The moon-themed art festival creatively transforms vacant spaces in the developing area around Shimokitazawa Station — a vibrant, bohemian Tokyo district. Published on By Shimokitazawa, Tokyo, is hosting a unique art festival with a moon theme, transforming parking lots and vacant spaces into unconventional art venues. The festival takes place along the Shimokita Senrogai Open Space near Shimokitazawa Station on the Odakyu Line.
It invites visitors to explore art as they stroll through the streets of Shimokitazawa on crisp autumn nights. The festival runs daily from 3 PM to 9 PM until September 29. Now in its third year, the event creatively utilizes spaces in the still-developing area around Shimokitazawa Station.
The 2024 festival exhibits artworks by five artists, with local restaurants offering special menus in support of the event. In 2023, it attracted approximately 400,000 visitors. , a large moon balloon created by British artist Luke Jerram, has been a central piece since the event began.
This realistic replica, based on NASA lunar photographs, remains a favorite even among celebrities. Visitors are encouraged to touch and explore the moon up close. New this year is by Australian artist Amanda Parer, featuring rabbits.
(In Japanese tradition, the dark patches on the moon are said to resemble a rabbit.) One of the rabbits in this installation has been given paw pads, inviting gentle interaction. Australian artist group Atelier Sisu is making its Japanese debut with .