One of Japan’s Largest Awa Odori Dance Festivals To Be Held in Minami Koshigaya

21.June.2019 | SPOT

Every August, Japan holds the three-day Awa Odori dance festival. One of the three largest Awa Odori dance festivals that will take place this year is the 35th Minami Koshigaya Awa Odori. This year, there will also be a festival the night before the main festival days. The main events will run from August 23 to 25 around Shin-Koshigaya Station (Tobu Skytree Line) and Minami Koshigaya Station (JR Musashino Line).

 

Minami Koshigaya’s festival is the third largest in Japan following Tokushima, the Awa Odori‘s place of origin, and Koenji. Koshigaya hosts  80 participating dance groups and approximately 6,500 dancers. 

 

At Minami Koshigaya Awa Odori, you can witness the beauty of top class performers that are as good as those who take part in Tokushima’s Awa Odori. The distance between the performers and the audience is very close, so you will definitely feel the genuineness of the performance as well as the passion of the dancers.

Traditional Kumi Odori dances, a form of narrative dance, will take place in nearby theatres and on special outdoor stages. These are popular because visitors can gather before the stage as they please to watch the entire show or just a snippet. There are also Awa Odori dance classes running for children and even an Awa Odori contest. A typical year sees 750,000 visitors. As this is the most popular summer festival in Saitama, there is no doubt that you will be more than satisfied with spending the day here.  

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  • Summertime Star Festival Desserts to be Sold at Odakyu Department Store in Shinjuku

    20.June.2019 | FOOD

    From July 1 to 7, Odakyu Department Store, Shinjuku will be holding a fair to celebrate the Star Festival in Japan. The Star Festival, known in Japan as “Tanabata”, originates from a Chinese legend of two deities who were in love called Orihime and Hikoboshi and could only meet once every year. Their meeting is represented by the stars Vega and Altair. Every year, Japan celebrates their meeting around the months of June and July with the Star Festival. The fair at Odakyu Department Store will be called Odakyu no Tanabata.

     

    Head to basement floor 2 of the department store’s main building where the traditional Japanese wagashi sweets are usually sold to discover the Tanabata desserts that are a popular craze year after year when the festival is held. These desserts are so beautiful that you will not want to eat them. 


    Patisserie Mon Cher, Summer Friendly: ¥1,404/18cm  c’76,’19 SANRIO APPR.NO.S600927

    This popular Dojima Roll Cake is decorated with Hello Kitty and My Melody mousse. You just have to try these cute cakes.

     

    GRAMERCY NEWYORK, TANABATA  ¥1,944/12cm diameter

    This dessert consists of peach Bavarian cream which is decorated with a rainbow of colourful fruits, sparkly jelly and a Milky Way motif.

    Tsuruya Yoshinobu Co.,Ltd., Tanabata: ¥1,296/1 block

    This is a yokan dessert; a thick jelly made from red bean paste, agar, and sugar​. As the reunion of the two deities Orihime and Hikoboshi is the main theme of the fair, this sweet is decorated to represent the milky way.

     

    Come join in the Tanabata celebration and send your tastebuds on an adventure out of this world!

  • Tanabata Sky Lantern Festivals to Take Place in Tokyo and Kobe

    09.June.2019 | SPOT

    Last year, Starry Night Company (SNC) brought the Tanabata Sky Lantern Festival to Osaka. This year, they are set to host it in Tokyo and Osaka simultaneously on July 6 and 7. A total of 20,000 individual lanterns will be released over the two-day period in an even bigger and better festival than before.

     

    Most lantern events held around the world use lanterns lit with fire, but for this event LED sky lanterns will be used to ensure safety. All lanterns are also fitted with a cord. One of Japan’s major lantern festivals, the event is made possible by SNC who developed the world’s first LED sky lantern.

    Japanese actors Sho Aoyagi and Tsubasa Sakiyama will feature as guest speakers at the events.

     

    Sky lanterns offer an entirely different kind of experience from other Japanese cultural traditions, such as summer fireworks. Those in Japan this summer won’t regret taking their special someone to this sky lantern festival.

  • Wish Upon a Star at Japan’s Star Festival at Disneyland ♡

    11.June.2019 | FEATURES / SPOT

    Hi everyone, this is Midori from MMN’s Editorial Department.

