India-ink painter CHiNPAN is collaborating with Rokuyon, who is known for helping to create a range of unique accommodations such as MOSHI MOSHI ROOMS, to launch a new kind of hotel experience in Harajuku beginning on April 23, 2021.

 

The project’s name is Harajuku Yofukashi Art Exhibition, with yofukashi being Japanese for ‘staying up late.’ It will invite a new artist or creator on board every one or two months as an opportunity for them to showcase their works.

One of the art pieces

Wall art

Works displayed in the living space

The bedroom with art pieces against the walls and on the ceiling

Private area

 

MOSHI MOSHI ROOMS Series

MOSHI MOSHI ROOMS is our own hotel site located in the heart of Harajuku’s tourism: it is within walking distance of Takeshita-dori (Takeshita Street), Meiji-dori, the Ura-Harajuku area, and Omotesando. This makes it the ideal place to stay for travellers visiting Harajuku.

SAKURA | More details here

ORIGAMI | More details here

DOSUKOI | More details here

With art events and exhibitions cancelled or severely restricted due to the pandemic, this project serves as a get promotional opportunity for artists to display their works and for art lovers to appreciate them. It aims to grow and become a new way to enjoy art.

With just a small bit of ingenuity, turn everyday food into something cute using Kaori’s Easy Recipe! With a few simple ideas, an ordinary recipe magically transforms into a cute dish.

 

Today, I’ll teach you how to make Baymax mushi-pan steamed bread.

 

Ingredients

This recipe makes 5 portions

140g strong flour

20g granulated sugar

Pinch of salt

3g dry yeast

3g baking powder

5g vegetable oil

85ml-90ml milk (room temperature)

 

1

Mix everything together in a food processor. If you don’t have a food processor, you can also knead the ingredients well by hand.

 

2

Ferment at 40℃ for 40 minutes. If you don’t have a fermentation machine, leave in a warm environment.

 

3

Once the dough has doubled in size, divide into five portions and put into separate cups. If using paper cups, rub a little bit of oil inside.

 

4

Bake in the oven at 40℃ for 20-25 minutes.

 

5

After baking, steam in a steamer for 12-13 minutes. If you don’t have a steamer, put into a frying pan or large pot with a little bit of water and cover.

 

6

Once cooled, use some nori seaweed to make Baymax’s face and you’re done!

 

Mucha Kucha is announced the launch of a new art production and management project that aims to create a space and opportunities for people to discover the Japanese spirit and value through performances and products created by artists associated with the The TEA-ROOM.

 

The project brings together seven diverse artists from different backgrounds whose mission is to “Respect and Go Beyond.”

 

Art Production & Management Project

Participating artists will showcase their experience and personalities in a variety of ways as part of the project in an effort to create new possibilities within Japanese culture while seeking to elevate cultural value.

The TEA-ROOM productions

Exhibits

Performances

Collaborations

Art and products

 

Participating Artists

Souryou Matsumura (Tea Ceremony Instructor)

Shiho Sakamoto (Confectioner)

Fumihiko Sano (Artitect/Artist)

Gentaro Yokoyama (Potter)

MAMI (Calligrapher)

RYOTA HAGIWARA (Flower Arranger)

Masahiro Inoue (Paperer)

The TEA-ROOM (Art Collective)

Japanese artist Shun Nakao is set to hold their GENKOUHAN exhibition at SkiiMa Gallery in Shinsaibashi PARCO from April 9.

 

 

A look at some of the merchandise to be sold

Lithographs | ¥4,200 Each (Tax Included)

Lithographs | ¥4,200 Each (Tax Included)

T-Shirts | ¥4,200 (Tax Included)

Sodagirl Acrylic Key Ring | ¥1,100 (Tax Included)

Nakao’s colourful and laid-back art is a pleasant sight for the eyes during these dark times. Fans of their work can also get their hands on a range of merch from lithographs to t-shirts, acrylic key rings, and more – all created for this exclusive exhibition.

Tokyo-based French artist Geoffrey Bouillot has teamed up with Japanese footballer Masahito Noto to launch the Welcome Katsushika Art Project, an artistic initiative to help promote the Tokyo ward of Katsushika by using it as a tourist spot to exhibit their works throughout the town and developing new collaborative items with traditional Japanese crafts as a crowdfunding return.

 

Katsushika will be decorated with new artwork that will act as photo spots for tourists and sightseers, and the project will collaborate with professionals throughout the town, all in an effort to help revitalise the tourism and traditional industries of Katsushika which have been affected by COVID-19.

