"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!” 

Fashion icons show the modern and historical charm of Kanazawa, Japan

 

TOKYO, JAPAN (16 November, 2021) – Channel 47, a company focused on globally promoting the appeal of local and popular Japanese culture through the power of entertainment, is excited to debut their new “HAKKEN” video series today, 16 November, highlighting the wonderful modern and historical tourism aspects of Kanazawa City in Ishikawa Prefecture. “HAKKEN” is the Japanese word for discovery, which is the core feeling this new video series is aiming to convey. Channel 47 wants toinspire viewers to discover the wonders of Japan’s local culture through these shortfilms.

 

The debut videos feature fashion icons AMIAYA and ETSUNA (both represented by ASOBISYSTEM), each exploring a different facet of what Kanazawa has to offer curious visitors. These films were produced by Channel 47 as a part of promotional efforts for the Kanazawa Film Festival held in September of 2021. These entries in the “HAKKEN” series were informed by Channel 47’s shared philosophy with the Kanazawa Film Festival, to disseminate the culture of Japan’s countryside and promote its appeal worldwide.

 

In the first video, twin model & singer duo AMIAYA discover the “pop” elements of the city at locations such as the Omi-machi market, the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, the Nagamachi Samurai District, and more. Along the way they sample delicacies from some of Kanazawa’s highly rated restaurants. Through their experiences viewers will see art, food, shopping, and scenery that has high appeal among visitors.

 

Watch “HAKKEN - Discover Kanazawa with AMIAYA”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9-gD-ftTE0

 

Find AMIAYA online

Official Website: https://asobisystem.com/talent/amiaya/

AMI Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amixxamiaya/

AYA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ayaxxamiaya/

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/AMI__AYA

   

In the second video, fashion designer and influencer ETSUNA takes a different approach and wanders the traditional side of Kanazawa. Starting with a stroll in the Higashi Chaya District, her journey takes her to make ceramic art at Hokutoh, and to see historic locations such as the Ishikawa Bridge, the Gyokusen’inmaru Garden, Sannomaru Square, and more. To fit the traditional theme of her visit, she visits Kimono & Antiques Soki and gets dressed for the occasion. Viewers will see through ETSUNA’s exploration the beauty and historical legacy of Kanazawa City.

 

Watch “HAKKEN - Experience Kanazawa’s History with ETSUNA”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3h-57mhouU

 

Find ETSUNA online

Official Website: https://asobisystem.com/talent/etsuna/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/etsunaotsuka/

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/etsuna_artist/

 

ABOUT KANAZAWA FILM FESTIVAL

The 15th Kanazawa Film Festival was held from September 18-20, 2021 in Theater 21 at the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary art in Kanazawa. The festival has a reputation not only for the high quality of films presented each year, but also for its “New Directors with Promising Talent” program. This year 83 films were entered in the “New Directors with Promising Talent” program, and 11 of them won screening rights. The Grand Prix was awarded to MELIA’s “Experiential Tour”, for which she also received the special Channel 47 Award.

 

More information on the Kanazawa Film Festival can be found at

 https://www.eiganokai.com/event/filmfes2021/kanazawa/

 

ABOUT CHANNEL 47

Channel 47 is a project that using the power of entertainment to communicate the appeal of Japan and its different regions to overseas audiences. Through planning and producing events with celebrities and personalities, Channel 47 creates content that conveys the appeal and charm of Japan’s many different regions to viewers all over the world. Channel 47 created the post-movies for the 15th Kanazawa Film Festival, held in September 2021. Additional efforts to promote the event overseas include producing

English subtitles for “Alien Painter” which was screened as a Kanazawa Film Festival Scholarship Film.

 

For more information about Channel 47 please contact: info@channel47.jp

Sendai, the capital of Miyagi Prefecture and the largest city in Japan's Tohoku region, is a two-hour bullet train ride from Tokyo. The city has earned the nickname Mori no Miyako, or 'City of Trees,' due to the abundant rows of zelkova trees lining many of its streets. It bustles with charm and is enjoyed by locals and tourists for its history, sights, and events, such as its associations with the Japanese regional ruler Date Masamune, the famous Sendai Tanabata Festival, and more. However, there are many other incredible locations that Sendai has to offer that aren't as well known as the popular sites, so today we are joined by Etsuna who is giving us the latest in what can be found in the city.  

