Digital art collective NAKED has announced a new projection mapping show taking place at Tokyo Tower starting May 24! Welcome summer with the ‘Tokyo Tower City Light Fantasia ~Summer Landscape 2022~ event on the second floor of the 150-meter-high main deck of the classic landmark.

In 2019, the company introduced the ‘Tokyo Tower City Light Fantasia ~Cool Japanese Summer~ event, which has now been upgraded to a new version. Guests will now be treated to a colorful show highlighting the transition of the seasons in Japan from the rainy season to early summer to midsummer, filled with hydrangeas, sunflowers, and fireworks. Colorful flowers bloom in the rain giving way to a bright summer day complete with the sound of cicadas and bright white clouds in the sky. After the sun sets over the sunflower fields, fireworks light up the Tokyo sky.

The ‘Tokyo Tower City Light Fantasia’ nightscape event was planned, directed, and produced by NAKED, and began in 2014. By combining the night view from the observatory with projection mapping, guests can experience something one-of-a-kind.

Following the original launch of the event, it has traveled to towers and observatories around Japan including Abeno Harukas and the Nagoya TV Tower, playing off the particular characteristics of each locale.
 

This event isn’t the only thing going on at Tokyo Tower this summer. Guests can also enjoy the DANDELION PROJECT by NAKED and Ryotaro Muramatsu in the northwest section of the second floor of Tokyo Tower’s main deck. The project is based on the concept of world peace and harmony and was unveiled at Miyashita Park, Tokyo Tower, Gardens by the Bay in Singapore, and Nijo Castle in Kyoto in 2020. The networked art project invites guests to send their wishes for world peace on digital dandelion fluff to other locations where DANDELIONs are planted around the world, and these messages are delivered in real-time. 

Come enjoy this incredible night view while you can!

Anniversaire Cafe Minatomirai Yokohama has opened a limited-time fair inspired by beautiful hydrangea! The ‘Purplish Flower Garden’ event is currently inviting guests to enjoy gorgeous sweets and drinks inspired by these spring and summer blooms until July 10, 2022.

Purplish Flower Plate

Purplish Flower Pain Perdu

Matcha Mont Blanc

Purplish Soda / Rainy Peach

Purplish Flower Stand Afternoon Tea

Purplish Flower Plate Afternoon Tea

Petits Fleur

The menu includes three desserts, two beverages, two afternoon tea plans, and one take-out dessert perfect for enjoying beside the sea. Come enjoy an elegant moment at the ‘Purplish Flower Garden’ event if you can!

Two incredible new Junmai Daiginjo bottles, the highest-quality sake, have been released in limited quantities. Hitou ASCENDING and Touka ILLUMINATING were made by sustainable means and incorporate NFT art to share the process of sake creation with the world.

While sake companies keep traditional Japanese production methods alive, some are seeking to solve problems in the sake industry by turning to current technology, like the blockchain and NFTs. In this age of convenience and automation, this particular sake maker is aiming to show the true value and authenticity of Japanese craftsmanship to the rest of the world. 

Certain types of sake can only be made and enjoyed at certain times of the year, as they are not suitable for storage at room temperature and can only be consumed for a brief period to get the best taste. Many sake fans around the world might not be aware of this, so the new NFT collaboration aims to educate!

The bottles contain unique ukiyo-e NFT art prints of a dragon and phoenix on the bottle, respectively. Those who purchase a bottle will also find the year of production and bottle number etched onto the glass with lacquer. Be sure to keep the bottle even after the delicious sake is gone!

Story

Rice / Tobe Rice
In Tokamachi, Niigata Prefecture, farmers have been cultivating this unique brand of Koshihikari rice without the help of pesticides or fertilizers for over two decades. The rice is called the best in all of Japan, and one-third of its yield is used to make sake.

Water / Pure Groundwater

The Japan Median Tectonic Line, also known as the ‘Dragon’s Vein,’ is a massive fault line that is home to numerous sacred sites, including  Suwa Grand Shrine, Toyokawa Inari Shrine, Tenkawa Benzaiten Shrine, Ise Grand Shrine, and the Koyasan Mountain. The groundwater found here is some of the purest found in Japan and flows from the Bungui Pass in Ina, Nagano Prefecture. The pass has been featured in many publications as one of the most famous power spots in Japan.

