Shibuya 5G Entertainment Project launched its new digital platform “Virtual Shibuya” with an opening event on May 19. The event Virtual Shibuya helped promote release of Ghost in the Shell: SAC_2045 with talks and performances from SEKAI NO OWARI’s DJ LOVE, virtual YouTuber and member of Nijisanji Ange Katrina, Chinatsu Wakatsuki of Future Design Shibuya, and Naohiro Ukawa of S/U/P/E/R DOMMUNE—all of whom are fans of Ghost in the Shell.

Officially recognised by Shibuya City, Virtual Shibuya comes in response to the effects of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) which has brought tight restrictions to the economy and people’s way of life. It will enable people to continue enjoying entertainment from the comfort of their homes by participating in a whole host of virtual events and activities. The project aims to deliver content from Shibuya with live performances from artists, art exhibitions, talks, and more. The use of 5G and the latest cutting edge technology will connect the real Shibuya to a virtual space, combining the realms of the digital and real world.

The guests joined over 50,000 users for the first event which went down a storm. Chinatsu Wakatsuki said: “I was amazed how much it looked like Shibuya! I can’t go to Shibuya right now, so it felt like I got to visit home again after so long.”

Shibuya was fully recreated a virtual space for people to visit

Lots of Ghost in the Shell fans gathered in the city

Everybody in this virtual world jumped into their avatar skins, including the diverse range of guests who probably would never have come together had it not been for the Ghost in the Shell theme, as well as DJ LOVE, Katrina, Chinatsu Wakatsuki, and Naohiro Ukawa.

The real world and the world of Ghost in the Shell collide

The four performers, who were coming face to face with each other for the first time, talked to guests about what they love about Ghost in the Shell while strolling around Virtual Shibuya and having fun with fans on equal terms.

Comments from the performers

・Chinatsu Wakatsuki (Future Design Shibuya)
“I was amazed how much it looked like Shibuya! Shibuya is a place I hold near and dear to my heart. There were a lot of ‘firsts’ for me, like my first time using an avatar, and meeting new people for the first time, so I thought it was going to be difficult at first, but I found myself not nervous at all and had fun with everyone in there using this futuristic entertainment. Looking forward, au 5G will grow and the number of things we can do will as well. I hope to challenge myself as a tarento and a mum in many different things and have fun with this Virtual Shibuya!”

・“DJ LOVE” (SEKAI NO OWARI)
“It felt like I had dived right into the world of Ghost in the Shell, my favourite series. It was a wonderfully fun event which expanded on my dreams. I’m looking forward to seeing it evolve and I hope to perform live there at some point. I want to make stuff that people who haven’t been physically able to go to venues up to now can enjoy. I think it would be fun to communicate with people who participated.”

・Ange Katrina
“The streets of Shibuya I know were completely transformed into the world of Ghost in the Shell, and my favourite Tachikoma made an appearance too. For a Ghost in the Shell fan like myself it was a whale of a time! Right now we have to battle with staying indoors. Me having disappeared has caused a bit of trouble, but the thrill of this virtual event has lifted my nerves. I had a lot of fun.”

You can check out footage from the event in the video below which was posted on Shibuya 5G Entertainment Project’s official YouTube channel.

The world of Ghost in the ShellVirtual Shibuya in can be experienced until May 31, 2020, so sign up while you still can.

Shibuya 5G Entertainment Project is set to launch its new digital platform “Virtual Shibuya” on May 19, 2020. The platform is officially recognised by Shibuya City.

Virtual Shibuya comes in response to the effects of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) which has brought tight restrictions to the economy and people’s way of life. It will enable people to continue enjoying entertainment from the comfort of their homes by participating in a whole host of virtual events and activities.

The project aims to deliver content from Shibuya with live performances from artists, art exhibitions, talks, and more. The use of 5G and the latest cutting edge technology will connect the real Shibuya to a virtual space, combining the realms of the digital and real world.

1: Online Events

A variety of online events will be held inside the virtual event space. People tune into Virtual Shibuya while at home by connecting with their smartphones, PCs or VR devices. They will have their own avatar and be able to traverse the area together with other people who are connected while participating in different interactive online events. The events will also be streamed on video streaming services.

2: XR Art

Experience XR (cross reality) content which will connect both Virtual Shibuya to the real Shibuya. Those in either Shibuya will be able to experience the same content and entertainment.

The opening event for the grand opening of Virtual Shibuya will promote the release of Ghost in the Shell: SAC_2045 with talks and performances from SEKAI NO OWARI’s DJ LOVE, who is a fan of Ghost in the Shell, as well as virtual YouTuber and member of Nijisanji Ange Katrina, Chinatsu Wakatsuki of Future Design Shibuya, and Naohiro Ukawa of S/U/P/E/R DOMMUNE.

