KAWAII LAB. is a project spearheaded by ASOBISYSTEM with the aim of introducing the world to popular Japanese idol culture. The idol group IDOLATER was born from this idea, and in April, the girls welcomed two new members, transforming it into a fresh new 5-member group. Announced at the group’s solo concert ‘New IDOLATER’ on April 24, Fuuka Oishi and Ririka Satsuki joined the lineup consisting of Ayu Okuda, Kurumi Tsukishiro, and Yukino Fushiki.

A typical idol group is peppy and filled with energy, but IDOLATER is doing things a little differently. What is their appeal? How do they want to shake things up? 

A Group Formed by Finalists from ASOBISYSTEM’s First National Audition

IDOLATER debuted in April 2019. In the spring of 2018, ASOBISYSTEM, the management company behind Kyary Pamyu Pamyu and a number of other popular talents, announced its first large-scale nationwide audition, ASOBISYSTEM THE AUDITION 2018. IDOLATER’s history began with five audition finalists–Fushiki, Okuda, Tsukishiro, and two others. The catchphrase for the audition was fitting for the group: “Seeking the next generation of talents to shape Japanese pop culture and share it with the world.”

IDOLATER Welcomes Solo Singer Ririka Satsuki & Model Fuuka Oishi

Following the departure of two members and intense restrictions imposed on the group’s activities due to the pandemic, IDOLATER continued to operate with only three members. Although they didn’t manage to get a ton of media coverage or appeal in large-scale events, the group continued to pull in new fans and gain recognition in the idol community. After a while, Fuuka Oishi and Ririka Satsuki joined the group, giving a much-needed boost to IDOLATER’s activities and energy.

Ririka Satsuki is a solo artist based in Fukuoka with an incredible husky voice. Fuuka Oishi has previously worked as a model and is popular with creators for her sweet yet listless atmosphere. Despite their incredible confidence, this is the first time either has worked as an idol!

IDOLATER and the Concept of ‘Idols’ 

The word ‘idol’ can conjure plenty of images to mind, but what does the word mean to the members of IDOLATER?

The group’s music blends together elements of city pop, future funk, and house, while still keeping true to traditional J-pop roots. The familiarity of their music makes it easy to approach, and Yukino Fushiki’s powerful voice alongside Ririka Satsuki’s melodies shower fans with some of the best vocals in the idol world. 

The group’s choreography is provided by YU-KA, formerly of TEMPURA KIDZ. Her experience as both a dancer and an idol makes her an asset, and her refreshing moves are a highlight of each IDOLATER show.

A former pattern maker for a Japanese fashion brand designed the group’s costumes. 

If this sounds like the idol group for you, come and check out an IDOLATER event to see the girl’s incredible appeal for yourself.

On June 19, IDOLATER will hold their second regular performance, ‘Camel,’ at Ebisu CreATO. (The title of the show was chosen because it sounded fun, not for any other specific reason.)

Stay tuned for the next report, where we’ll delve a little deeper into the life of each member of IDOLATER!

FRUITS ZIPPER is a group quickly rising to stardom, debuted from “KAWAII LAB.” KAWAII LAB is a new project to introduce Japanese idol culture from “Harajuku”, a fashion town where various cultures and personalities gather, to the world. Members of the group include Amane Tsukihashi, Suzuka Chinzei, Yui Sakurai, Runa Nakagawa, Manaka Mana, Karen Matsumoto, and Noel Hayase.

Even before their debut, the group garnered attention for their breathtaking visuals. Their performances are so powerful, you would never expect such refined skill from such an adorable aesthetic, which is known to captivate the hearts of their fans. The group is produced by Misa Kimura, a model and TV personality who is also the general producer of “KAWAII LAB. She will utilize her experience and creativity as the leader of the idol group “Musubizm” to introduce idol culture to the world.

Expressing FRUITS ZIPPER’s world through collaborations with creators

Furthermore, even before their debut, the group drew a lot of attention because of their collaborations with many different renowned creators. Among the collaborations includes the artist photos created by video director/art director/3DCG artist YUKARI. She uses a cutting-edge trend of CG-moving techniques, in addition to still-images. The mysterious colors of bright light that embraces the girls are definitely eye-catching.

