GLOBAL PRODUCE, a Japanese event organiser, is set to sponsor Harajuku Summer Festival 2019 which will be held at Togo Shrine in Harajuku, Tokyo on August 23. Bringing together professional event producers, the festival will combine elements of traditional Japanese culture with the latest trends.
Food trucks and stalls will open in the dozens, including appearances from the shaved ice shop Kooriya bebe which makes its fluffy shaved ice from the natural spring waters of Mount Fuji―perfect for the hot weather―as well as Ichika, a cafe known for its tapioca Japanese tea lattes made with high quality tea leaves from Kagoshima. Current popular restaurants will also serve up delicious summertime food. There will even be the Harajuku Bon Odori 2019 dance event, and the marchers for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics will also be present.
Tokyo Bijin Project will make their first ever live appearance, a group of shining Japanese women with “wisdom, dignity and compassion” who are set to speak out for other strong women. They will talk leadership, interpretation, attending to people, the spread of Japanese culture, and more.
If you are in Japan for the summer then make sure you attend all of the different summer festivals you can.
Information
GLOBAL PRODUCE presents Harajuku Summer Festival 2019 at Togo Shrine
Date: August 23, 2019
Time: 19:00-21:00 (Reception open from 18:30)
Location: Togo Shrine (1-5-3 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo)
Togo Shrine Official Website: http://www.togojinja.jp/
RECOMMENDED ENTRIES
-
Onsen theme park Ooedo-Onsen Monogatari in Odaiba, Tokyo launched its biggest event of the year Kingyo Matsuri Art Exhibition on June 24. The festival feature a range of exciting exhibits including Japan’s biggest terrarium developed by aquarium creator Masanori Miyazawa.
Aquarium ①: Japan’s biggest Japanese-style Terrarium
A terrarium is a sealable glass container inside which soil is placed to grow plants. Aquarium creator Masanori Miyazawa, who goes by the artist name GA☆KYO, has built Japan’s biggest Japanese-style terrarium which represents the change from the old generation into the new. Standing at 5-meters tall and stretching 1.5-meters wide, the terrarium makes use of bonsai, moss and driftwood.
Aquarium ②: Yukata x Aquarium x Photo Spot
Inspired by the ladies of Edo Castle, beautiful cylindrical fish tanks with kimonos wrapped around them act as a great photo opportunity together with the goldfishes.
Aquarium ③: Meet the 1 Million Yen Ryukin Goldfish
This innovative art installation pairs the Ryukin, a type of Japanese goldfish that has been sold in long-standing fish shops for more than 200 years, with onigawara decorative tiles that have been used to ward off spirits since ancient times, bonsai and more. Also in the exhibit is the “Pre-Edo Goldfish Tearoom” and “Large Round Fish Tanks.”
Summer Festival Drinks & Desserts
From Left: Blue Goldfish Shaved Ice: ¥550 @ Kuranoe / Goldfish Blue Hawaii Soda: ¥580 @ Yumeakari / Blue Mojito: ¥850 @ Ooedo Cafe
Feel the festive spirit with these summery drinks and desserts.
Goldfish Goodies
The souvenir store Ryokokuya is selling a range of goldfish themed merchandise perfect as gifts and souvenirs or for taking on summer trips with you.
Information
Tokyo Odaiba Ooedo-Onsen Monogatari
Business Hours: 11:00am-9:00am (Last Entries 7:00am)Official Website: https://daiba.ooedoonsen.jp/
Ooedo-Onsen Monogatari Event Details: https://daiba.ooedoonsen.jp/news/
-
For six days only, The most mouthwatering ice cream flavours from all over Japan are heading to Sapporo Kita 3-jo Plaza AKAPLA for the regional ice cream fair Aipaku Hokkaido in Sapporo 2019. The ice cream fair will start on August 15 and end on August 20, 2019.
