Mucha Kucha is announced the launch of a new art production and management project that aims to create a space and opportunities for people to discover the Japanese spirit and value through performances and products created by artists associated with the The TEA-ROOM.

The project brings together seven diverse artists from different backgrounds whose mission is to “Respect and Go Beyond.”

Art Production & Management Project

Participating artists will showcase their experience and personalities in a variety of ways as part of the project in an effort to create new possibilities within Japanese culture while seeking to elevate cultural value.

The TEA-ROOM productions

Exhibits

Performances

Collaborations

Art and products

Participating Artists

Souryou Matsumura (Tea Ceremony Instructor)

Shiho Sakamoto (Confectioner)

Fumihiko Sano (Artitect/Artist)

Gentaro Yokoyama (Potter)

MAMI (Calligrapher)

RYOTA HAGIWARA (Flower Arranger)

Masahiro Inoue (Paperer)

The TEA-ROOM (Art Collective)

Takashimaya Shinjuku has revealed a new line of African print yukata made using materials from West and Central Africa. The collection will be released on the second floor of Takashimaya Shinjuku from June 24 to 30.

Hitomi Suzuki (鈴木仁美) is working to preserve traditional West and South African dyeing techniques. Using materials sourced from these countries, she has created yukata, bags, fans, and other items to sell in Japan.

The print feature vivid colours and eye-catching patterns—the kind you want to wear around the house during the lockdown for summer, or for a remote drinking party.

Walt Disney Japan has announced that pre-sales for its new and original Disney themed yukata will open via shopDisney in Japan from June 9, 2020. Designs range from popular picks such as the Mickey Mouse yukata from last year to new designs like Alice in Wonderland.

The Mickey Mouse yukata has a white base which combined traditional Japanese prints of hemp leaves and a checked pattern with plum blossoms and Mickey. Dressing up in this gives off grown-up yet cute vibes.

The new Alice in Wonderland yukata has a navy base and features prints from the popular Disney movie made into a Japanese style design. It also comes with an obi sash featuring characters from the film on it in a casual manner, so it blends in well and isn’t too flashy. shopDisney will also sell a bag, fan and other items with this design too so you can coordinate a style with the yukata.

Several items for kids will also be sold, such as a cute Elsa-inspired yukata, a Toy Story 4 jinbei, a Bunny shoulder bag, and more.

A TSUM TSUM series of summertime yukata will also be sold from June 9, 2020 which will include Mickey & Friends designs.

©Disney
©Disney/Pixar

Japan Culture and Technology, a company which offers Japanese experiences taught by professionals in their respective industries, has launched an online service on WABUNKA EXPERIENCE which lets you experience traditional Japanese culture from the comfort of your home.

WABUNKA EXPERIENCE is led by leading artists and offers memorable experiences of Japanese traditional culture, such as calligraphy, tea ceremony, flower arrangement, and so on, at impressive sites in Tokyo or Kyoto.

Now people can learn about Japanese art, culture, and ways of thinking from home with the launch of their new online service. Expert Japanese artists and monks will be streaming workshops live from temples and cultural facilities in Kyoto and Tokyo. Since travel is strictly limited right now, this is the perfect opportunity for foreigners to learn more about Japan and Japanese culture.

The commemorate the launch of the online service, it will be offered at a special price. Check out the website below and learn about the programs currently on offer, from online meditation to flower arrangement, tea ceremony, and more.

Felissimo has joined hands with popular Kyoto-based store Subikiawa to launch a new collaborative series of items. They are now available to purchase via Felissimo’s official website.

Who are Subikiawa?

Subikiawa is a tableware store known to all in Kyoto that’s open around three days a month. “Tabletop Circus” is the theme of their hand drawn tableware series which is mainly centred around glassware. Subikiawa first began their collaboration series with Felissimo back in 2016. Since then, they have teamed up to make yukata, jinbei, pyjamas, clothes, and moreーall with Subikiawa’s cute illustrative designs.

The new yukata and jinbei they have developed for this summer features a colourful underwater theme with various fishes, pebbles, and water plants.

Kyoto Subikiawa Shokki to Tsukutta Suichu Dance Yukata – ¥5,500 (Before Tax)

Kyoto Subikiawa Shokki to Tsukutta Suichu Dance Yukata (Women’s) – ¥7,300 (Before Tax)

The collection features yukata and jinbei made with designs so that parents and kids can dress up together. The clothes are made from 100% slub cotton yarn, giving them a nice feeling against the skin. The waist is also fitted with string so that even beginners to yukata can tie them easily.

