GLIM SPANKY are the flagship rockers of Japanese rock, who love international rock bands such as The White Stripes, Arctic Monkeys and Alabama Shakes.
GLIM SPANKY are also known for having covered The Beatles’ “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” on the 50-year The Beatles anniversary cover album “Hello, Goodbye”.
The band’s track “Ikari o Kure yo” from their newest album “Next One” is featured as the main theme song in the latest film for the worldwide hit anime One Piece. This is an amazing opportunity for GLIM SPANKY to gain recognition around the globe. This interview was conducted 6 months before the release of their latest album “Next One” where we discuss with GLIM SPANKY their thoughts on the band’s music. We have also subsequently included a live report of their show at Tokyo Kinema Club on July 9th, 2016.
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interview：GLIM SPANKY
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――It’s been one year since the release of your first full-length album, “SUNRISE JOURNEY”. In this past year (interview conducted 6 months prior), you have also released your mini-album “Wild Side o Ike” and your EP “Hanashi o Shiyou/Jidai no Hero”, and you will soon be releasing your second full-length album “Next One” soon. Are the works you have released over the past year related in any way?
Matsuo Remi (hereinafter referred to as Matsuo): “Next One” does relate to “Wild Side o Ike”. The cover artwork, just like “Wild Side o Ike”, has a circle design, so that’s one thing, and it’s something we really wanted to convey to people.
Kamemoto Hiroki (hereinafter referred to as Kamemoto): Even the songs are relatable. We made them as they came to us. It wasn’t the kind of thing where we said “We’re going to make these songs in this year and release them in this order”.
――In an interview with you one year ago, you said that “GLIM SPANKY ride the same bus as the people around them: the fans and the staff, so it’s like everyone is living the same dream”. How is the bus situation now? Has it changed at all?
Matsuo: Our number of listeners has increased, so it feels like those people and we as a band have grown hugely. But that doesn’t mean we haven’t grown without a meaning. We have progressed together with people to question what we want to say about this generation we live in. Our comrades have increased together with us as we find that meaning, so I feel like we are advancing a good path.
――In just one year you have performed at countless festivals and had numerous tie-ups with the media. Not only that, but recognition of you is increasing, and your activities continue to expand.
Matsuo: It makes me really happy. Our once hungry souls are finally getting their feed. Our mindset hasn’t changed since the beginning, so whatever events we play at or however much our presence increases on the media, our aspirations are big and high, so I’d like to keep pushing forward even more.
――A year ago you were interviewed at lots of big festivals such as FUJI ROCK FESTIVAL. You highlighted that the music around you is the music around you, and your music is your music. Have your feelings about that changed in any way?
Kamemoto: It’s great that other bands are other bands, but the foundation for our music and way of thinking is fundamentally different from others’ styles, so even if we play together with other bands or increase our number of performances at events our feelings haven’t changed.
Matsuo: Say if a band with a similar style to us appeared and received a lot of attention. We may become interested then.
Kamemoto: If they did come about and people were like “Yeah! They are so cool and play some mean riffs!”, that might catch my attention (laughs).
Matsuo: But our vectors are different. Even if bands do something new, we don’t become worried or feel pressed. We think about fans and listeners who say “GLIM SPANKY are awesome” and wonder about how to establish a scene – without bending ourselves to a particular style. We’ve recently realised that that is what we should be thinking about.
――You also have some big news alongside you release, right? We were really surprised when it was officially announced. Congratulations on your song “Ikari wo Kure yo” becoming the main song for “ONE PIECE FILM GOLD”! Tell us about how that came about.
Matsuo: Eiichiro Oda (the author of One Piece) learnt about us from hearing our music on the radio. He then played our music to everyone during a meeting about the film, and they were saying “Who is this!?”, and Eiichiro himself said “GLIM SPANKY are great!” We were then contacted by a record company. It’s an enormous project, so no matter how many times they said to us that Eiichiro supports GLIM SPANKY, they said “We’re not sure how it’s going to go so please take it with a pinch of salt”. We were also prepared for it not turning out, but the staff believed in Eiichiro’s heated enthusiasm, and it was with that that we were chosen.
――What did you both say to each other when the news came in?
Tamemoto: I was like “One Piece is huge, this is great!”, but I wasn’t going crazy like “WOO! WE DID IT!” I reacted pretty normally.
Matsuo: We weren’t able to go that far with our reactions. It was more like, “So it begins here”. What I was thinking was how it would be once the song starts playing in the cinemas.
Tamemoto: What we feel most passionately about is making music and people listening to and enjoying it, so when it was decided that his would happen I didn’t exactly feel a sense of accomplishment. That’s why my feelings were stronger towards creating a great song.
――The reason for the title of your album, “Next One”, is something interesting. You wrote the song as the official track for blind soccer correct, correct? You then began recording for a mini album.
Matsuo: “Next One” was always my favourite phrase since middle school, it’s something I’ve held onto ever since. Whether you win or lose, you move onto the “Next One”. At whatever time, your next move is to make your best and greatest masterpiece. Although we did write it for blind soccer, blind soccer isn’t the reason we created the song, it’s something more personal. We thought of some other titles, but when we thought “What do we want to convey?”, we felt connected to the phrase “Next One”. It came to mind because it’s the message we wish to convey at this moment in time, and that’s why we chose it as the title.
――Matsuo, in the past you have said “It’s the greatest thing if people can feel that you really love rock music from your sound”. Are there any songs on the album “Next One” where you can really feel a sense of “rock”?
Matsuo: Rock is the main principle of all of the songs, so I can’t point out any in particular… But in our song “grand port” we use a lot of EDM. We challenged ourselves to use not electronic kind of stuff, but raw sound, in order to amplify the rhythm. Bands like The Black Keys do the same thing. People might feel that it’s kind of antithesis depending on whether they support the use of it or not, and others might respect us for trying it out. But there might also be people that feel the music strings together well. I think being able to elicit different kinds of responses is fun. Also, “grand port” displays the GLIM SPANKY use of four-on-the-floor, so I think that’s an interesting point about our album.
――It’s becoming common for rock to use four-on-the-floor, but you’ve given it your own sound, right?
Matsuo: That’s right. Our sound doesn’t bend to the norm at all. For example, there’s different things being said about bands who use four-on-the-floor these days, but in all honesty, even though it’s normal overseas, why is it becoming a topic for discussion that rock bands in Japan are using it? Me and Kame have spoken about it before, and we came to the conclusion that there’s the common idea that Japan gets and does things first. If we were to use the kind of four-on-the-floor where we drop the BPM to a middle tempo, then it would sound quite Western, but upping the tempo bit by bit is Japanese. Japanese bands nowadays aren’t using four-on-the-floor. Their characteristic is in increasing speed of the music. So we made our own GLIM SPANKY version of four-on-the-floor and went for a middle tempo. I think our songs on the album like “Iza Mexico e” don’t follow the kind of four-on-the-floor uses nowadays.
――I heard “grand port” as a kind of poetry. I felt “they’re aiming high!”
Matsuo: I wrote the lyrics during a tour when we were on a ferry for the first time. We were on a 10-hour plus journey to Hokkdaido, but it turns out we were headed for the wrong place. That was a big experience for me, and as soon as we arrived in our room at the hotel in Hokkaido, I painted in my mind the image of going to an uncivilized region by boat, and continued to pour my honest feelings into writing the song. I wrote the lyrics as they came to me.
――Kamemoto, in the past you talked about “Next One” as having “songs from the past and songs born in different forms”. Are there any memorable ones in particular included?
Kamemoto: All of them (laughs)! I was listening to the album a bit yesterday, and I personally like “Iza Mexico e” and “Ikari o Kure yo”. I originally thought that it was difficult to apply Japanese lyrics to the melody and tune, but the verses go well together with them. For example, there’s a lot more ballads and pop written onto the rock on the album. I always used to think that it was hard to make Japanese lyrics fit with the sound of rock riffs, but I feel that we were able to achieve it.
Matsuo: Bands such as The Black Keys and The White Stripes don’t just play around with lyrics and put it on top of the guitar riffs. I think it’s quite hard to really tie together lyrics in Japanese with the riffs. I don’t know a lot of Japanese artists who can do that, so I’m challenging myself in that.
