Last year, the HARAJUKU COLLECTIVE collaboration appeared at AF Gallery in Harajuku from August 10 until August 28, garnering massive acclaim from fans. The collection is now being sold at Shinsaibashi PARCO until March 12, 2023.

HARAJUKU COLLECTIVE is a Studio Ghibli-inspired apparel collection by the popular American counterculture chain Hot Topic. Bringing more Japanese culture to the ongoing Studio Ghibli collaboration launched in 2014, Hot Topic stores began selling original items produced by nine Japanese creators and brands, as well as some original American items produced by Hot Topic’s executive designers.

The lineup of Japan-original items includes T-shirts, tote bags, and other items featuring exclusive artwork by up-and-coming creators. These items depict beloved characters from Studio Ghibli’s works, as well as logos created for the collaboration. Fans won’t want to miss grabbing these unique items!

Details on the Previous HARAJUKU COLLECTIVE Pop-Up Store: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/ja/625747

To commemorate the 20th anniversary of Rilakkuma and his adorable friends, the Rilakkuma 20th Anniversary Cafe will open in Omotesando, Tokyo from March 9 until April 16, 2023. You’ll want to come and spend a peaceful time looking back at two decades of everyone’s favorite lazy bear!

The menu features colorful and festive dishes inspired by Rilakkuma, Korilakkuma, Kiiroitori, and Chairoikoguma. The characters express their thanks for 20 successful years, and fans can enjoy floats topped with Rilakkuma and friends wearing ribbons and topped with ice cream, a jelly soda inspired by Chairoikoguma and his friends in the honey forest, and a hot drink inspired by Rilakkuma’s favorite pudding.

Menu

Rilakkuma’s Honey Mustard Hamburger

コリラックマのクリームパスタ

Korilakkuma’s Cream Pasta

Kiiroitori’s Egg Burger

Chairoikoguma’s Cheese Curry　

Rilakkuma and Friend’s Celebratory Cake

Congratulatory Flower Parfait

You Can Choose♪ Rilakkuma and Friends Mini Ice Cream

You Can Choose♪ Rilakkuma and Friends Floats　

Honey Forest Jelly Soda

Relaxing Pudding Drink

Take-Out Drink Bottle

Original Merch

Acrylic Clip (7 varieties, random)

Acrylic Keychain (5 varieties, random)

Mini-Bottle / Muddler with Charm (4 varieties)

Lunch Tote / Drawstring Bag

Acrylic Stand with Clip / Cork Coaster

Stuffed Animal

In addition, the cafe will offer original goods, special offers, and a Twitter campaign to celebrate Rilakkuma’s 20th anniversary.

Come enjoy the elaborate original menu and goods while sharing memories at this limited time themed cafe!

©2023 San-X Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

The new Tokyo Diary Map series aims to introduce readers to awesome spots in Tokyo that they might want to visit! Each entry features locations recommended by a single artist or talent, and fans will get to not only discover new places to visit in Japan’s capital, but also get to learn more about the thoughts and feelings of these unique individuals.

The first participant in the Tokyo Diary Map series is Atsushi Ogata, a multi-talented TV personality and actor. Last year, he appeared as a beauty-concious man on Nippon TV’s DANCING SANMA PALACE, spurring a major buzz by revealing his cosmetic routine. He’s also a notable actor, having appeared in the papercraft theater company’s 7th performance Sekai ga Asa wo Shiroutomo (Though the World May Know Morning), telling the story of a man and a woman, a couple of friends, and a certain woman “until morning.”

-Tell us about your favorite spot in Tokyo!

“Daikanyama T SITE TSUTAYA. I feel like I can really relax there. I love being surrounded by my favorite fashion magazines, and no matter what magazine you pick up, they’re all so exciting and educational. That’s what I like about bookstores–you can pick up something you’re not usually interested in and learn something new. It’s the best.”

 

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代官山 蔦屋書店 / 代官山T-SITE(@daikanyama.tsutaya)がシェアした投稿

Daikanyama T SITE TSUTAYA
16-15 Sarugakucho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
https://store.tsite.jp/daikanyama/

– How do you like to spend your time at Daikanyama T SITE TSUTAYA?

“I pick up a new book, find a seat, and take my time reading. I like people-watching and checking out people’s fashion too. Also, there’s a nice café called ivy place nearby, where I can read while having a relaxing cup of coffee.”

 

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Ivy Place

東京都渋谷区猿楽町16-15

https://www.tysons.jp/ivyplace/

-You studied fashion design in the United States. How did that experience influence you? How do you want to make use of that experience going forward?

 “Learning about fashion at art school was very inspiring. It was also very interesting to see how people with different ethnic backgrounds dress and to see their individual personalities. For example, I saw high school students wearing backpacks instead of using school bags. I just loved seeing people’s unique fashion. It made me realize something that I still believe in to this day–that there’s  nothing more beautiful than wearing what you like in your own way. I’d actually like to create my own clothing brand in the future, so I hope to put my high school fashion design studies to good use.”