Kyoto Subikiawa Shokki to Tsukutta Nail Seals (1 Set) – ¥1,400 (Before Tax)

Kyoto Subikiawa Shokki to Tsukutta Suichu Dance Bib Kit (1 Set) – ¥2,800 (Before Tax)

The new collection also includes nail seals to make your fingertips bright and beautiful, as well as an embroidery kit to make your own cute bibーthis is part of Felissimo’s brand Couturier. The bib is soft and made using 100% Banshu-ori cotton fabric. Banshu-ori is a fabric from Hyogo Prefecture. The cotton is also dyed before being woven so the colour won’t fade as quickly when washed.

“JAPAN MADE PROJECT” is a project launched by Japanese apparel shop URBAN RESEARCH which aims to revitalise regions around Japan by building local communities with businesses and creators around the country while also looking to take a step back to reconsider what is appealing about each of those regions.

As part of this new project, URBAN RESEARCH has announced its plans to establish “JAPAN MADE PROJECT TOKYO” on March 20, 2020. Focusing on Tokyo, this branch of the project will see the launch of “URBAN SENTO.” This will focus on the potential of sento, or “bath houses,” in the city, which will also include a new line of bath house clothing made in collaboration with Kosugi-yu a sento located in the Tokyo district of Koenji.

Public bath houses play an important part in Japanese culture by contributing to people’s mental health and creating communities. This is especially so in a city as busy as Tokyo. That’s where URBAN SENTO comes in, which will encourage the rediscovery of the city’s appealing culture through sento.

Pre-sales for the new clothing line opened on the URBAN RESEARCH online store on February 14, 2020. It features a collection of must-have items for the bath house, whose message is to spread the bath house lifestyle.

Apparel

To ensure the clothing is comfortable as bath-wear, the collection is made from high quality cotton provided in collaboration with HAAG, a brand managed by Smile Cotton. This cotton is nice and soft and does not rub against the skin. Smile Cotton’s materials are even endorsed by the Japan Atopic Dermatitis Patients Association.

Crew Neck T-Shirt – ¥7,700 (Tax Included) | Sizes: Small/Medium/Large | Colours: White/Light Grey/Black

One Piece – ¥13,200 (Tax Included) | Sizes: Small/Medium | Colours: White/Light Grey/Black

Short Pants – ¥12,100 (Tax Included) | Sizes: Small/Medium/Large | Colours: White/Light Grey/Black

ZIP Parker Hoodie – ¥16,500 (Tax Included) | Sizes: Small/Medium/Large | Colours: White/Light Grey/Black

Pouch (Medium Size) – ¥3,080 (Tax Included) | Colours: White/Navy/Orange

The mesh pouch can be taken into the bath with you. Put your shampoo or other bath products in with you and take a dip.

Miscellaneous Items: IKEUCHI ORGANIC x URBAN SENTO
The bath towels you can use at Kosugi-yu are made by IKEUCHI ORGANIC. They come in two sizes and are incredibly soft on the skin.

Oragnic 120 Bath Towel – ¥5,060 (Tax Included) | Colours: White/Grey

Oragnic 120 Face Towel – ¥1,980 (Tax Included) | Colours: White/Grey

Kimura Soap x URBAN SENTO
The products used for cleaning yourself at Kosugi-yu, as well as what’s used for washing the towels, is soap provided by Kimura Soap. This pure soap, crafted by artisans by cooking in kettles, is friendly to the environment and the skin. It can be used at the bath house, in the bath at home, or even for your laundry.

Body Soap (Hinoki Cypress/Lavender) – ¥1,980 (Tax Included)

This body soap gently lathers your skin in bubbles and leaves your skin filling refreshed. Both the hand soap and body soap feel good to use.

The a video and main visual were released for URBAN SENTO, which feature Japanese music artists Yusuke Emoto and Aoi Nogi as the models.

fennica is a fashion label associated with BEAMS that combines traditional Japanese handicraft with new and old designs collected from Northern Europe. The label has announced that it will collaborate with the Akan Tourism Association (法人阿寒観光協会まちづくり推進機構) non-profit organisation to release an all-new collection that incorporates traditional Ainu crafts.

Terry Ellisーthe London-based director of fennicaーand Keiko Kitamura observed Ainu culture in the Lake Akan area in Kushiro, Hokkaido, and have used the creative beauty of young craftsmen and craftswomen who are in charge of next-generation Ainu culture. Overtime they have worked together with the artisans to create an original collection entitled “Ainu Crafts from Lake Akan: Tradition and Innovation” which will be sold on the fifth floor of the Shinjuku branch of BEAMS Japan in the fennica studio and B Gallery from October 12.