In Vietnamese cuisine, a Bánh mi is a baguette stuffed with various ingredients and served as a sandwich. It’s a popular meal in Vietnam, and in recent years has seen an appearance in Japan.

Bánh mi Tokyo opened in Gaiemmae, Tokyo on March 16, 2020. They serve bánh mi with a Japanese taste, and their bread is made from 100% rice flour with no artificial flavourings or purified sugar.

Bánh mi are generally made with lard or margarine, but at Bánh mi Tokyo, they are made with with ingredients with good-quality oil content like rice koji sweet sake and nuts, which give them a richness and creaminess and remove things like trans-fats that are a burden on the body. This also greatly cuts calories and other fats too.

Mackerel Curry Bánh Mi

All bánh mi overflow with original flavours, from the chicken-filled “Standard Bánh Mi” to the “Mackerel Curry Bánh Mi” which is made with curry flavoured grilled mackerel, “Five Spice Char Siu Bánh Mi” stuffed with juicy pork belly, and more.

Bánh mi Tokyo also serves high-quality original coffees which are a must-try together with your bánh mi

The DIOR FROM PARIS TO JAPAN exhibition at HANKYU Umeda Store in Osaka began on March 1 where it is set to run until March 22.

The collection features a complete line-up inspired by Japan’s rich culture, from dresses serving haute couture to exquisite Lady Dior bags re-interpreted by various artists. This exhibition is a coming-together of DIOR and Japan and expresses savoir faire the way a maison should.

The exhibition is also home to a gift shop selling a range of different items. It also has an audio guide presented by Japanese actress and fashion model Yuko Araki and actor and model Ryusei Yokohama, both of whom were selected as Japan Fashion Ambassadors for this exhibition.

See the worlds of DIOR and Japan collide at DIOR FROM PARIS TO JAPAN.

A photo exhibition will be held at the HMV Museum in Shibuya from March 6, 2020 for a limited time in promotion of the release of Studio Ghibli Museum’s first official photo book, Ghibli Bijutsukan Monogatari (“The Story of the Ghibli Museum”).

“Ghibli Bijutsukan Monogatari” Photo Book – ¥3,800 (Exhibition Pre-Sale: March 6, 2020 / General Release: March 20, 2020)

Photography is strictly forbidden at the Studio Ghibli Museum, but this exhibition gives a rare look inside without having to go inside. There will be panels of photos of both inside and outside the museum, a display of miniature figures of characters like the Robot from Laputa: Castle in the Sky, writings from Studio Ghibli film producer Toshio Suzuki, and more. The museum’s popular photo spots will also make an appearance at the exhibition for taking a photo next to.

Exclusive Desk Calendar (*Limited to 500 people per day, first-come first-served)

Desk calendars will also be available, featuring the photos used at the exhibition.

Exclusive Exhibition Merchandise

Tote Bag – ¥2,000 / T-Shirt – ¥2,800 / Hanging Scroll – ¥30,000 / Photos (3 Designs) – ¥8,000 Each

Visitors will be able to get their hands on the photo book early at the exhibition, and those who buy it at HMV&BOOKS SHIBUYA will be invited to a signing and talk session on March 7, 2020 on a first-come, first-served basis. The signing will be attended by Kanyada and Toshio Suzuki, who will also be present at the talk event in addition to film director Ryutaro Nakagawa.

Exclusive merchandise will be sold at the exhibition. The exhibition itself encourages people to feel like a lost child, and its layout will reflect that without any set paths or routes.

Dive into the wonderful world of Studio Ghibli at the Ghibli Bijutsukan Monogatari Photo Exhibition.

*Please note that the number of people allowed to enter the exhibition will be restricted due to the ongoing situation surrounding the new coronavirus. This will widen the space between visitors and allow them to enjoy the exhibition in an uncrowded space. More details can be found on the official HMV Museum website.

Japanese eyelash extension salon Crazy Beauty has announced its efforts to strengthen its services to cater towards its increasing number of Muslim customers. The salon released a new list of policies in English including using no pork-derived ingredients in its glue, a comment about the alcohol level of its glue, and more.

“Muslim Welcome” is the name of this new initiative launched by Crazy Beauty with support from the Made in Japan Halal Support Committee.

Prayer Space

Crazy Beauty provides prayer mats and has a space for its Muslim clients to pray.

