Take a tour of Harajuku’s fresh-est information center, MOSHI MOSHI BOX with Anisong artist/model Ruki
In this series, MOSHI MOSHI Ambassadors will be giving you a heads up on some of the hotly tipped spots of Harajuku. What marks the first of many to come, the debut edition invites Spanish model/artist, Ruki, to take you on a tour through the colorful tourist information center smack in the center of Harajuku, MOSHI MOSHI BOX!
We meet up with our kawaii host at the BOX, and find her decked out head to toe with her ribboned hairband, checkered skirt and knee high socks. How adorable! Now let’s head in!
The MOSHI MOSHI BOX is located right where the two main streets of Harajuku, Takeshita Doori and Meiji Doori, intersect. If you were wondering who was behind this colorful eye-candy architecture, you could take a mighty guess and you might just get it right…it’s Sebastian Masuda, the go-to for Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s music videos and art direction. Spot his grand creation, the World Clock, which you’re more likely to be drawn to for its colorful decoration rather than actually figuring out the time.
Believe it or not, it was only last year that Harajuku got its first and only tourist information center: MOSHI MOSHI BOX. But thanks to this creation, tourists are now able to discover some handy information at Tokyo’s must-visit fashion district.
The BOX provides visitors with maps of Shibuya, Harajuku, Daikanyama as well as other areas central to Tokyo, that are available for free. Even if you don’t speak a word of Japanese – don’t worry. The BOX always have an English-speaking staff ready to give away the best kept secrets of this neon-filled concrete jungle.
If you have any questions on, say, how to get to Meiji Jingu, which train to hop on to get to your destination, etc. head over to the BOX and ask away!
Looking for a place to convert your mother money to ¥¥¥? Look no further, the BOX has got a currency exchange machine that’ll work for seven different currencies (US dollars, Euro, Chinese Yuan, South Korean Won, English Pounds, Australian dollars, Taiwan dollars) Also use this convenient machine as an ATM.
If your phone’s running out of battery, or you desperately need to connect to one of your SNS’, free power and Wi-Fi are also some of the many things you can get here, so drop by, because we know you need that stuff.
In addition to this graceful service, the BOX also has a shipping service readily available – if you’re afraid your luggage is going to surpass the limit from the large chunk of shopping you’ve done, save a couple ¥¥¥ by shipping it here.
The BOX is also making moves so in the near future, you’ll be able to book tours/hotels straight from their information desk.
Buy your souvenirs here!
The BOX not only provides you with information – they’ve also got a sweet selection of omiyage (or souvenirs). What you’ll see Ruki holding is a Mt. Fuji key case and a pair of sushi socks. Initially they’d readied the Mt. Fuji key case in red as well, but due to much love, they’ve emptied themselves from the shelves. Wait for it to re-stock, perhaps?
On the other hand, the sushi socks are still in-stock (phewf) and the egg sushi and shrimp sushi deem to be most popular. They’ll look great anywhere – on your feet, or even as an interior decoration to boast your love for Japan.
This other item would be a delightful one for all you lazy egg lovers: say hello to MOSHI MOSHI BOX x Gudetama collab goods! These are obviously only available here so get them or else Gudetama will get too lazy to make an appearance on the shelves. Other items that can be purchased here include HARAJUKU sunglasses, origami crane piercings, and many others that’ll keep you lingering around the store for a while.
If you’ve been keeping an eye out for the doll animation “MILPOM” that stars models Saki Shibata and Anna Yano as voice actresses, they’ve got collab items for that too. What can we say, if you’ve got a soft spot for anything pop and cute, you’ll be letting a cry of joy over here.
Experience Karaoke for free!
First off, you’re going to be astonished by how much color you’re surrounded by once you enter this room. What is this Candyland you’ve lost yourself into? “Ruki, what’s this place? WHY ARE YOU HOLDING A MIC?”
A Karaoke box where you can belch out a song for free? Yup, they’ve got that. Karaoke is deeply embedded in Japanese culture (as we all learned from Lost in Translation) – even if you may not know any Japanese songs, the machine’s also got a wide selection of songs that aren’t Japanese, so don’t hesitate to sing that song you just can’t stop singing in the shower!
On Wednesdays they’ve got a “Crepe challenge” free for anybody who wants to participate. Get a score of over 90 and you can win a crepe for free! Remember, you won’t win anything unless you try.
