The virtual idol group UNI MELLO released its first original song, Find out SHANGRI-LA, in September. On October 26, the members released a second digital single titled YOUTUPIA on all major streaming services.

 

 

UNI Mello consists of seven members: Kaede, Sekai, You, Amane, Tomoka, Shirafuji, and Shun. Each has a unique hobby and skillset, and the members have continued to grow over the past six months. On the UNI Mello YouTube channel, the members have continuously posted singing videos, as well as daily streams. 

 

YOUTOPIA tells the story of a normal day that becomes special when you’re with the one you love. It’s a love song filled with gratitude and joy, perfect for when your day needs a pick-me-up. The First Fan Meeting event will be held on November 27, so fans of UNI Mello will want to keep an eye out for more details.

 

Be sure to keep an eye on what UNI Mello does next by following the group on social media and on YouTube!

On November 9, 2022, idol group Cho Tokimeki Sendenbu will release their new single STAR, which will be used as the ending theme for the anime series Shadowverse Flame. The second series to be inspired by Cygame’s card-battling game Shadowverse, Shadowverse Flame follows Light Tenryu, a Shadowverse newbie, as he and his friends fight card battles and level up. Produced by ZEXCS and directed by Keiichiro Kawaguchi, the series began broadcasting Saturdays at 10:00 AM this April. 

 

The ending theme, STAR, is a cheery song meant to encourage listeners to chase after their dreams. On October 22, the idol group Cho Tokimeki Sendenbu will hold its largest solo concert ever at Makuhari Messe. 

 

In a surprise video posted on Cho Tokimeki Sendenbu’s social media, the girls announced that they would perform the ending song. All of the members seem overjoyed to be performing a song for an anime series, something they’ve never done before. Aki Suda is so happy, she starts crying tears of joy.

 

STAR is available to stream now, and fans will be able to purchase a limited-edition disc version at the mu-mo shop. This special release will include the STAR music video, the making of the song, and live footage from the group’s concert held in May 2022.

In March 2022, UNI MELLO, a virtual YouTuber idol group, made its debut. A joint venture by Pony Canyon and Hello, the group will release its first original song Find out SHANGRI-LA on streaming services on September 28, 2022.

 

UNI Mello consists of seven members: Kaede, Sekai, You, Amane, Tomoka, Shirafuji, and Shun. Each has a unique hobby and skillset, and the members have continued to grow over the past six months. On the UNI Mello YouTube channel, the members have continuously posted singing videos, as well as daily streams. The group’s first original song was announced at the September 18th event Uni Mello’s First Offline Meeting, and the audience was beyond thrilled.

 

Find out SHANGRI-LA is a song filled with the member’s dreams and hopes, and listeners are sure to want to embark on a new journey. The track is filled with solo parts, allowing each member to shine, as well as harmonies highlighting the cohesiveness of the seven members.

 

More original music is planned to be released in the future, so look forward to it!

(C)UNI Mello

The digital NFT idol project ‘Project B-idol’ has announced its first collaboration with an artist! As the first release, the song Lumière is now available as an NFT. Produced by INIMI, a team of musical artists attracting worldwide attention, the catchy number was released on September 1, 2022.

A number of unique tracks made by both well-known artists and newcomers to music are available on the NFT Marketplace ‘PlayMining NFT Premier.’ Each member of Azure Melodies sang this new track, and those who purchase the song will be permitted to vote on how the group progresses.

 

Don’t miss out on this musical NFT, available in limited quantities on PlayMining NFT Premier!

The web3 creative studio 1BLOCK, based in Los Angeles and Tokyo, released a 3D NFT collection on August 12 to massive fan response. The Lupin the Third x MetaSamurai NFT set sold out instantly. The AIR SMOKE ZERO, Japan’s first virtual sneakers, feature a younger Lupin and friends. 

 

The NFTs sold out immediately after going on sale, and the collection was temporarily ranked 7th in the world based on transaction volume on OpenSea, the largest global NFT marketplace. The price of a single item has also quadrupled since it was first sold.