The collection incorporates silver jewellery with Ainu patterns, wood-carved cutlery, hamper bags made with traditional materials, and many other lifestyle items familiar to Ainu culture. During the showcasing, there will be other exhibitions related to Ainu in the gallery, as well as talks, live performances, and more.

A special webpage went live on October 1 talking about this collaboration.

The collection’s director Terry Ellis commented: “When I was walking around Takiguchi’s store Ichigen No Mise, my attention focused on this cutlery. I felt the folklore in its simplicity. Though it’s an item to be used, the craftsmanship is incredible. You can’t just stop at one, you want to collect more and decorate with them.” *Translated from Japanese

Keiko Kitamura, also a director for the collection, commented: “Akan is a rare kind of place, with mountains, rivers, lakes and forests. It has its own shapes and colours because of the light, colours and sounds which change intensely with time and soak into your body. And Ainu art is distinct from the traditional craftsmanship of other countries and regions because in almost all categories you can still produce it even today. There are [Ainu] people who are still continuing to make art for their family to this day. Their still being here is something valuable.”

She continues: “Japan’s handiwork is in danger of vanishing across all areas of the country. Even if there are no successors, there are people who have been beside them watching, and people who were once involved in the past. So we may barely just make it. Because if this handiwork comes to a stop, it will be no more. We feel a sense of duty to protect this wonderful work.”

Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo, a highly prestigious and magnificent 4-star hotel located in Shinjuku, is now serving an all-new “luxurious” family package which includes a tea ceremony experience and much more. It is currently running from July 20 to September 1.

The rooms offered in the accommodation plan are the hotel’s popular Wide Twin Rooms located on the Premier Grand club floor. Use of the Club Lounge is included in the package. The Wide Twin Rooms include two roomy queen-size beds which span 1.53 meters wide which allow parents to sleep comfortably with their children. Rooms also feature their own bathroom facilities.

The package also includes a check-in simulation for children aged 6-12 years where they can get a feel for what it’s like to check-in. They will fill in their own check-in cards with parents and receive a ticket for the tea ceremony experience. They will be able to take their card home with them and take a commemorative photo.

The tea ceremony experience will be held on the hotel’s 10th floor in the “Shofuan,” an authentic tearoom that has been in the hotel since it opened in 1971. Parents and children will receive proper instruction from the tea ceremony teacher before pouring their own tea, allowing them to learn about traditional Japanese culture and etiquette. They will receive a special certificate of completion at the end.

If you’re travelling to Japan as a family this summer then enjoy it in luxury at Hotel Keio Plaza Tokyo.

The three-day Hamarikyu Oedo Cultural Festival will take place at the beautiful Hamarikyu Gardens in Tokyo from August 23 to 25. It will be produced by international fashion designer and stylist Junko Koshino.

The boisterous festival is a coming together of Japan’s traditional Edo period and modern times which will be celebrated with a myriad of exciting experiences.

The centrepieces of this year’s event are the DJ performances and Yukata Fest which will take place around the two 6-meter tall pillars in the garden’s plaza. DJ KOO will appear as a special guest on Friday August 23rd while Japanese models Arina Urahama, Sayaka Shimizu and YORI will take the spotlight on Saturday 24th wearing Edo-style outfits with a contemporary pop spin all made by Junko Koshino.

During the Yukata Fest, there will be taiko drumming along to the DJ performance. Three people from the Eitetsu Fu’un no Kai―a group supervised by famous Japanese musician Eitetsu Hayashi―will be the drummers. The Fest will mash together traditional Japanese music with modern DJing.

Expect to be thrilled with an up-close performance of kendo swordsmanship, iai―the art of drawing one’s sword―and a showcasing of naginata, a type of long pole weapon. There will also be a play area where you can play karuta with the Hyakunin Isshu one-hundred poems which was popular during the Edo period, blow bubbles, and more.

And of course, there’ll be plenty of Japanese food to tuck into as well served at one of the many booths. This includes namie yakisoba, a local speciality soba noodle dish adored by the people of Fukuoka which will be served as part of maintaining the culture, a Fukushima no Sake standing bar which has won the top award in the Shinshu Kanpyokai 7 years in a row, and so on.

