What kind of phone case do you use? Finding the right one for yourself can be tougher than it seems. MIOCHIN―an illustration and creator working under the name MIONOSEKAI (Mio’s World)―is also facing the same problem. She’s looking for a case that goes with her glasses. Searching far and wide in Harajuku, you end up with one that’s too big to fit in your bag… what would be better making your own. That’s what MIOCHIN thought to herself, so she went and tried Web Deco Smartphone Case where you can create your own original designed case at reasonable price.

With Fun Create, you can design your own original merchandise online and order it. As well as creating your phone cases, you can make mobile batteries, uchiwa fans, name holders, mouse pads and more.

Web Deco Smartphone Case uses the JPEG format for designs. You can of course use photos saved on your phone on the site. MIOCHIN wanted to illustrate her own case, so she first of all used the ibisPaint app to draw a picture.

MIOCHIN began using a stylus one week ago. Up until then, she only used her fingers on her touch screen and drew on paper. She begins by drawing a rough outline in black and is super fast! “I draw it as I see it in my mind,” she says.

Here’s the completed outline before it’s coloured! Flower patterns are her thing, but this time she drew her design with some star characters. For colouring, she used the same ibisPaint app.

Colour is a must-have in Mio’s World. “Today’s piece will be colourful as well! The theme is psychedelic pop!” she said, picking colours as she saw them in her head.

Here’s the final piece coloured in. She signed the characters (which she hasn’t named yet) with “MIONOSEKAI.” It took only 45-minutes to complete. She’s incredible!

She then saved the illustration on her phone as a JPEG file.

This kind of phone case design definitely wouldn’t sell in the real world. The choice of designing your own case sounds too good to be true when looking to get your hands on one with an original design!

MIOCHIN is now beginning her order on Web Deco Smartphone Case. You first go to the Fun Create webpage and select “Web Deco Smartphone Case” (ウェブデコスマホケース) from there.

Select the type of phone you’re using and initiate the design. The price is a shocking ¥1,580 for one case. It’s very reasonable, so you can easily try it out.

Choosing “Select Photo” (写真を入れる) lets you locate the JPEG file your saved on your phone. You can edit the photo to how you want it including rotation and resizing. If you just want to use an illustration or photo as it is then this is all you need to do. But if you want to decorate your image even more you can even add letters and stamps.

Once the design is complete, add it to your cart and head to the order page. If you order several designs at once you will receive a discount, making the price even more reasonable.

Another aspect worthy of note is the speed. If you order by 8am it will be dispatched the same day! This makes it a great option if you’re in need of a last minute present.

Here are MIOCHIN‘s thoughts after finishing up: “The site is thoughtful. I was able to work through everything without getting lost at all. It was super easy! I can’t wait for it to arrive.”

MIOCHIN‘s original design phone case arrived in the mail! Her results paid off more than she thought―she was very satisfied with the result!

Everyone should try their hand at designing their own personal phone cases with Web Deco Smartphone Case too!

For MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON readers, we also recommend the Sengoku Busho version! You can add the family crests of popular military commanders like Oda Nobunaga and Hiroyuki Sanada

Andres Iniesta is a Spanish professional football player who has served 21 years for Barcelona and the Spain national team. As captain of Barcelona, Iniesta has become Spain’s most awarded Spanish footballer, and was a main player in ensuring Barcelona’s two treble wins in 2009 and 2015. He’s a much respected and love footballer across the globe.

The 34-year-old legend is set to depart from Barcelona and move to Vissel Kobe.

In this article, we take a look at what kind of place Kobe is.

Kobe is located in the western part of Japan in Hyogo Prefecture and is next door to Osaka. It’s just a 30-minute train ride from Osaka Station to get to Sannomiya Station in central Kobe!

Its location makes it a perfect chance for plenty more sightseeing after touring around Osaka.

