2021 marks the fourth year that the Oi Racecourse, also called Tokyo City Keiba, will be bathed in a sea of over eight million colorful lights! The Tokyo Mega Illumination is back from October 16, 2021, until April 10, 2022, and features a water fountain show synchronized to music, a 100-meter tunnel covered in twinkling lights, and more. This year, in the Twinkle area of the event, guests can enjoy various AR illuminations created as a collaboration with NAKED, a creative production company headquartered in Shibuya. The NAKED BIG BOOK interactive experience will also welcome visitors to enjoy a projection mapping experience like no other.

 

NAKED BIG BOOK

Pergola (Interactive)

Illuminated Logo

AR Horse Camera Filter

AR Lights
Limited-Time Area: Tree Playing with Lights (Lawn Area)

 

NAKED’s most popular work, NAKED BIG BOOK, utilizes projection mapping to allow guests to turn the pages of a giant book and experience a unique world separate from their own. Using web filters and AR, guests can also see the object as a pop-up picture book! 

 

During this special collaboration held on a horse racing track, visitors can also see a giant white horse in AR as they explore the grounds. Colorful horseshoes and stars will pop up from people’s footprints, and the sound of visitors’ steps will take on the sound of a horse’s hooves instead. Be sure to make some memories by snapping commemorative photos with themed filters during the event!

 

The Machida City Museum of Graphic Arts in Machida, Tokyo, is currently holding the Looking at Prints: Techniques, Expressions, and History exhibition until December 5, 2021. Featuring over 130 prints created with a large variety of techniques, guests can take a deep dive into how each piece of art was made. 

 

An Up-to-Date Parody of the Four Classes – Utagawa Kunisada. 1857. Letterpress, wood, multi-color printing. 

 

Artists featured in the exhibition have used many different techniques to create their masterpieces, including woodblocks, copper plates, lithographs, and stencils. The main exhibit introduces famous printmakers such as Albrecht Durer, Pablo Picasso, and Shiko Munakata, but also a number of lesser-known artists who utilized less traditional techniques. All explanations are in an easy-to-understand manner, so why not come learn about art in Tokyo? 

 

To commemorate the release of the their second movie, ‘Sumikko Gurashi: Aoi Tsukiyo no Mahou no Ko,’ Sumikko Gurashi will be opening the limited-time ‘Night Party with Sumikko’ cafe in Osaka on October 20, Tokyo on October 21, and Aichi on November 11.

 

(Advance Reservation Benefit Only) Original Invitation with Postcard (Five types)

 

 

 

Menu

Tokage’s Night Party Curry: ¥1,430 (Tax Incl.)

 

Shirokuma’s Warming Hot Rice Casserole: ¥1,430 (Tax Incl.)

 

Five’s Recommended Children’s Lunch: ¥1,650 (Tax Incl.)

 

Magician’s Party ~Açai Bowl~: ¥1,430 (Tax Incl)

 

Aoi Tsukiyo’s Fruit Punch: ¥1,100 (Tax Incl.) + ¥220 for one mini ice cream

 

Sumikko’s Pudding Ice Cream: ¥880 each (Tax Incl.)

 

Starry Drink: ¥990 each (Tax Incl)

 

Dolomite Coaster

 

Hot Café Au Lait: ¥880 (Tax Incl.)

 

 

Original Goods

 

Acrylic Keyholder (Random out of five): ¥770 (Tax Incl.)

 

Phosphorescent Sticker (Random out of eight): ¥605 (Tax Incl.)

 

Acrylic Stand (Random out of five): ¥880 (Tax Incl.)

Muddler (Three types): ¥1,100 each (Tax Incl.)

 

Mug Cup: ¥1,980 (Tax Incl)

 

Purse: ¥1,100 (Tax Incl.)

 

Fluorescent Pen Set: ¥1,100 (Tax Incl.)

 

A5 Clear File Duo: ¥605 (Tax Incl.)

 

Bandanna: ¥1,870 (Tax Incl.)