 

Geoffrey Bouillot

Geoffrey Bouillot is a French artist based in Tokyo. In 2019, he was featured as a guest artist at Shibamata Art World, an art event held in Shibamata, Tokyo. His monochromic pieces make use of grey-scale painting and combine cubism and minimalism.

 

Masahito Noto

Masahito Noto is a Japanese professional footballer and athlete. He is also an artist whose artistic process involves layering paint to create unique pieces.

 

The project has developed items in collaboration with traditional craftwork companies, such Edo Kiriko glass-cutting with Shimizu Glass and wazarashi hand towels with Tokyo Wazarashi. These will be donated as a return for the crowdfunding that was required to fund this project.

There will also be an art panel showcased by the local soccer team Nankatsu SC as well as items made in collaboration with businesses such as t-shirts and hoodies by CON±RAD, soccer cleats by BMZ, blueberry brownies with a local eatery, and much more.

The Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya branches of OH MY CAFE are set to pay host to cafe experiences themed on Disney’s Zootopia in celebration of the movie’s 5th anniversary which hit last month. The cafes will transform into a Zootopia extravaganza from April 23.

Customers who book a table in advance receive one of six possible lunch mats

 

The Menu

Vegetable Curry ¥1,890 (Before Tax)

Sandwich Plate ¥1,990 (Before Tax)

Corn Cream Pie ¥1,590 (Before Tax)

Salsa Burger ¥2,390 (Before Tax)

Carrot Doria ¥1,490 (Before Tax)

Acrylic Coasters +¥900 (Before Tax)

Iced Milk ¥990 (Before Tax) / With Mug +¥1,600 (Before Tax)

Iced Coffee ¥690 (Before Tax) / With Mug ¥1,600 (Before Tax)

Iced Drink ¥990 (Before Tax)

Exclusive Merchandise

Movie Stills Series

Acrylic Key Rings

Square Magnet ¥550 (Before Tax) / Acryluc Key Ring ¥650 (Before Tax) / A4 Folder ¥350 (Before Tax)

Mask Cases ¥500 (Before Tax) / Masking Tapes ¥800 (Before Tax)

 

 

Tiny Animals Series

 

Acrylic Charms ¥450 (Before Tax) / Mini Notebook Set ¥850 (Before Tax)

A5 Folder Set ¥800 (Before Tax) / Mini Pouch Set ¥1,800 (Before Tax)

Mini Towels ¥1,000 (Before Tax) / Eco Bag ¥1,850 (Before Tax)

Zootopia fans won’t be able to resist the tasty and healthy themed menu featuring Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps, as well as getting their hands on a range of merchandise from stationery to fashion.

 

©Disney

Kyoto City and Japanese company Shintsu are set to release their Disney/Kyoto Traditional Design Series after previously having to postpone the release due to the pandemic. It will be available from April 27 to May 10 and celebrates the skilled, dexterous hands of Kyoto’s expert craftsman and their industry which has been passed down for thousands of years. They have innovated to create something brand-new that captures both the craft and culture of Kyoto and the contemporary wonder of Disney.

 

Comments from the Creators

©Disney

Okazen | Comment

“We have existed inside our town in Kyoto for 200 years. We make a variety of items from garments for maiko apprentice geisha to our own company-originals products. For this Disney/Kyoto Traditional Design Series, we wondered how we could express the world of Disney using the kyoyuzen Kyoto-style method of dyeing. We made something with detailed consideration, looking at all the intricate things in the dyeing process. Our Fantasia furisode long-sleeved kimono features a truly treasured scene which enabled use to incorporate many different methods in order to capture the expression, clothing, and all the stars as much as possible. We believe this piece will suck everyone into Fantasia’s world.”

 

©Disney

©Disney

Asahido | Comment

“For producing something for the Disney/Kyoto Traditional Design Series, we asked gave one of our craftsmen free rein to put their own individual self into the work. At the time, they were primarily an illustrator, so we were worried if the judges would overlook them, but the end result was something that looks truly complete and finished. The traditional craftwork of Kiyomizu pottery is a process of hand making and hand drawing each and every little thing. I believe it’s this quality that gives the characters warmth and life. I’d love for people to take it in their hands themselves and take their time looking at it in a full 360°.”

 

©Disney

 

Tsujikura | Comment

Tsujikura is Japan’s oldest wagasa Japanese umbrella shop. We’ve been in Kyoto since 1690. In that small space underneath the washi Japanese paper and bamboo, one enters a rich world where they can feel the four seasons of Japan. Our umbrella for the Disney/Kyoto Traditional Design Series uses a very advanced technique known as kiritsugi, a type of cutting and patching. We displayed Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse on handmade washi paper which we dyed. You can feel an affinity with the umbrellas for their simple and minimal designs. Our aim was to incorporate Disney elements into a traditional Japanese umbrella pattern.”

