Samurai Teddy Bear will be sold from August, 2017

29.June.2017 | FASHION

Teddy bear, the icon of cuteness has been transformed into a Samurai.

The previous “Boy’s May festival teddy bear” sold out quickly since it was a limited quantity product. This year, teddy bear will become a “Samurai” wearing red body-armor.

As with the previous teddy bear, this teddy bear is the collaborative work of “Ningyo no Kyogetsu” which purses the beauty of forms and Steiff which is a German company. The teddy bear which wears Iyozane Yoroi (Japanese traditional body-armor) and has a cute and pure face is a symbolic Japan/Germany collaborative work.

 

 

A “kabuto”stand is also a part of this set so one can display the “samurai teddy bear” very easily. Also as an option, one can purchase a glass case made out of Japanese lacquered acacia wood, to display the samurai teddy bear in.

Let’s check out this unique Japanese teddy bear which is both cute and cool at the same time.

 

■Information

【Teddy Bear “Samurai”】

Part number: 000287-2 110,000 yen (tax is not included)

Hight: 25cm alpaca

Shingi/Kifuda/Doll stand will be attached

※The material of the body-armor: brass

Part number: 000287-2GC

Glass case: 55,000 yen (tax is not included)

Size: Inside dimensions: 26×42×height 32cm

Outside dimensions: 44×31×height 41cm

Mirrored background/slide open

 

【Available stores】

Steiff official online shop: www.steiff-onlineshop.com

Steiff shops/Steiff corner shops: www.steiff.co.jp/shop/

※Since the stock status differs depending on the shop, please ask the shop about the stock status before visiting the store.

 

Related article:KIDDY LAND Harajuku commemorates 5th anniversary with KAWAII collaboration goods designed by popular illustrator JennyKaori!

 

Related article:Delve into the fantastical world of Sebastian Masuda at “Point-Rhythm World: Monet’s Microcosm”

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    Text: Masatoshi Mayuzumi
    Photo: Shinsuke Hayashi / Miki Higashi

     

    ■Setlist

    [IDOLATER]
    Kesenai…(short ver.)
    Endless Summer
    Vapor City
    Kimi ni MuCHU♡XX
    Mahouno Kagiwo Teniiretara
    DIAMOND
    Endrollwo Mukaeru Maeni

     

    [FRUITS ZIPPER]
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    Sekaiwa Kimikara Hajimaru
    Happy Chocolate
    Kanpeki Shugide☆
    Watashino Ichiban Kawaiitokoro

     

    [CANDY TUNE]
    hanamaru
    Kiss Me Patissier
    Nanairo Prologue
    Mikanna Seishun
    hanamaru (MV.ver)

     

    [KAWAII LAB.]
    Watashi no Ichiban Kawaiitokoro

  • CANDY TUNE Releases First Album ‘CANDY TUNE’

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    Clockwise from top: Mizuki Kirihara, Nanako Ogawa, Rino Fukuyama, Natsu Minami

     

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    Many visiting Tokyo in the future will want to find the most kawaii spots imaginable, and we know just the girl to serve as a guide! In today’s special interview, we chatted with MIOCHIN to share her recommendations. If you haven’t seen her colorful pop pics on TikTok and Instagram, you’ll want to jump into the MIONOSEKAI!

     

    Q. MIOCHIN, what store is a must-visit in Harajuku?

    “That would be SUGAR HIGH at Harajuku Alta! You can find colorful sweets and cute goods from all over the world. I always stop by when I have time because they have popular snacks I’ve seen on TikTok, tons of jewelry, and things I can use every day♪

    It’s also a really good spot for buying small souvenirs and gifts for people!★”

     

    Q. What store in Tokyo really embodies your personal worldview?

    “The minacute CONCEPT STORE at Ikebukuro Sunshine City. I’m actually the store’s producer!★

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    “The store feels like a big toy box and it’s filled with so many items that kids would love. Not only that–you can find popular brands from around the world and tons of sparkle too★

    We also hold workshops and events on weekends, so please come visit!♪★”

     

    Q. What’s your go-to Kawaii Spot?

    (The HARAJUKU Room)

    “If you’re looking to surround yourself with everything cute, it’s all about MOSHI MOSHI ROOMS! Each room is perfect for snapping photos–I’ve visited so many times for parties and photo shoots★

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    Q. Where can the readers find cute clothes like the ones found in your wardrobe?

    (Skirt, Jacket: grapefruitmoon)

    “Check out grapefruitmoon, a vintage clothing store. They have so many neat items from the 60s to the 80s, and the designs and shapes are so unique. I’d recommend browsing their retro dresses and funky bottoms★Whether you’re into more monotone fashion or something more flashy and bright, you’ll find it!♪”

     

    Q. Where do you buy your makeup?

    “ANNA SUI. I just can’t get enough of the brand’s vision, and the cosmetics are really one-of-a-kind. Honestly, I buy most of them–I especially love the perfumes. I love the scents and the designs are just too damn cute! It’s my favorite collection.”