 

The Sumikko Gurashi characters are beloved by both adults and children for their gentle touch and tone. Their first movie, ‘Sumikko Gurashi Tobidasu Ehon to Himitsu no Ko’ was released in November 2019 and received great popularity. The sweet story of the Sumikko’s adventures through a story-book world attracted over 1.2 million viewers across Japan.

 

The heartwarming cafe menu includes “Tokage’s Night Party Curry,” “Shirokuma’s Warming Hot Rice Casserole,” Five’s Recommended Children’s Lunch,””Magician’s Party ~Açai Bowl~,” “Aoi Tsukiyo’s Fruit Punch,” “Starry Drink,” and more. The cute, Instagrammable dishes feature the characters who feature in the movie, which tells a mysterious story that begins under a blue moon in the Sumikko’s hometown. A lineup of limited edition goods and perks will also be available, adding to the movie excitement.

 

 

Enjoy a cute, social-media friendly meal and original merchandise at the exciting Sumikko Gurashi cafe!

 

©2021 Japanese Sumikko Gurashi Association Film Club

Department store Daimaru Fukuoka Tenjin will host the contemporary art festival ART@FUKUOKA for the first time, from October 13 until October 25, 2021. 

 

The art market is growing year by year, with more and more people curious about incorporating unique works into their interior design, or purchase pieces as assets. In particular, the contemporary art market has become the focus of a large movement and continues to elevate a number of new personalities. The ART@FUKUOKA festival will feature 300 works by promising young artists from both Japan and abroad. This is a great chance for those unfamiliar with the contemporary art world to get a feel for what it represents!

 

Main Building 8F Works at a Glance

 

Banksy「Golf Sale」

Sadamasa Motonaga – Untitled

©Motonaga Data Research Office

Nick Walker – Vandalism

DOLK – Winner blue dolk

ONEMIZER – Bicause Pipi

 

ART ~New Expressions~ (Main Building Antenna Plus 1F) Works at a Glance

 

The contemporary art movement is gaining more popularity worldwide. Each year, expressions become more and more diverse, and more unique creators spring onto the scene. The ART ~New Expressions~ section focuses on artists with the potential to lead the next generation. 

Syoichi Mukai 

 BABYTECTOR [PRISM]. 2021. 

Takakura Kazuki

  Emoji_Alligator_Emoji (Output. ver). 2021. 

KENZ

  BREAK DANCE. 2021. 

Wakaba Higuchi

  Panther and Phoenix. 2021. 

The DANDELION PROJECT has a powerful message: we’re all connected, even during these isolating times. Naked’s interactive art project began in Tokyo, Singapore, and other cities last year, and given their success, locations are now set to open at Heian Shrine in Kyoto and Kumamoto Castle this fall.

 

The original idea for the project came from artist Ryotaro Muramatsu, who decided to plant (or install) dandelion art pieces worldwide and bring people together to help them bloom. Those participating in the installations are able to send their wishes for world peace on digital dandelion fluff to other locations where DANDELIONs are planted around the world, and these messages are delivered in real-time. Even those unable to attend one of these installations can participate from home on the official website. 

 

With new DANDELION PROJECT locations set to open around Japan, places with historical significance are happy to participate, including Kamigamo Shrine and Ninna-ji Temple in Kyoto, Kumamoto Castle, and Kochi Castle. There are plans to hold more events around the world in the near future. 

 

DANDELION PROJECT Locations

 

Tokyo – Tokyo Tower Main Deck

Tokyo – TBS drama series Japan Sinks: People of Hope Collaboration, Akasaka

Kyoto – Kamigamo Shrine (World Heritage Site)

Kyoto – Ninna-ji Temple (National Treasure/World Heritage Site)

Kyoto – Heian Shrine (Important Cultural Property)

Kyoto – Kosho-ji

Aichi – Kochi Castle (Important Cultural Property) 

Saga – Saga Prefectural Observation Hall 

Kumamoto – Kumamoto Castle (Important Cultural Property)

Korea – Seoul 

 

The Awa Washi Traditional Industry Center, a foundation which strives to inform and preserve the Awa Washi paper’s 1,300 years of history, will be holding the ‘International Mini Print Exhibition 2021’ between October 9 and November 7. The event will exhibit over 1,800 prints from 58 countries. 

