Sebastian Masuda to open SUSHIDELIC, a new sushi restaurant in Soho, New York City. The location will open on June 28, 2023.

“King of Kawaii” Sebastian Masuda, creator of Harajuku’s “KAWAII MONSTER CAFE,” loved by celebrities around the world, has created a new restaurant concept  in New York City

Enjoy an Immersive Kawaii Experience

Featuring a Menu Developed by Japanese Chefs and Supported by AUTEC, Inc.

Opening in SoHo, the Trendiest Neighborhood in New York City

SUSHIDELIC is scheduled to open at 177 Lafayette St. in the heart of the SoHo area, where the latest fashions and trends are born and where many fashion brands have opened their flagship stores.

We will keep you updated with the latest information as it becomes available. Please look forward to the chemistry between “Sushi” and “Kawaii,” two of Japan’s proudest exports.

Sebastian Masuda

Japan’s largest sake event, TOKYO SAKE FESTIVAL 2022, will run from October 4 until October 6 at the Shinjuku Sumitomo Building’s Triangle Square.

The event’s aim is to make sake more mainstream around the world, with the first festival taking place in 2020. Tokyo Sake Festival blends sake with entertainment, showing off the very best of Japanese culture to those who may be new to craft sake. For the third year, former NMB48 member Yui Takano will serve as ambassador. Takano is known for leaving her idol career to manage the sake specialty store Yui Sake Shop. 

Tokyo Sake Festival 2022 is bringing together forty carefully selected sake breweries from around Japan, including Inoue Seikichi, winner of the Champion Sake award at IWC 2022. Tonoike Sake Brewery, winner of Kura Master 2022’s President’s Award, will also be in attendance. The full lineup can be found on the official website.

Popular influencers and artists from Raphael to BOYS AND MEN and Ukon Takafuji will take the stage during the event, so be sure to swing by if you’re a fan of Japanese spirits!

From September 30 until October 2, 2022, artist Sebastian Masuda will present a hands-on live performance work titled Polychromatic Skin – Minitsukeru, nugisuteru at kagoo in Kitakagaya, Osaka. 

Masuda, who currently resides in New York, is returning to Japan temporarily to prevent this colorful and experimental participatory live performance, inspired by the street style of the 90s. The title of the artwork is pulled from the artist’s intention to break through and liberate people’s unconscious stereotypes that stand in the way of gender freedom. This work is the second in a series following Polychromatic Skin -Gender Tower- and Polychromatic Skin -Gender Wall- to be exhibited at Roppongi Art Night 2022.

The theme of this art piece is ‘wearing something by taking it off.’ Audience members will participate in the live performance by wearing masks, tops, and bottoms based on the idea of androgyny, or the body of a human before it is divided into male or female. 

Upon entering the art space, guests will be surrounded by live music consisting of drums and violins and visuals, while being invited to act accordingly to create their own art. Each session lasts 60 minutes, and participation in the live performance must be reserved in advance. Tickets to view the works without participating in the performance will be sold at the venue on the day of the event.

The performance will take place at kagoo, a former warehouse space in Kitakagaya, an artistic area of Osaka. A free area at the entrance will feature a pop-up store filled with Sebastian Masuda’s art, along with items from 6%DOKIDOKI, a popular Harajuku apparel brand celebrating its 27th anniversary in 2022.

<Comment from Sebastian Masuda>

“In Brooklyn, New York in 2018, I wandered off to go to the restroom at a club. The male and female signs on the restroom doors had been smashed together, and the sign only said ‘non-gender.’ Bewildered by the unexpected instructions, I opened the door with the usual color and found a completely different sight than I was expecting. Shocked to realize that there were stereotypes hiding unconsciously within me, I returned to the club floor to find the space is as fun as ever. Since then, I’ve wondered if there is a way to break the stereotypes I have. I can’t stop thinking about it. 

Is breaking down the walls the only shortcut?
The right answer is inside all of us.
Sometimes, to see the truth, you just need to put something on.
Cast off the self by taking it off.”

To celebrate the debut of Dev-c, the new VTuber unit from VEE, a giant ad has appeared in Shinjuku Station! Fans should head to the Promenade connecting Shinjuku Station to Shinjuku 3-come from September 5 until September 11 to catch a glimpse of these new talents!

The ad shows Uriyone, Anew Uparu, Cotonoha, Luminous Sweet, and Aomiya Yozuri strolling down a Tokyo street.