Kamemoto: In “Ikari wo Kure yo”, the chord progression stays the same from the intro, to the first verse and into the chorus. But even so, it’s very much the chorus of a Japanese song. I feel that it’s something only GLIM SPANKY can do, so I am very satisfied with the results.
Matsuo: I do have a little bit of hesitation with the chorus of “Ikari wo Kure yo”. From the One Piece side of things, our hope is not at all to make people think our lyrics and such are really cool. The only thing we want to say that is “We want to change One Piece, so here’s a song you wouldn’t normally find in the series. If you want to think GLIM SPANKY is cool, that’s cool with us. Is this kind of rock okay to be playing on TV while people have their tea? Please think of it like that.” In the first place, the reason GLIM SPANKY were picked is because we interpret 60s～80s rock, and because Eiichiro likes rock and listened to us. We want to create an early kind of rock that can be listened to during tea time, without watering down that former reason. We didn’t do this to simply produce a song.
Kamemoto: It’s not that we didn’t have hopes, rather it was just more difficult than we thought (laughs).
Matsuo: It’s absurd to try and put Japanese lyrics in Western-style rock. But even so, you have to, so although Japanese lyrics are included on top of the melody, if you were to remove them you would have a completely Western-style melody, so we made the album that that in mind. Also, although it’s the theme song for the One Piece movie, we were told “We don’t want this to be seen as a tie-up at all. It’s a collision between One Piece and GLIM SPANKY. Give us some hard rock!” It felt good.
――For “Ikari wo Kure yo”, you had Junji Ishiwatari and Seiji Kameda as your producers, who have worked together with you up to now. What kind of exchange did you all have?
Matsuo: Junji would ask things like “How many songs do you have already?” and I’d say“I want to think about this, and I want to sing these kind of lyrics”, to which he’d respond “What if you said it like this?”
――He was giving suggestions.
Matsuo: That’s right. It’s nice that he understood me from the get-go (laughs). Eiichiro was involved with whole entire project, so I prepared myself and thought that it can’t be helped if there are some lags here and there. In the end, the song was put before the start of the film. There were parts where it was hard doing it alone too, so I voiced myself to Junji with regard to the lyrics and to Seiji about the sound. They are very used to getting things done quickly, they are very professional.
――It seems they really understood you both.
Kamemoto: Right now, Ishiwatari and Kameda are involved with the lead song with us, but no matter how much I think about it, it’s a scary thought thinking that other people could have produced the main theme for “One Piece”.
Matsuo: We’ve may have yet to meet our fate. Most of the songs on “Next One” and self-produced. It was a lot of fun.
――Is it the same feeling you had like with your lyrics in“grand port”?
Matsuo: We do the things we want to do. “You have to have a producer”. I don’t think that now. If there’s a required person during a required time, then it’s great if you can go ahead and do it together. It was the same last time, but “Next One” was made possible through various methods and people, and how we digest that from now will be our victory or defeat. That’s what has been so much fun.
――Your song “Yami ni Me wo Koraseba” has a similar kind of sound to your previous work, especially the element of blues. We felt that it’s a great development of your sound. Please tell us any secret or untold stories from when you wrote it.
Matsuo: We came up with the song from Kanae Minato’s film “Shojo”. It’s quite a dark work, but the director Yukiko Mishima actually likes GLIM SPANKY. We received the offer from her to write a song that presents the same world as in her movie, and so we wrote the song “NIGHT LAN DOT”, which is featured on “Next One”, together. To me, “NIGHT LAN DOT” lies within the world of fantasy literature. Completely submerged in that world, the image it gives is of singing verses, not lyrics. I think it’s our most triumphant image. We received permission to use art from the etching works of Max Ernst, and while those images came to our mind as we wrote the song, it felt much more like an artistic piece of work than the usual songwriting. Even the sound, which has to it something like a fantastical breakaway from the normal world during the middle of the night. It’s dirty and psychedelic. For the sound of the drums, we used one drum and built up the sound by hitting it twice to give it a myserious feel. In the lyrics, the phrase “hoshi ga ochiru” (translation: the stars are falling) is used, and the chords in the music give the feeling of using a painting tool. It’s kind of avant-garde. We were really into it, weren’t we?
――At the end of June, you did a cover of “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” for the 50-year anniversary cover album for The Beatles.
Kameda: We picked our favourite song, but people suggested for us to do songs like “Let It Be”. But even so, we wanted to do “Dear Prudence”. People said we were too young, but they still played it (laughs). We received a lot of opinions from various people.
Matsuo: We received various suggestions, but deep in our hearts we really love The Beatles, and we love every song, so we just couldn’t have an answer… Seeing that, the staff just said “Just pick your favourite song!” (laughs). So we said “Right, we’ll do Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band!” It’s the song from The Beatles I have listened to the most.
Kameda: Though I like “White”! (laughs)
――Please tell us about your one-man live tour “Velvet Theater 2016” at the Tokyo Kinema Club (hereinafter referred to as “Kinema”) on July 9th.
Kameda: You can really hear the atmosphere of the venue at Kinema. As a musician, I want to be able to hear every sound. I don’t want it to be explosive, I want it to be different from other events so that the sound comes our clearly and can be heard easily.
Matsuo: It’s the “GLIM” of GLIM SPANKY. Magic is the main element to our live shows. It might not be a crazy, full-on show, but we will betwitch people with our imaginary world that is like a painting. The moment the music starts, within that atmosphere, I want to create a show that wraps people up in a night of fantasy.
――You’re both steadily advancing forward. Please tell us what’s next for GLIM SPANKY!
Matsuo: If we’re talking about the very next thing, then that would be our one-man live final show for our “Next One TOUR 2016” at Shinkiba Studio Coast. I really want to up our show for that performance. From there, it would be the world hearing our song for the One Piece film, since it’s a worldwide hit anime series. After that I have a bit of work to do. I want to take a step into showing the world the meaning of rock for Japanese people. Also, this is something we’ve both spoken about, but we’ve finally come up with an answer between us about the Asian people’s strong point in regard to rock.
――Although I said it’s the end, I’m pretty interested in hearing that!
Matsuo: Rock music is an imported culture from the West, so even if Asian people mimic it, whether it’s good or bad, you can tell it’s Asian. Even so, “What kind of rock can they not do in the West?” When I thought that, what came to mind was orientalness. Orientalness is something you can only find in Asian people, right? For example, if people in the West were to imitate Asian people, like go to India and feel they are cool and adopt psychedelic rock, then our music would unite and it would be really cool. Luckily for us, we already have that orientalness the moment we are born. We can put out there something people in the West cannot, so we are establishing ourselves a Japanese kind of rock that will echo throughout the world.
Kameda: It’s because people in the West don’t speak Asian languages. Looking at it from a bigger point of view, we are earthlings. Whether it’s blues, rock or country, if people have money they can be recognized. For example, when the West make Chinese-like expressions, they mix them up with South Korea and Japan, don’t they? If you’re looking from the other side, there’s not much difference, is there? Putting all those things together, it’s good if Asian people and people in the East have their own rock identity. It’s good if it isn’t Western-like. Bjork has a lot of Orientalness in her artwork. There’s a familiarity, and there’s people in the West that think it’s beautiful. Also, we are true Asians. I like to think that even if we cross seas we are creating a positive effect.
Matsuo: A genuine oriental psychedelic rock band. We might actually get called that. We can do things Asian people can do well. It’s great and all with the Arctic Monkeys and Temples in Europe but we are yearning for some psychedelic material, and we hold the thing that is orientalness, and if we can show that well then we can show it to the world.
Kamemoto: We might just become a special existence.
Matsuo: And even more so rock. If we show that element, it’s going to get fun. And luckily, we have that music wielded.
Kamemoto・Matsuo: Because we love it.
Matsuo: We’re going into the world with a clear vision. And our only plan is to make it real.
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live：GLIM SPANKY ＜Velvet Theater 2016＞
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We were wrapped up in GLIM’s night of fantasy at the Tokyo Kinema Club.