–Which apparel stores do you frequent?

I always peek into Dover Street Ginza!

 

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Dover Street Ginza
Ginza Komatsu West Building (6-9-5 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo)
https://ginza.doverstreetmarket.com

-What fashion styles are you interested in lately?

“I like a lot of different genres, but lately I’ve been into chic styling, like pairing shirts and sweaters. I dream of dressing like Thom Browne. I want to try to buy at least one piece from his collection.

-You post a lot of illustrations on your Instagram. Do you usually like to draw? When do you lke to create? 

“I bought an iPad to draw because I really wanted something to do something new during COVID. For me, when I plan time to draw something, it never goes well, so I tend to just draw when inspiration suddenly strikes. I have no particular style, I just draw whatever I want!”

-What inspires you as someone so expressive? What has piqued your interest lately?

“I get inspiration from a wide range of different people. It could be people walking on the street, people on the train…lately, I’ve been meeting the most inspiring and wonderful people. Listening to their stories is what inspires me the most. Fashion inspires me, humanity inspires me, people’s auras inspire me.”

-Finally, please give a message to those who are planning on coming to Japan!

“Japan is just wonderful. It’s the best. The food, the people, the scenery, all of it is incredible. Once you visit, you’ll definitely want to come back. Please come and enjoy!” (Laugh)

ShowMinorSavage, a new unit formed by BMSG’s Aile The Shota along with SOTA and MANATO from BE:FIRST, have released their first EP! ShowMinorSavage was added to all major streaming services on February 22, 2023.

The three artists met at a BMSG audition and immediately hit it off, sharing similar musical backgrounds and interests. Unsurprisingly, they formed ShowMinorSavage soon after.

Their unit name comes from their intention to transform minor acts in the music scene into major acts, showing how savage they can be. Their first EP was created with this idea very much in mind.

ShowMinorSavage / SUPER ICY (Prod. Chaki Zulu) -Music Video-

The EP features the first songs produced under the group name ShowMinorSavage, including No Cap Navy, a song sampled from SKY-HI’s Nanairo Holiday created by the three members, and Thinkin’ bout you, a dope hip-hop track expressing the member’s love and featuring a vocal loop by TRILL DYNASTY. The groovy and extremely danceable song SUPER ICY was produced by Chaki Zulu.

The major debut of ShowMinorSavage is sure to create waves in the music scene, and you won’t want to miss it!

BALLISTIK BOYZ, currently busy training in Thailand, released a new track titled Drop Dead feat. TRINITY on February 16. This marks the group’s first time collaborating with a popular Thai artist, and to commemorate the occasion, the music video has also been released on the High Cloud Entertainment YouTube channel.

In September 2022, BALLISTIK BOYZ moved their base of operations to Thailand to realilze the group’s motto of “music has no borders.” The group has since appeared at a number of live events, including the OCTO POP FEST in October 2022 and the BIG MOUNTAIN MUSIC FES 12, one of the largest festivals in Southeast Asia.

Drop Dead feat.TRINITY – BALLISTIK BOYZ from EXILE TRIBE (Music Video)

Drop Dead feat. TRINITY was created following an encounter with TRINITY, a popular T-pop group that shares the same aspirations as the BALLISTIK BOYZ. The group is known for blending pop and rap with addictive Trap and EDM beats, and this new track shares the feelings many experience while chasing their dreams. Designed to give listeners a bit more fighting spirit, it’s perfect for blaring when you need a pick-me-up.

The music video tells the story of how BALLISTIK BOYZ and TRINITY met in a foreign land, taking on the world stage and trying to make it where many challengers have lost their dreams and given up. Filmed in spectacular locations across Thailand, the video has plenty of cinematic flair.

Footage from the song’s recording sessions can be seen on the New School Breakin’, a brand-new reality show on High Cloud Entertainment’s YouTube channel. Fans can also see the first collaboration performance between the two groups during the BIG MOUNTAIN MUSIC FESTIVAL 12.

Comment from BALLISTIK BOYZ

“We’re proud to announce the release of our first international production, Drop Dead!!

 This time around, we collaborated with TRINITY, an incredible group from Thailand. Fusing together J-pop and T-pop, we’re aiming to bring Japanese music to the rest of Asia, and from Asia, we want to spread to the rest of the world. This song really shows off our determination in the music, lyrics, and choreography!

This is our first attempt at completely English lyrics, and I think it gives a brand new feel to the BALLISTIK BOYZ. I hope you’ll listen to it and check out the music video!

We’ll continue to work hard to take this song to the next level, so please continue to support us!”

Jimmy Choo has announced a new collection to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the internationally beloved Sailor Moon series.

