VISIONS 2023 ILLUSTRATORS BOOK, the newest edition of the popular art book edited by pixiv, was released on October 4, 2022. Art fans know the pixiv website as a place to share artwork, manga, and more. 

The VISIONS book series began publication in 2020, and the total number of copies sold worldwide has surpassed 150,000. The latest 2023 issue features works by 170 creators, allowing readers a glimpse into the current state of illustration today.

The cover art was drawn by Mika Pikazo, a character designer for many popular titles including Fire Emblem Engage, the latest in Nintendo’s Fire Emblem series. Mika Pikazo has long been pursuing new forms of expression in digital art, including incorporating cubism. Digital art is often treated as something vastly different from traditional art such as paintings and sculptures, but the cover art of this book challenges this belief by blending digital and traditional art. Pikazo’s vivid colors and exquisite brushwork are a must-see.

In addition to providing the cover art, a 7,000-word special interview with Mika Pikazo delving into his thoughts and vision can be found in the new book, providing a detailed view of what the digital art scene will look like in 2023.

The popular anime series Free! will celebrate its 10th anniversary with a special event at Saitama Super Arena on August 13, 2023. Cast members from the series, including Nobunaga Shimazaki, Tatsuhisa Suzuki, Mamoru Miyano, Tsubasa Yonaga, and Daisuke Hirakawa, will be in attendance. Free! -the Final Stroke- The Second Volume will be released on Blu-ray and DVD on April 5, 2023, and will include a priority purchase application ticket for the special event. Check out the official website for details!

The Free! anime franchise, which is loosely based on the High Speed! light novels by Kouji Ooji, began in 2013 and includes three TV series and multiple films produced by Kyoto Animation. The three anime series–Free!, Free! Eternal Summer, and Free! Dive to the Future–have been incredibly popular around the world. The first part of Free! The Final Stroke was released in theaters last year, with the second part hitting theaters in April 2022. Fans won’t want to miss out on the exciting 10th-anniversary activities in 2023!

©おおじこうじ・京都アニメーション／岩鳶町後援会2021

In March 2022, the cover song project CrosSing was launched. Amassing instant popularity, tracks featured as part of the project have pulled in millions of views. The project has featured popular voice actors Maaya Uchida, Kana Hanazawa, and Akari Kito. 

On September 28, a recording video of voice actress Miyu Tomita singing the Jujutsu Kaisen opening theme Kaikai Kitan was released. Known for her work in anime series like Made in Abyss and Interspecies Reviewers, Tomita sings Eve’s mega-hit with ease, and fans won’t want to miss hearing her incredible voice. 

Kaikai Kitan from CrosSing – Miyu Tomita (Recording Video)

The track is now available to stream, and those purchasing the high-resolution compilation on mora will be able to hear an exclusive chat with Tomita herself. In addition, those who play the song on LINE MUSIC over 300 times in two weeks starting September 28 will be entered for a chance to win an autographed image. Those following the official CrosSing Twitter and TikTok accounts can repost a specific post to be entered to win a signed autograph card, and two lucky winners will be selected.

On September 21, the CrosSing project released its first compilation album, CrosSing Collection Vol. 1. In addition to the 12 incredible tracks currently available on YouTube and streaming services, Kana Hanazawa’s cover of Rain from Makoto Shinkai’s short anime film The Garden of Words is included as a bonus track. 

Stay tuned for more from CrosSing as the third season heats up!

BAND-MAID, one of the most popular Japanese music groups in the world, recently performed at the Genshin Impact Concert 2022 – Melodies of an Endless Journey. The event, which was held on October 2, featured a special arrangement of the Dawn Winery Theme by Shiro Sagisu, with instrumental performances by MIKU KOBATO, AKANE, KANAMI, and MISA!