     

    Q. To wrap things up, do you have a message to readers coming to Japan in the future?

    “I’m so glad that so many people are interested in Japan. I post so many colorful things on social media and always want to share Japanese culture with the world!♪

    There are so many interesting places that you can only find here, and fascinating activities that you have to visit to enjoy!

    I hope you’ll come enjoy our food, fashion, and sightseeing spots. And don’t forget to shop for some kawaii goods!★

    And I hope that once you do, you’ll love Japan even more!”

     

    PROFILE: MIOCHIN

    Active as an illustrator, TikToker, and streamer, MIOCHIN is known for her colorful pop world MIONOSEKAI. She has fans young and old from around the world and often broadcasts on YouTube and TikTok, recently attracting attention for her duet videos on the latter. Her original videos focus on everything from makeup and art to impressions. 

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dtdq2828/

    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mionosekai

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnyOak5Hd4WG0oLECz6L0Og

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/dtdq2828

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    “Japan is such an interesting country, where so many cultures blend and evolve.”

     

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    Zhu Zhu when she first came to Japan

     

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    Q. Tell us what you find the most Kawaii in Japan!

    “There are so many cute things in Japan, but I think that the sweets take the cake. I was surprised by how small they are unlike in other countries. And there are so many kinds! Cakes, baked goods, wagashi, they’re all so incredibly kawaii!”

     

    Q. How did your encounter with Kawaii culture in Japan change you?

    “Since I first came into contact with the Japanese version of kawaii, I think my style has become softer. When I was overseas, I typically just worse really simple outfits and makeup, but now, I’m always conscious of looking girly and cute.”

     

    Q.In Japan, what are you interested in right now? Where do you want to visit in the future?

    “I recently read an article about Yufuin Floral Village, which is England-inspired. It looks so cute and I really want to go!”

     

    Q. Do you have anything to say to our readers who want to visit Japan in the future?

    “Japan is such an interesting country, where so many cultures blend and evolve. No matter how many times you visit, you can always find something new. Please visit!”

     

    Zhu Zhu Profile

    An influencer from China with 2 million followers on Weibo. Nicknamed “Big Cousin” on social media, she has been a favorite of many Japanese brands for years. Since moving to Japan, Zhu Zhu has actively shared fashion, beauty, travel, and food posts on social media. In addition to appearing on TV and in magazines, she has collaborated with a number of major Japanese apparel and cosmetics companies. 

  • An Interview with Seidenba Saku: “Kawaii Is Something You Define Yourself.”

    31.October.2022 | FASHION / FEATURES

    Moshi Moshi Nippon is dedicated to sharing Japanese pop culture with audiences around the world. Recently, we launched a new interview series with foreign influencers active in Japan, and for the second edition, we’re chatting with Seidenba Saku. The face of the music group DiAN, she’s a multi-talented pop artist, writer, and designer. We asked the Beijing and Tokyo-based artist about what she thinks about Kawaii culture in Japan.

     

    -Photo1

     

    Q. Why did you first come to Japan?

    “When I was in middle school, my favorite English teacher taught me some Japanese. After that, I started to get into Japanese literature and manga, and I was really influenced by a Shuji Terayama play in high school. Japanese content started to become a part of my daily life, and I started to get curious about the country itself. I wanted to see the place where all of these amazing things were created with my own eyes. Now I’ve been in Japan for almost ten years!”

     

    -Photo2

    Q. When you first arrived in Japan, what surprised you?

    “I thought that people who dressed really eccentrically would be difficult to 

    approach. I had no idea what kinds of lives they led, and I was nervous about 

    talking to them. After coming to Japan, I realized how nice they were! 

    They work so hard, I was incredibly impressed!”

     

    Q. What do you think about Kawaii culture in Japan?

    Kawaiiといえば、日本の音楽はすごくカワイイと思います!パフォーマンスの現場、制作スタンスを問わず、音楽そのものに対する熱い思いが伝わってきます。音楽は人生にどう向き合うかを教えてくれると言っても良いと思います。そのくらい、日本の音楽には影響を受けました。

     

    -Photo3

     

    Q. How did your encounter with Kawaii culture in Japan change you?

    “My first real exposure to Kawaii culture was in middle school. I bought a ton of Japanese magazines like KERA and Gothic&Lolita Bible, and reading those made me realize that I could be who I wanted to be and dress how I wanted to dress. I could express myself as much as I wanted to. Kawaii is something you define yourself.” 

     

    -Photo 4

     

    Q.In Japan, what are you interested in right now? Where do you want to visit in the future?

    “A friend and coworker of mine in the art world recently told me that Toyama is the “Venice of Japan,” and that it’s totally different when compared to any other Japanese city. I’d like to visit, so I can see a totally unique side of Japan!”

     

    -Photo 5

     

    Q.Do you have anything to say to our readers who want to visit Japan in the future?