 

The collection is based on Takeshi Koike’s long-running Lupin the Third series. Each item is one-of-a-kind. 

 

To celebrate the release of the collaboration collection, a commemorative NFT will be airdropped to those holding MetaSamurai NFTs on August 19. Check out the 1BLOCK Discord for more details.

15 Voices is a new virtual idol group aimed at youth around the world. A group of 15 girls living in the fictional industrial city of Kagutsuchi sacrifice the future in order to live in the present, or sacrifice the present in exchange for the future, as they travel on a mysterious bus towards a city of youth. 

 

This spring, a free series of web prequel novels exploring the backstory of each member began. A manga adaptation and audio drama featuring popular voice actresses are also currently in the works.

 

On August 3, the group released a new song, Ash. This track comes ahead of 15 Voice’s new EP ASTRONOTES, which will release next week. A short version of the anime music video has also been uploaded to YouTube. 

 

Ash – 15 Voice (Short Music Video)

 

The track features music and lyrics by Vocaloid-P ichica, who expertly weaves in the sentimentality one feels at the end of summer. The band’s post-punk sound is a throwback to 90s pop-punk and the emo revival of the early 2000s. This one is sure to bring the nostalgia!

 

The new prequel novel, The Case of Emi Akiko and Nami Akiko, has also been fully released. The story was written by Takumi Mochizuki, a Mephisto Prize winner who has written a number of popular works in the past. The story can be read for free on the tree website.

 

The story follows the twin sisters as they navigate through their difficult upbringing, which included a neglectful mother, an absent father, and a fortune-telling foster grandmother. The two were born and raised in a strange place, and the life they choose to live in the end will shock you. We’re looking forward to seeing how this prequel tale impacts the main story.

 

Each chapter of the prequel novel is accompanied by a theme song sung by the group, and the story of these two sisters is joined by the track Eureka. This song will also be featured on the ASTRONOTES EP.  Don’t miss the promo video narrated by Anna Suzuki (Nami) and Minori Fujidera (Emi). 

 

Emi Akiko & Nami Akiko Prequel Novel Video

 

Live activities held in the virtual world will begin this fall, so check out the group’s official Twitter page for more information going forward!

FRUITS ZIPPER, a new idol group from ASOBISYSTEM, has a simple concept: “From Harajuku to the World.” Ready to transmit what they call ‘NEW KAWAII’ from Harajuku, an area known for fashion and individuality, to their soon-to-be global fanbase, the group consists of seven members: Amane Tsukiashi, Suzuka Chinzei, Yui Sakurai, Luna Nakagawa, Mana Manaka, Karen Matsumoto, and Noel Hayase.

 

This spring, the group released the song Watashino Ichiban Kawaiitokoro, which exploded in popularity on TikTok racking up over 200 million plays. The song also ranked on the TikTok HOT SONGS list and ranked at #1 on Spotify’s viral chart. Fans requested a music video, and after its release, it pulled in over 1.1 million views in one month.

 

The group’s long-awaited new single RADIO GALAXY was released on July 29, 2022.

This is FRUITS ZIPPER’s 4th single, created in collaboration with trackmaker, singer, and producer YUC’e, who has provided songs for numerous artists and idols in the past.

 

YUC’e is known for her dance music inlaid with ‘KAWAII’ elements, and the artist has become incredibly popular both in Japan and abroad. It’s no surprise that she chose to work with the adorable members of FRUITS ZIPPER, who are aiming to bring Harajuku culture to fans around the world.

 

A music video for RADIO GALAXY was posted to YouTube ahead of the song’s streaming release.

 

FRUITS ZIPPER’s artist photos were created by YUKARI, a video director, art director, and 3DCG artist from the digital creative company OFBYFOR TOKYO.

 

RADIO GALAXY – FRUITS ZIPPER (Music Video)

A special campaign to celebrate the release of the new song is ongoing on a number of music streaming sites. In addition, FRUITS ZIPPER will hold their first solo concert at Ebisu LIQUIDROOM on September 12.