On July 9th, we headed to GLIM SPANK’s one-man live show titled “Velvet Theater 2016” (hereinafter referred to as “Velvet Theater) at the Tokyo Kinema Club. Velvet Theater displayed GLIM SPANK’s fantastical “GLIM” element in a performance that was more of a show than a concert. They received great praise in spring of last year for their show, and they return this year for a second round. We heard that tickets sold out extremely quickly, and sure enough the venue was packed to the ceiling.
Up to then, we had attended GLIM SPANK’s powerful “SPANKY” section, so our hearts were beating fast at the anticipation of what kind of world we were able to be bewitched by for their “GLIM” show. We entered the venue a little bit early and found the venue completely covered in what could only be a scene to be seen in a mysterious fantasy land during the middle of the night.
As we were plunged in the curious and charming fantasy world of GLIM SPANKY’s night, the show began.
We saw an impatience we had not seen at “SPANKY”, as we were dazzled by the musical arrangement and the sound of Kamemoto’s guitar reverberating throughout the venue. There was no MC section until the 7th song, “NIGHT LAN DOT”, as the audience were pulled into the world of “GLIM”. The set continued, with the duo playing “Yoake no Fork”, which gave the feeling of the night being slowly lifted.
After “Iza Mexico e” was “Yami ni Me wo Koraseba” from “Next One” in which 4 people played on stage, which including a cello which took everyone deeper into this world. For the song “Real Oni Gokko” at the end-stage was a sense of morning finally awakening, which made the verses and music of the final song “Otona ni Nattara” even more deep than usual.
As the encore tolled, Kamemoto shed tears as she said “We played lots of songs that we have not released yet so I was worried whether people would catch onto them or not”. Matsuo finished up with the parting words “If we weren’t having fun, it wouldn’t be fun”, and so the fans of course demanded more.
For the encore, the GLIM section also performed together with the SPANKY section for the new song “Ikari wo Kure yo”. However, this is “Velvet Thetre”. Thinking that, the very final song of the encoe was “Roruka”. Knowing that was the end of the show, the band parted reluctanctly.
From a night of fantasy into the real night. And the world that “GLIM” showed right into the morning. GLIM SPANKY create stories with their music and have the ability to capture the audience within them. I think the audience who left the venue with satisfied smiles on their faces thought the same thing. Now we wait for their next one-man live in great anticipation. That’s the kind of bewitching show that “Velvet Theatre”.
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Chogakusei is a vocalist who has attracted attention for the huge gap between the mysterious atmosphere of his Venetian mask and his aggressive voice. After releasing a single in January, the artist released his first full album Cho on February 15, 2023. We sat down to chat with Chogakusei about his current mental state as he continues to build serious momentum, and about his upcoming first solo concert scheduled for March at the Nippon Seinen-kan Hall.
The Theme of the 1st Album is ‘Diversity’
“The word ‘diversity’ can refer to utilizing elements from different people and cultures, but for the diversity used in this album, I focused more on breaking the rules and thinking outside of the box in a more general sense.”
“Since this is my first major album, I felt like it was the fulfillment of a promise. At the same time, I didn’t want to be bound by that feeling. As you listen to each track, I think you’ll find each of them very colorful. So many different people participated in writing the lyrics–for example, the song Ingel was written by Yu Shinda of BURG HAMBURG BURG, and the Vocaloid producers Surii and PinocchioP also contributed. I hope everyone who listens will take note of the diverse group of creators who worked on the album.”
Ingel – Music Video
Heading Towards his First Solo Concert ‘School Admission Briefing’
−You have to admit, it’s a pretty unique title for a concert, isn’t it?
“Since this is my first live performance period, I wanted it to have the theme of a self-introduction, so ‘School Admission Briefing’ seemed to fit, given my name. It’s an unusual title, for sure. (Laugh) I hope fans who attend will feel what it’s like to be a Chogakusei (Super Student). The details of the show are still a secret, though!”
A Vocal Style Inspired by Fan Comments
–You’re popular for your deep, aggressive voice. How did your vocal style come about?
“Honestly, I decided on this style after reading comments from fans posted around the time I released my cover of the song Darling. That’s when I started posting on YouTube more frequently and I got a ton of feedback. Like, people would point out the parts they liked–the minute and the second. After scrolling through all of that, I decided on my current style. In a way, how I sing was completely created by the fans.”
−Tons of international fans have commented on your vocal style. What’s the secret of your popularity?
“I’d love to know myself! (Laugh) Please tell me! In my head, I know that I have this slightly rough, low voice that leads to a more masculine singing style. I also put a lot of thought into the costumes and makeup for each song, so a lot of comments tend to focus on that too. They like my style.”
“I want to try styles from around the world.”
“I’d like to try a ton of unique styles from around the world in the future, like Chinese and Arabic styles. I’m up for the challenge of representing different countries and cultures! I hope to incorporate ideas from fans around the world too, so leave them in the comments. I don’t care what language you speak, please tell me about your country and what you’d like to see!”
Information
Chogakusei
Born in 2001, Chogakusei posted their first cover song at the age of 11. Ever since, he’s consistently posted videos online, currently posting at a rate of one per week. With over 300 million views on his cover tracks, his aggressive voice and mysterious masked appearance have caused him to gain traction with fans around the world. Chogakusei released his first album Cho on February 15, 2023, and his first solo concert, School Admission Briefing, is to be held at the Nippon Seinen-kan Hall in Tokyo on March 5, 2023.
Official Site: https://chogakusei.com
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FRUITS ZIPPER, an up-and-coming idol group from ASOBISYSTEM’s KAWAII LAB project, has a simple concept: “From Harajuku to the World.” For the past year, the girls have been transmitting what they call ‘NEW KAWAII’ from Harajuku, an area known for fashion and individuality, to their growing fanbase.
Recently, we sat down with the members to chat about their first year as idols since debuting in April 2022.
ーWhat has the past year been like as members of FRUITS ZIPPER?
Manaka Mana
“The past year has been a year of love. I’ve learned so much about myself and see my own weaknesses more than I ever have before!
I’ve been able to encounter emotions I wasn’t even aware that I could, and I’ve even been able to recognize and verbalize a lot of new dreams and goals for the future!
Thank you so much!”
Noel Hayase
“The past year has been the most packed year of my life. There was something to do every single day–it was so hectic and so fun! I could only think about how thankful I was to be part of FRUITS ZIPPER. I’m sure that we’ve all become stronger over the past year, and I want to keep working hard and expanding our activities more in the coming years!”
Amane Tsukiashi
“Every day seemed to fly by. I met and talked with so many people, and I was finally able to do the job I had always dreamed of doing.”
ーYou performed in Thailand this year, highlighting your slogan of ‘From Harajuku to the World.’ Can you tell us any fun stories from that time?
Yui Sakurai
“I was so happy to see how many people knew about FRUITS ZIPPER–it was more than I could have ever imagined! So many fans told me how happy they were to meet me and it made me so thrilled!
There were some fans who came from Japan too, and they joined the Thai fans to become Team Yui! I really felt like we had shared Harajuku with the world at that moment. ♡
I hope that we’ll keep expanding this way and visiting fans around the world.
It was such a warm and special day.”
Luna Nakagawa
“This was my first time performing overseas and I was nervous about how the audience would react. We weren’t well-known in Thailand, after all–but when we started singing Watashino Ichiban Kawaiitokoro, everyone sang along!
The concert was so warm and the fans were so sweet, I immediately forgot that it was my first big overseas performance. I was full of adrenaline and it just turned out to be so much fun.
That concert is still my best memory. I can’t wait to go back to Thailand to perform again.
Since our motto is ‘From Harajuku to the World,’ I hope that we can keep expanding to other countries soon!”
ーDo you have any goals for the next year in terms of overseas activities?
Suzuka Chinzei
“I want to do a European tour!
I’m still studying German, but I’d love to try out my communication skills! 🥺 (I guess I could do that here too, but…)”
Karen Matsumoto
“I want to be friends with more overseas fans! 💖
Honestly, I’d love to become like Kyary, an idol who is now recognized all over the world!”
ーGive a message to your fans both in Japan and abroad!
Manaka Mana
“In 2023, I hope that I can spend more time with fans from around the world in person! I want to become stronger and care for those important to me while growing my natural gifts!