    “Trust your instincts and go find your own version of Kawaii!”

     

     

     

    PROFILE 

    Seidenba Saku

    Born in Beijing, Seidenba Saku is the vocalist and art director of DiAN, a three-member music group with sound producer A-bee and composer immi. She is also a writer, designer, director, and graphic artist, having worked with a number of companies in the past. Based in both Beijing and Tokyo, she continues to attract attention from audiences and industries around the world.

  • Interview: What Type of ‘Kawaii’ Did This Popular Foreign Influencer Find in Japan?

    03.October.2022 | FASHION / FEATURES

    Kawaii is marshmallow-flavored medicine for the soul.”

     

    Moshi Moshi Nippon is dedicated to sharing Japanese pop culture with audiences around the world, and today, we’re featuring a foreign influencer living and working in Japan! This time, we interviewed Etsuna, a popular influencer from China, discussing how Yume Kawaii fashion brings her comfort and the many types of ‘kawaii’ she’s found during her time in Japan. 

     

    Q. What brought you to Japan?

    “After graduating with a major in animation, I was working at a university in Shanghai as a teacher, but I decided to enroll in Tama Art University’s graduate program to study for my master’s degree. That’s when I came to Japan, and I’ve been here for 15 years!”

     

    Q. When you first came to Japan, what surprised you? Was anything different than what you had imagined? 

    “Everyone wore such bold makeup, and that really surprised me! When I first came to Japan 15 years ago, I think the gyaru trend was still big, and a lot of girls had that strong Harajuku style and big personalities. Heavy eye makeup and blush was the big thing. I thought everyone was getting ready to film for a TV show.” 

     

    Q. What do you think of when you heard the word ‘kawaii’ in Japan?

    “MOSHI MOSHI ROOMS, character cafes, and Yume Kawaii fashion…they are all so unique and so adorable! Those things are what I think of when I hear the word ‘kawaii.’”

     

    Q. Did finding Japanese kawaii culture change you in any way?

    “Before I experienced kawaii culture, I was a teacher, so I wore a lot of black, white, and gray every day. But after encountering kawaii style for the first time, I started experimenting with different kawaii subcultures, like the Mori Girl trend back in the mid-2000s. Eventually, I fell in love with Yume Kawaii (Dreamy Kawaii) fashion, which is filled with pastels and a fantasy-like aesthetic. I’ve been dressing in that particular style for about ten years now. To me, kawaii is like marshmallow-flavored medicine for the soul. It’s very healing.” 

     

    Q. When it comes to Japan, what interests you now? Where would you like to visit in the future?

    “Today, it feels like Japanese fashion is becoming more and more simple, and the Harajuku kawaii trend is starting to disappear. Is that because people don’t like standing out in that over-the-top way? Do they feel embarrassed if they dress differently than most people? I’ve met a lot of people who love Yume Kawaii fashion, but they might not have the courage to wear it themselves. That’s why I’m currently researching how to bring Yume Kawaii to AR. If I can bring it to the virtual world in a way that blends with the real world, I can create a brand-new experience for everyone. Using mobile AR technology, people will be able to transform their everyday clothes into something with more Yume Kawaii style!”

     

    Etsuna’s Original Yume Kawaii AR Filter

     

    Q. Please give a few words to those living abroad who are interested in visiting Japan!

    If you really want to experience Japanese kawaii culture, stay at MOSHI MOSHI ROOMS in Harajuku! There are so many fashionable people in Tokyo too, and if you hang out near Harajuku Laforet on the weekend, you’ll see people taking plenty of pictures. Come have a special trip to Japan and surround yourself with all things kawaii! Have fun!” 

  • Special ‘Roots of Kawaii’ Exhibition Marking Rune Naito’s 90th Birthday to Open in October

    24.September.2022 | FASHION / SPOT

    A special exhibition commemorating the 90th birthday of Rune Naito will be held at the Hanshin department store in Osaka from October 19 until October 31. Titled ‘Roots of Kawaii,’ the event will look back at the life of the esteemed artist, illustrator, writer, and designer. Known for his illustrations of large-headed baby-faced girls, he first became interested in art after discovering the works of Jun’ichi Nakahara, joining Nakahara’s company after graduating high school. In 1959, Naito got his big break, designing the cover of the girls’ magazine Junior Soleil. Following this, Naito would become active as an illustrator for a number of magazines, and from the 1960s on, he began other activities, even producing a line of commercial goods from glassware to stickers. 

     

    The exhibition’s theme is ‘Life’s fantastic dreams,’ and over 300 items will be on display, including rare original drawings, goods, personal sketches, and more. The event will be held in celebration of Rune Naito’s birthday on November 20, and will also feature a special shop. Admission is ¥1,000 for adults, ¥700 for high school and college students, and free for junior high school students and younger. Discounts are available by preordering tickets. For details and tickets, check out the official website.

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