The popular female rock band BAND-MAID will perform for the first time at KNOTFEST JAPAN 2023, scheduled for April 1 and April 2 at Makuhari Messe in Chiba.

KNOTFEST was begun by the American heavy metal band Slipknot, and the festival has been held yearly since 2012. BAND-MAID will perform on Day 1 along with headliners Slipknot, Trivium, and MAN WITH A MISSION.

Tickets for the May shows to be held in the United States as part of the BAND-MAID 10TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR are none on sale. The group managed to bring in over 20,000 fans during their solo U.S. tour in 2022. In addition to performing at Pointfest 2023, Welcome to Rockville 2023, and the Sonic Temple Art & Music Festival, BAND-MAID will also perform six solo shows. With some venues selling out instantly last year, you’ll want to snag tickets while you can!

Hoshinoya Tokyo, a traditional ryokan in Otemachi, has announced the New Year’s Kabuki Plan, a two-day, one-night stay from January 5 until January 7, 2023. During the Edo Period, citizens enjoyed watching Kabuki plays during the New Year’s holidays, often sipping tea at connected teahouses. This event will invite visitors to experience what this was like, complete with traditional food and decorations.

Watching Kabuki was a chic way for those in Edo to ring in the new year. Theater teahouses were also a popular gathering place–along with arranging tickets, the teahouses offered plot notes, tea, sweets, boxed lunches, snacks, and other drinks.*

*Hiroshi Fujita, Yoshihide Tomizawa (2012) / The Updated Kabuki Dictionary, Kashiwa Shobo

Relax Before Enjoying Tea and a Play

Guests are invited to relax in the Ochanoma (Living Room) Lounge, decorated to look like a traditional teahouse with fans, ukiyo-e prints, and formal curtains. Hanabiramochi, or rice cakes with flower petals, will be served with green tea. These rice cakes are said to date back to the New Year’s tradition of eating hard foods like daikon and rice cakes in the hopes of prolonging one’s life. Characterized by its curious burdock root aroma, the cakes are sweetened with white miso bean paste. 

Enjoy a Post-Viewing Mont Blanc Shaped like Soba with Sweet Dessert Wine

At theater teahouses in the Edo period, sake, snacks, and desserts were served one after another. During this special event, a menu inspired by this practice and prepared by Hoshinoya Tokyo Executive Chef Noriyuki Hamada will be served! Soba noodles were often served after a play in the past. Inspired by this tradition, Mont Blanc made with chestnut paste and sponge cake will be served up to look like this popular dish. Paired with a dessert wine aged in oak barrels, the sweet will be served in a traditional lacquerware basket. In addition, the dish will be paired with Wasabi Pralines, Shichimi Meringue, and Ginger Pate de Fruits. 

Take a Rickshaw to the Kabuki-za Theater

Guests will be taken on an Edo-style tour on their way to the Kabuki-za Theater. Passing through the Nihonbashi area, the first stop will be the Fukutoku Shrine. It’s said that Hidetada Tokugawa paid a visit to and praised the shrine on New Year’s Day in 1614. The next shrine on the docket, Hodo Inari Jinja, was enshrined in Edo Castle during the Edo period to protect the heir to the Tokugawa family. It’s said that the shrine provides blessings for child rearing, matchmaking, and business prosperity. 

This tour will provide a more elegant way to explore Tokyo as guests enjoy exposition from their chauffeur. To make the rickshaw ride even more enjoyable, guests can rent kimonos for an extra charge.

Would you like to take a step back in time this New Year?

On October 29, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu took part in Porter Robinson’s Second Sky Music Festival in Oakland, California. The following day, the popular singer also appeared at Porter Robinson + Friends, an afterparty event held in San Francisco. American fans are finding their excitement at a fever pitch as the Harajuku-based artist continues to perform abroad!

Kyary Pamyu Pamyu recently made headlines when she performed an unprecedented 62 songs at Nippon Budokan on October 19 during the final stop on her 10th-anniversary tour. Following this impressive feat, Kyary performed at yet another festival in Japan before hastily returning to the United States following her show-stopping performance at Coachella half a year ago.

Porter Robinson’s Second Sky Music Festival was hosted by and featured performances by internationally acclaimed DJ and producer Porter Robinson. Other important figures in the dance music scene also appeared including SKRILLEX and RL GRIME.

The event took place in a large parking lot adjacent to the Oakland Coliseum, home of the Oakland Athletics MLB team. Since the show took place close to Halloween, plenty of decorations could be found, and fans lined up from the early morning to get inside.

Although Kyary’s performance was scheduled for quite early in the day, the audience sprawled out as far as the eye could see. As DE.BA.YA.SHI. 2021 began to play, fans began to excitedly call out Kyary’s name. In Japan, regulations are in place to stop the spread of the coronavirus, meaning that audience members are forbidden to yell during concerts–but no such precaution exists in the U.S. It was clear that Kyary was beyond excited to hear the audience’s enthusiasm, and as the show began, the artist called out “Second Sky,” to which the fans responded with excited cries. 