Specially prepared traditional Japanese wagashi confections produced by Junko Koshino will also be sold as part of a collaboration project with Ito En who are sponsoring the event and holding a special tea party. They are limited in availability, and those lucky few who do get a spot will be able to enjoy tea and sweets while enjoying a view of the spectacular Japanese-style gardens at the Nakajima No Ochaya cafe.

Visitors will also be able to pick from a wardrobe of bright and colourful yukata, including some designed by Junko Koshino, at one of the booths at the festival and have them fitted on from them. Those who arrive already dressed in a yukata will receive free entry to the festival!

You’ll completely forget you’re in the boisterous city of Tokyo while at this traditional x modern fusion of a festival. If you’re in Japan this summer, then don’t miss out. More details of the festival and its content can be found on the official website below.

Hi everyone, this is Midori from MMN’s Editorial Department!

Do you know what a Yukata is? It’s a long, casual garment that resembles a kimono. As they are made of light and breathable material, this traditional Japanese clothing is usually worn in the summer. A beautiful yet refreshing garment is the perfect clothing for a summer festival and other summer events. How would you like to try one on? Today, I’ll be introducing you to this year’s latest Yukatas.

KIMONOMACHI: Polyester Yukata Perfect for a Hot Summer’s Day

These yukata are made from polyester which is breathable and ventilating. From subtle and mature patterns for adults to large, modern and vivid patterns, there is a wide range of fabric designs to choose from.  

Cream Water-Colour Camellia Flower Yukata: ￥11,880 (after tax) 

You also do not have to worry about coordinating your outfit as you can putchase a set that includes a Sash (obi) and Japanese wooden clogs (geta). This is recommended for those of you who are completely new to yukata-wearing.  

▼ KIMONOMACHI main shop

Official Website: https://www.kimonomachi.co.jp/

Cayhane Yukata: Easy to Wear By Yourself 

Cayhane sells yukata that are made from materials sourced from all over Japan. 

Reiría Minana Yukata: ￥7,128

The Yukata sold here consist of a top and bottom half, which makes it easy for anyone to put on.

You can also get yukata with a separate skirt too, meaning that you can wear the skirt with your other normal clothes on a regular day too.

▼ Cayhane

Official Website: http://www.cayhane.jp/shop/c/c01

kyomadoka: Wear a Yukata Designed By an AKB48 Graduate　

Haruna Kojima, who graduated from Japan’s world famous idol group AKB48, created the designs for a collection of kyomadoka Yukata.

￥45,360 (after tax)

Not only are the designs made with lots of care and attention, but the materials used have been carefully sourced. The patterns are mature yet cute. 

▼kyomadoka: Haruna Kojima Original Design Yukata

Purchase here: https://isetan.mistore.jp/onlinestore/brand/006180/list?categoryId=01_061604&rid=24098c5b16c840e39ea3dddf42efd3ad

Sales Start: June 5, 2019

Felissimo Neko-Bu™: Fill Yourself With Feline Fabulousness

Cat-Themed Retro Modern Yukata ￥8,400 (before tax)

Notice the cute, round eyes of a cat amongst beautiful camellia flowers. Felissimo Neko-Bu™ sells cat-themed goods that are also perfect for adults. This retro-modern design is both cute and mature.

Look closely and you will also notice a striped pattern. Felissimo are selling many other cat-themed Yukata besides this so please check them out.

This is a design of a tiger playing with green foxtail grass.

▼Felissimo Neko-Bu™

Official Website: https://www.nekobu.com/

RiLi.tokyo Sells Yukata That Look Like Japanese Sweets

RiLi.tokyo sells Yukata that are perfect for walking the streets of Asakusa, Kyoto and other traditional-style streets that are full of dark and mature colours.

RiLi Yukata: ￥11,990 each (before tax)

The sash is a waist band with wrinkles so that it does not hurt when you put it on. You will notice that it is incredibly easy to wear these. All Yukata in this series use similar colours, so it is easy to coordinate your outfit with other friends and family members. ♡

Official Website: https://rili.tokyo/#new

Furifu and Touken Ranbu-ONLINE- Collaborative Yukata

Furifu is dedicated to creating new styles of traditional Japanese fashion. They have released a retro-modern style kimono brand through a collaborative effort with the game Touken Ranbu-ONLINE- . This includes three Yukata themed around the characters Kashuu Kiyomitsu, Tsurumaru Kuninaga and Kasen Kanesada.