Ruki, by the way, has landed a major label debut this November – “Please Ruki, let us hear you sing! One song? Pretty please? (laughs)”
What completes the whole Harjauku experience? A CREPE. Stopping by at Harajuku and grabbing a more or less affordable crepe might just be a daily routine if you were a teen living in Tokyo, but as a tourist, it’s one more thing that’ll instantly enhance your Harajuku experience.
You can also check the crepe off your list at MOSHI MOSHI BOX’s original crepe store, “Kyara-Kure,” you can even get limited-time offers on character-shaped crepes!
You’re now stocked with information on the highly buzzed spots of Tokyo and souvenirs to bring home, your phone’s charged and you’ve got your daily social media fix, you’ve changed your money to ¥¥¥, you’ve eaten your crepe and you’ve sung a song at an actual karaoke box. What more can you ask for? Seriously though.
How did you enjoy our mini tour of the place?
The second floor gallery space offers events from time to time, so drop by and have a look at what’s on while you’re around.
See you at the BOX!
MOSHI MOSHI BOX
Address: 3-23-5 1F Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Hours：10:00am～6:00pm
（Kyara-kure – 10:00am～7:30pm, Holidays are irregular）
Model：Ruki
Ruki was born in Spain and flew to Japan in hopes of becoming the world’s famous anisong singer. Hobbies include collecting figures, Japanese idols from the 80s, Japanese culture (kimono, arts, architecture, traditional culture, etc.) She also enjoys watching anime, reading manga, cosplaying and eating cutlet curry.
Stream Ruki’s Debut Album “Japani Beats! Ruki Special Vol.1” here.
Photos: Yuta Mukaiyama, Writer: MoMo (SHUTTER)
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BABYMETAL Releases ‘METAL KINGDOM,’ the Third Single from the Upcoming Concept Album ‘THE OTHER ONE’
Ahead of the release of the band’s concept album THE OTHER ONE on March 24, 2023, BABYMETAL has released a few tracks to get audiences even more pumped after a year of silence. In October 2022, the group released Divine Attack, followed by Monochrome in November.
On January 20, BABYMETAL released the song METAL KINGDOM on all major music download and streaming services worldwide.
To coincide with BABYMETAL’s 10th anniversary last year, the group announced that it would “seal” itself off from the world until further notice. In April 2022, THE OTHER ONE was announced to relaunch the group in the METALVERSE, a piece of the virtual metaverse. The upcoming concept album will be inspired by the idea of a BABYMETAL that fans don’t know, and a total of 10 songs have been discovered within THE OTHER ONE restoration project, with each song representing a specific theme based on 10 separate parallel worlds that the members have discovered. METAL KINGDOM is inspired by the parallel world ‘THRONE.’
Written as an anthem to usher in a new era, the song aims to remind people that they have the strength to inspire themselves and the ability to start down a new path. The track rises powerfully from BABYMETAL’s throne of silence heralding the beginning of a new start for the group.
BABYMETAL has finally broken the seal, and on January 28 and 29, 2023, the duo will hold the BABYMETAL RETURNS -THE OTHER ONE 2-day concert at Makuhari Messe in Chiba. More information will be announced soon, so keep an eye on social media and BABYMETAL’s official website!
Information
METAL KINGDOM (Digital Single)
Streaming Date: January 20, 2023
Download & Stream: https://bm.lnk.to/metalkingdomBABYMETAL RETURNS – THE OTHER ONE –
Dates: January 28, January 29
Venue: Makuhari Messe International Exhibition Hall
Times: Doors Open 16:00 / Show Starts 18:00 (January 28)
Doors Open 15:00 / Show Starts at 17:00 (January 29)
BABYMETAL RETURNS – THE OTHER ONE – Special Site:
https://www.babymetal.com/theotherone/
Tour Details: https://www.babymetal.com/tour/ -
The CrosSing cover song project brings together popular voice actors to sing classic songs in their own unique style. Launched in March 2022, the YouTube channel has amassed over 150,000 subscribers and upon each song’s release, the project continuously trends on Twitter and other social media sites.
On January 18, 2023, the official CrosSing YouTube channel uploaded a recording video of voice actress Nanaka Suwa performing the song Fantastic future.
Nanaka Suwa is best known for playing Kanan Matsuura in Love Live! Sunshine!! The actress has also released two studio albums. In this new video from CrosSing, Suwa is seen performing Yukari Tamura’s popular song Fantastic future, used as the opening theme for the anime series The “Hentai” Prince and the Stony Cat.