 

For a long time, RADIO GALAXY was only known to fans in the in-crowd who saw it performed at FRUITS ZIPPER live shows. Now, everyone can dance along! 

Takeshi Koike’s Lupin the Third series has inspired something truly unique. web3 creative studio 1BLOCK, inspired by a younger Lupin and friends, will be offering up some virtual sneakers in summer 2022. These sneakers are part of MetaSamurai, a 3D avatar project. Each of these NFTs will be the only one of their kind in the world.

 

MetaSamurai was inspired by Lupin III, Daisuke Jigen, and Goemon Ishikawa from the Lupin the Third series. The virtual sneakers were created with designs based on the three series: Lupin the Third: The Gravestone of Daisuke Jigen, Lupin the Third: The Blood Spray of Goemon Ishikawa, and Lupin the Third: Fujiko Mine’s Lie.

 

Watch out for the world’s first Lupin the Third 3DNFT project!

 

原作：モンキー・パンチ ©︎TMS

Women’s fashion brand mayla classic is now accepting orders for four unique pairs of pumps inspired by Cardcaptor Sakura: Clear Card!

 

Original Box

Rocket Beat

Clear

Candy Lotus

Eternal Girly

 

 

Purchase Bonus

The collection features four pairs of shoes inspired by Sakura’s iconic battle costumes seen in the anime series.

 

The elaborate finishes make it seem like the costumes have been directly transformed into shoes! These are perfect to wear for a special occasion or to simply put on display in your home.

 

©CLAMP・ST/講談社・NEP・NHK

FRUITS ZIPPER, a new idol group from ASOBISYSTEM, has a simple concept: “From Harajuku to the World.” Ready to transmit what they call ‘NEW KAWAII’ from Harajuku, an area known for fashion and individuality, to their soon-to-be global fanbase, the group consists of seven members: Amane Tsukiashi, Suzuka Chinzei, Yui Sakurai, Luna Nakagawa, Mana Manaka, Karen Matsumoto, and Noel Hayase.

 

Three members of FRUITS ZIPPER sat down with us for an interview. 

 

“Could you introduce yourself?” 

 

–Noel Hayase

“Hi, everyone! I’m the youngest member of FRUITS ZIPPER, Noel Hayase, and I’m 18 years old. I’m half-German and half-Japanese, but I attended an international school, so I’m pretty good at languages. I speak Japanese, English, German, and a little French! I like to play games, watch videos, and just hang out with friends, but I also love dancing and moving my body. I also like to work with technology, and edit my own videos and songs.” 

 

–Suzuka Chinzei

“Everyone reading this on Moshi Moshi Nippon, it’s nice to meet you! 

My name is Suzuka Chinzei, but you can call me Osuzu!

I spend about ⅓ of my waking hours thinking about food, especially gyoza 🥟and fried tofu. I’d prefer my gyoza with a thin skin and filled with veggies. I’m a big fan of pairing alcohol with my food too!

I grew up in Nishinomiya in Hyogo Prefecture. Fans of the anime series The Melancholy of
Haruhi Suzumiya will be familiar with the town–I used to do the dance from that show all the
time. I’ve loved dancing since I was a kid. My mom told me that once when I was young, I
started dancing to the song Kawaii Kakurenbo, but I was crying because I didn’t WANT to dance–I just couldn’t help it. I guess I just want to dance on a cellular level. 

I started appearing on NHK Educational TV’s Tensai Terebi-kun MAX when I was in 5th grade.
Since then, I’ve started appearing on different variety shows, and I’m currently working on
Nyanchuu! Uchuu! Housou Chu-! and German for Travel. 

 

 

–Mana Manaka

“Nice to meet everyone!

I’m Mana Manaka–nicknamed Manafy–and my member color in FRUITS ZIPPER is light blue!

