5 Animal Cafés in Harajuku―Shiba Inu, Owls, Rabbits & More!

07.March.2019 | FEATURES / SPOT

Did you know there are a lot of animal cafés in Harajuku? From lovable Shiba Inu and owls to rabbits and more, here are 5 animal cafés you should visit during your next trip to Japan’s fashion central.

 

HARRY Harajuku Terrace

At HARRY Harajuku Terrace you can come into contact with otters, hedgehogs and more. Their 3 otters are extremely friendly with humans; they rarely bring their claws out and are no threat so you can rest assured you’ll be safe to sit with them. Customers can buy snacks for them to enjoy so you’re sure to become best friends in no time.

The café also has a extremely adorable French Flop bunny with cute droopy ears and fluffy fur that you can stroke♡

 

All the animals in this café are accustomed to humans so it’s easy to snap some photos. This one’s a must-visit!

 

Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/86972

 

■Information

HARRY Harajuku Terrace

Address: Jingumae 426 Bldg. Floor 3F, 4-26-5 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo

Business Hours: 11:00-19:00 (Last Entries 18:30)

No Fixed Holidays.

Access: 8-minutes on foot from Harajuku Station via JR / 5-minutes on foot from Meiji-Jingumae Station via Tokyo Metro

Website: http://www.animalcafe.tokyo

 

 

Owl’s Garden

Owl’s Garden is located behind Tokyu Plaza. They don’t just have owls either―they even have hawks. The café interior is styled on an English garden. There are 12 owls and hawks that live there. There are several price plans. The standard plan is ¥1,500 which gets you 60 minutes inside where you’re free to touch the birds, take pictures and have them sit on your arm as much as you like.

They also have a Harris’s Hawk which are known for their intelligence. Hawks are often perceived as scary but they’re actually very friendly to humans.

 

You can enjoy a drink at this café while playing with the owls and hawks. If you make a reservation you get a drink on the house, otherwise it’s ¥100. We recommend making a reservation if you’re planning a visit.

 

Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/119977

 

■Information

Owl’s Garden

Address: Ingresso 2F, 4-31-5 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo

Opening Hours: 10:00am-7:00pm (Until 6:00pm on Tuesdays, Wednesday & Thursdays except on National Holidays)

No Fixed Holidays.

Access: 6-minutes on foot from Harajuku Station via JR / 2-minutes on foot from Meiji-Jingumae Station via Tokyo Metro

Website:https://owls-garden.jp

 

 

Ra.a.g.f

At this café you will come into contact with cute bunnies. 15 rabbits live in one room of this apartment. You pick one that wants to play at let them roam around the room. It costs ¥800 for 30 minutes and ¥1,100 for 60 minutes – and both options come with a drink. If you want to stay longer, it’s ¥550 for 30 minutes extensions.

Purittsu-kun is the most popular rabbit because he looks just like Peter Rabbit. All the rabbits also know their own names, so try calling out to them!

 

Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/129775

 

■Information

Ra.a.g.f

Address: Mezon Harajuku 3F, 6-14-15 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo

Opening Hours: Weekdays 12:00-19:30 (Last Entries 19:00) / Weekends & Holidays 11:00-20:00 Last Entries 19:30)

Closed: Every Tuesday

Access: 5-minutes on foot from Exit A7 of Meiji Jingumae Station via Tokyo Metro Line, 8-minutes on foot from Omotesando Exit of Harajuku Station via JR Line, 10-minutes on foot from Exit 13 of Shibuya Station via all lines

Website: https://raagf.com

 

Harajuku Mame-Shiba Café

Harajuku Mame-Shiba Café is Tokyo’s first animal café for Mame-Shiba Inu. Upon stepping your paws into the Harajuku Mame-Shiba Café you are met by Mame-Shiba dogs wearing bandanas around their necks. The café itself has retro style decor with Showa music providing your soundtrack. Tickets can only be bought at the café. It’s ¥880 for an adult for for 30 minutes. Once you have your ticket you wait until your designated time. It’s not uncommon for tickets to be sold out on the day so we recommend buying yours early in the day.

Customers are prohibited from picking up and embracing the dogs but you may receive a hug from one of them! Stroking and interacting with the energetic pups however is fine.

When noon draws in the dogs start going into nap mode. You’ll see the number of them tumbling over for a sleep increase one by one. This makes it easy to snap some photos, so if you’re looking to take lots of photos with them you should go at midday!

