MMN is Hiring! We’re Looking for Experienced Japanese to English Translators
MMN Careers: Japanese to English Translator
We are looking for Japanese to English Translators to join the team at MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON to translate web content for ASOBISYSTEM’s MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON Project which promotes Japanese pop culture to people around the world. You will join a team of international staff stationed in various locations around the world. The office is based in Harajuku, but the position is offered as part-time remote so you can join us wherever you are in the world.
If you love Japanese pop culture like we do, we’d love to have you on board!
<Responsibilities>
Japanese to English translation of news articles on a diverse range of topics related to Japanese culture and pop culture, MMN original articles, and other possible ad hoc translations.
If you’re outside Japan, you’ll need to ensure prompt communication within your working hours due to the time zone differences. Your working hours will be catered to your time zone.
<Requirements>
・Native English speaker with near fluency in Japanese (you will be communicating in Japanese with Japanese staff)
・Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English and Japanese
・You’re a wordsmith with strong writing skills who can turn source text into natural, interesting, and engaging reads that aren’t translated literally
・Meticulous eye for detail and able to fact-check to ensure no typos or mistakes are published
・You love Japan and want to promote Japanese culture to the rest of the world
<Preferred>
・JLPT N2 certified
・1+ year of proven Japanese to English translation experience
・Experience with WordPress and Tweetdeck
<How to Apply>
This is a part-time position. As this position is remote, we welcome people of all nationalities and age regardless of which country you are based in.
Please send us your CV and cover letter in English to the email address below. If you have previous Japanese to English translation experience, please send copies of 3 examples of your work.
Email Address: info@moshimoshi-nippon.jp
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NIJISANJI EN VTuber Unit LazuLight Celebrates 1st Anniversary with New Merchandise, Available Worldwide
17.May.2022 | ANIME&GAME / FASHION
The popular three-member unit LazuLight from NIJISANJI EN celebrated its first anniversary on May 12, 2022, and both fans in Japan and abroad can order some new celebratory merchandise through May 31, 2022!
The adorable items feature newly-drawn illustrations of Elira Pendora, Pomu Rainpuff, and Finana Ryugu. They are now available at the NIJISANJI Official Store in Japan and the NIJISANJI EN Official Store for international customers.Lineup
Acrylic Stand
Clear Folders (Set of 3)
Streamer Design T-shirt
Pin (Random)
Snapshot Card (Random)
Finger Puppet
Goods available include acrylic stands, clear folders, pins, T-shirts, snapshot cards, and finger puppets.
Be sure to celebrate the girls’ first anniversary with an adorable addition to your shelf!
Information
NIJISANJI EN – LazuLight 1st Anniversary Goods
Order Period: May 17, 11:00 – May 31, 2022
Where to Buy (Japan):NIJISANJI Official Store
Sales Page: https://shop.nijisanji.jp/s/niji/
Where to Buy (International):
NIJISANJI EN Official Store
Sales Page: https://nijisanji-store.com/Official Site: https://www.anycolor.co.jp
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Anime Film ‘Bubble’ Gets Online Exhibition at Anique for a Limited Time
17.May.2022 | ANIME&GAME / MUSIC
Anique has opened an online exhibition to celebrate the release of the animated film Bubble until June 30, 2022! The event is also offering limited-edition merchandise.
Merchandise Lineup
Acrylic Stand Diorama
Pin Set
Postcard Set
Clear Folder
Mug
Purchase Bonus: Round Stickers
The exhibition will serve as a deep dive into the world of Bubble, focusing on four categories: story, worldview, characters, and artwork.
Guests can enjoy browsing images from the film, and can also see valuable creation materials like storyboards and original sketches.
Jun Shison, who voices Hibiki in the film, contributed comments to the exhibition, along with director Tetsuro Araki.
Merchandise is also available to buy now! These items can only be found at this exhibition, so order while you can.
Have you watched Bubble on Netflix yet?
©2022「バブル」製作委員会
Information
Bubble Online Exhibition
Running: May 13 – June 30, 2022
Shop: https://shop.anique.jp/collections/bubble
Official Site: https://lp.anique.jp/exhibition/bubble/ -
BTS, New Era, and MLB Collaboration Items Available at BAYFLOW
17.May.2022 | FASHION
Lifestyle brand BAYFLOW has launched a triple collaboration collection! Stores nationwide are now selling items created by the popular South Korean idol group BTS, headwear and fashion brand New Era, and the MLB, the world’s premier professional baseball league.
