#Japan #Tokyo #Planetarium #Yokai #Mizuki Shigeru

A Summer Festival Like No Other: Mizuki Shigeru's Yokai

From July 17 to August 31, 2026, the Konica Minolta Planetarium in Yurakucho, Tokyo, will host the much-anticipated 'Mizuki Shigeru's Yokai Summer Festival – 88 Mysterious Constellations.' This event is a delightful fusion of Japan's beloved Yokai, created by the famous manga artist Mizuki Shigeru, and the enchanting world of starry skies offered by the planetarium.

This year's festival is a reimagining of the popular 'Starry Night Summer Festival,' which has enchanted over 100,000 visitors in previous years. Visitors can look forward to a unique summer experience that combines 360-degree projective art with the folklore of Yokai. These figures, both eerie and endearing, known from Mizuki's iconic works like 'GeGeGe no Kitarō', will enliven the planetarium with an immersive journey through their whimsical realm.

Unique Features to Expect

The festival's theme revolves around the transformation of 88 constellations into Yokai characters. Normally, seeing all 88 constellations in the reference of the night sky is impossible, but at the planetarium, everything is feasible. Attendees will be mesmerized as they witness familiar constellations morph into playful yet uncanny Yokai. As they gaze into the dome's starry expanse, hidden Yokai might surprise them from above, inviting visitors to capture fun-filled pictures with these figures.

The experience promises more than just storytelling; it's designed as an immersive entertainment experience where the boundaries between reality and fantasy blur. Beyond the celestial Yokai constellations, attendees can participate in traditional summer festival games with a Yokai twist, such as 'Tossing at the Calling Cries' and 'Gathering the Beans with the Azuki Washers.' Engaging in these thrilling activities surrounded by Yokai will surely evoke the essence of a mystical summer festival.

Additionally, all visuals and scenes presented during the event can be photographed, allowing visitors to take home memories alongside iconic characters like Kitarō. As a special perk, guests will receive stickers featuring Yokai disguised as the 12 zodiac signs, creating a memorable souvenir from this unique event.

The collaborative effort highlights Mizuki Shigeru's profound influence on Japanese culture, weaving together traditional Yokai stories with starry settings to create an enchanting experience that appeals to audiences of all ages. The planetarium transforms from a mere 'star-gazing venue' into a captivating 'mysterious world' where the legends of Yokai come to life.

Event Details

• - Event Period: July 17, 2026 - August 31, 2026
• - Operating Hours: Daily from 11:00 to 19:00
• - Entry Fee: Adults (middle school age and older) - ¥1,500; Children (4 years and older) - ¥1,000; Free for children (under 3 years old)
• - Venue: Konica Minolta Planetarium, Yurakucho (9th floor, Yurakucho Marion)
• - Tickets available online starting June 18, 2026, at 15:00 JST.

How to Purchase Tickets

Tickets for the event will be available both online and at the venue. Online sales will begin shortly before the event, giving excited attendees the chance to secure their spots. A limited number of tickets will also be available for purchasing at the venue, so it is recommended to act fast to avoid disappointment. Additional processing fees may apply for ticket purchases made at the box office.

Don't miss this extraordinary opportunity to immerse yourself in the magical world created by Mizuki Shigeru’s Yokai this summer. Join us at the Konica Minolta Planetarium for a delightful adventure, filled with nostalgia, enchantment, and new experiences waiting to be uncovered!