Feminine style and power are important themes in Sailor Moon, and these inspiring elements are incorporated into Jimmy Choo’s beautiful shoes and accessories. The collection will include items inspired by Sailor Moon, Sailor Mercury, Sailor Mars, Sailor Jupiter, Sailor Venus, and Luna. These superheroines created by Naoko Takeuchi are ready to take the main stage, and there’s no doubt that fans around the world will be clamoring to get their hands on these items next week.

Sailor Moon boots/ VARENNE QUAD XS

Sailor Mercury ankle boots

Sailor Mars patent pumps

Sailor Jupiter boots

 Sailor Venus platform pumps

Each pair of shoes comes in a specific color inspired by one main character, instantly recognizable to fans. This collection was inspired by the limited-edition custom-made Sailor Moon boots released last year, with a pair shown off at the Sailor Moon Museum in Roppongi. With Jimmy Choo’s signature kick heel, Sailor Moon’s iconic crescent moon jewel, and bright pink all-over crystal embellishment, the boots unite the worlds of Sailor Moon and Jimmy Choo and give off some serious feminine energy.

Items in this exclusive collection will be available to purchase worldwide on Valentine’s Day, February 14. Major Jimmy Choo flagship stores will also be decorated in Sailor Moon style, and the collection’s limited-edition packaging will shimmer in the colors of the rainbow. In addition to fashion, Jimmy Choo has also collaborated with DJ Honey Dijon to create two remix tracks inspired by Sailor Moon.

If you grew up with Sailor Moon, you’ll want at least one pair of these stylish shoes!

From March 14 until April 23, 2023, Tokyo Midtown Hibiya will hold Hisashi Eguchi’s Tokyo Girlfriend illustration exhibition, set to show off the artist’s unique perspectives on people and cityscapes. The exhibition will feature new illustrations of the titular girlfriend standing in the streets of Hibiya drawn especially for this exhibition, as well as various other girlfriends both large and small.

GING NANG BOYZ Kimi to Boku no Dai 3ji Taisen-teki Renai Kakumei CD Jacket (2005)

A LONG VACATION – Eiichi Ohtaki 40th Tribute Illustration (2021) ©2023 Eguchi Hisashi

Hisashi Eguchi, a manga artist and illustrator, continues to convey the charm of the city and its people by vividly depicting Tokyo and the many unique happenings within. As Tokyo Midtown Hibiya celebrates its 5th anniversary along with many other nearby businesses, the Tokyo Girlfriend exhibition of illustrations by Hisashi Eguchi is being held to celebrate.

The exhibition will feature a new painting of the mysterious girlfriend standing in the streets of Hibiya, newly created for the Tokyo Midtown Hibiya exhibition. A number of original pieces using Pantone overlay, Eguchi’s favorite painting medium in the 80s and 90s, will also be on display for the first time.

During the exhibition period, guests can enjoy autograph sessions, live sketches in which Eguchi himself will draw a portrait of selected subject on the spot, and workshops where he will teach tips on how to be a better illustrator.

Don’t miss your chance to meet one of the greatest illustrators of the modern era!

©2023 Eguchi Hisashi

Laforet Harajuku will host a pop-up shop inspired by the up-and-coming idol group FRUITS ZIPPER from February 1 until February 14! The FRUITS ZIPPER Valentine Pop-Up Shop will be found on the 5th floor MAKE THE STAGE area.

FRUITS ZIPPER debuted in April 2022 and embodies a simple concept: “From Harajuku to the World.” The group’s second single Watashino Ichiban Kawaiitokoro exploded in popularity on TikTok, pulling in over 600 million views. In February, the girls will embark on their first solo concert tour in Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka. This is the first FRUITS ZIPPER-inspired limited-time shop, and during the event, visuals of the group’s members will be displayed in the show windows found on the first floor of Laforet Harajuku.

◆About the FRUITS ZIPPER Valentine Pop-Up Shop

When entering the venue, fans will be greeted by a 5-meter-wide board where visitors can write and attach their messages to the FRUITS ZIPPER members on heart-shaped cards. Costumes that the members have worn on stage will also be on display, allowing fans to see each stitch up close.

Exclusive items featuring new photos of the members will be on sale at the pop-up shop. Fans can enjoy seeing the girls in their own personal style, and these items will only be available during the event! Starting February 4, tour merch for the group’s upcoming solo concert series will also be available for purchase.

◆Collaboration with Fruit Sandwich Specialty Store ‘Fruits Box Daikanyama’

Last year’s popular collaboration with Fruit Box Daikanyama, a well-known fruit sandwich shop, is happening again in 2023! Fans can find the Collaboration Gift Box for sale, including seven baked meringue goods each featuring one of the member’s colors. The box also comes with snapshots of the members, and for a few lucky fans, these snaps might be signed! The idol group and sandwich shop have also teamed up to create the Collaborative Lucky Grab Bag Lottery, including popular FRUITS ZIPPER goods and original items from Fruits Box Daikanyama. The lucky first-prize winner will receive a special set of all available February tour merchandise in all sizes.