Along The Coast

The coast of Sendai was struck by a tsunami when the Great East Japan Earthquake struck back on in March 2011. Today, the area is continuing its re-development efforts. New facilities have and are being built, including plenty of new spots the area never had before. Sendai is home to a memorial hall for remembering those affected during the disaster which is a must-visit if travelling to Sendai.  

Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium

Feel the sea breeze and ocean water of Tohoku against your skin Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium opened in 2015 as the larrgest aquarium in the Tohoku region. The first floor is themed on the waters of Tohoku where many rare aquatic species from the Sanriku Coast are housed. The second floor is centred on sea creatures found in the oceans around the world such as tropical fish, jellyfish, marine mammals, and other familiar faces.   Visitors can even meet ascidians there which are famous in the Sanriku Coast. The large fish tanks let in a lot of natural light, recreating the beauty of the Sanriku sea. There's also a special spot where you can get up close to some of the fish! The aquarium offers an optional program where visitors can feed the penguins. "It's a pretty big aquarium," said Etsuna. "It was great to see all of the different things they have on display. I had a lot of fun feeding the penguins too!"   Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium Address: 4-6 Nakano, Miyagino-ku, Sendai-shi, Miyagi Prefecture Opening Hours: 10:00-17:00 (May change depending ont he season) No Fixed Holidays TEL: 022-355-2222 Access: 10-minutes by shuttle bus (free ride) from JR Nakanosakae Station Price: Adults ¥2,200 / Seniors, High School and Junior High School Children ¥1,600 / Elementary School Children ¥1,100 / Infants ¥600 (All Tax-Inclusive) Official Website: http://www.uminomori.jp/umino/  

Sendai Chuooroshiuri Market

Fresh fish at an affordable price Sendai Chuooroshiuri Market is like the kitchen of Sendai. The food shops there were opened by locals. Visitors will find many different bites to eat when visiting. Etsuna visited Sushi Yoshi, a restaurant in the area so popular that there's always a line. The restaurant's name, Sushi Yoshi, suggests that it's a sushi restaurant, but they actually serve common delicacies like rice bowls and set meals.

Maguro Sanshudon | ¥1,500

This rice bowl contains three kinds of maguro tuna, so much in fact that you can't even see the rice!

"You can enjoy delicious fresh fish at a reasonable price. You might have to wait in line, but it's totally worth it!"    Sushi Yoshi Address: 4-3-1 Oroshimachi, Wakabayashi-ku, Sendai, Miyagi Opening Hours: 6:30-13:30 Closed: Wednesdays and Sundays TEL: 022-232-8042 Access: 20-minutes by bus from Sendai Station  

Sendai 3/11 Memorial Community Center

Learn the story of the disaster Inside Arai Station, which is the last stop on the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line, you can find the Sendai 3/11 Memorial Community Center where visitors can learn all about how the Great East Japan Earthquake affected Sendai through the exhibition rooms and in the communal space. The first floor features a panel with a 3D map of how the tsunami inundated the region as a result of the earthquake. Up on the second floor is a permanent exhibition showcasing the restoration and restoration efforts of the community as well as real photos from around the time of the disaster. There are also staff members there who survived the disaster and can describe their experiences as well as current issues facing Sendai. "I got teary when the speaker told me about the hardships they faced at that time," explains Etsuna. "The people of Sendai are living their lives looking forward, and I have a lot of respect for them."   Sendai 3/11 Memorial Community Center Address: Kutsugata-85 Arai, Wakabayashi-ku, Sendai, Miyagi Opening Hours: 10:00-17:00 Closed: Mondays (or Tuesday if the Monday falls on a public holiday) / Day after public holiday / New Year Holidays TEL: 022-390-9022 Access: Arai Station Entry: Free Official Website: http://sendai311-memorial.jp 

Sendai Arahama Elementary School

The school that still stands after the earthquake disaster On the day of the Tohoku earthquake, many local residents fled to Sendai Arahama Elementary School where 320 people were trapped including the evacuees, children, and teachers, before managing to escape safely to the roof. The school is now open as a memorial to preserve the memories of those who survived. The tsunami that struck after the earthquake made it to the second floor of the school. These first two floors have been kept untouched and are as they were on the day. There are photos as well as video footage exhibited on the fourth floor where the tsunami didn't reach. From the school building's roof you can gaze at the peaceful coastline. "Seeing the place that was hit by the tsunami up close has really changed my outlook on life. There is green in the surrounding area. I felt life budding all around."   Sendai Arahama Elementary School Address: Shinborihata-32-1 Arahama, Wakabayashi-ku, Sendai, Miyagi Opening Hours: 9:30-16:00 Closed: Mondays / Every 4th Thursday of the month / New Year Holidays TEL: 022-355-861 Access: 15-minutes by bus from Arai Station Entry: Free  

