Japanese men’s brand TENEO and Shibakusa Pottery, which was founded in 1841 in Hida-Takayama, are set to begin their first exhibition tour on July 9 which aims to make traditional Japanese craftsmanship part of our modern lives as contemporary art.

FULL HAND MADE with HAMAMOTO 

TENEO is rooted in the concept of combining and evolving the differing cultures and backgrounds of Japan and France. Shibakusa Pottery has been producing pottery in Gifu’s city of Takayama since the Edo Period and operates on the motto of “Handing down tradition is on the decline; tradition is the continuation of innovation.” Both TENO and SHibakusa have come together to launch a project that aims to develop and advance traditional craftsmanship, and so they are opening a series of exhibition pop-up shops beginning at DiEGO Omotesando in Tokyo on July 9 before heading to Discover Japan Lab. in Shibuya PARCO, g GIFT AND LIFESTYLE in Roppoingi Hills, and elsewhere.

Pre-orders for the products to be showcased at the pop-up shop are now available to pre-order online in Japan at TENEO and will be shipped in October. Exhibits include works by the young bonsai master Yusuke Hamamoto, flower arrangements Ayayoshi Ozono who maintains long-time traditional Japanese styles and techniques, and more.

The project will  collaborate with the international tattoo artist Hiro in October as well as many other traditional artists and craftsmen from inside and outside Japan. The pop-up shop also sees the release of the ‘GAS MASK POT/VASE.’ The purpose of these works is to show people new forms and ways of expressing tradition.

a-nation, a series of summer concerts held in Japan which has a record number of over 6.1 million attendees, is heading online for the first time for “a-nation online 2020.”

a-nation is organised by Avex Group, the biggest independent record label in Japan, and was first held back in 2002. This year will mark its 19th run, and it will be streamed live for the first time due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The original festival was scheduled for May 2020, but after much consideration Avex Group decided to take it online.

Numerous stages will be set up and users will be free to select which acts they watch. The event will be available to watch for concertgoers not only in Japan, but around the world. Don’t miss this chance to see lots of popular Japanese artists live from the comfort of your own home!

Appreciation for the Seto Inland Sea in Japan is on the rise: American company Discovery named Shikoku one of its Top 10 must-visit rising locations around the world for 2020, and the city of Setouchi in Okayama has featured as a recommended travel destination in Western media. One particular location, Kagawa Prefecture, has been featured on many international travel sites as a must-visit place, including on Booking.com, Skyscanner, and REMOTE LANDS, with places such as Takamatsu, Teshima, and Shōdo Island being picked up.

Takamatsu is known as the doorstep that brings together the many islands of Seto Inland Sea. It’s a port city with great fresh food, highly convenient for travellers wanting to visit lots of different islands, and a popular region that brings together elements of Japanese culture.

Today, we take a look at some must-visit locations around Takamatsu, including a new facility opening, must-visit spots for spring to early summer, food, and more.

Shikoku Aquarium – The largest aquarium in Shikoku

Shikoku Aquarium is set to be the largest across Shikoku when it opens its doors to the public on March 20, 2020. It’s located inside Utazu Seaside Park in the town of Utazu where it will exhibit the creatures that live in Shikoku and feature the many different seaside landscapes located there. But the aquarium won’t just stop at showcasing animals, it will also be a cultural facility where you can learn about the history, culture, and natural environment of Shikoku, and there’ll be artwork perfect for the Setouchi Triennale contemporary art festival which is held around Seto Inland Sea every three years.

Shikoku Aquarium

Address: Utazu Rinkaikoen, 4-1 Utazu, Ayauta District, Kagawa

Opening Hours:

[March 20, 2020 – September 30, 2020] 9:00-18:00

[October 1, 2020 – March 19, 2021] 10:00-18:00

[Golden Week/Summer Break] 9:00-21:00

No Fixed Holidays

Price: General (16+ Years & High School Students) ¥2,200 / Children (Elementary School Students) ¥1,200 / Toddlers (3+ Years) ¥60

Official Website: http://shikoku-aquarium.jp/

Well-Known & Little-Known-Good Cherry Blossom Spots

Kagawa Prefecture is home to many spots that offer beautiful sounds and sights throughout the four seasons. Cherry blossom season is right around the corner in Japan, so let’s take a look at some must-visit spots, both popular and little-known good ones.

