Japan News Vol.19 | aiko New Release, Utatsu Aki Festival, Kiyomizu-dera Ugo Exhibition, Yusuke Kubozuka and Cats Myaku Event Ticket
Hello everyone, I'm Benny! This issue of "Japan Know-How" Vol.19 starts with aiko's new album and limited-edition vinyl, then takes you to Utazu, Kagawa to see taiko floats pass through the old town, to Kiyomizu-dera to check out Ugo Rondinone's stone figure exhibition, then to Umeda for free access to Yosuke Kubozuka's ceramics and ink painting exhibition, and finally to catch up on the new Myaku cat merchandise. This time I really want to remind you: pre-orders don't mean the item is immediately available, and receiving a reservation ticket doesn't mean you can buy it that day. Check the dates carefully before heading out, so you don't make a trip for nothing.
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This issue was compiled on October 23, 2026. The following is compiled based on the attached posts and official information of this issue, all prices are in Japanese yen; event times are all Japan time unless otherwise noted. Tickets, inventory, and programs may be updated, please check the latest official arrangements before heading out.
Japan Know-How Vol.19: 5 News Highlights at a Glance
- aiko: The 17th album CD was released on October 21, while the limited-edition vinyl will not be released until February 17, 2027.
- Utazu Autumn Festival in Kagawa: October 23–25, over ten taiko floats pass through the old town; check the 2026 official parade map first.
- Kiyomizu-dera Ugo Rondinone Exhibition: October 27 to November 12, 17 stone figures are placed inside Joju-in; tickets and reservations are yet to be confirmed.
- Yosuke Kubozuka Exhibition: Hankyu Umeda Main Store 9F, on display until November 2, free admission.
- Myaku Cat Merchandise: Online reservation tickets start being distributed on October 23, sales are limited to October 31, November 1, and 3, and will not be sold on November 2.
1. aiko's New Album 2026: CD Released, 180g Limited Vinyl Must Wait Until February 2027
Let's start with music this issue. aiko's 17th album "Saigo ni Atsui Hibi wo Kuruwashi-ki Omoi de" CD was released on October 21, 2026. Friends who want to listen to new songs can first check the official record information and streaming links.
If you like collecting physical discs, I will pay special attention to the 180g limited vinyl, priced at ¥5,500 including tax. But most importantly: the vinyl release date is February 17, 2027, not something you can buy and pick up immediately when you go to Japan now.
Before Pre-ordering aiko's New Album, Which Items Need to Be Distinguished?
First confirm whether you are buying a CD or vinyl, then check the release, delivery, or pickup arrangements. The image used is the official cover of the CD first edition, so don't judge the full packaging contents of the vinyl version based solely on the image card. I will confirm from the pre-order page released by the record company, and will not treat "pre-order open" as "in stock".
Official links: PONY CANYON Vinyl Announcement | aiko Discography | Limited Vinyl Pre-order | Music Streaming
2. Utazu Autumn Festival 2026: Taiko Floats Pass Through the Old Town, Check the Parade Map Before Heading Out
If you are in Shikoku this weekend, I would like to introduce the Utazu Autumn Festival in Kagawa. The 2026 event will be held from October 23 to 25, with over ten taiko floats passing through the old town of Utazu, featuring red and black alternating, five-layered roof banners.
Rather than just choosing one photo spot, I will first study the parade route, then decide which section to go to at what time. The festival does not take place at the same location from morning to evening, so check the official 2026 Autumn Festival map carefully to easily catch the scenes you want to see.
How to Get to the Utazu Autumn Festival?
Ufuke Shrine is about a 15-minute walk from JR Utazu Station, and the old town is also one of the highlights of this event. Please refer to the official map for specific times and parade routes, and do not use past photos to assume that the taiko float will definitely pass the same location at the same time this year.
Official links: Utazu Tourism Association Autumn Festival Information | 2026 Autumn Festival Parade Map | Ufuke Shrine Transportation | Utazu Transportation Information
3. Kiyomizu-dera Ugo Rondinone "Shaping Silence": 17 Stone Figures Enter Joju-in
Kyoto has a piece of news this time that I want to add to the art route: Ugo Rondinone's first solo exhibition in Japan "Shaping Silence" will be held at Kiyomizu-dera from October 27 to November 12, 2026, daily 09:30–17:00.
The exhibition has 17 stone figures placed inside Joju-in, and there are also blue and white monk sculptures near the West Gate. When planning, do not just think of it as "you can see it all by walking around the outside of Kiyomizu-dera", because the artwork distribution and indoor venue are also worth understanding beforehand.
Is the Kiyomizu-dera Stone Figure Exhibition Free? Do You Need to Make a Reservation?