Dynamite
Butter
Black Swan
The designs in this collection incorporate the coloring and artwork found on the covers of the BTS singles Black Swan, Dynamite, and Butter, with the MLB logo. Fans can grab baseball caps, bucket hats, and t-shirts inspired by each song.
BAYFLOW began selling these new items in stores nationwide starting May 13, 2022. In addition, two New Era pop-up shops are open for a limited time at BAYFLOW Kichijoji and AEON Mall Kawaguchi!
Information
BTS x New Era x MLB
Release Date: May 13, 2022
Where to Buy: BAYFLOW stores nationwide
List of Stores: https://www.dot-st.com/m/bayflow/CSfMbStoreListPage.jsp*Not available at the web store, ZOZOTOWN, or Rakuten.
New Era Pop-up Store
Locations: BAYFLOW Kichijoji, AEON Mall KawaguchiDates:
At BAYFLOW Kichijoji until May 31
At AEON Mall Kawaguchi until June 6Official Site: https://www.bayflow.jp/
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Tokyo Revengers Cafe to Open for Short Time at Mixalive TOKYO in Ikebukuro
17.May.2022 | ANIME&GAME / FOOD / SPOT
A Tokyo Revengers collaboration cafe will open for a limited time at Live Cafe Mixa located in the Mixalive TOKYO entertainment complex in Ikebukuro. Fans can enjoy a menu filled with items themed after popular characters from June 1 until June 18, 2022.
Menu
Just like the inside of Pah-chin’s head?! Crispy Pie
Massive Teriyaki Burger
If You’re Hungry, Just Eat Fried Rice
My Favorite Machine (Mikey)
My Favorite Machine (Mitsuya)
Mikey
Baji
The popular manga series Tokyo Revengers began serialization in Weekly Shonen Jump in 2017 and has sold over 50 million copies. The event, titled “Tokyo Revengers Formation Eve Rally,” will be held to celebrate the series’ anniversary. The venue will feature new visuals of the founding gang members, and original menu items based on each character will only be available here.
Live Cafe Mixa has collaborated with other popular series in the past such as Attack on Titan and A Couple of Cuckoos, making a huge splash on social media.
Enjoy plenty of dishes based on your favorite character!©和久井健・講談社/アニメ「東京リベンジャーズ」製作委員会
Information
Tokyo Revengers Cafe
Running: June 1 – June 18, 2022
Venue: Mixalive TOKYO 9F, Live Cafe Mixa
Address: 1-14-2 Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo
Details: https://livecafemixa.mixalivetokyo.com/schedule/tokyo-revengers-cafe/Official Site: https://livecafemixa.mixalivetokyo.com/
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Hilton Osaka to Hold Cinnamoroll and Sanrio Character Sweets Buffet
Folk Kitchen, a restaurant on the second floor of Hilton Osaka, will hold the Sanrio Characters Sweets Buffet ~Joyful Summer Festival~ from May 20 until September 11, 2022. The event is being held to celebrate Cinnamoroll, Pompompurin, and Pochakko coming in first, second, and third in the Sanrio Character Awards. A lineup of 25 different sweets will be available, including those filled with summer fruits like mango, peach, and watermelon! In addition, a “Zero Leftovers Campaign” will be implemented–so be sure to clear your plate!
Happy Festival Heart Mousse
Joyful Pink Cake / Lime & Raspberry
Fluffy and Crunchy Mango Pavlova
Decorated with chocolate and adorable character designs, the Happy Festival Heart Mousse is a scrumptious dish blending the flavor of banana, caramel, and rum. The Joyful Pink Cake will be a smash-hit with Sanrio lovers, featuring the soft taste of white mousse and raspberry compote with a fresh lime flavor. Tons of other original sweets will be available, including everything from gingerbread to orange tarts.
Visitors can also find plenty of vegan sweets. Summer Blue Sky Jello features contrasting colors of pineapple pulp and soymilk cream that look like clouds floating against a summer sky. Be sure to try the Almond & Watermelon Jello and Grapefruit and Lychee Jello too!
Information
Sanrio Characters Sweets Buffet ~Joyful Summer Festival~
Venue: Hilton Osaka 2F / Folk Kitchen
Running: Every Day from May 20 – September 11
Hours: 15:00-16:30
Details: https://osaka.hiltonjapan.co.jp/plans/restaurants/sweetsbuffet/folkkitchen-2205Official Site: http://www.hiltonosaka.com
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Fanfare of Adolescence Collaboration Cafe to Open in Ikebukuro
16.May.2022 | ANIME&GAME / FOOD
Animate Cafe, known for collaborating with a number of popular anime and game series, will be offering menu items and goods inspired by the new series Fanfare of Adolescence at DECOTTO by Animate Cafe from May 18 until June 13, 2022.
