Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s ‘Oto no Kuni Live Tour 2019’ has been taking the singer to various locations across Japan steeped in the country’s cultural heritage. The tour gets its name from Kyary’s song Oto no Kuni taken from her album Japamyu.

Following the success of her show at the sacred Izumo Shrine in Shimane Prefecture―a region said to be the birthplace of Japan’s many gods―Kyary took her traditional show to Minami-za in Kyoto, the oldest theatre in Japan. What’s more is that she held it on the final day of Japan’s Heisei period before the country transitioned into the current Reiwa period. The concert fused Kyary’s iconic pop culture fantasia with traditional Japanese kabuki theatre.

A 9-minute medley of the concert, featuring tracks such as Ninja Re Bang Bang and Oto no Kuni, is set to be played back live on NHK World Japan today (August 19) and again on NHK General TV on September 14. It will also feature a talk with Kyary and show host Shingo Murakami.

A special documentary featuring behind-the-scenes footage as well as clips of the concert was uploaded onto Kyary’s official YouTube channel. The video showcases Kyary’s training for the concert carried out with kabuki actor Ainosuke Kataoka. Check it out below.

Yasutaka Nakata is the internationally acclaimed architect of kawaii music and music producer of huge Japanese names such as Kyary Pamyu Pamyu and Perfume.

The DJ and music producer is known for having collaborated with a whole string of big artists, such as Kenshi Yonezu on the song NANIMONO as well as Charli XCX on Crazy Crazy. Despite having only just dropped his new song Pico Pico Tokyo (feat. Momo Mashiro) recently, he just released a new song entitled Kizunami (cover) for digital download on August 16. The track is a cover of Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s song Kizunami taken from her fourth studio album Japamyu which Nakata Produced. It is covered by virtual talent Kizuna AI who has almost 2.7 million subscribers on her YouTube channel.

To celebrate the release of the new song, Kizuna AI appeared as a surprise guest on Yasutaka Nakata and Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s set at SUMMER SONIC 2019 which was held in Tokyo and Osaka. In a very special collaboration, she sang the song alongside Kyary―the singer of the original track.

As with the Osaka show, the RAINBOW STAGE at the Tokyo concert had an admission limit due to how much music fans were anticipating this stage.

When the intro to Fashion Monster started playing as the first song of Yasutaka Nakata’s set, the crowd’s excitement went straight through the roof. But it didn’t stop there however, as it shot into the stratosphere when Kyary Pamyu Pamyu walked onto the stage, clad in a beautiful white outfit.

Nakata and Kyary’s set was an energetic amalgamation of song mash-ups and alternative arrangements, treating the crowd to familiar hit after hit. It reestablished Nakata’s status as a spearhead of the industry.

He joined Kyary in front of his DJ booth for CANDY CANDY and waved his hands left and right with the crowd to Kyary’s directions. The two of them rolled out even more big numbers including Invader Invader, PON PON PON and Ninja Re Bang Bang which also had fun new arrangements.

When the intro to Kizunami started up, Kizuna AI’s chorus entered the fray at which Kyary asked, “Whose voice is that?” Kizuna AI suddenly appeared on the giant LED screen at the back of the stage, and the crowd reacted instantly. She riled everyone up by calling “Summer Sonic!” before joining Nakata and Kyary in a dream collaboration.

The 19-song set was up with Mondai Girl and finally Oto no Kuni during which the crowd waved their towels in unison.

Kizuna AI’s cover of Kizunami is now available for digital download and is streaming on Spotify.

The Pokémon Cafe in Nihonbashi, Tokyo has revealed its Halloween food and drink line-up for the spooky season which will arrive early on September 7 be served until October 31.

The cafe is known for always having a cute selection of meals and beverages inspired by each season. So, what do they have in store for Halloween 2019?

Pikachu’s Greedy Halloween Plate 2019 – ¥1,706 (w/ Plate ¥2,894)

This year’s Halloween plate features Pikachu wearing a witch’s hat. This filling plate features a pumpkin salad, spaghetti and more. Plenty to keep you going until the late-night candy snacking!