Genshin Impact Concert 2022 – Melodies of an Endless Journey

BAND-MAID’s newest EP Unleash is available now, and has been incredibly popular, reaching #10 on the Worldwide iTunes Album Chart and #1 on the weekly USEN HIT J-POP and J-POP/Western music rankings. The group will start its U.S. tour on October 9 with over 20,000 fans expected to attend. 12 of the 13 shows scheduled in the U.S. have already sold out, proving that the band has an incredibly dedicated international fanbase.

In addition to their appearance at MERRY ROCK PARADE 2022 on December 18, the band will hold its largest-ever solo concert at the Tokyo Garden Theater on January 9, 2023. Tickets are now on sale by official lottery, so don’t miss your chance to watch these girls continue down their path of world domination!

Comment from Miku Kobato

“We were so happy to be able to perform at the Genshin Impact concert. 

Genshin is so popular around the world. I’m surrounded by people who play it, and I promised myself I wouldn’t start because I’d probably get addicted. Eventually, I couldn’t help myself though, and now I’m completely obsessed. 

This performance was completely instrumental, which was a really valuable experience for us.  I hope that everyone can enjoy the world of Genshin through our music!”

The mobile game Puzzle & Dragons has been around for ten years, with over 90 million downloads worldwide. Continuing its incredible popularity to this day, Universal Music has announced that a best-of album would be released on November 23, 2022, featuring a number of popular tracks from the game.

The album, titled Puzzle & Dragons 10th Anniversary Festival, will feature a collection of original songs by famed game composers Kenji Ito and Yukio Nakajima. Fans of the series will be excited to hear Departure Ver.0, created by Ito before the well-known song Departure was released. This will be the first time that the song has ever been released.

The album jacket features newly-drawn illustrations of Ideal, who won the top spot in last year’s character ranking, Sonia, Roche, Valeria, and Mil. 

The album will be released as a CD and will also be available to stream and download. Those buying the CD will enjoy a two-disc set and special packaging, with a booklet featuring illustrations and interviews by Kenji Ito, Yukio Nakajima, and the producer Yamamoto. 100 lucky winners will be selected by lottery to win an original towel featuring exclusive art.

Over the past decade, Puzzle & Dragons has brought plenty of joy to people’s lives. Have you ever played the title? Is the music special to you?

Don’t miss the 10th-anniversary celebration of Puzzle & Dragons!

©GungHo Online Entertainment, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Musical duo GARNiDELiA has released the music video for Genai Yugi, the opening theme song for the anime series My Master Has No Tail. 

The new song features a playful electro sound that has become GARNiDELiA’s trademark, and the track’s lyrics are perfect for the anime series. The music video shows MARiA as a temptress and toku as a detective, and viewers will be pulled into the pair’s bewitching performance. MARiA’s vogue dancing is also worth a watch! “We’ve transformed our feelings about art into a grown-up love game! Be sure to check out the tail dance,” MARiA said in a comment. “The melody blends royal pops and a hint of bewitching playfulness. We hope you’ll enjoy the beat and the speed of the Latin trumpet,” toku said. 

Genai Yugi – GARNiDELiA (Music Video)

On October 19, GARNiDELiA will release Oukaranman, the latest song in their dance series. The duo has been taking on different dance challenges for some time, with videos pulling in over 200 million times. The most popular is Gokuraku Jodo with over 85 million views.

Anime director Makoto Shinkai and popular rock band RADWIMPS are teaming up for the third time, and fans are thrilled. The group will perform the theme for Shinkai’s upcoming film Suzuka no Tojimari, set to be released on November 11. The theme, Suzume feat. Toaka, is now available to stream on all major music streaming sites. 

The theme can be heard in the film’s trailer, and features Toaka, a famous female singer known for her appearances on TikTok. “I felt a connection between Toaka and this song. No one else could come close,” RADWIMPS vocalist Yojiro Noda commented. 

