India-ink painter CHiNPAN is collaborating with Rokuyon, who is known for helping to create a range of unique accommodations such as MOSHI MOSHI ROOMS, to launch a new kind of hotel experience in Harajuku beginning on April 23, 2021.

 

The project’s name is Harajuku Yofukashi Art Exhibition, with yofukashi being Japanese for ‘staying up late.’ It will invite a new artist or creator on board every one or two months as an opportunity for them to showcase their works.

One of the art pieces

Wall art

Works displayed in the living space

The bedroom with art pieces against the walls and on the ceiling

Private area

 

MOSHI MOSHI ROOMS Series

MOSHI MOSHI ROOMS is our own hotel site located in the heart of Harajuku’s tourism: it is within walking distance of Takeshita-dori (Takeshita Street), Meiji-dori, the Ura-Harajuku area, and Omotesando. This makes it the ideal place to stay for travellers visiting Harajuku.

SAKURA | More details here

ORIGAMI | More details here

DOSUKOI | More details here

With art events and exhibitions cancelled or severely restricted due to the pandemic, this project serves as a get promotional opportunity for artists to display their works and for art lovers to appreciate them. It aims to grow and become a new way to enjoy art.

This year’s Earth Day Tokyo will take place at Yoyogi Park from April 17-18 where messages of eco-friendliness, organic products, sustainability, ethics, and inclusiveness will be at the core of various events held as part of the festival.

 

This year marks Earth Day Tokyo’s 20th run as part of the global Earth Day initiative and brings together environmental NPOs, charities, and locals. Due to COVID-19, in-person events will only take place on April 17 and 18 but the festival will run online from April 17 to 25.

 

Earth Day Tokyo 2021 Concert

Concerts will take place across the two-day Yoyogi Park festival. Many musicians and guests have committed themselves to the future of the planet at the Earth Day Tokyo’s concerts, with past line-ups including Japan’s King of Rock Kiyoshiro Imawano, UA, BONNIE PINK, and more.

 

This year will see performances from Itou Seikou ITP, Kenichi Nagira, yae, scoobie do, Taiji Sato, Nozomi Nobody, hachi_Aigoz, tico moon, Rokuta Yanagiya, and Ichido Ryutei.

 

Market area

Every single product at the market booths has a story, and visitors will be able to hear about them from the makers in-person as they shop. And the items sold at the market will be different each day, stocking something to add a little environmental consideration into our lives.

 

C. W. Nicol’s “Nicol’s Forest Kitchen” sausages help plant forests

The late Welsh-born Japanese writer, actor, and singer-songwriter C. W. Nicol was the Executive Committee Chairman for Earth Day Tokyo from 2000 until his passing last year. He also launched Nicol’s Forest Kitchen in 2011 which has been a regular at Earth Day Tokyo to help protect Japan’s forests. The food stall will make an appearance this year too.

 

C. W. Nicol began to wonder how he could help raise people’s interest in forests as well as help revitalise forests that had been destroyed. Nicol’s Forest Kitchen project was his answer: to spread awareness through food, and in doing so, the project could help build up forests.

 

Visitors separate garbage themselves with the help of volunteers

At the Eco Station, volunteer staff will help direct visitors in separating garbage properly, raising awareness on the proper procedures which they can take away home with them.

Tokyu Musix Challenge is set to take place at Bunkamura Orchard Hall this year on March 7 at 18:00.

 

2020 saw the cancellation of music events across the world, with Japan being no exception. Shibuya, Tokyo’s hub of countless live music venues and halls, was particularly affected by the effects of the pandemic. But the energy and power that music artists hold is one they can offer to brighten up peoples’ time during today’s times. That’s where Tokyu Musix Challenge comes in, a new kind of music festival that will bring together a multitude of genres, and where better for it to be held than the cultural melting pot that is Shibuya.

 

This year will be the first run of the festival, where a collaboration between classical music and contemporary pop music will clash at Bunkamura Orchard Hall. The Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra, which is recognised as Japan’s oldest symphony orchestra, will play alongside acts such as Little Glee Monster, Ai Higuchi, Win Morisaki, Meimi Tamura, Kayoko Yoshizawa, ROTH BART BARON, and more. And the line-up is set to grow as more performers will be announced in the lead up to the event.

 

 

Comments from the Artists

Little Glee Monster

“We are really looking forward to feeling the fresh breeze of our music colliding with the grand scale of an orchestra. We’ll be sure to play our part so that we don’t lose to the overwhelming performance of everyone in the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra, but also so that our music complements theirs. We hope that everyone can have a good time and feel good from the strength that music has.”