I hope you’re all looking forwards to a powered-up FRUITS ZIPPER!
Let’s make 2023 a great one!” 🤍
Noel Hayase
“Even though we’ve only just debuted, we’ve already been so blessed, invited to perform in Thailand and to spend New Year’s Eve in Taiwan. How have we been abroad so many times already? I want to keep the momentum going, spread my wings and aim for an even bigger stage! To all the international fans, just wait! We’ll keep bringing Harajuku to the rest of the world!”
Information
FRUITS ZIPPER
Twitter: https://twitter.com/fruits_zipper
Instagram: https://instagram.com/fruits_zipper
YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCW8Q9LBGGBgK6a-u0C0h95A
TikTok: https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSen7dJAT/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FRUITSZIPPER
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Many visiting Tokyo in the future will want to find the most kawaii spots imaginable, and we know just the girl to serve as a guide! In today’s special interview, we chatted with MIOCHIN to share her recommendations. If you haven’t seen her colorful pop pics on TikTok and Instagram, you’ll want to jump into the MIONOSEKAI!
Q. MIOCHIN, what store is a must-visit in Harajuku?
“That would be SUGAR HIGH at Harajuku Alta! You can find colorful sweets and cute goods from all over the world. I always stop by when I have time because they have popular snacks I’ve seen on TikTok, tons of jewelry, and things I can use every day♪
It’s also a really good spot for buying small souvenirs and gifts for people!★”
Q. What store in Tokyo really embodies your personal worldview?
“The minacute CONCEPT STORE at Ikebukuro Sunshine City. I’m actually the store’s producer!★
Not only did I design this shop, but I’m also selling cute accessories in collaboration with minacute!!”
“The store feels like a big toy box and it’s filled with so many items that kids would love. Not only that–you can find popular brands from around the world and tons of sparkle too★
We also hold workshops and events on weekends, so please come visit!♪★”
Q. What’s your go-to Kawaii Spot?
(The HARAJUKU Room)
“If you’re looking to surround yourself with everything cute, it’s all about MOSHI MOSHI ROOMS! Each room is perfect for snapping photos–I’ve visited so many times for parties and photo shoots★
There are four rooms: DOSKOI, HARAJUKU, ORIGAMI, and SAKURA, and each has a uniquely cute interior♪ If you’re planning on staying the night in Harajuku, be sure to check it out!”
Q. Where can the readers find cute clothes like the ones found in your wardrobe?
(Skirt, Jacket: grapefruitmoon)
“Check out grapefruitmoon, a vintage clothing store. They have so many neat items from the 60s to the 80s, and the designs and shapes are so unique. I’d recommend browsing their retro dresses and funky bottoms★Whether you’re into more monotone fashion or something more flashy and bright, you’ll find it!♪”
Q. Where do you buy your makeup?
“ANNA SUI. I just can’t get enough of the brand’s vision, and the cosmetics are really one-of-a-kind. Honestly, I buy most of them–I especially love the perfumes. I love the scents and the designs are just too damn cute! It’s my favorite collection.”
Q. To wrap things up, do you have a message to readers coming to Japan in the future?
“I’m so glad that so many people are interested in Japan. I post so many colorful things on social media and always want to share Japanese culture with the world!♪
There are so many interesting places that you can only find here, and fascinating activities that you have to visit to enjoy!
I hope you’ll come enjoy our food, fashion, and sightseeing spots. And don’t forget to shop for some kawaii goods!★
And I hope that once you do, you’ll love Japan even more!”
PROFILE: MIOCHIN
Active as an illustrator, TikToker, and streamer, MIOCHIN is known for her colorful pop world MIONOSEKAI. She has fans young and old from around the world and often broadcasts on YouTube and TikTok, recently attracting attention for her duet videos on the latter. Her original videos focus on everything from makeup and art to impressions.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dtdq2828/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mionosekai
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnyOak5Hd4WG0oLECz6L0Og
Twitter: https://twitter.com/dtdq2828
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FRUITS ZIPPER, a new idol group from ASOBISYSTEM, has a simple concept: “From Harajuku to the World.” Ready to transmit what they call ‘NEW KAWAII’ from Harajuku, an area known for fashion and individuality, to their soon-to-be global fanbase, the group consists of seven members: Amane Tsukiashi, Suzuka Chinzei, Yui Sakurai, Luna Nakagawa, Mana Manaka, Karen Matsumoto, and Noel Hayase.
A while back in Report #12, we chatted with Karen Matsumoto, Yui Sakurai, and Luna Nakagawa about their makeup routine and tips. This time, we’re asking Noel Hayase, Suzuka Chinzei, Mana Manaka, and Amane Tsukiashi to share their thoughts on makeup!
Tell us about your favorite lipsticks and what makes them special!
－Noel Hayase
When I do my own makeup, I use b idol’s Glossy Lip No. 08 and then layer PERIPERA’s G Tint No. 06 on the inside. I’ve tried so many b idol lipsticks and I finally found one that matches my skin color perfectly. The tinted one was a gift but I love applying it on the inside of my lips–it gives this neat blood-colored look. It also doesn’t fade which is awesome.
－Suzuka Chinzei
I like THREE Lyrical Lipstick Bloom 11 RUN FREE.
The texture is soft, the color doesn’t fade, and the color is really cute. When I found it, I was so thrilled–it was the exact color I was looking for. Seriously, it’s the best lipstick! It’s honestly all I use in fall and winter♡
－Mana Manaka
Jill Stuart’s lip oil!
We call the people who support us Soragumi, and some of them gave us these gifts along with letters and flowers after our first solo concert. We were so happy☁️
I love the colors and the cloth wrapping, but I feel like it would be such a waste if I ran out so I only carry them as good luck charms. (Laugh)
－Amane Tsukiashi
DIOR ADDICT 524 DIORETTE
DIOR ADDICT Maximizer 103 Pure Gold (This one was a gift🙇♂️)
04 rom&nd Dewiful Water Tint
I have so many favorite lipsticks, but lately I’ve been into layering this shimmery gold maximizer with brown, orange, red, and darker lip shades. It’s really cute!🤍
What do you use for your foundation?
－Noel Hayase
I don’t put a lot on my skin, but I do apply a makeup primer called UV Idea XL Protection Tone-Up by La Roche-Posay first. After that, I use Dior Skin Forever Skin Correct Concealer to hide dark circles and redness. That’s all!
－Suzuka Chinzei
I moisturize with VT’s CICA cream. Depending on the weather, I’ll apply Chant a Charm sunscreen followed by The Skin Minimalist by Decorte. I put on powder last. I use CANMAKE’s Secret Beauty Powder or Elegance’s La Poudre Haute Nuance. No foundation for me!
－Mana Manaka
These were also gifts, but I use Lunasol sunscreen, Dior primer, and foundation!
The bottle is really beautiful, with the engraving…❤️
I ran out of powder when I was in Thailand recently, so I’m just using what I bought locally!
I don’t know if it’s because it’s makeup from a really hot country, but it goes on so smoothly that it doesn’t feel sticky at all, even with a mask on. I’ve been using it even after I got back to Japan!
－Amane Tsukiashi
CHANEL Base Hydra Luminere
(I might upgrade.)
CHANEL Fluid Foundation de CHANEL B10
Dior Forever Skin Correct Concealer 0N
SUQQU Oil Rich Glow Loose Powder
clé de peau BEAUTÉ LE REHAUSSEUR D’ÉCLAT 105 (This was a gift! 🙇♂️)
What do you typically do when it comes to skincare?
－Noel Hayase
First, I use &honey cleansing balm to remove my makeup. When I heard that you could cleanse and wash your face at the same time, I gave it a try and it was amazing, so I’m never going back. After my bath and before putting on my makeup, I use a complete skin care set like La Roche-Posay’s skincare set, which includes mist lotion, toner, and skin cream. It’s not cheap, but since I started using it my skin feels so incredible. Remember to always buy products depending on what kind of skin you have!
