Sai Sai Jaran Jaran is a featured series here on MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON from the members of the all-female band SILEN SIREN (aka Sai Sai) who visit various hot spots in Japan and experience different things, the Sai Sai way.
Today we follow the band’s vocalist – Suu! Suu is a huge candle lover and says that she has a lot of candles in her home. She’s always wanted to try candle-making, so she’s taken this opportunity to challenge herself to the task!
Suu visited Candle Studio in Daikanyama and participated in a one-time candle-making lesson. You get to make one complete candle to take home.
Candle Studio is an all-out candle-making school, offering everything from one-off lessons for beginners to a JCA-recognised candle craft course, candle artist course and instructor course. The location is visited by newcomers and pros alike.
The one-time lesson Suu took cost ¥4,000. With that, you get to pick from a botanical candle and aroma wax sachet. You can either make 2 of the same type or 1 each. You get to pick different coloured and fragranced dried flowers to make your own personal candle. Suu was given special permission to make 2 of each.
After putting on her apron it was time to get creating. “I’m nervous whether I’ll do it well or not but I’ll try my best!” said Suu.
First up, the botanical candles. You start by picking the candle’s base colour. Suu went for blue and orange candles.
After putting the candles in the silicone mould, you pick the flowers you want and fit them into the gap around the candle. They have a whole range of decorations prepared including dried flowers, preserved flowers, paper berries and so on. Choosing what to go in there is all part of the fun!
Use pin sets while cutting the flowers of your choice with scissors and place them in. Arrange them around the outside of the flower with the sides you want to show. If you use thin flowers they will look transparent when you light the candle, so keep this in mind when choosing your flowers. The secret to success however is to not think about it too much and just go all in.
Once you’ve placed all the flowers you want, pick a scent of your choice from the samples provided. Suu went with cranberry and rose.
Melt the wax to 65℃-70℃ and add one spoon of your chosen fragrance.
Heat the scented wax once more and pour into the silicon mould.
After releasing the air from the center of the candle, arrange any flowers that have floated to the top and set aside to harden.
Next on the list is to make the sachets. Like before, pick out a base colour from the colour samples provided. Suu chose a white base this time.
Transparent wax is mixed in with the white colourant. To make the colour a little creamier mix in just a tiny bit of vanilla colourant before adding the fragrance. Suu picked plumeria and mango.
Next is to position the dried flowers. With the sachets, you will add dried flowers on top after pouring the wax into the mould. So think about how you want them arranged first by positioning them in the mould first.
Once you know what you want, add the wax into the mould.
Once the wax has cooled slightly and skin has formed on the surface, arrange your dried flowers. Suu styled hers like a bouquet.
She then added dried flowers and fruits to the other one. Now all that’s left is to wait!
While Suu was making the sachet, the first candle she started on had hardened. She removes it by pushing it up out of the silicone mould.
After curling the wick into a beautiful shape it’s complete!
The sachet was ready now too so Suu removed it from the mould.
Suu adds an eyelet and chooses a ribbon of her choice to complete the sachet.
Her botanical candles and aroma wax sachets are complete!
“It was a little hard as it was my first time, but I was able to fully concentrate. It was so much fun! The time that went by making them was very therapeutic. You can make all sorts of other candles too, so I want to come back ASAP!” explained Suu as she booked her next class right there and then. The class was a big success and Suu left super satisfied.
Candle Studio Daikanyama are now holding classes to make snow dome and Ornament sachets for the Christmas season. It costs ¥5,000 to make one snow dome candle and three sachets with Christmas designs. They cater to all beginners too, so if you’re interested you can feel at ease if you visit. Try it yourself.
Information
Candle Studio Daikanyama
Address: Daikanyama Sanbankan 3F, 1-30-3 Kamimeguro, Meguro Ward, Tokyo
Tel: 03-6873-7850
Opening Hours: 10:00~ / 13:00~ / 16:00~ / 19:00~ (Each Session = 2 Hours)
Website: https://candle-studio.jp/index.htm
■PROFILE
SILENT SIREN is a four-member all-female band consisting of vocalist & guitarist Sumire “Suu” Yoshida, drummer Hinako “Hinanchu” Umemura, bassist Aina “Ainyan” Yamauchi, keyboardist Yukako “Yukarun” Kurosaka. The band were founded in 2010 by Umemura and Yoshida who are former models. In 2015, they performed their first solo concert at Nippon Budokan, making them the fastest Japanese all-female band in history to perform there after their major debut. Their latest single 19. summer note which was released on July 11, 2018 is enjoying big sales. For the latest information, head on over to their official website: http://silent-siren.com/
Writer: Sayoko Ishii
Photographer: Kayo Sekiguchi
RECOMMENDED ENTRIES
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Sai Sai Jaran Jaran is a featured series here on MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON from the members of the all-female band SILEN SIREN (aka Sai Sai) who visit various hot spots in Japan and experience different things, the Sai Sai way.
This month we’ll be following band bassist Ainyan, who is also responsible for having designed the band’s original character Sai Sai-kun and even handling the designs of the band’s official merchandise.
Ainyan loves writing with calligraphy pens. She also knows about and is interested in artistic calligraphy posted online.
Teaching her calligraphy art today is calligrapher Yuki who showcases her work at events, and her skills have also been requested for projects.
All that you need to produce calligraphy art is an ordinary Japanese calligraphy set. As well as a brush, ink, shijajiki mat and paper weight you’ll need watercolour equipment and coloured autograph card.
The first step is to think of the character you want to write. If you can’t think of one you can flick through a Japanese dictionary. The thing to note about calligraphy art is that you’re free to write as you like! There’s no strict rules like in regular Japanese calligraphy. For example, you can hold the brush in any way you like, write in whatever style you like, and go over any lines you’ve already put on the paper. It’s important to think freely and express yourself in calligraphy art. Also, hanshi paper used for calligraphy has a glossy surface. With calligraphy art you want to let the colours run and spread, so Ainyan is using the back of the paper.
Ainyan begins by challenging herself to writing the kanji麦 (mugi) which means ‘barley,’ a fundamental ingredient used in beer which Ainyan loves. Don’t think about the art side of things straight away. Just write it normally first.
This is Ainyan’s first attempt at writing out mugi. Next is to think about how to write it in a more running style. She could write it in a patchier way, drip ink over it, have parts sticking out and so on.
Ainyan goes ahead and splotches lots of ink on. She dips plenty of ink onto her brush, so much so that it’s dripping off, and begins writing in a large and thick style from the first stroke.
She continues writing like that until the end without topping up her brush with more ink. Her final stroke comes completely off the paper!
Ainyan was concerned that the top part of the kanji was too black and blotchy because of how much ink she used.
“What should I do so that the middle part doesn’t become blotchy?” she asked.
“If you lift the brush up vertically, like it’s floating, then you can draw thinly,” the teacher replied. Ainyan learned while the teacher lent her a hand.
Her second attempt at writing mugi has fairly thick strokes. You can feel the vigour in this piece.
Taking into consideration what the teacher said, Ainyan gave it another shot. She dipped it into plenty of ink once more and began writing with strong strokes and keeping the brush upright to draw thin lines while adding variations.
Compared to the first attempt, this version of mugi is slim and confident.
“I want to hang it up in an izakaya!” said Ainyan laughing.
After having understood a bit about art penmanship, Ainyan moved onto another kanji. The one that came to mind was笑顔 (egao) meaning ‘smile.’ She starts out by drawing it in the way she likes.
This is her first version of egao. The first kanji 笑 meaning ‘laugh’ is drawn like a face, while the 顔, meaning ‘face’ also has a face in the 頁 section of the kanji on the right.
“If you know a kanji like this, then no matter how much you alter it you can still read it as ‘笑顔’ so it’s okay to change it as you please,” the teacher said.
Next Ainyan thinks on how she can improve the piece.
“The ‘笑’ kanji looks like a dog so I might try to make it look a bit more like a dog. The ‘顔’ kanji has a lot of legs and looks like an octopus so I’ll make it an octopus!” she said.
Ainyan begins making her kanji characters look like a dog and octopus while having the original to the side as reference.
She made the strokes of the 笑 look like ears and fit in eyes and a nose to look like a dog. She also connected the 彦 part of 顔 to the 頁 part and made the face look more like an octopus face. Truly a work of calligraphy art!
The next important step is to add colour. If you add too much water to your water colours they will fade when you add on the ink, so it’s important to layer the two by not using too much water. If it becomes patchy add just a little bit of water.
Adding a border makes the white parts that are left look cute so Ainyan left part of the inside of the dog’s ear white. She used orange for the dog’s ear and red for the octopus’s legs. To top it all off, she painted a doggy paw print in a free space.
Looks pretty good!
Finally, Ainyan drew up a new and final copy on the coloured autograph paper by fixing up any small details and adding colour.
