When: Sunday, July 25 (14:00 - 16:30; last entry 16:00) Where: Nagoya International Center 4F Access: Kokusai Center Subway Station, exit 2 (access map)
For more information call MICA at 052-588-7040 (Tue, Thu, Sat (13:00 - 17:00)
or e-mail:
mica@r6.dion.ne.jp. - MICA Website
There will also be a free health consultation session for foreign families at the
Kyuban Matsuri on Saturday, August 21 (13:00 - 15:00) in Minato Ward (near Tokai Dori Subway Station). Full information will be in the August
edition of the Nagoya Calendar!
■Kariya Mando Matsuri 刈谷万燈祭
This event started in 1757 as part of the City of Kariya's Akiba Shrine's summer festival. A lively, colourful festival featuring 5m high “samurai” lanterns, called mando (literally "ten thousand lanterns"). The mando are supported up by groups of young men, and
the mando move and dance in rhythm to the accompanying flute and drum music. When: July 31 (from 17:10); City-wide parade departs from Tōyō cho (opposite Kariya City Hall) at 17:10. A mando dance from 19:30 on Hirokoji-dori in front of Meitetsu Kariya-shi Station. August 1 from 17:50 dance in front of Akiba Shrine; a mando dance from 21:00 on Hirokoji-dori in front of Meitetsu Kariya-shi Station. Where: Kariya City, Aichi. Access: A 5 minute walk Meitetsu Kariya-shi Station 刈谷市. One stop from JR / Meitetsu Kariya Station - (map) Photo: Courtesy of Kariya City
■World Cosplay Summit 2010 世界コスプレサミット2010
Nagoya City is home to the annual World Cosplay Summit. “Teams” from 15 nations will dress up as Japanese animation characters and compete for the crown. When: The Osu Cosplayer Parade will be held on Saturday, July 31 (from 15:30) in Osu Kannon (Osu Kannon, exit 1) & the World Cosplay Championship on Sunday, August 1 (early evening) at the Oasis 21 in Sakae
(next to the TV Tower).
- Official English Site
- Watch 101 Challenges on Youtube as 2 Scotsmen get dressed up and take part in the 2008 Cosplay Parade
■Osu Summer Festival 大須夏まつり
A very popular street festival held in the streets in and around the Osu Kannon shopping arcade. Samba dancing, street performers, taiko drum concert, Cosplayer Parade (see above), and fireworks display (21:00). When: Saturday, July 31 and Sunday, August 1 (both days 12:00 - 22:00) Where: Osu Kannon, Naka-ku, Nagoya Access: A 3 minute walk from Osu Kannon Subway Station, exit 1
■Take Part in the Nagoya Undoukai
Last year over 900 people from 23 countries (60% non-Japanese) attended the Nagoya Chamber of Commerce and Industry's annual sports recreation day at the
Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium. Participants are split into 4 teams and compete in various events. Last year events included a children’s relay race, a team ball-throwing race, a novelty stretcher
race, and a hugely competitive tug of war! On the day announcements are made in Japanese, English, Chinese, and Portuguese - so there no need to worry!
Join this year's event on Sunday, September 26 (10:00 to 15:00) as an individual, family, group of friends, school, or company. Participation is free, but pre-registration is required. Bring your friends and
family.
Participants get a free T-shirt and can win prizes in the events and raffle draw (your entry number is your ticket)!
- To request an application form call the NCCI at 052-223-5709 or e-mail undoukai@nagoya-cci.or.jp . You can also download one www.nagoyaundoukai.com. The application
deadline is Monday, August 23.
In 2009, Nagoya Grampus finished 9th last season in the 18-team top division of the J-League. The 2010 season kicks off in March.
If you want to savour the real atmosphere of a J-League game or AFC Champions League game get a seat behind the goal (category 5 ticket 2000 Yen for adults, 500 Yen for children aged 6+). Other seat categories are available. Tickets available from Lawson, and with
P-code 592-070 at Ticket Pia, Family Mart, Circle K, & SunKus. Tickets are also available on their website: http://nagoya-grampus.jp/game/
The team shares their home games between the ageing Mizuho Athletic Stadium in Mizuho Ward, Nagoya, and the modern Toyota Stadium in near-by
Toyota City.