Spread out behind them are images of the members of Dev-a and Dev-b, who previously debuted.

VEE has managed to bring together some incredible talents so far. On the right side, fans will see Dev-c’s key visual and a message from VEE to fans, so if you’re near Shinjuku, be sure to check it out!

From September 1 until October 31, the District Brasserie, Bar, and Lounge at the Kimpton Shinjuku Tokyo will be offering a spooky Halloween-themed afternoon tea set. The tasty treats won’t be the only scary thing on the plate–the event will incorporate AR technology! By holding up your phone, you’ll be able to see monsters moving around on your plate.

The goodies will also be available for take-out, making them perfect for souvenirs or at-home Halloween parties! Nine types of Halloween sweets, six small dishes, and two tea sachets will be included. Why not spend Halloween in a more elegant way in 2022?

The Isetan Shinjuku department store will hold a new event in collaboration with popular Sanrio characters from August 24 to August 29 2022 on the 6th-floor event space. The theme is Sweer Summer Festival, and those who want to grab some unique Sanrio swag shouldn’t miss it!

Goods at a Glance

isayamax  OWCS -Cinnamoroll- [Art]　

TiTi Cinnamoroll Ice Cream Bag Charm

Sauna Boy Sauna Pompompurin T-Shirt

Ikumimama’s Animal Donuts

Kuromi Donut Set / Cinnamoroll Donut Set / Pompompurin Donut Set (All 2 pieces) 

Etoile et Griotte Reuseable Bag

mikko illustrations Collaboration Imabari Hand Towel

Moon Prim Cinnamoroll PVC Frilly Pouch

WANPAKU HOUSE Pouch

FANCY SANRIO CHARACTERS, a collaboration that began in October 2017, has been held six times so far. This seventh edition will be the largest to date, with more than 40 brands making an appearance. From fashion and sundries to sweets and art, guests will be able to find some adorable merchandise both in-store and at the Isetan Mitsukoshi online store. Why not come shop for your family and friends during this cute event?
 

Ⓒ 2022 SANRIO CO., LTD. APPROVAL NO.L632357

Sebastian Masuda, known as the “father of kawaii,” moved to New York City in 2022 to be more active in the Big Apple while continuing his activities in Tokyo.

His first event since moving to the city will be the COLORS FOR PEACE charity art exhibition, which will be held at the Mizuma & Kips gallery on Manhattan’s Lower East Side from July 29 until July 31. A portion of all proceeds from the sale of artwork and donations collected will be donated to the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America, a human rights organization supporting those whose lives have been impacted by war.

Masuda wanted people to think about peace, which is the theme for the COLORS FOR PEACE exhibition. The showing will feature artwork in four primary colors–blue, yellow, green, and pink.

Along with original paintings and lithographs, the exhibition will also feature a bed installation where guests can freely relax. Visitors will be able to think about the people whose peaceful daily lives are threatened by the ongoing war, and will be able to support them through art.

An opening reception for the event will be held on the evening of July 29, and reservations are open now. More information will be announced on Masuda’s social media accounts, including when the artist himself will appear.

Comment from Sebastian Masuda

“COLORS FOR PEACE is an event with a very straightforward theme, and that is for guests to think about peace. Close your eyes. Imagine it. Understand it. Understand how wonderful it is that you can sleep in your own bed at home tonight. We all know how comfortable it is to be able to sleep in our own bed, with our own sheets that have our own scent.

Through my activities over the years, I’ve come to realize that the ‘kawaii’ movement is one of the best ways to inspire peace. It helps us to understand each other, and the bright and vibrant colors make people happy, both in Japan and around the world. I hope that the COLORS FOR PEACE venue will be filled with many smiling faces and that it will transcend race, religion, age, gender, and all other borders.”

Have you ever heard of Pickles the Frog? The adorable plush has become popular enough to inspire his own collaboration cafe in Shinjuku from May 25 until June 6! A special menu will be available at Brilliant Cafe located on the 11th floor of the Odakyu Department Store.

Green Curry Plate

Birthday Cake Plate

Fruit Tea Soda Float

As part of Pickle the Frog’s birthday celebration, the cafe will feature a limited menu of three delectable items. Why not come celebrate Pickle’s special day on June 1? 

A pop-up shop will also be opened soon, so keep an eye out!

