The Touken Ranbu -Honmaruhaku- 2020 exhibition was originally set to take place in seven cities across Japan from January 2020 to March 2021. Dedicated to the PC browser and mobile game Touken Ranbu -ONLINE-, the event was only able to take place in Tokyo in January 2020 due to the outbreak of COVID-19, forcing all other dates to be cancelled.

Fans who were looking forward to the exhibition will be excited to hear that it has returned in an all-new online experience. The exhibition opened on the Japanese event app MiloQ+ on Wednesday and is now running until the end of July.

Touken Ranbu -Honmaruhaku- exhibition main visual

Map of the online venue

One of the exhibits

Real swords on display

Outfits, artwork, and commentary

5th anniversary area

Exhibits not to be missed

Gratitude area

Mikazuki Munechika interactive image

One must-see area is a hallway lined with illustrations of 81 swordsmen. If you click on the image at the online exhibition, you’ll get more details about that character.

Toaru Honmaru map

Toaru Honmaru interactive images

Another exhibit not to be missed is a 1/100 scale diorama of Toaru Honmaru from the game. There are 49 interactive locations across the map which offer lots of interesting details.

Haiku area

Haiku area

Read through 314 different haiku poems, which are about Honmaru, in full CG.

Though the exhibition is taking place online, the venue itself is a real location in Aichi. The venue was prepared like an in-person exhibition and turned into a virtual experienc, so visitors can access it whenever they like.

To commemorate the end of Attack on Titan‘s 12-year saga, the editorial team at Weekly Shonen Magazine launched the ‘Final Survey Corps Application’ project on June 9 which imagines the staff and fans as part of the Survey Corps to express their love for the series. The staff at Animate and TSUTAYA stores in Japan are currently donning Survey Corps uniforms. A special online exhibition will also be held by the magazine to give thanks to fans who have supported Attack on Titan for 12 years.

Fans can use the all-new Survey Corps Maker service where they can upload their own photo or an illustration of themselves or an original character and writes words dedicated to the series. They are encourage to share this with other Survey Corps members around the world.

Survey Corps Maker: How to Use

1. Select a base image
2. Write your thoughts and comments about Attack on Titan
3. Share with the world

Survey Corps Maker Samples

The staff at Animate Ikebukuro

The staff at TSUTAYA　

Attack on Titan Online Exhibition

The online exhibition is a virtual event that was conceived after the COVID-19 pandemic forced the for in-person event in Japan to be cancelled. But this shift is good news to fans outside Japan as it means everyone around the world can join – and it’s free.

The event requires a quick sign-up, after which fans can enjoy looking through displays of official artwork. There’s also a merch shop with exclusive items to get your hands on. Please note that the exhibition features spoilers up to the final chapter.

BEAMS is celebrating its 45th anniversary this year. At such an important milestone, it’s important to take a look back at where the brand has come from, and so BEAMS is taking part in the Fashion in Japan 1945-2020 exhibition that opened at The National Art Center, Tokyo, last Wednesday. Followers of the Japanese fashion are able to see their early products when they first opened in the late 1970’s to their Shibuya Casual style, known as Shibu-Kaji, from the late 80’s. It’s an historical, nostalgic throwback across their archive. Exclusive merchandise is also being sold featuring the ‘American Life Shop BEAMS’ logo which they branded upon establishing the brand.

A look at just some of the exhibits on display

BEAMS shopping bag from 1977

Shibu-Kaji outfit from late 1980’s

Exhibition-exclusive souvenir merch inspired by vintage BEAMS

This exhibition follows the unique trajectory of Japanese clothing, especially in post-World War Ⅱ Japan, as seen from both sides: that of designers who transmit culture by creating clothes and ideas, and that of users who receive it by wearing the clothes and at times create era-defining grassroots fashion movements. It offers a comprehensive overview that references the predominant media of each era, such as newspapers, magazines, and advertisements.

In the mid to late 1970’s, BEAMS was at the forefront of spreading casual wear to people, stocking some of the country’s most notable brands and designers. BEAMS opened its first store in Harajuku in 1976 where it sold shirts, shoes, and other items. In 1977 they introduced their own shopping bag, and the following year opened up their first BEAMS F selling traditional men’s style clothing. It was around this time that beams released their POPEYE magazine too. All of this and more is explore at the exhibition along with commentary.