Discovering Celebi!? Oak Forest Pesto Pasta – ¥1,706

This adorable and healthy, vegetable-packed Celebi dish includes basil flavoured short pasta and a cute.

Zorua’s Halloween Roast Beef Burger – ¥1,706

This hearty burger is packed with a generous serving of roast beef. You’d best not leave a crumb or Zorua might play a trick on you!

When ordering a drink at the cafe you’ll receive one of six possible coasters. One of the designs is being kept a secret!

And for the duration of the Halloween event, there’s also a limited-edition lunch mat and clear coaster to get your hands on. These are limited in stock so you’ll want to catch ’em all quickly! And don’t forget, you have to book a table in advance to dine at the Pokémon Cafe.

© 2019 Pokémon.©1995-2019 Nintendo/Creatures Inc./GAME FREAK inc.

Pokémon, ポケットモンスター and ポケモン are registered trademarks of Nintendo, Creatures Inc. and GAME FREAK inc.

Popular Japanese hair and makeup artist YOUCA is an analyzer of the latest makeup collections. In this new featured series, YOUCA reveals the secret formula to easily incorporating today’s makeup trends into your daily routine. In Volume 1, she showcases midsummer oriental-style makeup. Learn the formula for a fine face by following her trendy tips and tricks.

Oriental Face Formula = Turquoise Line x Terracotta Lipstick + Flower Print

YOUCA: “The 2019 fall/winter collections have been adventurous with eye makeup colours, featuring things like paint makeup and graphic eyeliner. Those are hard to incorporate with your everyday looks, so I recommend just using them in one spot. I’m serving makeup colours that go well with the botanical look, something which is in fashion right now.”

Turquoise Line: Go casual with a single coloured line drawn from your eye

What we are focusing on here is the single coloured eye makeup line. By choosing a colour like turquoise, which is far away from skin colour, it highlights the eyes more. With this style you are looking to make the eyeline stand out, so we want to be low-key with the eyeshadow. All YOUCA has done here is used grey eyeshadow (pictured top right) which is spread thinly. The eyelashes are not raised and only a little mascara has been applied. Then, using the eyeliner (pictured bottom left), she has drawn a thin line just above where the double eyelid ends. Simply apply the colour as it is without flicking it up for a more effortless eye.

Terracotta Lipstick: Sophisticated grown-up lips without looking overly pop

The colour of terracotta, which is a type of earthenware, goes really well with floral designs. It’s also a perfect match with the turquoise eyeliner. Just put a little bit of the terracotta lipstick (pictured bottom right) on your lips and pat it with your finger to blend. Keep in mind that the eyes are the main focus so don’t emphasize your lips too much.

To make your eye makeup stand out even more, try to go makeup-less as much as possible on your skin. YOUCA is using the purple makeup base from Shinseido (pictured bottom) instead of foundation which gives a more no-makeup naked look. For her cheeks, she’s using the Cream Cheek (pictured top right) by Celvoke and applying it thinly to her cheeks to give her a more grown-up look.

Clockwise From Top Left

Top Left: SHISEIDO Essentialist Eye Palette 02 – ¥4,000 / Shiseido International

Top Right: Celvoke Comfy Stick Brush 03 – ¥3,500 / Celvoke

Bottom Right: SHISEIDO Kajal InkArtist 07 – ¥2,200 / Shiseido International

Bottom Middle: Shiseido Glow Enhancing Primer – ¥4,000 / Shiseido International

Bottom Left: Celvoke Dignified Lips 09 – ¥3,200

Styling Credit
Shirt (Stylist’s Own Item) / DISCOVERED: Pants ¥27,000 / flake: Earrings ¥24,000, Bangle ¥46,000/ agete: Ring (Gold/Right Hand Ring Finger) ¥22,000 / IDEALITE: Ring (Silver/Right Hand Index Finger)

