© Tokyo Mask Festival
Discover The Creativity And Variety of Japanese Masks at The 8th Tokyo Mask Festival
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From Noh masks, traditional fox masks and devil masks to contemporary mask creations like realistic animal masks and kigurumi masks, not to mention masked idols, we've reported on many kinds of Japanese masks at grape Japan.
But truth be told, we've only begun to scratch the surface of Japan's rich mask culture. If you're looking for more, there's one place where you can be guaranteed to get a deep dive into Japanese masks, and it's coming up next month.
On March 21, 2020 (Sat), Japan's largest mask exhibition and fair, the 8th Tokyo Mask Festival will be held at the Tokyo Art Center.
Courtesy of © Tokyo Mask Festival
Artists who create masks and headgear will assemble from all over Japan to exhibit and sell their handiwork. At the 6th event held last March, 33 exhibitors were hosted at the festival and nearly 700 visitors attended, making it the biggest turnout in the festival's history. After that, the system was changed to a lottery.
The scene at a previously held festival | Courtesy of © Tokyo Mask Festival
The scene at a previously held festival | Courtesy of © Tokyo Mask Festival
What you'll find at the festival
This time, about 40 creators have applied and 25 have been selected by lottery to exhibit.
You'll find masks, kamen, headgear, hoods, kigurumi, helmets, wearable art objects, deformed heads, avatars, armored heads, protectors, goggles, and all manner of things that can be worn over the face. It is truly a festival for mask lovers and by mask lovers. Many artists will sell their original creations. Visitors who attend can pick up masks, try them on (ask permission first) and interact with artists and other attendees through the masks. Many visitors also come with their own masks, and you are free to do so as well.
Japan's Mask Culture and the Tokyo Mask Festival
Japan is world-famous for its mask culture. To begin with, Japanese television and film is filled with heroes who transform themselves with masks. Every day, the masquerade known as cosplay is held somewhere in Japan, and in our daily lives, everyone on the net is used to wearing many masks. The attraction of Japanese masks lies in their ability to take on all of these genres.
In recent years, Japanese masks have begun to attract international attention. Idols (like Kamen Joshi or Babymetal) wear masks and go on tours outside of Japan, and a growing number of mask artists are active overseas. It's clear that masks will become a major aspect representing Japanese culture in the years to come.
The Tokyo Mask Festival aims to become a hub where Japanese mask culture is cultivated and transmitted.
Whether you're into traditional Japanese masks or contemporary creations, the Tokyo Mask Festival is sure to provide you with an exciting and memorable cultural experience.
Artists who will be exhibiting
Translations in parentheses are ours.
To see the complete list of exhibitors with links to their social media accounts, please visit the Tokyo Mask Festival's exhibitors' page here.
Event Details
Links
Rules and requests
Venue
Photography and videography
Etiquette for mask wearers
Other prohibited behavior