A talk event titled “Lifestyle Tips: POPEYE & BEAMS” will also take place on July 3 at the museum.

In ART is a Japanese virtual art museum displaying works by a line-up of specially-selected artists. The museum is accessible through VR where users can not only look at art pieces but watch commentaries by the artists as well as shop at the museum store.

In ART has revealed that abstract painter CBA will be the third in a line-up of solo exhibitions. CBA is a graphic designer with over 20 years of experience and is also active as a musician both in Japan and overseas. They changed jobs to become an artist in 2010, and since then, their unique style which breaks language and cultural barriers has garnered them many fans from outside Japan. Most recently, CBA opened a solo exhibition at Franck Muller Boutique in Madrid, Spain. Their work is inherently universal, getting through to people regardless of age, language, or culture, something which is best appreciated when seen for yourself, and is now observable at In ART.

Some of CBA’s works on virtual display

CBA | Comment

-shine on the life-　Pray for better life
“The foundation of my work is built on putting together different elements to create something, just like how you would techno music. Colours and shapes elicit emotions and smells. Abstract painting isn’t just playing around experimenting or taking chances—it’s something that’s formed and composed, and I’d love for people to enjoy that aspect when looking at my work. I urge you to enjoy the colours, shapes, and compositions as you would music.”

In ART opened as a service offering people the opportunity to spend time enjoying art, even alone in their own house, as well as serving as a platform to support artists. Its aim is to make art a normal part of of everybody’s lives, and it does this in the form of a virtual museum which uses 3DCG technology. While it is an art museum, you don’t have to pay to enter. You can enjoy artwork at your leisure on your favourite device, and if there’s a piece you want to buy, then you can.

Don’t miss the abstract work of CBA in their virtual solo exhibition.

Studio Chizu, the Japanese animation studio working on the upcoming anime film Belle which is set for release sometime this summer, has announced an exhibition at TeNQ Space Museum in celebration of their 10th anniversary and in promotion of their newest work. It will be held from July 7 to November 14.

Studio Chizu’s past works have enjoyed great success both in Japan overseas and include Wolf Children (2012), The Boy and the Beast (2015), Mirai (2018), and the highly-anticipated forthcoming entry Belle (2021). All the films are directed by the Academy Award-nominated Mamoru Hosoda.

One of the biggest aspects when it comes to creating an animated world are the backgrounds used. This exhibition will focus on two key background features threaded throughout Hosoda’s creations: the sky and clouds. Both of these sceneries are showcased in different ways in all four of his films and will be explored throughout the event with a special, exclusive showing of a slideshow with various scenes of the sky and clouds littered in the filmography, as well as a more ‘academic’ exhibit of the cumulonimbus, a cloud that symbolises Studio Chizu, and more.

Limited edition mask case 

There will also be a selection of original merchandise for anime fans to pick up, as well as a limited stock face mask case when purchased together with select tickets.

Exhibits to look out for at the event

Who are Studio Chizu?

Learn about the 10 year history of the Japanese animation studio Studio Chizu.

Studio Chizu and the cumulonimbus

The cumulonimbus is a cloud synonymous with Studio Chizu’s works – see it in all forms from their filmography in this special exhibit.

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FUJIFILM SQUARE in Minato, Tokyo, has announced the HAKU graphy Hommage to Hokusai exhibition by Mineko Orisaku which will run from July 21 to August 19 this year.

Hommage to Hokusai ©Mineko Orisaku

Following sunset (Tanuki-ko Lake) ©Mineko Orisaku

Pine and Mt.Fuji (Kawaguchi-ko Lake) ©Mineko Orisaku

Since announcing her “HAKU graphy” project in 2017, Mineko Orisaku has been experimenting with combining gold leaf and photography. This is different from the usual method of printing photos onto printing paper or washi paper, instead using FUJIFILM’s Acuity UV inkjet printer to print delicate gold leaf. This technology allows a wider use of printing materials and colours.

Mineko Orisaku’s exhibition is an homage to Hokusai, one of Japan’s most celebrated ukiyo-e painters and artists. She has used FUJIFILM’s large-format GFX digital camera for her works on Hokusai’s Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji to create something unique to her vision. Her work can be enjoyed alongside another Hokusai exhibition taking place at FUJIFILM Photo Salon Tokyo’s Space 1 and 2.