Menu
CHOCOTTO DECOTTO
Wafer Cakes are available in eight different designs, each featuring a different character!
CECOTTO COOKIE
For an additional ¥800, guests can buy a CoLotta with the same pattern as a DECOTTO COOKIE.
Merchandise
Acrylic Stand
Shopping Bag
Square Pins
CoLotta Acrylic Plate Keychains
At the collaboration cafe, guests can enjoy donuts inspired by popular characters and original merchandise only available on site. These goods feature original illustrations, so don’t miss out!
(C) Fanfare Anime Project
Information
Fanfare of Adolescence x Animate Cafe
Running: May 18 – June 13, 2022
Venue: DECOTTO by Animate CafeDetails: https://cafe.animate.co.jp/event/fanfare-anime2205/
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Snoopy Fans Rejoice! First PEANUTS Cafe Opens in Osaka Inside LaLaport EXPOCITY
The first PEANUTS Cafe is now open in Osaka! Snoopy fans should head to LaLaport EXPOCITY in Suita, Osaka, to enjoy some tasty themed treats. The PEANUTS Cafe online store has also started selling exclusive merchandise.
Menu
Delivery Box
Pizza
Pancake
School Bus
グッズ
PEANUTS Cafe Plate
Bamboo Plates with Coloring Book (Limited to 100 Sets)
Crayons with Vegetable-based Coloring
Dining scenes are often shown in the PEANUTS comic strip. This new cafe in Osaka focuses on the theme of ‘mealtime,’ the time of day that Snoopy loves the most.
Taking advantage of its location next to Expo ‘70 Commemorative Park, the area is surrounded by colorful flowers and greenery. The menu offers more health-conscious selections filled with veggies and fruits, and a special takeout menu is perfect for a picnic in the park.
In the PEANUTS comic strip, school buses always appear on the way to and from school and at certain events. A school bus exclusive to PEANUTS Cafe Osaka will welcome guests, hoping to immerse them in the world of Snoopy and his friends. Visitors can enjoy taking pictures with exclusive art as they take in the sight of a real school bus from the United States.
The cafe offers a variety of tableware to make everyday dining more enjoyable, along with souvenir sweets. Certain items are only available at the Osaka location, so be sure to visit!
© 2022 Peanuts Worldwide LLC
Information
PEANUTS Cafe Osaka
Address: LaLaport EXPOCITY 1F (2-1 Expo ’70 Commemorative Park, Suita, Osaka)
Hours: Weekdays 11:00-21:00 (Last order 20:00) / Weekends & Holidays 11:00-22:00 (Last order 21:00)
Reservations: https://booking.ebica.jp/webrsv/plan/e014001307/26991/239095
PEANUTS Cafe Online Shop: https://www.peanutscafe.jp/online/
Official Site: http://www.peanutscafe.jp/
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Tea Ceremony Brand Saron Launches Customizable Matcha Shaved Ice for a Limited Time
Nara-based tea ceremony brand Saron is serving up a tasty treat perfect for the warm weather! White shaved ice with dark matcha topping is now available until mid-September, and guests are invited to adjust the taste by altering the amount of tea added.
Lately, Nara has been experiencing a major shaved ice boom. Inspired by Himuro Shrine, known for housing a guardian deity of ice, the city introduces plenty of created recipes for the summer treats each year. The tea ceremony brand Saron was founded by Nakagawa Masashichi Shouten, in business since the Edo period–so it’s safe to say that the company knows what they’re talking about!
Guests can enjoy shaved ice made from pure Yamato ice, which is frozen for 72 hours, gently shaved, and topped with Nara’s Kasiya sweet bean paste, shiratama, agar, and condensed milk that has been boiled for four hours.
To finish off this luxurious dish, guests can add koicha, a thick matcha tea with concentrated flavor and incredible sweetness and depth. Polished twice as much as typical matcha, this is a taste you’ll never forget.
Why not come enjoy this traditional Japanese sweet this summer?
Information
Saron – White Shaved Ice with Dark Matcha Topping
Available: May 11 – mid-September
Where to Buy: Saron Nara (31-1 Ganriincho, Nara)
Official Site: https://salon-tea.jp/
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Graniph Releases Items Inspired by Upcoming Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero Film
16.May.2022 | ANIME&GAME / FASHION
Japanese apparel brand Graniph has revealed two collaborative t-shirts inspired by the upcoming Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero film! The items are available at the Graniph online store and in select Graniph locations in Japan.
