Sado Island, sitting off the Japanese mainland close to the Niigata coast, has been holding an incredible art festival since August 8, 2021. The highlight of the event is a massive glowing sculpture, made as a collaboration between Koiwa Kanaami Co., Ltd. and the Nobuaki Furuya+Yuri Fujii Laboratory at Waseda University. The eye-catching installment is meant to honor the historical Sado gold mine, one of the largest in the country, and a designated National Historic Site of Japan.

The peak production period of the mine was 400 years ago, between 1615 to 1645. The mines on Sado produced over 400 kilograms of gold and nearly 38 tons of silver each year, making it one of the largest producers in the world at the time. The town of Aikawa, where the mine is located, is now filled with historical and tourist sites, with many buildings preserved and used as museums to teach visitors about mining technology over the years. A number of rail lines once ran around today’s Oma Port, carrying ore and other mining materials.

The Sato gold mine was developed by Takato Oshima, one of the most important engineers in Japanese history, and the man also responsible for creating the first blast furnace and Western-style gun in Japan.

Headlining the event, the ‘Scene Spinner’ installation consists of two spiral concepts: one, based on the spiral pumping machine used to drain water seeping into the mine, and the other inspired by the rail system around Oma Port. These spirals were made by using a wire mesh frame, which resembles the silhouette of the Sado gold mine. Each piece shown at the Galaxy Art Festival is meant to express the remaining historical importance of this often-overlooked area.

The exhibition site, the former Oma Port, marks the location where materials were brought from the mines, and where the remains of the modern mining industry remain today. Oma Port, which has served as the gateway between Sado Island and the mainland, seems the perfect spot to hold this inspiring event, asking visitors to look around and think about the history made on this beautiful island.

The Nihonbashi ART AQUARIUM will be closed on September 26 2021 to make way for new exhibits and works. The museum is scheduled to be relocated in the first half of 2022.

The ART AQUARIUM Museum opened in Nihonbashi, Tokyo on August 28 202 with the concept of “a museum where life dwells.” This will be the largest renewal in the history of the museum Museum, opened by writer and general producer Hidetomo Kimura, with the addition of more exhibits and new and improved interactive areas.

The Nihonbashi Art AQUARIUM Museum opened alongside the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympic, with the expectations that visitors would come from both within Japan and overseas, thanks to the exhibitions which easily explain and represent Japan’s proud traditional culture and performing arts, but due to Covid restrictions, foreign tourists are still unable to enter the country. Despite this, the Museum saw many customers and with the closing of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the museum will be closed in preparation to relocate to the new ART AQUARIUM. If you want to see the Nihonbashi location for yourself then this is your last chance!

In addition, the “ART AQUARIUM” digital tour is being held from September 12, allowing you to appreciate the Museum in a digital format until the reopening.

Make sure to check out the Nihonbashi ART AQUARIUM while you have the chance!

The co-working space SkiiMa, operated by PARCO, will hold the ‘BOOK FAIR in SkiiMa’ inside Shinsaibashi PARCO from September 10 to October 31, 2021. Four bookstores in the Kansai region were chosen to participate, with each exhibiting titles based on certain themes. This is the first ever BOOK FAIR in SkiiMa event, and the idea stemmed from the mind of LVDB Book’s owner. Each participating store was based on his perspective, and each theme offers something unique for visitors to discover.

Exhibitors

LVDB BOOKS

Theme Chosen:  People in sorrow

Tobira Records

Theme Chosen: The perfect gift

Sainotsuno

Theme Chosen: A book for daily rebirth

Tarahumara

Theme Chosen: The periphery of literary style

SkiiMa SHINSAIBASHI aims to stimulate the creativity of each visitor. A collection booth has been set up inside the space, displaying hobby-oriented exhibits to show off people’s passions.

Originally held as a special exhibition at the Osamu Tezuka Manga Museum in Takurazuka, the CAPCOM vs. Tezuka Osamu CHARACTERS’ Exhibition is coming to the Kanto Region for the first time starting October 1. The event will be held on the 7th floor of Ikebukuro PARCO until October 18, 2021.

