ARTiSM Market, started in 2013, is Japan’s coolest get together for independent underground artists. A few hundred artists and musicians participate and sell handmade goods and fashion, as well as DVDs and CDs. Many of Japan’s colorful subcultures are represented, especially steampunk and lolita.
It is a lot smaller and far more intimate than Design Festa. Because of this, it has a stronger focus resulting in large numbers of visitors who are often even more colorful than the exhibitors themselves. The event attracts an average of about 2,000 visitors, almost all of them dressed to the nines.
JAPANESE STREETS has been visiting and photographing ARTiSM Market since the very first one, and it gets better each time. Do visit when you get the chance. The next ARTiSM Markets will take place on December 20 and March 27. For more information, visit the official ARTiSM website, which also features information about many related ARTiSM events.
Also see our coverage of previous ARTiSM Markets!
JAPANESE STREETS live tweeted ARTiSM Market 05!
Happening Now in #Tokyo
ARTiSM Market for underground artists #ArtismMarket pic.twitter.com/mrMALuMhHJ
— JAPANESE STREETS (@japanesestreets) September 27, 2015
Happening Now in #Tokyo
Rika at ARTiSM Market for underground artists #ArtismMarket pic.twitter.com/ClkZIdLB4P
— JAPANESE STREETS (@japanesestreets) September 27, 2015
Happening Now in #Tokyo
Kotobuki (event only) accessory shop at ARTiSM Market for underground artists #ArtismMarket pic.twitter.com/qDYUIQHgbM
— JAPANESE STREETS (@japanesestreets) September 27, 2015
Happening Now in #Tokyo
Retroya Biscotti at ARTiSM Market for underground artists #ArtismMarket retroyayokochou</a> <a href="http://t.co/tP7nujye7Y">pic.twitter.com/tP7nujye7Y</a></p>— JAPANESE STREETS (
japanesestreets) September 27, 2015
Happening Now in #Tokyo
Asakura doll artist at ARTiSM Market for underground artists #ArtismMarket asakura_doll</a> <a href="http://t.co/xkezBSQSkB">pic.twitter.com/xkezBSQSkB</a></p>— JAPANESE STREETS (
japanesestreets) September 27, 2015
Happening Now in #Tokyo
Eyelash artist Miyuki at ARTiSM Market for underground artists #ArtismMarket myk_Jellyfish</a> <a href="http://t.co/ih7NxxjJQP">pic.twitter.com/ih7NxxjJQP</a></p>— JAPANESE STREETS (
japanesestreets) September 27, 2015
Happening Now in #Tokyo
Takuya Angel & Bazookistan atARTiSM Market #ArtismMarket takuya_angel</a> <a href="http://t.co/gpg1ezdykF">pic.twitter.com/gpg1ezdykF</a></p>— JAPANESE STREETS (
japanesestreets) September 27, 2015
Happening Now in #Tokyo
Kokuen at ARTiSM Market for underground artists #ArtismMarket kokuen_works</a> <a href="http://t.co/WfZnAAqnHT">pic.twitter.com/WfZnAAqnHT</a></p>— JAPANESE STREETS (
japanesestreets) September 27, 2015
Happening Now in #Tokyo
Zombie Lolita at ARTiSM Market for underground artists #ArtismMarket ZOMBIE_LOLITA_</a> <a href="http://t.co/oCOBIR6QvS">pic.twitter.com/oCOBIR6QvS</a></p>— JAPANESE STREETS (
japanesestreets) September 27, 2015
Happening Now in #Tokyo
Tadacy at ARTiSM Market for underground artists #ArtismMarket TADACy_com</a> <a href="http://t.co/GgCfns24AB">pic.twitter.com/GgCfns24AB</a></p>— JAPANESE STREETS (
japanesestreets) September 27, 2015
Happening Now in #Tokyo
Muzzloop at ARTiSM Market for underground artists #ArtismMarket 1tenco0</a> <a href="http://t.co/O6uw5Y4svx">pic.twitter.com/O6uw5Y4svx</a></p>— JAPANESE STREETS (
japanesestreets) September 27, 2015
Happening Now in #Tokyo
Strange Artifact at ARTiSM Market for underground artists #ArtismMarket strangeartifact</a> <a href="http://t.co/5AeGzl0Kwd">pic.twitter.com/5AeGzl0Kwd</a></p>— JAPANESE STREETS (
japanesestreets) September 27, 2015
Happening Now in #Tokyo
The Lady Spade at ARTiSM Market for underground artists #ArtismMarket ATG_SPD</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/michiru0614">
michiru0614 pic.twitter.com/SYZBbIU9Nc
— JAPANESE STREETS (@japanesestreets) September 27, 2015
A few of the booths
Some of the people
Comment (日本語もOK)