Akiu Area

Akiu Onsen is a spa town known to locals as the 'living room' of Sendai. It's a 30-50 minute bus ride from Sendai Station. It has been nicknamed one of Japan's Three Baths alongside Bessho Onsen and Nozawa Onsen, both in Nagano Prefecture. It's another place that Date Masamune frequented many times.  

Rairaikyo Gorge

A stroll along the gorge path Rairaikyo Gorge gets its name from the abundance of enormous rocks that have been eroded by the Natori River and given them strange shapes. The Kanji 'rai' used in the gorge's name literally means 'many rocks.' The gorge is home to a 1-km path that people can walk along and soak up the incredible natural environment that offers sights to behold throughout the year. From late October to mid November, when the autumn leaves are in bloom, the area is also lit up in the evenings. The heart-shaped hollow in the rocks as pictured above is considered a sacred place for couples. Taking a stroll along the path one sees maple trees aplenty. Visiting during the height of autumn graces you with a colourful scene you wouldn't want to miss. "I feel healed having gotten to take a leisurely stroll through nature," explained Etsuna. "The rocks of Akiu have some interesting shapes."   Rairaikyo Gorge Address: Akiumachi Yumoto, Taihaku Ward, Sendai, Miyagi Access: Approx. 40 minutes by bus from Sendai Station  

Akiu-sha

A stylish, old fashioned cafe in the hot spring town When taking a trip to Akiu Onsen, one hot spot that's a must-visit is Akiu-sha, a restaurant that was renovated from an old private farm house from the Edo Period. During the day it serves lunch food and drinks while in the evenings it's used for events like private parties. There's an open garden at the site which is sometimes used for weddings. At the back are vegetable plots tended to by the restaurant.

Akiu-sha Lunch | ¥1,280 (Before Tax)

The Akiu-sha Lunch is made with fresh vegetables grown in both their own plot as well as from around Akiu.

Akiu Saiseki Chocolate | ¥850 (Before Tax)

A white chocolate dessert inspired by the unique rocks of Akiu. Customers can use the little wooden hammer to break apart the dessert to create a rubble of chocolate. The inside of the restaurant is spacious with towering beams holding it up. "The vegetables are so fresh, I couldn't believe how tasty they were! This flavour is unique to this place."   Akiu-sha Address: Nozoki-9-4 Akiumachi Yumoto, Taihaku Ward, Sendai, Miyagi Opening Hours: 11:00-17:00 (Last Food Orders 14:30 / Cafe Last Orders 16:00) Closed: Tuesdays TEL: 022-724-7767 (Bookings not possible) Access: 50-minutes by bus from Sendai Station Official Website: http://akiuwinery.co.jp  

Akiu Winery

Taste and compare different original wines Akiu Winery in Akiu Onsen was the first winery to open in Sendai. It's home to an enormous grape field, and inside is the brewery itself as well as a dining area and shop. They serve an array of original wines. As well as originals, Akiu Winery also stocks famous wines from Sendai.

Merlot Red Wine 2018 (Sample) | Koshu Sur Lie 2019 (750ml) ¥2,300 | Steuben Rosé 2019 (750ml) ¥2,000 (All Before Tax)

Akiu Winery's line-up of wines are famous in Sendai. At the back of the winery is the expansive grape field.

Craft Grill | ¥1,330

At the outdoor terrace you can enjoy a BBQ grill together with a glass of wine. "The sight of the grape field made me feel like I was in France. You can enjoy a BBQ too so I definitely want people to come here!”   Akiu Winery Address: Biwaharanishi-6, Akiumachi Yumoto, Taihaku Ward, Sendai, Miyagi Official Website: http://akiuwinery.co.jp

