What's Going On Nagoya? Dec 3

Free show, full hearts: Local talents unite Dec. 6 at Shooter's. Bring your voice (for the open mic), your smile (for the show), and your giving spirit. Every donation helps Lebanese families rebuild.

Pilgrims have walked the blazing path to enlightenment at Fukugonji Temple for 540 years. On Dec. 7, the Great Akiba Festival proves once again that sometimes the hottest shortcut to purification is literally on fire.

Remember what grown-up silence sounds like? Playpourri International has your escape plan! Dec. 7. Drop off the kids for a holiday party under maximum fun supervision while you enjoy temporary freedom. Whether you choose fine dining or fine napping, there's no judgment here!.

Holiday Next becomes ground zero for sonic annihilation Dec. 8 when Seven Spires and Lords of the Trident lead an international army of metal warriors into battle. Nine bands, zero survivors, and enough hair-whipping energy to power Nagoya for a month. Bonus: actual doctors on standby when your neck gives out from headbanging.

In 1974, a KFC manager in Japan forced the Colonel into a Santa suit and made him sell buckets of chicken. 50 years later, the eleven secret spices of Christmas past still haunts us.