More details on the nominated works from the 8th Annual New Chitose Airport International Animation Festival 2021 have been released! Starting on November 5, this year’s hybrid event will take place both online and onsite at New Chitose Airport, with over 100 of Japan’s top-class animated films being screened. 

 

At the airport, the main venue will be the New Chitose Airport Theater. From November 5 until November 8, 92 films from around the world representing the Competition section will be screened. The four nominated films from this category will be shown for the first time in Japan, and only at the New Chitose Airport Theater. These were chosen from 39 works from 23 different countries. 

 

Limited to theaters, a special screening of ‘Eve Music Animation Special in NEW CHITOSE 2021’ will take place, produced by Eve, one of Japan’s leading music video artists. The program will include screenings of selected Fate/Grand Order commercials and videos that have captivated fans with their stylish and modern visuals, along with a live behind-the-scenes broadcast on the making of Fate/Grand Order with some of the show’s staff. The closing film will be a new documentary titled Satoshi Kon: The Dreamer, looking back on the artistic legacy of the late creator. 

 

Since her debut, Eve has meshed animation and music together in a way that few have been able to achieve in the past. Her cinematic-quality works have been made alongside fellow creators through various collaborations, so be sure not to miss out on her selections during the festival!

 

In July 2021, sprout unveiled details about a new 2D mixed-media franchise called Tokyo Color Sonic!! Featuring eight characters split into groups of two, each is played by a talented voice actor, and the story sees the boys promoting Japanese music to a global audience. On November 6 and November 7 at the Ikebukuro Sunshine City Animate location, the Animate Girls Festival will feature decorations from the series, and starting November 13 the ‘Tokyo Color Sonic!! Animate Fair ~Begin on buddy~’ event will begin, featuring tons of new goods! The winning team from Tokyo Color Sonic will be announced during a special vocal drama airing on the official series YouTube channel on November 7, 2021. 

 

AGF 2021 Buddy Set

 

Ironoha Music Academy Notebook

Ironoha Music Academy Ball-point Pen

Mask Case (Bromide included) 

AGF 2021 Special Purchase Gift at Venue: Non-Woven Bag

Tokyo Color Sonic!! Animate Fair ~Begin on buddy~

Bonus: Foil-stamped card featuring a message in each character’s handwriting

Acrylic Stand (Mini-Characters Vol. 1): ¥700 (Tax Included) 

Tabletop School Calender 2022: ¥1,320 (Tax Included) 

Motel Key Acrylic Keychain (8 varieties): ¥880 each (Tax Included) 

 

Tokyo Color Sonic is set in the near future, where a government mandate aims to promote and develop the Japanese music industry as means to spread it worldwide. The movement is called “Coloration,” but after developing the program for years, things need to change. The Ironoha Music Academy trains singer and composer duos, and the country decides to start an annual music festival called Tokyo Color Sonic to shake things up! Popular illustrator Ryo Fujiwara, who has also worked on A3! and GAKUGEIDAI JUNES, is responsible for the character designs. 

 

A number of goods featuring illustrations drawn by Ryo Fujiwara will be available at the Ikebukuro Sunshine City Animate location ahead of the AGF event starting November 6. 

 

During the ‘Tokyo Color Sonic!! Animate Fair ~Begin on buddy~’ event, for every ¥1,100 spent on Tokyo Color Sonic goods and CDs (including tax), guests will receive a random code (8 varieties) to listen to a piece of newly-recorded audio from one of the characters! These clips are messages from each character to their respective buddies. In addition, for every ¥2,200 spent (including tax), guests will receive a random foil-stamped message card featuring messages from the characters written in their own handwriting. 

 

Are you rooting for a particular team to win? Be sure to tune in on November 7 to see if your favorites walk away victorious!

 

（C）COLORATION

Located in an old traditional Japanese house in Kiyosumi Shirakawa, no mark.Café has a cozy ambiance for guests looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. From October 15 until November 30, the cafe is collaborating with the parent-child art unit Musee du Aouvre, and thirteen works from the group’s blog will be on display throughout the building. A campaign will also be held, giving visitors the chance to receive some original coasters and a small wind God figure to sit on the side of a coffee cup. 

 

Campaign Present A. Aouvre Coaster / B. Aouvre Wind God Figure

 

 

The cafe aims to be a place where guests can enjoy art as they relax, and to further this idea, they will be collaborating with a number of artists in the ‘CAFE DE ART’ project. 