 

Other Featured Works

©Disney

aiba

©DISNEY Based on the”Winnie the Pooh” works by A.A. Milne and E.H. Shepard .

Asahido

©Disney

Kamiya

©Disney

©Disney

EIRAKUYA

©Disney

Okazen

©Disney

Katoriya

©Disney

Kanbayashi Shunsho Honten

©Disney

KYUKYODO

©Disney

Shoyeido

©Disney

Tankosha

©Disney

Tsujikura

©Disney

Nakajima Zougan

©Disney

Nakamura Rosoku

©Disney

Miyawaki Baisen-an

The incredible Hoshino Resorts BANTA CAFE, a beachside cafe which offers guests a breathtaking ocean view along the Okinawan coast, has announced the upcoming Beachside Art Festival which will take place from April 10 to May 9. The festival will bring together artwork from a range of artists born and raised in Okinawa and leading the island’s youth culture. There will be a range of events from live painting to workshops, exhibits, and more.

 

The participating artists have all taken part in personal art exhibits, art events, showcased their work at concerts, and more both inside and outside Japan, but due to COVID-19, many events have of course been cancelled. Beachside Art Festival will serve as a way to display their wonderful works while supporting them at the same time.

 

The Artist Line-Up

DENPA

nami

HAYATO MACHIDA

Chibana Yukinaga

MACHIDA visiting BANTA CAFE to check the feel of the ocean and their artwork

 

Vibrant artwork with the ocean as the backdrop

Visitors will be greeted by artwork dotted across various locations around BANTA CAFE. If they follow the top of the cliff down to the beach they will find sofas to sit on which have also been decorated with the artists’ artwork. Then there’s the Goro Goro Lounge with its enormous window that stretches an entire wall and offers a panoramic view of the sea. Here, visitors can look out at the artwork which will look like it’s floating above the horizon. All drinks ordered also come with a free sticker featuring artwork by the four participating artists.

 

Experience art-in-the-making with live painting

DENPA and MACHIDA will host their own live painting sessions where they will take inspiration from the surrounding environment.

HAYATO MACHIDA @ April 10, 2021 / April 11, 2021

DENPA @ April 18, 2021

Times: 11:00-13:00 / 14:00-17:00

Where: In front of BANTA CAFE on the beach

Price: Free

 

Have a go at traditional Okinawan bingata dyeing

Visitors can have a go at making their very own coasters from nine different colours using a traditional Okinawan stencilled dyeing technique known as bingata.

Running: April 24, 2021 / May 1, 2021 / May 2, 2021 / May 5, 2021

Times: 10:00 / 12:00 / 14:00 / 16:00 (Each slot lasts approx. one hour)

Capacity: 4

Where: Iwaba Terrace

Price: ¥2,000 (Tax Included)

Note: Online booking required

 

 

Take home a souvenir at the beachside museum shop

A museum shop will be open for the event on weekends and holidays where you can pick up art prints, stickers, postcards, and other mementos.

Opening Days: Weekends & Public Holidays

Opening Hours: 10:00-18:00

Where: Beachside Terrace

The all-new PROJECT ATAMI has been launched by AKAO ART RESIDENCE and artist support group ATAMI (ASIAN) ART GRANT.」

 

 

PROJECT ATAMI comes as a way to shine the light on the art of creators in Atami, a city in Shizuoka. It’s a chance to learn about the city and experience it using all five senses so people walk away never forgetting their Atami experience.

©️HIRO TANAKA

Kujira no Me by Maki Ohkojima, France,  2019 (Photo by Serge Koutchinsky)

©️Koichi Mitsuoka

©️Taira Ichikawa

©️Ichiro Endo, Wall Art Festival

little hong kong; a little rooftop, 2020

©️Akio Suzuki

Hiromi Miyakita ©️Yusuke Suzuki

 

1. AKAO ART RESIDENCE

At AKAO ART RESIDENCE, 20 artists get to stay at Hotel New Akao each year and have free reigns to create. Artists communicate with coordinators and hotel staff about their work from beginning to end throughout a period of a month. The program sees artists leaving their work bit by bit in the hopes that the hotel guests will be able to enjoy it.