Her first piece of calligraphy art is complete!
“I’m really satisfied I got to do something I was wanting to do!” she said with a smile – a 笑顔.
Ainyan looked over pieces the teacher had created and was especially interested in the ones with blotted ink. She decided to challenge herself to making such a piece. The kanji she decided on was 愛 (ai) meaning ‘love’ which is also part of Ainyan’s own name.
Once again she readied plenty of ink and began with strong strokes. She drew the thin parts of the character while bringing out the details until she finished with a final strong stroke.
She made the right part stroke of the 心 part of the kanji blurry. This effect is achieved by adding some water to the brush and pressing it onto the stroke you have already drawn that you want to make blurry.
Her kanji is complete! The blurriness gives it a 3D effect. No painting tools were used and yet Ainyan was still able to create art from calligraphy.
She made a final copy of this on coloured autograph card too. To make it even more arty Ainyan turned the final stroke into a love heart which she added water to for the blur effect.
Ainyan wasn’t satisfied so she sprinkled ink around the heart for additional effect. To do this, you hold the brush horizontally and hit the end of the brush to make the ink sprinkle down.
After checking the balance was right, Ainyan signed her completed piece.
What a vibrant and lively piece of calligraphy art!
But Ainyan wasn’t done just yet. To commemorate this month’s feature, she drew one for MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON (もしもしにっぽん)! She made the circle part of ぽ (po) a red sun which symbolizes the Japanese flag and made the ん (n) look like Mount Fuji.
We are pinning this up at the MOSHI MOSHI BOX Harajuku Tourist Information Center, so be sure to look for it if ever you stop by to see us in Harajuku.
Ainyan wrote so many! Here are her comments on what looked to be a hugely satisfying occasion.
“Today was so much fun, it was over before I knew it! It’s enjoyable not having to follow a correct way. The more you write, the more you think to yourself, ‘I want to do it this way,’ so you never get tired of writing! It was fun being able to write freely. Even the teacher said things like ‘It’s good like this’ rather than ‘You should do it like this!’ It relieved my stress and I felt refreshed!”
In the next article, we will be joined by SILENT SIREN vocalist Suu. Look forward to seeing where she goes and what she gets up to!
■Information
Yuki (Calligrapher)
Yuki works as a calligraphy instructor and is also active in producing works for art events, commissions for projects and elsewhere.
Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/yyyyyuki_14/?hl=ja
■PROFILE
SILENT SIREN is a four-member all-female band consisting of vocalist & guitarist Sumire “Suu” Yoshida, drummer Hinako “Hinanchu” Umemura, bassist Aina “Ainyan” Yamauchi, keyboardist Yukako “Yukarun” Kurosaka. The band were founded in 2010 by Umemura and Yoshida who are former models. In 2015, they performed their first solo concert at Nippon Budokan, making them the fastest Japanese all-female band in history to perform there after their major debut. Their latest single 19. summer note which was released on July 11, 2018 is enjoying big sales. For the latest information, head on over to their official website: http://silent-siren.com/
Writer: Sayoko Ishii
Photographer: Kayo Sekiguchi
Translation: Joshua Kitosi-Isanga
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Sai Sai Jaran Jaran is a featured series on MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON where the members of all-female rock band SILENT SIREN visit hot spots and experience different things in Japan and relay their episode.
In this 3rd entry, inquisitive band member and keyboard player Yukarun will be challenging herself to something ‘Japanese-y’ which she suggested back when this series debuted.
Let’s get to it. Time to get changed and head on out!
This is a kimono rental shop “MOSHI MOSHI KIMONO SALON”. Yukarun is searching for a design she likes. She has an unusually excited face.
Yukarun explained, “I’ve worn yukata before but this is my first experience wearing a kimono. I braced myself up to try wearing it like this!”
Since the initiation of Sai Sai Jaran Jaran, the members have talked about wanting to do something beautiful and Japanese.
There’s a different enticement between the latest styles and traditional Japanese clothing. Yukarun, now donning her kimono, looks like the epitome of a Japanese woman, and has warped to a tea ceremony class “WAnokoto”. That’s right, today’s theme is the tea ceremony!
After learning the proper way to sit in the tea room, Yukarun’s exercises begin with a bow. She lowers her head slowly and deeply.
Next, she places the Japanese sweet onto her kaishi, a piece of paper that’s tucked in the front of a kimono. While using the sweet cutter she eats the sweet bit by bit.
“The entire process is made up of strict movements for whatever you do, so it looks like it would take a long time to learn them all,” said Yukarun.
After finishing the sweet, she drinks tea kindly prepared by the teacher. As a side note, it’s proper etiquette to finish eating the sweet by the time the tea is served.
“So you’re not supposed to have both the tea and sweet at the same time,” said Yukarun a little surprised. Of course, you have to follow the right steps when drinking the tea too.
Yukarun takes the teacup.
She is in full concentration mode as she copies the teacher’s movements. The proper way to show that you have finished drinking the tea even involves making a certain sound with your mouth.
Next, Yukarun will make tea herself. She pours matcha into the teacup, scoops up some hot water with the ladle and pours it in. She then prepares the tea using a tool called a chasen, or tea whisk.
She holds the teacup carefully and presents the tea.
The most beautiful side of the cup is the front. It’s hospitable to turn the beautiful design towards the guest when presenting the tea.
To finish, Yukarun takes a photo with her sensei on the floor. The words written read ichigo ichie, meaning ‘treasure every meeting, for it will never recur.’ This moment, too, was one precious.
“This was my first time trying out the tea ceremony practices. It left a deep impression on me, so much so that I wanted to start commuting to the class. I think that by carefully learning each and every gesture, you can make the movements in your everyday life beautiful too. Hospitality is the basis, so you naturally come to handle things preciously, including yourself, your guest and the tools in your hands. It means you can mature as a person and it seems like an opportunity you can use in various places in your life!”
■Information
MOSHI MOSHI Kimono Salon Produced by YUMENOYA
Address: 1F, MOSHI MOSHI BOX Harajuku Sight Seeing Bureau, 3-23-5, Jinguma, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Business hours: 10:00 to 18:00
Fixed holiday: None
Contact: yumenoya.harajuku@gmail.com
URL：https://www.tokyo-samurai.com/blank
WAnocoto
Address: Chuo Coffee Honsha Bldg. 2F, 3-5-9 Kita-Aoyama, Minato, Tokyo
TEL: 03-3772-6663
Opening Hours: 10:30am-6:00pm
Website: http://www.wanocoto.com/lesson/sado-index.html
Beginner lessons are approximately 60-minutes and cost ¥2000 (+tax). As long as you have white socks, you can wear ordinary clothes to the lesson. Everything you need can be lent out on site. For full details, check the homepage.
■PROFILE
SILENT SIREN is a four-member all-female band consisting of vocalist & guitarist Sumire “Suu” Yoshida, drummer Hinako “Hinanchu” Umemura, bassist Aina “Ainyan” Yamauchi, keyboardist Yukako “Yukarun” Kurosaka. The band were founded in 2010 by Umemura and Yoshida who are former models. In 2015, they performed their first solo concert at Nippon Budokan, making them the fastest Japanese all-female band in history to perform there after their major debut. Their album GIRLS POWER is selling to huge success. For the latest information, head on over to their official website: http://silent-siren.com/
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Sai Sai Jaran Jaran is an official series here on MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON where the members of all-female band SILEN SIREN leave it to their curiosity to visit different hot spots in Japan. From this second installment onwards, the members will each individually visit the places they’re interested in going.
Our top batter for #2 is the band’s leader and drummer, Hinanchu. She was born in Tokyo, but she realised there are so many streets in the capital she has never visited before. So she took it upon herself to head to Tsukishima which is somewhere not that familiar to her.
The first stop she happened upon was Sumiyoshi Shrine. Going to shrines is a regular hobby for Hinanchu; when the band heads on tour in Japan, she finds herself visiting shrines of each region as a morning activity. Sumiyoshi Shrine is located in Tsukudajima which is within walking distance of Tsukishima.
Being located in Tsukudajima―which is known as the birthplace of tsukudani, or food boiled down in soy―the shrine was situated at the entrance of a port during the Edo Period. It gained faith amongst many people including those in the shipping industry and wholesale stores associated with them as a holy place for security and protection at sea.
Whenever Hinanchu goes to a shrine she always collections a goshuin shrine stamp for her goshuincho stamp book which she brought on this visit too!
Her stamp book began at Ise Grand Shrine which she visited with her spirituality fortune-teller friend CHIE. She collected two stamps on this trip: one for Sumiyoshi Shrine and one for Ryuu Shrine which was in close proximity.
Hinanchu never fails to get herself an omikuji when she goes to a shrine, which are strips of paper that tell your fortune. “It’s good to pray for what you wish for when opening an omikuji,” she kindly taught us.