 

The first collaboration is with Musee du Aouvre, an art unit consisting of a father and son duo who copy famous works of art. These aren’t just any forgeries–they are incredibly adorable and pay proper homage to the original creations. Thirteen works will be selected from the pair’s blog and will be exhibited under the title ‘The no mark.Café Great Counterfeit Exhibition.’ A 2022 calendar and postcards of the works will be on sale at the store, and videos will provide information about the original works of art. Visitors can also participate in the Twitter and Instagram campaign to win a special collaborative item!

 

 

‘Ways of Telling’ Venue  Photographer: Kioku Keizo

 

The Ways of Telling Exhibition is now open at the Shibuya Koen-dori Gallery in Tokyo. The focus of the gallery is to closely inspect how people ‘tell,’ or communicate with others. Human beings often depend on hearing or seeing as ways to get information, but there are many other ways to express thoughts and emotions, from paintings and photography to video creation. The exhibition highlights different attempts to receive and express invisible ‘narratives,’ and visitors will have to rely on their imagination to understand each piece.

 

‘Ways of Telling’ Venue  Photographer: Kioku Keizo

‘Ways of Telling’ Venue  Photographer: Kioku Keizo

‘Ways of Telling’ Venue  Photographer: Kioku Keizo

Exhibition Space Design – Hideyuki Nakayama Architecture / Photo: Takashi Kato

 

Eight artists have contributed to the exhibition, each utilizing a wide variety of mediums. Hideyuki Nakayama, the architect behind the exhibition space, wanted to encourage visitors to use their imagination. “A building is a place that has been given a name and a fixed purpose, but I tried not to see it that way. I wanted it to feel like a different place for each guest. I hope that the space will overlap with the underlying purpose of the exhibition, in a way,” he explains. 

 

Bringing together both the seeing and the blind, a special book club was established as a place to discuss each person’s ‘way of seeing’ when it comes to art. In the exhibition space, Rinko Kawauchi’s book Hajimari no Hi, containing images and thoughts captured by blind individuals during the book club, will be displayed in both words and other mediums. 

 

UMEZZ ART PROJECT logo featuring self-portrait by Kazuo Umezu ©Kazuo Umezu

 

The UMEZZ ART PROJECT, focusing on the works of manga artist Kazuo Umezu, is coming to Tokyo City View in Roppongi Hills in Tokyo from January 28 until March 25, 2022. The artist is widely known for his work on a number of horror series including Cat Eyed Boy and The Drifting Classroom, Working in the industry since 1962, his works have inspired a number of other manga creators, with Urusei Yatsura and Inuyasha creator Rumiko Takahashi once serving as Umezu’s assistant.

 

Orochi（1969-1970）

The Drifting Classroom（1972-1974）

My Name is Shingo（1982-1986）

*Dates of serialization in parentheses.

©楳図かずお/小学館

To commemorate the release of the their second movie, ‘Sumikko Gurashi: Aoi Tsukiyo no Mahou no Ko,’ Sumikko Gurashi will be opening the limited-time ‘Night Party with Sumikko’ cafe in Osaka on October 20, Tokyo on October 21, and Aichi on November 11.

 

(Advance Reservation Benefit Only) Original Invitation with Postcard (Five types)

 

 

 

Menu

Tokage’s Night Party Curry: ¥1,430 (Tax Incl.)

 

Shirokuma’s Warming Hot Rice Casserole: ¥1,430 (Tax Incl.)

 

Five’s Recommended Children’s Lunch: ¥1,650 (Tax Incl.)

 

Magician’s Party ~Açai Bowl~: ¥1,430 (Tax Incl)

 

Aoi Tsukiyo’s Fruit Punch: ¥1,100 (Tax Incl.) + ¥220 for one mini ice cream

 

Sumikko’s Pudding Ice Cream: ¥880 each (Tax Incl.)

 

Starry Drink: ¥990 each (Tax Incl)

 

Dolomite Coaster

 

Hot Café Au Lait: ¥880 (Tax Incl.)

 

 

Original Goods

 

Acrylic Keyholder (Random out of five): ¥770 (Tax Incl.)

 

Phosphorescent Sticker (Random out of eight): ¥605 (Tax Incl.)

 

Acrylic Stand (Random out of five): ¥880 (Tax Incl.)

Muddler (Three types): ¥1,100 each (Tax Incl.)

 

Mug Cup: ¥1,980 (Tax Incl)

 

Purse: ¥1,100 (Tax Incl.)

