30 things to do this weekend

Friday

Setsubun
February 3 is considered the first day of spring in Japan, which can only mean one thing: it's time to start throwing soybeans and chasing the demons away. Get in on the action at temples, shrines and Tokyo Tower. Read more

Cinderella
Tetsuya Kumakawa unveils his K-Ballet Company's new version of Cinderella this weekend, to celebrate his appointment as artistic director of the freshly renovated Orchard Hall theatre in Shibuya. Read more

Chinza Dopeness & Doping Band
Nimble-tongued rapper and 2009 Ultimate MC Battle champ Chinza Dopeness gets people primed for his upcoming album with the funktified Doping Band at WWW tonight, with guests including Tucker and Naoito. Read more

Lite
Once tagged as Japan's answer to Battles, instrumental quartet Lite edge closer to the lush post-rock of Tortoise in this solo show, where the guest musicians include Mice Parade vocalist Caroline. Read more

Ellie Omiya: Conveying Thoughts
Already established as an author, film director, screenwriter and radio presenter, Ellie Omiya lifts the curtain on her first solo art exhibition today, a blend of interactive installations and short stories. Read more

F.I.R.E. Launch Party
The dance scenes of Miami, Amsterdam and Ibiza provide the inspiration for this new weekly party at Warehouse702, and they've got prolific house DJ Masanori Morita to headline the kick-off event. Read more

Sterne
Expect plenty of microphone action when journalist-turned-producer Fritz Kalkbrenner plays live at Womb, as the special guest at the February edition of Takkyu Ishino and Ten's monthly techno party. Read more

Block Party
Taku Takahashi's recently launched Block.fm internet radio station gets its own party this weekend, with electro-tinged sets by scene heavyweight Shinichi Osawa, Nerdz Era, Alyn, TJO and many more. Read more

Straight to Hell
No, it's not an earthquake: it's just dub and roots-reggae aficionado Aba Shanti-I unleashing his 'Earth Rocker Sound of Jah Lightning and Thunder' at Unit, with Blood Shanti-I and Shandi-I in support. Read more