The rumors are true: The Weeknd has been spending a solid two months in Japan, spanning from December 2025 through January 2026.
While his main Instagram only follows one mysterious account, what started as a feed of cryptic Japanese landscapes was recently confirmed to be his personal sub-account when photos of Abel himself finally appeared. But he’s not just doing the “tourist thing.” His feed, @gene.hackerman, is a deep dive into the daily life and gritty subcultures of Japan, showing a side of the country that feels authentic and lived-in.
In this post, we’re digging into the posts from @gene.hackerman to see what’s actually trending in Japanese culture right now.
Reuniting with a Legend: Hajime Sorayama
You can’t talk about this trip without mentioning Hajime Sorayama. From the very first post, Abel has been showcasing his connection to the artist and the legendary NANZUKA gallery.
Founded in Shibuya in 2005, NANZUKA is an experimental space where pop culture meets contemporary art.
It’s the home of pioneers like Sorayama and the late great Keiichi Tanaami.
The bond between Abel and Sorayama goes way back—they collaborated for the 10th anniversary of Echoes of Silence in 2021, and Sorayama’s 7-meter “Sexy Robot” was the rotating centerpiece of the After Hours Til Dawn Tour.
In his latest posts, Abel shared videos from inside Sorayama’s studio, catching the master at work. Fans are already buzzing—is another collaboration on the horizon?
The New Frontiers of Theme Parks
https://www.pokepark-kanto.co.jp/ppark/top/index
Located on the site of the old Yomiuri Land, it’s the world’s first park of its kind, where you can find Pokemon figures hidden throughout the nature-rich grounds. He also made a stop at Super Nintendo World at USJ. Seeing a global star embrace these spots highlights just how much Japan’s character industry is dominating the world right now.
From Cult Classics to Modern Masterpieces
Japan is a haven for high-end anime exhibitions, and Abel’s choices were top-tier:
Evangelion:
He caught the 30th-anniversary exhibition, filled with original cells and massive figures.
Ghost in the Shell:
Not only did he visit the exhibition at TOKYO NODE, https://www.tokyonode.jp/sp/exhibition-ghostintheshell/
but he also dropped by Kodansha (the publisher) to see ultra-rare original manuscripts up close.
Look Back:
This one was a surprise. He visited the exhibition for Tatsuki Fujimoto’s Look Back and even got an autograph from the anime director, Kiyotaka Oshiyama.
For those who don’t know, a live-action version is currently in the works, directed by none other than Hirokazu Kore-eda (who won the Palme d’Or in 2028).
Gaming Icons and Retro Digging
Abel also went on a “holy land” pilgrimage to gaming giants like SEGA and CAPCOM, meeting the legendary designers behind the games we grew up on.
He posted shots of himself buying vintage Famicoms and Game Boys. In Japan, these might just be “used items” in a second-hand shop, but through his lens, they are redefined as powerful icons of nostalgia.
Connecting with the Music Scene
The trip wasn’t complete without some heavy-hitting musical meetups. He hung out with Kenshi Yonezu, the J-pop titan who previously collaborated with him and recently sang the theme for Ghibli’s The Boy and the Heron.
He also met with Creepy Nuts, the hip-hop duo taking the world by storm. Their tracks became massive hits in 2024, proving once again that in Japan, an anime tie-in is the ultimate launchpad to superstardom.
Finally, he paid homage to the late Nujabes.
Even 15 years after his passing, Nujabes remains a king of the “Lo-fi” sound. Abel was seen hanging with the creator of Samurai Champloo (the anime that made Nujabes famous) and buying stacks of Nujabes vinyl.
The “Chiikawa” Plot Twist
Seeing one of the biggest artists on the planet fully vibing with Japan’s “Kawaii” culture is the wholesome content we didn’t know we needed.
If you’re planning a trip to Japan soon, @gene.hackerman just gave you the ultimate itinerary.