Right now, she’s thinking of moving house, so she asked the question in her mind whether it’s a good idea to move or not while opening her fortune.
Her result was chu-kichi, or ‘Middle Blessing,’ which is only one off the highest good fortune. Regarding whether to move or not, the fortune gave her a subtle answer: she can if she likes but there’s no rush. Perhaps it’s not time to move yet?
■Information
Sumiyoshi Shrine
TEL: 03-5548-1508
Address: 1-1-14 Tsukuda, Chuo, Tokyo
Opening Hours: 08:00-17:00 (until 16:30 from October 1 to February 28)
Website: http://www.sumiyoshijinja.or.jp
After finishing up at the shrine, the next place on the list was Tsukishima Monja Street. Tsukishima has a staggering 75 shops serving monja (also monjayaki), which is a pan-fried batter made with various ingredients.
The restaurant Hinanchu stopped by was Okame Hyottoko. Okame are popular monja makers, boasting three shops in Tsukishima. They order in fresh ingredients from markets and serve up classic monja and monja with a twist.
Sauces and mayonnaise aren’t Hinanchu’s strong point. Although she was born in Tokyo, she’s very rarely eaten monja before. Her aim on this trip is to become able to explain to people exactly what monja is all about!
She begins making her monja.
She ordered the ‘Mochi Mentaiko’ (¥1,400). When cooking monja, you first lay out your ingredients on the iron plate and then chop up the vegetables with spatulas. “I bet people skilled at making monja are popular,” she comments. You’re plenty popular!
After spreading the ingredients out into a round shape, you form a well in the middle and pour in your batter. Hinanchu performed skillfully without ripping the well! Next, you fry it as it is, and once it’s browned you’re done.
Add cheese to make it stringy. Delicious♡
She also had fun challenging herself to frying the ‘Mix Ten’ okonomiyaki (¥1,100). It’s quite a skill to execute.
They also have Salted Beef Ribs (¥1,200) and Beef Tan Butter (¥1,200) on the teppanyaki menu too.
Meat is Hinanchu’s favourite kind of food, so she was very excited!
Okame cater to customers from around the world with their multilingual menus. You can get a menu in English, Chinese, Korean, French, Italian, Spanish, German, Thai, Vietnamese, and Indonesian. They even have free Wi-Fi which travelers and tourists in Japan will be happy with.
Hinanchu was very satisfied getting to eat so much! So, can you explain what monja are now?
“Monja is a food to make with people in a circle and add ingredients you want to eat. It was a wonderful dish that will have you getting along with someone through that joint-effort!”
“Tsukishima is a town I haven’t visited that much even though I live in Tokyo. When my foreign friends come I want to take them there!” exclaims Hinanchu. The Tsukishima trip ended with much satisfaction and a full belly.
Look forward to the next installment of Sai Sai Jaran Jaran. Which member will it be next and where will they be going?
■Information
Okame Hyottoko
Address: 3-8-10 Tsukishima, Chuo, Tokyo
TEL: 03-3531-3500
Opening Hours: 11:00-22:30 (L.O.22:00)
Closed: Mondays (Unless a national holiday, in which case it will be closed the following day)
Website: http://www.monjya-okame.jp
■PROFILE
SILENT SIREN
SILENT SIREN is a four-member all-female band consisting of vocalist & guitarist Sumire “Suu” Yoshida, drummer Hinako “Hinanchu” Umemura, bassist Aina “Ainyan” Yamauchi, keyboardist Yukako “Yukarun” Kurosaka. The band were founded in 2010 by Umemura and Yoshida who are former models. In 2015, they performed their first solo concert at Nippon Budokan, making them the fastest Japanese all-female band in history to perform there after their major debut. Their album GIRLS POWER is selling to huge success. For the latest information, head on over to their official website: http://silent-siren.com/
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All-female band SILENT SIREN announced a new article feature on MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON in February. In this new series they leave it to their curiosity and visit different hot spots in Japan. For the first entry, they headed to Dancing Crab, a popular restaurant where you can enjoy eating seafood with your hands. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to call this place an‘eating attraction’!
Before sitting down to eat the food, wash your hands with the handwash machine in the restaurant. The machine is decorated with a pink coloured ribbon curtain(until 4/15) and serves as a premonition of the ‘eating festival’ that’s about to start.
Upon arriving at their seats, the nimble staff quickly laid out a sheet which bears the restaurant’s logo. The rolled paper sheets do not make everything look disorderly – they conceal the table in an instant. There’s a thrilling feeling to it as if watching some kind of magic show. Plates do not arrive. Instead, this sheet is where each piece of food will be placed!
When the drinks arrived, the lights dimmed, and high-tension music began playing. It was as if something was about to happen – all four of them had bewildered looks on their faces. When the lights changed do something like that of being in a club, the staff member, dressed in a skirt, suddenly turned into a dancer and began performing. The customers and staff become one, and for just this one moment, everybody in there became party people! Dance time strikes once every hour, so if you’re there you’ll definitely be able to experience it. In any case, their dancing was agile and skillful.
SILENT SIREN raised their drinks and enjoyed the dance too. Their pre-meal mood rose to excitement.
Suu: “The sudden performance surrounded the customers and really took me by surprise, but it felt like I was at a diner overseas.”
Ainyan: “They have crab headbands too! Besides the food the entertainment is exciting as well.”
The staff gave a high-five and came to the table.
Yukarun: “It’s like enjoying an attraction!”
Hinanchu: “You can share a fun and exciting time together so being at a table with friends will deepen your relationship more.”
After dance time, the first item of the lunch course arrived – a classic Caeser salad. Cheese is sprinkled all over.
Time to eat!
Of course, the salad is eaten by hand too.
Yukarun: “It might be easier to eat with your hands than with a fork. Perhaps it’s because the lettuce is big, so it’s easy to grab.”
The lettuce even looks crunchy. Biting into it lets out a crisp sound.
The lunch menu set comes with pasta, potatoes and all-you-can eat bread. Today’s bread comes in two flavours: plain and garlic. Flavors change depends on the day. Everything is brought to tables on a serving trolley by stuff carrying. It even came with soup.
Then, the main dish arrived! The combo bag for the lunch meal “Ichioshi! Zeitaku Zuwaigani Course” (¥2,778) is released excitingly onto the table from a vinyl bag. Steam rose into the air together with a hearty fragrance of seafood and spicy sauce. Each of the members clapped involuntarily as their five senses were tickled.
There are 4 kinds of sauce. They went with the popular signature sauce. It’s an original Cajun sauce combination of onion, garlic and Cajun spice infused tomato puree mixed with fish sauce (the secret ingredient).
All that’s left was to tuck in. Yukarun was fixated on Suu who took apart the crab with real skill.
Yukarun: “Mm! It’s quite hot, isn’t it?”
Ainyan: “Look, look. My hands are covered in sauce (laughs). I wanna go back to being a kid again.”
As well as snow crab, they also include milky crab and watarigani. The variety of crabs change each time.
Hinanchu: “I wonder what kind of crab this is?”
Just when they thought the seafood they’d be eating with their hands would be cool, it actually arrived piping hot!
Suu: “Hot! But it’s nicer like that, isn’t it?”
Biting into the crab wildly!
Yukarun: “Amazingly delicious♪”
Ainyan and the crab’s looong legs!
Eating the bread, pasta and potatoes together with sauce makes it taste good! As well as crab there was also thickly sliced prawns, octopus, mussels, corn, potatoes, carrots, and bacon. This is the restaurant’s way of filling you up so that you don’t grow tired of just eating seafood.
There isn’t just seafood though. They also ordered a portion of friend pepper chicken (¥640).
The juicy meat melts as it enters your mouth.
The members were totally immersed in their extraordinary day of eating food by hand. They were fully concentrated on peeling the skin of the crab!
“Thank you for the delicious meal!”
At the start, the four members were surprised and timid when eating, but they soon opened up and by the end of it all, they weren’t at all bothered about their sauce-soaked fingers, they tucked into their food, engrossed. The exciting experience raised SILENT SIREN’s friendship. Where will they head to next? Look forward to the next entry!
■Information
DANCING CRAB Tokyo
Address: Shinjuku NOWA Bldg. 2F, Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
TEL: 03-6380-5151
Opening Hours: Lunch 11:30-15:30 (Last Orders 15:00) / Dinner 17:00-23:30 (Last Orders 22:30)
No Fixed Holidays.
