It has been announced that kabuki actor Ennosuke Ichikawa IV will take place in planning as creative director of the upcoming Monster Strike Exhibition, a new interactive art event set to begin on September 28.
The theme of the event is “The day from when you downloaded Monster Strike.” Users will have the chance to relive the experiences of each and every monster.
Over 50 popular artists are collaborating with the event. NAKED have also produced an interactive event using projection mapping that will allow people to experience extreme quests in real life.
Ennosuke Ichikawa IV is also involved creating a kabuki outfit based on the character Ishikawa Goemon which will be displayed at the exhibition.
Comment: Ennosuke Ichikawa IV
“Originally, it was men who would perform in kabuki theatre, so at first I felt it would be extremely difficult to pull off the monster Ishikawa Goemon. But I also thought that it is value in making sure to not ruin the image of the character while incorporating into it a kabuki atmosphere. You probably think that my point is she’s female. I racked my brain to find a way to get away from the Ishikawa Goemon we know and instead bring out her femininity, vividness and colour. I hope that people will think this unconventional combination of kabuki and Monster Strike goes together well.”
There will also by sculptures of the monster characters exhibited at the event created by art director and artist Sebastian Masuda, the visionary mind behind the fashion design of XFLAG Entertainment Partner Kyary Pamyu Pamyu.
*Illustration is a work in progress
Additionally, attendees of the exhibition will receive illustrations of Avalon SP drawn my Japanese manga artist Masakazu Katsura.
More details regarding the event will be released on the official exhibition website, Monster Strike website and Monster Strike YouTube channel.
■Information
Monster Strike Exhibition
Venues/Access
Tokyo Exhibition: Daimaru Tokyo 11F, 1-9-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo
Closest Station: Right outside the Yaesu North Exit of Tokyo Station via JR
Osaka Exhibition: Daimaru Shinsaibashi 14F Event Hall, 1-7-1 Shinsaibashisuji, Chuo Ward, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture
Closest Station: Directly connected to Shinsaibashi Station (South-North Gate/South-South Gate) via Osaka Metro Midosuji Line
Time/Date
Tokyo
September 28, 2018 – October 8, 2018
Monday-Wednesday & Weekend: 10:00am-8:00pm / Thursday-Friday: 10:00am-9:00pm (Last entries 30 minutes before closing time)
Osaka
October 19, 2018 – October 28, 2018
10:00am-8:30pm (Last Entries 8:00pm)
Tickets
XFLAG TICKET: https://event.xflag.com/events/monst_exhibition_1
*XFLAG ID neeced to purchase ticket
*Tickets are first-come, first served
Tickt Price: ¥1,980 (Tax Included)
・One purchase of up to 4 tickets per XFLAG ID.
・Tickets not required for pre-school children .
*Up to 3 people allowed for those with pre-school children.
Artist Line-Up (As of September 20)
Inio Asano, Keita Amemiya, Ishibashi Yosuke, Ennosuke Ichikawa IV, Ichimaru Kisuke, isuZu, Otagaki Yasuo, Kasukabe Akira, Kosawa Takumi, 桂福蔵, Masakazu Katsura, Kafun, COGA, Kotoyama, GODTAIL, Yoshinobu Saito, Takashi Shiina, Kazuhiko Shimamoto, Sekiyayu Rie, Taiki, Takahashi Shin, Takahashi Noboru, Hiroyuki Takei, Katsumi Tatsuzawa, Natsuki Tanihara, Arina Tanemura, Choboraunyopomi, Chirori, 豊井祐太, 名央, Nagi Ryo, Aoi Nishimata, Yoshiyuki Nishi, Masaharu Noritsuke, Yūichi Hasegawa, Hida Keiji, hippo, ひと和, Yuji Himukai, Hyogo Nosuke, Shinji Hiramatsu, Rei Hiroe, Fukuda Hiroshi, Tooru Fujisawa, Takuya Fujima,Kamui Fujiwara, Boichi, Hiro Mashima, Sebastian Masuda, Susumu Matsushita, Haruhiko Mikimoto, Misaki Kurehito, 326, Mifune Takashi, Suzuhito Yasuda, lack, LAM, 竜徹
*Line-up subject to change
Exhibition Website: https://event-info.xflag.com/monst-exhibition/
Monster Strike Website: https://www.monster-strike.com/
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Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s New Song ‘Kizunami’ to Feature as Monster Strike The Movie: Sora no Kanata’s Main Theme