Suzume no Tojimari, Shinkai’s first new film in three years, is a coming-of-age story, following a girl named Suzume as she travels to disaster-stricken locations around Japan, closing doors to keep those nearby safe. Suzume Iwato, the heroine, will be played by Nanoka Hara. Hokuto Matsumura will portray Souta Munakata. Six more cast members have also been revealed, and the latest trailer shows off a bit more of the film’s incredible cast and world. 

Suzume no Tojimari Trailer

https://youtu.be/FVU0zESXS5c–

The theme song and a bit of the film’s musical score can be heard in the new trailer, and many are calling this the most robust musical structure ever heard in a Shinkai film. What do you think? 

©2022「すずめの戸締まり」製作委員会

A BATHING APE®︎ and MEDICOM TOY’s iconic BE@RBRICK block figure is getting a makeover! Fans will be able to grab Color Camo Tiger versions in three shades for a limited time only. 

Collectors can grab a figure in blue, red, or purple. These will be on sale at authorized A BATHING APE®︎ retailers, project 1/6, MEDICOM TOY Tokyo Skytree Solamachi, 2G Tokyo, 2G Osaka, and online starting October 1, 2022. 

BE@RBRICK BAPE®︎ CAMO TIGER

100% & 400% (Height: 7cm and 28cm) 

Colors: Navy / Purple / Red

Price: ¥19,800 (Tax Included) 

BE@RBRICK BAPE®︎ CAMO TIGER

1000% (Height: 70cm)

Colors: Navy / Purple / Red

Price: ¥107,800 (Tax Included) 

“Kawaii is marshmallow-flavored medicine for the soul.”

Moshi Moshi Nippon is dedicated to sharing Japanese pop culture with audiences around the world, and today, we’re featuring a foreign influencer living and working in Japan! This time, we interviewed Etsuna, a popular influencer from China, discussing how Yume Kawaii fashion brings her comfort and the many types of ‘kawaii’ she’s found during her time in Japan. 

Q. What brought you to Japan?

“After graduating with a major in animation, I was working at a university in Shanghai as a teacher, but I decided to enroll in Tama Art University’s graduate program to study for my master’s degree. That’s when I came to Japan, and I’ve been here for 15 years!”

Q. When you first came to Japan, what surprised you? Was anything different than what you had imagined? 

“Everyone wore such bold makeup, and that really surprised me! When I first came to Japan 15 years ago, I think the gyaru trend was still big, and a lot of girls had that strong Harajuku style and big personalities. Heavy eye makeup and blush was the big thing. I thought everyone was getting ready to film for a TV show.” 

Q. What do you think of when you heard the word ‘kawaii’ in Japan?

“MOSHI MOSHI ROOMS, character cafes, and Yume Kawaii fashion…they are all so unique and so adorable! Those things are what I think of when I hear the word ‘kawaii.’”

Q. Did finding Japanese kawaii culture change you in any way?

“Before I experienced kawaii culture, I was a teacher, so I wore a lot of black, white, and gray every day. But after encountering kawaii style for the first time, I started experimenting with different kawaii subcultures, like the Mori Girl trend back in the mid-2000s. Eventually, I fell in love with Yume Kawaii (Dreamy Kawaii) fashion, which is filled with pastels and a fantasy-like aesthetic. I’ve been dressing in that particular style for about ten years now. To me, kawaii is like marshmallow-flavored medicine for the soul. It’s very healing.” 

Q. When it comes to Japan, what interests you now? Where would you like to visit in the future?

“Today, it feels like Japanese fashion is becoming more and more simple, and the Harajuku kawaii trend is starting to disappear. Is that because people don’t like standing out in that over-the-top way? Do they feel embarrassed if they dress differently than most people? I’ve met a lot of people who love Yume Kawaii fashion, but they might not have the courage to wear it themselves. That’s why I’m currently researching how to bring Yume Kawaii to AR. If I can bring it to the virtual world in a way that blends with the real world, I can create a brand-new experience for everyone. Using mobile AR technology, people will be able to transform their everyday clothes into something with more Yume Kawaii style!”

