Four-member dance and vocal unit TEMPURA KIDZ announced on their official website on Thursday (February 18) that YU-KA, AO, and P→★ will depart from the group following their concert at Shibuya Veats on March 28, 2021.   TEMPURA KIDZ began their career as backup dancers for Japan's queen of pop Kyary Pamyu Pamyu where they were known as the "Kyary Kids." The original five-member line-up of YU-KA, AO, P→★, KARIN, and NaNaHo made their major debut in 2013. At the young ages of just 15, the group took their unmatched, high-energy dance performances across Japan and overseas. The big stage was ahead of them as they embarked on a world tour to perform in 17 cities throughout 13 countries, beginning with a performance at the Thai music festival TOFU MUSIC FES 2014 where they performed alongside the acclaimed K-pop artists 2NE1 and GOT7.   TEMPURA KIDZ at TOFU MUSIC FES 2014

TEMPURA KIDZ also performed at the world's largest indoor arena, Philippine Arena, in Manila, Philippines for the 2015 New Year's countdown event. In the performer line-up, TEMPURA KIDZ were just one act behind Chris Brown.   TEMPURA KIDZ at Philippine Arena in 2015

TEMPURA KIDZ have taken their exceptional dance skills around the world where they have hosted dance workshops to children at schools. One was hosted in Payatas in the Philippines as part of an Official Development Assistance (ODA) effort and was filmed to be shown on TV.   Over the course of their career, TEMPURA KIDZ have also lent their creative choreography to countless artists as well as for commercials and TV shows. In 2019, they performed their iconic "Puputto Fumutto Kaiketsu Dance" on Kōhaku Uta Gassen, an annual New Year's Eve television special in Japan. The dance was created by the group for the animation series Butt Detective.   In 2018, group member NaNaHo graduated for the group, leaving TEMPURA KIDZ with just four members: YU-KA , AO, P→★, and KARIN. However, YU-KA , AO, and P→★ will now be graduating from the group at their solo concert together at Shibuya Veats on March 28, 2021 to focus on their own individual careers.   YU-KA aims to become a performer on many different levels and so wants to focus on enhancing her current skill. AO wants to become an actress, and P→★ wants to challenge himself to many new things such as being a DJ, model, and performer to arm himself with a talented skill set. The remaining member KARIN will announce her plans in the near future.This March will be the final time that the four members stand on stage together as TEMPURA KIDZ. Tickets went on sale on Thursday (February 18), including special tickets that include signings from the members and an invitation to their rehearsal.  

Comment From TEMPURA KIDZ

"We want to convey our utmost gratitude to you all for supporting us for so long. On March 28, at our solo concert, YU-KA, AO, and P→★ will graduate from TEMPURA KIDZ. Each member has decided to pursue their own paths. This of course means a big change for TEMPURA KIDZ, but all four of us will go all out to put on a hugely successful final show for you that captures out past 8 years together. Truly, from the bottom of our hearts, we thank you. And remember, this isn't the end—we're working super hard to get off to a new start, so we ask you kindly for your continued support."   —From all the members of TEMPURA KIDZ     Each member of TEMPURA KIDZ also wrote their own handwritten letters to fans which you can read here. 

Ome—a city located in western Tokyo that's about an hour's train ride from the populous Shinjuku. It's a place enjoyed by many for its hiking and river swimming locales, as well as its architecture, in which one can still feel the influences of Japan's Edo period, and kindness of the locals.   MATINOEKI OUME, an Ome-based company, recently launched its "Made in OME" project which aims to revitalise the city. The project will create a new kind of Ome through the eyes of the millennial generation. Its goal is to polish and refine the appealing aspects of Ome to offer up new tourism opportunities while bringing in new fans to the city. Made in OME's first step towards that is teaming up with DJ and YouTuber Yuna Yabe and illustrator and streamer MIOCHIN, two models signed to ASOBISYSTEM who will represent the millennial generation as the navigators of this journey as they participate in workshops with local producers and manufacturers, developing a variety of products such as sweets made with ingredients from Ome, like baumkuchen and chocolate rolls, and more.   You can catch their activity live over on MIOCHIN's official Instagram page. Visit Made in OME's official website below for more details.