Fantastic future – from CrosSing – Nanaka Suwa (Recording Video)
The track is now available on numerous streaming sites and those purchasing the high-res version from mora will be able to access a special mini-interview with Suwa herself. LINE MUSIC has also started a playback campaign, and fans listening to the track over 300 times will be entered to win an autographed image!
A retweet campaign is also underway, with two lucky winners receiving Nanaka Suwa’s autograph. For details, check out the official CrosSing Twitter.
The CrosSing project released its first compilation album, CrosSing Collection Vol. 1, in September. Kana Hanazawa’s cover of Rain from Makoto Shinkai’s short anime film The Garden of Words is included as a bonus track. The track is also available on YouTube.
CrosSing Collection vol.1
Information
Fantastic future – from CrosSing –
Streaming Links: https://CrosSing.lnk.to/SuwaNanaka_Fantasticfuture -
It has been announced that Attack on Titan The Final Season will split its third part into two halves.
The first half will begin airing on NHK General starting March 3 at 24:25. The second half
will air sometime during 2023 with more details to be revealed in the future.Prior to this, a special compilation of all 87 episodes will be aired on NHK General from
February 25 to February 27. Every episode of Attack on Titan that has aired to date will be condensed into seven episodes.A new trailer has been released ahead of the beginning of Part 3 inspired by the phrase “This is Freedom.” Fans will see Eren smiling as a child, a vast difference from the man he grows to be. The despair in the video is palpable, but there is still some hope being kept alive by the characters.
Finally, to commemorate the third part of The Final Season, fans will be able to watch episodes from the series for free on the streaming service GYAO! starting January 17.
After years of massive popularity, Attack on Titan is approaching its climax. Be sure to tune into Part 3 when it begins airing in March!
©諫山創・講談社／「進撃の巨人」The Final Season製作委員会
Information
Attack on Titan The Final Season Part 3
Part 3, First Half Air Date: March 3, 2023 at 24:25 (NHK General)
Final Season Official Site: https://shingeki.tv/final/ -
Yutaro will appear in the upcoming drama series Tokyo no Yukiotoko airing on NHK E starting February 4, 2023.
The family-centered series is packed with both humor and sorrow and tells the story of humanity living alongside a mysterious other species–the Snow People. Kouichi Yajima, known for his work on Kazeyo Arashiyo, Kounodori, and Busujima Yuriko no Sekirara Nikki, penned the screenplay.
Information
Tokyo no Yukiotoko (Special Drama Series)
Starting: February 4, 2023 on NHK Educational TV
Airing every Saturday, 21:00-21:30 (5 episodes)
Script: Kouichi Yajima
Starring: Hayato Isomura, Kana Kita, Shingo Mizusawa, Miwako Shishido, Akari Takaishi, Tamae Ando, Manabu Hamada, Yutaro, Naoto Eguchi, Eri Tokunaga, Saori, Yasuhi Nakamura, Ron Mizuma, Kaito Yoshimura, Yui Kitamura, Shuntaro Miyao, Tamaki Ogawa, Shiro Sano, Yorie Yamashita -
BiSH, a punk band without instruments, has unveiled the cover art for the BiSH OUT of the BLUE Blu-ray. Fans can get their hands on this incredible release on February 15, 2023. The band has also revealed some special bonuses available at CD shops while supplies last.
DVD盤
BiSH OUT of the BLUE was the group’s largest-ever outdoor solo concert and was held at
the Fujikyu Highland Conifer Forest on October 22, 2022. Fans can also find a limited
edition Blu-ray/DVD which will also include live footage from the annual FiNE NATURE
SENSATiON (previously TOKYO BiSH SHiNE) free concert held at Zepp DiverCity.Preorders are now open so be sure to check out the details below!
Information
BiSH OUT of the BLUE – BiSH
Release Date: February 15, 2023
Purchase: https://bish.lnk.to/0215_bobProduct Information: https://www.bish.tokyo/news/detail.php?id=1104718
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Matt Cab and Grace Aimi released a cover of the song Honemade Aishite (Love Me to the Bone) on January 19, 2023.
The lyrics for Honemade Aishite were written by Kohan Kawauchi, a master author and screenwriter who also wrote the lyrics for the classic hit songs Ofukurosan and Isezakicho Blues. It was composed by Jun Kitahara, the man behind Showa era hits like Inochikurenai, Kyodai Jingi, and the theme song for Manga Nippon Mukashi Banashi. Now, a massively popular song from the 1960s has been revived in 2023 with a new hip-hop sound.
