Fukuoka’s No. 1 Christmas Advent in Japan will be held for the first time on November 19th at Ueno Park in Tokyo

Fukuoka's Christmas Advent, which has been visited by a total of 12 million people, finally comes to Tokyo

Location: Ueno Park, Hakamagoshi Square
Dates: 2025/11/19 (Wed) – 12/25 (Thu) Opening hours: 11:00-22:30 every day
11/19 (Wed) 18:00 Lighting Ceremony with surprise guest appearance

Official website: https://christmas-advent.jp/ueno/

"Christmas Advent," a seasonal event that colors Fukuoka's winter (planned and managed by Mr. Weihnachtsmann Co., Ltd., general producer: Takehiro Saeki), kicked off again this year on Saturday, November 1st at various locations in Fukuoka City. With a cumulative total of approximately 12 million visitors, this event boasts the highest number of visitors in Japan, and is loved by many people of all ages and borders as a "Christmas to enjoy with all five senses" that combines light, music, and art.
The first event will be held at Hakamagoshi Square in Ueno Park, Tokyo, on Wednesday, November 19, 2025. The lighting ceremony, which will begin at 6 p.m., will feature appearances by the Governor of Fukuoka Prefecture, the Mayor of Taito Ward, the Chairman of the Ueno Tourism Federation, and tenor Kazuma Kudo of the female vocal group Luminous, among others, in a spectacular ceremony enveloped in light and sound.

Date and time: Wednesday, November 19, 2025
Location: Ueno Park, Hakamagoshi Square
Speakers: Fukuoka Prefecture Governor Seitaro Hattori, Taito Ward Mayor Yukio Hattori, Ueno Tourism Association Chairman Nobuhiro Nagaoka, General Producer Takehiro Saeki, and female vocal unit "Luminous" tenor Kazuma Kudo

A Christmas culture woven together with light, sound and art, passing it on to the future

Until now, Christmas events in Japan have mainly been consumer experiences such as "seeing" illuminations and "eating" at markets.
By holding the event in Tokyo, we aim to create an "experiential culture" that will transform the entire city into a theater. Our goal is not an "event" but "culture."
By combining the three pillars of light, sound, and art, people can experience happiness such as love, joy, peace, and hope through their five senses.
This sense of happiness spreads as altruism and empathy, creating a "chain of happiness" throughout the city. By 2030, we aim to become the world's largest Christmas market with 300 stores, surpassing the Christmas market in Stuttgart, Germany (approximately 280 stores). From Fukuoka to Tokyo and the world.
Now, in an age when people seek security and hope, we will deliver the "Happiest Christmas in the World" by wrapping the city in love and light.

■ Highlights [Light] A huge 5m wide Santa Christmas tree lights up, creating a new winter attraction

Ueno Park is garnering attention as a new spot for Christmas illuminations in Tokyo. At its center will be a giant Santa Claus measuring 5 meters wide and 3 meters tall. Countless illuminations will envelop the trees, transforming the entire park into a fantastical world of light. During the day, Santa, surrounded by the green trees and clear blue sky, welcomes visitors as a photo spot in harmony with nature. At night, the park is completely transformed, with countless lights enveloping it, creating a romantic and fantastical atmosphere. The scenery of Ueno Park changes with the changing seasons, adding a new story to winter Tokyo.

■ Highlights [Sound] Live performances by artists held daily (free)

A variety of artists will perform on the festival stage every day, creating a special evening of classical and pop music. The opening act will be "Luminous," a female vocal unit with music college alumni. Their vocals, as their name suggests, "emit light," bringing a vibrant color to a range of songs, from classical to pop. Next up will be young tenor Kazuma Kudo, who has won numerous awards at international opera competitions. He will captivate the audience with his clear voice and passionate performance. Starting on Sunday, December 14th, musical actress and singer Rinko Matsubara, who has earned acclaim for her roles in numerous classic musicals, including Eponine in "Les Sérables" and Hélène in "Miss Saigon," will make a special appearance. Her overwhelming expressiveness and clear vocals, cultivated on stage, will deliver a moving moment on a winter night.

■ Highlights [Art] A huge 6m-wide mural by emerging artist Torigoe Kazuki

A huge mural, measuring 6 meters and 3 meters wide, will be exhibited at the venue. Created by Fukuoka-born artist Kazuki Torigoe, known for his rough brushstrokes and unique technique known as "beyond stroke," the mural will envelop the space with overwhelming energy that stirs the emotions of viewers. It has also attracted attention as a work that inherits the spirit of the avant-garde art movement known as the "Kyushu School."

Kazuki Torikoshi
Born in Fukuoka Prefecture in 1986. Graduated from the Kyushu branch of Nippon Designer Gakuin. Known for his abstract expressions that seem to violently wrestle with the canvas. In order to get to the depths of human emotions and existence, he established his own unique technique, "Beyond Stroke," which goes beyond the limits of brushstroke. His intense expressions also evoke the spirit of the "Kyushu-ha" avant-garde art group that was born in Fukuoka.

■Other attractions [food and drink]
Introducing a mug exclusive to Ueno, Tokyo! A lineup of delicious gourmet foods that draws long lines in Fukuoka every year
Tokyo Ueno Limited Edition Mug (From November 28th)

The venue will be decorated with a variety of authentic gourmet foods that will warm your heart. This year, 12 popular Fukuoka restaurants will be gathering in Tokyo, allowing you to enjoy authentic flavors. Highlights include the ningyo-yaki (dumpling) of "San-chan," the official Christmas Advent mascot, which draws a line every year in Fukuoka, and the "Guru-Guru Sausage," made with an exquisite blend of coarsely ground pork, with a crispy skin and fragrant flavor. On cold nights, you can also enjoy rich hot chocolate in a Tokyo-exclusive mug. The melting texture and deep cocoa aroma will gently envelop you in the winter.
*Tokyo limited edition mugs will be on sale from Friday, November 28th

■ Highlights [Merchandise]
Limited-edition winter goods and artisan craft items imported directly from Europe
"Snow globe" and "candle holder"

At the venue, you'll also want to check out the craft items that will add color to your winter. One of them is a snow globe made with highly purified water from Austria. Carefully selected for its clear water and delicate snow powder, the slowly falling snow creates a fantastical world. It's a soothing item that captures the essence of winter, and just looking at it will soothe your soul. Also on display will be a clay candle holder crafted using traditional German techniques. This masterpiece of artisanal craftsmanship is made by layering colorful clay to create patterns, and when lit, the image appears. The soft light of the candle will envelop your table or windowsill, creating a warm atmosphere reminiscent of a European winter market. Both are perfect as a treat for yourself or as a gift for a loved one.

■ Operating company overview
Christmas Advent Office
Planning and management: Planning and management: Mr.Weihnachtsmann Co., Ltd.
Christmas Advent 2025 Tokyo Ueno Official Website
https://christmas-advent.jp/ueno/

From the press release of Mr. Weihnachtsmann Co., Ltd.