Hankyu Umeda Main Store in Osaka is holding "Japan and me.", a store-wide event that revisits Japanese traditions, the craftsmanship handed down with them, and their appeal. It runs from Wednesday, October 21 to Tuesday, November 3, 2026 (a national holiday). The event brings together skills sharpened over hundreds of years and new designs that light up the present day. Resolve to carry traditions forward and a drive to keep taking on challenges come together in fashion, lifestyle, and food culture.
Japan and me. Connecting Japan's Beauty and Craftsmanship to the Future
- Dates: Wednesday, October 21 to Tuesday, November 3 (national holiday), 2026
- Venues: Hankyu Umeda Main Store (1st-floor Concourse Window and every floor) and every floor of Hankyu Men's Osaka
- Note: Dates vary by event.
This time, the event focuses on kabuki, an art form that has moved people across the ages. Its appeal and passion are explored through the Concourse Window display and a talk show.
Getting Close to Kabuki's Passion: Hankyu Umeda Main Store × Kabuki Special Project "KABUKI EVOLUTION"
- Supervised by: Shochiku Co., Ltd.
- Period: Wednesday, October 21 to Monday, November 9
- Venue: 1st floor, Concourse Window
Kabuki, which was born in the early Edo period, has kept changing by taking in the latest trends and modes of expression in every era. In the Concourse Window, the creative unit SPREAD designs the space using about 85 kilometers of cord to present kabuki as an "evolving culture." Through kabuki's aesthetic sense, captured in vivid colors and a contemporary approach, the display offers a chance to learn about the depth of Japanese culture.
No. 6 "Fuji Musume" (藤娘) (illustrative image)
No. 4 "Evolution: Matsubame" (進化：松羽目) (illustrative image)
One-Day Special Event: Talk Show With Kabuki Actors Matsumoto Koshiro and Nakamura Kazutaro on October 21 (Wed)
- Date and time: Wednesday, October 21, 11:00 AM
- Venue: 9th floor, below the grand staircase of Festival Plaza
Ahead of the "Kichirei Kaomise Kogyo" (吉例顔見世興行), which starts on Tuesday, December 1 at Minamiza Theatre (南座) in Kyoto, kabuki actors Matsumoto Koshiro (松本幸四郎) and Nakamura Kazutaro (中村壱太郎), both scheduled to appear in the run, will hold a talk show.
They will talk about the weight of passing the forms and teachings received from their predecessors on to the next generation in the world of kabuki, a traditional performing art handed down through the ages. They will also discuss the beauty and skill of kabuki and what makes the "Kichirei Kaomise Kogyo" special.
"Tradition × Modern" Collaborations Across Clothing, Food, and Living
Kondaya Genbei, a Kyoto Obi Maker With About 290 Years of History × "Hotel Like Interior"
- Period: From Wednesday, October 21
- Venue: 8th floor, Select Bedding "Hotel Like Interior" (ホテルライクインテリア)
A limited-quantity robe collection combines lavish use of fabric from Kondaya Genbei (誉田屋源兵衛), a long-established obi maker in Muromachi, Kyoto with about 290 years of history, with the modern tailoring of "Hotel Like Interior."
Wajima Lacquerware, a National Important Intangible Cultural Property × MIKI HOUSE
- Period: Wednesday, October 21 to Monday, November 2
- Venue: 11th floor, Baby and Kids Clothing "MIKI HOUSE"
Inspired by the "culture of celebratory days" (ハレの日の文化) that expresses wishes for a child's growth, lacquerware finished by hand by Wajima lacquerware (輪島塗) artisans resonates with the passion of MIKI HOUSE. The vessels are meant for the future and grow deeper in character the more they are used.
SHISEIDO Arita Ware Special Edition
- Period: From Sunday, November 1
- Venue: 2nd floor, HANKYU BEAUTY "SHISEIDO"
An art collaboration that "carries on" beauty across time. The traditional craftsmanship of Fukagawa Seiji (深川製磁) meets the science of Shiseido (資生堂), resulting in luxury skincare.
Ruten (流転): Japan's Beauty Layered Through Time – Bonsai and Ceramics – "THE ETORA BONSAI/KIKKO"
- Period: Wednesday, October 21 to Tuesday, October 27
- Venue: 8th floor, "GREEN AGE" Kotokoto Stage 81
Bonsai and pots from Kikko Kiln (吉光窯) that suit modern living are presented. Through an order experience in which visitors combine a plant of their choice with a pot, the event suggests a new harmony between greenery and daily life.
New Dining Table Ideas From Traditional Miso and Fresh Kyoto Yuba
"Brewing Life: Miso Passed Down Through Generations" (～醸す生活～受け継がれる味噌)
- Period: Wednesday, October 21 to Tuesday, October 27
- Venue: Basement 1, Tree Terrace
The event presents traditional miso made starting from koji, miso whose flavor is cultivated to suit one's lifestyle, and more.
