#Japan #Tokyo #Art and Technology #Yebizo Festival #Polyphonic Voices

Yebizo International Festival 2026

The much-anticipated Yebizo International Festival 2026 is set to take center stage in Tokyo, running from February 6 to February 23. This biennial event, under the theme "Your Voice | 日花聲音 | Polyphonic Voices Bathed in Sunlight," promises to showcase a diverse array of programs that integrate video arts and contemporary culture. The festival is proudly organized by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, the Tokyo Historical Museum Foundation, the Tokyo Photographic Art Museum, and the Nikkei Inc., with Avex Creator Agency acting as the secretariat.

Overview of the Festival

The festival will be held at the Tokyo Photographic Art Museum as the main venue, intertwined with various locations at the Ebisu Garden Place and local collaboration sites. The event offers a mix of free exhibitions and ticketed screenings, creating an inclusive atmosphere for visitors to engage with art.

Dates:

• - February 6 (Fri) - February 23 (Mon, National Holiday)

- Closed on February 9 and February 16
- Special exhibition area (3rd floor) open until March 22

Operating Hours:

• - 10:00 AM - 08:00 PM (Feb 6 to Feb 22)
• - 10:00 AM - 06:00 PM on the final day (Feb 23)
• - 3rd floor from Feb 25 to Mar 22: 10:00 AM - 06:00 PM (extended hours on Thu/Fri until 08:00 PM)

Admission:

• - Free for exhibitions (some screenings and events may have fees)

Official Site:

https://www.yebizo.com
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What is the Yebizo International Festival?

Since its inception in 2009, the Yebizo International Festival has transformed the local community in Ebisu into a vibrant hub for art and video culture. With a mission to stimulate creativity in the field of video arts and to foster a deeper understanding of visual expression, the festival encourages dialogue on the development of media arts and the relationships between cultures and communities. It has successfully extended its international reach and community connection in recent years.

The 2026 festival's general theme is inspired by Taiwanese language, as articulated by chief curator Chiu Yu-shuan. The essence of this theme centers around light and sound, culminating in a “polyphonic” space where diverse expressions will unfold through photography, visual art, sound, and performance. There will also be a special exhibition featuring the works of the recent Commission Project Special Award recipient, Haruka Komori, and a selected showcase of the Tokyo collection.

Festival Highlights

1. Main Exhibition Program (Tokyo Photographic Art Museum - All Floors): This extensive program will traverse various media to explore themes such as "Voice, Environment, Memory, and Misunderstanding," highlighted by an anthropological perspective.

2. Discover New Talent: Commission Project (3rd Floor): Representing a continuation of a 2023 initiative, this program selects artists based in Japan to present new video works. The spotlight will shine on Haruka Komori, the recipient of the second Commission Project Special Award, showcasing a unique exhibition.

3. Art in the Community - Off-site Displays (Ebisu Garden Place Center Square, Ebisu Skywalk): This experimental project will break boundaries between digital and analog art, featuring pieces from pioneers like Exonemo and exploring identity through collective experiences with FAMEME.

4. Seeing & Listening to Video - Screening Program (1F Hall): A curated selection of international and domestic films, including premieres, will be screened daily, often followed by discussions with filmmakers.

5. Dialogue through Symposiums & Talk Sessions: Engaging both domestic and international curators, researchers, and artists, discussions will focus on cultural intersections and the future of video art.

6. Special Exhibition of Tokyo Collection (3rd Floor): Featuring works aligning with this year’s theme sourced from notable collections across Tokyo, this exhibit will provide a profound insight into the city’s cultural heritage.

7. Social Inclusion Initiatives: To promote accessibility, the festival will enhance support services like sign language interpretation and guided viewings, ensuring an enjoyable experience for all attendees.

Featured Artists

Artists expected to showcase their works include Chan En-man, Exonemo, FAMEME, and many more.

For further inquiries, please contact the Yebizo Festival 2026 Office at Avex Creator Agency via email at [email protected]. Join us in celebrating this unique journey into the realms of art and technology in the heart of Tokyo.