The concept of Aipaku® is to make everyone’s childhood dream into a reality; a paradise park where visitors are surrounded by the most delicious ice cream flavours that are found countrywide. The Japan Ice Mania Association carefully selected heart-melting ice cream flavours from all over Japan to sell at this event. The event has been running since 2015 and has so far welcomed approximately 2 million satisfied ice cream lovers, making it the largest ice cream event in Japan. Visitors can tuck in to their ice creams straight away or buy cooler bags and dry ice at the venue to take it back home as a souvenir.
This time, Aipaku Hokkaido in Sapporo 2019 is completely changing its lineup. Compared to when it was last run in 2017, this year will see many ice creams and ice cream brands that are new to Hokkaido making their debut. If you are an ice cream lover, this is a paradise world you just cannot miss out on.
Kikyou Shingen Soft/KIKYOUYA (￥500)
Since being launched in 2015, this ice cream has become the star of the show at Aipaku. This ice cream is otherwise only available in Yamanashi prefecture. The beautiful scent of the soft serve ice cream’s kinako roasted soy bean will be the first thing to reach your nose. This ice cream is made with the original, rich-flavored brown sugar syrup of Yamanashi prefecture.
Manhattan Roll Ice Cream/ Manhattan Roll ￥850
Roll Ice Cream is currently a big hit in Japan, so naturally it has infiltrated into this ice cream fair. This ice cream is not made using eggs like conventional ice creams. It is made with a unique combination ratio of milk, fresh cream and syrup. The result is a smooth ice cream which is rich but not overpoweringly sweet.
Double Ruby Fantasy/ MAISON GIVRÉE/￥600
This is an Aipaku-limited ice cream. Its rise to fame occurred as a result of the World Championship of Pastry Ice Cream and Chocolate which took place in Milan in 2015. This Aipaku-limited soft serve ice cream was created by Team Japan’s captain and world champion pâtissier Hiroyuki Emori. It is covered in sugar-coated ruby chocolate and decorated luxuriously with almonds, hazelnuts and pistachios. The pink colour is enough to melt your heart.
Aipaku Original Häagen-Dazs Sundae/ Aipaku Official ￥800
This is an original sundae flavour that can only be obtained from Aipaku. The ice cream is made using Häagen-Dazs vanilla ice cream with a generous layer of luxurious whipped cream. This is drizzled with a rich caramel sauce. Crispy feuillantine, which is made by smashing baked crêpe batter, accents the flavour and adds texture. Chunky slices of banana and salty vanilla-roasted peanuts are placed on top. This is a special sundae that ice cream-lovers will not be able to resist.
These are just a few of the vast range of ice creams you could be trying. There are just so many that you will be frozen for choice. The venue is also easy to access from Sapporo station. This is a wonderful way to leave the house and enjoy a Japanese summer whilst staying refreshed.
*Prices after tax stated above
* The ice creams at the event may differ to the images above.
Information
Ice Cream Fair Aipaku Hokkaido in Sapporo 2019
Running: August 15 ー 20, 2019
Opening Times: 11:00 ー 20:00
Venue: AKPLA, (Sapporo Kita 3-jo Plaza)
Kita 2 Jonishi, 4/ Kita 3 Jonishi 4, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Free entry.
Takeaway: If you wish to purchase ice creams to take away, please consider purchasing a cooler bag and dry ice (保冷バッグ＋ドライアイス) at the venue.
Aipaku Official Website: http://www.i-89.jp
-
See Traditional and Modern Japanese Culture Collide With Yukata, DJs & More at Tokyo’s Hamarikyu Gardens
The three-day Hamarikyu Oedo Cultural Festival will take place at the beautiful Hamarikyu Gardens in Tokyo from August 23 to 25. It will be produced by international fashion designer and stylist Junko Koshino.
The boisterous festival is a coming together of Japan’s traditional Edo period and modern times which will be celebrated with a myriad of exciting experiences.
The centrepieces of this year’s event are the DJ performances and Yukata Fest which will take place around the two 6-meter tall pillars in the garden’s plaza. DJ KOO will appear as a special guest on Friday August 23rd while Japanese models Arina Urahama, Sayaka Shimizu and YORI will take the spotlight on Saturday 24th wearing Edo-style outfits with a contemporary pop spin all made by Junko Koshino.
