Ginza Sony Park is set to display their #012 Affinity in Autonomy exhibition at the Ginza Sony Park buildingーwhich is a project for the renovation of the Sony Buildingーfrom December 14, 2019.

Affinity in Autonomy was first shown by Sony at Milan Design Week 2019 which was held back in April. It received huge praise from attendees, and so Ginza Sony Park are bringing it back home to showcase at the building, which has enjoyed over 5 million visitors since it opened, for more people to experience it. The exhibit looks at elevating the affinity between humans and robots so that they may co-exist.

Also as part of the exhibition, Sony will showcase five individual pieces entitled Awakening, Accordance, Autonomous, Affiliation, and Association, which make use of image sensors. As visitors experience each one in order, their affinity towards robots will grow. Sound and visuals will play in response to people’s movements.

The exhibition combines sound, colour and interaction, offering new insight into robots. What’s more is that the robots recognise humans and response in real time, further enhancing the realism offered by the experience.

 

If you’re in Tokyo this holiday season, and are looking for the robots, then be sure to pay a visit to Ginza Sony Park.

Doraemon Future Department Store is the world’s first official Doraemon shop, and it’s set to open tomorrow on December 1, 2019. Before its grand opening, however, the store has given customers a sneak peek into what to expect.

 

The shop’s concept is from the perspective of Doraemon, who says, “I’ll help make your future a good one.” It’s split into three areas: the Secret Gadget Lab, the Customise Zone, and the Shop Zone, each of which offers a unique Doraemon experience you won’t find anywhere else.

 

Secret Gadget Lab

 

The Anywhere Door

Just like in the manga and anime series, the Dokodemo Door, or Anywhere Door, lets you travel anywhere.

 

Discover secret gadgets, like the air gun!

Have a go at trying to shoot and hit the 10 targets within the time limit.

*Requires one Doraemon Future Department Store coin to play

 

Dorayaki Baybayin Game

Touch the dorayaki to increase your score. Touch too many, and something crazy might just happen…

*Requires one Doraemon Future Department Store coin to play

 

Fly as far as you can with the Bamboo Copter

Reach the goal with the Take-copter, or Bamboo Copter.

*Requires one Doraemon Future Department Store coin to play

 

Customise Zone

 

Embroidered items

Embroider Doraemon characters and the logo onto towels, bags, clothes and more.

 

Characters (18 Designs): ¥700 Each (Before Tax)

Text  (45 Designs): ¥400 Each (Before Tax)

*The place where a design is embroidered is chosen for you

*There may be a waiting time during busy hours

 

Carved Seal Items

Have character designs, text and more carved onto various items like key rings.

 

Plate Key Ring (10 Designs) – ¥1,000 Each (Before Tax)

Room Key Holder (6 Designs) – ¥1,200 Each (Before Tax)

¥500 per carving (Before Tax)

*There may be a waiting time during busy hours

 

Shop Zone (Exclusive Merchandise)

These cute mugs have illustrations of Doraemon’s secret gadgets on one side, and the first letter of those gadgets written in Katakana on the other side. It makes you want to collect them all!

 

Product Name (Pictured): Doraemon Dora-moji Mug Cup A

Price: ¥1,200 (Before Tax)

 

This cute figure of Doraemon is actually a piggy bank, a perfect gift to yourself or someone else!

 

Product Name: Doraemon Piggy Bank

Product: ¥4,000 (Before Tax)

 

Book Corner

There’s even a book shop where you can pick up the latest issues of the Doraemon comic.

 

Bonus Items

To celebrate its grand opening, the store will give out the following items to customers.

Those who purchase any piece of merchandise will receive a free postcard with an original design with every transaction.

For every ¥4,000 (tax included) spent on a transaction on merch, you’ll get an original handkerchief.

And for every book bought, you’ll get a holographic postcard featuring a design of volume 0 of the manga.

 

*Bonus items available while supplies last

Christmas is about to fall upon VenusFort in Odaiba, Tokyo, with a snow-pile of Christmas content set to take place at the mall from November 30 onward. This will include the exhibiting of teamLab’s hugely popular “The Trees of Resonating Colors of Life” installation.

teamLab, The Tree of Resonating Colors of Life, 2018, Interactive Installation, Endless, H: 8000 mm W: 6000 mm D: 6000 mm Sound: Hideaki Takahashi© teamLab

Located in the Olive Plaza, this interactive art piece is a three-dimensional tree made up of many light spheres which change colour as people touch them.

The popular annual “SNOW WISH” event will also take place again this year, where delicate snow falls gracefully from the ceiling. This year the event is collaborating with “VenusFort Illumination 2019-2020 -Grateful Harmony-” to create a heart-warming and enchanting Christmas display that’s sure to put you in the Christmas mood.