 

This international print exhibition will be displaying works from both domestic and overseas artists, all printed on A4 Wagami, or Japanese Paper. The exhibition is being held to increase the amount of artists displaying their works, while allowing local residents to feel an international connection through Awa Washi culture. This is the fifth instalment of the exhibition, which is held once every two years. Due to the Covid-19 crisis, the organizers experienced some troubles such as shipping delays, but despite this, a total of 1,375 domestic and international artists applied to display their works. Each print has been carefully created by the artist, and will be displayed in one place to encourage not only those familiar with Awa Washi, but also introducing the culture to general art fans.

 

Why not immerse yourself amongst Japanese and International artwork at this unique paper event?

BLUE HAMHAM, a character by animator Arimura Taishi, will be featured at the ‘BLUE HAMHAM POP UP SHOP -AUTUMN PLANET-,’ open from October 8 until October 19 at Hanshin Umeda.  

 

Limited Goods

Event Limited T-Shirt (Size: M/L Colors: BLACK/WHITE): ¥4,400

Event Limited Sticker: ¥385

Event Limited Acrylic Stand: ¥1,320

Event Limited Keychain: ¥935

 

Novelties

Customers who spend over ¥6,000 will receive a free special shopping bag.

 

 

The event, which will be held in the newly opened Riakuro EVENT SPACE floor following the Umeda store renewal, will have four one meter-tall 3D BLUE HAM HAM statues greeting customers as they enter the store, each wearing adorable matching mufflers. There will be 15 new Autumn/Winter products overall, including T-shirts and stickers featuring artwork by creator Arimura Taishi. The BLUE HAMHAM muffler will also be available to purchase.

 

Customers who spend over ¥6,000 instore will receive a limited edition shopping bag for free! Not only that, customers who add the Official Hanshin Umeda LINE account will receive a coupon, while the first 200 customers will also receive an additional event-original postcard.

 

Popular animations will be looped on retro-themed TV monitors, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the world of ‘BLUE HAMHAM.’ Be sure to check out this limited shop and the new Autumnal character designs! 

 

 

*Images are samples and may differ in real life.

©CHOCOLATE Inc.

For those looking for a safe getaway for Halloween, Hotel New Otani Osaka is offering a limited-time room plan allowing guests to enjoy a selection of scrumptious and spooky dishes in the privacy of their hotel room. A bottle of very photogenic blue sparkling wine will also be served!

 

The menu includes a pumpkin quiche and mini-burgers, along with mummy-themed sausage pie rolls, black pasta with squid, and plenty of other treats to tantalize your taste buds. 

Enjoy a toast with the lively La Vague Bleue sparkling wine from France, offering a dry and refreshing taste perfect for pairing with food. Room service will be available to serve plenty of other drink items, including wine and cocktails!

Exclusive to the Halloween plan, a slightly terrifying sweets plate is available, featuring pumpkin mont blanc, bat-shaped cookies, eyeball blancmange, and more! If a Halloween getaway isn’t in the cards this year, enjoy this completely private party in a luxurious hotel room instead! 

 

Miniature photographer Tanaka Tatsuya, who has garnered attention from all across the world, will be holding the ‘MINIATURE LIFE 2 ~ Tanaka Tetsuya’s Lifelike World~’ exhibition between November 26 and December 13 in the Sougo Hiroshima 9F exhibition hall.

 

 

Event Limited Goods

 

Tote Bag

Mousepad

 

The popular “MINIATURE LIFE Exhibition” which captured the hearts of 1.5 million people within Japan and overseas, has returned with even more power than before. You’ll find a sushi roll train rolling along the tracks, a clip becoming a waiting room chair, and a hot-air balloon lettuce floating in the sky… Tanaka Tatsuya is a miniature photographer living in Kagoshima, who crafts a tiny and funny world by transforming everyday items.