    Are you familiar with Japan’s Star Festival called Tanabata? According to a legend that originated in China, two deities that were in love called Orihime and Hikoboshi could only meet once every year. Their meeting is represented by the stars Vega and Altair.  To celebrate the Star Festival, Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea are holding a special event to celebrate called Tanabata Days . This event will run from June 6 to July 7, 2019. There will be so much going on, but one thing I’m super excited about is the Tanabata Greeting Parade!

     

    From Mickey and Minnie who will make an entrance by rickshaw, there are so many characters you just have to see.

    Mickey and Minnie will be dressed as the deities Orihime and Hikoboshi. Mickey and Minnie are always riding the giant floats at parades. As the rickshaw is so small in comparison to the floats, this is an opportunity to feel closer to them both.

    Mickey and Minnie’s friends will be joining in the celebration in a completely brand new way. They will be dressed in Japanese-style clothes holding bamboo leaves. Donald and Daisy will be on the floats, but all the others will be taking part in the parade on foot! This is a fantastic way to get up close to your favourite characters.

    Disney Princes and Princesses will also be making an appearance at the Tanabata Greeting Parade. On a normal day, you can sometimes see the princes and princesses around the park greeting the guests, however seeing a princess walking romantically with her prince is a completely rare and precious sight! The princesses will also not be riding on the floats so you can feel close to them.

    Happily Ever After ♡

     

    The music includes Disney arrangements of children’s Star Festival songs such as Bamboo Leaves are Rustling (Sasanoha Sarasara) and the nostalgic Tanabata Sama. These are songs that Japanese people grew up with and have heard many times. The park will definately deliver a very special arrangment of these songs!

     

    Come enjoy the fun of the star festival this year with your favourite Disney characters!
    © Disney

  • Enjoy a mystical night of relaxing fireflies and festival fun only this June at Higashi-Izu!

    26.May.2019 | SPOT

    Higashi-Izu Machi Kanko Kyokai tourism association is holding their 17th evening firefly-watching event to be held in a local hot spring village of Higashi-Izu. The Higashi-Izu Machi Onsenkyo Hotaru Kansho no Sakuya” will be held from Sunday 2nd to Tuesday 11th June. Free yourself from everyday life and watch the night light up as a mystical scenery filled with fireflies descends upon you. This experience will take your body and mind to a whole new world!

     

    The event will be held at the natural Okawa Takegasa Koen; a park which is listed to have one of Shizuoka’s 100 top waterfronts. You can feel the seasons changing here, and during June, you can see a clear stream of fireflies dancing. The warm colours of their glow will put you at ease for hours.  

    Numerous other events will take place alongside the firefly-watching event, such as the “Chochin walk” where you can enjoy a peaceful stroll at night with a warmly lit paper lantern. You can also stop by the “firefly town” (Hotaru-shi) where you can browse lots of local goods during the night market, or take part in the “otanoshimi chusen kai” lucky lottery where many prizes can be won. Shizuoka DC has also planned a special prize-giving program, where visitors who arrive at the park in a Yutaka (summer kimono) on a weekday of the event will be given a small gift!

    Enjoy a mystical and extraordinary night of nature at Higashi-Izu. This is your chance to relax under the light of fireflies and explore the numerous shops at the firefly town!

  • Top 10 Japanese Summer Fireworks Festivals to Attend in 2019

    31.May.2019 | SPOT

    When May rolls around in Japan, ticket sales open for the country’s many firework festivals. It is the season when Japanese people start checking their calendars so they don’t miss out on the summer fireworks and being drawing up any travel plans if they are attending a faraway festival.

     

    Today we will take a look at the Top 10 firework events to attend in Japan this summer as ranked by Hankyu Travel International from the number of attendees from last year’s festivals.

     

    1st Place: Omagari Fireworks Festival (Daisen, Akita Prefecture)

    Soaring in at No. 1 is the Omagari Fireworks Festival. Boasting a bright history of over 100 years, this famous festival enjoys an attendance rate exceeding 700,000 every single year. As well as the general display, the event also holds a firework competition which sees firework masters from all across Japan come together in a battle to put on the best light show. Some of these experts have received various awards such as the Prime Minister Award and Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry Award. Omagari is also the only place in Japan to hold a firework competition in the late afternoon.

    The theme for 2019 is Heizei Rinrin (“the awe-inspiring ordinary”). In the latter half of of the program, a display will be held called “Firework Musical Reiwa Festival” where over 2,000 fireworks will be launched. It will commemorate the new Reiwa era of Japan with hit songs from the Heisei period and more.

