BE:FIRST, scheduled to make their debut on November 3, will serve as the managers of Shibuya’s Tsutaya location for a limited time. Visitors can enjoy some exclusive privileges and see special videos only at this location during the event. 

The group was assembled during BMSG’s ‘THE FIRST’ audition and will release their first single Gifted next month. The sales floor of Shibuya’s Tsutaya location will be decorated to celebrate, with huge panels of each member lining the aisles and a huge monitor showing videos of the band. 

Those who purchase the Gifted single at this location will be given a special Store Manager member card (7 varieties) at random. Those who purchase the CD from the Shibuya Tsutaya official online store will also receive this special gift!

Hoshinoya hotels each offer a unique experience with their own theme. The Otemachi-based Yoshinoya Tokyo has announced the new “Tokyo Lantern Dinner,” which has been proposed to suit the ‘New Normal’ of the Covid-19 generation. The new dining option was opened to customers from October 13 2021 and blends the new rules of restaurant partitions and mask wearing with Japanese culture, using lantern partitions to allow customers to enjoy their food with peace of mind. Customers can remove their mask as they sit under the lantern partition, which lights up your face and meal with a soft glow, meaning you can safely enjoy conversation and see your partner’s face as you talk and eat. Conveniently, the lantern also prevents splashing, making eating out in the Covid-19 era even easier! 

The Lantern Partition was Developed with a Long-Established Lantern Company

Nippon Cuisine ~Fermented~

The partition lanterns were created by Kojima Shoten, a long-established lantern shop based in Kyoto which was founded in the Kansei-Edo period. The original lantern-shape was crafted by the professionals, from the structure all the way to the painting. The unique shape of this elastic lantern allows customers to enter and exit freely, and part of the lantern has been made using a 0.15mm transparent vinyl meaning that face-to-face conversations can be held with ease. In addition, the lantern is equipped with a light that gently illuminates the face and food of the person seated beneath it.

Yoshinoya Tokyo usually only accepts dining reservations from those staying at the hotel, but customers can now invite non-guests specifically to enjoy the main meal together.  They have prepared a variety of options for meetings and events that previously couldn’t meet up due to the Covid situation, such as meetings between families before marriage, anniversaries, birthdays, business dinners, and more. 

Hoshinoya Tokyo is a Japanese Inn that respectfully combines the comforts of the modern day with traditional Japanese culture. The dining room, located on the first basement floor, offers ‘Nippon Cuisine’ made using a combination of Japan’s historical fermentation culture and French cooking techniques.  The menu includes a wide variety of ever-popular fermented foods and seasonings, such as soy sauce and miso, along with preserved foods such as pickles and salted fish. The lactic acidosis bacteria found in these foods is referred to as a “Good Bacteria,” known for its positive effects on the body and its ability to regulate gut bacteria. 

The taste and nutritional value of each meal has increased due to fermentation and aging, using seasonal ingredients from around Japan and French cooking techniques to bring out the flavor, resulting in a new and original taste. 

Why not check out Hoshinoya Tokyo and experience this new-era Japanese dining experience for yourself?

From October 23 until October 29, art project production group WATOWA GALLERY will host a solo exhibition by SNEAKERWOLF at elephant STUDIO in Shibuya. The artist has become popular both in Japan and abroad for his works inspired by calligraphy found in the Edo period of Japanese history. 

SNEAKERWOLF has garnered worldwide attention for his graffiti-style artwork depicting Edo-inspired kanji characters. In the past, he has collaborated with ASICS Tiger Japan and other popular brands. The artist will show around 15 new abstract works during this exhibition, many inspired by SD–or ‘super deformed’–versions of characters. The #FR2 x SNEAKERWOLF collaborative exhibition will be happening simultaneously in Harajuku, bringing the artist together with fashion brand #FR2. The brand and artist were brought together during an exhibition sponsored by WATOWA GALLERY in January 2021. During this period, three new pieces made specifically for #FR2 will be on display, and limited-edition clothing will be available for purchase!

More details on the nominated works from the 8th Annual New Chitose Airport International Animation Festival 2021 have been released! Starting on November 5, this year’s hybrid event will take place both online and onsite at New Chitose Airport, with over 100 of Japan’s top-class animated films being screened. 

At the airport, the main venue will be the New Chitose Airport Theater. From November 5 until November 8, 92 films from around the world representing the Competition section will be screened. The four nominated films from this category will be shown for the first time in Japan, and only at the New Chitose Airport Theater. These were chosen from 39 works from 23 different countries. 

Limited to theaters, a special screening of ‘Eve Music Animation Special in NEW CHITOSE 2021’ will take place, produced by Eve, one of Japan’s leading music video artists. The program will include screenings of selected Fate/Grand Order commercials and videos that have captivated fans with their stylish and modern visuals, along with a live behind-the-scenes broadcast on the making of Fate/Grand Order with some of the show’s staff. The closing film will be a new documentary titled Satoshi Kon: The Dreamer, looking back on the artistic legacy of the late creator. 

