Natsume Mito began her career as a model in 2013 before gradually breaking her way into dramas and stage performances as an actress. To commemorate ten years in show business, Mito will release a photo essay book titled Natsumelon on August 12.

Yuuka Eda, a popular young film director, snapped the photos for the book. Shooting took place in Taiwan, a place with great sentimental value for Mito. Readers will find plenty of food and locale recommendations including the wholesale district, lined with restaurants in business for over 100 years, and the famous night markets in Taipei. In the accompanying essays, Mito, now in her 30s, speaks openly about her views on work, marriage, clothing, makeup, relationships, and future goals, while also including adorable hand-drawn illustrations. The book also contains details about Mito’s current wardrobe, her recommended manga and stationery, and behind-the-scenes snapshots.

<Comment from Natsume Mito>

“I’m so happy to announce the release of my photo essay book, celebrating my first 10 years in show business!

One of my goals was to publish a photo essay in my 30s, and I’m so grateful to all the fans and staff who made that dream come true. I chose Taiwan, a place with so many happy memories, as the location. I think that the readers will enjoy seeing many different sides of me, from playful Natsume to quiet Natsume.

The shoot brought me so much joy, and I was so glad to be back in Taiwan for the first time in so long after the pandemic. At the same time, I was excited to see what kind of future awaits me in this new decade. I included an essay reflecting on the past decade along with the photos. I hope you’ll read the ramblings of a woman in her 30s! Be sure to check out my current fashion breakdown too. For those who have supported me over the past ten years, I think you’ll enjoy my more mature personal style!”

<Comment from Photographer Yuuka Eda>

“I followed Natsume’s dizzying schedule of eating, laughing, and walking through the streets of Taiwan, and had such a blast. If you let someone young spread their wings and live their own lives, they’ll mature on their own. But during the shoot, I completely forgot about taking “age-appropriate” shots—instead, all I wanted to do was have a good time and do what was fun. I ignored what I should have done and instead did what we wanted to do. I’d be happy if even a few important moments of Natsume’s life were immortalized in this book.

Please, enjoy your life.”

■Profile

Born in Gunma Prefecture in 1994, Eda directed her first feature film, Girls’ Encounter, in 2017. Starring Moeka Hoshi and Serena Motola, the film won the Audience Award at MOOSIC LAB 2017 and was subsequently released in theaters to great acclaim. Invited to the Hong Kong International Film Festival and Shanghai International Film Festival, Eda also won the Best Director Award at the Asian Film Festival in Barcelona. In 2019, she won the Best New Director Award at the Japan Movie Critics Awards. Eda also works as a photographer, having shot numerous artists and promotional materials.

Natsume Mito will star in the upcoming film Kono Chiisana Te (These Small Hands). The film will debut in theaters on April 8.

The movie is an adaptation of the manga series by Mamora Goda, also known for his works Kira Kira Hikaru and Mori no Asagao. The story follows a father who never cared for his daughter and a daughter who has forgotten her father.

This is the feature-length debut of director Hiroyuki Nakada, who previously worked as an assistant director on films such as Love is Light and Tsukuritai Onna to Tabetai Onna.

<Comment from Director Hiroyuki Nakada>

“What is a father?

This question came to me as I was watching my newborn son sleep.
Does supporting a family financially make a good father?
Can a man be a father in some other way? Can he do something else?
While I was pondering this, I came across Kono Chiisana Te.
I really wanted to find the answer to my question, so I decided to work on plans for this live-action film.

I hope that everyone who sees this film will take some time to think about their families in this fast-paced world.”

<Story>
Kazuma, an illustrator, lives with his wife Sayuri and their three-year-old daughter Hina.

One night, while Kazuma is drinking with his work buddies, Sayuri gets into an accident and is hospitalized while out shopping.

Kazuma falls asleep at the bar and Hina wakes up alone the next day. She is rescued by the police and placed in an orphanage.

Given his actions, Kazuma can’t take Hina home. Having done nothing to help raise her, he’s decidedly unfit to parent. Sayuri doesn’t wake up, and time continues to pass.

Desperate, Kazuma gradually realizes that there are people who care for him and want the best for his life. Determined, he sets out to repair his bond with his daughter.

When Kazuma visits, however, all Hina can do is cry. Has she forgotten her father’s face?