The Nakamura Keith Haring Museum in Yamanashi is set to welcome the Keith Haring: 360° exhibition which will explore the diverse works of American pop artist Keith Haring. The exhibition will run from May 15, 2021 to May 8, 2022.

Keith Haring was an American pop artist whose work began in the 1980’s when he would create spontaneous drawings in the subways of New York City. Haring participated not only in solo exhibitions, but national and international shows too, such as documenta 7 in 1982 and Venice Biennale in 1984. His later works took on more political and societal themes such as drugs, racism, sexuality, and AIDS. Haring died of AIDS-related complications in 1990 at the young age of 31.

Photo by ©︎Makoto Murata

Untitled (Figure Balancing on Dog), 1989

Untitled (KH.200), 1982, The Museum of Art, Kochi

My Town, Peace I–IV, 1987, Tama City Cultural Foundation

Nakamura Keith Haring Collection

One of the most noteworthy appearances at the exhibition is Haring’s Figure Balancing on Dog (1989), a rare sculpture made of raw aluminium. As the title suggests, the piece features a person riding atop a dog, which may be a depiction of balance. It brings to mind the relationship between humans and animals and the anxiety towards a strange society that cannot be measured. Other works will also Untitled (KH.200) (1982), My Town which was drawn by 500 children from Tama, Tokyo, My Town, Peace I–IV (1987), and a series of six drawings entitled Bad Boys (1986) which Haring produced in Amsterdam.

For the first time ever, visitors will be able to see photos taken by Japanese art journalist Makoto Murata who interviewed Haring when visiting New York from December 1982 to January the following year.

The exhibition will look at Keith Haring, his diverse work, and deep messages of society from all angles – a 360° view.

GALLERY COLLAGE is the name of the new contemporary art gallery that recently opened at NIPPONIA Mino Shokamachi, an accommodation housed in a remodelled townhouse that’s situated in a place famous for its mino variant of Japanese washi paper.

1. Raising local value with contemporary art

The world of local culture, such as local business and customs, has been abandoned in favour of rapid economic growth and globalisation. But those halcyon days and their background, which are rooted in their respective local history, culture, and nature, have once again come to be of huge importance to many people. It’s in these times that things like the sounds of insects in the evening that are local to the area should serve as the direction that people move forward in. The artwork showcased at GALLERY COLLAGE will depict scenes familiar to locals to show them in a new light. In doing so, NIPPONIA Mino Shokamachi hopes that connecting contemporary art with washi paper will promote and raise the value of the local traditional industry.

2. Season Lao’s “Mino – blank-leaving” exhibition on show

Contemporary artist and photographer Season Lao is currently holding his Mino – blank-leaving exhibition at the site. He has used his unique approach to utilise mino paper, a type of Japanese washi paper with a history spanning 1,300 years and is also registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Property. An online talk will take place on May 22 hosted by participants of Lao’s photography workshop that was held for the event’s opening. It focuses on photos taken by locals, including pictures from their high school days.

3. Season Lao’s Accommodation Plan

With support from NIPPONIA Mino Shokamachi, the Season Lao Accommodation Plan will see guest rooms decorated in numerous artworks by the artist, and guests will be given a tour of the mino paper factory amongst other exciting things.

As part of Disney’s Ultimate Princess Celebration, a worldwide festival themed on courage and kindness that began in April, an event titled “What is Love? ~The Secret to Shining Bright Lies in the Princess World~” will take place at Shibuya Marui in Tokyo from June 23 to July 29 this year. It will subsequently move to JR Nagoya Takashimaya from August 4 to 23 and finally conclude next year in Shizuoka where it will run from January to March.

This event tries to answer the question “What is Love?” through a range of content that encourages the use of all five senses: visually, digitally, musically, through scent, and more.

What is Love? ~The Secret to Shining Bright Lies in the Princess World~

Visitors are guided by 12 Disney princesses who will take them on a journey of their ‘love’ in six different areas.

A Look at the Event

1. Introduction: 12 Shining Princesses

At the event, you will meet the 12 princesses and learn their story, what their personality is like, and more.

2. Opening Theater: Discover the Secrets to Shining Bright

Attend the theatre and watch the stories of the princesses with your own eyes.