Since her debut, Eve has meshed animation and music together in a way that few have been able to achieve in the past. Her cinematic-quality works have been made alongside fellow creators through various collaborations, so be sure not to miss out on her selections during the festival!

In July 2021, sprout unveiled details about a new 2D mixed-media franchise called Tokyo Color Sonic!! Featuring eight characters split into groups of two, each is played by a talented voice actor, and the story sees the boys promoting Japanese music to a global audience. On November 6 and November 7 at the Ikebukuro Sunshine City Animate location, the Animate Girls Festival will feature decorations from the series, and starting November 13 the ‘Tokyo Color Sonic!! Animate Fair ~Begin on buddy~’ event will begin, featuring tons of new goods! The winning team from Tokyo Color Sonic will be announced during a special vocal drama airing on the official series YouTube channel on November 7, 2021. 

AGF 2021 Buddy Set

Ironoha Music Academy Notebook

Ironoha Music Academy Ball-point Pen

Mask Case (Bromide included) 

AGF 2021 Special Purchase Gift at Venue: Non-Woven Bag

Tokyo Color Sonic!! Animate Fair ~Begin on buddy~

Bonus: Foil-stamped card featuring a message in each character’s handwriting

Acrylic Stand (Mini-Characters Vol. 1): ¥700 (Tax Included) 

Tabletop School Calender 2022: ¥1,320 (Tax Included) 

Motel Key Acrylic Keychain (8 varieties): ¥880 each (Tax Included) 

Tokyo Color Sonic is set in the near future, where a government mandate aims to promote and develop the Japanese music industry as means to spread it worldwide. The movement is called “Coloration,” but after developing the program for years, things need to change. The Ironoha Music Academy trains singer and composer duos, and the country decides to start an annual music festival called Tokyo Color Sonic to shake things up! Popular illustrator Ryo Fujiwara, who has also worked on A3! and GAKUGEIDAI JUNES, is responsible for the character designs. 

A number of goods featuring illustrations drawn by Ryo Fujiwara will be available at the Ikebukuro Sunshine City Animate location ahead of the AGF event starting November 6. 

During the ‘Tokyo Color Sonic!! Animate Fair ~Begin on buddy~’ event, for every ¥1,100 spent on Tokyo Color Sonic goods and CDs (including tax), guests will receive a random code (8 varieties) to listen to a piece of newly-recorded audio from one of the characters! These clips are messages from each character to their respective buddies. In addition, for every ¥2,200 spent (including tax), guests will receive a random foil-stamped message card featuring messages from the characters written in their own handwriting. 

Are you rooting for a particular team to win? Be sure to tune in on November 7 to see if your favorites walk away victorious!

（C）COLORATION

The Boat Race track at BOATRACE Tokonome will be home to a 3-day Drive-in Theater event on November 19, 20, and 21. The vast west parking lot will welcome guests to enjoy three films from the safety and privacy of their vehicles. In past years, the Hamanako, Tokuyama, Naruto, and Mikuni locations have participated. Now, it’s Tokoname’s turn!

Selected Films

La La Land (with subtitles) – November 19, 2021

© 2017 Summit Entertainment, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

The Secret Life of Pets 2 (dubbed) – November 20, 2021

© 2019 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.

A Whisker Away – November 21, 2021

© 2020「泣きたい私は猫をかぶる」製作委員会

This lineup of films can be enjoyed by families, lovers, and friends. The final film, A Whisker Away, is a coming-of-age fantasy set in the city of Tokoname. Visitors can enjoy these films on one of the largest air screens in Japan, at 722 inches. Don’t miss some additional boat race content that even beginners can enjoy!

This holiday season, Sanrio Puroland will hold its Puro Christmas celebration from November 5 until December 26, 2021. The snow globe-themed event is sure to bring some cheer to the Tokyo area!

Snow Globe Lights

Photo Spots

Puro Christmas Special Greeting

Kitty & Daniel’s Party-Party Christmas

Exclusive Menu

Puro Christmas Limited-Time Merchandise

‘The Puro Christmas’ Musical Show

Guests will be treated to an entire world of Sanrio characters within a glittering snow globe, and each of them will be wearing limited-edition Christmas costumes. Seasonal photo spots and opportunities to spend time with characters will line the space, along with Christmas trees and other holiday decorations!

The special Christmas food menu features a Santa Claus theme and dishes are dotted with red and green. Exclusive snow globe-themed merchandise available for purchase includes keychains, pins, and sweets that are perfect to give as a gift this holiday season. In addition, a special four-day event ‘Kitty & Daniel’s Party-Party Christmas’ will invite guests to enjoy a full buffet while watching a live performance and partaking in a photo session after the meal!

First performed in 2018, ‘The Puro Christmas’ musical show is making a comeback this year after becoming a big hit with fans. 

© 2021 SANRIO CO., LTD. TOKYO, JAPAN 　著作 株式会社サンリオ

Last month’s MUSER FEST.2021 -MUSIC AID- event isn’t quite over! A spin-off event, ZIP-FM presents LIVE LIVE! Super Collaboration with MUSER FEST.2021, will be broadcast online on October 22 at 21:00. Since August, collaborative live performances have been planned with different guest artists each month on ZIP-FM’s LIVE LIVE! With MUSER FEST.2021 program hosted by CHAI. This event is the culmination of these plans and the lineup is sure to get fans pumped. 