Yuna Yabe

MIOCHIN

The two of them will host a free 'monitor tour' on February 21, 2021. These monitor tours aim to have people developing a strong relationship with new products from Ome. Participants will learn about the history and culture of Ome via local producers and manufacturers with products such as sake and indigo dyeing. Made in OME plants to expand their range of tourist monitor tours in the future. Local Ome residents will also be invited to the tour in the evening of the same day. Learn all there is to know about Ome at Made in OME's website which is available in English, Japanese, and Chinese.

ART AQUARIUM MUSEUM officially opened permanently in Nihonbashi, Tokyo, on August 28, 2020. Before that, it was simply an exhibition that was held around Tokyo which brought together over 10 million visitors throughout its run, exhibiting goldfish in a variety of breathtaking ways.   We visited ART AQUARIUM MUSEUM together with Japanese model Yuna Yabe to take a deeper dive into what lies within those doors. ART AQUARIUM MUSEUM can be found in Nihonbashi, an area of which served as one of many places where ART AQUARIUM previously held its exhibitions. Nihonbashi is steeped in tradition and is actually the place where Japan's goldfish culture spawned from during the Edo Period.   ART AQUARIUM was conceived and is managed by Hidetomo Kimura, an author and general producer. It's a collaboration between art, design, and entertainment, all fused into an aquarium to create a completely unique experience. The museum has taken what was once a pop-up exhibition and expanded it many-fold, housing close around 30,000 goldfish. The aquarium is divided into different areas each with its own unique theme that plunges visitors into a multitude of fantastical worlds. One of the must-sees when visiting ART AQUARIUM MUSEUM is the masterful Oiran works—giant goldfish bowls as pictured above—which are inspired by the red light district of the Edo Period. Perhaps the most striking and gorgeous part of the Edo Period was Hanamachi, the districts where geisha worked. The high-ranking courtesans, known as Oiran, engaged in what was known as the Oiran Dochu, or procession of the courtesans, and this too has been captured at the museum in the designs of the beautiful fish tanks in this area. Another unmissable part when visiting the aquarium are the Goldfish Shrines, towering fish tanks lined up like a column of water trees which make for an incredible viewing experience. The lighting and music is ever-changing, and so transports visitors into a completely different realm every time. It can be one way one moment, and in the next instant it changes entirely. From the second floor you can overlook the fish shrines with dynamic 3D visuals in the background. These visuals change depending on the season, so you'll be in for a treat however many times you visit. There are countless works of goldfish art scattered throughout the aquarium—too many to count, so your eyes will never grow tired.

Suigian Lounge - Old Pine Tree Area

ART AQUARMIUM MUSEUM even has its own dining lounge where guests can enjoy a meal while gazing at a painting of old pine trees, a cultural property of the Edo Period said to have been painted by those of the Kano school of Japanese painting. Traditional performances are also carried out on the stage for diners.

These drinks are ¥1,200 each (before tax)

Every five days, a new line-up of cocktails is served at Suigian Lounge. Japan used to be divided into 24 sekki rather than the now-used four seasons of springs, summer, autumn, and winter. These were further divided into 72 Kō, which are five days apart each. That's where the lounge gets its idea for changing its cocktails every five days. So you're sure to find an interesting flavour on every visit.

Kagyo Ryoran - Joy Area 

Kagyo Ryoran is a separate cafe lounge at the aquarium where they serve authentic Japanese sweets in collaboration with famous confectionery shops.

From Left Clockwise: Goldfish Sarasa ¥750 / Palet D'or Cacao Soda ¥900 / Echire Butter & Cream Castella ¥800 / lohasbeans coffee Matcha Tiramisu ¥850 / Goldfish Jelly ¥750 (All Before Tax)

The cafe serves up range of tasty Japanese desserts, from traditional ones to others inspired by goldfish and some made in collaboration with other shops.