 

Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/168087

 

■Information

Harajuku Mame-Shiba Café

Address: Harajuku Mame-Shiba Café Floor 3F, 1-6-10 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo

Access: 3-minutes on foot from the Takeshita Exit of Harajuku Station via the JR Line / 5-minutes on foot from Exit 5 of Meiji-Jingumae Station via the Tokyo Metro Line

Business Hours: Weekdays 11:00-19:00 / Weekends & Holidays 10:30-19:30

No Fixed Holidays.

Price: ¥880 (13+ Years) / ¥580 (4-12 Years With Parent/Guardian) / Free (3 Years and Below With Parent/Guardian)

*You can also get a ticket for the owl cafe there. ¥1,400 for adults, ¥1,000 for children.

Website: http://owls-cats-forest.com/free/mameshiba-harajuku

 

 

Harajuku Kawaii Zoo Land

You will meet many different animals at this café. The main colour seen inside is pink which elicits cuteness, friendliness and happiness.

The animals all live together like one big family. It’s a chance to see a range of animals you normally wouldn’t come into contact with like capybara and meerkats.

 

■Information

Harajuku Kawaii Zoo Land

Address: ITO Bldg. Floor 3F, Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo

Opening Hours: 11:00-19:00

No Fixed Holidays.

TEL: 03-3404-2233

Website: http://harajukudoubutsuen.com

 

 

Did you enjoy this list? Which one will you be visiting when you’re next in Harajuku?

RELATED ENTRIES

  • Harajuku-based Brand KAWAII MONSTER CAFE Opens a Traveling Shop, Halloween Pop-Up Shop Opens in Harajuku

    19.October.2023 | FASHION / FOOD / SPOT

    The Harajuku-based brand KAWAII MONSTER CAFE has announced a traveling store, KAWAII MONSTER SHOP. As the project’s first event, a Halloween pop-up shop named ‘KAWAII MONSTER SHOP – Colorful Halloween’ will open for 10 days starting October 19 in the birthplace of the brand, Harajuku.

     

    KAWAII MONSTER CAFE is an entertainment restaurant that embodies the vibe of Harajuku in Tokyo, a town that swallows fashion and culture from places around the world and reimagines them into unrestrained originality. Originally opened in 2015 and produced by artist Sebastian Masuda, the colorful and crazy space offered photogenic food and drinks, and guests were served by the iconic Monster Girls clad in future Harajuku fashion. It became a ‘new Tokyo landmark,’ attracting over 700,000 visitors from both Japan and abroad. Even after the restaurant closed in January 2021, its one-of-a-kind concept has lived on in pop-up shops, events, and collaborations with various brands and creators.

     

    The pop-up shop, open in Harajuku for a limited time starting October 19, offers food and drinks, merchandise, special experiences, and photo spots themed around the spooky Halloween season. Additionally, a collaboration with the popular Harajuku accessory store 6%DOKIDOKI will be held from October 19-22. Colorful hair accessories will be on sale, and shop girls with Monster Girls makeup experience will be giving seasonal makeovers to visitors.

     

    ■FOOD & DRINK

    During the first half of the event, the pop-up shop will be serving food made in collaboration with the hot dog specialty restaurant HOTDOG CAFE STAND STATION TOKYO. The limited-edition menu includes the crazy Monster Dog, consisting of a monster holding a sausage in its mouth, and the monstrous Philly Cheesesteak, made with juicy tenderloin and tons of cheese.

     

    The second half of the event will feature the Colorful Pop Burger Blue Monster (Teriyaki Chicken) from KAWAII MONSTER CAFE’s popular menu, along with French Fries with Monster Dip served with five different colorful sauces. Visitors are welcome to get into the Halloween spirit by enjoying the Monster Float during the pop-up event.

    <10/19~10/22 Exclusive Menu>
    Monster Dog: ¥880 (Tax Included) *In collaboration with HOTDOG CAFE STAND STATION TOKYO
    Philly Cheesesteak: ¥1,350 (Tax Included) *In collaboration with HOTDOG CAFE STAND STATION TOKYO

     

    <10/26~10/31 Exclusive Menu>
    Colorful Pop Burger Blue Monster (Teriyaki Chicken): ¥1,200 (Tax Included)
    French Fries with Monster Dip: ¥700 (Tax Included)

    Monster Float: ¥800 [Rose/Passionfruit/Kyoho Grape]

     

    ■GOODS

    New KAWAII MONSTER CAFE goods will make their first appearance at this pop-up shop! Guests can visit the Sweets Factory to create their own candy assortment by filling their favorite containers with chocolates, gummies, and other goodies. Harajuku Icing Cookies will also be available in collaboration with SHONPY, a popular cake shop. Be sure to grab some incredible souvenirs!

