( MUSIC )

Sound Culture. Poland × Japan Music Festival
Sound Culture. Poland and Japan Music Festival is a space for shared, living experiences through music. Taking place in Minami, the heart of Osaka's vibrant cityscape, and Namba Plaza, four leading artists from Poland's cutting-edge music scene will perform alongside artists spearheading Japan's jazz scene. The title ‘Miło mi’ (pronounced ‘mi-wo-mi’) is Polish for ‘Nice to meet you,’ symbolizing this event brimming with new experiences. Moreover, the sound
Mi” in Japanese carries diverse meanings: reality, charm, unseen, self, fullness, beauty... The unknown sounds emanating from artists of both nations will enrich the diversity inherent in the sound “Mi”. Let the sounds of Poland and Japan guide you; come and experience the energy gathering at the venue.
Dates
10.4 SAT.(Start 14:30 Close 21:00 Day) -
10.5 SUN.(Start 13:00 Close 21:00)The performance on stage goes until 8 PM.
Place
Namba Square Osaka Osaka 5, Namba Chuo-ku, Osaka city
Admission
Free
Click here for details
ARTIST
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Day1 & Day2
Klawo
Klawo is an exciting, emerging band that blends diverse musical styles like funk, jazz, hip-hop, and electronica. Their dynamic and rich groove, layered with horns and flutes, has been compared to modern UK jazz and 1970s Polish funk. As one of the most talked-about acts in the Polish music scene, their performance at Miło mi will be a highly anticipated debut in Japan.
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Day1 & Day2
Kinga Głyk
Kinga Głyk is a rising star in the international music scene and a representative bassist of Poland's new generation. She's gaining attention for her incredible groove and melodic expression.For this event, Melraw, a core member of 4aces, will join her on saxophone. You won't want to miss her jam session with Tomoaki Baba, a leading Japanese saxophonist.
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Day1 & Day2
Mitch & Mitch
Mitch & Mitch is a mysterious and unpredictable nine-piece collective from Poland. They've crafted their own style, "country & eastern," which is a unique take on country & western music. For this event, they'll perform a special program, including a new project influenced by the works of Ennio Morricone. They will also be joined on stage by Japanese pianist Takeo Toyama.
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Day1
ZAKINO
ZAKINO is a solo project by music producer and drummer Seiichi Sakuma. Since its launch in 2021, the project has brought together some of Japan's most talented and respected musicians, all of whom Sakuma has collaborated with at various live sessions both in Japan and abroad. The project is known for its high-energy live shows that have captivated rock audiences, as seen during their performance at Fuji Rock Festival '24. Their ambitious, border-transcending musical style is sure to create a dynamic new reaction at this festival.
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Day1
Tomoaki Baba
Tomoaki Baba is a saxophonist who needs no introduction to jazz fans in Japan. He gained widespread popularity beyond the jazz community after performing as the main character's musical voice in the 2023 animated film, Blue Giant. For this special occasion, he'll be joined by a rare, one-night-only lineup of musicians who are leading the Kansai jazz scene: Hidenori Tsubota on drums, Yoichi Tanaka on trumpet, Sachie Fujikawa on keyboards, and Yoshihiro Tokiyasu on bass. This is a must-see performance for fans.
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Day2
Małe Instrumenty
Małe Instrumenty is an art collective formed in 2006 that explores a "World of small sounds" using toy instruments and unique invented instruments. They are known for their distinctive instrument creations, diverse recording activities, and work in film and theater music.Don't miss their innovative toy piano interpretations of Chopin's works. Additionally, a percussion workshop will be held on the 4th, offering a more accessible way to experience Chopin’s music.
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Day2
Fuki Kitamura
Fuki Kitamura is a rising star who burst onto the Japanese music scene in March 2023 with her debut single, "amaranthus feat. Misaki Umei." She has since performed at the Fuji Rock Festival for two consecutive years, appearing on the Rookie a Go-Go stage.With a background in classical music, she effortlessly blends dance music, jazz, folk, and electronica. Her unique sound has been highly praised by the organizers of this festival from Poland, a country known for its rich classical music tradition.
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Day2
4Aces
4Aces is a notable band featuring four talented musicians who are leading the way in both the contemporary jazz and pop scenes. The group is centered around Kohei Ando, who is also known by his solo name, “MELRAW,” and has supported numerous major artists like Hikaru Utada, King Gnu, and Kenshi Yonezu.These four longtime friends, each active in various music scenes, have come together under the banner of jazz. Witness a performance that is a true crossroads of music!

Sinfonia Varsovia Japan Tour
The internationally renowned Sinfonia Varsovia Orchestra embarks on an extraordinary concert tour of Japan, marking Poland’s cultural presence at the World EXPO 2025. The tour will feature seven performances in Japan’s most prestigious concert halls in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Kyoto.
The repertoire focuses on the music of Fryderyk Chopin, whose works hold an exceptional status in Japanese music culture. Alongside Chopin, the programme will include compositions by Ignacy Jan Paderewski, Beethoven, Mozart, and Dvořák — combining Polish musical sensitivity with the universal language of classical music.