"yuppa," a New-Style Food Wrapped in Fresh Kyoto Yuba
- Period: Wednesday, October 21 to Tuesday, October 27
- Venue: Basement 1, Food Stage
A healthy dish in which plenty of fillings are rolled in fresh Kyoto yuba (京生湯葉). The menu is varied and includes a dish that combines fresh yuba, soy sauce, and mazesoba (mixed noodles) made with chasoba (tea soba).
Joint Project of Hankyu Hanshin Department Stores and Takashimaya: Toyama Craft Party and Toyama Crafts Gathering
- Period: Wednesday, October 21 to Tuesday, November 3 (national holiday)
- "Toyama Craft Party" (富山クラフトパーティ): 1st floor, Kotokoto Stage 12
- "Toyama Crafts Gathering" (富山クラフツギャザリング): 7th floor, Kotokoto Stage 71
Materials that hold the memory of the land and artisans' skills are passed on to the next generation. To carry such regional treasures forward, Hankyu Hanshin Department Stores and Takashimaya co-create with artisans. As a special project this time, the event spotlights Toyama handcrafts, where tradition and modern sensibility resonate. Works that color everyday life, made by emerging artisans and artists, are presented at two venues on the 1st and 7th floors.
More Events Full of Japan's Appeal on the 9th Floor
The 29th Japan Craftsmen Exhibition (第29回 日本の職人展)
- Period: Wednesday, October 21 to Monday, October 26 (ends at 5:00 PM on the final day)
- Venue: 9th floor, Event Hall
Handcrafted items that add warmth to autumn and winter, filled with artisans' skill and care, gather in one place. From traditional original dolls to carefully made clothing and crafts, the exhibition presents beautiful Japanese craftsmanship.
The Discerning Eye of Kyoto's Danna-shu: Selections by the Tenth Kondaya Genbei (京旦那衆の目利き 十代目誉田屋源兵衛が選ぶ目利き)
- Period: Wednesday, October 21 to Monday, October 26 (ends at 5:00 PM on the final day)
- Venue: 9th floor, Festival Plaza
Kondaya Genbei (誉田屋源兵衛) has its headquarters in Muromachi, Kyoto. Its tenth head, Yamaguchi Genbei (山口源兵衛), is one of the danna-shu (旦那衆), patrons who have supported and nurtured Kyoto's culture. The event introduces little-known choice items selected by "Genbei-san."
The 12th "Toki o Kakeru An" (第12回 時をかけるあん)
- Period: Wednesday, October 28 to Monday, November 2 (ends at 5:00 PM on the final day)
- Venue: 9th floor, Festival Plaza and the event space beside the Gallery
Anko (sweet red bean paste) from across Japan gathers in one place, from traditional confections of long-established shops to new-style sweets that are drawing attention. Visitors can enjoy the depth of anko.
World Tea Festival 2026
- Period: Wednesday, October 28 to Monday, November 2 (ends at 5:00 PM on the final day)
- Venue: 9th floor, Event Hall
An annual celebration of tea. This time it is held for the first time in autumn, a lesser-known peak season for tea. Visitors can enjoy a world of tea unique to autumn, different from the new-tea season.
Hands-On Events and Workshops to Experience Traditional Culture and Craftsmanship
Feel the KYOTO with 和樂 IMAYO Jewelry Experience – Kyoto Handcraft and Traditional Beauty –
- Dates: Saturday, October 31 and Sunday, November 1
- Venue: 13th floor, Diamond Hall
A special time to experience the world of the jewelry brand IMAYO, founded in 1861. The event also includes hands-on experiences and demonstrations of artisan techniques, as well as a talk event by the magazine Waraku (和樂).
Events Exclusively for Hankyu Hanshin Otokuisama Card PREMIUM and Persona STACIA Card Members
Festival of Harvest – A Cultural Festival Where Tradition Lives On (実りの祭典－伝統が息づく文化祭－)
- Dates: Friday, October 23 and Saturday, October 24
- Venue: 13th floor, Diamond Hall
Two special days to enjoy traditional skills and the Japanese sense of beauty up close through hands-on experiences. Visitors can take part in five experiences that satisfy intellectual curiosity, including leather maintenance taught by artisans, embroidery demonstrations, and how to brew sencha.
Reservations and details are available on the event page.
HANKYU Kids College × Japan and me. (HANKYU こどもカレッジ × Japan and me.)
- Date: Sunday, October 25
- Venue: 13th floor, Diamond Hall
Learn about Japanese tradition through play and hands-on experience. In this event for children, kids can have fun studying Japanese traditional culture through the worlds of flowers, incense, and tea.
Reservations and details are available on the event page.
The Concept Behind "Japan and me."
The sense of wabi-sabi and an elegant worldview. The individuality of regions across Japan, born from local materials that eventually became culture. The new appeal that arises when a modern sensibility is poured into the delicate and rich spirit that flows deep within each person and the skills passed down without a break. It may be the Japan you meet for the first time.