There will also be a Christmas raffle where you can win prizes, a special VenusFort Christmas party menu, as well as a Black Friday Market where you can grab some serious bargains.

 

Be sure to add Odaiba on your list of places to visit if you’re celebrating Christmas and the holiday season in Tokyo this year.

teamLab has announced a new digital art event entitled “teamLab: Digitized Fukuoka Castle Ruins” which will bring interactive digital art to Fukuoka Castle from November 29 to February 2.

Breathing Resonating Stone Wall – Fukuoka Castle Ruins, teamLab, 2017, Digital Installation, Endless, Sound: Hideaki Takahashi

Construction of Fukuoka Castle began in 1601 and took place over the course of 7 years. The historical landmark is lined with hundreds of meters of stone walls, which has led the castle to be nicknamed Stone Castle.

Animals of Flowers, Symbiotic Lives in the Stone Wall – Fukuoka Castle Tower Ruins, teamLab, 2017, Interactive Digital Installation, Sound: Hideaki Takahashi

The exhibition is a part of teamLab’s Digitized City art project, the concept of which is that non-material digital technology can turn a city into art without physically altering it.

 

The castle’s enormous span of 20,000 square meters will be decorated with interactive digital art that reacts to people’s presence.

Crows are Chased and the Chasing Crows are Destined to be Chased as Well in the Stone Wall – Fukuoka Castle Tower Ruins, teamLab, 2019, Digital Installation, 4 min 20 sec (loop), Sound: Hideaki Takahashi

Sketch Kuroda Kanbei, teamLab, 2019, Interactive Digital Installation, Sound: Hideaki Takahashi, Kenta Matsukuma, Jun Tanaka (Big Cats Creatives) 

7 installations will make up the exhibition, including 4 new ones such as Crows are Chased and the Chasing Crows are Destined to be Chased as Well in the Stone Wall – Fukuoka Castle Tower Ruins, where three-legged crowds from Japanese mythology known as Yatagarasu are rendered in light and fly across the castle walls, and Sketch Kuroda Kanbei, where people can draw Kuro Kanbei and historical figures and see them come to life.

With the increase in number of collaborations between contemporary digital art and traditional and historical Kyoto sites, teamLab is getting in on the action with its new digital art exhibition “Digitized Forest at the World Heritage Site of Shimogamo Shrine.”

 

We are joined by Instagrammer Macchan who recently attended the exhibition and who has provided photos for us.

 

Shimogamo Shrine is a shrine located between the Kamo River and Mount Kōya. It was registered it as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The shrine is associated good luck in marriage and welcomes sightseers from Japan and around the world. It can be reached by the 205 Bus from Kyoto Station and getting off at either Shimogamo Shrine (下鴨神社) or Tadasu Forest (糺ノ森前). It’s also about a 20-minute taxi ride from Kyoto Station.

 

This marks the third run of teamLab’s “Digitized Forest” exhibition at Shimogamo Shrine, and this year’s exhibition has been made even bigger. It is running until September 2, 2019.

Floating by the Rōmon Gate of the shrine are spheres of light which change colour and emit various musical tones unique to the colour when touched by a person. They also react to the other spheres around them, changing to the same colour and letting out the same tone, creating a chain reaction.

Egg-shaped orbs of light can be found dotted around the Tadasu Forest by the shrine which illuminate the trees. Like the light spheres, when the eggs are pushed they change colour and play a musical noise specific to that colour, the sound and tone spreading through the forest.

These objects of light can also be found at Mitarashi Pond where they float on the water. The orbs shine brightly and then fade slowly as if breathing. If pushed by people or blown by the wind they will change colour and emit sound.

 

The best part about teamLab’s art exhibitions is how visitors become part of the exhibition itself by interacting with the installations, offering a much more engaging experience than simply looking. Visit Shimogamo Shrine before the exhibition ends to see digital art meet a traditional Japanese shrine at night.

 

 

If you’re looking for more sightseeing recommendations for Kyoto then be sure to follow Macchan on Instagram!

 

Photos by まっちゃん

teamLab opened a permanent exhibition of their interactive art piece A blackboard where Little People Live on the 4th floor of MUJI Åhléns City in Stockholm, Sweden on August 16, 2019.

Inside this interactive digital art display lives a population of little people, and we can interact with their world by drawing lines and popping bubbles with our fingers. There is no goal in this game, you are simply encouraged to interact freely as you wish.

 

Experience the incredible world of digital art like you have never seen with teamLab.