－Suzuka Chinzei
Before makeup in the morning, I always cleanse with Bioderma. If I don’t feel moisturized enough, I apply a lotion emulsion. After cleansing at night, I use Bioderma again and then a toner emulsion. Sometimes I like doing face masks, and when I do, I use Mediplorer’s CO2 Sheet Mask. It was recommended to me by someone with really beautiful skin and it’s amazing. I also use a Cell Cure. It’s crazy after how much dirt it removes. (Laugh)
－Mana Manaka
I use lotion, then a face mask, then a serum!
When I used the MediHeal mask that Luna recommended, I was so surprised at how good it was that I started buying and trying tons of different masks.
I’m trying different things to see what fits and what doesn’t, and lately I’ve been buying a lot of Korean masks.
－Amane Tsukiashi
I haven’t been doing much skincare, but I have been moisturizing a lot lately since my skin gets super dry. On some days I’ll do a face mask and use steam. On the day before an important photo shoot, I use my favorite CellCure 4t Plus.
Oh no! You’re running late! You only have time to apply one product! What part of your face will you focus on and why?
－Noel Hayase
I’d only do eye makeup. In this day and age, everyone wears masks, so when you meet someone, you always make eye contact, right? Besides, if it’s just eye makeup, I can get by without base makeup, and I can do the rest of my makeup whenever. (Laugh)
－Suzuka Chinzei
I just need sunscreen!
Sunscreen is life. It’s so important!
Starting when I was in junior high, my parents told me to wear sunscreen, so I can’t imagine not doing it now. No matter how busy I am, I put on sunscreen, even while walking to the station.
I was on the track team in junior high and I’d put some on every 30 minutes.
At the time I thought it was so annoying, but now I’m so glad my mom told me to do it.
(Strangely enough, my mom doesn’t wear sunscreen at all.)
－Mana Manaka
On days when I actually have a whole day off or if I’m just at rehearsal, I don’t wear makeup. I hide behind a mask and a hat! (Laugh)
If I use anything at all, it’s sunscreen or foundation with sunscreen in it.
It covers my eyebrows and eyes so much that I can’t see at all, but I do want to prevent spots!!! (Laugh)
－Amane Tsukiashi
Eyes!
I always think that wearing eye makeup makes a huge difference.
I’d want to do my eyebrows too, but at least I can hide them with my bangs. Eyes it is!
Information
FRUITS ZIPPER
Twitter: https://twitter.com/fruits_zipper
Instagram: https://instagram.com/fruits_zipper
YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCW8Q9LBGGBgK6a-u0C0h95A
TikTok: https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSen7dJAT/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FRUITSZIPPER
Amane Tsukiashi
Twitter
https://twitter.com/amane_fz1026
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/am1026_official/
TikTok
https://www.tiktok.com/@am1026_official
Youtube
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYH_GZdDHYrrh_8iQOi4P0g
Suzuka Chinzei
Twitter
https://twitter.com/suzuka_fz1124
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/tarasuzuka24/
TikTok
https://www.tiktok.com/@oooooossssss24
Youtube
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0XgLUbhD1Wdj_hgknrDo7A
Mana Manaka
Twitter
https://twitter.com/manafy_fz0422
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/manafy_baby/
TikTok
https://www.tiktok.com/@manafy_fz0422
Noel Hayase
Twitter
https://twitter.com/noel_fz1229
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/noel_hayase/
TikTok
https://www.tiktok.com/@hysnl1229
Youtube
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“Japan is such an interesting country, where so many cultures blend and evolve.”
Moshi Moshi Nippon is dedicated to sharing Japanese pop culture with audiences around the world. Recently, we launched a new interview series with foreign influencers active in Japan, and for the third edition, we’re chatting with Zhu Zhu! A popular influencer with over 2 million followers on Weibo, Zhu Zhu claims that since coming to Japan, her fashion has become ‘softer.’ We sat down to ask her what kind of Kawaii she’s found in Japan.
Q. Why did you first come to Japan?
“In 2013, I moved to Japan with my family because Beijing’s air pollution had become really bad. It’s already been nine years!”
Zhu Zhu when she first came to Japan
Q. When you first arrived in Japan, what surprised you?
“When I first came to Japan, what really surprised me was the wide use of the word ‘kawaii.’ It’s so interesting that literally anything can be called kawaii. Sure, it makes sense to call girls, animals, or clothes cute, but in Japan, people call things cute that people in other countries would never refer to in that way. I mean, I think calling things ‘cute’ when you mean ‘good’ is something really commonplace here. (laugh)”
Q. Tell us what you find the most Kawaii in Japan!
“There are so many cute things in Japan, but I think that the sweets take the cake. I was surprised by how small they are unlike in other countries. And there are so many kinds! Cakes, baked goods, wagashi, they’re all so incredibly kawaii!”
Q. How did your encounter with Kawaii culture in Japan change you?
“Since I first came into contact with the Japanese version of kawaii, I think my style has become softer. When I was overseas, I typically just worse really simple outfits and makeup, but now, I’m always conscious of looking girly and cute.”
Q.In Japan, what are you interested in right now? Where do you want to visit in the future?
“I recently read an article about Yufuin Floral Village, which is England-inspired. It looks so cute and I really want to go!”
Q. Do you have anything to say to our readers who want to visit Japan in the future?
“Japan is such an interesting country, where so many cultures blend and evolve. No matter how many times you visit, you can always find something new. Please visit!”
Zhu Zhu Profile
An influencer from China with 2 million followers on Weibo. Nicknamed “Big Cousin” on social media, she has been a favorite of many Japanese brands for years. Since moving to Japan, Zhu Zhu has actively shared fashion, beauty, travel, and food posts on social media. In addition to appearing on TV and in magazines, she has collaborated with a number of major Japanese apparel and cosmetics companies.
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FRUITS ZIPPER, a new idol group from ASOBISYSTEM’s KAWAII LAB project, has a simple concept: “From Harajuku to the World.”
This summer, the group’s track Watashino Ichiban Kawaiitokoro took off on TikTok with the music video racking up over 500 million plays, propelling the girls into the idol spotlight. Along with regular monthly performances, tickets for the girl’s first solo concert in September and their second solo concert in November were sold out immediately. FRUITS ZIPPER is scheduled to go on tour in Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka in February 2023, and even the fashion industry has become obsessed, with the group serving as the seasonal ambassadors for Samantha Vega starting in August 2022.
Only six months after its debut, the members of FRUITS ZIPPER are already taking their first steps outside of Harajuku. Their first overseas trip was to Thailand, called the land of smiles.
FRUITS ZIPPER performed as one of more than 50 artists representing Thailand and Japan at the THAI-JAPAN ICONIC MUSIC FEST 2022 from October 21 to October 23. The music festival was held to commemorate the 135th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and Japan.
Four different stages were set up during the event, and FRUITS ZIPPER managed to attract fans not only from Japan, but from Thailand, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Myanmar, the Philippines, and other Asian countries. Many guests even knew the choreography to a number of FRUITS ZIPPER songs, including, of course, Watashino Ichiban Kawaiitokoro. The audience was thrilled when the members addressed them in Thai, and a collaboration interview video shot with local idols was also taken. It’s now available on FRUITS ZIPPER’s TikTok channel, so check it out!
We sat down with the seven members of FRUITS ZIPPER to hear about their best memories from Thailand!
-How did you feel about your first overseas trip to Thailand?
Noel Hayase
“It was our first time performing in Thailand. Not many people knew who we were and we were far away from home, but people welcomed us with open arms. So many people came to watch us, and I was happy to see the audience dancing along to the songs!”
Yui Sakurai
“When I became an idol two years ago, Thai fans really supported me. Back then, I told them I’d love to come to see them, but I never got the chance.
I’m happy that I was about to finally achieve that goal, or my dream, I guess, of going to Thailand to meet all of those fans. There were so many more people waiting for me than I could have imagined, and even though we couldn’t communicate very well with the language barrier, we could easily communicate through music. I was so happy.”Karen Matsumoto
“So many non-Japanese fans came out to support us! Even though they didn’t speak Japanese, they did their best to tell us they were rooting for us, and that they loved us. I was so happy, I can’t wait to go back!”
