KYOTOGRAPHIE / KYOTOPHONIE / KG＋ 2026 Kick-Off Party Lineup announced soon...
CLUB METRO
To celebrate the opening of KYOTOGRAPHIE, KYOTOPHONIE, and KG＋, a kickoff party will be held at CLUB METRO, Kyoto’s iconic venue, established in 1990 at the dawn of Japan’s club culture.
Bringing together the photography festivals KYOTOGRAPHIE / KG＋ and the music festival KYOTOPHONIE, this one-night event explores the dynamic interplay between image and sound. Photography and music respond to one another, bringing to life the histories, narratives, and social contexts behind the exhibitions through sound.
Headlining the night is Msaki, a leading singer-songwriter from South Africa, invited in connection with KYOTOGRAPHIE 2026’s special programme "South Africa in Focus".
Also performing is rapper DANNY JIN, who brings a powerful anti-war and anti-discrimination message shaped by his Palestinian and Japanese heritage, resonating with the work of Fatma Hassona, who documented her everyday life in Gaza. In addition, aiconga—known for sets centred around cumbia, a genre beloved in South America—joins the lineup in dialogue with Federico Estol’s work on Bolivia’s shoeshiner communities.
From photography to music, and music back to photography, each form crosses boundaries and intersects, revealing layered cultural perspectives and social realities. This opening night marks the beginning of all three festivals in a vibrant, celebratory atmosphere.
KYOTOGRAPHIE, KYOTOPHONIE, and KG＋ will take place from Saturday, 18 April to Sunday, 17 May 2026.
CLUB METRO is Japan’s oldest and most innovative club. It has been in operation since 1990 and is well known as both a Nightclub and concert hall. METRO has long been at the forefront of the Kansai culture and arts scene. Its reputation has spread outside of Japan; artists on the global leading-edge are regularly invited to perform.
Address
B1F, 82 Shimotsutsumi-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto 606-8396 Open in Google Maps
Access
Near exit 2 at Jingu-marutamachi Station on the Keihan line.