Brewing / Ono Brewery

While dealing with some of the harshest winter weather in Japan, the brewery has continued to create sake the old-fashioned way–with human hands. For the creation of these two bottles, the brewers took on the challenge of making a very small amount of sake, something they had never done before. Based on the concept of “making the most of the environment,” the rice was prepared in a special room with no air conditioning under the watchful eye of the master brewer.

Bottle Art/ Ukiyo-e Artist, Shun
The art displayed on the bottle is printed in a unique way, allowing it to be put on display separately. The Japanese-style art is perfect for the collaboration and was inspired by one specific hope: that a new path will open to those who work hard after the many difficulties and troubles caused by the pandemic.

Bottle Making / Maruyoshi Kosaka Wood & Urushi Works

The circular label symbolizes the moon (water) and the sun (fire), each representing a world where different values are not only accepted but welcomed. Hand-painted and made with pure platinum and gold leaf by the talented craftsman at Maruyoshi Kosaka Wood & Urushi Works in Shiojiri, Nagano, these advanced painting techniques are sure to impress.

Each Bottle Features the Brewing Year, Number Printed in Lacquer

Marked with a unique serial number, all proceeds from the sales of these special sakes will be used to maintain and promote sustainable agriculture, support sake brewers, and bring traditional Japanese craftsmanship to the world.

NAMJATOWN, a theme park located in Ikebukuro, Tokyo, will be holding a special BT21 event from May 14 until June 12, 2022! The ‘BT21 MerryLand ~Welcome to our Dreamy World!~’ event celebrates the popular LINE FRIENDS characters, and guests can enjoy lots of games and treats!

The event recreates MerryLand, an amusement park in the BT21 member’s dreams. Guests can participate in three unique mini-games inspired by amusement park attractions, along with a stamp rally and riddle-solving game! Original merchandise and menu items will also be available.

Original Mini-Games

BT21 MerryLand Spinning Ferris Wheel / BT21’s  Whirling Teacups ♪ / The Full Stomach Yum-yum Wagon

Mini-Game Prizes

A Prize: Relaxing Cushion (7 varieties)

B Prize: Bandana (7 varieties)

C Prize: Mini Acrylic Stand (7 varieties, random)

D Prize: Character Pin (7 varieties, random)

*The design for A Prize and B Prize will differ depending on the mini-game.
(Guests can choose the design for each game.)
*For C Prize and D Prize, the design is the same for all mini-games.

Venue Exclusive Project! Rally Game

Rally Game Prizes

Participation Prize: Mascot Rubber Charm (7 varieties, random)
*Prizes are the same for each Rally Game.

Original Merchandise

Original Food & Drinks

Soft Drink with Acrylic Coaster / Fortune Latte (14 varieties) / Icing Cookie (7 varieties)

Those unable to attend the event can head to the Namco Parks Online Store to play some web-based mini-games offering the same prizes! Certain pieces of merchandise will also be available for purchase online.

Following Tokyo, the event will head to HEP FIVE in Osaka from July 2 until July 24 and Canal City Hakata in Fukuoka from August 5 until August 28.

©Bandai Namco Amusement Inc.

From July 15 until November 6, 2022, the ‘teamLab: A Forest Where Gods Live’ exhibition at Mifuneyama Rakuen, an ancient forest at the Takeo Hot Springs in Saga Prefecture. The massive event is held each summer and fall and was named CNN World’s ‘Best Outdoor Art Exhibition to Visit’ in 2021 and one of the Top 10 Art Installations in the world by DesignboomMagazine in 2017.

Works on Display

Universe of Water Particles on a Sacred Rock, 2017

Drawing on the Water Surface Created by the Dance of Koi and Boats – Mifuneyama Rakuen Pond, 2015

Ever Blossoming Life Rock, 2017

 Life is Continuous Light – Azalea Valley, 2017

Rock Wall Spatial Calligraphy, Continuous Life – Five Hundred Arhats, 2017

Split Rock and Enso, 2017

Resonating Forest – Cherry Blossoms and Maple, 2017

Megaliths in the Bath House Ruins, 2019

Graffiti Nature – Living in the Ruins of a Bathhouse, Red List, 2017-

Resonating Forest in the Ravine, 2019

Abstract and Concrete – Forest Entrance, 2018

Flowers Bloom in an Infinite Universe inside a Teacup, 2016

Forest and Spiral of Resonating Lamps in the Forest – One Stroke, Summer Forest, 2018

Mifuneyama is said to have risen from the Ariake Sea 3 million years ago. The 500,000 square meter Mifuneyama Rakuen Park was created in 1845, at the end of the Edo period. The park is home to megaliths, caves, and forests that have been slowly shaped over thousands of years. teamLab believes that the shapes and textures of these objects are important, serving as traces of ancient people and natural changes over time.  The concept of the project is that non-material digital technology can turn nature into art without harming it.