 

Fluorescent Pen Set: ¥1,100 (Tax Incl.)

 

A5 Clear File Duo: ¥605 (Tax Incl.)

 

Bandanna: ¥1,870 (Tax Incl.)

 

The Sumikko Gurashi characters are beloved by both adults and children for their gentle touch and tone. Their first movie, ‘Sumikko Gurashi Tobidasu Ehon to Himitsu no Ko’ was released in November 2019 and received great popularity. The sweet story of the Sumikko’s adventures through a story-book world attracted over 1.2 million viewers across Japan.

 

The heartwarming cafe menu includes “Tokage’s Night Party Curry,” “Shirokuma’s Warming Hot Rice Casserole,” Five’s Recommended Children’s Lunch,””Magician’s Party ~Açai Bowl~,” “Aoi Tsukiyo’s Fruit Punch,” “Starry Drink,” and more. The cute, Instagrammable dishes feature the characters who feature in the movie, which tells a mysterious story that begins under a blue moon in the Sumikko’s hometown. A lineup of limited edition goods and perks will also be available, adding to the movie excitement.

 

 

Enjoy a cute, social-media friendly meal and original merchandise at the exciting Sumikko Gurashi cafe!

 

©2021 Japanese Sumikko Gurashi Association Film Club

Department store Daimaru Fukuoka Tenjin will host the contemporary art festival ART@FUKUOKA for the first time, from October 13 until October 25, 2021. 

 

The art market is growing year by year, with more and more people curious about incorporating unique works into their interior design, or purchase pieces as assets. In particular, the contemporary art market has become the focus of a large movement and continues to elevate a number of new personalities. The ART@FUKUOKA festival will feature 300 works by promising young artists from both Japan and abroad. This is a great chance for those unfamiliar with the contemporary art world to get a feel for what it represents!

 

Main Building 8F Works at a Glance

 

Banksy「Golf Sale」

Sadamasa Motonaga – Untitled

©Motonaga Data Research Office

Nick Walker – Vandalism

DOLK – Winner blue dolk

ONEMIZER – Bicause Pipi

 

ART ~New Expressions~ (Main Building Antenna Plus 1F) Works at a Glance

 

The contemporary art movement is gaining more popularity worldwide. Each year, expressions become more and more diverse, and more unique creators spring onto the scene. The ART ~New Expressions~ section focuses on artists with the potential to lead the next generation. 

Syoichi Mukai 

 BABYTECTOR [PRISM]. 2021. 

Takakura Kazuki

  Emoji_Alligator_Emoji (Output. ver). 2021. 

KENZ

  BREAK DANCE. 2021. 

Wakaba Higuchi

  Panther and Phoenix. 2021. 

The DANDELION PROJECT has a powerful message: we’re all connected, even during these isolating times. Naked’s interactive art project began in Tokyo, Singapore, and other cities last year, and given their success, locations are now set to open at Heian Shrine in Kyoto and Kumamoto Castle this fall.

 

The original idea for the project came from artist Ryotaro Muramatsu, who decided to plant (or install) dandelion art pieces worldwide and bring people together to help them bloom. Those participating in the installations are able 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. Even those unable to attend one of these installations can participate from home on the official website. 

 

With new DANDELION PROJECT locations set to open around Japan, places with historical significance are happy to participate, including Kamigamo Shrine and Ninna-ji Temple in Kyoto, Kumamoto Castle, and Kochi Castle. There are plans to hold more events around the world in the near future. 

 

DANDELION PROJECT Locations

 

Tokyo – Tokyo Tower Main Deck

Tokyo – TBS drama series Japan Sinks: People of Hope Collaboration, Akasaka

Kyoto – Kamigamo Shrine (World Heritage Site)

Kyoto – Ninna-ji Temple (National Treasure/World Heritage Site)

Kyoto – Heian Shrine (Important Cultural Property)

Kyoto – Kosho-ji

Aichi – Kochi Castle (Important Cultural Property) 

Saga – Saga Prefectural Observation Hall 

Kumamoto – Kumamoto Castle (Important Cultural Property)

Korea – Seoul 

 

The Awa Washi Traditional Industry Center, a foundation which strives to inform and preserve the Awa Washi paper’s 1,300 years of history, will be holding the ‘International Mini Print Exhibition 2021’ between October 9 and November 7. The event will exhibit over 1,800 prints from 58 countries. 

