Situated at the intersection of two cultural currents – steadfast tradition and ever influential trend-setting – Tokyo represents the best of both. Despite perceptions of conformity, Japan is also famous for the influence of its subcultures, mixing punk with petticoats, the dramatic with the demure, action heroes with “kawaii” (cuteness).

“We wanted to celebrate Japan’s outstanding and unique culture with local artists from music, art and fashion to create an unforgettable event– marking Moxy’s debut in Japan with two new hotels in Tokyo and Osaka,” said Toni Stoeckl, Global Brand Leader and Vice President, Marriott International’s Distinctive Select Brands. “Our high-energy lobbies and bars are thoughtfully designed to create social environments, always-on playgrounds for our guests.”

In line with Moxy’s cheeky and spirited attitude, the Moxy Playhouse offered guests different styles of play, from games and art to music and fashion. Each zone explored a different Japanese subculture, inviting guests to Play On.

The ground floor of Moxy Tokyo housed the party’s main bar and party scene, with original craft cocktails named “Harajuku Punch”, “Rebel, Rebel”, “Cosplay-mopolitan” and “Street Fighter Highball”; flowing with DJ Yuka Mizuhara and DJ Alissa Ueno spinning funky urban beats. DJ Alissa Ueno, creative director for clothing brand “FIG&VIPER”, has opened for DJs Steve Aoki, Diplo and Afrojack and played international music festivals. She was also featured as one of the singers for Australian DJ duo, NERVO, on their debut album.

The second floor was all about celebrating the gaming culture of Japan. Through décor and graphics, Moxy staged a perfectly Instagrammable scene inspired by nineties gaming culture, making the virtual worlds created by gaming a reality for one night. By bringing in authentic arcade games including Pac Man, Super Mario Land and Space Invaders, attendees were able to truly get into the gamer’s spirit.

The most eccentric floor in the Moxy Playhouse celebrated Tokyo’s colorful “cosplay” (costume play) culture. Inspired by Japanese fashion icons Gyarus, Lolita, and Decora. Attendees were invited to “play” whoever they wanted to be along with rebel and cosplay participants. For those looking to explore their more rebellious side the hotel’s basement was transformed into a den of self-expression with air-brush tattoos inspired by the anti-establishment subcultures that bred the Sukeban, Dekochari and Dekotora trends.

The night ended on a high with DJ Kaori, also known as Japan’s queen of hip hop, spinning her signature beats that continued to electrify the night away. She also debuted two unreleased tracks with Beverly from their soon to be released albums.

The 205-room Moxy Tokyo Kinshicho hotel is located in the urban Kinshicho district, edgy yet close to some of the city’s coolest districts of Shinjuku, Shibuya and Ginza, making exploring the city easy. Located near the Honmachi station in Osaka, Moxy Osaka Honmachi features 155-rooms and is a perfect playground for modern urban explorers in Osaka.