A Tokyo Revengers online pop-up event is currently underway at chara-ani.com! Fans of the series can grab some zoot suit-themed merchandise until January 23, 2022. Don’t miss out on the exclusive purchase bonuses and SNS campaign!

Online Pop-Up Event Bonus Original Illustration Card

Twitter Campaign Giveaway – Pins, Zoot Suit Ver. (6 varieties) 

Tokyo Revengers Ring

Chara-Ani Purchase Bonus: Large Bromide

Tokyo Revengers Pin Zoot Suit Ver. 

Chara-Ani Purchase Bonus: Pin (Baji & Chifuyu)

 Tokyo Revengers Acrylic Keychain, Zoot Suit Ver. 

Chara-Ani Purchase Bonus: Acrylic Keychain (Baji & Chifuyu)

 Tokyo Revengers Acrylic Stand, Zoot Suit Ver. 

Tokyo Revengers Record-style Coaster, Set of 2, Zoot Suit Ver. 

Tokyo Revengers A4-size Clear Folder, Zoot Suit Ver.

Tokyo Revengers Tapestry, Zoot Suit Ver.

Tokyo Revengers Big Stand, Zoot Suit Ver.

Tokyo Revengers Instagram Stand

 Tokyo Revengers Metal Keychain

*The pre-order deadline for this item is January 18, 2022.

Tokyo Revengers Mask Chain

Tokyo Revengers Chibi Keychain

Chara-Ani 3-set Purchase Bonus

Ⓒ和久井健・講談社／アニメ「東京リベンジャーズ」製作委員会

Everyone’s favorite robot cat is making a peculiar appearance inside a piece of famous Japanese art! Using traditional Ukiyo-e crafting techniques, the Hanzou company has successfully inserted Doraemon into the painting Fujimigahara in Owari Province by Hokusai, originally created between 1830 and 1832. The painting will be available to preorder online starting October 8, 2021, with only 300 copies available!

Ukiyo-e Woodblock Print Production Process

Engraving by Craftsman

Rubbing by Craftsman

First, a sketch is made, and a monochrome version of the print is carved. After carving a number of woodblocks for each color and using them to rub the painting tirelessly to bring it to life, one single woodblock print is completed. The extremely delicate and advanced techniques these craftsmen utilize have been passed down from the Edo period. 

The original painting was created after Hokusai turned 70, and took two years to complete. The painting is said to portray the view of Mount Fuji from Fujimi-cho, Naka-ku, Nagoya City. An eccentric piece for the time, looking closely shows that each and every line and dot was meticulously calculated. Note the vivid indigo sky and the abundance of blue shades that Hokusai loved to use. Doraemon and Nobita are shown having fun as they make barrels, a welcome departure from the more stoic figure in the original painting. 

GQ Japan and ITOCHU Textiles have released a video of The “O.SHIRO” Collection Vol.2 fashion show, highlighting domestic textile production areas around Japan. The video is now available on the special GQ Japan website, as well as the GQ Japan official YouTube channel. 

GQ was first published in the United States in 1957 and is now published in 21 countries around the world. 

The “O.SHIRO” Collection (o-shiro meaning ‘castle’ in Japanese) is a collaborative collection bringing Japanese textile producers and fashion brands together. The first event was held at Okayama Castle in 2019, with Okayama being an area known for denim production. The second event was held at Nagoya Castle, located in the famed Bishu wool production area. The theme of the most recent showing was ‘ethical consumption,’ a big topic in manufacturing. Three increasingly global brands took center stage: ANREALAGE, beautiful people, and sulvam. Models present include Taiki&Noah, Dori Sakurada, Mila Aina, and Satsuki Nakayama. 

A patchwork collection from ANREALAGE using textiles from the Bishu region was released on October 4. On October 7, a collection from beautiful people will include textiles from Wakayama, while on October 14, sulvam will release a collection made from Okayama and Hiroshima denim. Certain pieces from The “O.SHIRO” Collection will be on display on the 3rd floor of Shibuya PARCO. 