     

    Date: August 31, 2019

    Time: Afternoon Fireworks – From 17:15 / Evening Fireworks – From 18:50

    Location: Omagari, Daisen, Akita Prefecture (大仙市大曲 雄物川河畔)

    Access: 30-minutes on foot from JR Omagari Station

     

    ▼Omagari Fireworks Festival Details & Tour (Japanese)

    https://www.hankyu-travel.com/kokunai/event/oomagari/?p_baitai=9599

     

    2nd Place: Nagaoka Fireworks Festival (Nagaoka, Niigata Prefecture)


    On August 1, 1945, the lives of 1,488 locals were taken during the Bombing of Nagaoka. The following year, a festival was held in an effort to aid in restoring the destroyed town. This is the precedent to the annual Nagaoka Festival which includes a firework display. It has been held every year for over 70 years with people from all over the country travelling to attend it. It is considered one of the main three firework festivals of Japan.

     

    2019’s program has several famous fireworks lined up for the display as well as the Phoenix, a firework to commemorate the restoration of the Chuetsu area of Niigata Prefecture from the earthquake back in 2004.

     

    Date: August 2, 2019 – August 3, 2019 (*Nagaoka Festival will take place on August 1)

    Time: 19:20-21:15

    Location: Riverside of Shinano River under the Chosei Bridge in Nagaoka, Niigata Prefecture

    Access: 30-minutes on foot from JR Nagaoka Station

     

    ▼Nagaoka Fireworks Festival Details & Tour (Japanese)

    https://www.hankyu-travel.com/kokunai/event/nagaoka-hanabi/?p_baitai=9599

     

    3rd Place: Huis Ten Bosch Fireworks Festival (Sasebo, Nagasaki Prefecture)

    The Huis Ten Bosch Fireworks Festival is the biggest in all of Kyushu. Fireworks can be enjoyed at Huis Ten Bosch all throughout the year, but what’s special about this year’s festival are two particular displays: one which will be combined with music from Studio Ghibli films and another being a competition between firework experts from all around the world. The estimated number of fireworks to be launched is around 22,000. Don’t miss out!

     

    Dates

    Ghibli Music Fireworks: July 13, 2019

    Summer Special Fireworks: August 10, 2019

    Kyushu Fireworks Competition: September 21, 2019

     

    Location: Huis Ten Bosch

    Access: 5-minutes on foot from JR Huis Ten Bosch Station

     

    ▼Huis Ten Bosch Hotel Tour & Information (Japanese)

    https://www.hankyu-travel.com/kyushu/nagasaki/huistenbosch/?p_baitai=9599

     

    4th Place: Ashikaga Fireworks Festival (Ashikaga, Tochigi Prefecture)


    This year will mark the 105th run of the Ashikagawa Fireworks Festival which takes place beside the Watarase River. Last Year, Hankyu Travel International offered a tour plan consisting of both the Ashikagawa Fireworks Festival and the Kiryuyagibushi Festival. The latter gained popularity for its program which included a Blue Impulse performance, an aerobatic demonstration from the Japan Air Self-Defense Force. The finale of this year’s Ashikagawa festival will feature an 800 meter firework display.

     

    Date: August 3, 2019

    Time: 19:00-20:45

    Location: Under Tanaka Bridge near Fujioka Watarase Sports Park and the riverside

    Access: 5-minutes on foot from Ashikaga Station via the JR Ryomo Line

     

    5th Place: Kachimai Fireworks Festival (Obihiro, Hokkaido)


    The Kachimai Fireworks Festival is organised by Tokachi Mainichi News which celebrates 100 years since launching this year. The first run of this festival dates back to 1929 when it was the first ever fireworks festival to be held in Hokkaido. In recent years, the company have set up a live VR stream which offers a a 360° view of the fireworks and festival. This year, to celebrate Tokachi Mainichi’s 100th anniversary, they will also hold a demonstration on how fireworks are launched for the first time. The finale will be the Nishikikamuro, a special firework launch synonymous with the festival, which will light up the night sky with a spectacular display.

     

    Date: August 13, 2019

    Time: 19:30-21:00

    Location: 400 meters along the Tokachi Ohashi Bridge in Obihiro, Hokkaido

    Access: 30-minutes on foot from JR Obihiro Station

     

    ▼Kamachi Fireworks Festival Tour (Japanese)

    https://www.hankyu-travel.com/kokunai/keyword/%E5%8B%9D%E6%AF%8E%E8%8A%B1%E7%81%AB%E5%A4%A7%E4%BC%9A/?p_baitai=9599

     

    For numbers 6-10 on the list check out Hankyu Travel International’s website below.

