Shinjuku Kabukicho, the city that never sleeps, will host the new art event ‘BENTEN 2024’ over three nights: Saturday, November 2; Sunday, November 3; and the public holiday Monday, November 4.
The title BENTEN draws its name from the Kabukicho Park and Kabukicho Benzaiten, long regarded as sacred spots in the area. The event’s artistic direction is led by Chim↑Pom from Smappa!Group, a renowned Japanese artist collective with over a decade of ongoing projects in Kabukicho.
Over three nights, BENTEN 2024 will transform Kabukicho into an interconnected art ecosystem, linking spaces like the Ohjo Building, Shinjuku Kabuki-cho Noh Stage, Decameron, WHITEHOUSE, and Bar Tokyo Sabaku, showcasing the area as a distinctive arts district.
The program will include a solo exhibition by Chinese contemporary artist Tianzhuo Chen, club and folk music events, theater, and performances, featuring 65 artist groups from Japan and beyond. It’s set to bring an unforgettable art night to Tokyo’s nightlife scene.
■Ohjo Building
The Ohjo Building serves as the main venue for BENTEN. This landmark, built in 1964, has evolved over the decades from a classical music café to a cabaret and beyond, contributing significantly to Kabukicho’s cultural scene. Highlights for this event include a sweeping two-floor installation by Tianzhuo Chen, DJ events, live performances, a silent film festival with traditional benshi narration, and a food area—offering a complete experience under one roof. On Monday (a public holiday), the ‘DOMMUNE RADIOPEDIA’ event will feature special guests, including Tokyo Swindlers (Netflix) director Hitoshi One and Pierre Taki from the Japanese techno-pop duo Denki Groove, in a film talk inspired by the eerie tradition of ‘One Hundred Ghost Stories.’
Shinjuku-ku Kabukicho 1-13-2
https://ohjo.jp/
■WHITEHOUSE
This semi-open art space, launched in 2021 by Ryuuta Ushiro from Chim↑Pom, artist Tomohito Wakui, and Nao Nakamura, is designed for both members and the general public. During BENTEN 2024, it will transform into a plaza open for 55 hours, accessible to everyone at any time. The space will feature relaxation areas, food distribution, and a sunset performance by Chiharu Shinoda titled Twilight.
Shinjuku-ku, Hyakunincho 1-1-8
https://7768697465686f757365.com/
■Shinjuku Kabuki-cho Noh Stage
Originally established in 1941 as the Nakajima Shinjuku Noh Stage, this venue was purchased by Smappa!Group in 2022 and renamed the Shinjuku Kabuki-cho Noh Theater. It now serves as a platform for various traditional performances and cultural tourism initiatives, promoting Japanese culture both domestically and internationally.
Shinjuku-ku Kabukicho 2-9-18, Lions Plaza Shinjuku, 2nd Floor
https://nohstage.com/
■Bar Tokyo Sabaku
Located in the former art salon and community center founded by artist Makoto Aida, this art bar serves as a gathering spot for art enthusiasts. On the fourth floor, you’ll find the ‘Sand Clock Gallery,’ which has featured exhibitions by artists like Yuko Okada and Tomotoshi. The bar itself showcases works by Yoshihito Konishi, Taichi Michihiro, OH MISOO, and Tetsuo Kimura.
Shinjuku-ku Kabukicho 1-3-10, T&K Building 3F
https://sunadokei-sandbox.studio.site/
■Decameron
Opened in 2020 in the heart of Kabukicho, this gallery offers a space for curated exhibitions on a limited-time basis. The first floor features a bar designed to facilitate conversation before and after viewing the artworks, enhancing the interactivity of the experience.
Shinjuku-ku Kabukicho 1-12-4, 2F
https://decameron.jp/
■AWAKE
Opened in 2018 by the Smappa!Group, which operates host clubs and restaurants in Shinjuku’s Kabukicho, this host club will host a pop-up event titled ‘Fancy Fantasy! by FAMEME.’ The event, led by Taipei artist Yu Cheng-da (余政達), created quite a buzz in July 2024.
Shinjuku-ku Kabukicho 1-2-7, Kabukicho Daikan Plaza Seiza-kan, Basement 1
https://www.smappa.net/shop/awake/
■Kabukicho Cinecity Square
Located in the heart of Kabukicho, surrounded by the Tokyu Kabukicho Tower and Shinjuku Toho Building, this square is known for hosting the annual Kabukicho Super Festival, which draws plenty of attention with its vibrant and eclectic performances that showcase Kabukicho’s unique energy.
Shinjuku-ku Kabukicho 1-19-saki
https://www.d-kabukicho.com/
In addition, the dining bar Mugi no Oto will host a satellite event on Saturday featuring multi-talented artists, while the select shop THE FOUR-EYED will hold special late-night hours and offer a limited number of BENTEN’s official “FAKE” goods, created by comedian, performer, and artist Bokunou. Spanning all of Kabukicho, this large-scale event has plenty to offer. During the afternoons, knowledgeable guides will lead tours, providing a chance to walk through the streets and explore the area’s unique history and attractions. With plans to make BENTEN an annual event, it’s set to make an even bigger impact in the years to come. Don’t miss BENTEN 2024—experience this historic first edition!
For tickets and timetable, click here
https://artsticker.app/events/49502
BENTEN 2024
Event Dates:
November 2, 2024 (Saturday) 15:00 - 5:00
November 3, 2024 (Sunday) 15:00 - 5:00
November 4, 2024 (Monday) 15:00 - 24:00
Official Website: http://benten-kabukicho.com
Instagram: @benten2024_kabukicho