The creative team will be holding a number of other high-profile exhibitions this year, including installations in Paris, Tallinn, Shanghai, and Geneva. Their sauna collaboration with TikTok for teamLab Reconnect in Roppongi made huge waves in 2021–guests would take alternating hot and cold baths to experience intense physical sensations while surrounded by digital art.

Italian luxury fashion brand Fendi has teamed up with Harajuku Omotesando Keyaki-kai on a new street art project! ‘TSUNAGU – Omotesando Street Art Project’ was unveiled on April 29, 2022.

The project, which aims to improve the city’s scenery and share positive messages, is on display in Omotesando, a popular area with young people. The canvas is the formal site of the Oriental Bazaar, an iconic part of Omotesando for over four decades. Under the theme of ‘hope,’ three young artists will be displaying their artwork in a massive temporary enclosure on the site. Hopefully, Japan really will open tourism soon so that guests from around the world can enjoy these inspiring pieces!

The first piece of art was unveiled on April 29 and was drawn by Dai Tamura, a young Japanese artist who has attracted worldwide attention after becoming an illustrator for the NBA. The dynamic and powerful compositions vividly depict endangered animals and plants alongside delicate flowers to symbolize hope for the futures of these beautiful creatures. 

Be sure to keep an eye out for the next installation coming soon!

A special pop-up store celebrating the upcoming Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero film is coming to four locations in Tokyo and Kanagawa! The film is scheduled to be released on June 11, 2022, and fans can pick up some exclusive merchandise at Shinjuku Station, Kawasaki Station, Ikebukuro Station, and Akihabara Station. The dates are listed below!

Exclusive Products

Special Bonus

Product Lineup

Shop Displays

The pop-up shop will feature exclusive items decorated with popular imagery from the Dragon Ball series. Fans will also be able to grab some home goods themed around the Capsule House where Bulma lives!

As a purchase bonus, customers spending ¥2,500 or more will receive a special holographic sticker!

Each venue will be decorated, so enjoy taking some photos with your family and friends.

Last month, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu performed on the Gobi Stage at Coachella, one of the largest music festivals in the United States. Her Weekend 1 performance was streamed live worldwide and trended on Twitter in both the U.S. and Japan. After an accident during the second weekend left the singer alone on stage, many wondered if she could pull of a dazzling performance. Kyary’s joy and excitement completely transfixed the massive crowd, and the artist has drawn praise from around the world for her talent and passion.

Kyary has returned to Japan to continue her ‘Kyary Pamyu Pamyu 10th ANNIVERSARY JAPAN TOUR 2022 CANDY WAVE,’ seeing the singer performing 30 shows across Japan. On May 7, she’ll perform at LINE CUBE SHIBUYA in Tokyo.

In conjunction with the nationwide tour, the LOCAL POWER JAPAN Project was launched to energize Japan through the appeal of regional towns and cities and has been attracting major attention. To celebrate the Tokyo leg of the tour, a new Tokyo collab has been announced!

Kyary is teaming up with Kimuraya Sohonten, a bakery that has been in business for over 150 years. The brand is known for inventing the anpan sweet bun in 1874. Given how much this simple food has influenced Japanese culture, it seems appropriate to team up with Kyary–the singer has brought Japanese influence around the world and continues to inspire fans with her creativity and sweetness. 

For the collaboration, fans will be able to purchase the aptly-named ‘Ninjari Anpan,’ based on Kyary’s hit song Ninjari Bang Bang released in 2013. The limited-edition set includes five different flavors of anpan and shows Kyary in her ninja attire on the box. Concertgoers can purchase these sweets at the show on May 7, and they will also be available at select Kimuraya stores and online.

A collaborative T-shirt is also on sale featuring the new logo and the singer’s 10th-anniversary logo. The shirt is available on the LOCAL POWER JAPAN Project website for two weeks only. Support Japanese businesses and pick one up while you can!

Goldwin Inc. has announced a special event for both children and families to enjoy! The GOLDWIN PLAY EARTH PARK event, running until May 29, has taken over the lawn at Tokyo Midtown. Five architects have created playground equipment inspired by five elements: fire, earth, water, wind, and sky. The event wants to inspire children to be more curious about the world around them. What better way than to get Pokemon involved?