Those interested in Japanese art should most definitely visit the hotel and museum Hotel Gajoen Tokyo which is now holding the 5th Wa no Akari x Hyakudan Kaidan art exhibition until September 1.

It is taking place at its Hyakudan Kaidan, or ‘100 Steps Staircase’―which was registered by Tokyo Prefecture as a Tangible Cultural Property in 2009 for its exceptional architecture and artistic beauty. This year’s event has been made bigger and better with brand new exhibits.

Visitors will ride the exquisitely decorated elevator and first come to an Aomori Nebuta Festival-style float as pictured above with its bright colours and angry gaze. This piece was created specially for the event. It also gives off an original summery smell too.

As you follow the path deeper into the exhibition―having first taken off your shoes―you will come a line of cloth crafts. You can switch on the lights inside to light up each piece which radiate the natural colours of the material. There are many cloth work pieces on display to enjoy.

This is what it looks like when looking up the 100 Step Staircase from the bottom. You will come to several rooms when ascending the stairs with light displays in them.

This is the first room inside which is a display created by bamboo lighting artist NITTAKE from Nichinan, Miyazaki. The bamboo is beautiful on its own but even more so when the lights are turned on in a dark room as the entire room is turned into artwork itself.

Continuing on you come to the “Nagasaki Lantern Festival.” You can see the lights before you even enter the room and they plunge you into that Japanese festival atmosphere. It’s truly spectacular inside. It’s different from the previous room which was dark with lights hanging from it. It’s even more bright and colourful. It made me want to visit the real Nagasaki Lantern Festival which boasts 1 million visitors every year.

This room contains umbrella art using Japanese umbrellas from Yamaga, Kumamoto. The colours of the umbrellas turn the room into something magical. The room has a relaxing, soothing vibe to it that makes you want to gaze in silence.

Dangling further up the stairs are wind chimes which continue the summer vibes.

There are many unique art pieces too such as these goldfish from Yanai, Yamaguchi. There is artwork from around 40 individuals and groups so there is lots to be discovered. Take your time to admire each and every thing in there.

The stairs actually go up to 99. Once you have seen the final exhibition on the top floor it’s time to return to the bottom where you take your shoes off.

Whether you’re interested in art or Japanese culture, this exciting event is one not to be missed this summer.

28 artist groups and individuals have created artistic pieces to represent Japan’s favourite animated character Doraemon. From July 12 to September 23, 2019, you can see these magnificent creations at the Doraemon Exhibition Osaka 2019 which will take place at Osaka Culturarium at Tempozan.

The Doraemon Exhibition Osaka 2019 features a range of artists who exhibit their works in Japan and even in foreign countries. This is a fantastic chance to meet a range of new Doraemon that the world has never seen. This event covers a range of genres through modern art that is overflowing with creativity and dedication for the anime character that has grasped the nation. 

On July 11, the day before the opening of the exhibition, there was a special opening ceremony and private viewing event held exclusively for staff and the press, which was a massive success. 

 

Press releases of the event reveal that artists Yasumasa Morimura and Sebastian Masuda were present at the ceremony for photos and greetings. 

Yasumasa Morimura commented with deep emotion: “I am so happy to have finally taken part in the Doraemon Exhibition. For this creation, I used lots of paper to make the costumes. I collaborated with Junko Koike, collecting lots of Doraemon manga as raw materials for the dress. As Doraemon has the power to manipulate time and space, and has the ability to create a door that leads to anywhere he desires, I thought a grey dress would be appropriate. In fact, the entire exhibition venue is just like the inside of Doraemon’s pocket ー it is packed with the work of 28 solo artists and groups. What a fun experience it is. I hope that many people in the Kansai region come see this,” he explained.

Sebastian Masuda commented: “I’m actually the same age as Doraemon and I share the same birthday as Noby; the main character from the series. I was born with a love for Doraemon.”

 

He then commented on his art piece: “I actually wanted to make it as big as the Budha statue at Todaiji Temple in Nara, but we wouldn’t be able to fit it in the venue so I made it two metres tall instead”, he laughed. “I collected materials from markets from all around the world, so the final piece is literally made up of the colours of the world,” he continued. 

 

His message to the people of Osaka is: “I would love it if lots of children came to see this. It would really make my day to hear reactions from them like “whoa, it’s huge” or “that’s so cool!””

 

Please come stop by to visit your favourite Doraemon!

An exhibition will be held at the Shibuya branch of shopping complex PARCO to celebrate the forthcoming second season of the popular anime adaptation of Teasing Master Takagi-san which will begin airing on July 7.