SHOP LIST
agete　0800-300-3314
IDEALITE　03-5413-3546（alpha PR）
Shinseido International　0120-81-4710

Celvoke　03-3261-2892
DISCOVERED　03-3463-3082
flake　03-5833-0013

Staff Credit
Photographer：中野 与志夫
Styling：橋本 裕介
Model：KAINO Yu
Writer：石井 佐代子
Editor：YOUCA

*All prices listed are pre-tax prices

Source: https://asbs.jp/archives/43166（Japanese）

Japan’s consumption tax is set to increase on October 1 from 8% to 10%. If you’re looking to bulk buy or grab up must-have items from Japan then now is the perfect time before the percentage goes up!

Today we will take a look some of Disney’s premium pieces of merchandise which are must-grabs before the tax increase.

Disney Senryobako – ¥ 2,982,650 (Tax Included) *Rate subject to change

A senryobako, or “thousand gold coin box,” is a box that was used during the Edo period to store koban, the former Japanese oval coin. This box features a Mickey and Minnie Mouse design that reads “Forever together” at the top. It also includes a set of 50 koban featuring Mickey and Minnie designs on them. This is a super special and premium gift item!

Available At: GINZA TANAKA

Mickey 90th Anniversary Design Signature Pot (18cm) – ¥30,000 (Before Tax) *Comes in 11 colours

This pot is being released in celebration of 90 years since Mickey’s screen debut. The pot lid features the iconic outline of Mickey Mouse. It’s also delivered in limited-edition packaging.

Available At: Le Creuset

Movie Masterpiece DIECAST: Avengers 1/6 Scale Iron Man Mark 7 Figure – ¥58,800 (Tax Included) 

This highly detailed figure looks like Iron Man jumped right out of the movie theatre screen. Several different models and pieces are on sale too for each movie the superhero features in the Marvel Universe. Collect them all to create a whole range of poses.

Available At: Hot Toys

ROYAL SELANGOR Star Wars Vehicles “X-Wing” – ¥37,800 (Tax Included)

ROYAL SELANGOR Star Wars Figurine “Darth Vader” – ¥54,000 (Tax Included)

Malaysian-based company Royal Selangor is the largest pewter manufacturer and retailer in the world. Their new X-Wing and Darth Vader models elicit that vintage space opera vibe.

Available At: Royal Selangor

Each and every one of these items is a luxury Disney product. If you’re a collector or are looking to buy a present for a fan then now’s the best time to grab any of these premium products!

©Disney © 2019 MARVEL © &TM Lucasfilm Ltd.

Tokyo Disney Resort has announced this year’s Disney Christmas which will take place at Tokyo Disneyland® and Tokyo DisneySea® from November 8 to December 25. This is the Tokyo DisneySea® event line-up. For the Tokyo Disneyland® schedule, click here.

‘Tis the season to be jolly this year at Tokyo DisneySea, where the Christmas spirit is set to fall and settle like December snow across the park with a fantastic line-up of festive entertainment programs, magical decorations and more. Guests are invited to join the Disney cast in welcoming a very merry Christmas at this year for Disney Christmas 2019.

It’s Christmas Time!

The “It’s Christmas Time!” show returns again this year to Mediterranean Harbor to wrap guests in the Christmas spirit, featuring Mickey Mouse and friends along with singers and dancers who will perform to classic Christmas tunes.

Colour Of Christmas

This magical performance takes place at nighttime on the water at Mediterranean Harbor, featuring a huge 15-meter tall shimmering Christmas tree. Held annually, this will mark the show’s eighth and final run. Disney characters including Mickey will also be present for the performance.

The whole of Mediterranean Harbor will be wrapped in the Christmas spirit, with the huge tree in the centre and little trees all around, and onlookers all with their own wishes for the holiday season. Snow will also fall during the performance to create a romantic atmosphere.

