MOSHI MOSHI ROOMS’ Famous New Owner Transforms Into a Harajuku Boy

28.February.2019 | FASHION / FEATURES / SPOT

MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON opened its new accommodation MOSHI MOSHI ROOMS in Harajuku, Tokyo on December 3, 2018 which incorporates unique concepts into its design and décor.

The facility’s manager Akihito Shimizu is just your ordinary Japanese salaryman and has no Harajuku-ness to him… until now!

 

The owner has undergone a huge project to completely transform himself into a Harajuku boy. With the help of a professional hair designer and stylist, Akihito Shimizu is about to become a fitting owner of Harajuku’s MOSHI MOSHI ROOMS!

Introducing: Akihito Shimizu, Owner of MOSHI MOSHI ROOMS

Before his change, Akihito Shimizu was a fresh looking salaryman donning a suit and glasses that both matches stylishly together. Outside his business look his regular outfits consisted mostly of your regular outdoor look. It had been almost 10 years since he last dyed his hair! “I was really looking forward to this transformation! I fired myself up and went for it,” he comments.

Changing up his hairstyle at a popular salon

In order to change his salaryman-esque hairdo to a Harajuku one that stands out Shimizu visited L by HOME, a popular salon in Harajuku, where he was served by the salon’s director Kotaki. To add shape and flair to Shimizu’s bonnet he had the whole thing cut. Already just with this his image changed considerably, but he’s not done just yet!

To bring out his personality Shimizu had his hair bleached twice, leading to a dramatic change in colour. He also had grey-beige put in, giving it an overall yellowish colour. You can really see his personality with just this, right?

After colouring and drying a curling iron was used to add curls into his hair and a small amount of wax was put in to add volume. The greys add a sophisticated look to the style even with the high hair tone. This huge Harajuku short style transformation looks like it would go well with some flashy clothes! “I hadn’t bleached my hair in a long time, and it didn’t stain at all. Do I look a little like a Harajuku boy now?” he said. You look pretty dapper!

After paying Shimizu took a photo with Kotaki. Thank you for forming a precise image for him! Shimizu looks very satisfied too.

Salon Information

L by HOME(Eyelash & Hair)

Address: L by HOME Floor 2F, 3-27-5 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo

Contact: 03-5411-0366

Now for a fitting outfit!

With his hairstyle set, it was time to move onto fashion. Helping Shimizu was stylist and writer Manami Ishii who is active in magazines, online and in dramas. After greeting and exchanging business cards they went shopping!

The first place that stylist Ishii took him to was Chicago, a long-standing second-hand clothing store in Harajuku. Despite being in a place with lots of other shops around Chicago is the biggest. Its huge shop floor means lots of clothes which also means lots of choices!

Ishii took no time at all in finding something for him: “This one’s cute! It would suit you!” The item in question was a purple anorak jacket. They continued selecting out clothing and checking if it suited him. Shimizu asked, “What’s a definite and good way of picking out something that’s Harajuku style?” Ishii taught him everything he needed to know. With an air of immense curiosity from Shimizu the two circled the store.

Ishii had Shimizu try on outfit after outfit of things she thought might be good, checking the size and colour coordination each time. Even if it looked good at a glance, if the balance wasn’t right she chucked it out and went onto something else. When asking Ishii about her outlook for this project, she said: “Harajuku fashion is colourful and daring so the colours used are completely different from that of a suit. I want to try incorporating sports trends for Shimizu who likes outdoor wear, something that doesn’t feel out of place and he can look good in.”

After much consideration, Shimizu picked up two different outfit variations. For this special occasion he put one of them on and headed onto the streets of Harajuku. To complete his outfit mission he set off to buy some more items from another shop.

Shop Information

Harajuku Chicago

Address: Mansion 31 Floor 2F, 6-31-15 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo

Contact: 03-6427-5505

The next stop was another long-time second-hand store: BUD, located along Harajuku-dori. They have a diverse selection of attire from regular to vintage. They sell t-shirts with unique prints as well as rare items you can’t get anywhere else, so it’s frequented a lot by Harajuku’s fashionistas!

And so they began the hunt. Both Shimizu and Ishii like band t-shirts so they got pretty excited whenever they saw an interesting print. “A second-hand shop even has items like this,” said Shimizu as he browsed the shelves with an intent look on his face. It seems like his inner fashion monster has finally come out to play.

They wanted a smaller accessory to add accent to his outfit, so they went with a used Nike cap. Choosing white lights up the face more so it’s easy to coordinate and perfect for Shimizu’s look.

Shop Information

BUD

Address: 3-27-15 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo

Contact: 03-3401-7246

Check out the new Shimizu in his 2 new styles!

Shimizu’s transformation is complete so it’s time to check him out. The first outfit is street style Harajuku boy which incorporates neon colours. Take note of the layering formed by the front of the overalls which are worn down to look like pants. The white of the cap also makes the outfit look clean and effortless.

The second look is a flood of colours too which create a sporty pop style. The fleece is zipped down which screams ‘trend alert’ while the rolled up pants and striped socks have an air of mischief to them. The darker colours give balance to the overall outfits.

 

Today’s task is complete!

Shimizu became a brand new person today after undergoing a huge transformation. Thanks to the magical hands of the stylists he has become a true stylish Harajuku boy that would fit in with all the other Harajuku fashionistas on Instagram! His facial expression looks somehow neater and more refined in his new looks, don’t you think?