     

    In addition, popular KAWAII MONSTER CAFE collaboration items from years past will be available, along with adorable plushies from the globally beloved brand Ty. Visitors can also snag some unique zipit pouches and flexible PLUS PLUS blocks starting October 26.

     

    ■EXPERIENCE

    During the event, KAWAII MONSTER CAFE’s iconic Monster Girls and the character Choppy will greet guests and take photos, as well as shoot cute Halloween-inspired videos together. Visitors wishing to be transformed into Monster Girls themselves can speak to the store girls, clad in Decora fashion and rocking accessories from 6%DOKIDOKI. These ladies will provide POP Harajuku Monster makeovers featuring original tattoo stickers and unique hair accessories to get you ready for Halloween.

    ■PHOTO SPOT

    At the event, guests will find the 3-meter tall Sweets Cake Balloon inspired by the Sweets-Go-Round Cake, the symbol of KAWAII MONSTER CAFE. Surrounded by colorful decorations and captivating monsters, visitors are sure to leave with plenty of special memories.

    Guests of all ages are invited to spend the Halloween season surrounded by the unique wonders of Harajuku!

  • HARAJUKU COLLECTIVE, a Collaboration Between Hot Topic & Studio Ghibli, Gets Pop-Up Store at Shinsaibashi PARCO

    09.March.2023 | FASHION / SPOT

    Last year, the HARAJUKU COLLECTIVE collaboration appeared at AF Gallery in Harajuku from August 10 until August 28, garnering massive acclaim from fans. The collection is now being sold at Shinsaibashi PARCO until March 12, 2023.

     

    HARAJUKU COLLECTIVE is a Studio Ghibli-inspired apparel collection by the popular American counterculture chain Hot Topic. Bringing more Japanese culture to the ongoing Studio Ghibli collaboration launched in 2014, Hot Topic stores began selling original items produced by nine Japanese creators and brands, as well as some original American items produced by Hot Topic’s executive designers.

     

    The lineup of Japan-original items includes T-shirts, tote bags, and other items featuring exclusive artwork by up-and-coming creators. These items depict beloved characters from Studio Ghibli’s works, as well as logos created for the collaboration. Fans won’t want to miss grabbing these unique items!

     

     

    Details on the Previous HARAJUKU COLLECTIVE Pop-Up Store: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/ja/625747

  • FRUITS ZIPPER Valentine Pop-Up Shop to Open at Laforet Harajuku

    28.January.2023 | FASHION / SPOT

    Laforet Harajuku will host a pop-up shop inspired by the up-and-coming idol group FRUITS ZIPPER from February 1 until February 14! The FRUITS ZIPPER Valentine Pop-Up Shop will be found on the 5th floor MAKE THE STAGE area.

     

    FRUITS ZIPPER debuted in April 2022 and embodies a simple concept: “From Harajuku to the World.” The group’s second single Watashino Ichiban Kawaiitokoro exploded in popularity on TikTok, pulling in over 600 million views. In February, the girls will embark on their first solo concert tour in Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka. This is the first FRUITS ZIPPER-inspired limited-time shop, and during the event, visuals of the group’s members will be displayed in the show windows found on the first floor of Laforet Harajuku.

     

    ◆About the FRUITS ZIPPER Valentine Pop-Up Shop

    When entering the venue, fans will be greeted by a 5-meter-wide board where visitors can write and attach their messages to the FRUITS ZIPPER members on heart-shaped cards. Costumes that the members have worn on stage will also be on display, allowing fans to see each stitch up close.

     

    Exclusive items featuring new photos of the members will be on sale at the pop-up shop. Fans can enjoy seeing the girls in their own personal style, and these items will only be available during the event! Starting February 4, tour merch for the group’s upcoming solo concert series will also be available for purchase.