During the Yukata Fest, there will be taiko drumming along to the DJ performance. Three people from the Eitetsu Fu’un no Kai―a group supervised by famous Japanese musician Eitetsu Hayashi―will be the drummers. The Fest will mash together traditional Japanese music with modern DJing.
Expect to be thrilled with an up-close performance of kendo swordsmanship, iai―the art of drawing one’s sword―and a showcasing of naginata, a type of long pole weapon. There will also be a play area where you can play karuta with the Hyakunin Isshu one-hundred poems which was popular during the Edo period, blow bubbles, and more.
And of course, there’ll be plenty of Japanese food to tuck into as well served at one of the many booths. This includes namie yakisoba, a local speciality soba noodle dish adored by the people of Fukuoka which will be served as part of maintaining the culture, a Fukushima no Sake standing bar which has won the top award in the Shinshu Kanpyokai 7 years in a row, and so on.
Specially prepared traditional Japanese wagashi confections produced by Junko Koshino will also be sold as part of a collaboration project with Ito En who are sponsoring the event and holding a special tea party. They are limited in availability, and those lucky few who do get a spot will be able to enjoy tea and sweets while enjoying a view of the spectacular Japanese-style gardens at the Nakajima No Ochaya cafe.
Visitors will also be able to pick from a wardrobe of bright and colourful yukata, including some designed by Junko Koshino, at one of the booths at the festival and have them fitted on from them. Those who arrive already dressed in a yukata will receive free entry to the festival!
You’ll completely forget you’re in the boisterous city of Tokyo while at this traditional x modern fusion of a festival. If you’re in Japan this summer, then don’t miss out. More details of the festival and its content can be found on the official website below.
Information
Hamarikyu Oedo Cultural Festival 2019
Date/Time:
August 23 @ 17:00-21:00
August 24 @ 11:00-21:00
August 25 @ 11:00-17:00*Hamarikyu Gardens are open from 9am as usual while the festival is running
Location: Hamarikyu Gardens (1-1 Hamarikyuteien, Chuo Ward Tokyo)
Price: General ¥300 / 65+years ¥150 (Free for elementary school children and younger, residents of Tokyo, and middle school student residents and younger)
*Free entry for those wearing a yukata
Official Website: https://hamarikyu-event2019.jp/
RELATED ENTRIES
-
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!
Information
Amazon Music Live: DEAD POP FESTiVAL 2022
Amazon Music Japan Channel: https://www.twitch.tv/amazonmusicjp
Playlist: https://amzn.to/DPF2022AML
*Amazon, Amazon Music, and all related properties are trademarks of Amazon.com.
-
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_DYS8The 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: JinOn 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 SalomeInformation
NIJISANJI Fes 2022
Dates: October 1, 2 / 9:00-18:00
*Night Stage: September 30, October 1
Venue: Makuhari Messe 1-6 HallsDetails / Official Site: https://fes.nijisanji.jp/
NIJISANJI Fes 2022 Fanart Submissions
Open until August 28
https://fes.nijisanji.jp/furefurenijisanji/ -
Last year, Chiikawa Land, the first official Chiikawa shop, opened at the Harajuku and Osaka Umeda branches of KIDDYLAND. Both locations will celebrate the 1st anniversary of the shop’s opening with a special fair on August 5, 2022.
Chiikawa is a popular character first revealed by Japanese illustrator Nagano on Twitter. In December 2020, the official online store Chiikawa Market opened, and Nagano released a book compiling the manga panels they drew and posted on Twitter. The characters have become massively popular, with the artist’s social media accounts racking up over 1.1 million followers. From collaboration cafes and exhibitions to a recent anime series, the sky’s the limit for these adorable characters!
Purchase Bonus
「Holographic Sticker (Not for Sale) *Designs will differ between the Harajuku and Osaka Umeda locations.