Catchy and cute choreography of FRUITS ZIPPER

@fruits_zipper ハートハート #わたしの一番かわいいところ ♬ わたしの一番かわいいところ – FRUITS ZIPPER

Followed by the debut song “Kimino Akaruimiraiwo Oikakete,” a song with a positive message for the future, “Watashino Ichiban Kawaiitokoro,” with its cute choreography and lyrics, won the hearts of people and was selected as one of the “TikTok Hot Songs in Japan” and charted on the Billboard. More than 13,000 videos using ”Watashino Ichiban Kawaiitokoro” have been posted on TikTok with the hashtag “#わたしの一番かわいいところ (Watashino Ichiban Kawaiitokoro).” The long-awaited third single “Kanpeki Syugide☆”, which was released on May 20, is an energetic tune created by music producer Manaka Suzuki.

Performances that reach into people’s hearts and minds

A pop-culture event presented by Asobisystem “ASOBE!!,” was held at Spotify O-EAST on May 26th. In addition to FRUITS ZIPPER, fellow Asobisystem members Atarashii Gakko! and IDOLATER, who is also a member of “KAWAII LAB.”, performed at the event. Many other remarkable idol groups also took part in the event, enlivening the venue.
Alongside their regular performances, they are scheduled to participate in a number of events, including the “LEADING PALETTE! and “HYPE IDOL! vol. 20” at Nihonbashi Mitsui Hall both June 12th. Make sure to come and see their live performance, it’s sure to steal your heart!

Additionally, KAWAII LAB. will be serialized on “Moshi Moshi Nippon,” a website that provides the latest news of Japan to the world. The articles will be published in hopes of sharing the charm of IDOLATER and FRUITS ZIPPER with people not only in Japan, but also around the world. Details will be announced soon. Stay tuned for more from KAWAII LAB.!

From May 20 until June 5, 2022, AppBank is bringing fans of Love Live! Superstar!! a special treat in collaboration with the HARAJUKU app! By launching the app at a check-in spot in Harajuku, users can win a limited-edition Love Live! toy at random, such as acrylic keychains or pins.

App Splash Page

HARAJUKU Map

Random Toy Screen

For those winning a toy, the item can be picked up in front of the CUTE CUBE HARAJUKU Love Live! Superstar!! Wall Panel or at YURINAN Harajuku Takeshita-dori Yu-rin An. In celebration of the event, CUTE CUBE HARAJUKU will be featuring Love Live wall panels during this period, so be sure to go get some great pictures!

Italian luxury fashion brand Fendi has teamed up with Harajuku Omotesando Keyaki-kai on a new street art project! ‘TSUNAGU – Omotesando Street Art Project’ was unveiled on April 29, 2022.

The project, which aims to improve the city’s scenery and share positive messages, is on display in Omotesando, a popular area with young people. The canvas is the formal site of the Oriental Bazaar, an iconic part of Omotesando for over four decades. Under the theme of ‘hope,’ three young artists will be displaying their artwork in a massive temporary enclosure on the site. Hopefully, Japan really will open tourism soon so that guests from around the world can enjoy these inspiring pieces!

The first piece of art was unveiled on April 29 and was drawn by Dai Tamura, a young Japanese artist who has attracted worldwide attention after becoming an illustrator for the NBA. The dynamic and powerful compositions vividly depict endangered animals and plants alongside delicate flowers to symbolize hope for the futures of these beautiful creatures. 

Be sure to keep an eye out for the next installation coming soon!

ASOBISYSTEM, a company aiming to broadcast Japanese pop culture from Harajuku to the rest of the world, has teamed up with Rokuyon Corporation for a special collaboration! Rokuyon manages unique private accommodations throughout Shibuya in Tokyo, and with help from Meteor APAC, the Japanese distributor of Ty’s beloved Beanie Baby stuffed animals, a new collaboration room will be available to book for a limited time only.

MOSHI MOSHI ROOMS HARAJUKU, a home-sharing facility produced by ASOBISYSTEM, is offering a Ty-inspired room from April 23 until May 22, 2022. The room looks more like an art gallery than a guest house and was designed by Ty’s content director Harris.

Children can enjoy a number of Ty amenities, while adults will enjoy taking home a Ty A3-sized tote bag to remember their unique visit. Those taking the tote bag will be able to fill it with all the Ty stuffed animals they want for only ¥1,650 (Tax Included)!

A social networking campaign exclusively for guests will also be underway soon! Those posting with the hashtag #moshimoshirooms and #ty will receive one free Ty plush toy!

A special xxxHOLiC exhibition will open at WITH HARAJUKU HALL in Shibuya on April 29, 2022! The event is being held to celebrate the release of the live-action xxxHOLiC film on the same day. 

