Photo by zakkubalan ©2022 Kab Inc.

  On January 17, 2022, beloved composer Ryuichi Sakamoto celebrated his 70th birthday. The artist continues to battle cancer, and as a way to encourage and empower him, the commons label launched a special anniversary website titled 10 Favorites - Ryuichi Sakamoto. The site features appearances from major artists and creators who have cited Sakamoto as an inspiration, listing their ten favorite works by the composer alongside their unique perspectives and thoughts. The 25th and final installment features SUGA of the popular K-pop boy band BTS.

Comment from SUGA (BTS)

「어릴적 부모님 손에 이끌려 ‘마지막 황제’ 재개봉을 간 적이 있었습니다. 그 때 음악에 압도 되었다는 느낌을 처음 받았고 12살 음악을 만들기 시작하며 사카모토 류이치 선생님의 음악을 많이 듣고 샘플링을 하며 꿈을 키웠습니다. 저에게 수많은 영감을 준 뮤지션들은 많지만 사카모토 류이치 선생님은 더 많은 꿈을 꾸게 해주신 분입니다 (저는 참고로 코다 다큐멘터리의 재해대피소에서 연주한 Merry Chistmas Mr. Lawrence live 버전을 가장 좋아합니다) 부디 건강하세요 선생님. “When I was young, my parents took me to see The Last Emperor. That was when I first experienced the feeling of being awed by music. I began composing music when I was twelve and dreamed about my future while listening to your music, even sampling some of it.   There are many musicians who have inspired me, but you are one of the people who has influenced me the most. (For reference, my favorite Sakamoto piece is the live performance version of Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence that was performed in the area impacted by the 2011 earthquake, which appears in the documentary CODA). Mr. Sakamoto, please stay healthy.”   Previous contributors to the project include Shinro Ohtake, Goro Inagaki, Banana Yoshimoto, Shiro Takatani, Yukihiro Takahashi, Akira Asada, Kiko Mizuhara, Haruomi Hosono, Yuima Nakazato, Ryu Murakami, LEO, UA, Shin’ichi Fukuoka, U-zhaan, Lee Sang-il, Ryoji Ikeda, Hiroshi Fujiwara, Kei Wakabayashi, Shinichiro Watanabe, Kiichi Fujiwara, Miki Nakatani, Daito Manabe, Taeko Ohnuki, and Hirokazu Koreeda.   Fans of Sakamoto’s works should feel free to peruse the site, which includes English translations of the guest’s selections and thoughts.  

Yoshitaka Amano, known by international fans as the artist behind the legendary Final Fantasy video game series, is celebrating his 70th birthday with a unique art project from November 23 until December 8 at Myoshin-ji in Kyoto. On the first day of the event, the venue, decorated with autumn leaves, was crowded with visitors including foreign tourists, who marveled at the fantastic space filled harmoniously with gold and blue. The exhibition will be held at Myoshin-ji, the head temple of the associated branch of Rinzai Zen Buddhism. This collection of works was designed to question visitors’ sensibilities and provide a new kind of art exhibition for fans to enjoy.   After the exhibition, the main art piece by Yoshitaka himself will be converted to 3DCG, and a Virtual Golden World will be developed in collaboration with the Yoshitaka Amano VR Museum. By integrating traditional and modern art methods, guests will be able to engage more deeply in the art by enjoying digital works, the metaverse, and NFTs.   Don't miss this curious exhibition!

The NFT marketplace HINATA will start selling collaborative pieces on November 25, combining classical drafts of Kyoto printed silk images with modern art pieces by up-and-coming creators.   Kyoto Printed Silk Draft x Modern Ukiyo-e Artist Ono Tako

Draft (Left) and Spring Dreamland - Sunshine by Ono Tako

  Ono Tako is a modern-day ukiyo-e artist who creates unique paintings combining Eastern and Western elements.   A beautiful woman stands in front of lush spring scenery in this gorgeous piece. Although this is clearly an ukiyo-e piece, it has a more modern flare, expressing a more universal standard of beauty while also infusing traditional elements. A total of six works will be available in two variations: the soft and warm Sun and the calm and tranquil Shade.  Ono Tako: https://twitter.com/ono800   Kyoto Printed Silk Draft x Illustrator Omulettomato