Akiu Great Falls

The Three Great Waterfalls of Japan Akiu Great Falls is considered one of Japan's three most famous waterfalls alongside Kegon Falls in Tochigi Prefecture and Nachi Falls in Wakayama Prefecture. It's about 15-minutes by car downstream from Akiu Onsen and is also accessible by bus. They have a retro shop at the entrance of the waterfall. Also located next to the waterfall is Akiu-Otaki Fudoson, a temple surrounded by dense green foliage and enormous gingko trees. "Being in nature really relaxed me and took away the day's stress! It's quite a walk to the waterfall basin so you get plenty of exercise too."   Akiu Great Falls Address: Otaki Akiumachi Baba, Taihaku Ward, Sendai, Miyagi TEL: 022-398-2323 (Akiu Onsen Tourist Information Center) Access: 50-minutes by bus from Sendai Station (Running on weekends and public holidays only)  

Around Sendai Station

Sendai Station can be considered as the doorstep of Japan's Tohoku region. It of course runs JR East's Tohoku Shinkansen bullet trains as well as operates Sendai Subway services and buses. The area around the station is great for finding tasty local delicacies, shopping, and souvenir-buying.  

WANOSHOKU NIKAI

Seri-nabe is Sendai's new specialty food If you're asked to give an example of a famous speciality food product from Sendai, chances are people will jump straight to the city's gyutan beef tongue, but what has been the talk of the town recently is seri-nabe. Seri-nabe is a type of hotpot cooked with Japanese parsley ('seri') - one of Japan's seven spring flowers. Miyagi Prefecture boasts as a top class producer of Japanese parsley. The hotpot is served in a simple duck broth which allows the fragrance of the parsley to come through. "I can't get enough of the crunchy texture of the [parsley] roots! It was delicious, I had a refreshing soy sauce soup finished with ramen."   WASHOKU NIKAI Address: 2-5-15 Ichibanchō, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi Opening Hours: 17:00-Midnight No Fixed Holidays TEL: 022-224-6040  

Iroha Yokocho

Bar crawl deep into the back streets The side streets of the Sunmall Ichibancho arcade have a retro Japanese vibe to them, packed full of shops that make one feel nostalgic. The long, winding alleys feature plenty of Instagram-worthy spots. "This is a great spot for enjoying a bar crawl, just having a light drink and then moving onto the next place. Even if you don't drink there's tasty food to enjoy too!"   Iroha Yokocho Address: 2-3-28 Ichibancho, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi TEL: 022-223-3151

S-PAL Sendai

A fashion mall connected to the station S-PAL is a fashion mall directly connected to Sendai Station, home to apparel stores, restaurants, souvenir shops, sundry sellers, and more. Here are some sundry stores selling a variety of miscellaneous items perfect as souvenir purchases.   Nakagawa Masashichi This is an old-time chain that has been around for 300 years. Specialising in lifestyle goods, this S-PAL branch is the only one in all of Tohoku. Its interior design has a retro feel to it with shelves and tables piled with cute bits and bobs.

Kaya-ori Tea Towel | ¥440 (Tax Included)

A specialty product of Tohoku, this tea towel is made using the traditional weaving technique of kaya-ori. Exclusive to Tohoku.   IORI IORI is another shop you'll only find in the Tohoku area. They sell imabari towels which are perfect as gifts to yourself or another.

Handkerchiefs | ¥600 Each (Tax Included)〜

These handkerchiefs are only sold in Sendai and feature a variety of embroidered motifs like the windsocks of the Sendai Tanabata Festival, kokeshi dolls, the helmet of Date Masamune, and more.   KANEIRI STANDARD STORE A select shop stocking stationery and other trinkets that promote the culture and craftsmanship of Tohoku. This store is right next to Sendai Station and has plenty of souvenir-worthy items, so it's absolutely worth a visit. As well as lifestyle goods, the store also sells items made in Miyagi, like kokeshi dolls.

Matsukawa Daruma | ¥1,300 (Before Tax)

These Matsukawa Daruma are super cute, especially the blue one which is inspired by the Sendai Domain, also known as the Date Domain.   Dagashiya Zousan Dagashiya Zousan sells old-time Japanese sweets and confections, stocked with many popular treats from Tohoku adored by both kids and adults alike. The traditional sweets are all packed together along the shelves and up the walls.  