Last October, Matt Cab and Grace Aimi each released a studio session video of the new track on each other’s social media pages, instantly attracting attention and rave reviews from several artists. Pulling in nearly 1 million views, there was clearly major fan demand for a full release.
The song combines a structure, melody, and lyrics that capture the feeling of the Showa era while also infusing elements of modern hip-hop and R&B.
Information
Matt Cab & Grace Aimi
Honemade Aishite (Digital Single)
Release Date: January 19, 2023
Streaming URL: https://lnk.to/HoneMadeAishiteLyrics: Kohan Kawauchi
Composition: Jun Kitahara
Arrangement: Matt Cab -
In October 2021, BABYMETAL announced that it would “seal” itself off from the world until
further notice. On January 28 and 29, 2023, BABYMETAL will hold the ‘BABYMETAL
RETURNS -THE OTHER ONE’ 2-day concert at Makuhari Messe in Chiba. It has been
announced that the long-awaited performance will be streamed in movie theaters the
following month, on February 23.In the group’s first real-world performance since its rebirth, BABYMETAL will remind
audiences of how powerful they have been over the past decade. Returning through the
virtual METALVERSE to perform in another world audiences never knew existed, THE
OTHER ONE is a plan to restore BABYMETAL to its former glory while also treating fans to
an entirely different side of the band.On March 24, BABYMETAL will release the concept album THE OTHER ONE worldwide.
After more than a year of silence, BABYMETAL is finally moving forward. Be sure to head to your local theater on February 23 to see the band in action once again!
Information
BABYMETAL RETURNS – THE OTHER ONE – PREMIUM EDITION
Date: February 23, 2023 / 14:00
Official Website: http://www.babymetal.com
Special Site: https://www.babymetal.com/theotherone/ -
Hoshi no Kuzu α, the new song by Salyu × Haruka Nakamura, was released on streaming services on January 13, 2023.
The track will be used as the ending theme for the TRIGUN STAMPEDE anime series. It will be featured starting in the second episode which airs on January 14 at 23:00.
A six-song EP titled March of the Saints has also been announced, scheduled to release on March 8, 2023. Hoshi no Kuzu α will be included and the cover art has been released. Preorders are open now!
TRIGUN STAMPEDE
Information
Hoshi no Kuzu α – Salyu × Haruka Nakamura
Release Date: January 13, 2023
*Streaming Links: https://TF.lnk.to/hoshinokuzu_alphaMarch of the Saints EP
Release Date: March 8, 2023
*Purchase: https://tf.lnk.to/Seijanokoushin_EP -
From February 11 to February 26, an exhibition inspired by the popular rock band CreepHyp will be held at the PARCO GALLERY on the 6th floor of the Nagoya PARCO West Building. The event is being held to celebrate the 10th anniversary of CreepHyp.
The exhibition is themed around a ‘Museum of Voices.’
A person’s voice is said to be a true expression of their personality. This exhibition will give fans a new sense of what CreepHyp is and will feature their music, their MC content, and various radio appearances.
Visitors will be able to listen to the member’s voices, but they’ll also be able to step on them, dive into them, look at them, and experience plenty of other ways to enjoy the band’s content. Completely immersed in this world of voices, this experience promises to be like no other. Come experience it while you can!
The exhibition was largely created by CHOCOLATE, the creative team behind CreepHyp’s past exhibitions. Exclusive merchandise will also be available on-site.
Information
Let Creephyp’s Music Rain Down on You like a Shower Exhibition
Running: February 11 – February 26 (15 days) *Closed on February 15
Venue: Nagoya PARCO West Building 6F, PARCO GALLERY
Tickets: https://eplus.jp/creephyp_exhibition/
*Pre-sale ticket lottery begins on January 21 at noon
Details: https://art.parco.jp/parcogallery/detail/?id=1151 -
Ayakashi Triangle Anime Adaptation by Philosophy no Dance Now Streaming, Non-Credit Opening Released
The groovy 5-member funk, soul, and disco idol group Philosophy no Dance has been
chosen to perform the opening track for the highly-anticipated Ayakashi Triangle anime
adaptation. The group has been wowing music fans with its philosophical lyrics and comical dance moves. This impressive new track titled Neppu wa Ruten-suru is now available to
stream on all major platforms.Ayakashi Triangle was created by Kentaro Yabuki, known for his previous work To Love Ru. The series follows Matsuri Kazamaki, an exorcist ninja, as he attempts to defend his
childhood friend from evil spirits.