Consideration For Muslim Customers

Since Muslims are not able to use products with alcohol in them, Crazy Beauty provides Halal-certified Clean Shu! Shu! Neo, which has alkali ions in it that kills bacteria, and it also cleans and smells since. Crazy Beauty also uses MOMA Water, officially recognised by JAKIM in Malaysia. Customers can also enjoy Halal-certified tea after their session.

Muslim Welcome Eyelash Policies

・Our salon uses medical grade glue that does not contain pork-derived ingredients.

・The medical-grade glue used in our salon contains a small amount of alcohol.

・A spare space can be used for prayer purposes.

・Prayer mats are available upon request.

Source: https://crazybeauty.jp/en

If you’re a Muslim and looking to experience Japan’s beauty scene, then be sure to check out Crazy Beauty to see everything they have to offer.

A huge exhibition of Chocomoo’s artwork is set to adorn WITH HARAJUKU HALL from August 20 to September 28 this year for “Chocomoo EXHIBITION -OUR SECRET PARTY- Supported by WITH HARAJUKU.”

Chocomoo is a Japanese artist born and bred in Kyoto. Her work is known for its originality and pop style which she draws in black and white. Her work has been used for clothing and apparel brands, for music artists, and for many other special collaborations with other companies. She is active internationally and draws huge popularity with Japanese women between the ages of 10-20. We have translated an interview with her which was just released.

Chocomoo Interview

“I’ve loved drawing ever since I was a kid. I’d draw in notebooks, sketchbooks. When I went to New York for the first time, too, I kept a sketch diary and would draw in the park. I was later asked by a guy who managed a gallery if I’d put my work on at his site.”

It was there at that gallery exhibiting several of her works that the first buyer came by.

“I sold my first piece of art. A piece of art drawn by an ‘ordinary person,’ not someone who was an active artist. It was about 30 dollars, if I recall, but I was super happy.”

New York helped pave the way for Chocomoo to begin her first steps towards becoming an illustrator.

She would post her art on her blog and social media, which was seen by singers and songwriters who got in touch with her. She penned artwork for their tour merchandise, album covers, and more. Recently, she collaborated with Italian car brand FIAT. They released 100 limited edition cars with her art on it. Japanese convenience store FamilyMart even sold umbrellas with Chocomoo’s illustrations on them. The reach of her work has no limits.

“When I create a piece, I incorporate a lot of positive words into it in the hopes that it lifts people up.”

One distinct aspect of Chocomoo’s art is the black and white monotone colouring. When asked why she draws in this way, she said: “I did calligraphy from elementary school to high school and was captivated by how we would write in black. When using black ink, it has a matte look to it, and when using black paint, it’s got a glossiness. I think that’s part of the reason why I do it.”

This will be Chocomoo’s biggest exhibition. She is currently working on new material and looking into the details of the exhibition. Speaking about it, she said: “I want to try evolving in a way that’s me. I’m aiming to stimulate the people who come to see my work in a different kind of way.”

She also commented on the ‘OUR SECRET PARTY’ part of the exhibition title. “It’s an exhibition of my work, but I want everyone to enjoy it like they would a party. There’s also new things to be discovered which you won’t no about unless you visit, so I put ‘secret’ in there.”

Chocomoo was asked to give a comment on her future plans and goals. She said, with a smile: “I want to steadily keep doing what I’m best at without changing what I already have, but I also want my work to reach lots of children too. I’d be happy for them to colour in my work, and I want to challenge myself to making some kind of video format aimed at kids. After that, since I’ve already painted a car, I want to go bigger and paint an aeroplane!”

Interview/Original Text: Naho Sotome (五月女菜穂)

Photos: 大黒屋 Ryan 尚保

English Translation: Joshua Kitosi-Isanga

As Chocomoo looks to expand her portfolio and reach, we look forward to seeing what she has in store for her exhibition in Harajuku.

©2020 Chocomoo

Tokyo Otaku Mode Inc. is opening a pop-up shop in collaboration with Hatsune Miku at Tokyo Otaku Mode TOKYO which is located on the 6th floor of Shibuya PARCO in Tokyo.

The shop will be open from December 27 until January 19 next year. Japanese illustrator hakusai is on board to illustrate the designs for the shop itself as well as the shop-exclusive merchandise. The design features Hatsune Miku, Megurine Luka, Kagamine Rin and Len, KAITO and MEIKO wearing traditional Japanese dress.

Acrylic Stands – ¥1,200 Each (Before Tax)

Mini Towels – ¥700 Each (Before Tax)

There are 10 original and exclusive pieces of merchandise with various designs to choose from. Plus, customers who purchase over ¥3,000 (tax included) worth of items will receive a special Vocaloid sticker.