梅若善裕さん(@umewaka7)がシェアした投稿 – 2018年 5月月19日午後10時10分PDT

Arima Onsen

Arima Onsen is one Japan’s three oldest hot spring locations. A representative hot spring town of the Kansai region, this place has a peaceful and tranquil appearance.   The Kin no Yu (‘Golden Waters’) hot spring is an especially recommended part of the town. It sits in a reconstructed public bathhouse, and there’s also a free footbath at the entrance. Over at Gin no Yu (‘Silver Waters’), the water is transparent, but as  you waft the air the iron oxidises and turns it into a brown colour.   It’s about an hour’s train journey from Osaka Station, making it a great place to relax after a day’s outing in Osaka.    

ちーさん(@daifukufujin)がシェアした投稿 – 2016年12月月9日午後12時43分PST

Nankin-Machi: Kobe’s Chinatown
Nankin-machi is considered one of Japan’s three big Chinatown locations alongside the ones in Yokohama and Nagasaki. It’s a tourist hot spot with an exotic mood and is home to almost 100 shops and restaurants serving everything Chinese. You can enjoy having a bite to eat while walking the streets, or even just take in the sights on a stroll.

生田神社さん(@ikuta_jinja)がシェアした投稿 – 2018年 4月月10日午後10時41分PDT

Ikuta Shrine

This historical shrine is one of the oldest in Japan having been around for more than 1,800 years. Its red torii archways and structures are very beautiful. It’s home to a goddess of marriage and brings in droves of people every year from Japan and abroad to pray there. It’s about a 10-minute walk from Sannomiya Station. Do you know the proper manners and etiquette of praying at a shrine in Japan? If not then be sure to check out our step-by-step guide.  

tomiさん(@tomi_sunday)がシェアした投稿 – 2018年 5月月19日午前5時21分PDT

Kobe Harborland
Harborland is a huge shopping district packed full of restaurants, cafes, a movie theatre, Ferris wheel and more―plenty of an whole day out. It’s a great location to feel the true essence of a Port of Kobe town.

The picturesque nighttime scenery after sunset is a must-see. The myriad of illuminations and lit-up boats are truly a magical sight to behold.

charlieさん(@azmax5267)がシェアした投稿 – 2016年12月月28日午後6時50分PST

Nōfuku-ji – Giant Buddha

Nōfuku-ji is home to one of Japan’s three great daibutsu Buddha statues, the others being in Kamakura and Nara. The original Buddha was built by the monk Saichou in 805 but the one that stands there today was rebuilt in 1991. It’s said to absolutely hear the wishes of those that pray to it, so if you have something you want to pray for then be sure to visit.  

Takanori 07.31さん(@takanori07.31baseball)がシェアした投稿 – 2018年 5月月20日午前3時31分PDT

Kobe Port Tower
Kobe Port Tower―the symbol of Kobe. Its red and white appearance is unique and striking. There’s an observation deck on the top floor where you can gaze over Kobe atop 108m. Things get romantic at nighttime when the tower it lit up.

Kobe is about to get all the more exciting with the decision of Andres Iniesta’s move.

The list of sights to see is endless, from delicious food to the gorgeous nightscape and shrines. Don’t forget to visit Kobe if you’re travelling in the Kansai region.

Do you ever first yourself stuck for choice when it comes to choosing a hotel to stay at during your trip? Since you’re making the effort to travel, you want your hotel destination to be an enjoyable experience too, right?

We’ve compiled a list of hotels in Tokyo that are a little different from the rest and opened, or are set to open in 2018.

Hoshino Resorts OMO5 Otsuka

At OMO, they focus on tourism, offering not simply rooms, but a travel experience. They focus on elevating the excitement of travel for its guests by giving them the chance to fully enjoy towns and cities and the tourist spots connected to them. The hotel offers a service that helps guests discover the entertaining opportunities available to them all within walking distance of the hotel, allowing a deepening of knowledge of the city.

Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/107128

Capsule Hotel「MAYU TOKYO WOMAN」

Compared to existing capsule hotels, MAYU TOKYO HOTEL has simplified the administration process, reduced the noise level, and is committed to efficient operation. It has considered the current image of capsule hotels and changed the design process in order to increase the private atmosphere. To ensure that guests can enjoy peace of mind, their design changes started from the stairs. MAYU TOKYO HOTEL only employs female staff, which is a large change from the conventional style, and being a female-exclusive hotel,  also makes is a great option for women looking to stay somewhere.

Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/105495

Henn-na Hotel Ginza

Henn-na Hotel in Ginza incorporates robots and the latest cutting-edge equipment around. Two humanoid robots are installed at the front desk. A bar is also situated on the first floor that serve 300 types of alcohol including the rum produced at Bar Lamp in Ginza. During the daytime, the bar transforms into a lounge where guests can chat casually. The hotel is very comfortable to stay in, offering equipment such as the iRemocon, ChromeCast and mobile devices, and the rooms are even cleaned by an auto cleaning machine. Why not experience the latest in technology with robots while in Tokyo?

Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/91425

SAKU REN JIMBOCHO

This hotel fuses retro tastes with modern elements. The reception area features an old 1926 Victrola Credenza gramophone by JVC USA, giving the room a nostalgic and retro feel. Rooms come with big bathrooms, high quality mattresses co-manufactured with Simmons that promise a peaceful sleep, beauty products, massage chairs and more. Consider this hotel―with its nostalgic atmosphere―if you’re looking for some real relaxation.

Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/89240

Hotel 1899 Tokyo

This hotel is truly Japanese, with ‘tea’ as its core theme. Opening later this year, there will be four types of rooms to choose from, each of which are inspired by Japanese tea shops. The first floor will be home to a restaurant/delicatessen offering dishes and desserts made using tea. The second floor is where the reception will be, and the third floor upwards will be the guest rooms. At the front will be a counter where you can taste test teas, and there’l even be a shop selling tea-related products. The hotel is about a 20-minute taxi ride from Haneda Airport which is super convenient for when you land in Japan.

Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/79790

We hope this list proves useful when considering your accommodation opens when travelling to Tokyo. Be sure to enjoy your Tokyo trip to the absolute fullest.

For this article, we’ve compiled a Top 5 list of great places to visit in Japan within just one hour of Tokyo. The commute is short, so they’re perfect locations for day trips if you’re staying in Tokyo. We’ve also included the easiest routes to get to them.

Nikko (Tochigi Prefecture)
Nikko is a popular site for tourism, home to the famous Toshugu Shrine which is a registered World Heritage Site. It has great access with Asakusa, making it a perfect location for shrine visits.

Recommended Spots: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/tag/nikko

Mount Fuji (Shizuoka Prefecture / Yamanashi Prefecture)
Mount Fuji was registered as a World Heritage Site in 2013. Its graceful, sempiternal beauty has made it an unmistakable symbol of Japan throughout the world.

Be careful when traveling there, as the closest station to the mountain isn’t Fujisan Station (‘Mount Fuji Station’), but Kawaguchiko Station. There is also a direct bus there to and from Shinjuku.

Recommended Spots: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/87612

Kamakura (Kanagawa Prefecture)

Kamakura is famous for its old-fashioned streetscape and shrines. It’s also close to other popular tourist spots such as Enoshima, a small island off the coast, so you can have a lot of fun there with plenty of things to do no matter how many times you visit. If you’re a travel lover, then we also recommend boarding the hugely popular Enoshima Electric Railway.

Recommended Spots: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/tag/kamakura

Hakone (Kanagawa Prefecture)

Hakone—Japan’s leading onsen, or ‘hot spring’ spot. Hakone Shrine is known for the red torii archways which sit on the bank of Lake Ashi. The town is also known for being home to countless nearby ryokan with hot springs, so you can enjoy hopping from one to the other. And to get there, you can take the direct Romancecar train from Shinjuku which goes straight to Hakone Station.

Recommended Spots: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/tag/hakone

Chichibu (Saitama Prefecture)
Chichibu is appealing for its rich natural environment. Those who love the outdoors will be enticed by this city. As will anime-lovers, since this is the place where Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day is set. They even sell maps of where all the places in the series are located, as well as souvenirs of the characters.

Did you like this list?

You might enjoy stretching your legs and branching out to see what else Japan has to offer during your time in Tokyo.

There must be a lot of people out there wondering how to do their nails for spring and summer this year. At the MOSHI MOSHI BOX Harajuku Tourist Information Center we’ve directed many foreign tourists to popular nail salons.