2018 is the year of Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, who released her new song Kimino Mikata earlier this year and recently concluded her 4th world tour. Excitement and anticipation surrounding the singer has been high, and this has become even more so with the recent announcement of her first new album in four years. Titled Japamyu, the brand new record will drop on September 26.In more recent news, it's just been announced that one of the new songs on the album, Kizunami, will be used as the main theme song for the upcoming anime film Monster Strike The Movie: Sora no Kanata set for release on October 5. The film is an original anime adaptation of the hit mobile game Monster Strike which has over 45 million players worldwide. The new song Kizunami will be released as a standalone single on September 7 ahead of the album's release. The feature film was created by XFLAGTM, who produce entertainment under their slogan Ketahazure na Bouken o ("Embarking on an Exceptional Adventure"). It is produced by Orange who are one of the foremost leading studios in the production of gorgeous CG animation. The film is graced by an exceptional voice cast including Masataka Kubota who plays protagonist Kanata, Alice Hirose who plays the heroine Sora, and voice actor veteran Kōichi Yamadera who plays Senju. ■Monster Strike The Movie: Sora no Kanata Music Video The story takes place in a world where 13 years ago, part of Tokyo suddenly breaks away and floats up into the sky. Our protagonist Kanata (Masataka Kubota) is your every day high school student who began living with his grandmother after his parents passed away. He encounters Sora (Alice Hirose), a mysterious girl who came from the sky. The two of them work together to help save the citizens whose worlds are fated to war. Kanata, who still doesn't know exactly who he is, must learn to mature alongside Sora and his allies as they navigate through the war. The film's main theme song Kizunami was written by music producer Yasutaka Nakata who ensured to maintain the story's theme of strong friendship. It's an oriental and jaunty track in which you can very much feel Kyary's essence and outlook. A collaborative music video was also released that features the song together with scenes of the movie. Kyary Pamyu Pamyu's CommentsIn the movie, the protagonist Kanata meets characters like Sora and the vampire siblings Tōya and Yūna who he fights and grows alongside while discovering the importance of the bond between friends. I think the lyrics [of the song] convey things like how it's good to have friends and how wonderful it is to be connected to the heart of those important to you you want to protect. I particularly love the title 'Kizunami.' I believe it's a heartwarming pop song that makes you think about the people precious to you. The full tracklist has also unveiled, including new songs like Oto no Kuni and Enka Natrium, as well as a cover of CAPSULE's famous song Koi no Hana (2001). They are all songs that Yasutaka Nakata himself has much confidence in. Digital pre-orders for the album will open on the iTunes Store on September 7 so be sure to check it out. Kyary Pamyu Pamyu will hold a special live event at LakeTown's 10th Anniversary Special Live on September 30 at 4:00pm to promote the release of the album. It's time to get excited about the next big release from one of Japan's most internationally celebrated artists. ■Information “Japamyu” On Sale: September 26, 2018 ・First Press Limited Edition: CD+DVD – ¥4,800 (Pre-Tax) [WPZL-31480/1] *First press limited edition includes digipak packaging, special photo book and 23-track live DVD at “KPP Japan Iyahoi Tour 2017.” ・Regular Edition: CD – ¥3,000 (Pre-Tax) [WPCL-12900] "Kizunami" Standalone Release On Sale: September 7, 2018 Download Link: https://kyary.lnk.to/Kizunami Monster Strike The Movie: Sora no Kanata Release Date: October 5, 2018 Cast: Masataka Kubota, Alice Hirose, Kōichi Yamadera, Yoshimasa Hosoya, Aoi Yūki Theme Song: "Kizunami" by Kyary Pamyu Pamyu Album Release Event LakeTown 10th Anniversary Special Live - "Kyary Pamyu Pamyu Original 4th Album 'Japamyu' Commemorative Special Event" Venue: AEON LakeTown mori Date: September 30, 2018 Time: 4:00pm Location: mori 1F (Ki no Hiroba courtyard) Programme: Mini live show and handshake session *Free to watch Full Details (Japanese): https://wmg.jp/kyary/news/82084/ Tour Schedule Kyary Pamyu Pamyu JAPAMYU HALL TOUR 2018 "Hoshikuzu": http://2018hall.kyary.asobisystem.com Kyary Pamyu Pamyu Official Website: http://kyary.asobisystem.com/ -
A kabuki adaptation of Naruto is slated for August later this year at the Shinbashi Enbujō theatre in Ginza.