 

Ai Higuchi

“In 2020, we may have all lived kind of complicit with so many options in front of us leading down different paths. A certain friend might have gone to a drinking party, another might not have seen their lover for a long time. What choices do we make? We become darker depending on our choices. In Shibuya, a city that continues to change, I will sing my unchanged songs.”

 

 

Win Morisaki

“Over this past year, the respect I have for the position I’m in where I can express myself has really sunk in. I’m so happy I’ve been able to get involved with this challenge. And getting to sing with an orchestra, it’s magnificent. I’m so excited about what’s to come.”

 

Meimi Tamura

“I can’t contain my excitement at a genre collaboration between classic, which is the foundation of music, and pop which is strongly tied to Shibuya. I think I’m going to start feeling tense at getting to perform alongside everyone in the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra and singers of all different kinds of music. We don’t have a lot of freedom today during the pandemic, but I will work my hardest so that I can deliver love through music from the city of Shibuya.”

 

Kayoko Yoshizawa

“My chest roars and having the opportunity to perform along side Japan’s oldest and longest-running Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra at the legendary Orchard Hall. It’s my first time experiencing singing with an orchestra, so I’m looking forward to seeing how the songs will be structured, and how my voice will sound, when we do it.”

Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto is collaborating outdoor recreation product brand Coleman to launch the Hotel Camp Buffet which will run from May 1 to August 31 at the hotel.

 

Guests can enjoy a fusion of the hotel and camping experiences as Coleman provides their tents, tables, chairs, and other outdoor items to be used at Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto. The hotel chef, Honda, has also conceived a camp buffet for guests to enjoy at both lunchtime and dinnertime.

 

The hotel is carrying out all necessary measures against COVID-19 including providing guests with a how-to breakdown at all tables, providing alcohol spray, mouth guards with the Coleman logo so guests can enjoy dining and talking, and more.

 

Coleman x Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto Hotel Camp Buffet

Individual Room Plan | Capacity: 4-6 People

Enjoy a camping buffet with tents, chairs, and other camping goods provided by Coleman. Everything will already be set up for guests to enjoy.

 

 

Lunch & Dinner Buffet Menus

Dinner

・Beef churrasco in black pepper

・Chicken paella

 

Lunch

・Frankfurt and smoked berry ham

 

Lunch & Dinner

・Meat and potato cottage pie

・Atlantic salmon wood plank grill

・Croque-madame style hot ham and cheese sandwich

・Spare ribs in BBQ sauce

Japanese IRL mystery game production company Haregake is launching a new game in collaboration with Cosmos Hotel Management who are known for managing the apartment hotel chain MIMARU. MIMARU Tokyo Asakusa STATION, a new branch, is set to open on April 22.

This game will take place around Asakusa in Tokyo and can be played by couples, families, and groups. The event is being carried out with all necessary COVID-19 safety measures in place and aims to get people learning more about the wonders of Asakusa with a game that incorporates elements of the district’s traditional buildings, culture, and more. It’s a chance to sightsee around one of Tokyo’s most iconic areas while solving puzzles at the same time.

The game kit can be bought at the vending machine inside MIMARU Tokyo Asakusa STATION when it opens later this month. It includes the story, which you can read below, and everything you need to get yourself started. There’s also no time limit, so players can take as long as they like while they enjoy the sights.

 

The Game’s Story

“I want you to find the treasure of Asakusa for me.”

So says the request that finds its ways to you – you, who are a detective.

A certain wealthy individual once resided in Asakusa.

He left a letter behind, and now this letter is in your hands.

“This map – perhaps it shows the location of this treasure.”

 

Will you be able to locate the treasure resting in Asakusa?

Head on out and solve the mystery as you walk around the district.

Mucha Kucha is announced the launch of a new art production and management project that aims to create a space and opportunities for people to discover the Japanese spirit and value through performances and products created by artists associated with the The TEA-ROOM.

 

The project brings together seven diverse artists from different backgrounds whose mission is to “Respect and Go Beyond.”

 

Art Production & Management Project

Participating artists will showcase their experience and personalities in a variety of ways as part of the project in an effort to create new possibilities within Japanese culture while seeking to elevate cultural value.