Holographic Pin (Not for Sale) / For guests spending ¥3,300 or more (including tax)
Picnic Blanket (Not for Sale) / For guests spending ¥5,500 or more (including tax)
Mug (Not for Sale) / For guests spending ¥8,800 or more (including tax)
Limited Edition Chiikawa Land Harajuku x Marion Crepes Collab
Limited Edition Chiikawa Land Harajuku x Marion Crepes Goods
Chiikawa Land Osaka Umeda Limited Edition Goods
Both the Harajuku and Osaka Chiikawa Land locations are visited by fans each day, and each store has developed unique products to celebrate the first anniversary.The Chiikawa Land Harajuku location will offer products in collaboration with Marion Crepes, while the Osaka Umeda location will sell limited edition products featuring the characters in cute traditional costumes. Special bonuses will also be handed out to guests spending particular amounts, so why not come out and grab some new goods?
©nagano / chiikawa committee
Information
Chiikawa Land Harajuku / Osaka Umeda – 1st Anniversary Celebration
Date: August 5, 2022
KIDDYLAND Harajuku:
https://chiikawa-info.jp/chiikawaland/harajuku/KIDDYLAND Osaka Umeda:
https://chiikawa-info.jp/chiikawaland/osaka/ -
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!
Information
Tomakomai Mirai Fest 2022
Dates: September 17 and 18, 2022
Tomakomai Civic Hall, Large Hall (Admission Fee Required)
September 17 / Doors Open 16:30, Event Starts 17:30
September 18 / Doors Open 14:30, Event Starts 15:30
Tomakomai Civic Hall, Parking Lot / Kirakira Park / O-machi, Nishiki-machi (Free Entry)
September 17: Open at 12:00
September 18: Open at 11:00
*May be earlier or later depending on the venue. Detailed event times will be announced at a later date.
Locations: Tomakomai Civic Hall, Large Hall / Parking Lot / Kirakira Park / Around Omachi, Nishikimachi
Ticket Agency: Ticket Pia
[1-day or 2-day Tickets Available]
Official 2nd Advance Ticket Lottery: July 28, 12:00 – August 7, 23:59https://w.pia.jp/t/tomakomaimiraifest22/
Official Site: http://miraifest-tomakomai.jp/
-
Reebok has appointed a number of popular artists in Japan and abroad to take part in their new campaign titled ‘Life is Not a Spectator Sport -Move, Move!-’ This collaboration started in March 2022.
As a part of this collaboration, Reebok is teaming up with the manga series Eren the Southpaw. Kappa’s popular ensemble drama highlights a number of creators, and has a very poignant tagline: “To all those who couldn’t become geniuses.” Reebok’s brand message matches this and is meant to be a manifesto for life, telling people to never give up, act on their own convictions, and find their own path.
Reebok Classic Store – Harajuku Interior
Stickers / Pins
Original Scene from Eren the Southpaw
To commemorate the release of Reebok’s flagship model INSTAPUMP FURY 95 in Sax Blue, a huge piece of window art was redrawn by Kappi. The artist also provided an original manga featuring an entirely new story. Fans can find this at the Reebok Classic Store Harajuku and on the official Reebok Twitter page. The Reebok stores in Harajuku and Shibuya have also been completely taken over by Eren the Southpaw, completely decorated from top to bottom in images from the series.
Information
[GY7178] SLATE/CBLACK/TINGRE
Release Date: July 22
https://reebok.jp/products/GY1589/
Original Manga Available:
Reebok Official Twitter: https://twitter.com/Reebokjp
Reebok Classic Store Harajuku
Reebok Store Shibuya
-
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!
Information
Rainbow Flower Festival
Running: July 16 – October 10, 2022
*Blooming dates may vary. The festival will be open every day during the event period.
Hours: 8:00-16:00 *Subject to change.
Tickets: Adults (Middle school age and up): ¥800 / Children (Ages 3 and up): ¥250
Venue: Fuji Motosuko Resort (212 Fujigane, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi)Official site：https://www.fujimotosuko-resort.jp/
-
A special event is coming to Tokyo and Osaka this summer to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Kuroko’s Basketball anime series. Fans will want to visit Tokyo in July and Osaka in September.
