January 2026 in Tokyo marks the start of a new year, when creative events across art, design, music, publishing, and technology begin to come alive around the city. From New Year meetups and exhibitions to projects driven by fresh ideas and bold experiments, there’s no shortage of things happening across Tokyo. In this article, we’ve curated a cross-genre selection of creative events to check out in Tokyo in January 2026. Whether you work in the creative industry, freelance, or are simply looking for inspiration and new connections to kick off the year, this guide is here to help you find the right events. Photo by Mylène Larnaud
1. ZINE FEST
An exhibition and market event featuring independent zines and small press booklets. You can meet the creators in person, discover a wide range of voices and stories, and dive deep into the world of zines. A must visit festival for zine lovers. Date：2026/1/10(Sat) Location：Tokyo Metropolitan Industrial Trade Center, Asakusa Taito-kan (2-6-5 Hanakawado, Taito-ku, Tokyo, Japan) Details： https://www.instagram.com/p/DMsAqSopI8N/
2. CLIP TOKYO
A networking event for people working across creative fields such as marketing, advertising, and design. By connecting beyond industry boundaries, it creates opportunities for open exchange, meaningful connections, and the spark of new ideas and business opportunities. Date：2026/1/14(Wed) Location：Sannotsuji Square, Minato City Industrial Promotion Center, Small Hall, 11th Floor 5-36-4 Shiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan Details： https://clip-tokyo.jp/event/1935/
3. Web Creators Meetup
A networking event for web creators. Web designers, engineers, writers, and others working in the web space come together to exchange ideas, share knowledge, and build connections in a relaxed setting. Date：2026/1/15(Thu) Location：7th Floor, Zenken Plaza II, 1-3-13 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan Details： https://doomo.jp/event/web-creator
4. Hello 2026 : Spectrum Tokyo x CrossRel Joint New Year’s Party
An event where people from a wide range of roles come together to listen to lightning talks around design in its broadest sense and meet new faces along the way. The speakers put their 2026 resolutions into words and kick off the year with a positive, energizing start. Date：2026/1/15(Thu) Location：PLAID, Inc. 10th Floor, GINZA SIX, 6-10-1 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan Details：https://spectrumtokyo.com/jp/events/hello2026/
5. HandMade In Japan Fes
One of Japan’s largest festivals celebrating craft and creativity. Around 3,000 creators showcase and sell original works ranging from accessories and fashion goods to interior pieces and art. The event offers hands on experiences including workshops, live performances, and a food area. Date：2026/1/17(Sat) - 18(Sun) Location：Tokyo Big Sight, 3-11-1 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo, Japan Details： https://hmj-fes.jp/
6. Video Creators Meetup
A networking event in Shibuya for people involved in video and film production. From professionals and students to hobbyists, it’s a place for anyone who loves moving images to connect, share ideas, and exchange insights. Date：2026/1/22(Thu) Location：Shibuya Cultural Center Owada, 2nd Floor, Study Room 1, 8-23-21 Sakuragaoka-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan Details： https://techplay.jp/event/988731
7. Book and Food FAIR
A market event centered around books and food, bringing together publishers, bookstores, and eateries. It’s a place to explore new ways of experiencing culture, where reading and eating naturally come together, and unexpected connections happen. Date：2026/1/23(Fri) - 25(Sun) Location：Art Center NEW, B1F, Shin-Takashima Station, 5-1 Minatomirai, Nishi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan Details：https://artcenter-new.jp/new-bf-2025/
8. TRI-SHNA Phase 3: Destruction
The final chapter of a trilogy inspired by the three deities symbolising the cycle of the universe: Brahma as Creation, Vishnu as Preservation, and Shiva as Destruction. This grand finale will showcase a diverse selection of electronic music performances alongside striking projection art, and multi-disciplinary elements such as Butoh dance, poetry and live painting. Date：2026/1/24(Sat) Location：Ochiai SOUP, B1F, Mikasa Building, 3-9-10 Kami-Ochiai, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan Details：https://www.instagram.com/p/DShiX_rCYxh/?img_index=1