3. 7 Keywords Unravelled From Their Stories

Seven keywords that appear in the princesses’ stories will be explored, each of which are tied back to love. This will include exhibits of scenes from the Disney animated movies, an AR experience using smartphones, and more.

From Beauty and the Beast

Using their smartphones, visitors can hold up their phones and utilise AR technology to see various scenes from Beauty and the Beast in an area inspired by the library that Beast bestowed upon Belle.

From Tangled

In Tangled, the King and Queen release lots of sky lanterns on Rapunzel’s birthday each year in hopes that she will see them and return. Let your own lanterns fly like in the movie and witness a beautiful spectacle.

4. Music and Fragrance: Clad in Radiance Unseen to the Eye

A unique experience combining music and fragrances inspired by the princesses, who radiate from love, will let visitors feel closer to them.

5. Glowing Lines: Words That Make the World Shine

At the Closing Theater, words and lines said by the princesses will be displayed, offering another way of enjoying their world that radiates from love.

6. Prologue: Your Own Unique Story Begins

Pick up a range of merchandise featuring designs of the exhibition’s main visual, the seven key words, and more.

Services and Content Offered by Disney at the Exhibition

Disney+

Disney+ is a streaming service that brings together all Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic content in one place, as well as exclusives. Those at the exhibition can watch the content offered by Disney+ at the Opening Theater.

Disney DX App

The Disney DX is an app exclusive to Japan that comes as a set with Disney+. It offers the chance to see cut scenes from movies, behind-the-scenes content, and more. The exhibition utilises this app through AR experiences, so if downloaded, you’re sure to have an even more fun time.

A curated list of Disney Princess music is played at the exhibition. If you head to the shop, you can pick up movie soundtracks and other albums. Disney even created a playlist themed on the princesses that’s now available on music streaming services.

The Yusuke Nakamura Exhibition opened at 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa, on April 29. It was also announced that the Japanese illustrator is releasing the first artbook to compile all of his CD cover art on May 28, but the book can be bought early at the exhibition.

Yusuke Nakamura Exhibition

Yusuke Nakamura Exhibition CD Artworks

Yusuke Nakamura has designed covers forASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION, Masashi Sada, Spitz, and more

Commentary on the CD covers written by the Yusuke Nakamura himself

Rough sketches are featured in the book

A talk between Yusuke Nakamura and Masafumi Gotoh (ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION)

It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to call Yusuke Nakamura one of Japan’s most prolific artists, having worked with some of the country’s biggest names such as ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION, Gentouki, Masashi Sada, and more. His new artbook, entitled PLAY, compiles all of his CD covers from 2002-2020, commentary, rough sketches, talks, and more. While many things from the book are explored at the exhibition, there’s plenty of content exclusive to the book too, so it’s a must-grab for fans.

In promotion of the 14th volume of Muneyuki Kaneshiro’s manga series Blue Lock, an exhibition will take place at SpaceHACHIKAI inside Tower Records Shibuya in Tokyo from May 15 to June 6.

Buy merch and receive these items free

Character illustrated cards

Vinyl-style panels

This will be Blue Lock‘s first-ever exhibition since it began serialisation in 2018. It will feature displays of manga drafts, uncoloured illustrations, and more. There will also be a special spot for taking photos. A collection of exclusive merchandise will be available for fans to buy, as well as free bonus items when a purchase it made.

© 金城宗幸・ノ村優介／講談社

The Kingyo Museum, which stands in Nara as the biggest goldfish aquarium and museum in Japan, reopened on April 27 after undergoing refurbishments.

AQUA oasis, an aquatic display and power spot

JAPANESE AQUARIUM DISCO

JAPONE Lane

Goldfish have been tied to Japanese culture since the beginning of the 16th century during the Muromachi Period when they were imported from China. The city of Yamatokoriyama in Nara Prefecture is the oldest location in Japan that has been raising goldfishes.

Due to COVID-19, many summer festivals and events where goldfish would be present have been cancelled up and down the country. That’s where Kingyo Museum’s renovations come in as a way to bring in tourists and sightseers. The museum has expanded to almost double its previous size to bring in new areas that utilise projection mapping and art, such as the AQUA oasis and the JAPANESE AQUARIUM DISCO which has brought in Japan’s first die-cut fish tanks. Visitors can enjoy 38 of Japan’ most prominent goldfish species, from familiar faces to rarer kinds.