Large Plush Toys: ¥3,200 Each (Before Tax)

The aquarium event sells its own souvenirs, such as goldfish plushies in various sizes, original confections, collaborative products, and more. "Everything was magical—the goldfish, the sounds, the lights, the atmosphere!" explains Yuna. "They have a lot of different varieties of goldfish, and the fish tanks come in all shapes and sizes, which makes for plenty of Instagram-worthy moments. And since it's inspired by Edo culture, it has a Japanese vibe to it too. The fish are always swimming around, so no two moments are ever the same, meaning you're offered something fresh every time you visit."   If you're visiting Tokyo, be sure to pay a visit to ART AQUARIUM MUSEUM.

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 created a new articles series called Stay Home with which we hope to take your mind off the situation, even for just a little bit, to help you feel calmer. It might give you some tips on what you can do while spending time at home.   Today, we are joined by all four members of Japanese dance and vocal group TEMPURA KIDZ who have shared with us what they have been doing at home recently.  

Stay Home With AO

1: Watching movies

I've been sipping on nice hot drinks while cosied up watching movies. One that I want to recommend that makes me cry is The Green Mile. For comedy is would be A Story of Yonosuke!  

2: Reading

Reading at home! I don't make a lot of progress with reading, but I can concentrate better setting time aside to read at home alone rather than when I usually would on trains or in my spare time. So I've developed the ability to read a lot quicker now! I want to use this time to read lots and lots!  

What’s your secret to spending time at home?

It's all about putting the time in right now! I usually don't get this kind of time to enjoy chilling at home, so I'm consuming lots of media like movies, dramas, anime, and books. I think it's great time spent to power up my power as a human, by laughing and crying while increasing my knowledge and sensibility!  

Please give a message to those reading this article

With more time spent at home because of the lockdown period, you might feel a sense of loneliness or anxiety, but it's important to increase your immunity, even a little, and make your mind and body strong! I hear that tears and laughter are a way of de-stressing and upping your immunity. Let's immerse ourselves in some kind of media and laugh and cry so we can eliminate stress, increase our immunity, and level ourselves up.  

Stay Home With KARIN

1: Feeling better with candied fruit!

I'm lifting my mood at home by making candied fruit! It's super simple, you just need fruit, sugar, and water.Though I'm at home indoors, it makes me feel like I'm at a stall at a Japanese festival, so it makes me happy!   It's really easy to do, so why not give it a go yourself?  

What’s your secret to spending time at home?

If you use your time at home wisely to try out things you normally don't have time for you're bound to discover something new. I think that's important.  

Please give a message to those reading this article

Wash your hands, be aware that each and every person is a potential danger, and make the right decision until the fun days return. Let's all get through this together!  

Stay Home With YU-KA

1: Dancing on TikTok at home!

I started using TikTok just recently. Since the lockdown means being at home everyday, I'm posting dance videos everyday as part of my daily routine!   They're super easy to make and post, I think it's the best kind of content to enjoy with everyone. Plus, you feel refreshed after moving your body about, and it lifts your mood!  

２: I can't meet with the other members, but...

I'm also doing duet dances in my videos too! When the lockdown finally ends and I get to meet with everyone again, my happiness won't feel incomplete anymore.   Doing this means you can stay connected with people even if you're at home. It made me realise again what a convenient time we live in. I'm posting everyday, so I hope it kills a bit of time for everyone at home!   Check out my videos here: https://www.tiktok.com/@yuka_tempurakidz  

What’s your secret to spending time at home?

This period we're in now might actually be a great opportunity to do those things you've been neglecting everyday, or to challenge yourself to something new! You might also realise something you didn't before because of this very situation. It's made me reconsider the peaceful life I took for granted, so let's think of it as a plus because of the good time we've been granted!  

Please give a message to those reading this article

Our want for the lives we loved together to continue will ensure that they return quicker. Let's pray for things to turn back to normal and work hard to get through this together!み  

Stay Home With P→☆

1: Making music and editing YouTube videos

I'm set on making music and editing YouTube videos, and other things too. I'm using my time at home to do the things I normally wouldn't be able to because it takes time. I'm also absorbing myself in a lot of research and making things. Keeping myself busy by looking up the things I love relieves my stress and makes me feel great.  

What’s your secret to spending time at home?

Feeling positive trying out things you normally can't!  

Please give a message to those reading this article

Make sure to properly self-isolate at home, and let's all look forward to and work towards when we can enjoy outdoors again! I'll work hard to deliver entertainment to everyone from home too!