    ◆Collaboration with Fruit Sandwich Specialty Store ‘Fruits Box Daikanyama’

    Last year’s popular collaboration with Fruit Box Daikanyama, a well-known fruit sandwich shop, is happening again in 2023! Fans can find the Collaboration Gift Box for sale, including seven baked meringue goods each featuring one of the member’s colors. The box also comes with snapshots of the members, and for a few lucky fans, these snaps might be signed! The idol group and sandwich shop have also teamed up to create the Collaborative Lucky Grab Bag Lottery, including popular FRUITS ZIPPER goods and original items from Fruits Box Daikanyama. The lucky first-prize winner will receive a special set of all available February tour merchandise in all sizes.

    ◆Member Appearance Planned on Valentine’s Day

    On February 14, the final day of the pop-up shop, the members of FRUITS ZIPPER will make an appearance! Guests will be able to participate in the first-ever hands-on event with the members, so keep an eye out for more details!

     

    Stay up to date with the latest FRUITS ZIPPER news at the official Twitter page (@FRUITS_ZIPPER).

     

    FRUITS ZIPPER Pop-Up Shop Exclusive Goods


    Random Photo – Valentine pop-up ver. (21 varieties): ¥330 (Tax Included)


    Random Pin – Valentine pop-up ver. (7 varieties): ¥500 (Tax Included)


    Random Purikura Stickers – Valentine pop-up ver. (14 varieties): ¥600 (Tax Included)

  • Zipper Magazine’s 2022-2023 Winter Issue on Sale Now

    14.January.2023 | FASHION

    The Winter 2022-2023 issue of the revived fashion creator magazine Zipper went on sale on December 23.

     

    This issue focuses on this winter’s must-know trends and is packed with coordination tips, outfit plans through spring, snapshots, hair and makeup tips, and much more.

     

    Zipper ended its 24-year history in December 2017. In March 2022, ASOBISYSTEM teamed up with DONUTS Inc. to revive the magazine as a quarterly release. The fashion magazine, popular with Gen Z, is known for sharing details aspects of Harajuku culture and will continue to share more from the creative center of Tokyo for years to come.

    Standard Edition (Cover: Nagisa Saito)

    Another Edition (Cover: FRUITS ZIPPER)
  • Popular EC Brand SHEIN Opens First Permanent Brick and Mortar Store in Harajuku

    02.November.2022 | FASHION / SPOT

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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!

  • 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!

     

  • Hot Topic and Studio Ghibli Collab Project HARAJUKU COLLECTIVE Gets Pop-Up Store in Harajuku

    17.August.2022 | FASHION / MOVIE / SPOT

    HARAJUKU COLLECTION, a Studio Ghibli-inspired apparel collection by popular American counterculture chain Hot Topic, is offering licensed Ghibli goods for fans in the U.S. and Canada. The collection opened its online store for those in Japan on August 10, and a limited time pop-up store has been opened in Harajuku to celebrate the release of this incredible apparel!

     

    Japan Original Items

     

    American Original Items

    The store has a colorful exterior that shows Totoro and the Susuwatari playing together. Once inside, guests will be greeted by a massive rainbow Totoro! The shop blends the world of Ghibli with the style of Harajuku.

     

    “If there were colorful and kawaii mushrooms in Totoro’s forest, and if it rained acorns one day, maybe he’d need a mushroom umbrella!” This colorful Totoro was inspired by this adorable thought.

     

    The walls are decorated with artwork drawn by the creators of the original Japanese items, and guests are able to see and purchase the products in this special space. Why not visit?

     

    © 1988 Studio Ghibli
    © 1989 Eiko Kadono – Studio Ghibli – N
    © 1997 Studio Ghibli – ND
    © 2001 Studio Ghibli – NDDTM
    © 2004 Studio Ghibli – NDDMT

  • Official Chiikawa Shops in Harajuku and Osaka to Hold 1st Anniversary Fair

    01.August.2022 | FASHION / SPOT

    Last year, Chiikawa Land, the first official Chiikawa shop, opened at the Harajuku and Osaka Umeda branches of KIDDYLAND. Both locations will celebrate the 1st anniversary of the shop’s opening with a special fair on August 5, 2022.

     

    Chiikawa is a popular character first revealed by Japanese illustrator Nagano on Twitter. In December 2020, the official online store Chiikawa Market opened, and Nagano released a book compiling the manga panels they drew and posted on Twitter. The characters have become massively popular, with the artist’s social media accounts racking up over 1.1 million followers. From collaboration cafes and exhibitions to a recent anime series, the sky’s the limit for these adorable characters!