Previously, I worked at KAWAII MONSTER CAFE HARAJUKU, and I did my best to transmit ‘KAWAII’ from Harajuku to the world❤️

This is my first time working as an idol, but I’m going to work hard to embody the idea of ‘KAWAII’ and to create the ‘NEW KAWAII’ that FRUITS ZIPPER has to offer through music, dance, and by sharing Japanese idol culture!”

 

 

“A question for Mana–what is KAWAII MONSTER CAFE HARAJUKU?”

 

–Mana Manaka

“KAWAII MONSTER CAFE HARAJUKU is part-restaurant, part-entertainment venue, part-art installation. It was directed by Sebastian Masuda, the ‘king of kawaii,’ and guests can order really unique and colorful dishes in an amazing space designed to look like the inside of a monster’s belly!”

 

 

 

“Nice to meet you! Here’s a question from readers: why did you decide to become an idol?”

 

–Noel Hayase

“Since I was a kid, I’ve always wanted to be center stage. When I saw an artist performing live, I started to think “wow, I’d love to see what they’re seeing,” so I decided to pursue a career in the music industry. Thanks to some of the connections I’ve made over the years, I’m now able to pursue the idol life! I’m glad that I chose this path because I love being on stage with the other members of FRUITS ZIPPER.”

 

–Suzuka Chinzei

“I decided I wanted to be an idol a long time ago when I ended my time on Tensai Terebi-kun MAX. Right after, I was photographed in a school uniform for Shueisha’s Aoharu Magazine. The problem was that I was already in my mid-teens at that point. I thought it was too late to become an idol, so I just put those feelings away.

After that, I had so many different opportunities to appear in different plays and variety shows, but there was always this nagging feeling in my chest. It’s hard to describe, but I just felt like something was missing. 

During that period of stress and confusion, there was a lot of discussion about my joining ASOBISYSTEM. When I looked at their website, I saw that they were recruiting members for a new idol group. I started freaking out, and my mom–who was standing next to me at the time–
said that I should talk with them about it. I went to the person in charge and asked them about what it would take to be an idol. I realized, in that moment, that I didn’t want to go the rest of my life without trying it out. Now I can say that I made the right decision, I guess. (laugh)

 

–Mana Manaka

“Harris, the content director of KAWAII MONSTER CAFE and the current manager of FRUITS ZIPPER, contacted me out of the blue and asked if I was interested in idols. When he brought up the subject, I followed my gut. I instantly knew it would be fun, so I decided to just take a leap of faith!” 

 

“Moving on, tell us about what you’ve worked on the hardest up until this point in your life.”

 

–Noel Hayase

“When I was a student, I tried to balance my studies with my performing arts activities. I had done a little modeling work before I started working as an idol, but once I joined FRUITS ZIPPER I got incredibly busy. My final exams coincided with my prep period and my idol debut! Once I
overcame all of that and successfully graduated, I felt so much stronger. (laugh)

 

–Suzuka Chinzei

“In my teens, I wanted to find a balance between being ‘normal’ and being ‘special.’ 

From a young age, I had been working in a space where I was surrounded by adults. I think that made me feel special, compared to my peers. 

But living in that world was difficult as well. There were so many things that I felt I was missing out on–things that I felt I couldn’t catch up to. 

One day, I was riding the bullet train alone. I lived in Hyogo Prefecture, but I commuted to Tokyo at least three days a week. When I passed by Nagoya, I suddenly got really sick with a fever, and my parents rushed me to the hospital. 

I remember wondering how adults dealt with things like that. There were so many days that I would call my mom from Yamagata as a fifth-grader, crying my eyes out.

The world of entertainment is so vastly different from the real world, and I desperately wanted a sense of normalcy. I needed that comfort. I’m not sure what the definition of ‘normal’ is, but I
guess I didn’t want anyone to take away that innocent childishness from me. Looking back, I worked so incredibly hard to protect it.”