Special Christmas Merchandise

Pouch – ¥2,000 (Tax Included)

Around 65 very special pieces of merchandise will be available for guests to pick up, many themed on the It’s Christmas Time! show. The pouch features the cute scene of Mickey and Minnie line dancing which you will see in the show. The available plush toys also have a Christmas-y gold bell on them. All of these items will be available from November 1.

There will also be adorable Duffy and Friends merchandise to pick up. Some of these items are themed on Cape Cod Village in winter, an area in the park which serves as a greeting spot for Duffy and his friends. These Christmas items will be available from November 6.

Christmas Food & Drink

A festive feast of 15 drinks and dishes will be served for Disney Christmas, from seafood pasta to roast beef sandwiches and more. There will also be a reindeer-inspired dessert as well as alcoholic cocktails and much, much more.

Enjoy a very merry Christmas this year at Tokyo DisneySea.♡

For this year’s Halloween season, The Capitol Hotel Tokyu in Tokyo has announced that it will serve up its Halloween Sweets Selection again this year at the hotel’s pastry boutique ORIGAMI located on floor B2F. The confectionery chefs have spun some spooky fun into this collection of 10 cute treats.

Frankenstein – ¥1,760 / Phantom – ¥1,760 / Cyclops – ¥1,760

The Phantom is a popular confection every year at the hotel, but this year he’s had two new freaky friends carved out for him: Frankenstein’s monster and a Cyclops. These white chocolate monsters are filled with chocolate-covered almonds, macadamia nuts and other hidden delights.

Witch Hat – ¥715

Dressed in a milk chocolate mousse is ganache and a rich and bitter crème brûlée made with bitter orange. It also contains a mandarin orange liqueur for deeper flavours. The mix of orange notes is refreshing on the palate.

Cross – ¥715

The orange and black Cross is a mousse cake made from pumpkin puree beneath which lies a cinnamon flavoured crème brûlée and coffee flavoured ganache. The bitter coffee elevates the exquisite sweetness of the pumpkin for a delicious combination.

Evil Eye – ¥715

Enter at your own risk with the grotesque-looking (but delicious tasting) Evil Eye mousse cake. It’s made with fragrant biscuit and caramel as well as blonde chocolate from France and inside is a smooth pear jelly.

There are lots of other Halloween treats besides these coming to the hotel too, so if you’re in Tokyo this October then be sure to stop by for a Happy Halloween.

*All listed prices include tax

Shiretoko Peninsula was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005 and is the northernmost location in Japan to have been so. Even in a place such as Hokkaido, which strikes all with its marvellous natural landscape, Shiretoko is said to be home to many secluded locations. Many of these have not been touched by the hands of man―they have been left as they are―and so one can discover sights, animals and much more that they cannot anywhere else.

We are joined by Mirina, an Instagrammer who posts her experiences travelling to Hokkaido’s many sightseeing spots located in pockets of nature. She has provided us with photos of her trip to the Shiretoko Peninsula and its must-see spots.

The Shiretoko Five Lakes

The Shiretoko Five Lakes are situated inside an old-growth forest from which you can admire the grand Shiretoko mountain range in the back. Many wild animals live here such as the brown bear and black woodpecker. The view is one would expect from a World Heritage Site, with gorgeous scenery to soak up in every direction.

▶︎The Shiretoko Five Lakes

Address: Onnebetsumura, Shari, Shari District, Hokkaido

Shiretoko Shari Machi Sightseeing Website: https://www.goko.go.jp/multilingual_eng/index.html

Turtle Rock (Cape Chashikotsu)

Cape Chashikotsu, located on the Utoronishi side, can be seen from Shari and looks just like a giant turtle which is where it gets its nickname “Turtle Rock” from.

▶︎Turtle Rock (Cape Chashikotsu)

Address: Utoronishi, Shari, Shari District, Hokkaido

Oshinkoshin Waterfall

Oshinkoshin Waterfall is listed as one of Shiretoko’s “8 Sights.” This towering waterfall rolls down the rocks and splits into two separate waterfalls halfway down which has given it the nickname “Two Beautiful Falls.” The are stairs that enable you to walk beside the waterfall halfway up, letting you get nice and close to the water. There is also an observation deck atop the waterfall from which you can see many sights such as the Sea of Okhotsk and Shiretoko mountain range. The waterfall is also listed as one of Japan’s top 100 waterfalls.

