Japanese publisher Genkosha released a carefully-curated book of works taken from Disney’s archives entitled Walt Disney Animation Studios Concept Design on March 30.
©︎Disney
The book comes as the second in a series of archive tomes that shines a light on the Disney team’s artwork. It focuses on the visual development artists and their character designers, background concept art pieces, and more. It’s a must-have for Disney fans, containing works from the birth of Mickey Mouse in 1928 to Snow White, Pinocchio, Bambi, Peter Pan, The Lion King, Tangled, and more. The translated version of the book will also contain Frozen 2 and the newest entry to the Disney filmography Raya and the Last Dragon.
Whether you’re a fan of Disney or an illustration or concept artist in animation, games, and so on, you won’t want to miss out on this special tome.
Information
Walt Disney Animation Studios Concept Design
Japanese Title: ディズニーアニメーション コンセプトデザイン集
Released: March 30, 2021
Buy on Amazon Japan: https://amzn.to/2OVoaPJ
Genkosha Official Website: http://www.genkosha.co.jp/
RELATED ENTRIES
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Stay in Harajuku’s New Hotel Produced by Rolling Roster of Artists
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.
Information
Harajuku Yorufukashi Art Exhibition
Japanese Name: 原宿夜ふかしアート展
Start Date: April 23, 2021
Where: Yados Jingumae (Formerly Wind Jingumae)
Address: 2-26-10 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo
Official Website: https://www.chillnn.com/1773daedf52237
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Kaori’s Easy Recipe: Learn to Make Baymax Mushi-Pan Steamed Bread
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!
Kaori Kubota (@kaopan27)
I live in Hokkaido and I love to make character themed foods, desserts and pastries♡
I want to see my family smile, so I enjoy putting in a bit of effort to make character foods and changing food into something cute♡
You can see more of my character foods and character bento boxes on my Instagram page → @kaopan72
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Japanese Artists Associated With The TEA-ROOM Launch Art Production and Management Company
13.April.2021 | FASHION
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)
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Shun Nakao Solo Exhibition to Open at SkiiMa Gallery in Shinsaibashi
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.
Information
GENKOUHAN
Running: April 9, 2021 – April 26, 2021
Opening Hours: 10:00-20:00
Location: SkiiMa Gallery at Shinsaibashi PARCO’s (Floor 4F)
Entry: Free
SHUN NAKAO Official Website: https://www.shunnakao.com/
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Geoffrey Bouillot x Masahito Noto Launch Welcome Katsushika Art Project
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.
Information
Welcome Katsushika Art Project
Official Website: https://readyfor.jp/projects/WelcomeKatsushika
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Disney’s Zootopia Themed Cafe to Open in Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya for Film’s 5th Anniversary
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
Information
Zootopia OH MY CAFE
OH MY CAFE TOKYO
Running: April 23, 2021 – June 27, 2021
Address: Tokyu Plaza Omotesando, 4-30-3 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo
OH MY CAFE OSAKA
Running: April 28, 2021 – July 6, 2021
Address: 1-6-1 Shinsaibashisuji, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
kawara CAFE&KITCHEN
Running: June 2, 2021 – July 13, 2021
Address: Nagoya PARCO, 3-29-1 Sakae, Naka-ku, Nagoya-shi, AichiOfficial Website: https://zoo.ohmycafe.jp/
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The New Disney Kyoto Traditional Design Series Combines Disney With Kyoto Craftsmanship
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
Information
「ディズニー/京都伝統工芸シリーズ」展示会
期間:2021年4月27日(火)〜5月10日(月)
47クラブ:https://www.47club.jp/27M-000131fod/
展示会詳細:https://densan.kyoto/event/event-6363/
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Hoshino Resorts BANTA CAFE Announces Art Festival by the Beachside
04.April.2021 | SPOT
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, 2021DENPA @ 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, 2021Times: 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 HolidaysOpening Hours: 10:00-18:00
Where: Beachside Terrace
Information
Hoshino Resorts BANTA CAFE – Beachside Art Festival
Running: April 10, 2021 – May 9, 2021
Where: Hoshino Resorts BANTA CAFE, Okinawa
Official Website: https://banta-cafe.com/en/
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PROJECT ATAMI Launches to Promote Artists in Atami
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.
Information
PROJECT ATAMI
・AKAO ART RESIDENCE
Running: April 2021 – December 2021
Location: Akao Resort Park
Address: 1993-250 Atami, Atami-shi, Shizuoka
・ATAMI(ASIAN)ART GRANT
Running: November 2021
Location: Akao Resort Park, around Atami
PROJECT ATAMI Official Website: https://projectatami.com
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Cute Hatsune Miku Artwork by Esther Kim Releases for MikuWorldCollab
02.April.2021 | ANIME&GAME / FASHION
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.
Information
Hatsune Miku x Esther Kim
Released: Marrch 29, 2021
Hatsune Miku Official Twitter: https://twitter.com/cfm_miku
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Disney: Twister-Wonderland Designer Glasses to be Released by Zoff
01.April.2021 | ANIME&GAME / FASHION
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
Information
Disney: Twisted-Wonderland Zoff Eyewear Collection
Orders: Open Mid April 2021 (Limited Edition)
Delivery: Late October 2021
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Disney Japan Celebrates 30th Anniversary of Disney Fan Magazine With Special Event
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.
Information
Disney FAN 30th anniversary FAN! FAN! FAN!
Disney Store Shibuya Koen-dori
Running: April 2, 2021 – May 9, 2021
*The first three days of the event (April 2-4) are exclusive to users of the Disney Store app
Address: Humax Pavilion Shibuya Koen-dori, 20-15 Udagawacho, Shibuya, Tokyo
Opening Hours: 11:00-20:00 (Until 17:00 on May 9)
Entry: Free
Disney Store Shinsaibashi
Running: May 14, 2021 – June 20, 2021
Address: 2-1-13 Shinsaibashisuji, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
Opening Hours: [Weekdays] 10:00-19:00 / [Weekends & Holidays] 11:00-19:00 (Until 17:00 on June 20)
Entry: Free
Event Page: http://shopDisney.jp/store/DisneyFAN30th/