The collection features characters from Tezuka’s many manga works, and pits them against many popular characters from Capcom properties, including Street Fighter, Resident Evil, Monster Hunter, and more. Seeing popular personalities from Astro Boy and Black Jack with these modern video game characters is quite a sight!

This year’s event will feature new main event illustrations, new Devil May Cry and Ace Attorney exhibits, and an updated layout.

In addition to the products previously sold in Takarazuka, new merchandise will also be available for purchase at the venue.

©CAPCOMCO.,LTD.ALLRIGHTSRESERVFD.

©TEZUKAPRODUCTIONS

Produced by art project production group WATOWA GALLERY, the YUZU x Shibuya Pixel Art YUZUTOWN Special Exhibition will be open at elephant STUDIO in Shibuya starting September 15! The theme of this year’s event is ‘bringing courage to Shibuya during the Coronavirus pandemic.’

SHIBUYA PIXEL ART, one of the world’s biggest pixel art contests and festivals, has been held in Shibuya each year since 2017. The area was called ‘Bit Valley’ in the late 1990s.

The YUZUTOWN Special Exhibition will commemorate the release of popular J-pop duo YUZU’s 15th album, YUZUTOWN. A total of 24 artists will be exhibiting and selling their pixel art creations, including Kazuko Shibuya, who has provided works for some of Japan’s most famous fantasy RPGs such as Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest. Shigetaka Kurita, immortalized in the MoMA as the creator of ‘emoji,’, and eBoy, who provided the album cover for YUZUTOWN, will also be in attendance.

Illustrator Nagano’s popular character Chiikawa is coming to Hiroshima PARCO FACTORY (6F) from September 10 until September 26. Chiikawa no Mori will be the first large-scale exhibition for the tiny mouse and friends.

Guests to the venue will enter into a world taken over by the characters, and will be able to see a special movie made for the event, enjoy a Chiikawa photo booth, and more. Visitors will also be able to experience pulling weeds, as is mentioned so often in Chiikawa’s comics, and write messages to the characters.

Entrance photospot

Chiikawa Diagnosis

Trick art

Weed-pulling game

Bye Bye photospot

Message board

Entrance ticket pochette bag bonus

Weed-pulling game stickers

Exclusive shopping bag for customers spending over ¥2,200 (Tax Included)

Chiikawa x Hiroshima Toyo Carp Exclusive Merchandise

A5-size Sticker Sheet: ¥880 (Tax Included) / Face Towel: ¥2,200 (Tax Included) / Tote Bag: ¥2,970 (Tax Included)
 

Acrylic Stand & Pin from Capsule Machine (6 varieties): ¥400 per try (Tax Included)

Cap (2 designs): ¥3,960 each (Tax Included)

T-shirt (3 designs): ¥3,190 (Tax Included)

Exclusive Chiikawa no Mori Postcard Book: ¥1,430 (Tax Included)

The event will feature a special collaboration with the Hiroshima Toyo Carps baseball team, with crossover goods only available during the exhibition. Other commemorative items, including a postcard book with visuals drawn specifically for the event, will be on sale at the goods corner.

Are you a Chiikawa fan? What message would you like to leave for the characters?

A solo exhibition from Japanese digital art collective teamLab opened at San Francisco’s Asian Art Museum on July 23, 2021. The museum has one of the most extensive collections of Asian art in the world, housing over 18,000 pieces of art and artifacts spanning over 6,000 years. 

teamLab: Continuity was created to express a world without boundaries, and is housed in the Akiko Yamazaki & Jerry Yang Pavilion, a new long-term addition to the museum. 

Forest of Flowers and People: Lost, Immersed and Reborn, 2017. 

Crows are Chased and the Chasing Crows are Destined to be Chased as well, Transcending Space, 2017.

Crows are Chased and the Chasing Crows are Destined to be Chased as well, Transcending Space

Crows are Chased and the Chasing Crows are Destined to be Chased as well, Flying Beyond Borders, 2018.

Crows are Chased and the Chasing Crows are Destined to be Chased as well – Black in White, 2014.

The Way of the Sea, Transcending Space – Colors of Life, 2018.

The Way of the Sea, Flying Beyond Borders – Colors of Life, 2018.

Sharing Rock Mass, Transcending Space, 2019.

Reversible Rotation – Cold Light, 2019.