 

Their unique and creative works will make you laugh and groan, transcending borders and attracting over 3.2 million followers on Instagram! Tanaka is spreading the joy of miniature art from Kagoshima to the world.

In this long-awaited second exhibition, around 170 works will be displayed, including some brand new pieces. Venue-limited merchandise and miniature dolls that feature in the artworks can be purchased at the event, so don’t miss out!

 

 Be sure to check out the ‘MINIATURE LIFE 2 ~ Tanaka Tetsuya’s Lifelike World~’ exhibition, where your everyday life will be transformed into a wonderful new world!

 

 

As part of the Tokyo Art & Live City project, the OMNIBUS music festival will take place on November 6 and 7 in Japan’s capital. Rather than being held at Shinjuku Central Park, the November 7 concert will now take place at Hulic Hall Tokyo. Originally, this concert was named The Park #Assembly, though this has now been changed to The Hall #Space. For those holding tickets with the original name, don’t worry–your ticket will still be valid at the new venue. 

 

Those who want a refund due to the venue change should head to the official website by October 9. The November 6 concert titled The Circuit #Excursion will be held as scheduled. 

 

Additional tickets for the festival went on sale on October 2, 2021. Schedules for the events will be released soon, so stay tuned for more details!

 

X JAPAN leader YOSHIKI was one of eleven designers chosen to submit an original design for Baccarat, commemorating the 180th anniversary of the crystal manufacturer’s Harcourt glass. The work was unveiled at Paris Fashion Week in Fall 2021. 

 

 

Baccarat is a manufacturer of fine crystal founded in 1764 in the Lorraine region of France. The company’s iconic Harcourt glass features a hexagonal base with three-button feet and is known as a timeless and iconic symbol of the brand.

 

This year marks the 180th anniversary of the glass, which was first created during the time of Louis Philippe I. It’s hard to believe that these pieces have been on the tables of royalty for almost two centuries!

 

YOSHIKIMONO, the kimono brand created by YOSHIKI, has been featured at Tokyo Fashion Week multiple times. In 2020, his works were shown at the Victoria and Albert Museum in the UK, along with the Tokyo National Museum.

 

Known for his blend of rock and classical music, YOSHIKI continues to express his individuality in both his sound and fashion taste. From the front, the glass looks to be on fire, while from the top, there is a sense that a poisonous flower is taking bloom. The work is a one-of-a-kind blend of east and west and was a new challenge for the performer.

 

Comment from YOSHIKI

“I am honored to have been chosen as a designer for the 180th anniversary of Baccarat’s Harcourt glass. I’d like everyone to also keep an eye out for some new music coming soon. Thank you to all of the fans who continue supporting me in everything I do.”

 

Marubeni Corporation will be opening the Marubeni Gallery at their head office building on November 11 2021. 

Marubeni has been collecting and preserving textile-related businesses since 1858, preserving dyed woven products from the Edo period (kimono, obi, fukura etc) and curating the Marubeni Collection, a collection of Western paintings collected from art businesses in 1970-1980, along with modern Japanese paintings which have been collected from artists and their circles, and a selection of weaved designs.

 

From the left:”Crimped Fiber Tasuki Chrysanthemum & Seigaiha Print Furisode” (Designated as an item of cultural importance in 2020) / “Iso Tsuzure Go” by Takeuchi Seihou / “La Bella Simonetta” by Botticelli (late 15th century).

The Marubeni Collection will be displayed at the Marubeni Gallery, exhibiting a variety of themes under the concept of “a space where the beauty of the East and West resonates.” 

There are plans for special exhibitions to be held three times a year, and the Autumn 2022 event will be showcasing Botticelli’s “La Bella Simonetta,” the representative work of the Marubeni Collection.

 

Be sure to visit the Marubeni Gallery, where the beautiful of the East and West join together beautifully.