Last year, the Pola Museum Annex in Tokyo hosted a charity auction to support the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic breaking out across the globe. As the world continues to feel the effects of the virus, the charity event is returning for a second year, and is set to be held from November 12 until December 5, 2021. The title for this year’s art exhibition is ‘Find Your Travel.’ 

Lemon Tree – Yuka Kashihara. Acrylic and oil on canvas.  2020. 

POLA Dot or snowball ~Based on Tosa Mitsuyoshi’s Colored Painting of Yugiri from The Tale of Genji~ – Tetsuya Noguchi. Acrylic. 2020. 

our whereabouts – Moe Nakamura. Camphor, bronze, oil. 2021. 

Philanthropy – Yuko Higuchi. Hemp paper, pen, watercolor. 2020. 

Baby Heel-less Shoes – Noritaka Tatehama. Cowhide, pigskin, dye, metal zipper, coated crystal glass. 2020. 

Last year’s charity auction raised over ¥9,145,000 (about $83,000) for the Japanese Red Cross. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues around the globe, and as Japan remains locked down, this year’s event hopes to raise even more useful funds to help medical professionals on the front lines. 

20 artists are participating in the exhibition, with each creating one work based on the theme of ‘travel.’ In addition to simply viewing these pieces at the exhibition, a silent auction will also be held online. With travel being severely restricted, these works of art seek to inspire and encourage visitors to imagine a better future, when the world is open once again. All proceeds will once again be donated to the Japanese Red Cross. 

Tsutaya Ginza, located inside Ginza Six, will hold an exhibition of new works from artist Yasunari Ikenaga starting September 25, 2021. Titled ‘Shonen, Shou,’ the pieces in the collection were all inspired by up-and-coming actor and model Shou. 

Physical Education, Shou – Yasunari Ikenaga. 2021. 

Glaring, Honami – Yasunari Ikenaga. 2015

Yasunari Ikenaga is a leading figure in the world of contemporary beauty painting. In 2012, he won Honorable Mention at the 8th Tatehiko Suga Grand Prize Exhibition, which attracted a great deal of attention in the art world and established the genre of contemporary beauty painting. Ikenaga’s paintings are characterized by their unique coloring, which is created by using mineral-based pigments. This style, as individual as the models he paints, has a uniqueness and presence that has redefined the art of painting human beings in the Japanese art world. 

‘Shonen, Shou’ is an exhibition focusing on new model and actor Shou, born in 2006. This is the first time Ikenaga has used a boy as his muse, and various prints of past works will also be on display during the event. 

A new pair of kicks based on the iconic symbol of Shibuya, Hachiko, will be released for round three of the SHIBUYA PACK! This collaboration between Adidas Originals and sneaker shop atmos will be sold at A.T.A.D, atmos stores and atmos Online on September 18, with lottery registration open now. The sneakers will also be available from the Adidas App and the Adidas Online Shop starting September 25. 

Adidas Originals SUPERSTAR DOG atmos “HACHI”: ¥15,400 (Tax Included)

These exclusive Superstars, a timeless pair of sneakers from the Adidas Originals brand, will feature a unique texture that expresses the character of the dog Hachiko. The shoe’s tongue features a silver Trefoil logo, while the midsole has the address of where Hachiko’s statue is located. Of course, there’s a special Hachiko design on the insole! 

Hachiko is a famous symbol of Shibuya, with his statue being a popular meetup point for friends and couples. Known for his loyalty to his owner, the dog waited for over nine years for the man to return after his death. 

Proceeds from the sale of these sneakers will be used to support the YOU MAKE SHIBUYA souvenir program, which is helping to revitalize the local community by selling products marked with the special YOU MAKE SHIBUYA logo!

BANDAI NAMCO Amusement is hosting a character pop-up store for anime ‘Kuroko’s Basketball,’ featuring new illustrations of the characters dressed in trad style. The shop will be open from September 16 2021 at the Atre Akihabara Store, stocking original goods using the new artwork.

Kuroko’s Basketball Acrylic Stand trad style ver. (7 types): ¥1,980 each (Tax Incl.)

Kuroko’s Basketball Can Badge trad style ver. (7 types): ¥540 each (Tax Incl.)

Kuroko’s Basketball A4 Acrylic File trad style ver.: ¥550 (Tax Incl.)

Kuroko’s Basketball Cloth Poster trad style ver.: ¥1,800 (Tax Incl.)

Kuroko’s Basketball Spoon trad style ver. (7 types): ¥1,200 each (Tax Incl.)

Kuroko’s Basketball Fork trad style ver. (7 types): ¥1,200 each (Tax Incl.)

Kuroko’s Basketball Acrylic Board trad style ver. (7 types): ¥530 per lottery ticket, A Prize

Kuroko’s Basketball Jacket Style Acrylic Keychain trad style ver. (7 types): ¥530 per lottery ticket, B Prize

Kuroko’s Basketball Can Badge trad style ver. (7 types): ¥530 per lottery ticket, C Prize

Kuroko’s Basketball Die-cut Illustration Sheet trad style ver. (7 types): ¥530 per lottery ticket, D Prize (random)

Be sure to check out this limited shop to immerse yourself in the world of Kuroko’s Basketball!