Shimizu’s Comments

“This made me realise how much a person can change by changing their hair and clothes. Wearing colourful clothes and having a hairstyle with high tones makes me feel brighter both inside and out. I will continue to learn more about Harajuku fashion and work hard as the owner of MOSHI MOSHI ROOMS!”

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    <10/26~10/31 Exclusive Menu>
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    Q. What’s your go-to Kawaii Spot?

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    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?

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    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!♪

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    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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    ・Venues: Hirosaki Municipal Tourist Center (Hirosaki)
                        Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse (Hakodate)

     

    ■Snow Miku Photo Spot

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    ・Locations: JR Hirosaki Station, Chuohirosaki Station (Hirosaki)
                            JR Hakodate Station, Hakodate Airport (Hakodate)

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    ・Available: December 1, 2022 – February 28, 2022

    ・Locations: (Hirosaki) Hirosaki Municipal Tourist Center, Hirosaki City Machinaka  Information Center,

                             Hirosaki Tourist Information Center, Hirosaki Castle Information Center, Tsugaru-han Neputa Village

          (Hakodate) Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse, Yunokawa Hot Spring Footbath, Goryōkaku Tower,

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    ・On Air: December 1, 2022~

    ・Theme Song: Mahou no Keshiki (Lyrics/Composition: ryuryu)

     

    ■Snow Miku Welcome Announcements to be Broadcast at Tourism Facilities, etc. 

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    ・Running: December 1, 2022 – February 28, 2022

    ・Locations: Tourist areas in both cities

     

    ■Snow Miku Filters Using AR

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    This summer, the brand held its first pop-up event in Japan, traveling to five cities over two days. In October 2022, the three-month-long SHEIN POPUP OSAKA event invited customers could try on clothes and discover new styles.

     

     “SHEIN TOKYO is planning to hold a number of events to make the SHEIN brand more familiar to new customers. Please visit us and enjoy perusing our reasonably priced but high-quality items,” an official comment reads. 

  • Popular Character Coji-Coji Inspires First Baby Brand COJI-COJI BABY

    18.October.2022 | ANIME&GAME / FASHION

    Momoko Sakura’s popular series Chibi Maruko-chan is filled with beloved characters, and Coji-Coji has remained a fan favorite for decades. Starting in October 2022, fans will be able to grab goods from the new COJI-COJI BABY brand. 

    The made-for-babies merchandise line will feature new artwork. The first theme is ‘outer space,’ and little ones will love the pastel colors and playful illustrations. A promo video has also been posted to the official Coji-Coji YouTube channel.

     

    About COJI-COJI BABY

    “A snooze on the moon…

    From childhood to the faraway future, 

    Coji-Coji is always cozy-cozy.

    Such a valuable life.

    Grow together with your baby.

    Snuggle up with your family. 

    Be there to relax with those you love. 

    Spend irreplaceable time together.

    After all of these desires and thoughts came together,

    COJI-COJI BABY was born.”

     

    Product Release Information

    Sales of COJI-COJI BABY products began on October 12, 2022 on the official Eightex Japan online store.

    Coji-Coji Costume Romper: ¥9,900

     

    COJI-COJI BABY Fair Now Open!

    Starting on October 15, the COJI-COJI BABY Fair is being held at Kiddy Land Harajuku and Kiddy Land Osaka Umeda.

     

    During the event period, those who purchase over ¥4,000 (including tax) on COJI-COJI BABY products will receive an original mini shikishi. This is a perfect frame for your baby’s handprint or footprint!

  • Interview: What Type of ‘Kawaii’ Did This Popular Foreign Influencer Find in Japan?

    03.October.2022 | FASHION / FEATURES

    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!” 

  • Old-School Burger Shop Jennifer Seven Opens Location in Harajuku, Tokyo

    07.September.2022 | FOOD / SPOT

    LDFS Co. Ltd., which operates six cafes and brands in Tokyo, has opened a new location! The company currently operates THE GREAT BURGER, a gourmet burger shop in Harajuku, The Little BAKERY Tokyo, and GOOD TOWN DONUTS. Now, they’ve brought the old-school burger store Jennifer Seven to Harajuku!


    Jennifer Seven is a combination general store and burger store that sells apparel, kitchen items, and groceries. While it may seem like a general store with a coffee stand at first glance, the back door opens to reveal a secret burger shop! The innovative location will serve simple burgers, not the hearty and massive gourmet burgers available next door at THE GREAT BURGER.

     

     

    General stores are found in rural America and carry a wide range of daily necessities, much like a yorozu-ya in Japan. Jennifer Seven sells original apparel, sundries, and goods with a vintage flare, as well as tableware and other items from the U.S. In addition, guests can find unique food items like handmade jellies and jams, fresh fruits and local veggies, natural wines, small gifts, and plenty more.

     

    The drive-thru coffee stand attached to the store sells GOOD TOWN COFFEE, and Chinese-American steamed buns are also available at the Harajuku location!

     

    Each classic burger will come with simple and tasty ingredients, including the beef patty, ketchup, mustard, original burger sauce, pickles, and onions. The restaurant’s simple interior features white and vintage wood with blue-grayish green accents and was designed by the owner himself, inspired by diners and school cafeterias in rural America.

     

    Come enjoy a classic burger at this secret burger joint!

     

  • Anime ‘The Vampire Dies in No Time’ Inspires Concept Room in Shin-Yokohama

    06.September.2022 | ANIME&GAME / SPOT

    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

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