Mana Manaka
“This was my first visit to Thailand, and part of me felt a little uneasy since everything felt so different when compared to live shows in Japan. I was allowed to take pictures and to really use my voice, and the stage configuration was really confusing. But everyone in Thailand was super welcoming and kind, and I was so happy to see them trying to learn Japanese. They’d listen to me talk and nod, looking me in the eyes, even if they didn’t understand what I was saying. It was a wonderful trip that reminded me how excited I am to travel abroad. I hope I can see everyone in Thailand again, thank you so much!”
Luna Nakagawa
“Even though I’ve been an idol for a while, this was my first trip overseas. Going to Thailand had always been a dream of mine, but at the same time, I was nervous. I didn’t know what kind of fans I’d find there, or if there would be any fans at all. But the Thai people were so unbelievably kind.
During our performance, a girl held up a board that said ‘Lunapi’ and waved a purple penlight. She shouted that she was looking so forward to meeting me, and it made me so happy.We started to share information with the Thai people after our performance was decided, but it seemed that they had known about us before that. I felt that so many people had been excited about coming to see us, and now I just want to go to Thailand again to see everyone a second time. Kob kun kaa!”
Amane Tsukiashi
“This was the first time I had visited Thailand, and I thought it was so beautiful. Seeing ICONSIAM was unbelievable–the biggest building I’d ever seen! I was so happy to see the fans, and so many told me that they had been waiting to meet us. Thank you so much.”
Suzuka Chinzei
“Before going to Thailand, I wondered how many local people knew about FRUITS ZIPPER and how many would actually come to see us. When we actually took the stage on the first day, there were so many Thai people, and Japanese people too! Since I was able to use my voice to the fullest in Thailand, I was thrilled when the audience could sing along with the ‘Ne, ne, ne’ part in Watashino Ichiban Kawaiitokoro! This live show was so unique to Thailand, and it felt so much freer than live shows are in Japan right now with all the restrictions. Since there was a language barrier, I wanted to put all of my feelings and emotions into my performance. I felt like I could communicate with the audience with my eyes, and those three days of performances were so unforgettable. We’ll be back and we’ll be even stronger, so wait for us until then! Kob kun kaa!”
FRUITS ZIPPER is on course to become a smash hit not only in Japan, but around the world.
Information
FRUITS ZIPPER
Twitter: @fruits_zipper
Instagram: @fruits_zipper
YouTube: FRUITS ZIPPER
TikTok: @fruits_zipper
Facebook: FRUITS ZIPPERKAWAII LAB.
Twitter: @kawaii__lab
YouTube: KAWAII LAB. -
Interview: Shakuhachi Player Yoshimi Tsujimoto Discusses Her Craft and the Upcoming Concert at Kumano-Nachi Taisha
Each year, an incredible event is held at Kumano-Nachi Taisha, a Shinto shrine and World Heritage Site located in the Kii Mountain Range of Wakayama Prefecture.
To kick off the ‘diamond celebration,’ a special concert will mark the 1,250th anniversary of the birth of Kobo Daishi, the Japanese Buddhist monk who founded the Shingon school of Buddhism. Yoshimi Tsujimoto, a shakuhachi player from Hashimoto, will perform in the concert scheduled to begin on October 22 at 13:30.
Moshi Moshi Nippon sat down with Yoshimi Tsujimoto to discuss her music and, most importantly, her interest in sharing the sound of the shakuhachi with the world.
−How did you become interested in the shakuhachi?
My father loved the shakuhachi, and because of that, I grew up surrounded by the sound of it. That’s how it all began!
−What attracts you to playing the shakuhachi?
I love the timbre of the shakuhachi.
Those who play the shakuhachi often say that a single note has the power to bring someone to enlightenment.
Curiously, individual differences in tone are more easily discernible with the shakuhachi than with other instruments. That means that a person can express themselves in more unique ways.
−You’ve performed in many different countries. Do you get different reactions to the shakuhachi in other countries when compared to Japanese audiences?
I have a vivid memory of a time I performed a classical shakuhachi piece solo. This particular type of classical music is called ‘wabi-sabi,’ and it isn’t very loud or lively.
In Japan, when I finish a performance, people usually clap. But when I performed in South America, as soon as the piece concluded, there was a standing ovation with people shouting “Bravo!” That would never happen in Japan, and it left such a lasting impression on me.
−Are there any countries that have left a lasting impression on you, or that you would like to visit in the future?
I have good memories of every country I’ve visited, but I think that Cuba left the biggest impression. I just made me think about how incredible music can be.
I’d love to visit Bulgaria, Morocco, Armenia, Uganda…it’s tough, because I want to visit every country I haven’t been to yet. (laughs)
−You’re from Hashimoto City, near Mount Koya. How did you feel when you heard that this concert would be held so close to your hometown?
What I felt was pure joy.
Personally, I’ve always loved Mount Koya, and I went there many times as a child. It’s such a pleasure to be able to perform there.
−Tell us some of your favorite memories involving Mount Koya.
I go to Mount Koya at least three or four times a year. It’s not a particular memory per se, but every time I go, I love to eat vegetarian food, explore, and buy wheat buns and sesame tofu as gifts to take home.
−Are there any local foods or places that you’d recommend?
The fruit is delicious in Wakayama, and my hometown is famous for persimmons.They are so yummy, and I just want everyone to try them!
Mount Koya and Kumano Kodo are both World Heritage sites, and they are both absolutely breathtaking. Other than those, I’d recommend Adventure World! It has adorable pandas roaming around freely and the most wonderful dolphin shows. Everyone from around the country should visit!
−Finally, do you have a message for Moshi Moshi Nippon readers?
Japan is filled with incredible places and culture. The shakuhachi, a beloved traditional Japanese instrument, is one piece of that culture.
I want audiences around the world to hear the sound of the shakuhachi and to make it more familiar. If you have a chance to hear it, I hope you will.
Be sure to follow Yoshimi Tsujimoto’s activities going forward as she shares the beauty and culture of shakuhachi with the world.
Information
Concert at World Heritage Site Kumano-Nachi Taisha (Wakayama)
Date: October 22, 2022 at 13:30
Venue: Danjo-garan Buddhist Temple
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“Kawaii is marshmallow-flavored medicine for the soul.”
Moshi Moshi Nippon is dedicated to sharing Japanese pop culture with audiences around the world, and today, we’re featuring a foreign influencer living and working in Japan! This time, we interviewed Etsuna, a popular influencer from China, discussing how Yume Kawaii fashion brings her comfort and the many types of ‘kawaii’ she’s found during her time in Japan.
Q. What brought you to Japan?
“After graduating with a major in animation, I was working at a university in Shanghai as a teacher, but I decided to enroll in Tama Art University’s graduate program to study for my master’s degree. That’s when I came to Japan, and I’ve been here for 15 years!”
Q. When you first came to Japan, what surprised you? Was anything different than what you had imagined?
“Everyone wore such bold makeup, and that really surprised me! When I first came to Japan 15 years ago, I think the gyaru trend was still big, and a lot of girls had that strong Harajuku style and big personalities. Heavy eye makeup and blush was the big thing. I thought everyone was getting ready to film for a TV show.”
Q. What do you think of when you heard the word ‘kawaii’ in Japan?
“MOSHI MOSHI ROOMS, character cafes, and Yume Kawaii fashion…they are all so unique and so adorable! Those things are what I think of when I hear the word ‘kawaii.’”
Q. Did finding Japanese kawaii culture change you in any way?
“Before I experienced kawaii culture, I was a teacher, so I wore a lot of black, white, and gray every day. But after encountering kawaii style for the first time, I started experimenting with different kawaii subcultures, like the Mori Girl trend back in the mid-2000s. Eventually, I fell in love with Yume Kawaii (Dreamy Kawaii) fashion, which is filled with pastels and a fantasy-like aesthetic. I’ve been dressing in that particular style for about ten years now. To me, kawaii is like marshmallow-flavored medicine for the soul. It’s very healing.”
Q. When it comes to Japan, what interests you now? Where would you like to visit in the future?
“Today, it feels like Japanese fashion is becoming more and more simple, and the Harajuku kawaii trend is starting to disappear. Is that because people don’t like standing out in that over-the-top way? Do they feel embarrassed if they dress differently than most people? I’ve met a lot of people who love Yume Kawaii fashion, but they might not have the courage to wear it themselves. That’s why I’m currently researching how to bring Yume Kawaii to AR. If I can bring it to the virtual world in a way that blends with the real world, I can create a brand-new experience for everyone. Using mobile AR technology, people will be able to transform their everyday clothes into something with more Yume Kawaii style!”