Get on your yukata and get out to one of the many summer festivals happening in and around Nagoya. Just remember that in the case of adverse weather conditions, these festivals may be postponed or cancelled altogether.
- See our Summer Festivals page
■Thai Festival タイフェスティバル
As of May 1, 2010 this event has now been postponed until September 4 & 5
Includes a Thai Boxing Exhibition (Muay Thai), Thai dancing, fruits and soap carving, stalls packed with mouth-watering Thai food, and live music and stage performances. There are also return air tickets to Bangkok up for grabs! (19:30) When: September 4 & 5 (10:00 - 20:00) was May 29 & 30 Where: Hisaya Odori Park's Hisaya Hiroba Access: 1 minute walk from Yaba-cho Subway Station, exit 6. Admission: Free! Website:http://www.thaifestival.jp/jp
■Disney on Ice - Mickey and Minnie’s Fantasy Tour
ディズニー・オン・アイス「ミッキー&ミニーのファンタジーツアー」
When: Saturday, July 24 - Monday, August 2
Weekends at 10:00, 14:00, 18:00
Weekdays at 11:00, 14:30, 18:30; no 18:30 show on 7/26, 28, 30 Where: Nippon Gaishi Hall 日本ガイシホール Access: A 5 minute walk from JR Kasadera Station) Seats: 4200 Yen & 5800 Yen (under 3s free when sit with an adult) Tickets: Circle K, SunKus, Family Mart, Ticket Pia (P Code: 616-883) Website:www.disneyonice.ctv.ne.jp
■Days Japan - Photo Journalism Exhibition in Nagoya - Life on Earth
- A single photograph has the power to change the course of a nation -
A selection of some of the 5000 award-winning entries from the 2010 Days Japan International Photo Journalism awards. The monthly photojournalism magazine DAYS JAPAN was launched in March 2004 on the
first anniversary of the Iraq War in response to the burgeoning demand for quality reporting from the world's many war fronts and conflicts. The world-class photographers who contribute to the publication do their work at great peril, many risking their lives for
their shots. Regardless of how the photos are taken, DAYS JAPAN aims to always tell the truth from the perspective of victimized civilians and not of those exercising authority through military or other power. When: July 17 - 19 (10:00 - 20:00); last day until 17:00 Where: Nagoya International Center 4F - Exhibition Room Admission: 500 Yen, 13 -18s 300 Yen, under 13s free.
- Official exhibition site
- Watch the award ceremony on Youtube
■Nagoya Writes Open Readings
Come to share your inspired works or just to listen. All are welcome. When: Sunday, September 12 (15:30 - 17:30) Where: Cafe Dufi in Chikusa (Chikusa Subway Station, exit 5) - map
- Nagoya Writes full event schedule
- Nagoya Writes Open Reading on Youtube - All the King's Horses - The Train Ride -
Lessons Learned
■Insect Power!
The
COP 10 convention on biodiversity will be held in Nagoya in October and to commemorate this occasion the
Nagoya City Science Museum
in Fushimi is holding a special summer exhibition on the planet’s most diverse group of animals - insects. Insects represent more than half of all known living organisms and have been used in medical research, engineering, and robotics. Discover the world of
insects at This is the final exhibition at the Nagoya City Science Museum’s final exhibition until it re-opens next spring!
When: July 17 - August 31 (09:30 - 17:00); closed 7/20, 7/26, 8/2, 8/9 Where: Nagoya City Science Museum 名古屋市科学館; a 7 minute walk from Fushimi Subway Station, exit 7. Admission: Adults 1000 Yen (800), students 700 Yen (500), children ages 6 - 15 500 Yen (300 Yen). Advanced ticket prices are in ( ); available via the P-code system (P-code 986-911) at Family Mart, Circle K, Sunkus, and Ticket Pia.
■Special Purpose Vehicles Exhibition
Various special purpose vehicles including a police patrol car, a fire truck, an ambulance, and a digger will be on display in a special exhibition throughout the summer; a great opportunity for children (of all ages) to climb aboard and explore the vehicles. There
will also be some special weekend events during the exhibition. Full details will be on the museum website from the start of July.