Website: http://dancingcrab.jp
■PLOFILE
SILENT SIRENSILENT SIREN is a four-member all-female band consisting of vocalist & guitarist Sumire “Suu” Yoshida, drummer Hinako “Hinanchu” Umemura, bassist Aina “Ainyan” Yamauchi, keyboardist Yukako “Yukarun” Kurosaka. The band were founded in 2010 by Umemura and Yoshida who are former models. In 2015, they performed their first solo concert at Nippon Budokan, making them the fastest Japanese all-female band in history to perform there after their major debut. Their album GIRLS POWER is selling to huge success. For the latest information, head on over to their official website: http://silent-siren.com/
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Four-member girls band SILENT SIREN, also known as “Sai Sai,” begin a new regular feature here on MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON! Get a rare glimpse into the band off stage in a light you’ve never seen them in before.
At first glance, this group of girls, who are also popular fashion leaders, are seemingly just cute and sweet girls. But when they hit the stage, they display a truly high energy performance. That gap is SILENT SIREN’s weapon, a truth well-known by fans too. With that being the case, this new article series will showcase just that – the private B-side of Sai Sai, something you normally would never get to see. For this first entry – dubbed Part 0 – we report the scene at SILENT SIREN’s meeting where they decide what the theme of this series should be!
Hinanchu: “For the first article, how about we all go and find somewhere to cover about? We’d be able to refresh ourselves.”
Suu: “Yeah. We’ll make a plan, go somewhere together. It’ll be like celebrating our birthdays.”
Hinanchu: “We don’t have simple girly get-togethers, do we? We could do something like pick a dress code and take some Instagram pics. It might be cool to venture choosing matching outfits to wear for the places we go to in this article series.”
Ainyan: “You’re right. So, we’ll find a place that’s hot right now in Tokyo and introduce it the Sai Sai way.”
Yukarun: “People overseas will be reading too, so it might be good to plan something Japanese-y. We talked about wanting to eat breakfast in Tsukiji, right?”
Ainyan: “If we’re doing that, then I wanna wear Japanese style clothes. Since we haven’t had many opportunities to wear kimono together either. We can take some gorgeous photos!”
Hinanchu: “Sounds good. We could also go to a coffee shop wearing retro style fashion!”
Yukarun: “Retro fashion? That could be something new. Us all wearing shirtdresses and glasses.”
Suu: “That’ll bring out a different vibe for Sai Sai than usual. The theme’s easy to understand. If we do something active, I wanna play ping pong.”
Ainyan: “Retro style ping pong, that’s a thing, right? Should we go then? We can wear a reddish-brown jersey, too (laughs).”
Hinanchu: “What else. How about Spocha? On TV we did some unusual kind of yoga.”
Yukarun: “That’s right! Aerial yoga. You use a cloth suspended from the ceiling like a swing and move your whole body. That was fun.”
Suu: “I’m interested in ice skating too. There’s ice rinks you can skate at all year round, not just in winter. We could skate at an ecological synthetic ice rank or something.”
Ainyan: “You all love exercise, don’t you? Do you remember we did bouldering too?”
Suu: “It really hurt my muscles, but I was glad I did it!”
Ainyan: “Yukarun, you were pretty good at bouldering.”
Yukarun: “Huh? I was no good at all (laughs).”
Ainyan: “Oh, really? It might be cool if we have a fun article where we go all out with exercise. That, or maybe we could handmake something. We experienced doing tie-dye from Thailand. The bright colours and gorgeous dye really left an impression on me.”
Suu: “Yeah, that was so worth it!”
Ainyan: “I want to try ceramics too. You can even actually use the things you make for yourself. Flower arranging too. We talked about wearing kimono earlier. How about combining that with flower arranging? It’s very Japanese, and something people overseas might be interested in! By the way, what should the title be? What sounds us?”
Hinanchu: “Sai Sai Sanpo? Nah, that doesn’t stick… Sai Sai Jaran Jaran!”
Suu: “What does jaran mean?”
Hinanchu: “It’s Indonesian and means ‘to stroll.’ In this series we’re all together, and each of us go to different places, right? It sounds good too. The meaning will get across to the people of Indonesia (laughs).”
Yukarun: “Right, so one plan can be to wear an Indonesian style outfit to go and eat Indonesian food!”
Suu: “Yeah, our commemorative first entry can be to eat delicious food and be happy! Ah, I wanna eat bakso!”
Hinanchu: “If we ever go to Indonesia, we absolutely have to go and eat our favourite Indonesian food! Those meatballs taste so good! Are there any restaurants in Japan where you can eat bakso?”
Ainyan: “I think the boom is coming even to Japan. That, or we can go to a place where we eat with our hands! They have those kind of restaurants, don’t they?”
Suu: “I know what you mean! It’d be fun if we can experience that kind of food culture in Japan.”
Hinanchu: “We still have a long way to go with this series!”
Yurukan: “I’m looking forward to seeing what kind of plans we put to action!”
Ainyan: “Look forward to the next entry!”
■PROFILE
SILENT SIREN
SILENT SIREN is a four-member all-female band consisting of vocalist & guitarist Sumire “Suu” Yoshida, drummer Hinako “Hinanchu” Umemura, bassist Aina “Ainyan” Yamauchi, keyboardist Yukako “Yukarun” Kurosaka. The band were founded in 2010 by Umemura and Yoshida who are former models. In 2015, they performed their first solo concert at Nippon Budokan, making them the fastest Japanese all-female band in history to perform there after their major debut. Their album GIRLS POWER is selling to huge success. For the latest information, head on over to their official website: http://silent-siren.com/
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CANDY TUNE, the newest idol group from KAWAII LAB., just debuted in March. On April 7, the girls released their first single, TUNE MY WAY.
The song promises that just as candy comes in many flavors and shapes, each member of CANDY TUNE will let their individuality shine through more going forward. TUNE MY WAY is an avant-garde rock dance number that is sure to impress new fans.
The track was produced by Naoki Kubo, a former member of SILENT SIREN and the sound producer for SILENT SIREN’s songs. TUNE MY WAY marks a complete change from the two songs Kubo provided for CANDY TUNE’s debut album, released in March. The song will be performed live for the first time at Mizuki Kirihara and Natsu Minami’s Birthday Festival to be held on April 8 at KeyStudio Shinjuku.
CANDY TUNE will hold its first solo live concert at Spotify O-WEST on June 27. Since their debut only a month ago, the group has received several offers to perform at upcoming idol events, making them a group to watch!
Information
<Release Information>
TUNE MY WAY – CANDY TUNE (1st Digital Single)
Release Date: April 7, 2023
Streaming Links: https://KAWAIILAB.lnk.to/TMWTracklist:
1. TUNE MY WAY
2. TUNE MY WAY -Instrumental-<Additional Streaming Information>
CANDY TUNE – CANDY TUNE (1st Digital Album)
Streaming Date: March 7, 2023
Streaming URL: https://kawaiilab.lnk.to/CANDYTUNE
Available on all major streaming services and music download sites<Event Information>
Mizuki Kirihara/Natsu Minami Birthday Festival
Date: April 8, 2023
Venue: Shinjuku KeyStudio
Time: Doors Open at 12:00 / Show Starts at 13:00 / VIP Event Ends at 16:30
Tickets: https://t.livepocket.jp/e/kiri-natsu
CANDY TUNE’s First Solo Concert
Date: June 27, 2023
Venue: Spotify O-WEST
Time: Doors Open at 17:30 / Show Starts at 18:30
Tickets: https://l-tike.com/candytune/
Second Round of Presale Tickets available: 4/7 at 12:00 ~ 4/16 at 23:59 -
SILENT SIREN will release two all-time best albums on December 15, and the song list for all 64 tracks have been uploaded to the special release website! The group has also found popularity abroad, so this release won’t be something to miss if you’re a fan.
Trailer
The fan club will also release 3,131 sets of the ‘SILENT SIREN PREMIUM BOX – 11 Years of HIstory.’ These are selling quickly, and those able to grab one will also get extra merchandise and bonuses.
The group will hold their final LIVE TOUR 2021 ‘FAMILIA’ performance on December 30 before going on hiatus. Naoki Kubo, the band’s sound producer since before their debut, will be on stage as a guitarist for the show. Shinji Matsuda of THE BACK HORN will be the support drummer for the Fukushima and Osaka shows, and Yu Watanabe for the Nagoya and Tokyo shows.
Information
ALL TIME BEST ALBUM「SILENT」
2-CD Set: ¥3,444 (Tax Included)
ALL TIME BEST ALBUM「SIREN」
2-CD Set: ¥3,444 (Tax Included)
Special Site: https://sp.universal-music.co.jp/silentsiren/silent_siren/
SILENT SIREN End-of-the-Year Special LIVE TOUR 2021 ‘FAMILIA’
https://silent-siren.com/ticket/livetour2021_familia/
SILENT SIREN Official Site: http://silent-siren.com/
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Sai Sai Jaran Jaran #11: SILENT SIREN’s Yukarun Tries Fruit Cutting for the First Time at Nakano’s Fruit Academy
Sai Sai Jaran Jaran is a featured series here on MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON from the members of the all-female band SILENT SIREN (aka Sai Sai) who visit various hot spots in Japan and experience different things, the Sai Sai way.
