Natsume Mito began her career as a model in 2013 before gradually breaking her way into dramas and stage performances as an actress. To commemorate ten years in show business, Mito will release a photo essay book titled Natsumelon on August 12.

Yuuka Eda, a popular young film director, snapped the photos for the book. Shooting took place in Taiwan, a place with great sentimental value for Mito. Readers will find plenty of food and locale recommendations including the wholesale district, lined with restaurants in business for over 100 years, and the famous night markets in Taipei. In the accompanying essays, Mito, now in her 30s, speaks openly about her views on work, marriage, clothing, makeup, relationships, and future goals, while also including adorable hand-drawn illustrations. The book also contains details about Mito’s current wardrobe, her recommended manga and stationery, and behind-the-scenes snapshots.

<Comment from Natsume Mito>

“I’m so happy to announce the release of my photo essay book, celebrating my first 10 years in show business!

One of my goals was to publish a photo essay in my 30s, and I’m so grateful to all the fans and staff who made that dream come true. I chose Taiwan, a place with so many happy memories, as the location. I think that the readers will enjoy seeing many different sides of me, from playful Natsume to quiet Natsume.

The shoot brought me so much joy, and I was so glad to be back in Taiwan for the first time in so long after the pandemic. At the same time, I was excited to see what kind of future awaits me in this new decade. I included an essay reflecting on the past decade along with the photos. I hope you’ll read the ramblings of a woman in her 30s! Be sure to check out my current fashion breakdown too. For those who have supported me over the past ten years, I think you’ll enjoy my more mature personal style!”

<Comment from Photographer Yuuka Eda>

“I followed Natsume’s dizzying schedule of eating, laughing, and walking through the streets of Taiwan, and had such a blast. If you let someone young spread their wings and live their own lives, they’ll mature on their own. But during the shoot, I completely forgot about taking “age-appropriate” shots—instead, all I wanted to do was have a good time and do what was fun. I ignored what I should have done and instead did what we wanted to do. I’d be happy if even a few important moments of Natsume’s life were immortalized in this book.

Please, enjoy your life.”

■Profile

Born in Gunma Prefecture in 1994, Eda directed her first feature film, Girls’ Encounter, in 2017. Starring Moeka Hoshi and Serena Motola, the film won the Audience Award at MOOSIC LAB 2017 and was subsequently released in theaters to great acclaim. Invited to the Hong Kong International Film Festival and Shanghai International Film Festival, Eda also won the Best Director Award at the Asian Film Festival in Barcelona. In 2019, she won the Best New Director Award at the Japan Movie Critics Awards. Eda also works as a photographer, having shot numerous artists and promotional materials.

Natsume Mito will star in the upcoming film Kono Chiisana Te (These Small Hands). The film will debut in theaters on April 8.

The movie is an adaptation of the manga series by Mamora Goda, also known for his works Kira Kira Hikaru and Mori no Asagao. The story follows a father who never cared for his daughter and a daughter who has forgotten her father.

This is the feature-length debut of director Hiroyuki Nakada, who previously worked as an assistant director on films such as Love is Light and Tsukuritai Onna to Tabetai Onna.

<Comment from Director Hiroyuki Nakada>

“What is a father?

This question came to me as I was watching my newborn son sleep.
Does supporting a family financially make a good father?
Can a man be a father in some other way? Can he do something else?
While I was pondering this, I came across Kono Chiisana Te.
I really wanted to find the answer to my question, so I decided to work on plans for this live-action film.

I hope that everyone who sees this film will take some time to think about their families in this fast-paced world.”

<Story>
Kazuma, an illustrator, lives with his wife Sayuri and their three-year-old daughter Hina.

One night, while Kazuma is drinking with his work buddies, Sayuri gets into an accident and is hospitalized while out shopping.

Kazuma falls asleep at the bar and Hina wakes up alone the next day. She is rescued by the police and placed in an orphanage.

Given his actions, Kazuma can’t take Hina home. Having done nothing to help raise her, he’s decidedly unfit to parent. Sayuri doesn’t wake up, and time continues to pass.

Desperate, Kazuma gradually realizes that there are people who care for him and want the best for his life. Determined, he sets out to repair his bond with his daughter.

When Kazuma visits, however, all Hina can do is cry. Has she forgotten her father’s face?

（Ｃ）映画「この小さな手」製作委員会

Since their creation in 1988, the 996-model sneaker has been one of New Balance’s most popular models. This month, the 996 will be reborn as the New Balance Standard, with the same comfortable feel and some minor changes to the logo.

In the new campaign, Natsume Mito, Saki Shibata, Fumiko Aoyagi, and Shiho Takechi will be modeling the new shoes, each in a sleek new color. The photos are meant to depict women living their daily lives with positivity, as they did in 1988 and as they do today.