『GQ JAPAN』Illustration by Koji Toyama (C) 2021 Conde Nast Japan. All rights reserved.

Tsuruoka, Yamagata prefecture is known throughout Japan and the world for its silk production. Beginning on September 18, a new exhibition is inviting guests to see some of the incredibly beautiful fabrics to come out of the area, particularly highlighting Reiko Sudo, an innovative cloth-maker living in the area. These stunning pieces are being displayed at the Matsugaoka Reclamation Site, celebrating 150 years of history in 2021 and known as the birthplace of Tsuruoka silk. In particular, Sudo’s own Kibiso fabrics, created with the intent of blending long-held traditions with modern technologies, will be making an appearance! Kibiso refers to the first silk that comes off the cocoons in industrial silk spinning. 

Kibiso Stripes & Streaks: 2018 Photo Sue McNab

Kibiso Zori: Photo Keiko Matsubara

Swinging Cherries: 2021 Photo Keiko Matsubara

An exhibit featuring the production process, original design sketches, and prototypes

Kibiso – Ogarami Choshi Sheets: 2018 Photo Keiko Matsubara

Ogarami Choshi, the byproduct of the silk mill: Photo Keiko Matsubara

The First Cultivation of the Matsugaoka Reclamation Site 

Tsuruoka City is the only region in Japan where the entire silk-making process–from caring for silkworms to dying and wearing–is completed in a single place. Silk production began in 1872 when the former Shonai clam’s samurai warriors began cultivating new lands around the Matsugaoka area. During the Meiji period, a local inventor named Saito Toichi invented the automatic weaving machine, making the production of silk fabrics much quicker and easier. The new fabrics were exported around the country to be used in dresses, and silk production quickly became the area’s main industry. 

Kibiso, a type of thread made from the first silk discharged from a silkworm, has been in production since 2007 and is breathing new life into the area’s industry. The thread is hard and thick, making it very difficult to work with–but once these works are completed, the textile is extremely durable. It holds moisture well, has antibacterial properties, and will help protect the wearer from UV rays. Combining new designs with functionality, Kibiso also cuts down on waste, and museums in the United States and the United Kingdom currently have some of these creations on display, with more requesting installations. 

At the current exhibition, 29 unique textiles, mainly Kibiso, are hung from the ceiling. Visitors are allowed to touch each of these pieces, and can also view the entire creative process from sketches and prototypes to the final product. All pieces were created together with the members of NUNO, a textile design studio directed by Sudo. The designs were decided on through conversations with craftsmen throughout Japan. By reviewing traditional processes and helping them evolve to suit modern needs, Kibiso was born and is helping to revitalize the silk industry in Tsuruoka. 

A highlight of the exhibition is ogarami choshi, a byproduct of silk production often caught in the thin metal tubes of silk mills. These can be torn into sheets and used for new creations, and by doing so, helps reduce waste. 

MERICAN GOODSTAND, a brunch restaurant in Kobe, will host a 5-day pop-up event by specialty Ebisu-based coffee shop Sarutahiko Coffee starting October 6, 2021. This marks the first event for Sarutahiko Coffee in Kobe, and visitors can enjoy a wide range of delicious drinks including espresso, original drip coffee, and iced coffee. T-shirts and bags commemorating 10 years of Sarutahiko Coffee will also be available for purchase!

10th Anniversary Drip

Crisp Black Coffee

Sarutahiko ‘Coffee Dude’ T-Shirt

The event itself is sponsored by MERICAN BARBERSHOP, a barbershop with a neo-classic concept that has been sharing diverse cultures through fashion, music, and art since opening in 2015. In addition to Sarutahiko’s drink menu, five different sweets will also be on sale to enjoy with your beverage. The entire concept of the event is ‘enjoying a cup of coffee with something sweet while having some pleasant conversation,’ which sounds like heaven! 

anytee, a shop specializing in vintage t-shirts, will also be on-site selling coffee and sweets-themed apparel that they personally selected, so be sure to check it out!