The Snow Miku Sky Town store at New Chitose Airport in Hokkaido is also collaborating with the pop-up shop where they will sell select merchandise from Snow Miku Sky Town.

Those of you looking to get your hands on some limited-edition Vocaloid goodies will want to roll on up to Tokyo Otaku Mode TOKYO before the pop-up shop closes.

*The items shown in the photos above are of products in development. Actual products are subject to change.

Art by hakusai  © Crypton Future Media, INC. www.piapro.net  

A pop-up shop in collaboration with the Peanuts comic strip series starring Snoopy and The Marc Jacobs opened at GATE on the first floor of Shibuya PARCO today and will run until January 13, 2020.

[Pre-Release Item] THE PEANUTS T-SHIRT: ¥21,000 (Before Tax)

This special collaboration sees a line of apparel and items from The Marc Jacobs with gorgeous designs taken from the internationally comic strip series Peanuts by American cartoonist Charles M. Schulz.

The pop-up shop is inspired by Snoopy’s dog house which when you step inside transports you into the wonderful world of Peanuts.

The shop is also collaborating with the PEANUTS CAFÉ for three days between December 20-22. Attendees can get themselves a hot chocolate at the wagon located in front of Shibuya PARCO Koen-dori Street. The delicious drink is topped with chocolate chip cookies—a favourite of the Peanuts gang—and marshmallows.

If you walk around the Center Gai, Dogenzaka and Koen-dori areas of Shibuya, you’ll spot posters plastered up to promote the pop-up shop. There are five designs featuring Snoopy, Charlie Brown, Lucy van Pelt, Linus van Pelt, and Peppermint Patty. If you scan the QR codes on each of the posters you can download respective wallpapers for each character for your smartphone.

If you manage to scan all five of the QR codes, you’ll receive a special present when you show your phone at the pop-up store. This is running right now until December 30, 2019, so don’t miss out!

Edomae sushi restaurant Tsukiji Tamasushi Sasashigure, which is known for its strict use of organic ingredients, just opened its second branch in Tokyo Plaza Shibuya following its first branch in Omotesando Hills.

Sasashigure is a type of sasanishiki rice grown completely organically without the use of any chemicals or fertilisers. It is grown by Akinori Kimura who is known for its “Miracle Apples,” the world’s first apples grown without pesticides.

Sasashigure rice yields 40% less rice quantity in one-tenth hectare than regular rice, but it has a natural sweetness and elevate flavour, with each and every grain savoured in a mouthful.

If you’re all for healthy eating and protecting the environment, and happen to be in Tokyo looking for some sushi, be sure to visit the new branch of Tsukiji Tamasushi Sasashigure in Shibuya.

Shibuya PARCO finally opened its doors on November 22. The shopping complex is already receiving overwhelming love and attention as Shibuya’s newest tourist spot as it strives to offer itself as “a unique, next-generation facility” for the world.

Boasting a gargantuan 193 shops, spanning fashion, food, art and more, Shibuya PARCO is a place where you can enjoy just about anything. MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON has compiled a list of our own recommended places from there for you, the readers, if you ever visit Shibuya.

Mirai Sake/KUBOTA SAKE BAR (Floor B1F)

Sake is a big part of Japanese culture, and is enjoyed by people worldwide. Mirai Sake/KUBOTA SAKE BAR are serving the ultimate sake experience, where you can select the drinks that best suit  your palate. The bar will serve original drinks, rare sake from ¥500 a cup, as well as food pairings from ¥400.

There will also be 12 original cocktails judged by YUMMY SAKE. If you’ve found you’re not too good with sake, then you’re sure to find one you like when pulling up a stool here.

Mirai Sake Official Website: https://miraisake.com/

ONITSUKA (Floor 3F)

Japanese fashion brand Onitsuka Tiger has announced a new luxury line entitled THE ONITSUKA. They have created a hybrid design combining formal shoes with sneakers that goes with a variety of styles, from suits to casual.

The shoes are made from high quality leather from the brand Kobegyu Leather. The heal of the souls are equipped with αGEL Foam to offer comfort and shock resistance for dynamic movement. This line will also be available to purchase at a concept store opening in New York in March 2020.

Onitsuka Tiger Official Website:  www.onitsukatiger.com

AKIRA ART OF WALL (Floors 4F & B1F)

The new PARCO MUSEUM TOKYO and GALLERY X housed inside Shibuya PARCO both aim to promote art and culture to the people of Tokyo. Decorating them as the opening exhibition is the “AKIRA ART OF WALL Katsuhiro Otomo × Kosuke Kawamura AKIRA ART EXHIBITION.” This art wall is in fact a relocation of the AKIRA art wall that had existed at the infrastructure building site in Shibuya for almost two years. Parts of it had been damaged over time, and so has resurfaced at the new museum.