The 996 model sneakers are the third model in the 99X series. Released in 1988 as a running shoe meant to be used on paved surfaces, its comfort and design has made it a best-seller among both men and women.

Will you be grabbing a pair of these updated kicks?

It’s been seven years since New Balance Japan launched its ‘Sneaker and Me’ campaign in collaboration with Japanese model Natsume Mito. The pair have now come together again in promotion of the brand’s new edition of its 996 models, the ‘WL996’ lifestyle models for women, with Mito donning the sneakers in a look-book of outfits coordinated by Mito herself.  “Even though the sneakers and their form haven’t changed since I first wore them back then,” she explains, “I really felt that these 996’s lend more room to look good on adults. I also understand why these shoes have been loved for so long. I want to become someone like that too, so I admire the appearance of the 996’s.”

Mito shows off her looks in a short interview with New Balance in the video below.

The 996 models followed the 990’s which released in 1982 as the third in the 99X series. They made their debut in 1988 in the US and have long since been enjoyed not only as running shoes but everyday shoes too. They’re a long seller in New Balance’s books.

Here at MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON, we post news and information about Japan in six languages. Our aim is to deliver a variety of content related to Japan for those who love and enjoy Japanese culture.

Right now, people across the globe are in self-isolation as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. The same goes for Japan too, so we’ve taken this opportunity to create a new series on the website to show how we’re spending time at home here in Japan.

The future is yet uncertain, and we hope for normality to return for all of us soon. We hope that this article takes your mind off the situation, even for just a little bit, to help you feel calmer, and just maybe it might give you some tips on what you can do while spending time at home.

In this edition of Stay Home, we are joined by Japanese actress and model Natsume Mito who has shared with us how she is spending her time at home these days.

1. Simply moving the pen

In the current climate, I find myself just moving my pen to draw something if I’m feeling down. Occasionally, I find myself smirking as I draw something that I might be able to actually use. I might draw a lot of happy and energetic girls to brighten my day.

2. Stretching & light muscle training

Being indoors for a long period of time makes my back start to hurt and my shoulders stiff, so I’m practising stretching, light muscle training, and yoga that I’ve learned.

3. A manicure to bring springtime indoors

Since the time I have to spend indoors keeps increasing, I tend to forget about dressing up, so I treated myself to a manicure with a spring colour! The fingertips are the things I notice the most, since I look at my phone and stuff, so when I catch sight of them again it makes me feel brighter.

4. Making candied strawberries for the first time

In an ordinary situation, I’d go onto social media and watch someone eating candied strawberries and think to myself, “It looks so tasty!” But in the situation we’re in now, I decided to try making some myself! When I made the toffee, it got hard when I boiled it, so much so that I got worried!

5. Cooking at home to create a healthy menu

I’m working really hard to cook for myself. I’ll put on weight if I’m inside all the time, so I’m taking a lot of detox soups, salads, and other things!

6. Rereading my favourite novels and manga

I love reading books. Most of the time I’m reading a novel or a manga. I also like collecting art books by my favourite authors, so I’m looking back over the collection I’ve built up.

What’s the secret to spending time at home?

“Do the things you love doing. Try doing the things you’ve been putting off up to now! I’ve recently been reading manga I hadn’t read yet, and listening to music I used to listen to a lot which has made me feel nostalgic and livened me up. It’s fun to do, so give it a try!”

Please give a message to those reading this article

“Each and every action you take is for the benefit of those precious to you. Look after yourself, eat well, and sleep well! I’m praying for when we can all meet together again with smiles.”

Popular Japanese ramen chain Kourakuen celebrated their 65th anniversary by unveiling their own original mascot characters Mama and Papa. They followed it up with a character design contest where people could submit their own illustration for creating a child character for the parents.

Here at MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON, members of our MOSHI MOSHI FRIENDS program entered the contest, which we covered in an article last month. So, was one of them chosen as the winner…?

MOSHI MOSHI FRIENDS Members Enter Kourakuen’s Child Character Design Contest to Win 500,000 Yen

There were 3,155 entries to the contest, which were scrutinised by a line-up of judges. The winner was a mother who lives in Fukushima with her two children. Her character is called Kou-kun, a boy who loves ramen. This was announced at the official unveiling event in Tokyo on November 28, where Kou-kun showed his face to the world for the first time after some finishing touches added by Japanese illustrator Shashamin. The Kourakuen FamilyーMama, Papa, and Childーstood together for the first time ever.

