This year's Golden Week (GW) in 2025 coincides with the Osaka/Kansai Expo, creating a vibrant atmosphere filled with art-related events across the Kansai region. With the "National Treasure Three-Piece Set" in Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara as the core attraction, art enthusiasts are in for a treat. In Tokyo, exhibitions like "Western Painting, Where to See It?" at the National Museum of Western Art and "Juzo Itami Contents Business's Tempestuous Child" at the Tokyo National Museum are drawing attention.
The article provides a comprehensive list of art exhibitions across seven areas in Japan, ensuring that art lovers have plenty to explore during this festive time. Notably, the Japan National Treasure Exhibition at the Osaka Municipal Museum of Art is expected to be a highlight.
In addition to the major exhibitions, several smaller yet intriguing events are set to take place. The "Juzo Itami" exhibition at the Tokyo National Museum will kick off on April 22, 2025, while the "140th Anniversary Ishizaki Kotaro" exhibition at the Nihonbashi Takashimaya S.C. will begin on April 23, 2025. Also starting on the same day is the "70th Anniversary Miffy Exhibition" at Matsuya Ginza, along with the "Accompanying Hotoke" exhibition at the Hanzomon Museum.
As the festivities continue, the "DINO SAFARI 2025" exhibition will open at Shibuya Hikarie on April 25, 2025, followed by the "Godzilla 70th Anniversary Godzilla THE Art Exhibition" at the Mori Arts Center Gallery on April 26, 2025. Art lovers can also look forward to the "Tadashi Yokoo The River of Woven Pictures" exhibition at the Setagaya Art Museum on the same day, along with the "Ukiyoe View of the Ryogoku Area" exhibition at the Tobacco and Salt Museum.
As Golden Week unfolds, the excitement does not stop there. The "Otsuki Kenji Exhibition" at the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum and the "Kids Biguins" exhibition at the Suntory Museum of Art are both set to start on April 29, 2025, adding to the rich tapestry of cultural experiences available during this holiday.
Golden Week in 2025 is not just about art; it also offers a chance for relaxation and rejuvenation. The holiday period features a "flying stone holiday" from April 26-27, 29, and May 3-6. For those who can take time off on weekdays, it is possible to enjoy up to 11 consecutive holidays, providing an excellent opportunity to unwind.
According to Takashi Watanabe, an industrial counselor, many Japanese workers feel a sense of guilt when taking extended time off. He notes, "Japan has many diligent workers, and when they take a long break, they often feel, 'I shouldn't be taking this much time off.'" Watanabe, who has experience in corporate management, points out that there has never been an instance where someone’s absence has caused issues in the workplace.
In 2023, the average number of annual paid holidays granted per worker was 16.9 days, with only 11.0 days actually taken. While the acquisition rate of 65.3% is the highest since 1984, it still falls short of the government’s target of 70% by 2028. A 2024 survey revealed that 60.8% of respondents felt little to no reluctance to take annual paid leave, while 39.2% expressed some hesitation.
Watanabe attributes this reluctance to the behavior of supervisors. He explains, "If a direct supervisor does not actively take leave, employees are less likely to feel comfortable doing so themselves." He encourages managers to lead by example and take their breaks to foster a healthier work culture.
To make the most of Golden Week, Watanabe suggests following the "Five R's": Relaxation, Rest, Recreation, Retreat, and Resilience. He emphasizes the importance of balancing these elements to recharge effectively.
Relaxation involves calming the autonomic nervous system through practices like abdominal breathing and aromatherapy. Rest focuses on getting adequate sleep and enjoying massages. Recreation encourages engaging in enjoyable activities like sports, camping, or watching movies. Retreat is about stepping away from routine to enjoy travel or nature, while Resilience involves building the capacity to recover from stress through activities like reading or attending seminars.
Japanese people excel at recreation, often planning outings during holidays, but Watanabe urges them to also prioritize relaxation, rest, and retreat. He believes that incorporating resilience into holiday plans can provide a fresh perspective on daily stressors.
In addition to the cultural and recreational opportunities, the Nakadori area of Fukushima Prefecture is hosting a variety of events during Golden Week. From science festivals to local food celebrations, families are encouraged to explore these offerings.
In Koriyama City, the Science Festival will run from April 26 to May 6, 2025, at the Koriyama City Fureai Science Museum Space Park. The Iwazuru Ranch Children's Festival in Kagamiishi Town will take place from May 3 to May 6, and the Abukuma Cave Spring Festival in Tamura City will also occur during the same dates.
Other events include the Comiutan Festival in Miharu Town on May 5, the Children's Festival in Koriyama City on the same day, and the Old Tomb Festival Spring in Koriyama City on May 3 and 4. Sukagawa City will host the "GW is Full of Mushitec!" event, while the Ooamachi Smile Show Shop in Koriyama City will take place on May 4.
For those looking for a unique culinary experience, the "GW Meat Festival" will be held in Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture, from May 2 to May 6, 2025. The event will feature local delicacies, including the signature "Wakadori Hanmiage" and Hokkaido-style fried chicken known as Zangi.
As Golden Week approaches, the combination of art, culture, and relaxation offers a perfect opportunity for families and individuals alike to enjoy this festive period. With so many events and exhibitions to choose from, there’s something for everyone to explore and experience.