Kuroko’s Basketball is a manga series by Tadatoshi Fujimaki which was serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump until 2014 and tells the story of a high school basketball team trying to make it to the national tournament. The anime adaptation began airing in April 2012.
Kuroko’s Basketball ~A Miracle One Day in the City~
Kuroko’s Basketball ~ Kyoto Exhibition
Gallery Corner
Voice Guide
Admission Bonus – Invitation Card (9 varieties)
Exclusive Goods – F6 Character Board
Goods
Acrylic Stand (9 varieties)
Mini Acrylic Charms 1 (Random)
Mini Acrylic Charms 2 (Random)
Pin (9 varieties, random)
Purchase Bonus – Shopping Bag
The event will feature exhibits highlighting the history of the series and will feature a special voiceover. Exclusive merchandise will be on sale and guests will be welcomed by Kuroko and his friends at the entrance, all wearing special costumes drawn for the event.
Are you a Kuroko’s Basketball fan?
© 藤巻忠俊／集英社・黒子のバスケ製作委員会
© 「黒子のバスケ」アニメ10周年プロジェクトInformation
Kuroko’s Basketball 10th-Anniversary PARTY!
Tokyo Venue
Venue: Ikebukuro Sunshine City World Import Mart Bldg. 4F, Exhibition Hall A
Running: July 16 – July 31, 2022
Hours: Weekends and Holidays, 10:00-20:00
Weekdays: 12:00-20:00
*Closing at 17:00 on July 31.
*Last entry until 30 minutes prior to closing.
Osaka Venue
Venue: Hirakata Park Event Hall I
Running: September 16 – November 6, 2022
Event Details: https://kurobas-ap.com/
TicketsOn Sale: July 16, 0:00 – July 31, 16:00
Where to Buy: Loppi at Lawson / Ministop locations
Online Reservations: https://l-tike.com/event/kurobas_ap/ -
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!
Information
NAKED Summer Festival 2022 at Nijo Castle
Running: July 22 – August 21, 2022
Venue: Nijo Castle
Details: https://event.naked.works/nijojo/summer/
-
Aniplex Online Fest 2022 will be available to stream worldwide on September 24, 2022! This is the third such event, with the first streaming in 2020. The large-scale online festival will share the latest information on Aniplex’s anime works and a number of live performances are planned. Participating artists will be announced soon, so keep an eye out for more information.
Last year’s Aniplex Online Fest featured information on 11 anime series and had a lineup of incredible musical artists, DJs, and live drawing events. The festival was streamed on YouTube worldwide in both English and Japanese for over six hours and recorded a total of 850,000 viewers.
To commemorate the upcoming event, the main visual has been revealed. The illustration was done by Kerorira, the character designer for Bocchi the Rock!
Comment from Kerorira“It’s not often I get to create an original image from scratch, so I’ve been given a very rare opportunity! Please enjoy it!”
Stay tuned for more Aniplex Online Fest 2022 information!
Information
Aniplex Online Fest 2022
Date: September 24, 2022 *JST
Streaming on YouTube Worldwide *Excluding some countries and regions.
Japanese Official Site: https://aniplex-online-fest.com/
English Official Site: https://aniplex-online-fest.com/en/
Aniplex Official Event Twitter: https://twitter.com/aniplex_event
-
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.
Information
Tomakomai Mirai Fest 2022
Dates: September 17 and 18, 2022
Venue: Tomakomai Civic Hall, Large Hall
Hours:
September 17 / Doors Open 16:30, Event Starts 17:30
September 18 / Doors Open 14:30, Event Starts 15:30
*More detailed event times and locations will be announced at a later date.
Locations: Tomakomai Civic Hall, Large Hall / Parking Lot / Kirakira Park / Around Omachi, NishikimachiTickets: https://w.pia.jp/t/tomakomaimiraifest22/
Official Site: http://miraifest-tomakomai.jp/
-
Massively popular VTubers from Hololive Productions will appear at Anime Expo 2022 in Los Angeles from July 1 until July 4, 2022. The contention is one of the largest anime events in North America.