Written and illustrated by the manga group CLAMP, xxxHOLiC ran from 2003 until 2017 in Weekly Young Magazine and Bessatsu Shonen Magazine. The series has been a best-seller, with over 14 million copies in circulation, and has been adapted into an anime series, anime film, and live-action television series. An all-male stage play aired in Tokyo in September 2021. The upcoming xxxHOLiC film is the first live-action film adaptation by photographer Mika Ninagawa. This exhibit will include behind-the-scenes footage and images along with a puzzle-solving game!

Exhibition

©2022映画「ホリック」製作委員会 ©CLAMP・ShigatsuTsuitachi CO.,LTD.／講談社

Exhibition Hall　

©2022映画「ホリック」表裏世界没入展実行委員会©CLAMP・ShigatsuTsuitachi CO.,LTD.／講談社 Photo by Mika Ninagawa

Guests will be able to see stills, costumes, props, and artwork from the upcoming film, as well as a ‘visit to the wish-granting shop!’ Take some pictures at an incredibly detailed photo spot, and check out images of the film’s incredible cast. xxxHOLiC will star Ryunosuke Kamiki, Kou Shibasaki, Tina Tamashiro, Daoko, Serena Motola, and many more beloved stars.

*Hokuto Matsumura, who plays Shizuka Doumeki, will not be featured in the exhibition.

xxxHOLiC Puzzle Solving Game ‘The Mysterious and Curious Tale’ 

Get ready for a completely original new mystery game! Players will transform into the characters of xxxHOLiC to solve a mystery assigned to Yuko Ichihara and Kimihiro Watanuki. What’s the real cost of making a wish? 

©2022映画「ホリック」製作委員会 ©CLAMP・ShigatsuTsuitachi CO.,LTD.／講談社

FRUiTS, a magazine capturing the essence of Harajuku culture through fashion, will release a special issue in collaboration with women’s sneaker store atmos pink and SNKRGIRL, the first and only sneaker news site for women in Japan.

SNKRGIRL, Japan’s first and only sneaker media for women by women, is participating in this special collab with FRUiTS, the legendary street photo magazine that introduced Harajuku culture to the world, and atmos pink, the popular Tokyo-based sneaker select store for women.

Bikkuriman Sticker

FRUiTS editor-in-chief shot the images for the special issue. Female sneaker lovers are becoming more common in the Japanese fashion scene, with #SneakerGirls often trending on social media.

The new issue will feature popular influencers who attended SNKRGIRL’s recent Harajuku Snap Party, as well as models, dancers, and women from many other walks of life. The magazine will be a way to see what Harajuku fashion looks like in 2022, and each issue will include a special Bikkuriman sticker!

The cover features influential model YURINO, a big name in the fashion and sneaker scene. Readers can enjoy an interview between Harajuku fashion expert Kaoru Takami and FRUiTS editor-in-chief too, so don’t miss it!

Popular anime series World Trigger is getting a Valentine’s Day pop-up store at six LOFT locations starting January 7, 2022. The event will feature exclusive illustrations of the main characters with lots of chocolate motifs. 

Replica Small Avatar Mascot: ¥1,100 (Tax Included)

World Trigger Acrylic Stand VD: ¥1,650 each (Tax Included)

Acrylic Keychain VD: ¥792 each (Tax Included)

World Trigger Acrylic Stand Heart Cat: ¥990 each (Tax Included) 

World Trigger Acrylic Keychain Heart Cat: ¥792 (Tax Included) 

World Trigger Heart Pins: ¥440 each (Tax Included) / BOX: ¥3,960 (Tax Included)

World Trigger Imabari Towel Replica: ¥990 each (Tax Included)

World Trigger Pen: ¥396 each (Tax Included) 

World Trigger Clear Folder: ¥440 each (Tax Included)

World Trigger Hoodie: ¥5,720 (Tax Included)

World Trigger Crunchy Chocolate Pin Sweets: ¥864 (Tax Included)

World Trigger – Ikoma’s Eggplant Curry: ¥972 (Tax Included)

World Trigger Acrylic Stand Badge Sweets: ¥880 (Tax Included) / BOX: ¥7,920 (Tax Included)

World Trigger Plate: ¥1,650 (Tax Included)

World Trigger Chocolate: ¥880 each (Tax Included) *Available in February

World Trigger Masking Tape: ¥462 each (Tax Included) *Available in February

©葦原大介／集英社・テレビ朝日・東映アニメーション

Popular Harajuku-based fashion magazine Zipper, which ceased publication in 2017, will return in March 2022! The rebirth of the magazine is being spearheaded as a joint venture between DONUTS Inc. and ASOBISYSTEM.