Etsuna’s Original Yume Kawaii AR Filter

Q. Please give a few words to those living abroad who are interested in visiting Japan!

If you really want to experience Japanese kawaii culture, stay at MOSHI MOSHI ROOMS in Harajuku! There are so many fashionable people in Tokyo too, and if you hang out near Harajuku Laforet on the weekend, you’ll see people taking plenty of pictures. Come have a special trip to Japan and surround yourself with all things kawaii! Have fun!” 

Popular phone accessory brand CASETiFY has announced a new collection inspired by One Piece. This marks the third collaboration between the two, with the new items celebrating the release of One Piece Film: Red.

Dubbed the ‘Pirate Black Collection, the series was inspired by playing cards and plastic models. One highlight of the collection is the Golden Transponder Snail 3D AirPods Pro case, inspired by the communication device from the Marine’s Buster Call. Both a display piece and a protective case, the outer shell features a metallic gold finish with painted eyeballs and a keychain. 

Along with the 3D AirPods Pro case, the lineup includes plenty of items perfect for every kind of One Piece fan, including the Motif case covered in icons from the series, the Thousand Sunny Ship Case featuring the Straw Hat crew’s ship, and the Brotherhood Sticker Case highlighting the bond between Luffy, Sabo, and Ace.

The poker card character case uses playing cards as a motif, and features six fan-favorite duos including Luffy & Shanks and Ace & Sabo. Don’t miss the movie-exclusive Uta & Shanks version!

Limited-edition 25th-anniversary accessories will also be available, including water bottles, Macbook sleeves, iPad covers, Apple Watch straps, and more.

Those who have already registered for the waitlist on the CASETiFY online store will be the first allowed access to the collection on October 5, 2022. See the official website for more details.

©E.O./S.,T.A.　© O/2022 OP

Tiger & Bunny 2 will premiere on Netflix worldwide on October 7, 2022. The ending theme is Pilot by Taichi Mukai, and the track will be available to stream starting October 5.

The song’s message is powerful, expressing that while we can’t always control what happens in life, we should always strive to pilot our own course as best we can. Mukai, who is a huge anime fan, studied the bonds and emotions of the show’s characters prior to creating the track, eager to make it something that fans would love. 

The song was produced by CELSIOR COUPE, a close friend of Mukai’s who previously worked on the singer’s other anime tracks including Reset and Michi from Run with the Wind and Bravest from Dragon Quest: The Adventure of Dai. A mid-tempo track, the song also incorporates elements of Future Beats, creating an emotional sound that is perfect for an anime ending theme. Be sure to give it a listen when it releases next month!

Comment from Taichi Mukai

“I’m so happy to have been chosen to perform the ending theme for Tiger & Bunny 2! I decided to interpret the bonds and emotions of the characters in my own way, and I really wanted to sing about having the strength to move on in the midst of sadness and resentment. I hope that this track will capture the feeling of the series and the fans.” 

©BNP/T&B2 PARTNERS 

The special Shinbashi-iro Parfait will be available from October 1 until October 31 at Shiseido Parlour Nihonbashi, Yokohama Takashimaya, Yokohama Sogo, Shiseido Parlour Nagoya, and Salon de Cafe Lazona Kawasaki Plaza.

Shibashi-iro is a bright greenish-blue color that is known to be traditionally Japanese. It was named after the color of kimono worn by Shinbashi geisha, who were known to be at the forefront of fashion during the late Meiji period.  In 1902, at the soda fountain–later renamed Shiseido Parlour–many Shinbashi geisha would take a break to enjoy some tasty soda water. This parfait was designed to conjure images of these chic and glamorous ladies. 

The Chic and Stylish Shinbashi-iro

Shibashi-iro is a greenish-blue color that is traditionally Japanese. The name was derived from the color of kimono worn by Shinbashi geisha between 1868 and 1912. 

The parfait is made with traditional vanilla ice cream, green apple filling, and blue jelly with decorative flourishes. Why not come enjoy this unique treat?