Here at MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON, we post news and information about Japan in six languages. Our aim is to deliver a variety of content related to Japan for those who love and enjoy Japanese culture.
Right now, people across the globe are in self-isolation as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. The same goes for Japan too, so we’ve taken this opportunity to create a new series on the website to show how we’re spending time at home here in Japan. The future is yet uncertain, and we hope for normality to return for all of us soon. We created a new articles series called Stay Home with which we hope to take your mind off the situation, even for just a little bit, to help you feel calmer. It might give you some tips on what you can do while spending time at home.
Today, we are joined by all four members of Japanese dance and vocal group TEMPURA KIDZ who have shared with us what they have been doing at home recently.
Stay Home With AO
1: Watching movies
I’ve been sipping on nice hot drinks while cosied up watching movies. One that I want to recommend that makes me cry is The Green Mile. For comedy is would be A Story of Yonosuke!
2: Reading
Reading at home! I don’t make a lot of progress with reading, but I can concentrate better setting time aside to read at home alone rather than when I usually would on trains or in my spare time. So I’ve developed the ability to read a lot quicker now! I want to use this time to read lots and lots!
What’s your secret to spending time at home?
It’s all about putting the time in right now! I usually don’t get this kind of time to enjoy chilling at home, so I’m consuming lots of media like movies, dramas, anime, and books. I think it’s great time spent to power up my power as a human, by laughing and crying while increasing my knowledge and sensibility!
Please give a message to those reading this article
With more time spent at home because of the lockdown period, you might feel a sense of loneliness or anxiety, but it’s important to increase your immunity, even a little, and make your mind and body strong! I hear that tears and laughter are a way of de-stressing and upping your immunity. Let’s immerse ourselves in some kind of media and laugh and cry so we can eliminate stress, increase our immunity, and level ourselves up.
Stay Home With KARIN
1: Feeling better with candied fruit!
I’m lifting my mood at home by making candied fruit! It’s super simple, you just need fruit, sugar, and water.
Though I’m at home indoors, it makes me feel like I’m at a stall at a Japanese festival, so it makes me happy!
It’s really easy to do, so why not give it a go yourself?
What’s your secret to spending time at home?
If you use your time at home wisely to try out things you normally don’t have time for you’re bound to discover something new. I think that’s important.
Please give a message to those reading this article
Wash your hands, be aware that each and every person is a potential danger, and make the right decision until the fun days return. Let’s all get through this together!
Stay Home With YU-KA
1: Dancing on TikTok at home!
I started using TikTok just recently. Since the lockdown means being at home everyday, I’m posting dance videos everyday as part of my daily routine!
They’re super easy to make and post, I think it’s the best kind of content to enjoy with everyone. Plus, you feel refreshed after moving your body about, and it lifts your mood!
２: I can’t meet with the other members, but…
I’m also doing duet dances in my videos too! When the lockdown finally ends and I get to meet with everyone again, my happiness won’t feel incomplete anymore.
Doing this means you can stay connected with people even if you’re at home. It made me realise again what a convenient time we live in. I’m posting everyday, so I hope it kills a bit of time for everyone at home!
Check out my videos here: https://www.tiktok.com/@yuka_tempurakidz
What’s your secret to spending time at home?
This period we’re in now might actually be a great opportunity to do those things you’ve been neglecting everyday, or to challenge yourself to something new! You might also realise something you didn’t before because of this very situation. It’s made me reconsider the peaceful life I took for granted, so let’s think of it as a plus because of the good time we’ve been granted!
Please give a message to those reading this article
Our want for the lives we loved together to continue will ensure that they return quicker. Let’s pray for things to turn back to normal and work hard to get through this together!み
Stay Home With P→☆
1: Making music and editing YouTube videos
I’m set on making music and editing YouTube videos, and other things too. I’m using my time at home to do the things I normally wouldn’t be able to because it takes time. I’m also absorbing myself in a lot of research and making things. Keeping myself busy by looking up the things I love relieves my stress and makes me feel great.
What’s your secret to spending time at home?
Feeling positive trying out things you normally can’t!
Please give a message to those reading this article
Make sure to properly self-isolate at home, and let’s all look forward to and work towards when we can enjoy outdoors again! I’ll work hard to deliver entertainment to everyone from home too!
