Collection: TW ICONS
The centerpiece of the exhibition is Kee's new collection, "TW ICONS," featuring portraits of notable figures in Japanese arts, architecture, fashion, entertainment, and sports such as Naomi Kawase, Kengo Kuma, and Takumi Saito. This collection aims to visually articulate how culture connects with the future through a striking group shot and individual portraits.

- List of Icons (in no particular order):
Naomi Kawase, Kengo Kuma, Kunihiko Morinaga, Anri, Takumi Saito, Saki Takaoka, Toshiyuki Inoko, Atsuko Okatsuka, Yuzuka Ko, Tomoaki Makino, Hiroko Mima, Makoto Ozone, Mariko Mori, Natsuko Shoji, Aoi Yamada, Leslie Kee.

2. Exclusive Archives from 55 Years
For the first time, the exhibition will unveil treasured archives from the magazine's inception to the present day, showcasing historical cover stars and essential article images. Visitors will be able to perceive the cultural changes in Tokyo from the 1970s through 2025 as documented through the eyes of foreign observers.

3. Special Floral Installation by Hibiya Kadan
To celebrate its anniversary, Hibiya Kadan will create a vibrant photo spot in the center of the venue featuring an arrangement of 55 varieties of flowers and greenery. This biophilic design will enhance the environment, encouraging the well-being of visitors by integrating natural elements.

4. Exclusive Distribution: Tokyo Weekender Vol.3
On each day of the exhibition, a limited quantity of the latest issue—Volume 3: "The Icons Issue"—which features a spotlight on the TW ICONS, will be distributed. This magazine will provide deeper insights into the lives and works of the icons featured in the exhibition.

Special Talk Session: Leslie Kee and Hibiya Kadan

- Date/Time: October 16, 2025, commencing at 1:30 PM
- Speakers:

Photographer Leslie Kee
Hiromasa Miyajima, CEO of Hibiya Kadan

- Theme: "Voices of Tokyo: Creators Reflect on 55 Years and the Future"

The session will invite leading figures from various fields to reflect on the last 55 years in Tokyo and share their hopes for the future, engaging in dialogues about the city's evolving identity and creative potential.

Exhibition Details

- Name: Tokyo Weekender 55th Anniversary Special Exhibition "Life, Culture, and Creativity in Tokyo 1970–2025"
- Dates: October 16–20, 2025
- Hours: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Final day may have adjusted closing times)
- Location: Creative Space Akademeia 21, Harajuku
- Address: 5-27-7 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Access:

7-minute walk from "Meiji-jingumae" Station (Tokyo Metro)
8-minute walk from "Shibuya" Station (JR and Tokyo Metro)
12-minute walk from "Harajuku" Station (JR)
No parking available; please use nearby paid parking facilities.

- Admission: Free

About Hibiya Kadan

Founded in 1872, Hibiya Kadan established itself in 1950 at the Hibiya Park main store in Tokyo. With around 190 locations nationwide today, they offer wedding floral arrangements, personal and corporate floral gifts, funeral services, and landscape designs that enhance daily living through greenery.
Visit Hibiya Kadan

About Tokyo Weekender

Tokyo Weekender has been serving as Japan's oldest English-language lifestyle media since 1970. It delivers unique insights into Japanese culture for foreign residents and visitors through its free magazine available at 400 locations in Tokyo, distributing approximately 20,000 copies monthly. The brand also engages audiences online and via social media, reaching a global audience eager for Japan-related content.
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