©Fujimaki Tadatoshi / Shueisha, Kuroko’s Basketball Production Committee 

Hotel New Otani Tokyo has collaborated with PAUL & JOE for the second time to offer a new accomodation plan, which will be available for one-night stays between December 1 2021 and January 4 2022.  The rooms will not be available between December 31 and January 2.

This collaboration room will allow you to surround yourself in the world of PAUL & JOE, a Parisian brand PAUL & JOE that is extremely popular with young women in their 20s and 30s. The initial collaboration was so popular that within just 10 days, all of the available dates within three months were sold out. This Christmas edition will only be available for one month, so be sure to book while you can.

The pink and ivory room features the brand’s icon; Designer Sophie’s beloved cats, Nunet and Gypsy. The decorations also feature Crisantemo flower motifs.

Not only is the wallpaper covered in PAUL & JOE motifs, but even the smaller pieces such as cushions, curling irons, and brushes are themed too. In addition, to celebrate the festive season, the room will include a special Christmas tree, allowing you to enjoy a special Christmas with somebody special, sharing a view of Tokyo Tower.

The second round of cosmetics is focused on the 2021 CHRISTMAS COLLECTION. The ‘Lipstick Treatment’ features adorable cats wearing Santa hats, while the ‘Lipstick Limited’ comes in a luxurious Christmas red – and also features cats in hats! Plus, the new ‘Wrapping Hand Cream’ will wrap your hands in a fresh moisturising texture. In addition, the best-selling ‘Moisturizing Foundation Primer,’ which was renewed on September 1, and the P&J skincare selection (oil, lotion, cleansing), each must-haves for the upcoming dry season, have been miniaturized into take-home samples in a limited edition pouch, especially for hotel customers.

Alongside the limited cosmetic samples, there will be matching pajamas and slippers available for purchase and take home, with a that will take you even deeper into the PAUL & JOE world. While these cat-and-floral print PJs are perfect for a girls-only gathering, a men’s line has also been released due to popular demand, ideal for spending a romantic Christmas in matching pajamas.

Why not spend a wonderful Christmas in this PAUL & JOE room?

The new multimedia project aoppella tells the story of eleven male high school students discovering the art of a cappella. Now, a new pop-up shop will be selling new merchandise from the project at both Shibuya MODI and Namba Marui this fall! Limited-edition items will feature chibi versions of the characters. 

Prizes Available by Lottery

Prize A: Original Illustration Cushion

Prize B: Original Illustration Mini-Standee (11 varieties) – Choose 1 of your favorite character

Prize C: Complete Set of Original Illustration Postcards (11 varieties)

Prize D: 1 Random Original Illustration Postcard (11 varieties) 

Merchandise

Acrylic Stand (11 varieties): ¥660 (Tax Included)

Flat Pouch (2 varieties): ¥1,540 (Tax Included)

Heart-shaped Case (11 varieties): ¥660 (Tax Included)

Lunch Tote (2 varieties): ¥1,650 (Tax Included)

Candy Tin with Magnet (2 varieties): ¥880 (Tax Included)

Guests who spend ¥3,000 or more (including tax) at the event venue and pay with an EPOS card will be entered into the lottery to win special prizes once per checkout.

© KLab

Sendai PARCO will begin a 10-day event focusing on the idea of sustainability starting September 17 and concluding September 26, 2021. ‘Love Earth, Love Us’ will highlight sustainability-related products and services available at the shops within Sendai PARCO, and a web page has already been opened to get people thinking about this important subject. Those purchasing or using any of these products and services will receive certain added bonuses, as a way to raise awareness and give back to those making an effort to support the health of the planet. 

The main visual used in promoting the event was drawn by Toshiya Nakashima, and depicts Mount Vinicunca in Peru, often called Rainbow Mountain. The drawing was commissioned by Heralbony, an art gallery featuring pieces by those with intellectual disabilities, who will also hold a limited-time pop-up shop inside Sendai PARCO during the event. The shop will sell unique items, including hand towels featuring this gorgeous portrait of Rainbow Mountain, so don’t miss out!

The Hot Toys flagship store, TOY SAPIENS Tokyo, will begin hosting a free Back to the Future event titled RETRO SAPIENS starting September 18, and running until October 31, 2021. 

Along with the opening of this exciting event, the TOY SAPIENS Tokyo store is also unveiling its new location. The much larger shop is now an easy walk from Shibuya Station and Harajuku Station!

After the event at the Tokyo location concludes, the event will travel to three more TOY SAPIENS stores nationwide, to allow more fans to see these legendary props in person. RETRO SAPIENS will open in Osaka in November 2021, and in Nagoya in February 2022. 