When: Saturday, July 17 - September 26 (09:30 - 17:00); closed Mondays, 7/20, 9/21– except 7/19, 8/9, 9/20. Where:Toyota Automobile Museum トヨタ博物館, Nagakute - it is a 5 minute walk from Geidai-dori Station -
access info and map Admission: Adults 1000 Yen, 13 to 18s 600 Yen, 6 to 12s 400 Yen - full details
The Toyota Automobile Museum also has over 120 historic cars - not just from Toyota, but American and European car makers as well - on permanent display. Visitors can tour the museum at their own pace
using a taped English audio guide; costs 200 Yen. Exhibits also have explanations in English.
■Nagoya American Studies Summer Seminar 2010
A free seminar on American Studies open to the public. The annual theme this year is "Toward a Common Memory of Our Past" and will focus on WWII war reconciliation between the United Stated and Japan. The three 60-minute keynote speeches will be
presented by Prof. Marianna Torgovnick from Duke University (History and Society), Robert J. McMahon from Ohio State University (Politics and International
Relations), and Prof. Lisa Yoneyama (Literature and Culture) from the University of California, San Diego. Simultaneous interpretation is provided. Don't miss this exciting opportunity to learn more
about history and international relations. When: Saturday, July 24 (10:00 - 17:00) Where: Nanzan University Nagoya Campus - B building (B11); Nagoya Daigaku Subway Station, exit 1. Access map
- full information
- official poster
■Japanese Cuisine for Every Season "Summer" 四季折々の日本料理 - 夏
The second of a series of four classes open to foreign residents who live in and around Toyota City. Cook and taste Japanese dishes. Recipes and explanation are available in English and Japanese When: Saturday, July 24 (10:00 - 13:30) Where: ASTE, Toyota Access: Transportation service available from Takemura Station 竹村駅 on the Meitetsu Mikawa Line or a 15 minute drive from Central Toyota. Fee: 520 Yen (fee includes ingredients, a cap and a mask) Application: Accepted from Tuesday, July 20 (10:00); maximum 15 participants. To reserve your place contact the Toyota International Association at 0565-37-0400 or enjoytoyota05@yahoo.co.jp.
■Nagoya Castle Yoi Festival
Take a trip back in time and experience the Nagoya of old with a visit to Nagoya Castle’s lantern-lit annual summer evening festival. There is something for everyone - young and old; street performers, stage concerts, watch (or be brave and take part in)
bon dancing, a beer garden, and lots of food and game stalls.
When: August 8 - 15 (17:00 - 21:00) Where: The grounds of Nagoya Castle - 名古屋城 Access: A 5 minute walk from Shiyakusho Subway Station, exit 7 Admission: 800 Yen adults (100 Yen discount with valid subway day pass), children 6 - 15 200 Yen. Admission includes entry to Nagoya Castle; advanced discount tickets available from Circle K, Family Mart, Ticket Pia, Playguide (P-code 986-947), and
Lawson. Admission to the castle is included.
■Night Zoo
Avoid the heat and the crowds and see the animals come alive! The children's zoo and part of the botanical gardens close at 17:00, and the amusement park closes at dusk.
When: August 6,7, 8 & August 13, 14, 15 (both Friday to Sunday) Open: 09:00 - 20:30 (usually 16:30) Admission: 500 Yen for adults, children under 16 are free. 100 Yen discount with a valid subway day pass. Access: 1 minute walk from exit 3 of Higashiyama Koen Subway Station. There are also over 1600 parking spaces located around the park, 800 Yen per car.
Why not take advantage of the night opening and visit the Higashiyama Sky Tower’s observation deck. It gives a commanding 360 degree view of the Nagoya skyline and has been voted one of Japan's top 100 night views. Open: 09:00 - 21:30; last entry 21:00; closed Mondays except holidays Admission: 300 Yen for adults, under 16s are free
- official website
- on Youtube -
■Nagoya Groovin' Summer 2010
A two day bonanza of free gospel and jazz concerts in the heart of Nagoya. This year’s event features Nora from Orquesta de la Luz. Times listed are for
Oasis 21; full schedule at http://groovin-nagoya.com/timetable (Japanese only) When: August 7(14:00 – 20:00) & August 8 (13:00 - 20:00) Where: In and around Oasis 21 and in front of the TV Tower, Sakae. Admission: Free (except at the Live House venue) Access: Sakae Subway Station, exit 4.