Etsuna’s Original Yume Kawaii AR Filter
Q. Please give a few words to those living abroad who are interested in visiting Japan!
If you really want to experience Japanese kawaii culture, stay at MOSHI MOSHI ROOMS in Harajuku! There are so many fashionable people in Tokyo too, and if you hang out near Harajuku Laforet on the weekend, you’ll see people taking plenty of pictures. Come have a special trip to Japan and surround yourself with all things kawaii! Have fun!”
Information
PROFILE
Etsuna
Born in China, Etsuna is a graduate of Tama Art University in Tokyo. In addition to sharing kawaii culture on her social media accounts, she founded her independent brand ‘Etsuna otsukA’ in 2011, which has been featured in a number of magazines. Her Weibo video channel TokyoGoGo, featuring uploads edited by Etsuna herself, has become incredibly popular. She is currently active as a designer and TV personality, mainly in Japan and China.
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In a new interview posted to YouTube, Yuichiro Hayashi, the director of Attack on Titan The Final Season, and Yusuke Tannawa, the CG Producer and Screen Designer for the show, are discussing the series’ incredible success. Both creators also chat about the struggles they’ve faced during production, their relationship with the original manga creator Hajime Isayama, and much more.
Attack on Titan The Final Season Part 2 – Yuichiro Hayashi (Director) × Yusuke Tannawa (CG Producer, Screen Design) Special Interview
Attack on Titan Final Season Part 2 is currently airing on NHK General each Sunday at 24:05. It is also available to stream on dTV, d Anime Store, GYAO!, Netflix, TELASA, Hikari TV, and Amazon Prime Video.
©諫山創・講談社／「進撃の巨人」The Final Season製作委員会
Information
Attack on Titan The Final Season Part 2
Now Airing
Airing on NHK General Sundays at 24:05
Streaming on dTV, d Anime Store, GYAO!, Netflix, TELASA, Hikari TV, and Amazon Prime Video
Official Site: https://shingeki.tv/final/
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Cosmetics brand KOSE has announced that popular girl group NiziU will act as brand ambassadors for a new collection of Visée eyeshadow, Glossy Rich Eyes N.
Visée Glossy Rich Eyes N – Available in 8 shades + 2 limited edition shades
Photo Shoot
「Visée AVANT」Limited Edition Seasonal Visual with MAYUKA＆NINA
The theme for this year’s campaign was ‘Find the Color Just for You.’ By trying all possible shades, even those which seem out of the consumers comfort zone, they will absolutely find the perfect color. For this photo shoot, NiziU applied makeup inspired by their respective member colors, showing off their individuality.
A special web movie and visual for Glossy Eyes Rich N featuring the NiziU girls is available on the special product website and through the official social media channels. The eyeshadows will be available at drugstores and other retailers, as well as online, beginning September 16. Members Mayuka and Nina will also appear in limited season ads for Visée AVANT.
An original movie featuring all members is also available to view on the official TikTok brand account and the Glossy Rich Eyes N special product website.
Interview with NiziU
Q1. Visée has partnered with a number of women before, each symbolizing the current era. What are your thoughts on being chosen as brand ambassadors for Visée now?
Mako: I’m turning 20 this year, and I’ve really wanted to show a different side of myself now that I won’t be a teenager anymore. I was so happy when I was chosen for this project, since it gave me the perfect chance to do just that!
Maya: We’re so incredibly honored to be chosen as ambassadors for Visée! I use their products regularly, but there are so many different colors of product available. I think this will inspire people to make use of colors they may not use often, and to try new things!
Q2. How did you feel after shooting wrapped?
Ayaka: It felt like something totally different than what NiziU has tackled in the past. I typically wear more cutesy makeup, but this time I tried to show something more mature. It was refreshing. It was a blast getting close-up shots taken of my eye makeup!
Q3. The theme for this year’s campaign is ‘Find the Color Just for You.’ It calls on people to find a color that best matches their personality. After the first ad shoot, what were your impressions of your fellow members’ new makeup looks?
Riku: Maya was the one getting her pictures taken first, and she looked so gorgeous that Ayaka and I couldn’t stop staring at her! Honestly, we were staring at her so much that when she finally looked over at us, she did that typical Maya smile, and it was like we fell in love with her. (laugh)
Q4. This year’s visuals are impressive, with the NiziU members showing off very different expressions than usual. Is there anything you refer to or try to do personally, to find new facial expressions?
Mayuka: It can be really difficult, but I find it useful to look at photos of some of the more senior members and practice copying their expressions.
Q5. Again, this year’s theme is ‘Find the Color Just for You.’ Each of the nine members of NiziU have their own distinct personalities, so with that in mind, what do you think makes you stand out as an individual?Rima: For me, it’s my different worldview. It allows me to converse in a very unique way, and to really adjust how I carry myself depending on the location. My member color is red, which also has many meanings: it can be powerful, or mature, or energetic, or mischievous. I’m like a chameleon. I hold many different personalities that I can switch to at the drop of a hat.
Q6. As a member of NiziU, you’ve had many different and unique experiences. Have you found any unexpected sides of yourself during your time as a member?Rio: I used to think I was one of the cool girls, but during this photo shoot, I was given a makeup look and outfit that was more cutesy. That’s a side of myself I haven’t explored, and this is something that happens frequently during the many events and challenges we take on as a unit.
Q7. During the makeup shooting sessions, we were able to see very different sides of the NiziU members. Is there anything new you’ve learned about the other members recently?Miihi: Compared to how we all were when we all joined, everyone is really starting to show their true selves! We’ve so close, there’s nothing that we don’t know about each other at this point!
Q8. The Glossy Rich Eyes N products that you used this time come in a wide variety of colors, making it possible for anyone to meet their perfect shade. Speaking of ‘meetings,’ what do the members of NiziU want to meet more than anything right now?Nina: I want to meet with WithU (the name for NiziU fans). We haven’t been able to meet them face to face yet, and I hope we’re able to soon.
Information
Visée Glossy Rich Eyes N
Release Date: September 16, 2021
Features 8 shades + 2 limited edition shades
Details: https://www.kose.co.jp/visee/glossyricheyes_special/
Visée AVANT: https://www.kose.co.jp/visee/avant/
Official Site: https://www.kose.co.jp/visee/
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Bourbon’s five-episode audiobook no doubt created for its Noukou Choco Brownie snack was released as an animated TV commercial last week. The video features Japanese pop rock band Macaroni Enpitsu’s new song Tomason which was written for the commercial.
The audiobook no doubt becomes a TV commercial
The no doubt audiobook was written by the popular Japanese author Yoru Sumino who is perhaps best known for writing I Want to Eat Your Pancreas. It tells the story of two boys who are in high school. They aren’t part of an afterschool club, and they don’t have part time jobs. They come to realise that this time will be what they look back on when they grow up. The characters were designed by Itsuka, an illustrator popular online.
The commercial features the song Tomason by Macaroni Enpitsu.
“no doubt” Animated TV Commercial
“no doubt” Recording Behind The Scenes
Japanese voice actors Hiro Shimono (Attack on Titan; Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba) and Yuki Kaji (Attack on Titan; My Hero Academia) voiced the characters in the commercial. Below is an interview with both of them on the commercial, part of which we have translated.
Hiro Shimono x Yuki Kaji Interview
A snippet of the interview, translated
Q1: How did your performances go? Tell me about your shoot.
Hiro Shimono: “The commercial portrays two boys who are neither adults nor children, so going through puberty I suppose. Their dialogue is elaborate, it was super interesting.”
Yuki Kaji: “Right up to wrapping up, the entire shoot was a lot of fun, including the intervals during our breaks.”
Q2: You both play the roles of high school boys. Tell me about a time from your youths.