 

–Mana Manaka

“During my time as a poster girl for KAWAII MONSTER CAFE HARAJUKU, I worked hard to create a space that people could enjoy. I wanted everyone to leave satisfied and smiling and I wanted them to come back again. Looking back on those days, every day was so happy and the space was just so welcoming. I don’t think that the KAWAII MONSTER CAFE could have been successful without the team members who worked so hard to create the best possible experience. Every moment was heaven.” 

 

“Thanks for sharing. FRUITS ZIPPER’s concept is “From Harajuku to the World.” If you end up
going abroad, what would you like to do?” 

 

–Noel Hayase

“I’d love to do a special concert in each of the countries I’ve been to. Each concert would be created for each country–we’d wear unique costumes and have unique sets. At the same time, I feel like we can bring Japanese idol culture to the world by staying true to ourselves. I can dream. I want to do something really spectacular!”

 

–Suzuka Chinzei

“Right now, I’m working on an educational program called German for Travel. I’ve learned so many phrases, so I’d like to try them out in real life–things like ordering a meal and explaining my thoughts about the food to the waiter. I do a cute dance on the show too, so I’d like to do that with the waiter too! I’m still a little too nervous to try it alone, so I’d ask our half-German member Noel Hayase–who speaks 3.5 languages!–to be next to me the whole time. 

I’d also like to lay down in the middle of the Sedona desert and see a UFO!”

 

–Mana Manaka

“I want us to appear in a major festival! 

After that, I’d love to represent Japan on the world stage at something like Japan Parade or Japan Expo. I want to spread Japanese idol culture to the world through ‘KAWAII,’ something that’s so universally loved! 

Personally, I love musicals and theme parks, so I’m hoping to travel a lot in the future.” 

 

 

“Last question. What is the most important thing about being an idol to you?”

 

–Noel Hayase

“Being an idol means always having a goal. It’s more fun and more useful to keep thinking about where I want to go and how I want to be. If I were to take part in idol activities without a goal, I’d lose sight of why I’m doing what I’m doing. I started down this path because I had a goal in mind, and I intend to keep doing so.”

 

–Suzuka Chinzei

“I think the most important thing is to make everyone happy and to increase the Earth’s
vibrations! Human beings can’t be happy-go-lucky every day–we all have our own problems and negative feelings. But I hope that our music, our videos, and our live performances can support everyone during those difficult times. 

I also think that ‘fun’ is something that spreads from person to person. When I’m performing
live, I’m truly enjoying myself from the bottom of my heart. The other members can sense
those honest feelings, and they carry them home to their families, to their friends at school, and maybe to their grandparents who they haven’t seen in a while. That sense of ‘fun’ is contagious–it lets us connect with people. I want everyone to have fun more than anything. Maybe we can make the entire world happy, in time. (laugh)

 

–Mana Manaka

“FRUITS ZIPPER wants to give everyone strength and happiness through our activities. Above all else, I value always being energetic and positive, and I always want to have fun!” 

 

“Thank you so much for chatting with us. Is there anything you’d like to say before we
conclude?”

 

–Noel Hayase

“It’s only been a short time since I debuted and I have zero experience as an idol, so there’s a
ton that I don’t know. Even still, I have a dream that I want to achieve and I will do my best to achieve it. Because I want to show everyone my dream, I’ll do my best to make it come true
with energy and a smile. I hope you’ll come along with us and support us as much as you can!”

 

 

 

–Suzuka Chinzei

“FRUITS ZIPPER will keep spreading ‘NEW KAWAII’ around the world in all kinds of ways!

I hope that we can awaken the ‘NEW KAWAII’ that’s been inside of you all along!” 

 

–Mana Manaka

“We’re just getting started, but we’re going full speed ahead! I can’t wait until we can travel and meet fans around the world. Through Japanese idol culture and our ‘NEW KAWAII,’ we hope to
connect the world and bring happiness to everyone we meet!

From Harajuku to the world!!!”