 

This international print exhibition will be displaying works from both domestic and overseas artists, all printed on A4 Wagami, or Japanese Paper. The exhibition is being held to increase the amount of artists displaying their works, while allowing local residents to feel an international connection through Awa Washi culture. This is the fifth instalment of the exhibition, which is held once every two years. Due to the Covid-19 crisis, the organizers experienced some troubles such as shipping delays, but despite this, a total of 1,375 domestic and international artists applied to display their works. Each print has been carefully created by the artist, and will be displayed in one place to encourage not only those familiar with Awa Washi, but also introducing the culture to general art fans.

 

Why not immerse yourself amongst Japanese and International artwork at this unique paper event?

BLUE HAMHAM, a character by animator Arimura Taishi, will be featured at the ‘BLUE HAMHAM POP UP SHOP -AUTUMN PLANET-,’ open from October 8 until October 19 at Hanshin Umeda.  

 

Limited Goods

Event Limited T-Shirt (Size: M/L Colors: BLACK/WHITE): ¥4,400

Event Limited Sticker: ¥385

Event Limited Acrylic Stand: ¥1,320

Event Limited Keychain: ¥935

 

Novelties

Customers who spend over ¥6,000 will receive a free special shopping bag.

 

 

The event, which will be held in the newly opened Riakuro EVENT SPACE floor following the Umeda store renewal, will have four one meter-tall 3D BLUE HAM HAM statues greeting customers as they enter the store, each wearing adorable matching mufflers. There will be 15 new Autumn/Winter products overall, including T-shirts and stickers featuring artwork by creator Arimura Taishi. The BLUE HAMHAM muffler will also be available to purchase.

 

Customers who spend over ¥6,000 instore will receive a limited edition shopping bag for free! Not only that, customers who add the Official Hanshin Umeda LINE account will receive a coupon, while the first 200 customers will also receive an additional event-original postcard.

 

Popular animations will be looped on retro-themed TV monitors, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the world of ‘BLUE HAMHAM.’ Be sure to check out this limited shop and the new Autumnal character designs! 

 

 

*Images are samples and may differ in real life.

©CHOCOLATE Inc.

For those looking for a safe getaway for Halloween, Hotel New Otani Osaka is offering a limited-time room plan allowing guests to enjoy a selection of scrumptious and spooky dishes in the privacy of their hotel room. A bottle of very photogenic blue sparkling wine will also be served!

 

The menu includes a pumpkin quiche and mini-burgers, along with mummy-themed sausage pie rolls, black pasta with squid, and plenty of other treats to tantalize your taste buds. 

Enjoy a toast with the lively La Vague Bleue sparkling wine from France, offering a dry and refreshing taste perfect for pairing with food. Room service will be available to serve plenty of other drink items, including wine and cocktails!

Exclusive to the Halloween plan, a slightly terrifying sweets plate is available, featuring pumpkin mont blanc, bat-shaped cookies, eyeball blancmange, and more! If a Halloween getaway isn’t in the cards this year, enjoy this completely private party in a luxurious hotel room instead! 

 

Creema YAMABIKO FES 2021 has announced the second round of participating musical acts! The event features live performances on an impressive outdoor stage with Mt. Fuji in the background, along with a number of craft markets, workshops, and a two-day ‘sauna village,’ where guests can enjoy outdoor saunas while sampling some fantastic local fare. 

 

Twelve live performances are scheduled during the event, with the full timetable scheduled to release in late October. The second announcement lists Hanaregumi, DENIMS, YONA YONA WEEKENDERS, Strange Reitaro, island echo, and Super VHS as participating acts. 

 

DAY 1 (November 6, 2021)

Clammbon, never young beach, Humbert Humbert, DENIMS, YONA YONA WEEKENDERS, island echo

DAY 2: (November 7, 2021)
SPECIAL OTHERS, TENDRE, D.W. Nicols, Hanaregumi, Strange Reitaro, Super VHS

 

This year’s event will have a new kid’s area, along with a new outdoor area featuring 15 stores selling a wide variety of camping gear. There will also be a place to custom order items and a hammock area. The kid’s area will offer workshops for children led by expert staff, a stamp rally, and other content to keep the little ones busy. 

The popular coffee roaster LEAVES COFFEE ROASTERS from Kuramae, Tokyo, will be participating in the event, serving up some delicious beverages. Japan’s champion barista Taka Ishitani will be participating in the coffee drinking competition, so don’t miss it!

 

Are any of your favorite bands playing at this year’s event?