（Ｃ）映画「この小さな手」製作委員会

Last year, the Pola Museum Annex in Tokyo hosted a charity auction to support the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic breaking out across the globe. As the world continues to feel the effects of the virus, the charity event is returning for a second year, and is set to be held from November 12 until December 5, 2021. The title for this year’s art exhibition is ‘Find Your Travel.’ 

Lemon Tree – Yuka Kashihara. Acrylic and oil on canvas.  2020. 

POLA Dot or snowball ~Based on Tosa Mitsuyoshi’s Colored Painting of Yugiri from The Tale of Genji~ – Tetsuya Noguchi. Acrylic. 2020. 

our whereabouts – Moe Nakamura. Camphor, bronze, oil. 2021. 

Philanthropy – Yuko Higuchi. Hemp paper, pen, watercolor. 2020. 

Baby Heel-less Shoes – Noritaka Tatehama. Cowhide, pigskin, dye, metal zipper, coated crystal glass. 2020. 

Last year’s charity auction raised over ¥9,145,000 (about $83,000) for the Japanese Red Cross. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues around the globe, and as Japan remains locked down, this year’s event hopes to raise even more useful funds to help medical professionals on the front lines. 

20 artists are participating in the exhibition, with each creating one work based on the theme of ‘travel.’ In addition to simply viewing these pieces at the exhibition, a silent auction will also be held online. With travel being severely restricted, these works of art seek to inspire and encourage visitors to imagine a better future, when the world is open once again. All proceeds will once again be donated to the Japanese Red Cross. 

Since their creation in 1988, the 996-model sneaker has been one of New Balance’s most popular models. This month, the 996 will be reborn as the New Balance Standard, with the same comfortable feel and some minor changes to the logo.

In the new campaign, Natsume Mito, Saki Shibata, Fumiko Aoyagi, and Shiho Takechi will be modeling the new shoes, each in a sleek new color. The photos are meant to depict women living their daily lives with positivity, as they did in 1988 and as they do today.

The 996 model sneakers are the third model in the 99X series. Released in 1988 as a running shoe meant to be used on paved surfaces, its comfort and design has made it a best-seller among both men and women.

Will you be grabbing a pair of these updated kicks?

It’s been seven years since New Balance Japan launched its ‘Sneaker and Me’ campaign in collaboration with Japanese model Natsume Mito. The pair have now come together again in promotion of the brand’s new edition of its 996 models, the ‘WL996’ lifestyle models for women, with Mito donning the sneakers in a look-book of outfits coordinated by Mito herself.  “Even though the sneakers and their form haven’t changed since I first wore them back then,” she explains, “I really felt that these 996’s lend more room to look good on adults. I also understand why these shoes have been loved for so long. I want to become someone like that too, so I admire the appearance of the 996’s.”

Mito shows off her looks in a short interview with New Balance in the video below.

The 996 models followed the 990’s which released in 1982 as the third in the 99X series. They made their debut in 1988 in the US and have long since been enjoyed not only as running shoes but everyday shoes too. They’re a long seller in New Balance’s books.

Wanget’s unisex loungewear brand Arce launched its online shop on Wednesday (February 17). The brand is hosting a campaign on its social media pages to promote the launch where customers can win some free items.

Arce was established from Makuake on November 25, 2020. The brand creates clothes made in Japan using environmentally-friendly Japanese materials. Their loungewear is versatile and can be worn not only indoors but outdoors too, and even when going to meet people. The clothes are shipped in boxes made from FSC-certified cardboard, and the vinyl bags used to protect each item are made using biodegradable saccharum officinarum.

Arce held its first exhibition in Japan on November 25 and 26 last year to resounding success, bringing in many customers.

The brand is currently holding a campaign on its Instagram page from February 17 to 28 where people can enter for a chance to win the above-pictured T-shirt and pullover. Only one of each will be given to two people respectively. To enter, you need to follow Arce on Instagram and give a like on which item you want.

In an effort to ensure the safety and protect the health of guests and staff, Universal Studios Japan (USJ) introduced strict measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 on June 8, 2020, such as limiting the number of people who could enter the park each day and enforcing thorough cleaning routines. This enabled the park to reopen after its temporary closure. It has since been able to deliver its scope of fun and excitement to guests, albeit in a more structured way.

USJ wants to make wearing masks more fun too, and so it is releasing a range of character-inspired face masks, such as Snoopy, Elmo and the Cookie Monster, on August 7. Part of the money made from sales of these masks will be donated to the USJ Wonder Kids Program which helps support children in need.