Reversible Rotation, Flying Beyond Borders – One Stroke, Cold Light, 2019.

Reversible Rotation – Continuous, Cold Light, 2018.

Flutter of Butterflies Beyond Borders, Ephemeral Life, 2016.

The Void, 2016. 

Flutter of Butterflies Beyond Borders, Transcending Space, 2019.

Born From the Darkness a Loving, and Beautiful World, 2018.

Life Survives by the Power of Life II, 2021.

Sketch Ocean, 2020.

When humans perceive the world around them, we tend to divide everything into pieces and parts. teamLab: Continuity asks visitors to try and see everything without boundaries, with the understanding that everything is connected. While traditional art often takes the form of individual physical objects, the pieces throughout this exhibition move and flow, often influenced by and communicating with other works. By the end of a tour, teamLab wants people to see the beauty in the idea of togetherness and continuity. 

Blending living creatures with art, átoa, a new urban aquarium, will open in Kobe’s Shinkocho on October 29, 2021. New images have just been revealed, and we now have an idea of what the interior will look like!

‘átoa’ comes from a combination of the words ‘aquarium’ and ‘art,’ and as the name suggests, the space will blend over 100 pieces of digital and performance art with 3,000 ocean creatures to provide a never-before-seen experience.  

The exterior of the Kobe Port Museum looks like a contemporary art gallery

The stairway leads guests to a cave entrance, making the visit feel more like an adventure

‘MARIN NOTE – The Movement of Life’ embodies underwater life 

‘ELEMENTS – The Forest of Spirits’ welcomes you to a foggy sea of trees

Light cutout show by famed cutout artist Atsumi Sakai

A mysterious walk through a traditional Japanese garden

‘PLANETS,’ a journey through the darkness of outer space and the deep sea

Food & drink offerings worthy of posting on social media

A spectacular view of the Kobe Bay area
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átoa original products on sale

Rokko, the land on which Kobe City sits, is said to have been formed over one million years ago by the upheaval of the Earth and consistent water erosion. The Kobe Port Museum (KPM), where átoa is located, has long attracted visitors with its unique exterior, embodying the ancient origins of the surrounding lands.

átoa will be divided into eight different zones, each with its own theme and distinctive presentation. Visitors will first enter the ‘Cave of Beginnings,’ where fish-shaped lights reflected on the walls and floor lead you deeper into the space, as if through a kaleidoscope. 

After emerging, ‘MARIN NOTE – The Movement of Life,’ a visual embodiment of underwater life, will greet you. The sound and scents of the sea will surround guests, with a cylindrical water tank at the center of the room filled with zebra sharks, spotted garden eels, and many more underwater creatures. 

On the second floor, enter ‘ELEMENTS – The Forest of Spirits,’ a foggy sea of trees straight out of a fairy tale. This is where you can find freshwater fish, amphibians, and adorable tree-dwelling animals not typically found in aquariums, like woodchucks! This is another highlight of átoa: you might find more animals you wouldn’t expect!

The third floor houses both ‘MIYABI’ and ‘PLANETS,’ where guests can enjoy a ‘theatrical aquarium experience.’ Discover Atsumi Sakai’s famed cutout art in the ‘MIYABI’ area, meant to simulate a Japanese garden. Enjoy the magical experience of fish swimming just beneath your feet as you stroll along a glass-covered floor. 

The ‘PLANETS’ area houses AQUA TERRA, one of Japan’s largest spherical water tanks, with a diameter of 3 meters. Guests are welcome to ponder the vastness of both outer space and the deepest stretches of the sea. The area is bathed in the light of countless stars thanks to optical fibers embedded in the floor, while mist will continuously pour from above. 

Housed on the fourth floor, an outdoor exhibit, the ‘SKYSHORE Sky Garden,’ will soothe your soul as you play with only the most adorable marine life, from penguins to otters. This is also where visitors can enjoy the átoa cafe, offering a lineup of Instagram-worthy food and drink. 

The observation deck ‘ROOF TOP’ also provides a breathtaking view of Kobe. Whether you visit during day or night, take in the views of Kobe Harborland and Meriken Park to your heart’s content. A full museum shop will be stocked with adorable plushies and other original products. 