So, we’re compiling a lot of some of the popular locations you’ll find in Harajuku! Check them out alongside the list of trending nail styles by popular models that follows.

HOMEさん(@homeharajuku)がシェアした投稿 – 2018年 4月月29日午後5時44分PDT

HOMEさん(@homeharajuku)がシェアした投稿 – 2018年 5月月4日午後5時43分PDT

HOME
This is a nail and eyelash salon who offer a huge range of top class eyelash extensions and high-quality nail painting art. They position themselves as your indispensable partner, leading you on the way to drawing out your natural beauty, offering new a lifestyle. The comfort at the salon is outstanding, set up in an open environment with plenty of light. And the fact that they can do both your nails and hair is enticing!

Anranjuさん(@anranju_)がシェアした投稿 – 2018年 4月月29日午前6時58分PDT

Anranjuさん(@anranju_)がシェアした投稿 – 2017年12月月27日午前6時58分PST

Anranju
This place is open from 10am to 10pm, so you can even pop in after a bit of sightseeing. You can never get tired of their gel nails which come in designs based on what’s trending each month, as well as their variety of nail parts and colours. Customers can take in art with them to show the staff, so we recommend Anranju who want to enjoy their nails done exactly in accordance with what they like.

cocotte harajukuさん(@cocotte_harajuku)がシェアした投稿 – 2018年 5月月4日午前12時46分PDT

cocotte harajukuさん(@cocotte_harajuku)がシェアした投稿 – 2018年 4月月30日午前1時47分PDT

Cocotte Harajuku
This nail salon is recommended for people to want to get their nails done like their favourite artist during a concert, as well as character art nails, intricate nails, and more. The staff have a lot of experience with nails and have done so many that it’s impossible to count them. They are very talented, and their designs are constantly incorporating the newest trends.

Trending Nails by 5 Popular Models

菅沼ゆりさん(@yurippa93)がシェアした投稿 – 2018年 3月月29日午前1時30分PDT

Yuri Suganuma: Primary colours and glitter make cute, flashy nails
Yuri Suganuma went for different colours across all her nails. Changing the colours of each nail is impactful and gives a pop vibe. As a pointer, glitter using glitter colours makes them look fashionable, doesn’t it!

しばさき 柴田紗希さん(@shibasaaki)がシェアした投稿 – 2018年 4月月1日午前4時57分PDT

Saki Shibata: Attractive nails made with dull colours
Dull colours are aplomb and raise your level of maturity. Shibasaki is using gentle, organic nails from Ambiente, so this one’s recommended for people who like to do their own nails.

木村ミサ🐰 (Misa Kimura)さん(@misaxmas)がシェアした投稿 – 2018年 4月月11日午後8時00分PDT

Misa Kimura: Supporting the springtime vibe with nail art
Misa Kimura is serving spring with her nail art. The holographic nails raise the level of their gorgeousness. Take note of the top coat which is matted!

長澤 メイさん(@xxmeixx1208)がシェアした投稿 – 2018年 4月月13日午前12時21分PDT

Mei Nagasawa: Sweet and lovely nails with hearts and pink
Mei Nagasawa’s beautiful nails use pink as the base colour. The little hearts popped on there are super cute, aren’t they? ♡ This design will completely up the appeal of your girliness, so try it for yourself.

瀬戸あゆみさん(@setoayumi)がシェアした投稿 – 2018年 4月月12日午後11時24分PDT

Ayumi Seto: Girly dots and rainbows
The dot and rainbow design matches Ayumi Seto’s image perfectly. They’re completely coated in glitter, making them shine and look cute when hit by the light. Colourful nails work well with simple outfit co-ords!

Did you enjoy this list? Use these trending designs by models as a reference and enjoy creating your spring and summer nails!

Japan’s 100-yen shops garner much attention even amongst foreign tourists for their massive range of useful items. Their shelves are also filled with plenty of things you would find convenient to have during your trip in Japan. Let’s take a look at some of the travel goods you can pick up there – at a very reasonable price. You’ll be glad you had some of these!