Universal Studios Japan original design masks

The masks’ unique designs take the mouths of each character. These can be worn together with each respective characters’ headband which are also sold at USJ. Designs include Elmo, Cookie Monster, Snoopy, Tim, Jurassic Park, and Jaws.

Photos provided by Universal Studios Japan.
HARRY POTTER characters, names and related indicia are © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Harry Potter Publishing Rights © JKR. (s20)
Minions and all related elements and indicia TM & © 2020 Universal Studios. All rights reserved.
TM & © 2020 Universal Studios.
© 2020 Peanuts
© ’76, ’20 SANRIO
© 2020 Sesame Workshop
TM & © Universal Studios & Amblin Entertainment
TM & © Universal Studios.
TM Universal Studios.

Over 50 manga artists in Japan are coming together for the launch of the new “MANGA Day to Day” project which will depict daily life during the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The project is set to roll out for free in mid-June on Twitter and Comic Days. A teaser by famous manga artist Tetsuya Chiba (Ashita no Joe; Notari Matsutarō) was released on May 22, 2020.

A related project entitled “Day to Day” is also taking place over on the Japanese literature news website TREE where over 50 popular authors have penned writings and essays on the restrictions of today’s everyday life. In addition to Japan, both projects have caught the attention of overseas news media and websites too. Like the related “Day to Day” project, “MANGA Day to Day” will have one new manga strip released for free each day on Twitter and Comic Days. A piece entitled Akudama by Tetsuya Chiba is already available to see over on the project’s official Twitter account.

People’s lives have changed drastically as a result of the pandemic. To pass down this time in history to the next 100, or even 200 years, the pieces contributed to the “MANGA Day to Day” project will be compiled into a book that’s scheduled for release in early 2021. A special edition of the book will also be compiled featuring both the manga and writing pieces.

Be sure to follow the Twitter account below to keep up to date.

A BATHING APE® released its new face mask case on Saturday (May 23) for people to hygienically put away their face masks, whether to store away or for on the go. The cases will be given to everyone that purchases something from the BAPE STORE® or BAPE.COM in Japan.

The case features BAPE’s iconic APE HEAD design. It’s made from PVC and so can be hand washed so people can safely and hygienically store their face masks. The case can of course be used to store hand sanitiser or hand wipes too.

Like many institutions around the world now, Mori Art Museum is temporarily closed as a result of COVID-19. But that hasn’t stopped the museum spreading creativity as it recently launched a new page on its website titled “Mori Art Museum Digital.”

The page comes as part of a new agenda by Mori Art Museum which it is calling “MAM @ HOME” which encourages people to “Stay Home, Stay Creative.” The project aims for the museum to stay connected with people even while the building itself is closed by offering a host of free art-related content.

This includes the “Future and the Arts 3D Walkthrough” which had to end in response to the museum’s closure, an online sneak preview of the postponed “MAM Screen 013: Mounira Al Solh,” the “ARTISTS COOKBOOK” which features recipes, photos and stories from artists around the world, and more.

Program #1: Online Sneak Preview of MAM Screen 013: Mounira Al Solh

Mounira Al Solh – Rawane’s Song (2006)

Mounira Al Solh – As If I Don’t Fit There (2006)

Since “MAM Screen 013: Mounira Al Aolh” has been postponed as a measure against the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), Mori Art Museum is introducing two works online prior to the official screening: Rawane’s Song (2006) and As If I Don’t Fit There (2006).

Mounira Al Solh works internationally and is based in her home country Lebonan and in Europe. Her work offers humorous takes on everyday events and stories, as well as episodes based on the lives of women from a contemporary society where political and religious conflicts as well as issues surrounding refugees occurs.

Program #2: Future and the Arts 3D Walkthrough

Due to the museum’s closure, “Future and the Arts: AI, Robotics, Cities, Life – How Humanity Will Live Tomorrow” was forced to end earlier than scheduled. Since then, the museum has been able to share walkthroughs of the exhibition via Instagram Live, as well as photos. Now people can enjoy the exhibition in a more immersive way as the museum introduces a virtual, 3D walkthrough, which they were able to capture thanks to the galleries being empty. It’s a complete recreation of the exhibition for people to enjoy at home.