Zipper was first published in 1993 as a way to say “NO!” to traditional style. It continued to inspire creative minds for 24 years until it ceased publication in 2017, and many Harajuku-based celebrities and influencers cite the magazine as a major source of inspiration over the years. Now, this beacon of individuality and fashion is making a triumphant comeback right when the world needs it most.

In addition to the magazine, Zipper will also be available on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter, opening up the brand to fans of Japanese fashion around the world. More details will be announced in the future.

As a part of the brand’s 9BOX series, New Balance has released a new graphic T-shirt collection in collaboration with Ghost in the Shell SAC_2045. The items went on sale November 12, and to commemorate the release, a Tachikoma from the series has arrived at New Balance Harajuku! For those who may not have seen the series, a Tachikoma is an AI tank prominently featured in the Ghost in the Shell universe.

T-Shirt

Long Sleeve T-Shirt

Collaboration Sticker

Picture Frame

Motoko Kusanagi, the main character of the series, perfectly exemplifies the New Balance brand, which promotes ‘fearless independence.’ Five new t-shirt designs are now available, all drawn by Ilya Kuvshinov, the character designer for Ghost in the Shell SAC-2045. The collection is available at official New Balance stores nationwide, as well as the online store and participating ABC Marts. Those who purchase items from the collection will receive a collaboration sticker, and a special picture frame will be available on the New Balance official store app NB Shop. 

New Balance’s flagship store in Harajuku is celebrating its fifth anniversary this year and was the backdrop for the cover of Rolling Stone Japan to promote the collaboration. Fans of the anime series shouldn’t miss out on these stylish threads!

For visitors to Tokyo who love Japanese pop culture, the KAWAII MONSTER CAFE was a rite of passage. Opened in Harajuku in 2015 and produced by the Godfather of Kawaii himself Sebastian Masuda, the restaurant was a love letter to all things cute. Starting in February 2021, ASOBISYSTEM has taken over the operation of this beloved property. 

Regrettably, due to the state of the world, KAWAII MONSTER CAFE HARAJUKU closed at the end of January 2021. However, the spirit of this colorful place isn’t dead, and a new concept and menu are now coming to fruition in Osaka!

Contents

Monster Cake and Choppy

Monster Burger

Colorful Tonkatsu Monster Burger (Red): ¥1,380 (Tax Included, Drink Included) 

This bright red monster burger will make a great subject for an Instagram photo and is filled with pork cutlet and bacon dipped in a special tomato sauce. 

Colorful Shrimp Fritter Monster Burger (Blue): ¥1,380 (Tax Included, Drink Included) 

This tasty shrimp fritter sandwich is best enjoyed with plenty of tartar sauce!

Colorful Blue and Red Mini Burgers: ¥1,280 (Tax Included) 

Can’t decide which burger you’d like to try? How about both! Guests can also design their own monster burgers with a special topping kit.

Monster Cooking

Cooking Class Fee: ¥700 (Tax Included) 

Cooking Class Fee with Cutlery: ¥1,000 (Tax Included) 

Length: 30 minutes

Ages 9+

Quiz Rally Card

Traverse the four floors of the Hug Museum for a special quiz rally! There will be one question on each floor, marked by Choppy! Those who answer all the questions correctly will receive an original mask case!

Monster Merchandise

The Hug Museum, sponsored by Osaka Gas, offers plenty of hands-on exhibitions related to food. The grand opening of the KAWAII MONSTER KITCHEN was held on November 2, and inspired children and adults alike to have fun with their food and embrace all th ings kawaii. A photo spot featuring a massive monster cake has also been installed, supervised by Sebastian Masuda. Come experience the spirit of kawaii culture in Osaka!

From October 23 until October 29, art project production group WATOWA GALLERY will host a solo exhibition by SNEAKERWOLF at elephant STUDIO in Shibuya. The artist has become popular both in Japan and abroad for his works inspired by calligraphy found in the Edo period of Japanese history. 

SNEAKERWOLF has garnered worldwide attention for his graffiti-style artwork depicting Edo-inspired kanji characters. In the past, he has collaborated with ASICS Tiger Japan and other popular brands. The artist will show around 15 new abstract works during this exhibition, many inspired by SD–or ‘super deformed’–versions of characters. The #FR2 x SNEAKERWOLF collaborative exhibition will be happening simultaneously in Harajuku, bringing the artist together with fashion brand #FR2. The brand and artist were brought together during an exhibition sponsored by WATOWA GALLERY in January 2021. During this period, three new pieces made specifically for #FR2 will be on display, and limited-edition clothing will be available for purchase!