Popular on LINE and other texting apps and illustrated by Jyuuno, mofusand is a curious collection of cute and slightly surreal cats. As with most things that go viral in Japan, these adorable characters will be featured in a themed cafe for a limited time! The Tokyo location will open on May 19 and the Osaka location will welcome visitors starting May 26, 2022.

Cafe Visitor Bonus: Sticker (6 varieties)

Drink Order Bonus: Coaster (6 varieties)

Menu

Fried Shrimp Sandwich Plate

Grilled Vegetable Curry

Nyanko Burger

Salmon Mentaiko Cream Pasta

Taiyaki

Nyanko Parfait

Black Cat Pancake

Nyan Lime Nata de Coco

Green Nyanko Float / Yello Nyanko Float / Blue Nyanko Float

Nyanko Cafe Latte / Nyanko Milk Tea

Merchandise

Sticker

Clear Folder

All menu items draw inspiration from the many mofusand characters and are perfect for posting on social media! Special bonuses will be given to those visiting the cafe and making select purchases, and a merchandise corner will be selling limited-edition goods featuring new artwork!

©mofusand

From April 13 until April 25, fans of Disney Pixar will want to visit the first floor of the Odakyu Department store in Shinjuku! The Pixar Fest Pop-Up Store by Small Planet will be selling a large collection of items featuring popular characters from Toy Story, Monsters, Inc., Cars, and more!

A wide variety of PIXAR goods such as bags, towels, mugs, stationery, and apparel will be available, and the Disney Friend of Nature Pop-Up Store by Small Planet will be held simultaneously, featuring sustainable and eco-friendly Disney items.

PIXAR FEST POP UP STORE by Small Planet Goods at a Glance

[Exclusive Event Item] IC Card Case: ¥2,310 

[Event Exclusive Item] Drawstring Bag: ¥660 *On sale April 16

[Event Exclusive Item] Random Pin Collection (12 varieties): ¥440 each

Purchase Bonus: Tote Bag

Purchase Bonus: Acrylic Coaster

Starting April 13, guests spending ¥6,600 (including tax) or more at the venue will receive one special tote bag while supplies last! Starting April 23, guests spending ¥2,750 (including tax) will receive a Toy Story acrylic coaster.

Disney FRIEND OF NATURE POP UP STORE by Small Planet Goods at a Glance

[Event Exclusive Item] Mug Made from Recycled Goods “Green Vibes Only!”: ¥2,310

[Event Exclusive Item] Eco Bag “Green Vibes Only!”: ¥3,190 *On sale April 15

Be sure to visit the pop-up shop to grab some exclusive merch while you can!

©Disney/Pixar
©Disney

From March 30 until April 12, fans of Moomin will want to visit the Odakyu Department Store in Shinjuku for a special pop-up store!

Lineup

Odakyu Preorder Items　

Toto Bag

Synthetic Leather Coaster

Masking Tape

Event Exclusives

T-Shirt

Acrylic Keychain

Stainless Steel Tumbler

Purchase Bonuses

(March 30 ~) Bonus for purchases of ¥6,600 or more

Pocket Thermos Bottle, Joxter Cloud Design (Not for Sale)

(April 2 ~) Bonus for purchases of ¥3,300 or more

Sea Orchestra Acrylic Keychain (Not for Sale)

(April 9 ~) Bonus for purchases of ¥5,500 or more

Snufkin & Joxter Acrylic Stand Set (Not for Sale)

The pop-up store, which was very well-received last year, focuses on Snufkin, one of the most popular Moomin characters. This year, Snufkin’s father, Joxter, will also be making an appearance. The venue will be decorated with original artwork, and a wide variety of Moomin merch will be available, including plush toys, sundries, apparel, and much more.

BEAMS Japan will hold an event highlighting the wonders of Okayama Prefecture in both Shinjuku, Tokyo, and Taipei, Taiwan! The event will feature specialty products from 11 businesses in Okayama, and is now open in Shinjuku, with the Taipei event beginning in February 2022. Certain items are also available at the official BEAMS online shop.

Selected Products

Okayama prefecture is known for its mild climate and nature. BEAMS Japan has developed 81 unique products, with some highlighting the denim creation in the region and others showcasing local crafts.

As Okayama is closely associated with Momotaro, a figure out of Japanese folklore, peaches are very prominent in the region and can be seen in a number of these special products. 

Selected products from the collection will be available at the Taipei location from February 24 until March 13, 2022. Although travel has been made incredibly difficult during the pandemic, this pop-up shop was made possible by Okayama prefecture and BEAMS Japan.