Composed by SoichiroK/Nozomu.S and with lyrics written by Ameko Kodama, Neppu wa
Ruten-suru is a catchy pop track perfect for capturing the worldview of the series.
Beginning with an incredible guitar riff, the five members’ voices intertwine with one
another in an incredibly unique way.A non-credit version of the opening theme has also been uploaded to the Aniplex YouTube
channel.
©矢吹健太朗／集英社・あやかしトライアングル製作委員会
Information
Neppu wa Ruten-suru – Philosophy no Dance
Streaming Links: https://Philosophy.lnk.to/ZGQtYs8v
Non-Credit Opening: https://youtu.be/SilkptdYBAE
Official Site: https://danceforphilosophy.com/ -
Fans who can’t attend the upcoming Odd Taxi: Diamond wa Kizutsukanai (Diamonds Will Not Be Damaged) stage play live can stream at home! The opening performance on January 25 and the final Tokyo show on January 31 will be available to stream live with tickets now available.
The play will focus on the formation of the idol group Mystery Kiss.
Yui Oguri (AKB48) will play Rui Nikaido, an adorable and ambitious idol who becomes a star member of the group. Hinatazaka46 member Hiyori Hamagishi will play Sakura Wadagaki, a key person in the play’s overall story. Former E-girls member Nonoka Yamaguchi plays the naturally talented Yuki Mitsuya while former ≠ME member Hitomi Suzuki plays the shy Shiho Ichimura.
Don’t miss out on this unique take on the world of Odd Taxi!
©P.I.C.S. / 舞台小戸川交通パートナーズ
Information
Odd Taxi: Diamond wa Kizutsukanai Stage Play
Streaming tickets are available now from the following sites.U-NEXT: https://t.unext.jp/r/oddtaxi-stage
FOD: https://fod.fujitv.co.jp/title/8281
ABEMA: https://abema-ppv-onlinelive.abema.tv/posts/40514276
Rakuten TV: https://live.tv.rakuten.co.jp/content/440672/
Paravi: https://www.paravi.jp/
Mahocast: https://www.mahocast.com/at/live/1579/9397
e＋: https://eplus.jp/oddtaxi_stage/st/
Pia: https://w.pia.jp/t/oddtaxi-stage-st/
Lawson Ticket: https://l-tike.com/oddtaxi-streaming/
ZAIKO: https://avex-pictures.zaiko.io/item/354058
FANY: https://yoshimoto.funity.jp/*For live streaming details, please refer to the sales page of each streaming service.
*The viewing platform for e+, Pia, and Lawson Ticket will be Mahocast.
*Ticket sales on FANY will begin on January 17.Tokyo Performances
Venue: Otemachi Mitsui Hall
Running: January 25 – January 31, 2023Osaka Performances
Venue: COOL JAPAN PARK OSAKA TT Hall
Running: February 4 – February 5, 2023Tickets: https://www.cnplayguide.com/oddtaxi/
Official Site: oddtaxi-stage.com -
On December 11 and 12, SKY-HI held solo concerts at Toyosu PIT to celebrate the group’s first album, THE DEBUT. The event, Round A Ground Special 2022, was a hit with fans, and a live video of the new song MISSION has now been released on SKY-HI’s YouTube channel.
MISSION (Round A Ground Special 2022 ｰBirthday Eveｰ December 11, 2022 at Toyosu PIT)
MISSION is being used as the theme song for MISSIONx2, an audition documentary show following BMSG’s attempts to find members of MAZZEL, a new 8-member boy band. SKY-HI’s trackmaker, SOURCEKEY, composed the track.
The powerful lyrics inspire listeners to pursue the best version of themselves. There’s no doubt that MAZZEL will be a group to watch.
Audition Documentary Show MISSIONx2, Ep.01 / Prologue -BMSG Trainees-
MISSIONx2 is now available to watch on the official BMSG YouTube channel.
Information
THE DEBUT – SKY-HI (Debut Album)
Release Date: December 12, 2022
Streaming & Download Links: https://sky-hi.lnk.to/THEDEBUT_DLSTR
Purchase: https://skyhi.lnk.to/thedebut_pkg