Dance and vocal unit TEMPURA KIDZ―who have taken their boisterous personalities to 13 countries around the world―have just dropped a new song entitled Tapi Tapi in collaboration with French DJ and music producer Moe Shop.   This marks their second collaboration with Moe Shop, the first being the release of UKIYO back in June. The bubble tea-inspired song takes on a future funk sound, a genre which Moe Shop is at the forefront of. The lyrics were written by singer-songwriter Aoi Yamazaki. It's a colourful pop dance anthem littered with the TEMPURA KIDZ members' unique character.

You're sure to be humming the words "tapi tapi" along to this catchy tune in which the members sing positive things like, "Let's drink tapioca and be happy" and "Something good'll happen if you live life smiling."   With the Olympics right around the corner, TEMPURA KIDZ are looking to continue their global activities to help spread Japanese culture to the world. Be sure to give Tapi Tapi a listen which is also available now on Spotify.

It's been a minute since we last ventured out with Japanese model Yuna Yabe and her beloved pet pup Mozuku. If you're new to this feature, Yuna Yabe takes her trusty partner Mozuku to various hot spots in Japan that you can enjoy with your pet dog. Their relationship continues to deepen in this priceless experience. Today, Yuna and Mozuku head to Uzumako Ceramic Art School which is close to Shiba Park. You can get a good view of TokyoTower from this famous park. What's unique about this art school is that visitors are allowed to take their pets with them. So this means you can take your dog with you to do some ceramics!   Yuna has always had an interest in ceramics. And what better way to experience creating something than with her partner in crime Mozuku! With him tottering beside her, she headed through the entrance curtain with a spring in her step. When you enter the classroom, there are lots of examples of pottery ware lining the shelves. The room has that smell of craftsmanship which lingers as you begin the class with a demonstration by the teacher. Once you have your apron on and are fired up to begin, it's time to start.   The work begins with kneading the clay to make its firmness uniform. This step helps prevent air bubbles from forming.   Yuna asked the teacher many different questions as she enjoyed kneading her clay. "Where does ceramic work originate from?" "What kind of things to other dog owners make when they come here?" "What's Yuna up to?" Mozuku's puzzled face seemed to imply as he listened to Yuna and the teacher talk. Yuna turned to Mozuku and said to him, "I'm going to make you a food bowl!" It seemed like the message got through as his face read, "Looks like my owner is making something just for me."   Yuna wet her hands with some water and began forming a hole in the centre of her clay bundle. The hole forms and gets bigger as the pottery wheel spins. Next, she used both of her hands to ensure the thickness of the bowl was even all the way around. "Amazing! The shape of the clay changes in an instant!" By adding a little bit of pressure the pile of clay can change shape rapidly. It's like a living thing. "It's like the clay is my own child. I wanna wrap it up!" Once the shape is formed, Yuna cut around the edges. She is a skilled individual, she got the hang of it straight away. Mozuku sat right beside Yuna, quiet and curious. "Is it my turn yet?" He seemed itching to have a go at making something himself too. He watched over Yuna's work from atop the table. "I wanna try spinning the wheel too!" Mozuku in fact had the most important job of all. Yuna popped a wooden mould onto his paw and stamped a paw print into thebottom of the bowl. "There we go!" said Yuna Mozuku mustered all of his strength to make his mark, his facial expression unusually serious as he carried out his big task. Time to check if the print was done properly! Here's the final product―Mozuku did a great job!   Their teamwork paid off as they were able to create a really cute dog bowl. The tiny footprint is packed with pet love. The art school actually sells a lot of different cute and stylish pet items but the owner making their own makes it unique―the only one in the world.   If that love is able to get through to your pup, the food they eat from the bowl is sure to be even more delicious.   Thanks for your help, Mozuku. "I can't wait to fire it!" Yuna's excitement was peak from start to finish. She was very satisfied after the class finished.   After two weeks of waiting, the bowl was completely finished. Why not try creating something unique special for your own pet―together with them?   Model: Yuna Yabe/Mozuku　@yunaaay1030Text: Ai WatanabePhotographer: Kayo SekiguchiTranslator: Joshua Kitosi-Isanga