An exhibition featuring artisan Hiroshi Nakakado’s unique lacquerware will be on display at Yokohama Takashimaya from September 29 until October 5, 2021. Wajima, located in Ishikawa prefecture, is home to 25,000 people, and a number of craftsmen producing Wajima-nuri, known throughout the country as some of the most durable and beautiful lacquered products in Japan. 

Umbrella Dessert Dish: ¥31,900

Umbrella Dessert Dish: ¥59,400

Coffee Cup & Saucer: ¥49,500

Pasta Bowl: ¥30,800

Cube Vase: ¥26,400

Umbrella Cup: ¥52,800

Limited-Edition Takashimaya 190th Anniversary Goods | Wine Glass: ¥67,100 / Dry Lacquer Sake Cup (small): ¥33,000 / Dry Lacquer Sake Cup (medium): ¥35,200 / Oval Tray: ¥60,500

Nakakado Lacquerware, established in 1928, specializes in the top coating of Wajima-nuri, the traditional lacquerware made in the small city of Wajima, in Ishikawa prefecture. Nakakado Hiroshi, a fourth-generation craftsman, is one of the leading experts on ‘colored lacquer.’ Using his unique technique, each piece is treated like a canvas and painted on appropriately. Gazing at each detailed piece, it’s easy to see that Nakakado has over 40 years of experience in his field–he has created over 100 different colors of lacquer, and continues to create modern lacquerware featuring trendy techniques such as gradation. His innovative pieces break the mold of traditional Wajima-nuri, and are beginning to become popular with younger generations. 

In recent years, the production value of Wajima-nuri has begun to decline, largely due to changes in lifestyle, the aging population, and a lack of successors due to the low birth rate in Japan. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has put a halt to foreign tourism, with local tourism also in a steep decline over the past year. Compared to the amount of production in 1991, the current rate is only 20%, and the number of workshops and craftsmen continues to decline year after year. 

If you’re in the area, be sure to check out this exhibition highlighting one of the traditional crafting areas of Japan. Purchasing any of these items will also help revitalize Wajima city, and hopefully, bring more attention back to this fading craft. 

Marimekko, a Finnish textile and fashion company, has been a major inspiration in the art world for 70 years. The Japanese edition of Marimekko: The Art of Printmaking, published by Thames & Hudson to commemorate the brand’s 70th anniversary, will be released on October 1, 2021. To commemorate the release of this highly-anticipated art book, a special Marimekko exhibition and pop-up store are coming to Daikanyama T-SITE starting on September 21, feating an outdoor installation featuring Marimekko printed fabrics. A bookstore display of photos taken by Osma Harvalahti, along with other Marimekko art books, will be waiting for interested guests. 

The four chapters of Marimekko: The Art of Printmaking highlight the collaborations and colorful print designs that the Finnish brand has released over the years through vintage archival photos and advertisements. The tome contains the philosophy of the Marimekko brand, and introduces the Herttoniemi print factory, working with the inspirational brand since its inception. In the future, Marimekko aims to be more sustainable while also finding new sources of boundless creativity. 

Fans of art and history shouldn’t miss out on this limited-time event, running until October 15, 2021! 

Everyone’s favorite pink ball is coming to Nagoya! The KIRBY’s DREAM FACTORY pop-up shop, previously appearing in Osaka, Shizuoka, and Tokyo, will open in Nagoya PARCO from October 22 until November 8, 2021.

Adorable Original Merchandise Overview

Kirby Plushie: ¥2,420 (Tax Included)

Mug: ¥1,650 (Tax Included)

Kirby Cookie: ¥540 (Tax Included)

Craft Tape: ¥825 (Tax Included)

*Images for promotion only. Designs may differ.

*Product prices subject to change.

*Number of items for sale limited.

Photo Spot

Virtual Factory Experience Ticket: ¥700 (Tax Included)

Limited-Edition Poster

The Kirby franchise began in 1992, when the first title was released for the GameBoy. Since then, a number of titles have been released starring the adorable pink orb, with 34 Kirby games released to date! The latest in the series, Kirby Fighters 2, released in September 2020 for the Nintendo Switch.

