Goldwin Inc. has announced a special event for both children and families to enjoy! The GOLDWIN PLAY EARTH PARK event, running until May 29, has taken over the lawn at Tokyo Midtown. Five architects have created playground equipment inspired by five elements: fire, earth, water, wind, and sky. The event wants to inspire children to be more curious about the world around them. What better way than to get Pokemon involved?

For the event, Goldwin, The North Face, Helly Hansen, Speedo, and Canterbury all collaborated with artists, designers, and of course, the Pokemon series.

Goldwin is known for providing incredible sports and outdoor apparel, and behind its sturdy technology lies a deep curiosity regarding nature. This new collaboration has brought new perspectives and ideas to the collection, and those visiting the venue won’t want to miss out.

Collaboration Items at a Glance

THE NORTH FACE ✕ Pokemon

YOUNG EXPLORERS Jacket: ¥10,890 (Tax Included)

YOUNG EXPLORERS Hat: ¥6,380 (Tax Included)

Just like everyone’s favorite Pokemon Pikachu, the event wants to inspire children to be filled with energy as they explore the world around them and take on new adventures. These new jackets come inside a pouch inspired by a Pokeball and are mde of environmentally friendly recycled nylon material.

*Products in The North Face x Pokemon collection will be sold by lottery starting April 22. Check the official website for details on how to enter.

©Pokémon.
©Nintendo/Creatures Inc./GAME FREAK inc.
TM, ®, and character names are trademarks of Nintendo.

HELLY HANSEN ✕ minä perhonen

Left: VINDKRAFT PEP Tote: ¥9,900 (Tax Included) / Middle: VINDKRAFT PEP Patch Tote: ¥19,800 (Tax Included) / Right: VINDKRAFT PEP Pochette: ¥3,300 (Tax Included)

Based on Helly Hansen’s ‘VINDKRAFT’ project to recover and upcycle sailboats’ sails, minä perhonen has designed a bag by combining scraps from its own production process. Nothing goes to waste, making this perfect for those aware of the current problems facing our environment.

*As this is an upcycled product, the number of pieces is limited and each piece is unique.

Collaboration items are available at a pop-up shop at the GOLDWIN PLAY EARTH PARK event. A number of workshops are also open for children to enjoy, with a focus on their relationship with nature while living in the city. Check out the special site for more information!

The pop-up event ‘Takahiro Koga -CRYPTO- ~Pottery in the Age of Subversion x NFT~ produced by B-OWND’ will be held at Rayard Miyashita Park from April 4 until April 11, 2022. 

Real Work Neo Manekineko -Crypto-

NFT Work Neo Manekineko -Break-

Rayard Miyashita Park, South 2F Atrium Plaza (Digital signage will differ during the event)

The event will feature new works and 3D computer-generated digital art pieces by up-and-coming artist Takahiro Koga. The exhibition will utilize the pillar-shaped digital signage found in the building, and will demonstrate the potential for new art exhibitions going forward. 

During the event, visitors will receive a white list NFT for the purchase of artwork, which will serve as a preorder coupon for the NFT art piece Neo Manekineko -Break-. A total of 100 guests who utilize this coupon will receive an NFT art piece as a gift. Additional pieces of NFT artwork will be available on the NFT sales platform HARTi. 

The Tokyo Handicrafts Craft Fair Exhibition at Matsuzakaya Ueno will be running from March 23 until March 28, and guests will be able to pick up some incredible glassware at the event. Glasslab will be selling Edo cut glass with panda designs in three different colors. These will also be available online. 

Panda Cut Glass Special Edition – Bamboo Version (Light Pink x Green)

Before Adding Alcohol

After Adding Alcohol

Panda Cut Glass – Lapis Lazuli Version (Light Blue x Lapis Lazuli)
　　　　　　　　　　　　　

Before Adding Alcohol

After Adding Alcohol

Panda Cut Glass – Yellow Version (Yellow x Bronze-red)
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

Before Adding Alcohol

After Adding Alcohol

Edo-Kiriko gets its name due to it originating in Edo (modern-day Tokyo). Every detail is cut into the glass by hand to create stunning designs. The way the glass sparkles changes depending on the light, which is a sight to behold. In the latter part of the Edo period, the cut-glass method of engraving designs onto the surface of the glass was brought over to Nagasaki from the Netherlands, and kiriko was born as a result of trying to mimic those techniques. Shiina Yasutane is a third-generation craftsman specializing in ‘sandblasting, who can reliably draw lines as fine as 0.09 mm wide.

Ginza Tsutaya, located on the 6th floor of the GINZA SIX department store, is now holding a Spring Ceramic Fair until March 7, 2022.

Many popular ceramic artists are coming together for the event. This year’s lineup includes dishes and mugs with botanical patterns and animal motifs in spring-like colors to add color to tables and living spaces. A large number of works, from vases to tableware and even ceramic brooches, will be on display, including works by Wato Maekawa and Oda Pottery. 

Participating Ceramic Artists

Ritsuko Imai

After studying pottery in England, Imai currently lives and works in Mashiko, Tochigi Prefecture. This year’s exhibition will show off her dyed works, including Zougan works, a technique in which different materials are inlaid into one material. Enjoy her small plates and teapots with soft colors.

Miki Furuhata

Miki Furuhata is a pottery artist in Nagano. Using gentle colors and unique self-made glaze, her colorful pieces are a lovely addition to one’s daily life.

Hanako Sakashita

Hanako Sakashita uses a ‘kneading’ technique, in which colorful clays are kneaded together to create patterns, marbles, stripes, checks, and countless other patterns. Enjoy the many textures, shades, and patterns found in her works!

Wato Maekawa

A ceramic artist living in Toyama Prefecture, Wato Maegawa creates works inspired by the four seasons. Her flower-shaped plates are reminiscent of Japanese sweets.

Toutousya

Using candle wax to make prototypes, these ceramic brooches and boxes are made with a technique adapted from candle making. These hand-painted pieces are very popular, and those on sale in this year’s exhibition are covered with flowers, birds, and animals in spring colors.

Oda Pottery

Oda Pottery was founded in 1921 in Mizunami City, Gifu Prefecture. Their lineup features vases that are easy to incorporate into any interior. 

Creative company NAKED has begun producing a collection of workshops on traditional crafts found in Saga Prefecture. Along with local creators, the event will continue through February 2022. 

NAKED, together with Saga Prefecture, started a project called the ‘Saga Art Prefectural Government Project’ in 2016, which focuses on promoting the night economy in Saga. From the fall of 2021 until winter 2022, visitors to Saga will be able to enjoy a night walk surrounded by lanterns and local pieces of artwork.

During this event, workshops led by Saga’s top creators will invite visitors to create a number of unique, personalized items, from lanterns to hand lotion. Certain workshops are for both adults and children, making this a fun event for the entire family. 

Workshops

aroma*aroma Fragrance School Seminar House: Aromatherapy Soap Making for Parents and Children

Arita Porcelain Lab Painting Experience

Ogi Akari Project Bamboo Lantern Making Experience

Making Magatama at Yoshinogari Historial Park

Balloon Museum: Paper Balloon Making Experience for Parents and Children

full of flowers hyakka Flower Swag Making Experience

aroma*aroma Fragrance School Seminar House (with aroma lecture) Hand Cream Making Experience

Bubbleman Store for Adults: Saga Lotion Making Experience/ Bubbleman Store Candy Soap Making Experience for Parents and Children

Ureshino Warmth Festival Lantern Making Experience

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!