The TEA-ROOM productions

Exhibits

Performances

Collaborations

Art and products

 

Participating Artists

Souryou Matsumura (Tea Ceremony Instructor)

Shiho Sakamoto (Confectioner)

Fumihiko Sano (Artitect/Artist)

Gentaro Yokoyama (Potter)

MAMI (Calligrapher)

RYOTA HAGIWARA (Flower Arranger)

Masahiro Inoue (Paperer)

The TEA-ROOM (Art Collective)

Japanese artist Shun Nakao is set to hold their GENKOUHAN exhibition at SkiiMa Gallery in Shinsaibashi PARCO from April 9.

 

 

A look at some of the merchandise to be sold

Lithographs | ¥4,200 Each (Tax Included)

Lithographs | ¥4,200 Each (Tax Included)

T-Shirts | ¥4,200 (Tax Included)

Sodagirl Acrylic Key Ring | ¥1,100 (Tax Included)

Nakao’s colourful and laid-back art is a pleasant sight for the eyes during these dark times. Fans of their work can also get their hands on a range of merch from lithographs to t-shirts, acrylic key rings, and more – all created for this exclusive exhibition.

Keifuku Electric Railroad launched an event on Boxing Day last year in Japan in collaboration with the TV anime series Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba. The event is still taking place and is set to end on April 11.

 

At Arashiyama Station on the Randen Line, there is a temporary area draped with wisteria flowers that commuters are encouraged to participate in as part of the collaboration. Built to ward off demons, fans of the anime series can write their own messages to be strung up on the flowers. They can write their thoughts and feelings on the characters and series as well as wishes and prayers for COVID to soon be over for all. It’s been a popular photo spot amongst passengers. And if you head from this area up to the roof, you can gaze out at the incredible view of Arashiyama.

Tokyo-based French artist Geoffrey Bouillot has teamed up with Japanese footballer Masahito Noto to launch the Welcome Katsushika Art Project, an artistic initiative to help promote the Tokyo ward of Katsushika by using it as a tourist spot to exhibit their works throughout the town and developing new collaborative items with traditional Japanese crafts as a crowdfunding return.

 

Katsushika will be decorated with new artwork that will act as photo spots for tourists and sightseers, and the project will collaborate with professionals throughout the town, all in an effort to help revitalise the tourism and traditional industries of Katsushika which have been affected by COVID-19.

 

Geoffrey Bouillot

Geoffrey Bouillot is a French artist based in Tokyo. In 2019, he was featured as a guest artist at Shibamata Art World, an art event held in Shibamata, Tokyo. His monochromic pieces make use of grey-scale painting and combine cubism and minimalism.

 

Masahito Noto

Masahito Noto is a Japanese professional footballer and athlete. He is also an artist whose artistic process involves layering paint to create unique pieces.

 

The project has developed items in collaboration with traditional craftwork companies, such Edo Kiriko glass-cutting with Shimizu Glass and wazarashi hand towels with Tokyo Wazarashi. These will be donated as a return for the crowdfunding that was required to fund this project.

There will also be an art panel showcased by the local soccer team Nankatsu SC as well as items made in collaboration with businesses such as t-shirts and hoodies by CON±RAD, soccer cleats by BMZ, blueberry brownies with a local eatery, and much more.

Kyoto City and Japanese company Shintsu are set to release their Disney/Kyoto Traditional Design Series after previously having to postpone the release due to the pandemic. It will be available from April 27 to May 10 and celebrates the skilled, dexterous hands of Kyoto’s expert craftsman and their industry which has been passed down for thousands of years. They have innovated to create something brand-new that captures both the craft and culture of Kyoto and the contemporary wonder of Disney.

 

Comments from the Creators

©Disney

Okazen | Comment

“We have existed inside our town in Kyoto for 200 years. We make a variety of items from garments for maiko apprentice geisha to our own company-originals products. For this Disney/Kyoto Traditional Design Series, we wondered how we could express the world of Disney using the kyoyuzen Kyoto-style method of dyeing. We made something with detailed consideration, looking at all the intricate things in the dyeing process. Our Fantasia furisode long-sleeved kimono features a truly treasured scene which enabled use to incorporate many different methods in order to capture the expression, clothing, and all the stars as much as possible. We believe this piece will suck everyone into Fantasia’s world.”

 

©Disney

©Disney

Asahido | Comment

“For producing something for the Disney/Kyoto Traditional Design Series, we asked gave one of our craftsmen free rein to put their own individual self into the work. At the time, they were primarily an illustrator, so we were worried if the judges would overlook them, but the end result was something that looks truly complete and finished. The traditional craftwork of Kiyomizu pottery is a process of hand making and hand drawing each and every little thing. I believe it’s this quality that gives the characters warmth and life. I’d love for people to take it in their hands themselves and take their time looking at it in a full 360°.”