Fans will be able to purchase exclusive merchandise featuring the Hololive Meet ambassadors: Gawr Gura, Tokino Sora, and Ayunda Risu. The three represent Hololive English, Hololive, and Hololive Indonesia, respectively. Everything from shirts to wall scrolls will be on sale, so if you’re in the LA area, be sure to come out and support your favorite streamer!
Information
Anime Expo 2022
Booth Number: Exhibit Hall #4606
Dates: July 1 – July 4, 2022
Hours: 10:00-18:00 (Closing at 15:00 on July 4)
Location: Los Angeles Convention Center
Official Site: https://www.anime-expo.org/ -
KAWAII LAB. is a project spearheaded by ASOBISYSTEM with the aim of introducing the world to popular Japanese idol culture. The idol group IDOLATER was born from this idea, and in April, the girls welcomed two new members, transforming it into a fresh new 5-member group. Announced at the group’s solo concert ‘New IDOLATER’ on April 24, Fuuka Oishi and Ririka Satsuki joined the lineup consisting of Ayu Okuda, Kurumi Tsukishiro, and Yukino Fushiki.
A typical idol group is peppy and filled with energy, but IDOLATER is doing things a little differently. What is their appeal? How do they want to shake things up?
A Group Formed by Finalists from ASOBISYSTEM’s First National Audition
IDOLATER debuted in April 2019. In the spring of 2018, ASOBISYSTEM, the management company behind Kyary Pamyu Pamyu and a number of other popular talents, announced its first large-scale nationwide audition, ASOBISYSTEM THE AUDITION 2018. IDOLATER’s history began with five audition finalists–Fushiki, Okuda, Tsukishiro, and two others. The catchphrase for the audition was fitting for the group: “Seeking the next generation of talents to shape Japanese pop culture and share it with the world.”
IDOLATER Welcomes Solo Singer Ririka Satsuki & Model Fuuka Oishi
Following the departure of two members and intense restrictions imposed on the group’s activities due to the pandemic, IDOLATER continued to operate with only three members. Although they didn’t manage to get a ton of media coverage or appeal in large-scale events, the group continued to pull in new fans and gain recognition in the idol community. After a while, Fuuka Oishi and Ririka Satsuki joined the group, giving a much-needed boost to IDOLATER’s activities and energy.
Ririka Satsuki is a solo artist based in Fukuoka with an incredible husky voice. Fuuka Oishi has previously worked as a model and is popular with creators for her sweet yet listless atmosphere. Despite their incredible confidence, this is the first time either has worked as an idol!
IDOLATER and the Concept of ‘Idols’
The word ‘idol’ can conjure plenty of images to mind, but what does the word mean to the members of IDOLATER?
The group’s music blends together elements of city pop, future funk, and house, while still keeping true to traditional J-pop roots. The familiarity of their music makes it easy to approach, and Yukino Fushiki’s powerful voice alongside Ririka Satsuki’s melodies shower fans with some of the best vocals in the idol world.
The group’s choreography is provided by YU-KA, formerly of TEMPURA KIDZ. Her experience as both a dancer and an idol makes her an asset, and her refreshing moves are a highlight of each IDOLATER show.
A former pattern maker for a Japanese fashion brand designed the group’s costumes.
If this sounds like the idol group for you, come and check out an IDOLATER event to see the girl’s incredible appeal for yourself.
On June 19, IDOLATER will hold their second regular performance, ‘Camel,’ at Ebisu CreATO. (The title of the show was chosen because it sounded fun, not for any other specific reason.)
Stay tuned for the next report, where we’ll delve a little deeper into the life of each member of IDOLATER!
Information
KAWAII LAB.
Twitter: @kawaii__lab
YouTube: KAWAII LAB.
IDOLATER
Official Site: https://note.com/idolater
Twitter: @Official_IDLT
Instagram: @idolater_official
YouTube: IDOLATER
