Tokyo Vibes Vol. 7: A Night of Collaboration, Possibility, and People
Written by Odawni Villahermosa | August 26, 2025
photos by Odawni Villahermosa
What does it take to bring Tokyo’s diverse and vibrant, but scattered, creative community into one space? For one night, the answer was Tokyo Vibes Volume 7—an immersive, six-floor cultural showcase that felt less like a traditional event and more like stepping into a “choose your own adventure” story.
Held inside the A.I.R. Building, the multi-sensory experience invited guests to design their own journey—whether swaying to live music, losing themselves on a dance floor, exploring visual art, indulging in vegan cookies, or connecting on a rooftop under the summer sky. More than just an event, it was a gathering point for Tokyo’s creative underground, a space where international and local artists collided, collaborated, and shared their passions with an audience just as diverse.
At the center of it all was Brandon Matsumoto, founder of Matsu Media, whose vision has shaped Tokyo Vibes into one of the city’s most eclectic cultural platforms. Backed by a dedicated team that kept everything running seamlessly, Matsumoto curated not just a schedule but a flow—an experience where every floor revealed a new facet of creativity. Here, art was not confined to galleries or clubs, but integrated into the fabric of community.
The adventure began underground, where the basement became a stage for live music. Karen Yamaguchi set the tone with clear vocals and effervescent melodies that held the crowd in quiet attention. Following her, Eden Kai redefined the ukulele in ways few imagined, layering textures, rhythms, and melodies into something both surprising and hypnotic. In true Tokyo Vibes fashion, the music wasn’t the only offering: burgers served from a nearby window became a humble yet grounding detail, feeding both body and soul.
Back at ground level, the entrance floor acted as a hub. Drinks and merchandise set the scene, but the energy was in the air itself—an anticipatory buzz urging guests upward.
The second floor belonged to the dancers. DJ Kotatsu and DJ Waka Xinxi commanded the decks while digital artist Gabriel Mortenson’s visuals pulsed in sync with the beat. Colors melted, shapes morphed, and the room seemed to expand and contract with the rhythm. It wasn’t just a dance floor—it was an audiovisual collaboration where everyone present became part of the artwork.
Above that, the visual art gallery offered a slower, more contemplative pace. Amber Wegner’s acrylic 3D floral paintings exploded with vibrancy, echoing her personality. Missing No.22, a manga artist, brought the surreal into everyday life with dreamlike illustrations. Meanwhile, Polina displayed both photography and watercolor works—two mediums bound by the same quiet, magical halations. The gallery floor reminded guests that art can be as delicate as it is bold.
One unique feature was a corner lined with business cards from every creative who had ever exhibited at Tokyo Vibes. It wasn’t just an “artist’s corner”—it was a living archive of the community’s history, a reminder that this series is built on continuity as much as discovery. The display invited newcomers not only to enjoy the night, but to see themselves as part of a lineage of artists who had passed through the event.
One level up, indulgence took over. Charm Cookie surprised the crowd with vegan chocolate chip and matcha cookies that converted even skeptics, while a makeshift photo and video corner let guests capture their night in playful snapshots.
Finally, the rooftop offered a collective exhale. With Tokyo’s skyline glowing in the distance, people gathered with beers in hand to share conversations that felt both spontaneous and inevitable. Here, the spirit of the event shone brightest: connection. Among those mingling was Leo Hirata, creator of the popular Instagram account @japan_documented, which captures the nuances of everyday life in Japan. Also present was Michael David Parker, founder of the fashion brand B4NAFTER, highlighting the event’s role as a meeting point not only for musicians and artists, but also for designers and entrepreneurs. Encounters like these embodied what makes Tokyo Vibes so special: the chance to cross paths with creators you may know only online—or not at all—and connect face-to-face.
The conversations weren’t just social—they were seeds of future work, cross-pollinating between cultures, disciplines, and languages. For Tokyo’s international community, often scattered across niches and neighborhoods, this kind of gathering was invaluable.
By the night’s end, no two attendees had experienced Tokyo Vibes Volume 7 the same way. Some left still buzzing from the dance floor, others with sketchbooks full of inspiration, and still others with the memory of a rooftop conversation that might spark something bigger down the line.
That is the power of Tokyo Vibes. It is more than a multi-floor party—it is a community in motion, a platform where international and local creatives can meet as equals, share space, and create culture together.
In a city overflowing with nightlife, Tokyo Vibes stands out not because it is the loudest, but because it is alive with collaboration, possibility, and people. As Brandon Matsumoto and his team continue to grow the series, one thing is certain: if you are looking to discover the soul of Tokyo’s creative underground, you will find it here—on a staircase, in a gallery, or on a rooftop under the stars.
Find Out More About Tokyo Vibes:
Instagram: @tokyovibes.jp