The creator of Kou-kun attended the event, and was handed ¥300,000 travel money with JTB and ¥200,000 in prize money by the judges: Natsume Mito and the president of Kourakuen Niida. She was asked to give her thoughts on her victory as well as how she conceived her her character. “I was really shocked. I have two children, aged one and three. Both of them love ramen and we go to Kourakuen a lot. They always look like they’re enjoying their food, they always have their mouths wide open. That’s the image I pictured when creating the character.”

During the talk, Natsume Mito and president Niida said that the deciding factor for Kou-kun being the winner was the adorable gyoza puppy sat atop his head, who is called Luck.

Though our MOSHI MOSHI FRIENDS didn’t win this time around, all of us are glad that the family is finally complete, and that Mama and Papa have such a cute child.

Speaking about Kou-kun, Natsume Mito said: “I hope that Kou-kun makes Kourakuen an even more incredible place, and that he becomes a character loved by everyone. I’d be super happy if they released some merchandise too <laughs>.”

We look forward to seeing what the Kourakuen Family has in store for the world in the near future.

tokyobookmark is a service offered by the Central Japan Railway Company, or JR Central, which helps you choose the easiest ways to travel around Tokyo for the most affordable prices. It gives you the latest information related to Tokyo, as well as offers including shinkansen and hotel sets, and more. Comedy duo Maple Chogokin and Natsume Mito have been chosen to introduce “photogenic” tourist spots around Tokyo for the company.

A campaign has also started for this autumn with “photogenic” as the theme. Continuing their spring and summer appearance streak, he popular comedians Maple Chogokin and Natsume Mito will return together once more for tokyobookmark’s new commercial. They will introduce 3 “photogenic” tourist spots around Tokyo. The commercial will be screened in Nagoya and the Kansai region for a limited period starting September 9th.

A video will also be posted on the official campaign website showcasing carefully selected photogenic tourist spots around Tokyo by tokyobookmark, as well as Natsume Mito’s recommended locations, and how to take Instagrammable photos.

As part of the “TOKYO PHOTOGENIC SPOTS Posting Campaign” (TOKYO PHOTOGENIC SPOTS 投稿キャンペーン), a random winner will also be selected for posting a photo of photogenic thing or place around Tokyo on Instagram with the relevant hashtag.

Lastly, there will be some special merchandise available to purchase in collaboration with Tokyo Metro. Anyone interested can find more info on the tokyobookmark special website.

Take advantage of tokyobookmark’s services and travel to the most photogenic locations in Tokyo!

Head down to MOSHI MOSHI BOX Harajuku Visitor Center to find a variety of all new stationery products by Natsume Mito in the Natsume Mito Series!

With her single MAEGAMI KIRISUGITA (I Cut My Bangs Too Short) being her charm point, Natsume Mito is back with a stationery series which will power up your kawaii levels! The sales are planned to begin before the end of March at MOSHI MOSHI BOX and will also be available for sale at every Loft store across Japan.

‘In 20 years time, I want to manage a stationery shop!’ said once the big dreamer Natsume Mito – for someone whose love of stationery is unmatchable, now her dream is becoming a reality. Fans will not be able to resist her unique stationery designs, which use Natsume Mito’s specially drawn illustrations and unique photos. As a fashion leader in Aomoji style magazines, Natsume Mito makes the most of her aesthetic sensibility. Her casual stylish appearance, which is supported by many women nationwide, has been the influence of her stationary designs. A vast number of goods are lined up and ready for sale!

Since her debut single MAEGAMI KIRISUGITA, let’s support her lifestyle as an artist and her new Spring lifestyle!!

The new single ‘I’ll do my best’ was specially produced by Yasutaka Nakata (CAPSULE) and is dedicated to all who are starting a new, fresh life for themselves – a song representing setting off on a new journey.

From the previous song themes, there has been a complete change – from a comical route, taking a turn to songs which paint a theme of hopeful and positive feelings, which run even through dark times, and now the year has come round to Spring, the song theme has moved onto a sentimental theme which depicts a delicate frame of mind.

Having finished another pop number, Natsume Mito has pushed the boundaries to discover new grounds in music for the next single. The release date for the new single ‘I’ll do my best’, is 6^th April – just in time for the Spring season of new beginnings! This song will also be performed at her first ever one man tour ‘Mito Natsume wa Omedetai’, which is planned to be held in May at Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka.

This year, keep an eye out for more action from Natsume Mito!

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Natsume’s Stationery Store:

A variety of 19 designs and 44 different products. All items were carefully designed to the finest detail under the careful eyes of Natsume Mito. There are more than 50 products which are illustrated by or use a picture of Natsume Mito!

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CD

Title: I’ll do my best

Release date: 6^th April 2016

Producer: Yasutaka Nakata (Capsule)

One man live tour :  ‘Mito Natsume wa Omedetai’

Tour Information　http://mito.asobisystem.com/tour