The audience danced wildly to Candy Racer and Dodonpa, two of Kyary’s most peppy tracks, which played in succession. The singer did her best to speak English. “Hello! I’m Kyary Pamyu Pamyu from Japan,” she began. She then complimented a fan in full Kyary cosplay. “Wow! Nice costume! PONPONPON costume, so nice,” she said.

During CANDY CANDY -Remix-, the audience raised their hands high in the air as they followed Kyary’s instructions to jump, swaying from left to right. As the audience moved in sync, a number of hit tracks began to play, including Harajuku Iyahoi and Tsukematsukeru. However, nothing could match the excitement of the moment that the intro to PONPONPON began to play. Porter Robinson, who was watching the live performance from the side of the stage, was moved to tears, and everyone could feel how big Kyary’s presence was for local fans.

Kyary’s performance at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in April of this year became a hot topic, showing that Kyary is still incredibly popular in the U.S. ten years after her major debut.

In addition to her largest national tour to date, Kyary has made numerous appearances at music festivals in Japan and abroad in 2022. The artist’s first overseas performance during her 11th year as a performer was an incredible success and bodes well for Kyary’s future.

＜Setlist＞
2022.10.29 “Second Sky Music Festival”
OP. DE.BA.YA.SHI.2021
1. Candy Racer
2. Dodonpa
3.Invader Invader
4. CANDY CANDY –Remix-
5. Ninja Re Bang Bang –Steve Aoki Remix-
6. Harajuku Iyahoi
7. Tsukematsukeru
8. PONPONPON –Extended Mix-
9. Fashion Monster

2022.10.30 “Porter Robinson + Friends”
OP. DE.BA.YA.SHI.2021
1. Candy Racer
2. Ninja Re Bang Bang
3. CANDY CANDY
4.Crazy Party Night-Pumpkins Strike Back-
5. Kira Kira Killer
6. Isshin Doutai
7. Harajuku Iyahoi
8. Fashion Monster
9. PONPONPON

The Nippon Foundation has been supporting people with disabilities in Japan and abroad for over fifty years. To mark this incredible milestone, True Colors Festival THE CONCERT 2022 will be held on November 19 and 20 at Tokyo Garden Theater. The performance aims to inspire fans to express their uniqueness. 

Kyary Pamyu Pamyu will perform as a guest performer on both days of the concert, which stands to be one of the largest live events in the world put on by artists with disabilities.

Kyary became a smash hit with audiences worldwide after Katy Perry praised her PONPONPON music video on Twitter, and the two are said to be fans of one another. This will be the first time that the two pop icons will perform on stage together. 

“I’m looking forward to performing with so many unique artists from around the world,” Kyary said in a statement. “I’m so happy that I’m going to live my dream of performing with Katy!” 

Japan’s largest sake event, TOKYO SAKE FESTIVAL 2022, will run from October 4 until October 6 at the Shinjuku Sumitomo Building’s Triangle Square.

The event’s aim is to make sake more mainstream around the world, with the first festival taking place in 2020. Tokyo Sake Festival blends sake with entertainment, showing off the very best of Japanese culture to those who may be new to craft sake. For the third year, former NMB48 member Yui Takano will serve as ambassador. Takano is known for leaving her idol career to manage the sake specialty store Yui Sake Shop. 

Tokyo Sake Festival 2022 is bringing together forty carefully selected sake breweries from around Japan, including Inoue Seikichi, winner of the Champion Sake award at IWC 2022. Tonoike Sake Brewery, winner of Kura Master 2022’s President’s Award, will also be in attendance. The full lineup can be found on the official website.

Popular influencers and artists from Raphael to BOYS AND MEN and Ukon Takafuji will take the stage during the event, so be sure to swing by if you’re a fan of Japanese spirits!

Shin Yokohama Prince Hotel will be offering a special room and collaboration menu inspired by the popular anime series The Vampire Dies in No Time from September 22 until November 30, 2022. Reservations will open on the hotel’s official website starting September 12 at 1:00 PM. 

The Vampire Dies in No Time follows the hilarious adventures of the vampire Draluc and the vampire hunter Ronaldo. Set in the city of Shin-Yokohama, it makes sense that this collaboration would be taking place!

Original Goods

Collaboration Menu

Guests and fans of the series will be able to enjoy a fully-decorated room and collaboration menu inspired by characters from the popular anime series.

The concept room, located on an upper floor overlooking the Shin-Yokohama cityscape, is decorated with illustrations of Draluc, Ronaldo, and other characters. The guest-only goods feature newly-drawn illustrations. 