In Episode #11, SILENT SIREN’s keyboardist Yukarun will try her hand at decorative fruit cutting, something she’s always wanted to try. The musician, who enjoys munching on fruits every single day, traveled to Nakano to take a trial lesson at the Fruit Academy.
Fruit cutting is the art of cutting different fruits into pieces that are both beautiful to look at and easy to eat. At the Fruit Academy, visitors can take different courses in fruit cutting from beginner to advanced, the latter including more artistic techniques. One-day trial lessons are available for beginners, so it’s easy to give it a try.
Bring your favorite apron, put it on, and you’re ready to start your fruit cutting experience!
Fruit and a small knife are provided. Today, the teacher is explaining how to prepare an incredible fruit platter.
Boat-Cut Pineapple
The lesson begins with pineapple, which has been cut into eighths. Placing the skin side down, insert the knife just under the harder core and cut along it. When you reach the end, cut along the skin, leaving the center hollow. Removing the hollowed-out fruit, cut it into bite-sized pieces, and simply place those pieces back in. Alternate pulling each piece out to the left or right, and then…
Voila, the boat-cut pineapple is ready! By holding the pineapple vertically, the pieces won’t fall out.
Kiwi and Fig Wedges
Remove the stem and the core from the kiwi and cut into six equal wedges. Cut the wedges diagonally to make a sharp corner. Place the kiwi skin side down, and insert the knife along the skin. While keeping the blade against the cutting board, move the fruit around so that the skin peels cleanly and evenly. Cut the figs into wedges and peel them the same way.
Grapefruit Cup
Cut the grapefruit in half and remove the bottom. Placing the grapefruit on its side, insert the knife and hollow out the pulp while carefully rotating the fruit. Place the previously removed bottom piece into the center to make a cup. Scrape off the white parts of the pulp and cut it into bite-sized pieces.
Serve the pieces in the newly made cup for a gorgeous treat!
Cutting Shine Muscat (Grapes)
While it’s completely fine to eat these grapes whole, cutting them brings out more of their natural sweetness. After cutting off any stems, cut lengthwise with force. It’s easy to get a clean and crisp cut. Yukarun couldn’t help but look a little smug!
Flower-Cut Piones (Grapes)
To peel these purple grapes, carve the skin on the wider side with a cross. Peeling these four sides back, the fruit becomes a flower! Play with these pieces gently to really make them stand out, and when you’re ready, stick a toothpick in the backside and place it anywhere you like for a tasty decoration.
Leaf-cut Apple
After cutting the apple in half and then into thirds, insert a knife into the edge of the skin side and make a slit, tilting the knife back and forth like a seesaw. Turn the apple over and make a cut on the other side, eventually connecting them. Repeat this step a few times. Finally, stack the pieces on top of each other and play with them until they resemble a fall leaf!
Apple Carving
Finally, the fruit carving begins! Actually, fruit carving is a traditional craft from Thailand, with these decorative pieces often prepared for entertainment and hospitality. This specially-shaped carving knife is held and used just like a pen.
Cut an apple into six pieces. Then, cut horizontally and vertically across the skin. Insert the tip of the blade into one of these cross-sections and carefully remove pieces of skin in an alternating pattern. When you’re finished, you’ll be left with a gorgeous grid pattern!
Placing all of the fruits she prepared onto a platter, Yukarun’s work is done! The trick to fruit cutting is to make sure that each cut is precise and sharp. By lining up the pieces with the sharper edges facing outward, the finished product looks like it was made by a pro!
The teacher commented that Yukarun did a great job for her first-ever fruit cutting attempt, and praised her proper technique. So, how did you like it?
“I’ve been wanting to give this a try forever, and it was a blast! It was great to learn how to peel certain fruits to make them taste even better. I can’t wait to try this at home! Even before digging in, the way it looks just puts me in a good mood. My favorite part was carving the apples, so I’ll keep practicing until I’m a pro!” (Yukarun)
Yukarun had such a great time, she bought a carving knife on her way home. If you’d like to give it a try, be sure to stop by the Fruit Academy for a trial lesson!
Photo: Haruka Yamamoto
Text: Sayoko Ishii
Information
SILENT SIREN
SILENT SIREN is a four-member all-female band consisting of vocalist & guitarist Sumire “Suu” Yoshida, drummer Hinako “Hinanchu” Umemura, bassist Aina “Ainyan” Yamauchi, keyboardist Yukako “Yukarun” Kurosaka. The band was founded in 2010 by Umemura and Yoshida who are former models. In 2015, they performed their first solo concert at Nippon Budokan, making them the fastest Japanese all-female band in history to perform there after their major debut. They celebrated their 10th anniversary in 2020. Yukarun also launched an apparel brand ‘jour de muguet’ in 2020. See the band’s website for more details: http://silent-siren.com/
Fruit Academy
Address: #5 Hirano Building 1F (3-1-16 Saginomiya, Nakano-ku, Tokyo)
Phone: 03-3337-0351
Cost for Trial Lesson (60 minutes): ¥6,600 (Tax and Materials Included)
Official Site: http://fruitacademy.jp
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Last Thursday, SILENT SIREN performed at LINE CUBE SHIBUYA in Tokyo for Symphonic Concert 2021, a special collaboration show with the Tokyo New City Orchestra who have performed with countless international opera singers, international ballet groups, with the Paris Opera Ballet, and more.
The concert was held with a live audience and saw SILENT SIREN perform with the 50 orchestra members. During the show, SILENT SIREN announced a new date for their 10th anniversary concert which had to be cancelled last year due to COVID-19. The new date is scheduled for September 25 and the venue is Hibiya Open Air Concert Hall in Tokyo.
SILENT SIREN Kirara Revenge ~Sai Sai 10th Anniversary Festival~
Premium pre-sale tickets are now available exclusively to members of the official SILENT SIREN fan club, Sai Sai Family.
Photo：Makiko Takada
Information
SILENT SIREN Kirara Revenge ~Sai Sai 10th Anniversary Festival~
Japanese Concert Title: SILENT SIREN きららリベンジ〜サイサイ10歳祭〜
Date: September 25, 2021
Venue: Hibiya Open Air Concert Hall
Time: Open 17:00 / Start 18:00
Fan Club Pre-Sale Ticket Window: June 17, 2021 – June 27, 2021
Concert Details: https://silent-siren.com/ticket/kirararevenge-ss10th/
SILENT SIREN Official Website: http://silent-siren.com/
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Sai Sai Jaran Jaran is a featured series here on MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON from the members of the all-female band SILEN SIREN (aka Sai Sai) who visit various hot spots in Japan and experience different things, the Sai Sai way.
In Episode #10, SILENT SIREN drummer Hinanchu wanted to go and stay at a hotel in Tokyo, so she decided to take a trip to sequence MIYASHITA PARK, a new hotel inside Shibuya’s new landmark shopping complex MIYASHITA PARK which itself opened in August 2020.
The newly-reborn MIYASHITA PARK is a four-storey shopping complex with stores located on the first three floors and the top floor being home to the park. The park houses a range of exercise and sports sites like a skate park and bouldering wall as well as the green area and even a Starbucks. This park is so spacious that it’s easy to forget it’s right next to busy Shibuya Station. It has been open for three months now and is already adored by the community.
sequence MIYASHITA PARK is an 18-storey hotel that stands on the north side of MIYASHITA PARK. It can even be accessed from the complex’s fourth floor park which leads visitors to the lobby lounge. The park side of the hotel is also home to a cafe called VALLEY PARK STAND.
VALLEY PARK STAND can be used by non-guests at the hotel too and is open from morning to night time. The windows tower from the floor to the ceiling, allowing plenty of natural light into the cafe. There’s plenty of seating areas with table seats, sofas, and benches.
MIYA PITA CHICKEN SHAWARMA ¥900 | FRENCH FRIES & COCKTAIL COMBO ¥800 (Tax Included)
VALLEY PARK STAND is a cafe themed on a fictitious valley park, acting as one big park situated in the middle of bustling Shibuya. Adventuring through the valley park is best done with one of the cafe’s signature “MIYA PITA” pita sandwiches in hand.
The cafe offers a selection of coffees, pastries, and pitas for lunch and breakfast. In the evenings, customers can switch to the bar to enjoy something alcoholic. Their original craft cocktails are very popular and are made by a bartender who honed their craft while working in New York.
Hinanchu ordered the “Park & Pomegranate Bellini.” Normally hotel cocktails are small, but the ones served at VALLEY PARK STAND are much more generous.
The cafe even sell their own merchandise, from mugs to tumblers and even picnic blankets so you can have a picnic in MIYASHITA PARK if the weather calls for it!