りーこ ♡ RICOさん(@leeco432)がシェアした投稿 – 2017年 7月月26日午前6時07分PDT

1.Pouch

The ¥100 pouch is a convenient little thing to store away items like cosmetics, toiletries and such. If you buy one of the transparent ones, then it becomes even more convenient as you can see the contents and locate what you need without hassle. There’s many to choose from – they come in big and small sizes, and cute-looking ones have been on the increase recently. It’s nice to have so much choice, so pick your favourite!

love.west_rさん(@love.west_r)がシェアした投稿 – 2017年12月月5日午前1時23分PST

2.Zipper Bag

The zipper bags sold at Daiso, one of Japan’s most popular 100-yen shops, have simple, very smart designs. They’re useful for storing bathroom items, chargers and other cords, and other knick-knacks. They’re popular with people not only for travelling but during everyday life too.

cando/キャンドゥさん(@cando_official)がシェアした投稿 – 2017年 8月月24日午前2時05分PDT

3.Vacuum Storage Bags

Vacuum storage bags are an old standby in travelling. There’s ones for grabs with cute designs, and the whole vacuum part of it is a lot of fun. You can pack away bulky towels and clothes nice and compactly. The only problem is that the compaction force wears away gradually on long trips, so be sure to have some backups prepared for peace of mind.

Shoko Miyamotoさん(@shsh_0719)がシェアした投稿 – 2016年 4月月2日午前12時28分PDT

4.Cushion Case

The cushion case protects your electronic devices from damage. They are a must-have for digital cameras, laptops etc. It’s good to check the feel of your cushion case when choosing one. If you pick one extra cushiony then you can rest assured your devices will be safe. There’s a plethora of designs and sizes to pick from!

cando/キャンドゥさん(@cando_official)がシェアした投稿 – 2017年 8月月30日午前1時48分PDT

5.Wet Wipes

You can even buy wet wipes at the 100-yen shop, an absolute must-have even in regular life. Can Do’s bacteria eliminating type wet wipes have kawaii designs like ninja and samurai. They’re even sold at Seria, another 100-yen chain. Those with kids will be pleased with this item.

cando/キャンドゥさん(@cando_official)がシェアした投稿 – 2017年11月月14日午後11時29分PST

6. Eye Mask

We recommend this one for those who struggle to sleep when going on a trip. Can Do have even kawaii-fied eye masks. From standard types to fun, amusing types, sift through the range and pull out one that you like most. They might even make a good souvenir.

🍀なっつん🍀さん(@nattsu_th78)がシェアした投稿 – 2017年 8月月25日午後3時12分PDT

7.Neck Pillow

There’s nothing better than being hugged by a neck pillow when sleeping on a bus or plane. They lighten the load on your neck, so there’s plenty of people that make regular use of them. Choose from pillows filled with beads, cotton, and even ones that you can fill with air which are also convenient for carrying around.

つくもはるさん(@haru2422)がシェアした投稿 – 2017年12月月25日午前5時42分PST

8.Raincoat

If you find yourself in a downfall of rain at your travel destination and are in need of a raincoat but want something cute, then how about taking a trip to Daiso? They sell a mix of different raincoats with cross designs, half-moon designs and more. They’re the perfect thickness too so they’re something you can make use of regularly.

cando/キャンドゥさん(@cando_official)がシェアした投稿 – 2016年 8月月18日午前1時42分PDT

9.Selfie Stick & Remote Camera Shutter

Selfie sticks have made their way to 100-yen shops recently, and they even sell remote camera shutters! Get all the tools you need for taking memorable photos at the 100-yen shop.

🇯🇵100均あんちゃん🇬🇧さん(@100yen_shop)がシェアした投稿 – 2018年 2月月12日午前6時05分PST

10.Tripod

Tripods for your smartphone? You betcha! They are compact and not a hassle to carry at all. Can Do tripods are stable, and best of all, you can change the angle of your camera freely. Take some fun pics!

Was this list useful? There’s plenty more convenient and useful items where that came from at Japanese 100-yen shops. Make sure you pop into one and stock up.