The popular souvenir shops of Sendai

You can't go home after a fun trip without picking up a souvenir, so here's s line-up of shops that have been surging in popularity recently in Sendai, all of which sell Sendai-specific items.   Drinkable zunda at Agurienomori Mitte

Drinkable Zunda | ¥370 (Before Tax)

Zunda are mashed green soybeans boiled and turned into a sweet paste. They are also a local delicacy. Zunda mochi are very famous, but zunda beverages are popular too. This shop sells a variety of zunda treats to pick from.   Bamboo grass kamaboko at Kanezaki-ya There are many makers of sasa-kamaboko, or bamboo grass fish paste, but what makes Kanezaki-ya's so great is how it retains the original umami flavour and plump texture of the fish.   Zaou cheese at Tohoku Meguri Irotoiro

Zaou Cream Cheese, Vanilla Cream Spread | ¥557 Each (Before Tax)

A food select shop selling a range of different ingredients. Their kaou cheese with sweet vanilla is their most popular item. "It's a fashion mall so of course they sell clothes, but they had a bunch of other stuff too, everything from traditional Japanese daruma to food. I really recommend S-PAL Sendai if you're searching for souvenirs!"   S-PAL Sendai Address: 1-1-1 Chuo, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi Opening Hours: 10:00-20:00 (Restaurant wing open 11:00-22:00) No Fixed Holidays TEL: 022-267-2111 Access: Connected directly to Sendai Station Official Website: https://www.s-pal.jp/sendai/    "Sendai looking and progressing into the future as it overcomes the effects of the disaster. It's a place with amazing food, fun shops, and is teeming with nature. If you've never been to Sendai before, then be sure to visit and have fun!"

Here at MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON, we post news and information about Japan in six languages. Our aim is to deliver a variety of content related to Japan for those who love and enjoy Japanese culture.   Right now, people across the globe are in self-isolation as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. The same goes for Japan too, so we've taken this opportunity to create a new series on the website to show how we're spending time at home here in Japan.   The future is yet uncertain, and we hope for normality to return for all of us soon. We hope that this article takes your mind off the situation, even for just a little bit, to help you feel calmer, and just maybe it might give you some tips on what you can do while spending time at home.  

Etsuna (悦奈)

Etsuna is a model and talent from China who currently lives in Japan. She owns her own fashion brand where she designs clothes, and she posts news about Japan on her social media pages including Instagram and weibo. She's also a mother of two.   She kindly took some photos for us to share with you to show how she is spending time with her family at home right now.  

Making Pikachu with pipe cleaners!

Here she's prepared some colourful pipe cleaners! She's combined them to create various different things, like Pikachu and a jellyfish. The colour of the jellyfish is just like Etsuna's usual fashion aesthetic♡  

Simple banana art that kids can do too

All you need for this are bananas and a toothpick. By using a toothpick you can ensure you don't actually pierce the banana, just the surface of the skin. Stick at it and within 30 minutes to an hour you'll have created your own piece of banana art like Etsuna.Her banana art is the real deal, as expected from an art college graduate!  

Create mini figures using rocks and art tools

Here, Etsuna's prepared various rocks of different sizes. Add your own paint touches to a rock of your choice to create your very own mini figures. Possibilities are endlessーEstsuna's tried everything from a Japanese daruma doll to Luigi's hat.  

Enjoy your own Japanese festival at home

You can make chocolate bananas like they sell at Japanese festivals using the same bananas you made the banana art with. Etsuna decorated hers with various Japanese candies like Pastel Sugar and Poifull. To make them, simply skewer the banana with a chopstick, lather the banana in chocolate, and add toppings of your choice!  

Simply & kawaii 3:00 P.M. snacks

With a little planning, you can make some super cute snacks. Here, Etsuna has made a tasty parfait with yogurt which she topped with heart-shaped kiwi and banana, granola, raisins, and other surprise delights. Try making a cafe-quality dessert like this yourself at home.  

Poké Ball onigiri set

Estuna's kids love Pokémon, so she made some onigiri rice balls that look like Poké Balls for them. They're filled with salmon flakes and umeboshi dried plum. They're then topped with seaweed and cheese to make the Poké Ball details. If you have some Japanese ingredients at home, like Japanese rice and seaweed, try it yourself too.   Etsuna also answered some of our questions below.  

What's the secret to spending time at home?

"Kids can get pretty tired of staying at home all day, so to make it more fun and so it doesn't feel like self-isolation for us, we do pretend play like having indoor picnics and playing shopkeeper. You can create situations that make it feel different from being inside, and my kids seem to be enjoying that."  