  • Sanrio Puroland Announces Puro Summer Festival 2019

    30.May.2019 | SPOT

    The scorching sun is already shining on Sanrio Puroland as it announces its special summer event Puro Summer Festival 2019 which will take place from July 12 to September 1.

     

    The festival will centre around three elements: music, food and beach. Guests can look forward to enjoying the park’s first ever festival-themed live show as well as an exciting beach event which will see the appearance of the indoor “Puro Island,” tasty food from meat to desserts, and lots more.

    For the live show, costumed characters will take to the stage to perform a mix of rock, hip-hop, techno, disco and soul music while beckoning the crowd in fun call-and-response segments.

    The beach will be brought to those who head into the entertainment hall where cute and colourful sea-themed decorations and motifs will be scattered around. Look out for the mascot characters wearing their summer costumes including a tanned Hello Kitty. Guests who pay a fee can also participate in a summertime-only “greeting” where they can meet the characters.

    Peckish guests are invited to the Puro Meat & Dessert Festival where they can try wolfing down a “mega” portion of the Gudetama Roast Beef Don which has 1.8x more meat than the regular size, or they can cool themselves down with special ice candy made in collaboration with Cold Stone Creamery.

     

    Sanrio fans can get their hands on exclusive summer themed merchandise too from toys to folders and more. And if you dress for the occasion you’ll even get a discount on entrance passports (the name for tickets at the park). Details below.

     

    ©1976,2009 SANRIO CO., LTD.  ©1976,1988,1990,1996,1999,2001,2013,2019 SANRIO CO., LTD.

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  • BAND-MAID to Hold First Performance at KNOTFEST JAPAN 2023 to be Held at Makuhari Messe

    20.February.2023 | MUSIC

    The popular female rock band BAND-MAID will perform for the first time at KNOTFEST JAPAN 2023, scheduled for April 1 and April 2 at Makuhari Messe in Chiba.

     

    KNOTFEST was begun by the American heavy metal band Slipknot, and the festival has been held yearly since 2012. BAND-MAID will perform on Day 1 along with headliners Slipknot, Trivium, and MAN WITH A MISSION.

     

    Tickets for the May shows to be held in the United States as part of the BAND-MAID 10TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR are none on sale. The group managed to bring in over 20,000 fans during their solo U.S. tour in 2022. In addition to performing at Pointfest 2023, Welcome to Rockville 2023, and the Sonic Temple Art & Music Festival, BAND-MAID will also perform six solo shows. With some venues selling out instantly last year, you’ll want to snag tickets while you can!

     

  • Kyary Pamyu Pamyu Returns to America to Perform Only Half a Year After Coachella

    08.November.2022 | FES / MUSIC

    On October 29, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu took part in Porter Robinson’s Second Sky Music Festival in Oakland, California. The following day, the popular singer also appeared at Porter Robinson + Friends, an afterparty event held in San Francisco. American fans are finding their excitement at a fever pitch as the Harajuku-based artist continues to perform abroad!

     

    Kyary Pamyu Pamyu recently made headlines when she performed an unprecedented 62 songs at Nippon Budokan on October 19 during the final stop on her 10th-anniversary tour. Following this impressive feat, Kyary performed at yet another festival in Japan before hastily returning to the United States following her show-stopping performance at Coachella half a year ago.

     

    Porter Robinson’s Second Sky Music Festival was hosted by and featured performances by internationally acclaimed DJ and producer Porter Robinson. Other important figures in the dance music scene also appeared including SKRILLEX and RL GRIME.

     

    The event took place in a large parking lot adjacent to the Oakland Coliseum, home of the Oakland Athletics MLB team. Since the show took place close to Halloween, plenty of decorations could be found, and fans lined up from the early morning to get inside.

     

    Although Kyary’s performance was scheduled for quite early in the day, the audience sprawled out as far as the eye could see. As DE.BA.YA.SHI. 2021 began to play, fans began to excitedly call out Kyary’s name. In Japan, regulations are in place to stop the spread of the coronavirus, meaning that audience members are forbidden to yell during concerts–but no such precaution exists in the U.S. It was clear that Kyary was beyond excited to hear the audience’s enthusiasm, and as the show began, the artist called out “Second Sky,” to which the fans responded with excited cries. 