 

Teasing Master Takagi-san is an ongoing romantic comedy and slice of life manga series by Sōichirō Yamamoto serialised in Monthly Shōnen Sunday. The manga has sold over 7 million copies. The first season of the anime series aired from January to March last with an OVA in July.

The exhibition will plunge fans of the series into its world with original illustrations for the anime and manga and more on display. Fans can also get their hands on exclusive merchandise including capsule toys and canvas art.

A3 Poster – ¥1,000 (Tax Included)

Acrylic Key Rings (7 Designs) – ¥500 (Tax Included) *Capsule toy; design given is random

Folder Set: ¥1,200 (Tax Included)

Canvas Art: ¥2,500 (Tax Included)

 

Fans of Takagi and her antics with Nishikata won’t want to miss out on this special limited-run exhibition.

 

©2019 Sōichirō Yamamoto・Shogakukan/Teasing Master Takagi-san Season 2 Production Committee

teamLab Planets is a museum in Tokyo’s Toyosu area that will celebrate one year since opening on July 7. At this museum, visitors move through water and traverse its four vast exhibition spaces.

The museum is set to showcase its new digital art piece Drawing on the Water Surface Created by the Dance of Koi and People – Infinity for a limited time from July 7 to 21. Koi swim on the surface of the water that stretches to an infinite horizon. The koi fish are influenced by the movement of people in the water and turn into flowers when they collide.

 

As well as this, the museum will serve up new summertime foods at its restaurant The Bowl Steakhouse, where it will serve shaved ice, and its food stand Everything Is In Your Hand, where it will sell sandwich wraps.

Drawing on the Water Surface Created by the Dance of Koi and People – Infinity

teamLab, 2016-2018, Interactive Digital Installation, Endless, Sound: Hideaki Takahashi

Three shaved ice desserts will be sold from July 20. In the picture from the left the flavours include strawberry, matcha adzuki and mango. Each is served with velvety fresh cream in each respective flavour.

Five wraps will be served from July 13. These include Mexican Chili Con Carne, Chicken Salad, Salmon & Cream Cheese, Avocado & Shrimp, and Vegan Salad.

 

Cool yourself down this summer by stepping into the waters of teamLab Planets and enjoying some refreshing seasonal food.

Described as the “most interesting sweets shop in the world”, PAPABUBBLE sells a range of cute and fun confections. On July 1, PAPABUBBLE will open a Candy Art Museum on basement floor 2 of GINZA SIX.

 

PAPABUBBLE has set up shop in over 30 cities worldwide. The main shop will contain art pieces made from candy. Considering all the candy shops that are currently out there in the world, nobody has ever seen anything quite like this before. 

The museum contains around 20 different ornaments that are edible sweets. Visitors who wish to purchase the ornaments can do so. Besides the standard sweets, the display items and range of sweets for sale will be changed every day. 

 

When the museum opens in July, visitors will be able to enjoy the wonderful texture and flavour of candy lampshades, enjoy the artistic and charming glow of candy mushrooms, and gaze in bewilderment at an antique vase baumkuchen cake. 

To commemorate its grand opening, customers who spend more than ￥5,000 (after tax) on display items or on the sweets shop range will receive either a soft gummy brain or soft gummy dentures. This campaign will be running throughout July. 

Along with the grand opening of the art museum, there will also be Ginza-limited products on sale that are completely unique to the Ginza branch. The lineup includes sweets made from ingredients that are rarely seen in Japan. This includes colourful and fruity chocolate such as rocky roads and soft candy sweets made from snow sugar. PAPABUBBLE will also sell souvenirs that represent Ginza such as Kirihako boxes which are beautiful boxes made from wood. 

 

If you are in Tokyo, you just cannot miss this museum that is overflowing with originality.

Spending a cool night overlooking the beautiful calm water at Odaiba and relaxing in the gorgeous pool sounds like an excellent way to spend summer nights in Tokyo. Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba is launching their summer-limited plan called Tokyo Twilight Pool Plan 2019 to allow you to do just that. 

The Tokyo Twilight Pool Plan 2019 comes with a delicious food menu that serves a variety of luxurious, mouthwatering dishes that look just as luxurious as they taste. Some examples include; mini hotdogs with chicken and vegetable sauce aurore, barbeque sauce spare ribs, and much more. They even serve all-you-can-drink top quality Jacquart champagne, which is a global top class wine chosen by many airlines and hotels. 

 

This hotel offers a unique view of the night sky and night waters of Tokyo from an open terrace. Guests can gaze at the relaxing view whilst enjoying delicious food and luxurious champagne. The Tokyo Twilight Pool Plan offers the perfect getaway for friends and couples.