■Well-Known Spots

Ritsurin Garden (Takamatsu)

One of the most famous historical gardens in Japan, Ritsurin Garden is home to around 320 Yoshino cherry trees, whose pink colour reflects beautifully off the lake together with the 1,000 green pine trees.

Marugame Castle (Marugame)

Marugame Castle is one of only 12 castle in Japan to have an original wooden tenshu, or castle tower, built. From the great height of the castle’s stone wall, which is the tallest in Japan, one can gaze down at 1,000 cherry blossom trees in bloom.

■Little-Known-Good Spots

Megijima (Takamatsu)

Around 3,000 cherry trees bloom on t he island, including Yoshino cherries, yama-zakura, and yae-zakura, which roll from the port to the lighthouse.

Asahiyama Forest Park (Mitoyo)

Asahiyama Forest Park is located on the peak of Mt. Asahi, up 238 meters high. There, you can witness 2,000 vibrant cherry blossom trees bloom in spring, including Yoshino cherries. The park’s observation deck is popular too, offering a 360° panoramic view.

Experience the world of bonsai in Kagawa, the only place in Japan which produces pine bonsai trees

Interest in bonsai trees continues to grow every year not just in Japan but overseas too. The number of people incorporating them into their lives as interior decoration is on the rise. Kagawa Prefecture is the only place in Japan which produces pine bonsai trees, the largest places being Kinashi and Kokubunji in Takamatsu. There are around 60 bonsai makers in both of these towns, so you are sure to spot some if you walk through them.

Official Website: https://takamatsu-bonsai.com/en/

The new Takamatsu Bonsai no Sato is also set to open on April 17, which will include an information centre providing information on bonsai culture in Takamatsu, and there will be workshops too. Whether you’re new to bonsai or a pro, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Takamatsu Bonsai no Sato

Grand Opening: April 17, 2020

Address: 353-1 Kokubunjichō Kokubu, Takamatsu, Kagawa

Travel to Kagawa this spring to enjoy the cherry blossoms and pay a visit to the new Shikoku Aquarium.

This year marks three years since Tokyu Plaza Ginza opened. Anata Monogatari is an exhibition being introduced that will take place seasonally to hold events and campaigns reflecting the world views of different artists each time.

For the first exhibition, which will run from April 23 to May 13, bonsai master Masashi Hirao will hold an unconventional performance where he will showcase new potentials of bonsai trees. The event is titled Ateyaka Monogatari (‘Elegant Story’).

Ateyaka is an old Japanese word that refers to something elegant, refined, graceful, and beautiful for what it is. At the event, sixteen items themed around this word will be displayed through bonsai art. The display is titled BONSAI MEET JAPAN, AGAIN.

Masashi Hirao will draw out his unique perspective by combining fashion items with bonsai art, serving people a special time and experience at springtime Tokyu Plaza Ginza.

Head to Tokyu Plaza Ginza for a chance to see bonsai in a new light with Ateyaka Monogatari.

A new style restaurant “Trusukamero” was opened in Harajuku, Tokyo where many people gather from home and abroad. They will offer a “new Japanese cuisine” that cannot be categorized as “traditional Japanese.” Here they sell Bonsai Parfait (Matcha Parfait / Berry Banana Parfait / Chocolate Parfait) which is gaining popularity throughout the world.

Matcha parfait has many kinds of Japanese-style decorations such as taiyaki (fish-shaped red bean-paste bun) and azuki bar and it has great impact.

“Bonsai” is an art form where you enjoy the tree along with the pot. The antique-looking blue colored pots and dishes that come with the parfait are very beautiful.

They are also selling many kinds of Japanese dishes, so please check this URL.

(https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/71295)

TDK Attracting Tomorrow Project was set up to develop tools and content that open the door to the future through the use of technology.

Using the latest cutting-edge technology and manufacturing from TDK, they have developed the BonsAI (a portmanteau of ‘bonsai’ and ‘AI’), a new kind of bonsai tree that humans can interact with.

A special website has been set up detailing the backstory behind the BonsAI, which you can talk to and even water. A concept video was also released showcasing the tree visiting a temple and talking with the monk there about life.

Experience the new world of bonsai trees!