     

    The audience danced wildly to Candy Racer and Dodonpa, two of Kyary’s most peppy tracks, which played in succession. The singer did her best to speak English. “Hello! I’m Kyary Pamyu Pamyu from Japan,” she began. She then complimented a fan in full Kyary cosplay. “Wow! Nice costume! PONPONPON costume, so nice,” she said.

    During CANDY CANDY -Remix-, the audience raised their hands high in the air as they followed Kyary’s instructions to jump, swaying from left to right. As the audience moved in sync, a number of hit tracks began to play, including Harajuku Iyahoi and Tsukematsukeru. However, nothing could match the excitement of the moment that the intro to PONPONPON began to play. Porter Robinson, who was watching the live performance from the side of the stage, was moved to tears, and everyone could feel how big Kyary’s presence was for local fans.

    Kyary’s performance at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in April of this year became a hot topic, showing that Kyary is still incredibly popular in the U.S. ten years after her major debut.

     

    In addition to her largest national tour to date, Kyary has made numerous appearances at music festivals in Japan and abroad in 2022. The artist’s first overseas performance during her 11th year as a performer was an incredible success and bodes well for Kyary’s future.

     

    Setlist
    2022.10.29 “Second Sky Music Festival”
    OP. DE.BA.YA.SHI.2021
    1. Candy Racer
    2. Dodonpa
    3.Invader Invader
    4. CANDY CANDY –Remix-
    5. Ninja Re Bang Bang –Steve Aoki Remix-
    6. Harajuku Iyahoi
    7. Tsukematsukeru
    8. PONPONPON –Extended Mix-
    9. Fashion Monster

    2022.10.30 “Porter Robinson + Friends”
    OP. DE.BA.YA.SHI.2021
    1. Candy Racer
    2. Ninja Re Bang Bang
    3. CANDY CANDY
    4.Crazy Party Night-Pumpkins Strike Back-
    5. Kira Kira Killer
    6. Isshin Doutai
    7. Harajuku Iyahoi
    8. Fashion Monster
    9. PONPONPON

  • Kyary Pamyu Pamyu and Katy Perry to Perform Together for the First Time at True Colors Festival THE CONCERT 2022

    26.October.2022 | MUSIC

    The Nippon Foundation has been supporting people with disabilities in Japan and abroad for over fifty years. To mark this incredible milestone, True Colors Festival THE CONCERT 2022 will be held on November 19 and 20 at Tokyo Garden Theater. The performance aims to inspire fans to express their uniqueness. 

     

    Kyary Pamyu Pamyu will perform as a guest performer on both days of the concert, which stands to be one of the largest live events in the world put on by artists with disabilities.

     

    Kyary became a smash hit with audiences worldwide after Katy Perry praised her PONPONPON music video on Twitter, and the two are said to be fans of one another. This will be the first time that the two pop icons will perform on stage together. 

     

    “I’m looking forward to performing with so many unique artists from around the world,” Kyary said in a statement. “I’m so happy that I’m going to live my dream of performing with Katy!” 

     

  • Japan’s Largest Sake Event TOKYO SAKE FESTIVAL to be Held in Shinjuku in October

    22.September.2022 | FOOD / SPOT

    Japan’s largest sake event, TOKYO SAKE FESTIVAL 2022, will run from October 4 until October 6 at the Shinjuku Sumitomo Building’s Triangle Square.

     

    The event’s aim is to make sake more mainstream around the world, with the first festival taking place in 2020. Tokyo Sake Festival blends sake with entertainment, showing off the very best of Japanese culture to those who may be new to craft sake. For the third year, former NMB48 member Yui Takano will serve as ambassador. Takano is known for leaving her idol career to manage the sake specialty store Yui Sake Shop. 

     

    Tokyo Sake Festival 2022 is bringing together forty carefully selected sake breweries from around Japan, including Inoue Seikichi, winner of the Champion Sake award at IWC 2022. Tonoike Sake Brewery, winner of Kura Master 2022’s President’s Award, will also be in attendance. The full lineup can be found on the official website.

     

    Popular influencers and artists from Raphael to BOYS AND MEN and Ukon Takafuji will take the stage during the event, so be sure to swing by if you’re a fan of Japanese spirits!