◆Member Appearance Planned on Valentine’s Day

On February 14, the final day of the pop-up shop, the members of FRUITS ZIPPER will make an appearance! Guests will be able to participate in the first-ever hands-on event with the members, so keep an eye out for more details!

Stay up to date with the latest FRUITS ZIPPER news at the official Twitter page (@FRUITS_ZIPPER).

FRUITS ZIPPER Pop-Up Shop Exclusive Goods

Random Photo – Valentine pop-up ver. (21 varieties): ¥330 (Tax Included)

Random Pin – Valentine pop-up ver. (7 varieties): ¥500 (Tax Included)

Random Purikura Stickers – Valentine pop-up ver. (14 varieties): ¥600 (Tax Included)

From February 11 to February 26, an exhibition inspired by the popular rock band CreepHyp will be held at the PARCO GALLERY on the 6th floor of the Nagoya PARCO West Building. The event is being held to celebrate the 10th anniversary of CreepHyp.

The exhibition is themed around a ‘Museum of Voices.’

A person’s voice is said to be a true expression of their personality. This exhibition will give fans a new sense of what CreepHyp is and will feature their music, their MC content, and various radio appearances.

Visitors will be able to listen to the member’s voices, but they’ll also be able to step on them, dive into them, look at them, and experience plenty of other ways to enjoy the band’s content. Completely immersed in this world of voices, this experience promises to be like no other. Come experience it while you can!

The exhibition was largely created by CHOCOLATE, the creative team behind CreepHyp’s past exhibitions. Exclusive merchandise will also be available on-site.

On January 13, McDonald’s Japan released a colorful music video on YouTube featuring two of the biggest J-pop mega-hits of the last year! The remix combines Ado’s Odo and asmi’s PAKU with the familiar sound of the French Fry buzzer. A rhythm game using this song will also be available on TikTok starting on January 30!

In March 2019, the McDonald’s French Fry buzzer became a popular theme on TikTok with over 150 million views.

This remix may not be what most people expected, but it’s incredibly catchy and might make you hungry at the same time. Check out the McDonald’s Fry Buzzer Remix at the link below!

The neon-drenched music video features 3D models of both Odo-chan and PAKU-chan along with the three French Fry Brothers hanging out at an incredibly colorful and futuristic McDonald’s restaurant.

Be sure to check out the rhythm game coming to TikTok for a limited time starting January 30!

Fans of the pop rock band Macaroni Empitsu will want to head to Tokyo from February 17 to March 6, 2023 to enjoy a newly-reworked 10th-anniversary exhibition. Guests are invited to look through various macaroni holes around the exhibition hall to catch glimpses of some curious and rare items only on display for a limited time.

After being held at several locations around Japan, the exhibition will return to Ikebukuro PARCO in Tokyo next month.

Items appearing in the Macaroni Empitsu 10th Anniversary Book -Macaroni Kuronikuru- will be on display, and a short film titled Aspirations will be screened following its premiere in Shibuya.

Graphic designer Shun Sasaki served as the art director for the exhibition.

Fans won’t want to miss out on the exhibition’s original merchandise featuring key visuals and lyrics from the band. Come get a glimpse at the history and personal lives of Macaroni Empitsu’s members while you can!

[Comment from Vocalist Hattori]
“Macaroni Empitsu’s exhibition is making a triumphant return to Tokyo! New content has been added this time around, so be sure to come fall into the macaroni hole!”

Musical artist Licaxxx can be seen in KINGS with BEAMS SPORTS, a special concept movie made to promote the collaboration between BEAMS SPORTS and the Ryukyu Golden Kings, a B. League professional basketball team.

This project aims to expand the community surrounding both collaborators. BEAMS SPORTS creates opportunities for people to become more familiar with the positive energy generated by modern sports culture while the Ryukyu Golden Kings is known for celebrating the people and culture of Okinawa.

The concept video was planned and supervised by 92, a member of the artist collective GReeeeN. The star-studded cast includes Kabuki actor Matsuya Onoe and other basketball enthusiasts.

KINGS with BEAMS SPORTS

<Comment from Planner and Supervising Director GReeeeN’s 92>
“I want to share my home of Okinawa with both Japan and the world.
The concept of this video is one of hope. I want the appeal of basketball to merge with tons of other cultures.
I’m thrilled to be able to show my own take on historical backgrounds and culture in this new way!”

<Comment from Licaxxx>
“There are so many musical artists who love basketball! But when compared to overseas fans, they’re much quieter and less open about it. I’m sure they blend in pretty well courtside. (Laugh)
I hope everyone enjoys wearing these fashionable original items while cheering as hard as you can!”