■Night View at Tokugawaen
Avoid the heat and take advantage of the cool, relaxing evening atmosphere at Nagoya City’s very own traditional Japanese garden. There will be special evening Noh performances (start 18:30) on August 14 & 15; the garden’s pond will also be
illuminated with special floating lanterns. When: August 7, 8, 10 - 15 (09:30 - 20:30; last entry 20:00) Where:Tokugawa Gardens 徳川園, Higashi Ward Admission: 300 Yen adults, over 65s 100 Yen Access: By City or Meitetsu Bus - Any outbound bus from Shiyakusho Subway Station. Get off at Tokugawaen Shindeki 徳川園新出来; costs 200 Yen.
■The Endoji Tanabata Matsuri
An annual tanabata festival with street performers, a dance parade, lots of festival stalls, lots of traditional Japanese-style fast food, and lots of people! When: Wednesday, July 28 - Sunday, August 1 (all day, best after 18:00) Where: Endoji Arcade 円頓寺本町商店街アーケード, Nishi-ku, Nagoya (see map) Access: A 7 minute walk from Kokusai Center Subway Station, exit 2 - walk north and follow the overhead expressway.
■Nagoya Children’s Theatre なごや子どものための巡回劇場
The Nagoya City Cultural Promotion Agency is putting on a series of shows across Nagoya to introduce and expose local children to the world of classical and traditional music.
Admission: Children (aged 3 to 15) 500 Yen. Adults 800 Yen.
Advanced tickets are available from each individual theatre or using the P-code system from Circle K, Family Mart, and Ticket Pia. P-codes are shown next to each concert.
Nagoya Opera Association 名古屋オペラ協会 (P-code 109-524)
Saturday, July 31 (11:00, 14:00) at the Midori Mini Theater 緑文化小劇場
Sunday, August 1 (11:00, 14:00) at the Nakamura Mini Theatre 中村文化小劇場
Wednesday, August 4 (11:00, 14:00) at the Mizuho Ward Office Auditorium瑞穂区役所講堂
Thursday, August 5 (11:00, 14:00) at the Nishi Mini Theatre 西文化小劇場
An Introduction to Traditional Japanese Music 名古屋三曲連盟「知ってる？日本の音」
Saturday, August 7 (11:00, 14:00) at the Chikusa Mini Theatre 千種文化小劇場
Sunday, August 8 (11:00, 14:00) at the Showa Ward Office Auditorium昭和区役所講堂
Sleeping Beauty by the Sumina Okada Ballet Group 岡田純奈バレエ団「眠れる森の美女」(P-code 404-468)
Thursday, August 12 (11:00, 14:00) at the Kita Mini Theatre 北文化小劇場
Friday, August 13 (11:00, 14:00) at the Higashi Mini Theatre 東文化小劇場
Saturday, August 14 (11:00, 14:00) at the Minami Mini Theatre 南文化小劇場
Sunday, August 15 (11:00, 14:00) at the Tempaku Mini Theatre 天白文化小劇場
One Coin Classic Movie Series - A Roman Holiday ワンコイン名作映画シリーズ ミナミシネマ「ローマの休日」
Watch the 1953 Academy Award-winning romantic comedy, Roman Holiday, starring Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn. Hepburn won an Oscar for Best Actress for her performance. When: Tuesday, August 17 (13:30) Where: Minami Mini Theatre 名古屋市南文化小劇場, Minami Ward (map) Access: A 15 minute walk north from JR Kasadera Station or a 15 minute walk South from Horita Subway Station. Admission: 500 Yen. Advanced tickets available with P-code 556-515 from Family Mart, Circle K, SunKus, and Ticket Pia.