This issue's information has not yet confirmed ticket and reservation arrangements, so I will not assume free admission beforehand, nor will I assume that the regular worship arrangement definitely covers the exhibition. Before heading out, you should confirm the entry method with the organizer or the temple.
In addition, the Joju-in special garden opening listed in the Kiyomizu-dera calendar is November 21 to 30, not this exhibition period from October 27 to November 12, do not confuse the two arrangements.
Official links: Organizer Gallery Exhibition Information | Japanese Exhibition Press Release | Kiyomizu-dera Official Calendar
4. Yosuke Kubozuka Umeda Exhibition: Over 60 Pieces of Ceramics and Ink Paintings, Free Admission
When shopping in Osaka Umeda, you can consider adding a stop at Yosuke Kubozuka's exhibition "Sexy Galaxy". The exhibition is held at Art Stage on the 9th floor of Hankyu Umeda Main Store, displaying over 60 pieces of ceramics and ink paintings, from October 21 to November 2, 2026.
The general opening hours are daily 10:00–20:00, closing at 17:00 on the last day, November 2. Admission is free, but artwork prices are separate, do not understand free admission as the artwork or related products being free.
Can You See Yosuke Kubozuka Himself at the Umeda Exhibition?
This issue has not confirmed the arrangement of Japanese people attending on October 23. I will go to see the exhibition for the artwork itself, and will not treat "an exhibition of his artwork" as "he will definitely be there". If you are going for the event attendance, check the department store's official announcement first.
Official links: Hankyu Department Store Exhibition Details | Hankyu Railway Event and Transportation Information
5. Myaku Cat Merchandise 2026: Reservation Tickets Distributed on October 23, Not Sold on November 2
The last news of this issue is the new Myaku cat merchandise. Plush keychain ¥2,970, Yumeshima fireworks pin has colored and black and white versions, each ¥1,100. Before buying, the most important thing is to handle the reservation ticket first, and not directly go to the scene to try your luck.
When Do Myaku Reservation Tickets Start? What Time Is It in Hong Kong?
Online distribution starts from 10:00 Japan time on October 23, 2026, which is 09:00 Hong Kong time, until the same time on October 30, closing as soon as it is full. The actual remaining balance is subject to the reservation page, this issue has not verified whether there are still slots, do not treat the distribution deadline as there will definitely be tickets during the period.
Which Days Can You Buy Myaku Merchandise at Yumeshima Station?
Sales are limited to October 31, November 1, and 3, daily 10:00–17:00, the location is near the South Gate of Yumeshima Station. No merchandise will be sold on November 2, the event video broadcast date and product sales date are different, do not go to buy it by following other program schedules.
I will first confirm the reservation ticket rules and optional arrangements at the designated entrance, then check the itinerary, and will not treat "start distributing tickets" as "starting live sales that day".
Official links: Osaka Metro New Products and Reservation Ticket Rules | Designated Reservation Ticket Entrance | Event Schedule Announcement
Common Japan Travel Questions | Benny Quick Q&A
Is aiko's New Album Vinyl in Stock Now?
This issue's news is the pre-order of limited vinyl, the official release date is February 17, 2027, priced at ¥5,500 including tax. The CD was released on October 21, 2026, you need to distinguish the version before buying.
Can You Walk to the Utazu Autumn Festival from the JR Station?
Ufuke Shrine is about a 15-minute walk from JR Utazu Station, the taiko float parade route and times should first check the 2026 official Autumn Festival map.
Is the Kiyomizu-dera Ugo Exhibition Free?
This issue has not yet confirmed ticket and reservation arrangements, cannot be treated as a free event; the exhibition period is October 27 to November 12, different from the special opening of Joju-in garden in late November.
What Time Does the Yosuke Kubozuka Umeda Exhibition Close on the Last Day?
It closes at 17:00 on the last day, November 2, not the usual 20:00. The exhibition is free admission, artwork prices are separate.
Can You Buy New Myaku Merchandise at Yumeshima on November 2?
This time's designated sales days do not include November 2. Limited to October 31, November 1, and 3, 10:00–17:00, also need to obtain reservation tickets according to the rules first.
Benny's Final Reminder: Pre-order, Ticket Pickup, and Exhibition Opening Are Three Different Things
aiko first distinguish CD and vinyl; Utazu first check the parade map; Kiyomizu-dera first confirm tickets; Umeda keep an eye on the early closing on the last day; Myaku first get tickets, then go to buy on the designated day. Do the details well, then you can truly turn your collection list into a feasible Japan itinerary.
Collect "Benny's Japan Know-How" Vol.19, check the latest official arrangements before heading out. I'm Benny, Follow @benny.lee.jp, see you next time to discover new Japan news together!