It has been unveiled that Wagakki Band will provide a song for the production.
Naruto was first serialised in Weekly Shonen Jump in 1999 and tells the story of Naruto Uzumaki, a young ninja who trains in the art of ninjitsu, who must take out his enemies, and who ultimately aspires to be Hokage, the leader of the village. The series has brought in fans across the globe, with well over 220 million copies sold in over 40 countries outside Japan. Kabuki actors Bandou Minosuke and Hayato Nakamura will appear in the new kabuki adaptation where they will play the roles of Naruto Uzumaki and Sasuke Uchiha respectively.9
Comment by Bandou Minosuke (Naruto Uzumaki):
"On this occasion we will be borrowing the power of Wagakki Band. It's very encouraging! No other music is better to combine the unique perspective of the original Naruto work which has spanned all ages and nationalities, and the purely Japanese image of kabuki!"
Comment by Hayato Nakamura (Sasuke Uchiha):
"I am so happy for Wagakki Band to be kindly providing a song for the new Naruto kabuki play. Wagakki Band's sound, which combines traditional Japanese instruments and Western instruments, though new, has a sense of nostalgia within it, so I'm very much looking forward to seeing how that ties in with the kabuki."
Comment by Yuko Suzuhana (Wagakki Band):
"I really wanted to do a kabuki collaboration, so I am humbly honoured for my voice to have been heard. That Wagakki Band's sound was said to be a necessary element has realised our mutual love. We have felt the overwhelming popularity of Naruto when we have been overseas, so to be associated with such a representative piece of work from Japan through music has all of us, who have been fans of Naruto since long ago, very excited."
The chemistry between the world created by the new Naruto kabuki play and Wagakki Band is something to very much look forward to.■Information
Naruto KabukiLocation: Shinbashi Enbujō, Tokyo
Running: August 4, 2018―August 27, 2018
Official Homepage: http://naruto-kabuki.com/ -
The new musical using the motif of “Kabuki (Japanese traditional drama performed by male actors) named “KAWAII KABUKI ~HELLO KITTY Ichiza no Momotaro~” will be performed from at Meruhen Theater inside Puroland from the 10th of March 2018 (Sat.)
A press conference was held on the 7th of March (Wed.) and persons who are related to the play such as Kensuke Yokouchi who produced the script/rendition/lyrics of the play (he has been producing “Super Kabuki”) and Esaburo Ichikawa, a kabuki acting coach, participated in the press conference. Also, Sanrio’s characters including HELLO KITTY appeared on the stage.
It can be said that it is a new type of “spectacle entertainment show” using projection mapping and the motif of kabuki. The performance incorporates both the “kawaii” of Sanrio and the traditional “wa” culture of Japan.
Let’s enjoy Sanrio’s new type of collaborative musical of Sanrio characters and kabuki!
■InformationKAWAII KABUKI ~HELLO KITTY Ichiza no Momotaro~
Starting date: 2018/03/10 (Sat.) last day – undecided
Venue: Sanrio Puroland Meruhen Theatre
Performance time: 40 minutes
URL:https://www.puroland.jp/kawaiikabuki/
Sanrio Puroland
Address: 1-31, Ochiai, tamashi, Tokyo
Business hours; https://www.puroland.jp/calendar/
TEL:042-339-1111
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Model, DJ, and photographer Hikari Shibata will hold her first photo exhibition in five years, THROUGH THE WINDOW, at the FLOAT Gallery in Tokyo for four days starting September 8, 2023.