Lineup
‘Superhero’ T-shirt
‘Fusion’ T-shirt
The Dragon Ball Super film series has been a huge hit worldwide. The first film, Dragon Ball Super: Broly, was released in 2018. The upcoming film features a completely new story, in which the Red Ribbon Army is reformed and threatening the world yet again. Can our favorite fighters stop the bad guys before they unveil the ultimate evil weapon? Be sure to check out the film when it releases in June, and grab one of these t-shirts to wear to the theater!ⓒバード・スタジオ/集英社
ⓒ「2022 ドラゴンボール超」製作委員会Information
Graniph x Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero
Release Date: April 22, 2022
Where to Buy:
Graniph Online Store: https://www.graniph.com
Select Graniff Stores (Excluding some locations for kids) -
The Appeal of Rising Gen-Z Singer ASA Wu, Reaching People’s Hearts with her Music
Trilingual Gen-Z singer ASA Wu is a rising star. The artist has roots in Taiwan and Japan, and the gap between her powerful voice and cute baby face is attracting attention from both the music industry and other creative fields. Since the release of her debut song Bloomer in April 2021, she has continued to gain momentum, debuting her first EP omen alongside the music video for MO-MO, a sexy electronic dance hit making waves worldwide.
ASA Wu’s highly-anticipated new single Uncolor was released on April 8, 2022, and is currently being featured as a part of the Artiswitch anime project. Artiswitch, a collaborative anime series made by SUNRISE (Mobile Suit Gundam, Love Live!) and ASOBISYSTEM, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s agency, premiered on YouTube on May 28, 2021. The series brings together a wide range of content pulling from fashion, art, and music trends, especially those found in Harajuku.
MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON recently sat down with Asa Wu to chat about her career, her charm, and to get a closer look at her true self.
The Artist’s Early Interest in Music
“I’ve been singing since I was a kid. I’d sing at home and put on shows by myself. When we’d sit down for dinner, I’d tell my parents I was going to put on a dinner show. When I lived in Taiwan, before I’d go to bed, I’d ask my grandma to listen to me. But honestly, the praise I got didn’t mean much to me as a little girl. I knew a lot of kids who would do their best to help around the house just to get praise, but for me? I just wanted to make everyone happy by singing.” ―ASA WU
ASA Wu’s journey into the world of music began early in her childhood. As a young girl, she was overjoyed to see her family enjoying her singing, inspiring her to chase a music career. Her family remains her primary motivation to this day. Her voice has a warm quality to it, and it’s clear when speaking to ASA Wu that singing comes naturally to her.
Music and ASA Wu
“This might be cliche, but if I had to describe music to myself, I’d say “NO MUSIC, NO LIFE.” It’s like, when I’m sad or stressed, what do I do? Everyone has their own ways to clear their mind or destress, but for me, it’s only music. Music is easy–it can instantly change your mood. It can make you feel happy, it can motivate you. Just listening is such a simple thing to do, but it can really change your behavior and your actions. That’s what I aim to do for people with my music.”
―ASA WU
For ASA Wu, music is akin to life itself. No matter what troubles or challenges life brings, music is there. Music can conquer stress and offer clarity when her emotions are muddled. When writing lyrics, the singer defaults to taking an emotional approach, drawing inspiration from characters in the stories she writes in her head, or from the life lessons she writes in her notebook each day. Through her music, Wu wants to share feelings that people may have never been able to express before. Just as music has supported her, she only wants her music to support others.
Uncolor Music Video
About the New Track, Uncolor
During the songwriting process for her new track Uncolor, Wu decided to express a world in which darkness and light coexist, utilizing an already-created story and beat. The singer says that her favorite lines in the song are “Feeling Sad, you were in that lonely-colored sky,” and “No matter the color, I can’t see the Night Sky.” When asked why, the singer responded candidly.
“The sky at night may look black, but depending on the state of a person’s mind, it could really look like any color. I just put that thought into words. In the lyrics, I also included the phrase “my friends,” because I wanted to reach out to everyone on earth. We’re all friends.”
During the recording, Wu was conscious of how she could share her feelings through her singing voice. The thought inspired her to darken the room in the hopes that her song could add color to it.
Uncolor is a collaboration between ASA Wu and NANCY SNAKE, an illustrator known for her psychedelic pop worldview that combines realism and romanticism. The collab was made for the ongoing Artiswitch project.