Special #1: ARTISTS COOKBOOK by MAM

As a special project during Mori Art Museum’s closure, the museum has introduced “ARTISTS COOKCOOK by MAM,” a collection of recipes, stories, and photographs that artists from around the world have shared with them. The first recipe showcased is the “Kusama Lotus” by Kataoka Mami, the Director of Mori Art Museum. She describes lotus roots as reminiscent of polka dots and white nets, and that it’s a dish we could keep eating forever. She calls it a “dish for infinity.”

More recipes can be found on the museum’s official social media pages, so be sure to check them out.

Learning Online: Enjoy, Play, Learn Art @ HOME

Mori Art Museum hosts various programs and events where people can deepen their knowledge about contemporary art from around the world. The museum has posted an archived list of videos from some of their programs which people can tune in to from the comfort of their homes.

Neco Republic launched online pre-orders of its new face masks, called “SAVE THE CAT MASK,” via its website on May 6, 2020. Neco Republic is a company who pours efforts into helping save cats in Japan; they manage various businesses including the cat cafe Neco Republic which takes in rescue cats, NECOREPA/ which sells a variety of products and items with all proceeds going towards their efforts to taking in stray cats, Neco Ichi Neco Za which is a rescue cat event held in Japan, and more.

The “SAVE THE CAT MASK” series was launched for cat lovers and as a way to help cats in the process. The previous batch of these masks sold out in just two days.

High quality materials and skilful sewing, all made in Japan

SAVE THE CAT MASK – ¥1,980 for one / ¥9,900 for five

The masks are made from high quality natural cotton with all manufacturing carried out in Japan. They are sewed using a Japanese sewing method known as ayaori which ensures elasticity and makes it harder for the masks to wrinkle. The masks can also be washed repeatedly. Maintaining hygiene is of utmost important when it comes to face masks, and so these face masks are made so you can hand wash them lightly with detergent as well as put them in a net before putting them in the washing machine.

The masks are all sewn in Gifu Prefecture which is where Neco Republic is based.

Cute designs inspired by cats

There are five design variations of the masks each inspired by a different cat breed including calico, Russian Blue, tuxedo, white, and black. They are also shaped subtly like a cat which most likely won’t be noticed by other people meaning you can express you love of cats secretly.

Save cats during the process

The masks aren’t only for us humansーthey benefit our cats too. All proceeds from the masks will go towards Neco Republic’s rescue cat cafe as well as be used for the company’s efforts for helping rescue cats.

UNICEF Japan launched a spin-off story of the manga series Left-Handed Ellen on May 1 to help support children from the novel coronavirus. The web series gives tips on how to raise kids.

What is Left-Handed Ellen?

Left-Handed Ellen is a web manga series written by Kappy and illustrated by nifumi. Kappy became popular for his Facebook Police web manga. Left-Handed Ellen was the first full-length manga series to win the Special Prize at the Cakes Creator Content which was organised by Note. The series was made into a televised drama in October 2019.

The new spin-off made in collaboration with UNICEF Japan takes inspiration from UNICEF’s “6 Hints On Raising Kids” which was released on April 10 this year. It was made with parents in mind who are having to stay at home more with their children now due to COVID-19 and gives tips on teaching them about the virus, spending one-on-one time with them, how to stay positive each day, and so on.

Schools in 190 countries and regions are currently closed as a result of the pandemic, with around 60% of the world’s children at home from the lockdown. The sudden change to everyday life where we’re having to stay at home over long periods of time is sure to cause household stress levels to rise. There is also fear of an increase in fights and abuse at home. Kappy, who himself is raising a child at home, made the following comment with regards to this new manga collaboration.

Kappy | Comment

“I have a daughter who is 1-and-a-half years old. Me and my wife are working together to bring her up. But we’re also swamped with work, so when I’m not in tiptop shape there are times I feel like I can’t raise her to the best of my ability. UNICEF release their own message about this, but I think the most important thing in all of this is to lay down a daily routine so you can live a more peaceful life. And it doesn’t have to be something special. It might be something ordinary that you can do which will benefit someone else. Myself, for example, all I can do right now is draw manga. So if me drawing manga as I usually do helps somebody else in some way, I don’t think there’s a more economical way of doing so. If parents can bring back a sense of normality I believe the kids will be able to relax too. When I hear things about fighting at home and domestic violence my mind automatically wants to think that that has no relation to us. But in these times when we can’t even do the things that are the most natural to us, spending time with family is important, and so I hope [this manga] helps people remember that.”

©左ききのエレン