Niigata prefecture is known for being a treasure trove of gastronomy, specializing in rice and sake products. Locals will be familiar with the long running Japanese sweet stores in the area, most of which incorporate the areas speciality rice and sake into their products.

“We want to let people know about Niigata’s amazing sweets and spread the word about our local produce.” 

With this in mind, a new “evolutionary” style of Japanese confectionary (Wagashi) was created, combining the traditional taste of Japan with the essence of the modern era to invoke both newness and nostalgia.

Mandai Bean Paste is the signature treat from the new Evolutionary Wagashi selection, made with the ever-popular Ohagi in mind. The mochi is made in partnership with a long-established Niigata confectionary store with over 200 years of experience in the prefecture.

The mochi is made using Shinnosuke, a new Niigata-based rice brand known for it’s rich taste, while the Bandai-an bean paste filling is created by a long-standing local Anko store.

Each Ohagi is hand wrapped in store, with 12 delicious flavors available, including some seasonal fruits.

Unlike any normal Ohagi, this Evolutionary Wagashi is combined with seasonal fruits, nuts, and mascarpone cheese, adding an essence of Western flavoring to the traditional Japanese confectionary.

 The new store will be opening in the center of Niigata city, with a concept of “Long-established modern.”

Just like their modern twist on timeless Japanese sweets, Bandai-an has created a fitting space that combines the dignified image of a traditional store with modern sensibilities.

These modern sweets can be enjoyed in all kinds of settings, so why not try them for yourself?

The Art of DC – The Dawn of Super Heroes opened at Tokyo City View in Roppongi Hills Tower last month where it’s set to run until September 5.

The exhibition shines a spotlight on DC’s Superheroes and Supervillains, such as Superman, Batman, and Joker, with over 400 exhibit items from comics to original documents and more on display. Let’s take a closer look at just some of the things for DC fans to enjoy.

World-first exhibits of film costumes

In the Suicide Squad area, the actual costume worn by Margot Robbie when she played Harley Quinn in the film is on show. The costumes worn by Bloodsport and Peacemaker in the upcoming film The Suicide Squad are also being displayed.

See the Dark Knight’s Batpod

The real Batpod used in The Dark Knight Trilogy stands in its full 3.7 meter long glory against a backdrop of night-time Gotham City.

A collection of masks worn by Heath Ledger’s Joker

The mask and outfit worn by Heath Ledger as the Joker is also being showcased. He won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role as the character in The Dark Knight. This one’s a must-see for fans of the legendary character.

Harley Quinn & Joker afternoon tea

Harley Quinn & Joker Afternoon Tea | ¥5,000 (Tax Included)

Head to THE SUN & THE MOON restaurant to enjoy an afternoon tea inspired by Harley Quinn and Joker.

Superman Sky-High Drink | ¥1,400 (Tax Included)

The Clown Prince of Crime | ¥1,400 (Tax Included)

There’s also a menu of mocktails to enjoy which are inspired by the characters of the DC universe.

DC Menu

Running: Until September 5, 2021

Location: THE SUN & THE MOON (Restaurant)

Opening Hours: 11:00-22:00

Official Website: http://thesun-themoon.com/

All DC characters and elements © & ™DC Comics. WB SHIELD: ™& © WBEI (s21)

From Hello Kitty to Pompompurin, Cinnamoroll, My Melody, and more – Sanrio’s internationally adored cast of characters can be universally agreed to be representatives of Japan culture of ‘kawaii.’ In celebration of Sanrio’s 60th anniversary, the company have announced an exhibition centred on the beginning of kawaii culture. The event will take place at TOKYO CITY VIEW from September 17, 2021 to January 10, 2022.

60th Anniversary Sanrio Exhibition: The Beginning of Kawaii recently finished up at the Matsuzakaya Art Gallery in Nagoya on June 12 and is set to move to Ōita Prefectural Art Museum where it will run from July 10 to September 5 before heading to TOKYO CITY VIEW. This exhibition will not only look back over Sanrio’s 60-year history, but will also dive into how Japan’s culture of ‘kawaii’ came about. Fans of Sanrio and Japan’s kawaii can expect product and design showcases, in-depth explanations, and more.