Information
AO Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ao_tempurakidz/
KARIN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karin.tempurakidz/
YU-KA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yuka_tempurakidz/
P→☆ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p_tempurakidz/
TEMPURA KIDZ Official Website: https://tempurakidz.asobisystem.com/
TEMPURA KIDZ Official YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/TEMPURAKIDZ/
RELATED ENTRIES
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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.Information
Find Your Travel Charity Auction
Running: November 12 – December 5, 2021
Hours: 11:00-19:00 (Last entry 18:30) / Admission Free
Address: Pola Museum Annex 3F (1-7-7 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo)
Official Site: http://www.po-holdings.co.jp/m-annex/
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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. -
Four-member dance and vocal unit TEMPURA KIDZ announced on their official website on Thursday (February 18) that YU-KA, AO, and P→★ will depart from the group following their concert at Shibuya Veats on March 28, 2021. TEMPURA KIDZ began their career as backup dancers for Japan's queen of pop Kyary Pamyu Pamyu where they were known as the "Kyary Kids." The original five-member line-up of YU-KA, AO, P→★, KARIN, and NaNaHo made their major debut in 2013. At the young ages of just 15, the group took their unmatched, high-energy dance performances across Japan and overseas. The big stage was ahead of them as they embarked on a world tour to perform in 17 cities throughout 13 countries, beginning with a performance at the Thai music festival TOFU MUSIC FES 2014 where they performed alongside the acclaimed K-pop artists 2NE1 and GOT7. TEMPURA KIDZ at TOFU MUSIC FES 2014
TEMPURA KIDZ also performed at the world's largest indoor arena, Philippine Arena, in Manila, Philippines for the 2015 New Year's countdown event. In the performer line-up, TEMPURA KIDZ were just one act behind Chris Brown. TEMPURA KIDZ at Philippine Arena in 2015 TEMPURA KIDZ have taken their exceptional dance skills around the world where they have hosted dance workshops to children at schools. One was hosted in Payatas in the Philippines as part of an Official Development Assistance (ODA) effort and was filmed to be shown on TV. Over the course of their career, TEMPURA KIDZ have also lent their creative choreography to countless artists as well as for commercials and TV shows. In 2019, they performed their iconic "Puputto Fumutto Kaiketsu Dance" on Kōhaku Uta Gassen, an annual New Year's Eve television special in Japan. The dance was created by the group for the animation series Butt Detective. In 2018, group member NaNaHo graduated for the group, leaving TEMPURA KIDZ with just four members: YU-KA , AO, P→★, and KARIN. However, YU-KA , AO, and P→★ will now be graduating from the group at their solo concert together at Shibuya Veats on March 28, 2021 to focus on their own individual careers. YU-KA aims to become a performer on many different levels and so wants to focus on enhancing her current skill. AO wants to become an actress, and P→★ wants to challenge himself to many new things such as being a DJ, model, and performer to arm himself with a talented skill set. The remaining member KARIN will announce her plans in the near future. This March will be the final time that the four members stand on stage together as TEMPURA KIDZ. Tickets went on sale on Thursday (February 18), including special tickets that include signings from the members and an invitation to their rehearsal. Comment From TEMPURA KIDZ
"We want to convey our utmost gratitude to you all for supporting us for so long. On March 28, at our solo concert, YU-KA, AO, and P→★ will graduate from TEMPURA KIDZ. Each member has decided to pursue their own paths. This of course means a big change for TEMPURA KIDZ, but all four of us will go all out to put on a hugely successful final show for you that captures out past 8 years together. Truly, from the bottom of our hearts, we thank you. And remember, this isn't the end—we're working super hard to get off to a new start, so we ask you kindly for your continued support." —From all the members of TEMPURA KIDZ Each member of TEMPURA KIDZ also wrote their own handwritten letters to fans which you can read here.Information
TEMPURA KIDZ Solo Concert
Date: March 28, 2021
Time: Doors 14:30 / Start 15:15
Price: Reserved Seating ¥5,000 / Standing ¥3,500 + 1 drink charge
Venue: Veats SHIBUYA
Address: 33-1 Udagawacho, Shibuya, Tokyo
Buy Tickets: https://w.pia.jp/t/tempura-kidz/
TEMPURA KIDZ Solo Concert Rehearsal Tickets
Date: March 28, 2021
Time: Entry to lobby at 12:00
Price: Seating Anywhere ¥2,000 + 1 drink charge
Venue: Veats SHIBUYA
Address: 33-1 Udagawacho, Shibuya, Tokyo
Buy Tickets: https://w.pia.jp/t/tempura-kidz/
*Includes signed cards
TEMPURA KIDZ Official Website: https://tempurakidz.asobisystem.com/
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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 WorkshopTM & © Universal Studios & Amblin EntertainmentTM & © Universal Studios.TM Universal Studios.Information
Universal Studios Japan Original Design Face Masks
Release Date: August 7, 2020
Price: Single Mask – ¥900 (Tax Included) / Set of Two – ¥1,500 (Tax Included)Universal Studios Japan Official Website: https://www.usj.co.jp/
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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. Information
MANGA Day to Day
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mangadaytoday
Comic Days (Available from June 15): https://comic-days.com -
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. Information
BAPE® MASK CASE
Release Date: Saturday, May 23rd, 2020
Available: BAPE STORE® and BAPE.COM in Japan to all customers. One case per transaction. Available while supplies last.Product Page: https://bape.com/blogs/news/bape-mask-case