World's First "U2 Kumade" Appears at the Tori-no-Ichi Fair

On Saturday, November 7, a custom-made kumade (decorative rake) commemorating the world-famous rock band U2's latest album "Carnaval de Luz" (Japanese title: 『光の祝祭～カルナバル・デ・ルス』) and the band's 50th anniversary will appear at the Tori-no-Ichi fair, one of Asakusa's autumn traditions.

It is being made by the long-established "Menkame," founded in 1870 (Meiji 3). The shop makes and sells kumade and other traditional Japanese good-luck charms. Today, led by its fifth-generation owner, it continues to take on new challenges while carrying on Edo's traditional culture.

Highlights

• A large kumade about 2 meters tall and weighing 20 kg
• A design adorned with the artwork of the 15 albums U2 has released in the past, plus the new album
• Expresses the band's 50-year journey and the new journey that begins with the new album

This project brings together the album title "光の祝祭" (Festival of Light), the kumade, a good-luck charm that rakes in fortune, and the Tori-no-Ichi, a traditional Japanese event. It is a special undertaking where a world-famous rock band and Japanese tradition meet.

Display Information

• Date: Saturday, November 7, 2026 (Ichi-no-Tori, the first Tori day)
• Location: Asakusa "Tori-no-Ichi" venue, Chokoku-ji Temple, "Menkame" shop
• It will not be displayed on Thursday, November 19, at the "Ni-no-Tori" (second Tori day)

U2 celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2026 and will release its first new album in nine years, "Carnaval de Luz" (『光の祝祭～カルナバル・デ・ルス』), on November 13.