Please give a message to those reading this article

"The world is in a tough spot right now from the coronavirus. There are many people having to self-isolate in lots of different countries, from Europe and America to China. Make time to have fun at home so you can protect the lives of yourself and those you love."

I visited MOSHI MOSHI ROOMS -SAKURA- with Chinese talent Etsuna and Japanese model Ren Koseki. This accommodation and Harajuku hot spot is gaining much attention right now for its interior design which offers the full ‘kawaii’ experience wherever you look. It is produced by ASOBISYSTEM, a company that aims to promote Harajuku culture to the rest of the world. It is located just an 8-minute walk from Meiji-Jingumae Station via the Tokyo Metro Line or 10 minutes on foot from Harajuku Station via the JR Line. Its ideal location places it very close to the most popular areas in Harajuku including Takeshita Street, Ura-Harajuku and Omoteando. It is even within walking distance from the New National Stadium which is set to be completed in November 2019 and will serve as the venue for the 2020 Summer Olympics and Paralympics. The concept of this single-room accommodation is ‘SAKURA’ which is the Japanese word for cherry blossom making it the perfect place to be in right now for the spring season. Its gorgeous and unique layout is overlooked by a huge cherry blossom monument in the bedroom which also works as a light to create a magical atmosphere. Pink is the base colour for the room which is perfect for parties and girl-only get-togethers. The is the main bed and separate simple beds to accommodate up to 5 guests. But it can house as many people as you like if they’re just coming to play! This fantastic system is made possible by Airbnb. You’re sure to snatch an Instagram moment in front of this neon sign which reads 桜―that’s ‘sakura’ in Japanese! The room even comes with an iconic dresser fitted with a huge mirror. This means you and your friends can all put your makeup on together at the same time before you head out. There’s a hair drier as well as hair straighteners which Ren is using in the photo. There’s even a rooftop area which provides a panoramic view of Harajuku. This space can be used for parties, BBQs and whatever else you can think of! But keep in mind that the roof can be reserved by non-guests too in which case access will be restricted. Be sure to find out in advance if you’re thinking of using it. How did you find your stay at MOSHI MOSHI ROOMS -SAKURA-, Etsuna and Ren?   Etsuna: “From a foreigner’s perspective, I really felt the Japanese-ness towards the sakura which is great. The dresser is huge too, I’m happy that two people can do their makeup at the same time! The place is not only cute, but it’s made in such a way that the functionality of the room is easy to use. It felt heart-warming to be there.”   Ren: “When it comes to lots of girls wanting a place to get together, not for travel but just to hang out, love hotels are the mainstream, but ‘fun’ and ‘cute’ don’t really stand together in a place like that. But here, five people can stay together, and no matter where they take photos it’s going to look cute! Plus it’s in Harajuku, you can get some stylish-looking food and drinks from nearby cafés for takeout and stay up late. That sounds amazing. I can think of so many things!” SAKURA is located on the 5^th floor of a building, but if you have a lot of luggage you can contact the staff in advance and they will carry it up for you. MOSHI MOSHI ROOMS offers a very special experience where you get to stay the night in Harajuku. And SAKURA is just the start. We plan to open even more rooms on the other floors with different concepts, so look forward to it!