You can also get your hands on a range of merchandise, from classic manga prints to posters, clothing made in collaboration with apparel brands, and more. This is a limited-time exhibition, so if you’re in Tokyo this December, don’t miss out.

©MASH・ROOM/KODANSHA ©Kosuke Kawamura ©︎AKIRA ART OF WALL EXHIBITION

AKIRA ART OF WALL Otomo Katsuhiro × Kosuke Kawamura AKIRA ART EXHIBITION

Locations/Times

PARCO MUSEUM TOKYO (Shibuya PARCO 4F): November 22, 2019 – December 16, 2019 @ 10:00-21:00

GALLERY X (Shibuya PARCO B1F) November 22, 2019 – December 18, 2019 @ 10:00-21:00

*Exhibitions at both sites will end at 18:00 on their final dates. Last entries to PARCO MUSEUM TOKYO are 30-minutes before closing times.

Entry Price: General ¥1,000 / High School Students and Below ¥800 / Preschoolers – Free

Nintendo TOKYO/6F

At Nintendo TOKYO, the first long-awaited official Nintendo shop, fans can look forward to purchasing games, consoles, character merchandise, and more. There is also an area where you can play games, and events are scheduled to be held at the store.

The store stocks lots of exclusive goods you won’t find anywhere else. If you love games, and you love Nintendo, then this place is a must-visit if in Tokyo.

Nintendo TOKYO Official Website: https://www.nintendo.co.jp/officialstore/index.html

Pokémon Center Shibuya (Floor 6F)

Pokémon fans won’t be able to resist stepping into the Pokémon Center, where they can pick up countless Pokémon merch. Upon entry they’ll walk past a 2-meter tall Mewtwo.

From plush toys to bags, kitchenware, stationary, Shibuya-exclusives and moreーstock up on all the Pokémon gear you could ever want. There’s even some items made in collaboration with Nintendo TOKYO which is just next door!

Pokémon Center Official Website: https://www.pokemon.co.jp/gp/pokecen/

いかがでしたか？いろいろなジャンルのお店が大集結している渋谷PARCOにぜひ足を運んでみてくださいね。

Following the opening of their Shinjuku branch back in 2016, BEAMS JAPAN has announced that it will open a second branch in Shibuya on December 5, 2019. It will be found inside the new Shibuya FUKURAS which is also set to open beside Shibuya Station to this December.

The store is set to be the second hub for BEAMS “TEAM JAPAN,” a project which aims to build a community around the brand and promotes products made in Japan.

In the run up to the grand opening, the store has unveiled select products that buyers can look forward to grabbing this winter.

BEAMS JAPAN SHIBUYA x TOWER RECORDS T-Shirts (Hiroshi Nagai) – ¥6,600 Each (Tax Included)

MIZUNO WAVE CREATION WAVEKNIT (Made to Order Model) – ¥23,100 (Tax Included)

BEAMS Shibuya has collaborated with Japanese illustrator Hiroshi Nagai to release various items featuring his designs, including t-shirts featuring Tower Records Shibuya, as well as souvenirs with other Shibuya motifs like Hachiko and Scramble Crossing. There is also a pair of limited-time MIZUNO x HIGHSNOBIETY x BEAMS sneakers to get your hands on.

The store will make use of Japanese-style decor with wooden beams and pillars. There will be ceiling art from Japanese artist Kads MIIDA, as well as a classic hiyoke noren entryway curtain to the store, something which has been used since ancient times.

Gold Adzuki Bar – ¥220 (Tax Included)

BEAMS JAPAN prides itself on promoting local business and culture. For the Shibuya store’s opening, they have teamed up with Imuraya Confectionery so that customers can buy Gold Adzuki Bars, an ice cream bar that was created in Mie Prefecture and is considered “the nation’s ice cream.”

Akafuku Mochi (Includes 8) – ¥760 (Tax Included) / Akafuku Mochi Single Pack (Includes 2) – ¥240 (Tax Included)

And for the first three days of the store’s opening, it will offer a rare opportunity to buy akafuku mochi, a Japanese confection consisting of a pounded rice cake topped with red sweet bean paste.

And to further promote Japanese fashion to the world, BEAMS JAPAN will simultaneously launch a new collection at both the Shibuya and Shinjuku branches.

BEAMS Shibuya will also launch its second collaboration with the upcoming Japanese film Tora-san, Welcome Back and will also hand out copies of BEAMS EYE ON SHIBUYA which includes essential information written by the BEAMS staff about what’s great about Shibuya. Don’t miss out.