     

    Purchase Bonus

    「Holographic Sticker (Not for Sale) *Designs will differ between the Harajuku and Osaka Umeda locations.

    Holographic Pin (Not for Sale) / For guests spending ¥3,300 or more (including tax)

    Picnic Blanket (Not for Sale) / For guests spending ¥5,500 or more (including tax)

    Mug (Not for Sale) / For guests spending ¥8,800 or more (including tax)

     

    Limited Edition Chiikawa Land Harajuku x Marion Crepes Collab

    Limited Edition Chiikawa Land Harajuku x Marion Crepes Goods

     

     

    Chiikawa Land Osaka Umeda Limited Edition Goods


    Both the Harajuku and Osaka Chiikawa Land locations are visited by fans each day, and each store has developed unique products to celebrate the first anniversary.

     

    The Chiikawa Land Harajuku location will offer products in collaboration with Marion Crepes, while the Osaka Umeda location will sell limited edition products featuring the characters in cute traditional costumes. Special bonuses will also be handed out to guests spending particular amounts, so why not come out and grab some new goods?

     

    ©nagano / chiikawa committee

  • Manga Series ‘Eren the Southpaw’ Hijacks Reebok Harajuku and Shibuya Stores

    25.July.2022 | ANIME&GAME / FASHION / SPOT

    Reebok has appointed a number of popular artists in Japan and abroad to take part in their new campaign titled ‘Life is Not a Spectator Sport -Move, Move!-’ This collaboration started in March 2022.

     

    As a part of this collaboration, Reebok is teaming up with the manga series Eren the Southpaw. Kappa’s popular ensemble drama highlights a number of creators, and has a very poignant tagline: “To all those who couldn’t become geniuses.” Reebok’s brand message matches this and is meant to be a manifesto for life, telling people to never give up, act on their own convictions, and find their own path. 

    Reebok Classic Store – Harajuku Interior

    Stickers / Pins

    Original Scene from Eren the Southpaw 

     

    To commemorate the release of Reebok’s flagship model INSTAPUMP FURY 95 in Sax Blue, a huge piece of window art was redrawn by Kappi. The artist also provided an original manga featuring an entirely new story. Fans can find this at the Reebok Classic Store Harajuku and on the official Reebok Twitter page. The Reebok stores in Harajuku and Shibuya have also been completely taken over by Eren the Southpaw, completely decorated from top to bottom in images from the series. 

  • KAWAII LAB. Report #1: IDOLATER Welcomes Two New Members

    10.June.2022 | FEATURES / MUSIC

    KAWAII LAB. is a project spearheaded by ASOBISYSTEM with the aim of introducing the world to popular Japanese idol culture. The idol group IDOLATER was born from this idea, and in April, the girls welcomed two new members, transforming it into a fresh new 5-member group. Announced at the group’s solo concert ‘New IDOLATER’ on April 24, Fuuka Oishi and Ririka Satsuki joined the lineup consisting of Ayu Okuda, Kurumi Tsukishiro, and Yukino Fushiki.

     

    A typical idol group is peppy and filled with energy, but IDOLATER is doing things a little differently. What is their appeal? How do they want to shake things up? 

     

    A Group Formed by Finalists from ASOBISYSTEM’s First National Audition

    IDOLATER debuted in April 2019. In the spring of 2018, ASOBISYSTEM, the management company behind Kyary Pamyu Pamyu and a number of other popular talents, announced its first large-scale nationwide audition, ASOBISYSTEM THE AUDITION 2018. IDOLATER’s history began with five audition finalists–Fushiki, Okuda, Tsukishiro, and two others. The catchphrase for the audition was fitting for the group: “Seeking the next generation of talents to shape Japanese pop culture and share it with the world.”

     

    IDOLATER Welcomes Solo Singer Ririka Satsuki & Model Fuuka Oishi

    Following the departure of two members and intense restrictions imposed on the group’s activities due to the pandemic, IDOLATER continued to operate with only three members. Although they didn’t manage to get a ton of media coverage or appeal in large-scale events, the group continued to pull in new fans and gain recognition in the idol community. After a while, Fuuka Oishi and Ririka Satsuki joined the group, giving a much-needed boost to IDOLATER’s activities and energy.

     

    Ririka Satsuki is a solo artist based in Fukuoka with an incredible husky voice. Fuuka Oishi has previously worked as a model and is popular with creators for her sweet yet listless atmosphere. Despite their incredible confidence, this is the first time either has worked as an idol!