KIRBY’s DREAM FACTORY is an interactive pop-up experience, where Kirby and Waddle-Dee work together in a sweets factory. Visitors can take photos with their favorite character next to a working conveyor belt, and by holding up a smartphone to the QR code, a number of cool visuals will pop up! Over 100 pieces of exclusive merchandise will be on sale, and everyone who participates in the event will receive a limited-edition poster as a gift.

For those who can’t make it to Nagoya PARCO, don’t worry: the online store will also offer plenty of limited-edition Kirby goods!

*Game Boy and Nintendo Switch are trademarks of Nintendo.

© Nintendo / HAL Laboratory, Inc.

Apparel brand CLOUDY opened a pop-up event at the Media Stage on the first floor of Hakata Hankyu on July 28 which will run until August 3.

Hakata Hankyu exclusive tee design

CLOUDY was established with the goal of creating education and employment opportunities in Africa. Part of its proceeds are donated to the NPO Doooooooo.

At the event, CLOUDY will be selling a collection of apparel made using traditional weaving techniques from Ghana, such as handmade baskets which take two weeks to make, quilted bags with African prints, hand-woven canvas tote bags made from eco-friendly fabrics, tees made out of recycled materials, and more, all colourful for the spring and summer seasons. A limited-edition Hakata Hankyu tee will also be available to purchase.

Tokyo Midtown’s annual MIDTOWN ART PALETTE has returned again for the summer, opening on July 16 and running until September 5. This year, the event delivers a Digital Art Garden with gorgeous dream-like digital artwork.

Digital Art Garden

Last year’s event

Experience a distinctively Japanese way to stay cool and refreshed on a wooden veranda with light and mist dancing through the outdoor space inspired by traditional Japanese rock gardens. Find yourself bewitched by an enchanting summer evening as the digital art transforms throughout the day.

This year’s event is being held with all proper social distancing measures in place.

Take digital art home with you with AR fireworks

Locate five QR codes dotted around Tokyo Midtown which when accessed via your smartphone will award you with artistic AR fireworks, allowing you to enjoy fireworks with you wherever you point the camera on your screen, including at home.

This summer, Tokyo Midtown has announced an outdoor lantern art event titled MIDTOWN ART PALETTE which will run from July 16 to September 17.

Lanterns

The outdoor event is taking place at MIDPARK ART LOUNGE which will be open at Midtown Garden for a limited time from July 16 to September 5. At the lounge, visitors can enjoy gazing at lantern art while enjoy a meal.

Summer Colours (3 Fruit Rollss) | ¥1,200

MIDPARK Goldfish (Alcoholic or Non-Alcoholic) | ¥1,000

Mascarpone Cream Shaved Ice | ¥1,250

Visitors can enjoy tucking into some fruit rolls, a refreshing cocktail, shaved ice, and other tasty treats perfect for cooling down in the hot Japanese summer while sitting on one of the grass-like sofas that are like sitting on grass or wooden tables as they gaze at the enchanting lanterns.

FUJIFILM SQUARE in Minato, Tokyo, has announced the HAKU graphy Hommage to Hokusai exhibition by Mineko Orisaku which will run from July 21 to August 19 this year.

Hommage to Hokusai ©Mineko Orisaku

Following sunset (Tanuki-ko Lake) ©Mineko Orisaku

Pine and Mt.Fuji (Kawaguchi-ko Lake) ©Mineko Orisaku

Since announcing her “HAKU graphy” project in 2017, Mineko Orisaku has been experimenting with combining gold leaf and photography. This is different from the usual method of printing photos onto printing paper or washi paper, instead using FUJIFILM’s Acuity UV inkjet printer to print delicate gold leaf. This technology allows a wider use of printing materials and colours.

Mineko Orisaku’s exhibition is an homage to Hokusai, one of Japan’s most celebrated ukiyo-e painters and artists. She has used FUJIFILM’s large-format GFX digital camera for her works on Hokusai’s Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji to create something unique to her vision. Her work can be enjoyed alongside another Hokusai exhibition taking place at FUJIFILM Photo Salon Tokyo’s Space 1 and 2.