 Kasen Kanesada　￥62,640 (after tax )

Tsurumaru Kuninaga: ￥62,640 (after tax)

Kashuu Kiyomitsu: ￥62,640 (after tax )

▼Furifu Touken Ranbu Collaborative Yukata

Official Website: https://mgos.jp/furifu/index.html

All these Yukata are available online. This would be the perfect way to stay cool and beautiful during the summer. Wearing one to a summer event would be a wonderful experience. ♡

Keio Plaza Hotel is expanding their yukata experience service plan “Easy Kimono”. The plan, which allows guests to wear Japanese traditional clothing called yukata, was originally a weekday-limited plan. Now, the plan will be expanded to include the weekends and national holidays. The plan was launched in June 2017 through a collaboration with Keio Department Store’s dressing rooms. Keio Plaza Hotel’s objective is to spread Japanese culture and offer guests the opportunity to fully experience Japan. The hotel also offers tea ceremony and Ikebana flower arranging classes.

There are two yukata plans on offer: a standard plan available for men and women and a women-limited premium plan which includes top quality cotton yukata that have a mature feel to them. Both plans come with wooden clogs, an ornate kanzashi hairpin, a drawstring purse and a map of wonderful locations to take a stroll in Shinjuku. Head to the third floor lobby in the South Building of the hotel to arrive at the Keio Department Store Dressing Rooms. Here, you can choose your favourite yukata. Once you put it on, the staff will take a commemorative photo with a camera or your smartphone.

You can rent these yukata for a maximum of six hours, during which time you can take as many selfies as you want, enjoy a meal in Tokyo, and have a relaxing stroll around the streets of Shinjuku. This luxurious plan is a chance to experience the great feeling of wearing a yukata.

Laforet Harajuku is holding a yukata event on its second floor CONTAINER area from June 25 to July 24 where you’ll be able to pick from a wide range of different yukata designs.

This marks the 5th run of the event, and this year, it is being split into three separate periods. A total of 9 shops are participating including the popular kimono brand Roccoya Summer Shop which fuses the traditional with the modern as well as MICOPARADE which is managed by designer and Japanese clothing model Maria Kawahara.

The event’s main visual was conceived by art director Tomoko Katayama, a designer at airlinesinc. and president of kimono teaching company Airport Lounge. There will be a photo spot as well as displays created by Katayama.

Period 1: June 25, 2019 – July 4, 2019

Roccoya Summer Shop

Roccoya is a brand popular for fusing together traditional and modern designs. The company is returning to Yukata IN LAFORET once again to sell a variety of new yukata, kimono and accessories. Pick anything from cute to contemporary to sophisticated couture. They also sell head accessories and customers can order specific sizes.

MICOPARADE

MICOPARADE is a kimono brand led by designer and Japanese clothing model Maria Kawahara which offers contemporary twists of traditional ideas. Expect kimono like you have never seen as modern fashion. This event will be MICOPARADE’s first unveiling of their new products.

Period 2: July 5, 2019 – July 14, 2019

MIKI SAKURA & Sakura Maison

Sakura Maison focuses on “Japanese kawaii” kimono, accessories and obi sashes while MIKI SAKURA’s concept, conceived by designers at Sakura Maison, is “dignified women wrapped in beautiful fragrances.”

These two brands will come together to showcase an array of feminine yukata including yukata made from lase. They will also sell headdresses, ornate hairpins and other accessories. Expect to get your fill of kawaii♡

Asobiya Meets yuminique

Asobiya is a brand that adds a bit of fun to traditional Japanese motifs. They will collaborate with the “nostalgic and cinematic” brand yuminique for the very first time. Asobiya will have their popular paper crane series of items while yuminique will showcase their “SECRET” themed line-up this summer with an assortment of handmade head accessories with rose and lily of the valley designs. You’re sure to find the right decorative accessories for your yukata look here♡

Period 3: July 15, 2019 – July 24, 2019

AYAKONAGAHASHI

Ayako Nagahashi’s select shop is associated with many different kimono and yukata brands. The new yukata and accessory collection by KIIRO, which Nagahashi is the director of, and Furifu will be on show. New Yukata and obi sashes the likes of which the industry has never seen before from Nagahashi’s private brand Fruttarossa will also make an appearance. There will also be plenty of other pieces like geta shoes and obi clips.

Shigemune Tamao

Unique and innovative kimono creator and artist Shigemune Tamao is opening her first ever store where she will sell original kimono, obi sashes, and a selection of items made in collaboration with guest brands that transcend traditional and contemporary clothing.

Find the yukata for you at this year’s Yukata IN LAFORET.