Sweets plates and drinks will be served at the restaurant on the top floor of the hotel. Guests can enjoy desserts shaped like Ronaldo’s red hat and Draluc’s ashes, so don’t miss it!

©盆ノ木至（秋田書店）／製作委員会すぐ死ぬ

Art subscription service Casie is collaborating with HOTEL SHE, KYOTO! A special art exhibition titled GALLERY HOTEL SHE, will be held from September 17 until October 16, inviting guests to enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime experience of staying in a gallery overnight!

During the event period, guests of HOTEL SHE, KYOTO will be able to select their favorite piece of artwork from an on-site gallery. The piece will then be hung in their guestroom, and visitors can spend the night appreciating it at their own pace. This is a great way to learn more about art appreciation, and guests can enjoy discussing the art world with their friends and family. 

“Although we may view art in museums and other venues, it is rare to have the opportunity to select and display a work of art of our own choice,” the project description reads. “Through this unique experience, we aim to provide guests the chance to actively engage with art and inspire them to make art a part of their daily life going forward.”

Amazon Music Live: DEAD POP FESTiVAL 2022 was originally held on June 25 and 26, 2022. Those who missed out on SiM’s outdoor festival will be able to watch it on the Amazon Music Japan channel on Twitch on August 16 at 20:00 along with exclusive commentary from the members. In addition, Shuhei Igari (HEY-SMITH), GEN (04 Limited Sazabys), and Takuya Yamanaka (THE ORAL CIGARETTES) will appear. 20 artists who participated in the festival will give their personal thoughts on the June event including behind-the-scenes stories.

Fans of Attack on Titan won’t want to miss the first live performance of SiM’s track The Rumbling, used as the opening theme for The Final Season Part 2.

Prior to the event on the Amazon Music Japan channel, a playlist consisting of songs performed at DEADPOP FESTiVAL 2022 is available on Amazon Music Unlimited. Be sure to check it out!

NIJISANJI Fes 2022, the largest NIJISANJI event to date, will be held on October 1 and October 2 at Makuhari Messe in Chiba. Ahead of the festival, ANYCOLOR has announced the 118 VTubers that will be participating, along with new illustrations showing some popular personalities wearing class T-shirts which will be available at the venue.

NIJISANJI Fes 2022 Special Announcement Video
https://youtu.be/st-m1G_DYS8

The image song for NIJISANJI Fes 2022, Hurrah!!, is now available to stream. The music video for the track will feature fan art which will also be displayed at the venue, so get your entries in by August 28!

Illustrations Highlighting Class T-Shirts

NIJISANJI Fes 2022 Image Song, Hurrah!!

Music: Mito Tsukino, Sasaki Saku, Kuzuha, Lize Helesta, Sara Hoshikawa, Minato Fuwa, Axia Krone
Lyrics / Composition / Arrangement: Jin

On the special website, newly-drawn illustrations of the 118 participating VTubers are featured. Each member is a part of a different class, and these class T-shirts will be handed out at random to those with tickets to the event as a bonus. They will also be available for purchase, so don’t worry if you don’t get the one you want!

▼Green
Manami Aizono, Uiha Aiba, Youko Akabane, Axia Krone, Akane Asahina, Hina Asuka, Momo Azuchi, Kokoro Amamiya, Sayo Amemori, Almal Ars, Katrina Ange, Mugi Ienaga, Inui Toko, Ibrahim, Ichigo Ushimi, Muyu Amagase, Vox Akuma

▼Indigo
Kou Uzuki, Albio Ex, Emma★August, Eli Conifer, Elu, Haruka Onomachi, Oliver Evans, Haru Kaida, Hayato Kagami, Kanae, Shoichi Kanda, Hisui Kitakoji, Gilzaren III, Gwelu Os Gar, Kuzuha, Yotsuba Umise, Aza

▼Blue
Natsume Kurusu, Kuroi Shiba, Mirei Gundou, Tojiro Genzuki, Touya Kenmochi, Akina Saegusa, Ritsuki Sakura, Sasaki Saku, Yuika Shiina, Shellin Burgundy, Rin Shizuka, SisterClaire, Hajime Shibuya, Joe Rikiichi, Tomoe Shirayuki, Akira Shikinagi, Eine

▼Red
Sango Suo, Kana Sukoya, Utako Suzuka, Masaru Suzuki, Aki Suzuya, Miyako Seto, Kirame Sorahoshi, Rion Takamiya, Mito Tsukino, Debidebi Debiru, Kohaku Todo, Dola, Kyoko Todoroki, Kei Nagao, Naraka, Kanato Fura, Elira Pendora