The tour is distinguished by its collaboration with world-class soloists, including:Martha Argerich (piano legend) / Ivo Pogorelić (virtuoso pianist) / Aimi Kobayashi (Japan) / Kyohei Sorita (Japan)
These exceptional artists will perform under the baton of Austrian conductor Christian Arming.Conductor: Christian Arming / Soloists: Martha Argerich, Ivo Pogorelić, Aimi Kobayashi, Kyohei Sorita / Partner: Sinfonia Varsovia
Dates
10.4 SAT. - 12 SUN.
Place
Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Kyoto.
( ART )
The Amazing Land of Quarks, Elephants and Pierogi
This interactive exhibition is the result of years of work by the Adam Mickiewicz Institute to promote Polish culture and language in Japan. Inspired by the Japanese edition of the bestselling book Quarks, Elephants & Pierogi: Poland in 100 Words, the exhibition expands on the book’s concept, adding immersive technologies and multimedia storytelling.
The book, the only Japanese-language publication dedicated to the Polish language, explores 100 uniquely Polish words — from Miłość (“love”) and Imieniny (“name days”) to Matka (“mother”), Nauka (“science”), Wolność (“freedom”), and Inteligencja (“intelligentsia”). Each word is accompanied by a striking illustration by Magdalena Burdzyńska.
The exhibition, co-created with Knowledge Capital Association and XOOMS, incorporates AI-powered interactive elements, innovative design, and multimedia content to create an engaging visitor experience. A special Japanese literary component highlights cultural connections between Poland and Japan, both historical and contemporary, transforming the project into a cultural gateway for deeper exploration of Polish language and heritage.
Visual concept, graphic design, and illustrations: Magdalena Burdzyńska Partner: Knowledge Capital Association, Osaka
Dates
10.3 FRI. - 23 TUE.
Place
Knowledge Capital
The Lab. 3-1 Ofuka-cho, Kita-ku, Osaka 530-0011, Japan
Admission
Free
( ART )
( ART )
Joanna Hawrot:
Wearable Art - Unseen Threads
Joanna Hawrot's creations, described as “wearable art,” aim to draw out the wearer’s memories and inner voice, merging fashion and art into a unified expression. This exhibition presents kimono-inspired pieces along with photographs and video works featuring twelve women from Japan and Poland wearing her designs. Enter a space where silent memories take shape and fashion becomes a language of visibility, memory, and empowerment.
Joanna Hawrot
Joanna Hawrot is a European fashion designer known for creating WEARABLE ART. She transforms bold visual concepts into fabric, crafting unique, limited-edition pieces that elevate fashion to a form of artistic expression. Hawrot’s designs have gained international recognition, showcasted in Paris, New York, and Tokyo.
Dates
May 31 - June 24
Hours
10:00AM - 8:00PM
Venue
Daimaru Shinsaibashi Store, 1F Window Display & 8F Special Venue
Admission
Free
( ART )
( ART )
Yuriko Sasaoka
Polonia x Skłodowska-Curie's Magic Lab - The Power of Migration -
This exhibition explores themes of migration, memory, the body, family, and inheritance through the life of Maria Skłodowska-Curie. Artist Yuriko Sasaoka draws on her long-standing connection with Poland and a medical check-up she underwent there, creating a “relational laboratory” in collaboration with her family. Later in the exhibition, the focus shifts to the symbolic power of “Polonia” as a metaphor for migration, community, and the search for connection in a divided world.
Yuriko Sasaoka
Born in Osaka Prefecture, Sasaoka explores the intersection of video and painting. To this end, she draws out a sense of foreignness and incongruity similar to the traces of hands and brushstrokes in painting, which cannot be found in high-performance CG video, and weave their own unique stories. Along with meticulous compositions and narratives, she creates a unique worldview that feels both nostalgic and yet unseen, bringing it vividly to life. Currently, she is based in the Kansai region and Hong Kong.
Dates
June 15 - July 5
※Closed on June 24
Hours
11:00AM - 7:00PM
Venue
Osaka City Central Public Hall, BIF
Admission
Free
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Exhibition
SOU#15 Nohara no ue de - On the field- Dates
- Mar. 30 - Sep. 27
- Venue
- JR Sojiji Station, Ibaraki City
- Artist
- Edyta Hul, Róża Litwa
- Admission
- Free
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Nohara no ue de - On the field
- Dates
- June 28 - July 13
- Venue
- Fukushi Bunka Kaikan "Oak Theater ", Ibaraki City
- Artist
- Edyta Hul, Róża Litwa, Chie Matsui, Nana Kuromiya
- Admission
- Free
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Koji Kamoji
Don't Let the Unnecessary Overshadow the Whole- Dates
- Apr. 8 - June 22
- Venue
- WATARI-UM, The Watari Museum of Contemporary Art, Tokyo
( FILM )
“Japanese Kuyaviak” documentary film
The documentary film, "Kuyaviak in Japan," tells the captivating story of Yoshiki Oki and his wife, Yumiko, who met in Tomonoura, Hiroshima, in the 1980s. Fascinated by the Polish folk dance "Kuyaviak," they dedicated themselves to spreading this vibrant culture in Japan, fostering a cultural exchange that has spanned over 40 years. This moving documentary beautifully portrays how two distant cultures, Poland and Japan, connect through dance, nurturing warm human relationships.
Direction: Dagmara Furgał, Photos: Nicolas Villegas, Editing: Tymoteusz Wiskirski,Production: KIJORA FILM, Co-producers: TVP S.A., NIFC, AMI
- Dates
- Premiere Aug. 28
- Venue
- Poland Pavilion at the EXPO World Exposition in Osaka