Performing artists include YUNA from CHAI, Suzuka and Mizyu from Atarashii Gakko!, Tabu Zombie from SOIL & “PIMP” SESSIONS, and Shingo Suzuki from Ovall. Ryo Kishimoto from fox capture plan will also join the live performance as a supporting artist. An archived stream will be available for two weeks after the live show, and tickets are on sale now on the official MUSER website. 

From October 13 to October 27, artists are flocking to BONUS TRACK Gallery in Shimokitazawa to display some incredible works based on daruma, a type of lucky Japanese traditional doll. These works will also be up for sale in an online auction happening during the event period!

October 2020 Exhibition

October 2020 Exhibition

The motif of BONUS TRACK is the daruma, which are seen as symbols of perseverance and good luck in Japanese culture. This marks the third time that artists have been invited to create and sell their daruma-inspired works.

20% of the final bid price for each piece will be donated to various organizations. 30% will be given to the venue, while 50% will be given to the artists themselves. 

During the first event, donations went towards the Nippon Foundation’s Emergency Relief Fund for Coronavirus. Other organizations supported include the Kitazawa Osekkai Club, a group involved in PTA and youth committee activities in the area, and Peace Wanko Japan, a dog protection organization in Hiroshima. 

‘Ways of Telling’ Venue  Photographer: Kioku Keizo

The Ways of Telling Exhibition is now open at the Shibuya Koen-dori Gallery in Tokyo. The focus of the gallery is to closely inspect how people ‘tell,’ or communicate with others. Human beings often depend on hearing or seeing as ways to get information, but there are many other ways to express thoughts and emotions, from paintings and photography to video creation. The exhibition highlights different attempts to receive and express invisible ‘narratives,’ and visitors will have to rely on their imagination to understand each piece.

‘Ways of Telling’ Venue  Photographer: Kioku Keizo

‘Ways of Telling’ Venue  Photographer: Kioku Keizo

‘Ways of Telling’ Venue  Photographer: Kioku Keizo

Exhibition Space Design – Hideyuki Nakayama Architecture / Photo: Takashi Kato

Eight artists have contributed to the exhibition, each utilizing a wide variety of mediums. Hideyuki Nakayama, the architect behind the exhibition space, wanted to encourage visitors to use their imagination. “A building is a place that has been given a name and a fixed purpose, but I tried not to see it that way. I wanted it to feel like a different place for each guest. I hope that the space will overlap with the underlying purpose of the exhibition, in a way,” he explains. 

Bringing together both the seeing and the blind, a special book club was established as a place to discuss each person’s ‘way of seeing’ when it comes to art. In the exhibition space, Rinko Kawauchi’s book Hajimari no Hi, containing images and thoughts captured by blind individuals during the book club, will be displayed in both words and other mediums. 

2021 marks the fourth year that the Oi Racecourse, also called Tokyo City Keiba, will be bathed in a sea of over eight million colorful lights! The Tokyo Mega Illumination is back from October 16, 2021, until April 10, 2022, and features a water fountain show synchronized to music, a 100-meter tunnel covered in twinkling lights, and more. This year, in the Twinkle area of the event, guests can enjoy various AR illuminations created as a collaboration with NAKED, a creative production company headquartered in Shibuya. The NAKED BIG BOOK interactive experience will also welcome visitors to enjoy a projection mapping experience like no other.

NAKED BIG BOOK

Pergola (Interactive)

Illuminated Logo

AR Horse Camera Filter

AR Lights
Limited-Time Area: Tree Playing with Lights (Lawn Area)

NAKED’s most popular work, NAKED BIG BOOK, utilizes projection mapping to allow guests to turn the pages of a giant book and experience a unique world separate from their own. Using web filters and AR, guests can also see the object as a pop-up picture book! 

During this special collaboration held on a horse racing track, visitors can also see a giant white horse in AR as they explore the grounds. Colorful horseshoes and stars will pop up from people’s footprints, and the sound of visitors’ steps will take on the sound of a horse’s hooves instead. Be sure to make some memories by snapping commemorative photos with themed filters during the event!

The Machida City Museum of Graphic Arts in Machida, Tokyo, is currently holding the Looking at Prints: Techniques, Expressions, and History exhibition until December 5, 2021. Featuring over 130 prints created with a large variety of techniques, guests can take a deep dive into how each piece of art was made. 

An Up-to-Date Parody of the Four Classes – Utagawa Kunisada. 1857. Letterpress, wood, multi-color printing. 

Artists featured in the exhibition have used many different techniques to create their masterpieces, including woodblocks, copper plates, lithographs, and stencils. The main exhibit introduces famous printmakers such as Albrecht Durer, Pablo Picasso, and Shiko Munakata, but also a number of lesser-known artists who utilized less traditional techniques. All explanations are in an easy-to-understand manner, so why not come learn about art in Tokyo?