▶︎Oshinkoshin Waterfall

Address: Utoronishi, Shari, Shari District, Hokkaido

Shiretoko Shari Machi Sightseeing Website: https://www.goko.go.jp/multilingual_eng/index.html

The Road To Heaven

This long stretch of road spans 18km and has been dubbed the “Road To Heaven” as when observed from uphill looks like it disappears into the clouds. Situated on one side of the farmlands, one can enjoy a quiet and breathtaking view of the road. It’s also a popular road with bikers and travellers riding bicycles. It’s also a must-see from the observation deck close by.

▶︎The Road To Heaven (Japanese Name: 天に続く道)

Address: Minehama, Shari, Shari District, Hokkaido

Shiretoko Shari Machi Sightseeing Website: https://www.goko.go.jp/multilingual_eng/index.html

Did you enjoy this list? There are countless places to visit in Japan, and some of the best are the quiet, secluded ones. If you get the opportunity to visit Hokkaido, put the Shiretoko Peninsula on your list of must-visit places.

Sanrio has announced that it will release six hats with moving ears inspired by six of its characters at Sanrio stores, its online store, and shops stocking Sanrio goods in Japan on August 21.

The hats move by using an air pump that you pump with your fingers. Look adorable at events, on your Instagram story posts and pretty much anywhere by choosing from one of the six characters: Hello Kitty, My Melody, Pompompurin, Cinnamoroll, Kuromi and Pochacco.

The hats are fluffy, comfortable to wear, and of course make you look kawaii as you walk along with the ears bouncing up and down. The hats are also one size fits all and so can be worn by both kids and grown-ups!

©️1976, 1989, 1996, 2001, 2005, 2019 SANRIO CO., LTD.

Ishikawa Prefecture was formerly split between Kaga Province and Noto province and is still sometimes thought of as two peas in a pod. What was once Kaga Province in the now southern part of Ishikawa consists of six cities and towns including Kaga, Komatsu, Nomi, Kawakita, Hakusan, and Nonoichi.

Kaga Province is home to many waterfall spots widely known as great places for keeping cool in the hot sun. Providing as great sightseeing experiences, one can bask in the negative ions of the waterfalls and overcome the summer scorch.

Watagataki Waterfall

Watagadaki gets its name from its appearance which is likened to falling torn cotton (wata being the Japanese word for the material). You will arrive right next to the waterfall when you descend down the path beside it, at which its great tumbling sound will fill you with a feeling reminding you that you are enveloped in nature.

▶︎Watagataki Waterfall (綿ヶ滝)

Address: 1-4 Shimoyoshitanimachi, Hakusan, Ishikawa Prefecture

Enquiries: 076-274-9544 (Hakusan Tourist Centre)

Access: 50-minutes south of Japan National Route 157 via Hakusan Interchange / 60-minutes from Kanazawa Station

Nanatsudaki Falls

Nanatsudaki Falls is comprised of seven smaller waterfalls which it gets its name from. It has long been a place of worship. Six of the waterfalls are found upstream, where the water rolls beautifully over the rocks which have formed over tens of thousands of years as a result of the movement of the earth’s crust. The surrounding trees boast lush green verdure or red and yellow autumnal leaves depending on the season, offering different spectacular sights to behold whatever time of the year you visit. There’s a path you can walk along where the upper six waterfalls are so you don’t have to worry about falling in!