Sebastian Masuda’s iconic artwork is the centrepiece of the exhibition

Entrance exhibit in the daytime

At the entrance of the venue is the Unforgettable Tower, a symbolic art piece by Sebastian Masuda created exclusively for this exhibition which towers 6 meters tall. It’s made up of countless plushies of Sanrio characters such as Hello Kitty.

Entrance exhibit in the evening

The kawaii installation stands gorgeously against the cityscape of Tokyo which makes for an Instagrammable photo in the evenings when the city is lit up. The piece, as its name suggests, hopes to create unforgettable memories. The exhibition is set to run through Halloween, Christmas, and New Year, so visitors are sure to make some memorable ones.

© 2021 SANRIO CO., LTD. APPROVAL NO. SP610376

Shouta Aoi’s voice as the tour guide

Having lent his voice to other Sanrio events, including at Sanrio Puroland and in collaboration with the Little Twin Stars, the Japanese singer, actor, and voice actor Shouta Aoi has recorded announcements for the exhibition which will be played to guide people around the event.

A themed menu created for the Tokyo exhibition

From Left: Anniversary Afternoon Tea / Hello Kitty Daisuki Fried Apple Mille-Feuille / Cinnamoroll’s Balloon Trip

© 2021 SANRIO CO., LTD. APPROVAL NO. SP610376

THE SUN & THE MOON, a cafe and restaurant fusion on the same floor of the exhibition, will serve up food, desserts, and non-alcoholic cocktails inspired by the Sanrio characters. Special seasonal afternoon tea sets will also be sold on Halloween, Christmas, and more too.

Dates
Restaurant: September 17, 2021 – January 10, 2022

Cafe: December 15, 2021 – January 10, 2021

*Closed December 21-26

The main exhibition

The exhibition will be split into six zones with 10 different themes. Over 800 products, documents, and materials related to Sanrio will be presented, many of which will shine a spotlight on some of their most famous characters out of their roster of 400, such as Hello Kitty and My Melody, and other characters that might not be known to those outside Japan such as best friends Patty & Jimmy. It’s a chance to walk through the history of Sanrio and Japan’s culture of kawaii.

© 2021 SANRIO CO., LTD. APPROVAL NO. SP610376

© 2021 SANRIO CO., LTD. APPROVAL NO. SP610376

© 2021 SANRIO CO., LTD. APPROVAL NO. SP610376

One of the six zones will look into secrets of Sanrio through the globally-beloved kawaii icon Hello Kitty. Another will display outfits such as the Hello Kitty dress worn by Lady Gaga.

Original merchandise

A small peek at just some of the items available

© 2021 SANRIO CO., LTD. APPROVAL NO. SP610376

Sanrio fans can also get their hands on a collection of merchandise with designs ranging from the exhibition’s main visual to classic designs. There will be over 100 items to sift through.

Tickets for the exhibition will be available from August 1. A limited number of special tickets that include free merch will also be released.

© 2021 SANRIO CO., LTD. APPROVAL NO. SP610376

The Kyoto Dyeing and Weaving Cultural Association opened an exhibition at the Bunka Gakuen Fukushoku Museum last Thursday dedicated to traditional Japanese women’s clothing and the traditional dyeing and weaving techniques of Kyoto over the past 1500 years.

Nara Period garments

Edo Period garments

19th century garment from the Edo and Meiji periods

19th century garment from the Edo and Meiji periods

Dyeing and weaving festival procession

On the first floor of the exhibition, the museum is displaying a collection of rare and valuable traditional garments from across Japanese history, spanning from the Edo (1603-1867) to the Showa (1926-1989) eras. Visitors will also be able to observe Kyoto-style dyeing and weaving techniques in-person as well as get involved on a workshop.

Up on the second floor, mannequins will line the floor wearing traditional female dress from the Kofun period (300-710 AD) to the early Meiji period (1868-1912). The clothes have been restored and so allow visitors to see what each piece would have looked like at the time.

In the early Showa period, the Senshoku Matsuri, or Dyeing & Weaving Festival, was held to help promote the dyeing and weaving industry of Kyoto. It stopped as a result of the Second Sino-Japanese War and was never revived, resulting in it having become something of a legend in Kyoto history.