  • SiM to Hold Streaming Event ‘Amazon Music Live: DEAD POP FESTiVAL 2022’

    15.August.2022 | FES / MUSIC

    Amazon Music Live: DEAD POP FESTiVAL 2022 was originally held on June 25 and 26, 2022. Those who missed out on SiM’s outdoor festival will be able to watch it on the Amazon Music Japan channel on Twitch on August 16 at 20:00 along with exclusive commentary from the members. In addition, Shuhei Igari (HEY-SMITH), GEN (04 Limited Sazabys), and Takuya Yamanaka (THE ORAL CIGARETTES) will appear. 20 artists who participated in the festival will give their personal thoughts on the June event including behind-the-scenes stories.

     

    Fans of Attack on Titan won’t want to miss the first live performance of SiM’s track The Rumbling, used as the opening theme for The Final Season Part 2.

     

    Prior to the event on the Amazon Music Japan channel, a playlist consisting of songs performed at DEADPOP FESTiVAL 2022 is available on Amazon Music Unlimited. Be sure to check it out!

     

  • NIJISANJI Fes 2022 Reveals 118 Participating VTubers, New Illustrations

    10.August.2022 | ANIME&GAME

    NIJISANJI Fes 2022, the largest NIJISANJI event to date, will be held on October 1 and October 2 at Makuhari Messe in Chiba. Ahead of the festival, ANYCOLOR has announced the 118 VTubers that will be participating, along with new illustrations showing some popular personalities wearing class T-shirts which will be available at the venue.

     

    NIJISANJI Fes 2022 Special Announcement Video
    https://youtu.be/st-m1G_DYS8

     

    The image song for NIJISANJI Fes 2022, Hurrah!!, is now available to stream. The music video for the track will feature fan art which will also be displayed at the venue, so get your entries in by August 28!

     

    Illustrations Highlighting Class T-Shirts

     

    NIJISANJI Fes 2022 Image Song, Hurrah!!

    Music: Mito Tsukino, Sasaki Saku, Kuzuha, Lize Helesta, Sara Hoshikawa, Minato Fuwa, Axia Krone
    Lyrics / Composition / Arrangement: Jin

     

    On the special website, newly-drawn illustrations of the 118 participating VTubers are featured. Each member is a part of a different class, and these class T-shirts will be handed out at random to those with tickets to the event as a bonus. They will also be available for purchase, so don’t worry if you don’t get the one you want!

    ▼Green
    Manami Aizono, Uiha Aiba, Youko Akabane, Axia Krone, Akane Asahina, Hina Asuka, Momo Azuchi, Kokoro Amamiya, Sayo Amemori, Almal Ars, Katrina Ange, Mugi Ienaga, Inui Toko, Ibrahim, Ichigo Ushimi, Muyu Amagase, Vox Akuma

     

    ▼Indigo
    Kou Uzuki, Albio Ex, Emma★August, Eli Conifer, Elu, Haruka Onomachi, Oliver Evans, Haru Kaida, Hayato Kagami, Kanae, Shoichi Kanda, Hisui Kitakoji, Gilzaren III, Gwelu Os Gar, Kuzuha, Yotsuba Umise, Aza

     

    ▼Blue
    Natsume Kurusu, Kuroi Shiba, Mirei Gundou, Tojiro Genzuki, Touya Kenmochi, Akina Saegusa, Ritsuki Sakura, Sasaki Saku, Yuika Shiina, Shellin Burgundy, Rin Shizuka, SisterClaire, Hajime Shibuya, Joe Rikiichi, Tomoe Shirayuki, Akira Shikinagi, Eine

     

    ▼Red
    Sango Suo, Kana Sukoya, Utako Suzuka, Masaru Suzuki, Aki Suzuya, Miyako Seto, Kirame Sorahoshi, Rion Takamiya, Mito Tsukino, Debidebi Debiru, Kohaku Todo, Dola, Kyoko Todoroki, Kei Nagao, Naraka, Kanato Fura, Elira Pendora

     

    ▼Orange
    Naru Naruse, Chigusa Nishizono, Sociere Nui, Fuyuki Hakase, Hanabatake Chaika, Sou Hayase, Marin Hayama, Air Harusaki, Kaede Higuchi, Gaku Fushimi, Tamaki Fumino, Furen E. Lustario, Fuwa Minato, Belmond Pandelas, Nei Ponto, Pomu Rainpuff

     

    ▼Yellow
    Sara Hoshikawa, Himawari Honma, Keisuke Maimoto, Ririmu Makaino, Meme Mashiro, Chima Machita, Mao Matsukai, Moira, Alice Mononobe, Kazaki Morinaka, Rine Yaguruma, Kizuki Yashiro, Karuta Yamagami, Chihiro Yuki, Seraph Dazzlegarden, Mysta Rias