Draft (Left) and Full Moon by Omulettomato

  Omulettomato is an illustrator who is rapidly gaining popularity for their feminine portraits. Three different drafts depicting beautiful Japanese nature have been combined and transformed into a modern lady with moe elements.   A total of eight works will be available in three variations: Daybreak, Sunrise, and Full Moon. Omulettomato: http://omutoma.tumblr.com   Enjoy this curious collaboration and own a piece of classical and modern Japanese culture.

From December 10 until December 18, 2022, creative company NAKED will hold NAKED GARDEN ONE KYOTO at Ninna-ji! The event is part of a larger next-generation art project being held around Kyoto until Christmas Day.   This exhibition marks the first metaverse-centered event at Ninna-ji, and guests will be able to enjoy a virtual fashion show in collaboration with Jotaro Saito, a kimono designer from Kyoto. Participants will begin by creating their own avatar by snapping a photo of their face. After that, they will be able to choose a kimono by Saito to use as clothing for their avatar before taking to the runway with other visitors from all around Japan.   NAKED’s goal is to bring traditional Japanese kimono culture into the digital space, and the company believes that this is only the beginning. In the future, NAKED hopes to bring other artists into the metaverse as well.     NAKED Distanced Lanterns NAKED TsukubaiFive-Storied Pagoda Projection Mapping DANDELION PROJECTVirtual Fashion Show Limited Edition Paper GoshuinThis year’s event also includes the DANDELION PROJECT, popular with art fans around the world. Created by Ryotaro Muramatsu, the art project has appeared in a number of towns and cities around the world, inviting participants to create flowers and send them around the globe digitally as a hope for peace. Visitors can use their smartphones to send dandelion fluff digitally to other participants around the world, sharing a wish for world peace.    This year, the participatory art piece was installed in the main temple. Why not visit this stunning exhibition in Kyoto this winter? 

Global creative agency monopo is teaming up with Shokuraku Asano, a 100-year-old obi maker from Kyoto! The company is working to create a digital experience for interested viewers, sharing each artisan’s personal story. Those who love Japanese culture are welcome to enjoy traditional Japanese crafts in an entirely new way!   Using a one-of-a-kind QR obi, a new storytelling method is showing off the hard work and love that goes into the company’s textiles. A special website and video allow interested viewers to experience the process of making an obi digitally, simply by using their smartphone. Even those unable to visit Japan to see these obi in person can dive into the history of the area’s textiles and become more acquainted with one part of Kyoto’s manufacturing culture. Kyoto was the ancient capital of Japan. The city is known for its history and preservation of Japanese culture, and prior to the pandemic, the city was constantly filled with visitors from around the world anxious to learn more about the country’s traditional culture. When the pandemic hit the world in 2020, it changed the city forever–tourists disappeared and the city became much quieter. Now that Japan has opened its borders, however, tourists are returning in droves.While Shokuraku Asano upholds tradition, it also seeks to leave a mark on new generations by embracing new technology. This unique project is worth noting, so get your smartphone out and start learning!   We applaud monopo's attempt to share this incredible traditional Japanese craftsmanship with people around the world. 

From November 11 until December 8, a series of Kyoto-inspired Jujutsu Kaisen goods will be on sale outside the West Gate at JR Kyoto Station! Along with the merchandise, fans will also be able to snag local foods at the exhibition.    Collaborative Packaging: Local Products from Kyoto*The products shown are under development and may change slightly.    Purchase Bonus: Limited Edition Kyoto Postcard*The postcard's design will change during the first and second halves of the exhibition.*Postcards from the Sendai venue will not be available.*Postcards will only be available while supplies last.   Be sure to grab some of these Jujutsu Kaisen products packed with Kyoto charm!   ©芥見下々／集英社・呪術廻戦製作委員会