For more information about VALLEY PARK STAND, check out our full breakdown here.
VALLEY PARK STAND
Address: sequence MIYASHITA PARK 4F, 6-20-10 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo
Opening Hours: 7:30-23:00 (Last Orders 22:30)
TEL: 03-6712-5442Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valleyparkstand/
The hotel check-in lounge can be found on fourth floor, the same as VALLEY PARK STAND. Check-in uses a new unmanned self-service system so all you need to do is follow the instructions.
Guest rooms are simple but the furniture and fixtures are of high quality. Hinanchu stayed in the 4-person “BUNK BED 4” room. Prices vary depending on the season, but it can cost less than ¥5,000 for one person to stay in a 4-person room which is a bargain!
The wide windows in guest rooms look out across MIYASHITA PARK. Depending on the hotel room you’re in, you’ll also be able to see landmarks like Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Skytree. The windows also read “Hi, TOKYO!” on them which makes for the perfect photo opportunity.
All rooms are also fitted with reading material by young authors. If you scan the QR code next to their piece, you can learn more about them and even make a donation.
Check-in is at 17:00 and check-out is 14:00 so guests can enjoy their stay leading into the early afternoon of the next day. The MIYASHITA PARK shops open at 11:00, so after checking-out, guests can go straight to shopping or lunch.
So, how did you find MIYASHITA PARK, Hinanchu?
“I’ve always lived in Tokyo, so I never imagined I’d stay in Shibuya, but you can really feel like a queen staying here! Despite it being smack bang in the middle of Tokyo, it’s right next to the park which feels good. I definitely recommend it to those who live in rural areas that want to come and play in Tokyo since places like Shibuya and Harajuku are close by. The hotel is littered with art and stylish design, so it’s not simply a stay but a creative experience too which I think will be popular with foreigners. I want to come here again on my own for a relaxing time!”
On the fifth floor of the hotel is the restaurant and bar Dōngxī Restaurant & Sakaba which offers both breakfast, and dinner. The new entertainment restaurant and bar SOAK is also opening on November 13.
If you’re thinking of staying in Tokyo or Shibuya, be sure to look up sequence MIYASHITA PARK.
Photo: Kayo Sekiguchi
Text: Sayoko IshiiTranslation: Joshua Kitosi-Isanga
SILENT SIREN
SILENT SIREN is a four-member all-female band consisting of vocalist & guitarist Sumire “Suu” Yoshida, drummer Hinako “Hinanchu” Umemura, bassist Aina “Ainyan” Yamauchi, keyboardist Yukako “Yukarun” Kurosaka. In 2015, they performed their first solo concert at Nippon Budokan, making them the fastest Japanese all-female band in history to perform there since making their major debut. In April this year, they launched their own YouTube channel called “Sai Sai Channel.” They released their 7th album mix10th on September 2, 2020. The band celebrated their 10th anniversary with a special live performance at Yamanakako Communication Plaza Kirara on September 20, 2020. For the latest information on SILENT SIREN, visit their official website here: http://silent-siren.com/
Information
sequence MIYASHITA PARK
Address: 6-20-10 Jingumae, Shibuya, TokyoTEL: 03-5468-6131
Official Website: https://www.sequencehotels.com/miyashita-park
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SILENT SIREN dropped their 10th anniversary album mix10th digitally on Tuesday, and the hotly-anticipated record finally hit shelves physically on Wednesday (September 2).
The band released a new music video for their song she which was written and composed by SILENT SIREN vocalist and guitarist Suu, who wrote the track when visiting Los Angeles at the start of the year on her break while overlooking Santa Monica beach. The video is a melancholic solo performance by Suu on acoustic guitar, imagined underwater.
mix10th album cover art by up-and-coming illustrator Hime
SILENT SIREN have received congratulations for their 10th anniversary from all corners of the industry, from fans to musicians, idols, comedians, YouTubers, and other supporters of Sai Sai. Here’s to another 10 successful years.
Information
mix10th
Release Date: September 2, 2020
First Press Limited Edition (CD+DVD+Photo Book): ¥4,950 (Tax Included) [UPCH-29364]
Regular Edition (CD-Only): ¥3,300 (Tax Included) [UPCH-20550]
Fan Club Edition (CD+DVD+Sai Sai Picture Book+Bottle): ¥7,150 (Tax Included) [D2CN-1577]
SILENT SIREN 10th Anniversary Website: https://ss10th.com
SILENT SIREN Official Website: http://silent-siren.com/
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SILENT SIREN have released their new music video for Tenohira. The song was written and composed by band bassist Ainyan and features on their upcoming 10th anniversary album mix10th which will be released on September 2, 2020.
The illustration in the music video is included in the 48-page picture book featured with fan club editions of the upcoming album. The piece, which celebrates the band’s 10 years together, was drawn by Ainyan and is titled Yakusoku (Promise). Ainyan is an avid illustrator who made her artist debut with her book Nyan Nyan Nyanta no Daihenshin which won the first CHICORA BOOKS Character Picture Book Award.
SILENT SIREN are set to release their new song Answer on music streaming and download platforms on August 7 in the lead up to the anniversary album. On the same day, their performance for their special mix10th live stream will be archived on LINE MUSIC.
Information
mix10th
Release Date: September 2, 2020
First Press Limited Edition (CD+DVD+Photo Book): ¥4,950 (Tax Included) [UPCH-29364]
Regular Edition (CD-Only): ¥3,300 (Tax Included) [UPCH-20550]
Fan Club Edition (CD+DVD+Sai Sai Picture Book+Bottle): ¥7,150 (Tax Included) [D2CN-1577]
SILENT SIREN 10th Anniversary Website: https://ss10th.com
SILENT SIREN Official Website: http://silent-siren.com/
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Sai Sai Jaran Jaran #9: SILENT SIREN’s Suu Makes Her Own Senbei Rice Crackers at Soka Senbei Garden in Saitama
Sai Sai Jaran Jaran is a featured series here on MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON from the members of the all-female band SILEN SIREN (aka Sai Sai) who visit various hot spots in Japan and experience different things, the Sai Sai way.
In this long-awaited next entry to Sai Sai Jaran Jaran, Suu tries her hand at making senbei rice crackers, something which she has been wanting to do. She paid a visit to Soka Senbei Garden in Soka, Saitama, a place famous for senbei.
Let’s get straight to it! Inside the facility is an area for people to experience making their own homemade senbei. You don’t have to book a space in advance either to make the senbei. It costs just ¥500 per person (before tax) to get involved. They even lend you a happi coat free of charge to put you in the Japanese chef mood even more.
They have everything you need for making the perfect senbei including griddles, sauce, tongs, brushes, and a press.
To begin, you pick up the senbei dough with the tongs and place it on top of the griddle.
After three seconds on the heat, flip the dough over. Then it’s a matter of rise and repeat until it’s fully cooked. As it cooks, the dough will continue to rise.
Once cooked and risen, take the press and push down on the senbei for one second. You don’t need to worry about the senbei breaking or cracking—put your back into it and push down with some force to flatten it out.
Once the senbei has hardened, remove the press and flip it again after four seconds, then go in for another press. Do this multiple times too until your senbei takes on shape and a nice brown colour, but make sure it doesn’t burn!
Once both sides are browned, the senbei is ready.
Next, lay it on the tray next to the griddle, pour over the sauce, and leave it to dry. This tare sauce has dashi in it, so the senbei becomes a rich soy sauce senbei.
“It’s crunchy and delicious when it’s cooked fresh,” said Suu, who took no time at all to have a bite of her senbei. “The dashi really works for the flavour of the tare.”
You can also put your senbei in a little bag to take away with you. “The senbei began to rise really suddenly which took me by surprise and got me in a fluster, but it was a lot of fun going through the process of making one from that thin dough,” said Suu.
Soka Senbei Garden also has its own garden cafe. The most popular item on the menu is the “Soka Senbei Soft Cream,” a soft serve ice cream that has senbei tare in it and is topped with a senbei. You won’t find a soy sauce flavoured ice cream like this anywhere else. The ice cream costs ¥350 (before tax) when order to have in.
At the end of her time there, Suu went to check out the senbei souvenirs. The shop sells over 80 kinds of senbei and Japanese confections, including their classic Soka Senbei. You’ll feel like a kid in a candy store spoilt for choice!
The staff can explain each senbei to you so you know what you’re buying.
Some of the shop’s recommendations are the white chocolate-filled “Soka Senbei Choco” and “Golden Smile” (both ¥600 before tax). The sweet taste of the chocolate combined with the saltiness of the senbei is a match made in heaven. Suu got to try one herself. “It’s a bit like crunchy chocolate, but you can really taste that authentic senbei flavour. It’s a fresh take!”
The “Golden Smile” has a chocolate base and is smooth, while the “Soka Senbei Choco” has a crunchy texture.