▼Orange
Naru Naruse, Chigusa Nishizono, Sociere Nui, Fuyuki Hakase, Hanabatake Chaika, Sou Hayase, Marin Hayama, Air Harusaki, Kaede Higuchi, Gaku Fushimi, Tamaki Fumino, Furen E. Lustario, Fuwa Minato, Belmond Pandelas, Nei Ponto, Pomu Rainpuff

▼Yellow
Sara Hoshikawa, Himawari Honma, Keisuke Maimoto, Ririmu Makaino, Meme Mashiro, Chima Machita, Mao Matsukai, Moira, Alice Mononobe, Kazaki Morinaka, Rine Yaguruma, Kizuki Yashiro, Karuta Yamagami, Chihiro Yuki, Seraph Dazzlegarden, Mysta Rias

▼Violet
Riri Yuhi, Mahiro Yukishiro, Roa Yuzuki, Kakeru Yumeoi, Ratna Petit, Lize Helesta, Ryushen, Mikoto Rindou, Lain Paterson, Luis Cammy, Levi Elipha, Vincent Leos, Lauren Iroas, Hibari Watarai, Finana Ryugu, Hyakumantenbara Salome

New performers and events have been announced ahead of the start of Tomakomai Mirai Fest 2022 in Tomakomai, Hokkaido on September 17 and 18. The event will be held in one of the most gorgeous towns on the island and excitement is building!

The purpose of this event is to promote the appeal of the Tomakomai region, not only to those living in Japan but to those living abroad. In addition to music, the event will also feature art, food, technology, and more content that can be enjoyed by kids, families, and people of all ages and genders.

Tomakomai Civic Hall, Large Hall

Incredible live performances will be held in a futuristic setting. Along with Awesome City Club, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, and Little Glee Monster, guests can look forward to seeing HY, Wednesday Campanella, Taichi Mukai, and Atarashii Gakko!

Tomakomai Civic Hall, Parking Lot

DJ performances and food trucks will welcome guests to the futuristic area, and the illuminations are sure to impress!

Kirakira Park

An AR system accessible by smartphone will allow guests to take pictures of the Tomakomai Mirai Fest logo for a surprise. During the daytime, a food truck area will provide visitors with different types of gourmet offerings and a stage will showcase local dancers and musicians from Tomakomai. A family-friendly picnic area will allow guests to relax and enjoy good food and live music.

At night, in addition to impressive illuminations and a live stage showcasing Hokkaido’s best talent, an island bar will amplify the mood.

O-machi/Nishiki-machi

During the daytime, a gourmet area will feature Tomakomai’s famous curry ramen, local craft beer, craft spices, and more. At night, visitors can enjoy restaurants in the O-machi and Nishiki-machi areas while still enjoying the vibe of the event.

And More!

A stamp rally will be held during the event, and guests finding stamps at each location will be eligible to win fantastic prizes. A bus service is also planned.

More performers and details will be announced soon, so stay tuned!

Yamanashi’s Fuji Motosuko Resort is home to the yearly Fuji Shibazakura Festival, one of the most popular spring flower events in Jaapn. From July 16 until October 10, 2022, guests will also be able to enjoy the Rainbow Flower Festival, with over 80,000 blooms decorating the land around Mount Fuji. 

From Left: Coneflowers, Common Zinnia, Begonia, Ageratum

From Left: Scarlet Sage (Sirius), Scarlet Sage (Bonfire), Scarlet Sage (Deep Blue), Coleus

The theme for the inaugural event is ‘Seven Colors of Mount Fuji.’ Visitors will be able to take incredible pictures, with a variety of blooms springing from the Earth in seven beautiful colors. Whether you love begonias or zinnias, you won’t want to miss this one. 

The venue will also feature photo spots that will be perfect for social media, from a rainbow circle bench to the ‘Yellow Door of Happiness.’ A campaign will also be held to choose the best photos of the event posted to Instagram.

Koppe-pan (with Yamanashi Peach Butter and Whipped Cream) / Lava Fried Tofu / Bellflower Mochi Ice Cream / Jewel Soda

A unique food menu featuring everything from lava-shaped fried tofu to fluffy bread with local peach butter will appear at the event.

*Sample image.

Pictures aren’t the only thing you’ll leave with–a selection of souvenirs will be on sale, including ‘Stick Jelly’ made with five types of local fruit puree. These will only be available at the event, so come have a wonderful time visiting Mount Fuji this summer!

This summer, the World Heritage Site Nijo Castle will host the NAKED Summer Festival 2022 event from July 22 until August 21. Visitors can explore the incredible location at night, illuminated by colorful lights and filled with summer fun.

Festival Stalls

Virtual Content via Smartphone

The entrance gate and Ninomaru Garden will both be illuminated for the event, and a digital fireworks display will be shown on the stone walls surrounding the inner moat.  Continuing from last year, the fan-favorite NAKED Distanced Lanterns and NAKED Tsukubai will be returning.

Come make some summer memories at Nijo Castle!