One-of-a-kind props, clothing items, and set pieces from the Back to the Future film will be on display for the first time ever in Japan during this event. If you’re a fan, be sure to come and enjoy–admission is free! A number of Back to the Future related merchandise will also be on sale, including figures, apparel, and items only available at the RETRO SAPIENS event. These limited-edition products will also be available online at the TOY SAPIENS Official Online Store starting September 21. 

A special Cosbaby Keychain will also be handed out to guests who clear certain conditions while enjoying the event. Those who purchase Back to the Future merchandise will receive a RETRO SAPIENS-themed shopping bag on a first-come, first-served basis. 

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 ‘Sebastian Masuda and 6%DOKIDOKI’ limited shop will be opening in the Shibuya PARCO 4F ‘Hobonichi Karucha-n’ section between September 17 and October 3 2021 to mark 26 years since the opening of Harajuku store 6%DOKIDOKI.

The brand formerly opened a store in Shibuya PARCO Quattro in 1998 and held a pop-up store in 2011. Now, for the first time in 10 years, 6%DOKIDOKI is coming back to Shibuya PARCO, selling the latest fashion items while reprinted posters featuring designs from the 90’s will be available for pre-sale.

The shop will also exhibit photographs from the store opening and pages from old catalogs, along with product design artwork. This exhibition will allow you to experience the colorful and powerful evolution of “Kawaii” from the 90’s to the current day.

Experience “Sebastian Masuda and 6% DOKIDOKI”, the leader of KAWAII culture, at the “Almost Nichi Karchan”, a cultural information center that introduces Tokyo’s recommendations such as exhibitions, movies, plays, and music.

Learn more about KAWAII culture leaders ‘Sebastian Masuda and 6%DOKIDOKI’ at the Hobonichi Karucha-n, a cultural information center that introduces Tokyo’s recommended exhibitions, movies, plays, and music.

Comment from Sebastian Masuda

“In 1995 I was 25, and could have never imagined that my future would turn out this way. However, even though 26 years have passed, the shop is still a place that combines fashion, culture, and art. Do you have enough colorful pieces these days? Whether it’s your first time visiting or you’ve been with us for a long time, I hope that you will check out the exhibition.”

An interview with Sebastian Masuda will also be released at 11:00 on September 17 on the ‘Hobonichi Itoi Newspaper’ website, so look forward to it!

A special exhibition titled ‘Japanese Landscapes Discovered: Views from and for the Outside World,’ showcasing a private collection of Meiji era paintings, is now on display at the National Museum of Modern Art in Kyoto until October 31, 2021.

Inside the Exhibit

Inside the Exhibit

This exhibition is designed to take visitors on a journey through the Meiji period (1868-1912), the beginning of Japan’s modern era, through oil and watercolor paintings of the time, and through the landscapes and customs depicted in these pieces of art. During this time, many foreign painters visited Japan, and were inspired to paint the country’s beautiful landscapes and unfamiliar customs, bringing these creations back to their countries of origin. Japanese artists studied these unfamiliar painting techniques, and made their own culturally-inspired paintings, often selling them to foreign visitors as souvenirs.

Many works on display in this exhibition have never been shown publicly, with many being brought back to Japan from locations abroad. These include long-lost oil paintings by Kuroda Seiki and a massive newly-discovered work by Tamura Soryu. Other Japanese artists inspired by Western-style on display include Hiroshi Yoshida, Jirokichi Kasagi, Shotaro Koyama, and Ioki Bunsai.

Also on display are works by foreign artists who visited Japan during this period, including British news painter Charles Wirgman, French news painter Georges Bigot, and British landscape painters Alfred Parsons, Alfred East, and John Varley Jr. These three men in particular triggered a watercolor boom in Japan during the late Meiji period. Vibrant female painters such as British watercolorist Ella du Cane, a lover of Japanese gardens, also make an appearance.

Be sure to see these incredible depictions of Japan before they’re gone.

The Kobe Tourism Bureau will be opening the limited time ‘Rokko Meets Art -Art Walk 2021-‘ tour on Kobe City’s Rokko Sanjo between September 11 and November 24 2021.

Rokko Mountain was developed as a leisure spot by foreign residents during the Meiji Era, and is still beloved to this day for its magnificent views and abundant nature.

The ‘Rokko Meets Art -Art Walk-‘ tour opened in 2010 in order to convey the charms of Mt. Rokko to as many people as possible while introducing them to contemporary art. Over 400 artist groups have exhibited since its opening, with visitors being able to enjoy the innovative works and scenery which changes with the art.

The ‘Rokko Meets Art -Art Walk-‘ is not only for art fans but also for those who wish to visit Mt. Rokko for sightseeing and leisure, allowing each visitor to experience art with their five senses as the seasons change.

Some pieces are modified by the artist throughout the exhibition period, allowing you to feel the changes of the works each time you visit. Due to the Covid-19 travel restrictions, opportunities to come into contact with nature and art have greatly decreased. In response, the ‘Rokko Meets Art -Art Walk-‘ has started a variety of projects, including online exhibitions and workshops.

Experience this fun combination of nature and contemporary art for yourself at the ‘Rokko Meets Art -Art Walk 2021-!’