The one that caught Suu’s attention was the crunchy “Okoge Senbei” which is made with scorched rice. The staff member told Suu that this one makes for a great breakfast when dipped in soup.
The shop sells all kinds of okoge senbei, including the normal one, sakura shrimp, and more (all ¥390 before tax).
ーーHow was your time at Soka Senbei Garden, Suu-chan?
“This was my first time making my own senbei from scratch. I had a lot of fun! The staff were really kind, they teach you a bunch of different things. It’s a really fun time, so be sure to give it a try yourselves too.”
Suu bought some senbei souvenirs for her fellow band members and headed back on the road home.
SILENT SIREN’s Suu Makes Her Own Senbei Rice Crackers
SILENT SIREN
SILENT SIREN is a four-member all-female band consisting of vocalist & guitarist Sumire “Suu” Yoshida, drummer Hinako “Hinanchu” Umemura, bassist Aina “Ainyan” Yamauchi, keyboardist Yukako “Yukarun” Kurosaka. In 2015, they performed their first solo concert at Nippon Budokan, making them the fastest Japanese all-female band in history to perform there after their major debut. In April this year, they launched their own YouTube channel called “Sai Sai Channel.” They will release their 7th album mix10th on September 2, 2020. On September 20, 2020, they will celebrate their 10th anniversary with a special live performance at Yamanakako Communication Plaza Kirara. For the latest information on SILENT SIREN, visit their official website here: http://silent-siren.com/
Information
Soka Senbei Garden
TEL: 048-942-1000
Address: 790-2 Kinmeichō, Sōka, Saitama
Opening Hours: 10:00-18:00 (Cafe/Seibei class last orders 17:30)No Fixed Holidays
Official Website: http://www.yamakosenbei.co.jp/?page_id=91
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Here at MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON, we post news and information about Japan in six languages. Our aim is to deliver a variety of content related to Japan for those who love and enjoy Japanese culture.
Right now, people across the globe are in self-isolation as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. The same goes for Japan too, so we’ve taken this opportunity to create a new series on the website to show how we’re spending time at home here in Japan. The future is yet uncertain, and we hope for normality to return for all of us soon. We created a new articles series called Stay Home with which we hope to take your mind off the situation, even for just a little bit, to help you feel calmer. It might give you some tips on what you can do while spending time at home.
Today, we are joined by the members of all-girls band SILENT SIRENーwho have their own featured series here on MOSHI MOSHI NIPPONーto see how they’ve been spending their time indoors.
Stay Home With SUU
1: Smoothies Everyday
I love bananas, so I mix a bunch of them with some berries to drink♡ I wanna try making lots of different smoothies!
2: Chilling With My Pet Dog Komeko
I’ve been home a lot so Komeko is always sat with me lovingly♡
3: Reading
Since I’m at home more now, I’ve been doing lots of reading. I’ve been thinking of getting or making a new bookcase that’s bigger than the one in the photo.
What’s your secret to spending time at home?
A positive mindset! Since you’re at home, find things to do that you normally wouldn’t be able to otherwise♡
Please give a message to those reading this article
I’ve kept my spirits up by cooking at home, listening to music, watching movies, trying out different scents, and recently I’ve been rearranging the place. I think this unexpected time is the time to do things we weren’t able to before, so I want everyone to enjoy their at-home time too!
Stay Home With Hinanchu
1: Takeout From Places I Never Go
Since I can’t really go out, I’m making fun with eating, being greedy, and indulgence.
2: Changing The Mood Of My Home Entrance
Since I can’t go out, moods tend to build up when I’m home, so I’ve aired it out a little to feel refreshed.
3: Plenty Of Playtime With My Pets
My cats are great at being home alone when I’m out, but I get to play with them lots while I’m indoors, so much so that they never seem to get tired of it.
What’s your secret to spending time at home?
I’m making an environment that makes me feel refreshed, even if just a little, by rearranging my home, decluttering, and cleaning. I’ve used this opportunity to get into feng shui, so it could be fun for people to look up the directions in their house and enjoy some feng shui too.
Please give a message to those reading this article
Know that you are absolutely not alone if you’re going through a tough or lonely time. Everyone is feeling the same. So let’s all be lively and positive while we’re at home and we might just discover something new about ourselves! Another good thing to do might be to make a list of all the places you want to visit when the world returns to its peaceful self! Let’s all work together and get through this, okay?
Stay Home With Ainyan
1: Foam Roller Full Body Massage
It’s easy for your body to become stiff as you spend more time at home, so I’ve decided to loosen up everyday by massaging my armpits, thighs, and back. It hurts pretty bad since you loosen up by using your whole body weight!
2: Clearing The Veranda And Making My Own Terrace Seat
Since we can’t go outside, I’ve cleaned my room to make myself feel good and have brought the outside air indoors. I spend my time sat on the veranda relaxing and enjoying something to drink.
What’s your secret to spending time at home?
I look on social media for tips on how everyone is having fun at home and try out different things!
Please give a message to those reading this article
It’s important in these times to think about what you can do at home and enjoy it, so I want to keep on posting about what fun things I’m up to indoors too.
Stay Home With Yukarun
1: Rice Pot
I’ve always cooked rice for myself, but what I’ve been addicted to since last year is making rice in a pot! It’s super delicious and surprisingly easy to make♡
I can’t get enough of that moment of happiness when I lift the lid off the pot♡
2: Healthy Treats
Being at home so much tends to result in not getting enough exercise.
But I still want to eat a sweet treat, so I made some gluten-free scones using soy flour.
Freshly-baked scones are the flavour of happiness♡
3: Doing My Nails
Since I can’t get to a nail salon, I’m enjoying enjoying some self nail care!
Whatever I go to do I can always see my fingertips, so simply making my nails look pretty is enough to lift me up.
4: Stretches
I’m making a conscious effort to move my body as much as possible at home.
Wearing leggings that I can train in all the time at home means I can stretch right away there and then, so I definitely recommend doing the same♡
What’s your secret to spending time at home?
It’s important to enjoy the things you can do now while at home for so long, be it doing your nails, trying new makeup, so on♡
Please give a message to those reading this article
I’m sure a lot of people are feeling down right now with how life as we knew it has changed so drastically. But it’s in these times when we need to stay positive, so let’s all smile and get through this together!
Information
Suu Instagram: @sumiredooon1228
Hinanchu Instagram: @hinaofficial0313
Ainyan Instagram: @ainayamauchi3131
Yukarun Instagram: @yukakokurosaka0606
SILENT SIREN Official Website: https://silent-siren.com/
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This year marks the 10th anniversary of Japanese all-female pop rock band SILENT SIREN, and to celebrate, they are releasing a 10th anniversary album entitled mix10th. The album was originally set to hit shelves on May 13, 2020, but the band revealed on their official website that the release date has been extended to September 2, 2020.
The band members and staff posted the following comment on the official SILENT SIREN website.
For the first part of the 10th anniversary celebration, SILENT SIREN released the music video for ‘Kikasete wow wow o’ which hit 1 million views in two weeks. The song was written by Sho Kiryuin of Golden Bomber which and is already streaming and available for download. We are all thankful for the incredible response we have received from everywhere. We have also prepared the next two things for the anniversary.
However, due to the current situation as of late, we are currently unable to make those things a reality. We have arrived at the conclusion that as of right now, we are unable to deliver ‘mix10th’ to the standards we desire.
After many discussions with the band members and staff, we have made the difficult decision to delay the release date. We understand how disappointing this must be for all of the band’s fans who have so anxiously been awaiting the album’s release, but we ask kindly for your understanding.
To make up for it, we are releasing the album’s CD covers as well as details of the track list. We ask that you wait just a little bit longer for the September release. Right now, we are living in a period of patience and endurance, so let’s all ensure we conquer it. Please take good care of yourselves.
ーFrom the SILENT SIREN members and all the staff
(Comment translated from Japanese by MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON)
The album is currently available for pre-order, but orders and shipping differ between shops and online stores, so be sure to check with them before purchasing.
The album contains 13 tracks, including plenty of new songs, such as Up To You feat. Aimi from Poppin’Party which was released last year as a single.
Information
mix10th
Release Date: May 13, 2020
First Press Limited Edition (CD+DVD+Photo Book): ¥4,950 (Tax Included) [UPCH-29364]
Regular Edition (CD-Only): ¥3,300 (Tax Included) [UPCH-20550]
Fan Club Edition (CD+DVD+Sai Sai Picture Book+Bottle): ¥7,150 (Tax Included) [D2CN-1577]
SILENT SIREN 10th Anniversary Website: https://ss10th.com
SILENT SIREN Official Website: http://silent-siren.com/
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2020 marks the 10th anniversary of Japanese all-female pop rock band SILENT SIREN, and to celebrate, they are releasing a 10th anniversary album entitled mix10th on May 13, 2020.