For ASA Wu, collaboration is a means of discovery, where each artist’s individual colors overlap to create something completely new. She also sees it as an encounter with another self–someone new, born from working with another person. Expectations are high for Wu going forward after seeing how much progress she has made as an artist already.
“I hope that I can convey with my voice what I want to convey with my music, and what I feel like so many of my listeners also want to convey to the world,” the singer said to those who have listened to her songs.
“When I read messages from fans, I really try to understand what they’re thinking. I often empathize with their emotions, and I want to put those emotions into my music,” Wu says. “I want people to hear my songs and think “wow, I’m so glad ASA sang this!” I hope to become an artist worthy of all of this praise, and I want people to be glad that they supported me. Look forward to what’s coming next!” The artist finished the interview with a wide smile.
ASA Wu has already inspired an army of fans with her Gen-Z outlook, warm vocals, and one-of-a-kind sound. Try taking a deep breath while listening to her new song Uncolor. Maybe there’s a message in there for you.
TEXT: Natalie(MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON)
ASA Wu
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asawurarara/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCodMTlxqMqMr4_EGGY3ilYw
Information
Uncolor
Streaming Links: https://ssm.lnk.to/Uncolor
Official Site: https://asobisystem.com
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Futako Tamagawa Excel Hotel Tokyu Introduces Room Inspired by Eric Carle’s Picture Books
16.May.2022 | SPOT
Do you remember reading The Hungry Caterpillar as a kid? If you want to relive those simpler times, a new Eric Carle concept room is now available to reserve at Futako Tamagawa Excel Hotel Tokyu! The room is opening in conjunction with the opening of Japan’s first indoor playground ‘PLAY! PARK ERIC CARLE,’ located on the 8th floor of Futako Tamagawa Rise.
A safe ‘Kids Space,’ where children can play with bare feet against the backdrop of the Tama River and Mount Fuji
Parents and children alike will fall in love with this incredible guest room fully decorated in Eric Carle’s original designs. The bright and open space features an incredible view of the Tama River and Mount Fuji, and kids can enjoy their own play space complete with artificial grass.
Souveniers for guests to take home in an original bag. *Contents will be changed periodically.
The Eric Carle room includes plenty of items for children to see, touch, and enjoy. The plan includes tickets to the new ‘PLAY! PARK ERIC CARLE’ indoor playground, along with special souvenirs to bring home!
The Hungry Caterpillar Plate: ¥2,800 (Tax Included)
Pancakes, Pancakes!: ¥1,800 (Tax Included)
The hotel’s restaurant is currently offering a collaboration menu. The 30th Dining Bar, located on the 30th floor of the hotel, will offer a Chicken Galantine Set featuring The Hungry Caterpillar, along with a dessert menu featuring a pancake set inspired by Carle’s book Pancakes! Pancakes!
© 2022 Penguin Random House LLC. ERIC CARLE, THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR, THE WORLD OF ERIC CARLE logo, the Caterpillar logo and related designs, logos, and names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Penguin Random House LLC. All rights reserved. “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” is published by Penguin Random House LLC.
Information
Concept Room Accommodation Plan
Reservation Period: For two years starting April 24, 2022 (*Excluding certain dates.)
*One room available per day.
Contents: 1 room, 2 people (1 adult, one child)Futako Tamagawa Excel Hotel Tokyu
Address: Futako Tamagawa Rise 30F (1-14-1 Tamagawa, Setagaya, Tokyo)
Official Site: https://www.tokyuhotels.co.jp/futako-e/index.html -
Gelato Pique Cafe Offering Adorable Panda Sweets for a Limited Time
16.May.2022 | FOOD
Gelato Pique Cafe is now selling panda-inspired sweets for a limited time! The Hello! PANDA promotion will be going on until June 23, 2022.
Menu
Panda Crepe
Panda Gelato
Panda Float
Merchandise
Panda Glass
*Limited quantities available. Available while supplies last.
The limited-time menu includes a Panda Crepe made with Royal Bourbon gelato, Panda Gelato with cookies crumbles for the eyes and around the neck, and a Panda Float made with the cafe’s original blend of Guatemalan coffee and Royal Bourbon gelato.
In addition, the popular panda glasses, which sold out immediately last year, have been redesigned and are now available in limited quantities. You can grab one at Gelato Pique Cafe locations nationwide and online.
Information
gelato pique café – Hello! PANDA
Running until June 23, 2022
Online Shop: https://usagi-online.com/brand/gelatopiquecafe/
Official Site: https://pique-cafe.com/