 

Participating Artists

HIRO TANAKA, Maki Ohkojima, Mitsuoka Koichi, Taira Ichikawa (Term 1: March-April)

Ichiro Endo, Akio Suzuki, Hiromi Miyakata, 花坊 (Term 2: May-June)

 

2. ATAMI (ASIAN) ART GRANT

ATAMI (ASIAN) ART GRANT is providing 30 artists with funds raised through sponsorship, donations, and crowdfunding, and will invite them to Atami in November. There, they will be asked to draw murals which will be installed around the city.

As part of MikuWorldCollab, a project launched to have the internationally-beloved virtual singer collaborated with famous overseas IP’s, popular Korean-American illustrator Esther Kim has teamed up with Crypton Future Media to release a super cute piece of artwork of Miku.

Miku is joined by Esther Bunny, an adorable bunny created by Esther Kim. Kim was born in Los Angeles and spent her teenage years in Tokyo. Her multicultural background has influenced her art which has led to collaborations with popular fashion and cosmetic brands in South Korea, Japan, and elsewhere.

 

Kim has cute and stylish touches to Miku and Esther Bunny. The illustration will be released on merchandise sometime this year. Another illustration by a designer at Crypton will also be released in the near future.

Japanese eyewear brand Zoff is collaboration with the mobile game Disney: Twisted-Wonderland to release a collection of seven glasses this April on their official website.

 

Specially-crafted frames based on the Dorms

The collection features seven different glasses each inspired by a different Dormitory of Night Raven College as seen in Disney: Twisted-Wonderland. The temple, for example, features inlet parts based on the seven Dorms, so fans can represent their favourite while looking stylish at the same time. The coupling glasses cases, too, are branded with a simple yet sophisticated design of the Dorm emblems, and each case even comes with a glasses cloth bearing the names of the students.

 

The frames and cloth designs up close

Heartslabyul Design | ¥11,100 (Tax Included)

Looking head on at the glasses, you can see crowns on either side, while looking from the sides are playing card marks.

 

Savanaclaw Design | ¥11,100 (Tax Included)

Thick frames with gold combination colouring and claw marks featured on the sides. This glasses are made using laser technology.

 

Octavinelle Design | ¥11,100 (Tax Included)

The front and temple have an octopus leg design and the inner side part has a shell. The black and purple make for a striking colour fusion.

 

Scarabia Design | ¥11,100 (Tax Included)

These glasses look basic at first glance, but gleaming on either side are cobra heads wrapping around the front. The golden temple section features delicate metal engraving.

 

Pomefiore Design | ¥11,100 (Tax Included)

The metal engravings and crowns on the front sides elevate your countenance without going over the top. The curvy temple also serves to make the wearer look even more beautiful.

 

Ignihyde Design | ¥11,100 (Tax Included)

An iconic mix of black and blue. The blue temple has a transparency to it, and if you’re a fan of Ignihyde, you’ll be able to spot the motif on the front sides.

 

Diasomnia Design | ¥11,100 (Tax Included)

The spinning wheel motif gives the temple a three-dimensional feel. A basic but stylish colour choice perfect for work.

 

Glasses Case

The glasses case bears the Dorm symbols on the front while the inside has the game title logo.

 

Each glasses cloth is different for each Dorm as pictured throughout

Walt Disney Japan will celebrate both the 30th anniversary of its Disney Fan monthly magazine and the 10th anniversary of its Disney Store original character UniBEARsity with a special event titled “Disney FAN 30th anniversary FAN!FAN!FAN!” which will run at the Shibuya Koen-dori branch of the Disney Store from April 2 and the Shinsaibashi branch from May 14.

©Disney

The event will pay homage to the 30-year history of the much-loved Disney Fan magazine as well as feature a special art exhibition of past front covers. This artwork will be included on new and exclusive merchandise sold at the store. UniBEARsity will also see the spotlight as its history is also covered along with a range of 10th anniversary items.

 

Disney Fan 30th Anniversary Celebrations: Art Exhibition, History, and Merch

©Disney

 

The Disney Fan exhibit will include a silhouette of Mickey Mouse made from a collage of old-time magazine covers. It will also feature an exhibit of back numbers, statues and papercrafts made from past magazine covers, commentary on certain issues, and more.

 

Fans can also get their hands on a collection of merchandise made with exclusive artwork from the magazine covers, from folders and face mask cases to magnets, frames and more – check out an excerpt of what’s on offer below.

 

 

UniBEARsity: 10th Anniversary Exhibition

©Disney

UniBEARsity is a line-up of Disney teddy bear characters which came to life after Minnie taught Mickey and friends how to sew them. In celebration of its 10th anniversary, a special exhibition will take place including a special feature taken from Disney Fan when it first debuted, as well as a showcase of 89 teddy bears.an original story that bear characters. Check out what merchandise you can get here.