     

    ▼Violet
    Riri Yuhi, Mahiro Yukishiro, Roa Yuzuki, Kakeru Yumeoi, Ratna Petit, Lize Helesta, Ryushen, Mikoto Rindou, Lain Paterson, Luis Cammy, Levi Elipha, Vincent Leos, Lauren Iroas, Hibari Watarai, Finana Ryugu, Hyakumantenbara Salome

  • Tomakomai Mirai Fest 2022 Announces Second Round of Performers, Additional Details

    29.July.2022 | FES / MUSIC / SPOT

    New performers and events have been announced ahead of the start of Tomakomai Mirai Fest 2022 in Tomakomai, Hokkaido on September 17 and 18. The event will be held in one of the most gorgeous towns on the island and excitement is building!

     

    The purpose of this event is to promote the appeal of the Tomakomai region, not only to those living in Japan but to those living abroad. In addition to music, the event will also feature art, food, technology, and more content that can be enjoyed by kids, families, and people of all ages and genders.

     

    Tomakomai Civic Hall, Large Hall

    Incredible live performances will be held in a futuristic setting. Along with Awesome City Club, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, and Little Glee Monster, guests can look forward to seeing HY, Wednesday Campanella, Taichi Mukai, and Atarashii Gakko!

     

    Tomakomai Civic Hall, Parking Lot

    DJ performances and food trucks will welcome guests to the futuristic area, and the illuminations are sure to impress!

     

    Kirakira Park

    An AR system accessible by smartphone will allow guests to take pictures of the Tomakomai Mirai Fest logo for a surprise. During the daytime, a food truck area will provide visitors with different types of gourmet offerings and a stage will showcase local dancers and musicians from Tomakomai. A family-friendly picnic area will allow guests to relax and enjoy good food and live music.

    At night, in addition to impressive illuminations and a live stage showcasing Hokkaido’s best talent, an island bar will amplify the mood.

    O-machi/Nishiki-machi

    During the daytime, a gourmet area will feature Tomakomai’s famous curry ramen, local craft beer, craft spices, and more. At night, visitors can enjoy restaurants in the O-machi and Nishiki-machi areas while still enjoying the vibe of the event.

    And More!

    A stamp rally will be held during the event, and guests finding stamps at each location will be eligible to win fantastic prizes. A bus service is also planned.

     

    More performers and details will be announced soon, so stay tuned!

  • Mount Fuji to be Surrounded by Colorful Blossoms During the Rainbow Flower Festival 2022

    14.July.2022 | SPOT

    Yamanashi’s Fuji Motosuko Resort is home to the yearly Fuji Shibazakura Festival, one of the most popular spring flower events in Jaapn. From July 16 until October 10, 2022, guests will also be able to enjoy the Rainbow Flower Festival, with over 80,000 blooms decorating the land around Mount Fuji. 

    From Left: Coneflowers, Common Zinnia, Begonia, Ageratum

    From Left: Scarlet Sage (Sirius), Scarlet Sage (Bonfire), Scarlet Sage (Deep Blue), Coleus

     

    The theme for the inaugural event is ‘Seven Colors of Mount Fuji.’ Visitors will be able to take incredible pictures, with a variety of blooms springing from the Earth in seven beautiful colors. Whether you love begonias or zinnias, you won’t want to miss this one. 

     

    The venue will also feature photo spots that will be perfect for social media, from a rainbow circle bench to the ‘Yellow Door of Happiness.’ A campaign will also be held to choose the best photos of the event posted to Instagram.

    Koppe-pan (with Yamanashi Peach Butter and Whipped Cream) / Lava Fried Tofu / Bellflower Mochi Ice Cream / Jewel Soda

     

    A unique food menu featuring everything from lava-shaped fried tofu to fluffy bread with local peach butter will appear at the event.

    *Sample image.

     

    Pictures aren’t the only thing you’ll leave with–a selection of souvenirs will be on sale, including ‘Stick Jelly’ made with five types of local fruit puree. These will only be available at the event, so come have a wonderful time visiting Mount Fuji this summer!

  • NAKED Summer Festival 2022 to be Held at Nijo Castle in Kyoto

    11.July.2022 | SPOT

    This summer, the World Heritage Site Nijo Castle will host the NAKED Summer Festival 2022 event from July 22 until August 21. Visitors can explore the incredible location at night, illuminated by colorful lights and filled with summer fun.