For the event, Goldwin, The North Face, Helly Hansen, Speedo, and Canterbury all collaborated with artists, designers, and of course, the Pokemon series.

Goldwin is known for providing incredible sports and outdoor apparel, and behind its sturdy technology lies a deep curiosity regarding nature. This new collaboration has brought new perspectives and ideas to the collection, and those visiting the venue won’t want to miss out.

Collaboration Items at a Glance

THE NORTH FACE ✕ Pokemon

YOUNG EXPLORERS Jacket: ¥10,890 (Tax Included)

YOUNG EXPLORERS Hat: ¥6,380 (Tax Included)

Just like everyone’s favorite Pokemon Pikachu, the event wants to inspire children to be filled with energy as they explore the world around them and take on new adventures. These new jackets come inside a pouch inspired by a Pokeball and are mde of environmentally friendly recycled nylon material.

*Products in The North Face x Pokemon collection will be sold by lottery starting April 22. Check the official website for details on how to enter.

©Pokémon.
©Nintendo/Creatures Inc./GAME FREAK inc.
TM, ®, and character names are trademarks of Nintendo.

HELLY HANSEN ✕ minä perhonen

Left: VINDKRAFT PEP Tote: ¥9,900 (Tax Included) / Middle: VINDKRAFT PEP Patch Tote: ¥19,800 (Tax Included) / Right: VINDKRAFT PEP Pochette: ¥3,300 (Tax Included)

Based on Helly Hansen’s ‘VINDKRAFT’ project to recover and upcycle sailboats’ sails, minä perhonen has designed a bag by combining scraps from its own production process. Nothing goes to waste, making this perfect for those aware of the current problems facing our environment.

*As this is an upcycled product, the number of pieces is limited and each piece is unique.

Collaboration items are available at a pop-up shop at the GOLDWIN PLAY EARTH PARK event. A number of workshops are also open for children to enjoy, with a focus on their relationship with nature while living in the city. Check out the special site for more information!

Popular illustrator and alcohol ink artist Jiji will release her first artbook in May! 

Images

Behind-the-Scenes

This is the first collection of works by Jiji to be compiled and released. ‘Jiji ILLUSTRATION AND MAKING BOOK’ will include around 110 illustrations, including both past creations and new images made exclusively for the book’s release. The compiled illustrations were made in a variety of ways, including with alcohol ink, fountain pens, and by digital means.

The popular BTS chibi characters TinyTAN will be featured at TinyTAN Cafe locations in five cities for a limited time! Nine locations will be open across Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka, Nagoya, and Miyagi starting April 21, 2022.

The TinyTAN characters were designed by the seven members of BTS to embody their “second selves.”

Select Cakes: ¥990

Fruits Deco Style: Strawberry, Fruits Deco Style: Mango, Fruits Deco Style: White Grape: ¥1,760

The menu is packed with desserts, including seven different types of cakes each inspired by a member of TinyTAN.

American Sundae Style Chocolate Cookie, American Sundae Style Caramel Nuts, American Sundae Style Pistachio Honey: ¥1,870

Afternoon Style Tea: ¥3,190

The Afternoon Style Tea includes a base plate that can be customized with guest’s favorite fruits and chocolates. Two types of TinyTAN Select Cakes will also be included to share!

Ham (2 types) & Scrambled Egg Peanut Butter Sandwich: ¥1,760

Cafe Style Drink & Cake Set *Prices vary based on drink selection.

Guests can choose from colorful bagel sandwiches, pancakes, and open sandwiches, along with a selection of sweet drinks to match each meal.

Bonuses

Acrylic Stand (7 varieties, random): ¥1,320

Sticky Note Roll: ¥880, Acrylic Nameplate (7 varieties): ¥990 each

Original cafe merchandise and special offers will make visiting the TinyTAN Cafe even more exciting!

© BIGHIT MUSIC. All Rights Reserved

Doraemon Tokyo Banana Half-Moon Sandwiches are coming on April 1, 2022! These tasty snacks come in a pack of eight and are sure to make the perfect gift.

This release of Doraemon Tokyo Banana is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Tokyo Banana brand and the 50th anniversary of Doraemon. Why not enjoy your daily snack time with these cute treats?

Each sandwich is filled with chocolate-banana cream with the dough baked into a crispy, savory crust with a winking Doraemon on both sides.

©Fujiko-Pro,Shogakukan,TV-Asahi,Shin-ei,and ADK　※画像はイメージです