 

©Disney

 

Tsujikura | Comment

Tsujikura is Japan’s oldest wagasa Japanese umbrella shop. We’ve been in Kyoto since 1690. In that small space underneath the washi Japanese paper and bamboo, one enters a rich world where they can feel the four seasons of Japan. Our umbrella for the Disney/Kyoto Traditional Design Series uses a very advanced technique known as kiritsugi, a type of cutting and patching. We displayed Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse on handmade washi paper which we dyed. You can feel an affinity with the umbrellas for their simple and minimal designs. Our aim was to incorporate Disney elements into a traditional Japanese umbrella pattern.”

 

Other Featured Works

©Disney

aiba

©DISNEY Based on the”Winnie the Pooh” works by A.A. Milne and E.H. Shepard .

Asahido

©Disney

Kamiya

©Disney

©Disney

EIRAKUYA

©Disney

Okazen

©Disney

Katoriya

©Disney

Kanbayashi Shunsho Honten

©Disney

KYUKYODO

©Disney

Shoyeido

©Disney

Tankosha

©Disney

Tsujikura

©Disney

Nakajima Zougan

©Disney

Nakamura Rosoku

©Disney

Miyawaki Baisen-an

Five new Pokémon manhole covers were laid in Kyoto on Tuesday as part of the Poké Lid  project to place Pokémon-design manhole covers across the country.

 

Kyoto Original Poké Lids

 

The five Poké Lids are located in Arashiyama, Okazaki Park, Maruyama Park, Umekoji Park, and Nishikyogoku Athletic Park.

 

All of the Poké Lids placed across Japan feature completely original Pokémon designs making each individual one the only one in the world. The Pokémon Company is also working to make each one of them PokéStops for Pokémon GO.

 

 ©2021 Pokémon. ©1995-2021 Nintendo/Creatures Inc./GAME FREAK inc.

The incredible Hoshino Resorts BANTA CAFE, a beachside cafe which offers guests a breathtaking ocean view along the Okinawan coast, has announced the upcoming Beachside Art Festival which will take place from April 10 to May 9. The festival will bring together artwork from a range of artists born and raised in Okinawa and leading the island’s youth culture. There will be a range of events from live painting to workshops, exhibits, and more.

 

The participating artists have all taken part in personal art exhibits, art events, showcased their work at concerts, and more both inside and outside Japan, but due to COVID-19, many events have of course been cancelled. Beachside Art Festival will serve as a way to display their wonderful works while supporting them at the same time.

 

The Artist Line-Up

DENPA

nami

HAYATO MACHIDA

Chibana Yukinaga

MACHIDA visiting BANTA CAFE to check the feel of the ocean and their artwork

 

Vibrant artwork with the ocean as the backdrop

Visitors will be greeted by artwork dotted across various locations around BANTA CAFE. If they follow the top of the cliff down to the beach they will find sofas to sit on which have also been decorated with the artists’ artwork. Then there’s the Goro Goro Lounge with its enormous window that stretches an entire wall and offers a panoramic view of the sea. Here, visitors can look out at the artwork which will look like it’s floating above the horizon. All drinks ordered also come with a free sticker featuring artwork by the four participating artists.

 

Experience art-in-the-making with live painting

DENPA and MACHIDA will host their own live painting sessions where they will take inspiration from the surrounding environment.

HAYATO MACHIDA @ April 10, 2021 / April 11, 2021

DENPA @ April 18, 2021

Times: 11:00-13:00 / 14:00-17:00

Where: In front of BANTA CAFE on the beach

Price: Free

 

Have a go at traditional Okinawan bingata dyeing

Visitors can have a go at making their very own coasters from nine different colours using a traditional Okinawan stencilled dyeing technique known as bingata.

Running: April 24, 2021 / May 1, 2021 / May 2, 2021 / May 5, 2021

Times: 10:00 / 12:00 / 14:00 / 16:00 (Each slot lasts approx. one hour)

Capacity: 4

Where: Iwaba Terrace

Price: ¥2,000 (Tax Included)

Note: Online booking required

 

 

Take home a souvenir at the beachside museum shop

A museum shop will be open for the event on weekends and holidays where you can pick up art prints, stickers, postcards, and other mementos.

Opening Days: Weekends & Public Holidays

Opening Hours: 10:00-18:00

Where: Beachside Terrace