ASOBUILD is a new entertainment facility connected directly to Yokohama Station that just recently opened on March 15, 2019. The complex offers new ways to enjoy entertainment. Prior to its opening, Chinese model Estuna attended its press conference to find out more. ASOBUILD is a renovated building that was formerly an annex of the Yokohama Central Post Office. The entire complex from the basement floor up to the roof has been transformed into one giant play area. Each floor has its own theme which offers shopping, exciting interactive activities, workshops, the latest technology, a kid’s park and more. The various floors serve to entertain a whole range of different people.     MONOTORY – Japan’s biggest hands-on market (Floor 3F) Floor 3F is home to MONOTORY, Japan’s largest hands-on market with over 150 artists officially signed up to it. It is here that workshops to create well over 200 different handicrafts in 20 different fields take place. Get involved and make leather crafts, ceramics, candles, flower arrangements and much more. Workshops can be signed up for over on the official website.   MONOTORY Location: ASOBUILD Floor 3F Opening Hours: 10:00-22:00 Sign Up：https://monotory.me/     ALE BOX – An Interactive Site Currently Home to the Poop Museum (Floor 2F) ALE-BOX can be found on the 2^nd floor. It is home to a range of permanent experience-based events and is also host to limited-time ones too, such as Unko Museum Yokohama―the world’s first amusement park themed on poop―which is running now until July 15. You really need to see it for yourself, but to give an example, there is a giant poop volcano in the center of the park which releases poop like lava. In the interactive area there is a game where you can stand on poop, another where you can make poop by shouting, and other poop-related interactive games. There is even cute pink and sparkly poop area made for taking Instagrammable photos. During the press conference, an artist named 326 drew poop portraits of people. There’s plenty of things you can rest assured you’ve never experienced before happening at the Unko Museum, so don’t hold it in―get on over there.   Also on the same floor is an escape game and a VR picture book made by Akihiro Nishino of the stand-up comedy duo King Kong. The activities and events happening on this floor will continue to change so there will always be something new to enjoy whenever you visit.   Unko Museum Yokohama Address: ALE-BOX, ASOBUILD Floor 2F, 2-14-9 Takashima, Nishi Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture Running: March 15, 2019 - July 15, 2019 No Fixed Holidays. Price: Junior High School Student and Older - ¥1,700 / Elementary School Student - ¥900 / Toddler – Free Opening Hours [Monday-Thursday] 11:00-20:00 (Last Entry 19:30) [Friday-Sunday & Holidays] 10:00-21:00 (Last Entry 20:30) Official Website: https://ale-box.com/unkomuseum/     POST STREET – Enjoy Yokohama Cuisine & Entertainment (Floor 1F) POST STREET is located on the 1^st floor and is directly connected to the East Exit of Yokohama Station. This ‘gourmet street’ is lined with 18 restaurants serving up Yokohama-style food such as the popular Shi Umai BAR, the all-new Niboshi Soba created by the owner of HechiKan, popular donut chain DUMBO Doughnuts and Coffee, the cheese restaurant DAIGOMI which is always booked up, and so on. The cheeseburgers served at DAIGOMI BURGER, a restaurant and branch of Minamiaoyama- and Ikebukuro-based cheese restaurant DAIGOMI, are different from regular cheeseburgers as cheese is made as the main ingredient. Making the burger patty 100% beef is a key step to bringing out the full enjoyment of the cheese. The buns are made with Japanese brown rice flour. Etsuna was very satisfied with hers, saying: “The D.G.M Cheeseburger is loaded with cheese. Ir’s delicious with the BBQ sauce, it adds a little sweetness.”   DAIGOMI BURGER Location: POST STREET, ASOBUILD Floor 1F Menu: D.G.M Cheeseburger – Lunch ¥1,780 (Tax Included) / Grand ¥1,674 (Tax Included), and more     PITCH CLUB – An Amusement Bar, Lounge & Adult Play Area (Floor B1F) PITCH CLUB is an amusement bar and lounge on the basement floor currently in its pre-opening period. Its grand opening is set for Friday April 5. Created as a ‘sophisticated play area for adults,’ the space is a fusion of art, technology and sophisticated décor styled in the image of a Brooklyn bar. Games include billiards with pink tables and cues, table tennis, pinball, board games and more. Play a game while enjoying a cocktail made by some of Japan’s leading bartenders or a rich wine brewed in Yokohama. There is even an in-house darts game called Flash Darts that makes use of projection mapping. There are various ways to play and the targets can be changed too. As well as the open space there are individual rooms too with stylish artwork covering the walls. These make for a perfect place for a private party or get-together.   PITCH CLUB Location: ASOBUILD Floor B1F Pre-Opening Period: March 15, 2019 – April 4, 2019 Grand Opening: April 5, 2019 Opening Hours: 6:00pm to Midnight (Until 4:00am on Fridays, Saturdays & Public Holidays( Price: Men ¥3,000 / Women ¥1,000 (comes with 1 drink)     And there’s plenty more where that came from. The rooftop is home to a multisport court with basketball and football. The kid’s park will open on the 4^th floor in May. The whole building is decked out with artwork from up-and-coming visionary artists.   Etsuna summed up her thoughts of her visit: “Each floor offers different atmospheres to enjoy. There’s art in various places so there are plenty of spots to snap photos for social media! Kids and adults alike can have fun here, so be sure to pay it a visit.”   See ASOBUILD yourself and experience cutting-edge entertainment you won’t find anywhere else!   Model:Etsuna Otsuka Writer：Sayoko Ishii Photographer:Kayo Sekiguchi