FRUITS ZIPPER is a group quickly rising to stardom, debuted from “KAWAII LAB.” KAWAII LAB is a new project to introduce Japanese idol culture from “Harajuku”, a fashion town where various cultures and personalities gather, to the world. Members of the group include Amane Tsukihashi, Suzuka Chinzei, Yui Sakurai, Runa Nakagawa, Manaka Mana, Karen Matsumoto, and Noel Hayase.

Even before their debut, the group garnered attention for their breathtaking visuals. Their performances are so powerful, you would never expect such refined skill from such an adorable aesthetic, which is known to captivate the hearts of their fans. The group is produced by Misa Kimura, a model and TV personality who is also the general producer of “KAWAII LAB. She will utilize her experience and creativity as the leader of the idol group “Musubizm” to introduce idol culture to the world.

 

Expressing FRUITS ZIPPER’s world through collaborations with creators

Furthermore, even before their debut, the group drew a lot of attention because of their collaborations with many different renowned creators. Among the collaborations includes the artist photos created by video director/art director/3DCG artist YUKARI. She uses a cutting-edge trend of CG-moving techniques, in addition to still-images. The mysterious colors of bright light that embraces the girls are definitely eye-catching.

 

Catchy and cute choreography of FRUITS ZIPPER

 

@fruits_zipper ハートハート #わたしの一番かわいいところ ♬ わたしの一番かわいいところ – FRUITS ZIPPER

Followed by the debut song “Kimino Akaruimiraiwo Oikakete,” a song with a positive message for the future, “Watashino Ichiban Kawaiitokoro,” with its cute choreography and lyrics, won the hearts of people and was selected as one of the “TikTok Hot Songs in Japan” and charted on the Billboard. More than 13,000 videos using ”Watashino Ichiban Kawaiitokoro” have been posted on TikTok with the hashtag “#わたしの一番かわいいところ (Watashino Ichiban Kawaiitokoro).” The long-awaited third single “Kanpeki Syugide☆”, which was released on May 20, is an energetic tune created by music producer Manaka Suzuki.

 

Performances that reach into people’s hearts and minds

A pop-culture event presented by Asobisystem “ASOBE!!,” was held at Spotify O-EAST on May 26th. In addition to FRUITS ZIPPER, fellow Asobisystem members Atarashii Gakko! and IDOLATER, who is also a member of “KAWAII LAB.”, performed at the event. Many other remarkable idol groups also took part in the event, enlivening the venue.
Alongside their regular performances, they are scheduled to participate in a number of events, including the “LEADING PALETTE! and “HYPE IDOL! vol. 20” at Nihonbashi Mitsui Hall both June 12th. Make sure to come and see their live performance, it’s sure to steal your heart!

 

Additionally, KAWAII LAB. will be serialized on “Moshi Moshi Nippon,” a website that provides the latest news of Japan to the world. The articles will be published in hopes of sharing the charm of IDOLATER and FRUITS ZIPPER with people not only in Japan, but also around the world. Details will be announced soon. Stay tuned for more from KAWAII LAB.!

The Y’s SEEULATER X GSG9–the newest collaboration sneaker between Y’s and Adidas–will go on sale on June 3, with preorders starting on May 28. 

 

Designed with military elements in mind, the Y’s SEEULATER X GSG9 was based on the more rugged SEEULATER model. The new sneakers incorporate the GSG9 sole, and pairs will be available in black on black or white on black. Featuring detailed finishes and an urban feel, these high-performance kicks can be paired with any and all outfits. 

The SEEULATER, a hiking shoe from the ADVENTURE series, was originally launched in 1995. Not originally released in Japan, many now regard it as a legendary masterpiece in footwear. The sturdy shoe’s name comes from the phrase “see you later,” usually said when passing a fellow runner on the trail. Originally made for the German tactical police, the GSG9 features shock-absorbing soles that help to maintain a stable, strong grip on any terrain. 

The sneaker’s body features a combination of smooth cowhide leather and breathable mesh. This perfect blend of function and design showcase the best parts of both Y’s and Adidas. Will you be grabbing a pair of these classic and contemporary kicks?