Nippon Domannaka Festival 第12回 にっぽんど真ん中祭り
Over 200 teams & around 23,000 performers from across Japan and from around the world will take over the streets of Nagoya as part of Japan’s largest dance festival. Colourful and vibrant parades & performances will be held at over 20 locations in and around the
City, with the main stage located in Hisaya-odori Park 久屋大通公園会場 in Yabacho.
Each team, some with as many as 150 members, has just over four and a half minutes to show off their skills, coordination, & originality to the judges. The rules of the festival state that each dancer must hold a naruko, or clapper, and that a melody from a local
folk tune of the participants’ home area must be incorporated in the music. The teams thus prepare original dances and music that give a sense of their local culture. When not competing, teams will be parading their skills on the streets of Nagoya. Website: www.domatsuri.com/fes/
When: Friday, August 27 (Festival Eve), Saturday, August 28 (Day 1: Junior dance contest), Sunday, August 29 (Day 2: Final contest) Admission: Free, main stage spectator seating priced at 500 Yen to 3500 Yen; advanced tickets available at Family Mart, Circle K, Playguide, etc. (P-code: 617-519).
As an added bonus, to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Nagoya, Mickey Mouse and his friends from the Tokyo Disney Resort will be performing 2 songs in the Otsu Dori Street Parade on Sunday, August 29 (17:00 - 17:30) !
■Parade & Performance Schedule
Location
Day & Time
Access
Hisaya Odori Koen
Fri (15:00-21:30), Sat (09:20-21:30), Sun (09:20-21:30)
Yaba-cho Subway Station, exit 6.
Otsu Dori Street Parade
Sat (11:24 - 17:50) & Sun (11:30 - 16:00)
Yaba-cho Subway Station, from in front of Parco.
Nadya Park Yaba Koen
Sat (10:00-18:00), Sun (10:00-16:00)
Yaba-cho Subway Station, 3 mins west from exit 5
Endoji Parade
Sat (12:30 -17:30)
Sun (10:30 -15:30)
Kokusai Center Subway Station,
5 mins from exit 2 - turn right at top of stairs
Nagoya Station
Sat (13:15 - 15:45) & Sun (13:15 - 14:45)
2 min walk from Nagoya Station
JR Towers Garden
Sat (11:15 - 19:00) & Sun (10:00 - 11:30, 12:15 - 13:45, 14:15 - 15:45)
Yanagihara Street Parade
Sun (10:15-15:30)
Meijo Koen Subway Station, 5 mins from exit 1
Osu Kannon
Sat (10:00 - 14:00)
Osu Kannon Subway Station, 3 mins from exit 2
Asunaru Kanayama
Sun (10:30 - 11:30, 13:30 - 16:30)
Kanayama Station North Exit
Arako Koen Ground
Sun (10:00 - 11:30, 11:30 - 12:00, 13:00 - 15:00)
Takabata Subway Station, 7 mins from exit 4
Narumi Street Parade
Sat (10:00 - 12:00, 13:00 - 15:00)
Meitetsu Narumi Station鳴海, 5 mins from east exit.
Dotoku Street Parade
Sun (10:30-15:30)
Meitetsu Dōtoku Station 道徳, 5 mins from main exit
Mikawa Anjo
Sat (10:00-12:30)
JR Mikawa Anjo Station三河安城, South exit
Nishi Ginza Street Parade
Sun (13:00 - 15:00)
Nakamura Kuyakusho Subway Station, 5 mins from exit 2
Hirabari Street Parade
Saturday (13:30 - 16:30)
Hirabari Subway Station, 5 mins from exit 2
Kachigawa Street Parade
Saturday (10:30 - 14:00)
5 mins from JR Kachigawa Station 勝川
■Fancy a Cartoon of Yourself?
On the 3rd Saturday of each month at Oasis 21 in Sakae (10:00 & 17:00) local art college students offer a free caricature service. Why not have a go?
Related Article -
■Kariya Mando Matsuri 刈谷万燈祭
Last year over 900 people from 23 countries (60% non-Japanese) attended the Nagoya Chamber of Commerce and Industry's annual sports recreation day at the
In 2009, 
■Summer Festival Season is here …
