Popular Weekend Events in Kumamoto City (October Updated)

A large-scale exhibition of Anpanman's creator, Yanase Takashi (1919-2013). Yanase, who was a manga artist, poet, picture book author, illustrator, designer, editor, and other diverse artists, was also an entertainer of the highest order. His greatest joy in life was "making people happy." Yanase, who endured harsh wartime experiences, parting ways with his family, and meeting various people, continued to ask himself "Why was I born and what do I live for?" He arrived at the image of a hero who, even if it was uncool, could give a piece of bread, or "anpan," to someone who was truly in need. This exhibition commemorates the 30th anniversary of the Yanase Takashi Memorial Museum Anpanman Museum in 2026, and will unravel his works on the themes of "Takashi Yanase Anatomy," "Manga," "Poetry," "Picture Books/Yanase Fairy Tales," and "Anpanman," focusing on approximately 200 original drawings.

From July to November 2025, YOASOBI will start its first domestic tour with 40 performances in 14 counties across the country. This is the first Hall tour in the country for YOASOBI.

The "Mizuakari" event held around Kumamoto Castle is a light festival that utilizes local resources like bamboo and candles to create a magical atmosphere on autumn nights. The event is run by citizen volunteers, who work together to create and install the bamboo lanterns, light them up, and clean up. The approximately 5,000 lanterns floating on the Tsuboi River, with Kumamoto Castle as the backdrop, create a magical and soothing atmosphere for visitors.