▶︎Nanatsudaki Falls (七つ滝)

Address: Nagatakimachi, Nomi, Ishikawa

Enquiries: 0761-51-2308 (Nomi no Satoyama Fan Club)

Access: 25-minutes by car from Nomi-Neagari interchange

Tsuruga Falls

The water at Tsuruga Falls flows down five levels, and the biggest waterfall at the back splits into two separate waterfalls. Collectively the waterfalls tower up 30 meters high which is an incredible sight to see when up close. Tsuruga Falls gets its name from the splitting waterfall at the back which is said to look like the legs of a crane.

▶︎Tsuruga Falls (鶴ヶ滝)

Address: Yamanakaonsen Aratanimachi, Kaga, Ishikawa Prefecture

Enquiries: 0761-78-0330 (Yamanaka Onsen Tourist Association)

Access: 15-minutes by car from Yamanaka Onsen Bus Terminal

Junigataki Waterfalls

The name origin of Junigataki Waterfalls lies in its twelve separate falls which flow from the Gotani River. The incredible crashing sound of the water cannot be put into words; it’s an overwhelming spectacle that will have you wanting to go back more than once. In summertime it’s common to see families and young people playing in the water from up at the top of the waterfall down to the lake below. The waterfalls are a quite a distance from the city of Komatsu, but there are roads that lead right to it so it’s very accessible.

▶︎Junigataki Waterfalls

Address: Nunohashimachi, Komatsu, Ishikawa Prefecture

Enquiries: 0761-22-4111 (Komatsu City Hall)

Access: 45-minutes by car from JR Komatsu Station

Did you enjoy this list? If you’re in Japan this summer visiting Ishikawa then be sure to pay a trip to one of Ishikawa’s many waterfalls to cool yourself off.

Spicy as Hell and Tasty as Well 2019 will be holding round 2 on August 16, 2019 at Okubo Park, Kabukicho in Shinjuku. This will be the event’s biggest gekikara gourmet saiten (super spicy festival) Japan has ever seen. 

Food services that represent the spicy foods of the world have all joined forces at Kabukicho in Shinjuku; Asia’s largest entertainment district to tinge it with a luminescent spicy red colour. So far, around 0.7 million people with a burning passion for spice have made their way to the spice central to test their tolerance to the range of gourmet spicy dishes. From beginner to mania, the event caters to all levels of spice-lovers. From a tiny touch of spice to spicy as hell, there is a wide range of spice levels to choose from. The dishes served and participating shops are changed each week, so you can enjoy a new spicy experience each week. 

At the 1st Round, spice fans had their fill of Ciao em Cafe’s Bún bò Huế. This café, which originates from the outskirts of Tokyo in Hana-Koganei, took part in the event for the first time. One of their signature dishes is the Vietnamese soup, which captured the hearts of many women for its perfectly balanced sweet yet spicy flavour.  Despite being Menya Mazeharu’s first time serving at the event, their queues stretched out into the sunset from morning to evening each day .

Round 2 will see Cheese to Gibier Curry Naru Ichizoku and Tokyo spice curry Aka to Kuro spicing up the event for the first time. This is the perfect opportunity to experience Awajishima Curry made with the world’s most sense-scorching spices including ghost pepper, trinidad scorpion pepper, and the carolina reaper. Tokyo spice curry serves up red curry dishes made with ingredients traditionally used in natural Chinese food therapy. Their black curries are Kashmiri curries that will leave you feeling satisfied. 

These are just a selection of the vast number of noteworthy spicy dishes. You are bound to find the perfect curry to spice up your life at this event, so please check it out.

Uru’s new song Scenery, which features on her upcoming single Negai―set for release on September 11―was used as an insert song in the ongoing TV anime series Granbelm.

The surprise reveal happened during episode 7 during a major plot point during which the song began playing, tying together with the scene beautifully.

Scenery is a ballad song about the strong bonds between people and was written specifically for the anime series. Uru herself wrote the lyrics and composed the music while rionos was in charge of the song’s arrangement. In the run up to the single’s full release, Scenery is now available to purchase as a standalone track.

A YouTube edit version of Scenery‘s music video was released on Uru’s official channel.

If you’ve yet to start watching Granbelm then you’re missing out.