    Festival Stalls

    Virtual Content via Smartphone

     

    The entrance gate and Ninomaru Garden will both be illuminated for the event, and a digital fireworks display will be shown on the stone walls surrounding the inner moat.  Continuing from last year, the fan-favorite NAKED Distanced Lanterns and NAKED Tsukubai will be returning.

     

    Come make some summer memories at Nijo Castle!

  • Tomakomai Mirai Fest 2022 to be Held in September

    29.June.2022 | FES / MUSIC

    On September 17 and September 18, the Tomakomai Urban Renewal Project Committee will hold Tomakomai Mirai Fest 2022, inviting guests to celebrate the area around Tomakomai in Hokkaido. 

     

    The purpose of this event is to promote the appeal of the Tomakomai region, not only to those living in Japan but to those living abroad. In addition to music, the event will also feature art, food, technology, and more content that can be enjoyed by kids, families, and people of all ages and genders.

    The main venue of the event will be the Tomakomai Civic Hall. Musical acts announced so far include Awesome City Club, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, and Little Glee Monster.

     

    In the Tomakomai Civic Hall parking lot and the nearby Kirakira Park, guests can enjoy free DJ performances, mini-concerts, art and technology installations, food trucks, picnic areas, and more. In addition, the Nishikimachi and Omachi areas will be decorated with digital art, and food and beverages will be available.

     

    Advanced 2-Day tickets are available now on Ticket Pia by lottery. More performers and additional content will be announced soon, so keep an eye on social media and the official website.

  • Toyokawa Inari to Bring Back Popular Naked YORU MO-DE Event in 2022

    24.May.2022 | SPOT

    One of Japan’s Three Great Inari Shrines, Toyokawa Inari in Aichi Prefecture, will be decorated in summer-themed lights from July 22 until August 8! The popular Naked YORU MO-DE event is coming back for 2022 after attracting over 40,000 visitors last year. 

     

    Starting in 2021, Toyokawa Inari has held the Naked YORU MO-DE event monthly on the 22nd, the founding date of the shrine’s founding. Using technology, Naked’s artwork is updating the worship experience to fit into the ‘new normal,’ keeping social distancing in mind. 

     

    Jihoukan Projection-Mapping – Summer Festival ver. 

    Socially Distanced Art – Naked Distanced Lanterns, Summer Festival ver.

    Naked Tsukubai – Summer Festival ver.

    The theme for this new event is ‘a summer festival for a new era.’ Many of Toyokawa City’s annual festivals, such as the Oiden Festival and the Mitama Festival, have been canceled since the spread of the coronavirus. This new kind of festival will pull inspiration from other local events and will feature handheld firework displays, a collection of gorgeous wind chimes, and tons of night stalls for guests to enjoy alongside Naked’s digital artwork. The local handheld fireworks will be shown using projection mapping, and all of the fan-favorite Naked social distancing art projects will be transformed to suit the summer festival theme. The Naked Tsukubai hand sanitizing art project will show goldfish and fireworks in the palm of your hand, and the Naked Distanced Lanterns will be decorated with a summer firework pattern.

  • Shueisha’s Haruman!! 2022 Festival Celebrates Manga this Spring

    29.April.2022 | ANIME&GAME

    Shueisha is currently offering a ton of manga for free as part of Haruman!! 2022. The campaign is running until May 15 at participating locations and tons of digital manga series are available for download.

     

    ©Shueisha

     

    During Haruman!! 2022, users can read over 305 digital titles for free. This year’s theme is ‘Manga Festival,’ and manga fans can find both recent and classic titles. Why not catch up on some manga history while you can?

    A collaboration with the popular VTuber agency Hololive is also underway. One of the group’s manga-loving members will be chosen each day to serve as Editor-in-Chief of an original manga magazine.

     

    Popular authors are also commemorating the occasion with new illustrations. Eleven artists from Shueisha’s manga department have drawn popular VTubers, and these awesome images are available exclusively on the Haruman!! website.

     

    Stream Date: April 23, 2022

    Participants: Shueisha x Hololive Traveling Editorial Department

    Streaming Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJFZiqLMntJufDCHc6bQixg

     

    ©Shueisha

     

    In collaboration with puzzle game creators RIDDLER, ‘The Search for the Great Manga King’s Treasure’ will be held. Pulling inspiration from One Piece, which is currently celebrating 25 years of serialization, fans will have to find clues to solve a massive mystery.

     

    Find your new favorite manga series during Haruman!! 2022.

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