Yuki Kaji: “One memory I have from school being young, which is like something out of a painting, was my time a the theatre club. You need real physical strength when it comes to acting, so before dress rehearsal, I’d run around the school building. That’s a memory that’s stuck with me. I’d change into my jersey, and go die– I mean, run to the nearby river embankment too. Being reminded of that now it’s too much like a youth film or something, it’s making me laugh <laughs>. “
Hiro Shimono: “I have a story from my youth too. It was on the day of the Culture Festival [at school]. After the festival finished, I was on my way home with some people, and there was a park with a water fountain in it. I said, ‘Well, it’s already raining, so why the hell not!’ Of course it wasn’t the thing to do, but we jumped into the water fountain and splashed about. That’s what being young is all about, right!?”
Q3: What’s your favourite Noukou Choco Brownie flavour, the regular or the rich milk?
Hiro Shimono: “Noukou Choco Brownie.”*
*Translator’s Note: Implying all of them
Yuki Kaji: “Me too! <laughs>”
Q4: Please give a message to fans.
Yuki Kaji: “I was lucky to have the opportunity to performance Yoru Sumino’s novel no doubt. I’m over the moon about it. The script was of course wonderful, and me and Shimono have known each other for a long time, so I think that comes across in the video with a pleasant atmosphere. The commercial is a youthful drama about two high school boys, and it’s linked to the bittersweetness of Noukou Choco Brownie. Be sure to tuck into one yourself while you listen to the story.”
Hiro Shimono: “[The commercial’s characters] Igarashi and Imai have a great conversation, and getting to do it with Kaji was a lot of fun. It made me think we’ve always had that kind of vibe with each other. Noukou Choco Brownie is the keyword, so please be sure to check out the audiobook to see how it plays its part.”
no doubt Synopsis
One day, high schooler Imai skips school by feigning illness. He is at home in his room, when all of a sudden another boy from his class, Igarashi, comes to visit him. He has the handouts to give to Imai from class, but the high school they go to doesn’t have that custom where a classmate has to give handouts to someone who’s off ill. And the two of them aren’t that class where Igarashi would suddenly pop to see Imai like that. Imai finds it suspicious. Igarashi is interested in the clay work Imai has in his room. Both of them have some free time, so begin to make a town together out of clay.
Information
Noukou Choco Brownie TV Commercial
Initial Broadcast: April 13, 2021 (Japan)
Bourbon Official YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8UW0OHgo_FtkF4orKd2S4Q
Bourbon Official Website: https://www.bourbon.co.jp/chocobrownie/
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Ohashi Trio released a music video on his YouTube channel on Tuesday (February 16) for Milk and Sugar duet with Mone Kamishiraishi. The song is taken from his upcoming new album NEW WORLD which is set to drop on March 3, 2021.
Ohashi Trio – “Milk and Sugar duet with Mone Kamishiraishi” Official Music Video
Ohashi Trio – “NEW WORLD”
Ohashi Trio and Mone Kamishiraishi in the recording booth
The music video features the actual footage of Ohashi and Kamishiraishi recording their respective vocal sections for the duet. We get to see the two artists’ faces in a more relaxed and natural environment. It’s also layered with cute animated illustrations and artwork which express the content of the lyrics. The song is a refreshing, up-tempo number that captures the beauty of both singers’ voices. It’s also available to listen to right now worldwide on all major music streaming and download services.
Stream & Download Here
An official interview with Ohashi Trio and Mone Kamishiraishi was also released where they talk about Kamishiraishi’s involvement on the song, both of their thoughts about it, and more. It’s a must-read for fans, and MMN Has translated it into English for our readers.
Ohashi Trio and Mone Kamishiraishi Interview
“I’d go as far as to say that breaking something down can lead to great things” (Ohashi)
──I had the opportunity to peek into your recording session not long ago, it seemed like a very positive, harmonious atmosphere.
Ohashi: Because she’s great <looks towards Kamishiraishi>. I’m usually not like this.
Kamishiraishi: <Laughs>
──I interviewed you last year where the two of you were talking about performing together, and here we are already. Could you talk again about what originally led you to working together?
Ohashi: “My first time being involved with Mone was on her album ‘note.’”
Kamishiraishi: “I was already a huge fan of his, so I thought, I’ll give it a shot, and asked him to come on board.”
Ohashi: “You make it sound like you never stood a chance <laughs>. I wrote the song ‘Little Birds’ [for the album], and at the recording session, she was really kind and said, ‘I’m a huge fan.’ I remember thinking how great of a singer she was. After that, I thought about what we could do together if I invited her on my own album. Since it was the actual writing of a song that I did for her, I made sure to respect her style, but I was inviting her to my side, so I’d go as far to say that I decided to break all of that down. I thought by doing that, it could lead to great things. So I sent her the offer. She was super busy with shooting a drama series and other stuff but she was kind enough to make time each day.”
Kamishiraishi: “Not at all. It was very kind of you.”
I thought, “Aw yeah, a challenge!” (Kamishiraishi)
──So things were broken down this time, Kamishiraishi.
Kamishiraishi: That’s what happened <laughs>. When I heard the instrumental, I thought, “Aw yeah, a challenge!” It had a kind of melody that I’d never had the chance to sing over before, same with its overall feel. It felt like a step up, like I was discovering a new way of singing, which really excited me, so I really sang my heart out prior to the recording.”
Ohashi: “You were so involved, you prepared so much despite being so busy. You’re great. Hard-working.”
Kamishiraishi: “I’m a fan, so when you release a new song, I memorise it straight away. This felt like the same thing. LIke I’m the first to hear it and learn it. So it didn’t feel like work needing to learn it, but when I first heard it, I thought, ‘He’s been kind enough to drawn attention to my new parts.’”
Ohashi: “It makes me happy hearing that.”
“I don’t think I’ve seen someone like this girl before” (Ohashi)
──What do you like about Kamishiraishi’s voice, Ohashi?
Kamishiraishi: “Thank you for asking that <said quietly to the interviewer>.”
Ohashi: “<laughs> I thought, this character is someone who puts 100% of herself into the songs she sings. And that image I had held true when I met her, plus she has real talent. Her songs are great. I thought, I don’t think I’ve seen someone like this girl before.”
Kamishiraishi: “Wow… <speechless>”
Ohashi: “It was the same during ‘Little Birds.’ She’s so busy, and yet I really got from her that she’s going all out to put her all into it. She was so quick to respond to the request too. She has real physical strength as a vocalist. There are people out there whose songs are good, but rarely do I meet someone who can adapt as well.”
Kamishiraishi: “You’re too kind. I don’t really have things said like this about me while having the opportunity to sing, so I’ll lap up everything that’s said here today and take it home with me. It will be engraved in my heart.”
Oashi: “No, no, I should be saything lots of wrong things anyway.”
“You won’t find someone like Ohashi out there even if you looked” (Kamishiraishi)
──What do you like about Ohashi’s music, Kamishiraishi?
Kamishiraishi: “First of all, I love his voice. I really like his melodies and how the instruments sound in his music too. You won’t find someone like Ohashi out there even if you looked for them.”
Ohashi: “Wow, that makes me happy.”
Kamishiraishi: “He has a warmth, sense of style, and coolness about him that you won’t find in other people. I get the feeling that you’ll find all of those things in every one of his albums, and I love that about him. He invited me to one of his shows recently. It was the first time seeing him live, and, well, he was just super cool! The show title said “Ohashi Trio Live,” but every single one of the band members there felt like one of the main cast. There were too many amazing things to see and point out, but unfortunately I don’t have enough eyes for them all <laughs>. I wanted cameras to be recording each one of their parts! It made me realise how amazing music is. It was testament to the fact that your ears can forever be happy as long as you’re listening.”
──What a great comment!
Ohashi: “You’ve conveyed everything I’ve always thought I wanted to have. I’m super happy.”
Interview/Original Text: Hiroshi Takaoka
English Translation: Joshua Kitosi-Isanga
Be sure to check out the music video for Ohashi Trio and Mone Kamishiraishi’s duet on Milk to Sugar (“Milk and Sugar”).
Information
Milk to Sugar duet with Mone Kamishiraishi
Japanese Song Title: ミルクとシュガー duet with 上白石萌音
Released: February 17, 2021 (Digitally)
Ohashi Trio Official Website: http://ohashi-trio.com/