     

    IDOLATER and the Concept of ‘Idols’ 

    The word ‘idol’ can conjure plenty of images to mind, but what does the word mean to the members of IDOLATER?

     

    The group’s music blends together elements of city pop, future funk, and house, while still keeping true to traditional J-pop roots. The familiarity of their music makes it easy to approach, and Yukino Fushiki’s powerful voice alongside Ririka Satsuki’s melodies shower fans with some of the best vocals in the idol world. 

     

    The group’s choreography is provided by YU-KA, formerly of TEMPURA KIDZ. Her experience as both a dancer and an idol makes her an asset, and her refreshing moves are a highlight of each IDOLATER show.

     

    A former pattern maker for a Japanese fashion brand designed the group’s costumes. 

     

    If this sounds like the idol group for you, come and check out an IDOLATER event to see the girl’s incredible appeal for yourself.

     

    On June 19, IDOLATER will hold their second regular performance, ‘Camel,’ at Ebisu CreATO. (The title of the show was chosen because it sounded fun, not for any other specific reason.)

     

    Stay tuned for the next report, where we’ll delve a little deeper into the life of each member of IDOLATER!

  • From Harajuku to the world! Chasing the bright future of a rising star, FRUITS ZIPPER

    03.June.2022 | FEATURES / MUSIC

    FRUITS ZIPPER is a group quickly rising to stardom, debuted from “KAWAII LAB.” KAWAII LAB is a new project to introduce Japanese idol culture from “Harajuku”, a fashion town where various cultures and personalities gather, to the world. Members of the group include Amane Tsukihashi, Suzuka Chinzei, Yui Sakurai, Runa Nakagawa, Manaka Mana, Karen Matsumoto, and Noel Hayase.

    Even before their debut, the group garnered attention for their breathtaking visuals. Their performances are so powerful, you would never expect such refined skill from such an adorable aesthetic, which is known to captivate the hearts of their fans. The group is produced by Misa Kimura, a model and TV personality who is also the general producer of “KAWAII LAB. She will utilize her experience and creativity as the leader of the idol group “Musubizm” to introduce idol culture to the world.

     

    Expressing FRUITS ZIPPER’s world through collaborations with creators

    Furthermore, even before their debut, the group drew a lot of attention because of their collaborations with many different renowned creators. Among the collaborations includes the artist photos created by video director/art director/3DCG artist YUKARI. She uses a cutting-edge trend of CG-moving techniques, in addition to still-images. The mysterious colors of bright light that embraces the girls are definitely eye-catching.

     

    Catchy and cute choreography of FRUITS ZIPPER

     

    @fruits_zipper ハートハート #わたしの一番かわいいところ ♬ わたしの一番かわいいところ – FRUITS ZIPPER

    Followed by the debut song “Kimino Akaruimiraiwo Oikakete,” a song with a positive message for the future, “Watashino Ichiban Kawaiitokoro,” with its cute choreography and lyrics, won the hearts of people and was selected as one of the “TikTok Hot Songs in Japan” and charted on the Billboard. More than 13,000 videos using ”Watashino Ichiban Kawaiitokoro” have been posted on TikTok with the hashtag “#わたしの一番かわいいところ (Watashino Ichiban Kawaiitokoro).” The long-awaited third single “Kanpeki Syugide☆”, which was released on May 20, is an energetic tune created by music producer Manaka Suzuki.

     

    Performances that reach into people’s hearts and minds

    A pop-culture event presented by Asobisystem “ASOBE!!,” was held at Spotify O-EAST on May 26th. In addition to FRUITS ZIPPER, fellow Asobisystem members Atarashii Gakko! and IDOLATER, who is also a member of “KAWAII LAB.”, performed at the event. Many other remarkable idol groups also took part in the event, enlivening the venue.
    Alongside their regular performances, they are scheduled to participate in a number of events, including the “LEADING PALETTE! and “HYPE IDOL! vol. 20” at Nihonbashi Mitsui Hall both June 12th. Make sure to come and see their live performance, it’s sure to steal your heart!

     

    Additionally, KAWAII LAB. will be serialized on “Moshi Moshi Nippon,” a website that provides the latest news of Japan to the world. The articles will be published in hopes of sharing the charm of IDOLATER and FRUITS ZIPPER with people not only in Japan, but also around the world. Details will be announced soon. Stay tuned for more from KAWAII LAB.!

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