The 13-track album will include songs such as Shigatsu no Kaze which was released digitally last year and was used as the ending theme for the virtual YouTuber drama series Watanuki-san Chi No, HERO which was also released digitally in 2019, and OVER DRIVE.
The album will be released in three versions: First Press Limited Edition, Regular Edition, and Fan Club Edition. The First Press Limited Edition is coupled with a DVD which features live highlights taken from the band’s concert “SILENT SIREN Nenmatsu Special Live 2019 HERO” which was held at Yokohama Cultural Gymnasium on December 30 last year. It also comes in a tall-size case and features a special photo book with photos of the band today, who have grown into fully-fledged adults since forming.
The Fan Club Edition also includes a DVD, but this one features a making-of the visuals for mix10th as well as an interview with the band. It also comes with the book Yakusoku written by band member Ainyan which marked her debut as and author and even took the top spot in the 1st CHICORA BOOKS Character Picture Book Publication Awards. This edition is also coupled with an original 10th anniversary clear bottle.
Pre-orders for all three editions are now open. Fan Club Edition copies are limited in stock, so make sure to order yours quick if you’re part of Sai Sai’s fan club.
Silent Siren – “mix10th” Teaser Trailer
The album’s track Kikasete wow wow wo will be released digitally on March 20, 2020. The song was written by Sho Kiryuin of Golden Bomber.
Information
mix10th
Release Date: May 13, 2020
First Press Limited Edition (CD+DVD+Photo Book): ¥4,950 (Tax Included) [UPCH-29364]
Regular Edition (CD-Only): ¥3,300 (Tax Included) [UPCH-20550]
Fan Club Edition (CD+DVD+Sai Sai Picture Book+Bottle): ¥7,150 (Tax Included) [D2CN-1577]
SILENT SIREN 10th Anniversary Website: https://ss10th.com
SILENT SIREN Official Website: http://silent-siren.com/
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Sai Sai Jaran Jaran #8: SILENT SIREN’s Ainyan Becomes a Wine Connoisseur at Fukagawa Winery Tokyo in Monzennakacho
Sai Sai Jaran Jaran is a featured series here on MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON from the members of the all-female band SILEN SIREN (aka Sai Sai) who visit various hot spots in Japan and experience different things, the Sai Sai way.
Band bassist Ainyan enjoys a beer or cocktail, but she wants to step into the world of wine, so we will join her on her journey today as she goes to learn all about wine from the very basics.
It’s a clear sky today. Great weather for going for a drink during the day, am I right?
We visited Fukagawa Winery Tokyo in Monzennakacho, an area located in Shitamachi, Tokyo. We were looking forward to going there because it offers the full wine experience, allowing visitors to see wine brewing up close to learn all about it.
This experience is offered twice a day on weekends and national holidays at 14:00 and 16:00.
Fukagawa Winery Tokyo opened in Tokyo in 2016 as a winery where the ordinary person could go and see wine being made to fully understand its process. It has expanded its circulation in recent years and is now able to take in grapes from across Japan, including Tokyo, to craft many different wines.
On the day we visited we saw the staff bottling up the wine. On average, the winery ships out around 30,000 bottles a year.
The corks have illustrations of “Wine Man” on them, a character created by Fukagawa Winery Tokyo. Ainyan was fairly fond of him!
Time to see how the winery works!
When you step inside, the scent of grapes is the first thing to hit your senses.
The one in charge of Fukagawa Winery Tokyo is Kousuke Ueno, who was kind of enough to show us around. He taught us the process of wine making, as well as what types of grapes and tools they use.
“This machine separates the grapes and stalks using the propellers. This method has been used for 150 years,” explained Ueno.
There are periods when visitors can observe this machine being used to separate the grapes. It takes place between mid-August to November, so follow Fukagawa Winery Tokyo’s social media for announcements and details.
“Wow! It smells so good!” said Ainyan. We got to see a bucket where Cabernet Sauvignon was being made. They put in whole grapes with the skin on and add natural yeast for the fermentation process. The sweet smell of the grapes fills the air and makes you want to have a glass.
Now for what Ainyan has been waiting for: taste-testing time! She learned everything about the wine making process, so it was time to taste and compare some different wines.
The winery allows taste-testing until 17:00. You can try 3 types for ¥700. And of course, if there’s one you tried that you really liked, you can buy it there and then. So sip, scrutinise, and select!
“Please try this one first. It is wine, but it’s like a lemon sour,” explained Ueno, recommending that Ainyan first try the Yamanashi Delaware Sparkling.
Soak up all the notes of the drink by having a good smell first before taking a small sip. “Smells really good. This sourness really is like a lemon sour! I wonder why?” said Ainyan.
This wine uses premature grapes which gives the wine a sour taste. The sourness of this wine can play the part of lemons, so it’s best paired with fried foods or meals with chicken in them.
The second drink was the Yamagata Delaware Muroka. It’s an unfiltered wine made from completely ripened Yamagata Delaware grapes.
Unfiltered means that the filtration process to take out visible solids and such is not used. This gives it a slightly cloudy appearance and an exquisite taste that’s somewhere between wine and juice.
Left: Unfiltered Yamagata Delaware / Right: Filtered Yamagata Delaware
For the third glass, Ainyan ordered the filtered Yamagata Delaware to test the difference between it and the unfiltered version.
“The filtered one has a good balance of flavours and is refreshing. The unfiltered one has a smooth juiciness to it. They’re both delicious, but I like the unfiltered one more!” said Ainyan.
Her fourth glass was an unfiltered red wine: the East Bay Assemblage Red B.
The grapes used are a combination from Hokkaido, Nagano, and Aomori. It really is an assemblage!
“The red wine has such a different taste and colour depending on the type too! This dark red wine is close to what I usually drink!” said Ainyan with a happy smile.
At the end of the session, Ainyan had tried 10 wines and bought two bottles! She was delighted with her experience, saying: “I was surprised how different each and every one of the wines I tried at Fukagawa Winery Tokyo were. I think I’m getting hooked on the appeal of unfiltered, natural wines.”
With Christmas and New Year around the corner, now is the season to indulge in wine. If you’re in Tokyo this December, pay a visit to Fukagawa Winery Tokyo for a full wine experience.
Writer：Yuki Yokoo
Photographer：Kayo Sekiguchi
SILENT SIREN
SILENT SIREN is a four-member all-female band consisting of vocalist & guitarist Sumire “Suu” Yoshida, drummer Hinako “Hinanchu” Umemura, bassist Aina “Ainyan” Yamauchi, keyboardist Yukako “Yukarun” Kurosaka.
The band made their major debut in November 2012 with their single Sweet Pop! The band is known to fans by their nickname “Sai Sai.” They are especially popular with middle school girls in Harajuku and have over 540,000 follows on their official LINE account.
In 2015, they performed their first solo concert at Nippon Budokan, making them the fastest Japanese all-female band in history to perform there after their major debut. In 2016, they performed a headline show at Yokohama Arena, and embarked on a world tour consisting of 6 shows in 5 countries.
At the end of 2016, they changed label to Universal Music and revamped their band logo and how they write their band name. In 2017, they wrapped up their 5th anniversary tour with their first two-day concert series at Nippon Budokan.
In 2018, they embarked on their biggest Japan tour to date “Tenkaippin presents SILENT SIREN LIVE TOUR 2018 ~”Girls will be Bears” TOUR~ consisting of 33 shows. They also performed at big music festivals and at countless events, as well as performed their annual New Year’s solo concert at Yokohama Cultural Gymnasium.
In 2019, they began celebrations of 7 years since their debut and 10 years as a band. They released their final album of the Heisei era and 6th album in total 31313 on March 13 ,2019 and promoted it on their tour SILEN SIREN LIVE TOUR 2019 “31313” ~Sai Sai 10th Anniversary~ supported by Tenkaippin. They also performed at numerous summer festivals and events.
On December 30, 2019, they will performed their annual New Year’s concert “SILENT SIREN Nenmatsu Special Live 2019 HERO” at Yokohama Cultural Gymnasium.
In 2020, they will celebrate 10 years since forming the band with a show at Yamanakako Communication Plaza Kirara on September 20, 2020.
SILENT SIREN Official Website: https://silent-siren.com/
Information
Fukagawa Winery Tokyo
TEL: 03-5809-8058
Address: Takahata Bldg. 1F, 1-4-10 Furuishiba, Koto Ward, Tokyo
Opening Hours: Weekdays 15:00-22:00 / Weekends & Public Holidays 12:00-22:00
Closed: Tuesdays
Winery Observations: Weekends & Public Holidays at 14:00 and 16:00 for 20 minutes each. Must book in advance.
Official Website: https://www.fukagawine.tokyo/