The exhibition’s title was inspired by Shibata’s shyness, which has always led her to photograph landscapes rather than people. Many photos were taken through windows, and both the view and reflections are meaningful and personal to Shibata herself.
This year’s exhibition features photos of daily life taken in Copenhagen, Denmark’s largest city, where Shibata stayed for a total of three weeks in March 2023. It will also feature photographs snapped in Berlin, Los Angeles, and New York City.
Shibata will visit the gallery in person to present her creations. In addition to the sale of exhibited photographs, guests will also be able to purchase T-shirts, hats, and Shibata’s first photobook, the latter of which is available in limited quantities. The self-published 112-page hardcover book was entirely designed by Shibata herself. T-shirts will be available in two colors and feature the title of the exhibition, while hats will come in three colors with an embroidered graphic image of the sun reflected in a window.
Information
THROUGH THE WINDOW (Hikari Shibata Photo Exhibition)
Running: September 8-11, 2023 / 13:00-20:00
Venue: FLOAT (3-1-9 Megurohoncho, Meguro-ku, Tokyo)
*Please be aware that admission may be restricted in the event of crowding.[Profile]
Hikari Shibata
Born in Kanagawa in 1997, Shibata is a model, DJ, and fashion director, known for sharing her life and unique fashion sense on social media. Her interest in photography dates to her high school days, and along with her work in Japan and abroad, she’s handled visuals for apparel brands and CD jackets. This will be her fourth photo exhibition.YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@peepinsidehead5862
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shibatahikari/
PEEP INSIDE HEAD: https://peepinsidehead.com/ -
Starting March 4, the permanent museum teamLab Forest Fukuoka will transform its artwork into a stunning spring theme. Guests will be able to enjoy gorgeous cherry blossoms for a limited time, and starting March 24, the Catching and Collecting Forest will also be transformed in the same way.
TeamLab’s works are created in real time by procedural generation, meaning that they are always changing and evolving. Each work changes depending on the season.
▼Starting March 4
Both Shifting Valley, Living Creatures of Flowers, Symbiotic Lives – A Whole Year per Year and Animals of Flowers, Symbiotic Lives II – A Whole Year per Year are only available to see during spring. Come and see animals made entirely of cherry blossoms as they roam through the museum!
The work titled Soft Terrain in Granular Topography shows multicolored grains of light pouring from the sky, while Flutter of Butterflies, Ephemeral Life surrounds visitors with brightly colored butterflies
▼Starting March 24
In the Catching and Collecting Forest, visitors can explore with their smartphones and catch various animals made entirely of cherry blossoms.
Information
teamLab Forest Fukuoka – SBI SECURITIES Co., Ltd.
Venue: BOSS E・ZO FUKUOKA 5F, Next to Fukuoka PayPal Dome
Address: 2-2-6 Jigyohama, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka
Official Site: http://forest.teamlab.art -
The Tokyo-based girl artists and creators' collective bala has finally launched for real! The group will release its first single barla on March 8. bala consists of MANON, SUNNY ONLY 1, DAN, and KANO, each with their own global background. The project aims to resonate with Gen Z youth culture and to be a collective of artists that connects hybrid Japanese pop culture with audiences around the world. The debut song barla was produced by Shinichi Osawa, who has numerous hits under the name Mondo Grosso. It was co-written by Kenmochi Hidefumi from Wednesday Campanella. With Y2K culture making a comeback around the world, the track features the house sound popular in the late 90s which is showing signs of becoming the next musical trend yet again. The groovy dance tune is a perfect theme song for these girls who will lead the next generation of pop culture. <Comment from Shinichi Osawa> “I’m honored to be involved in bala’s debut. The members are super unique, and collaborating with Kenmochi-san for the first time was a dream come true.” <Comment from Kenmochi Hidefumi> “I’m happy to be able to work with the members of bala and Shinichi Osawa. Everyone is so uniquely talented, and this song is filled with everyone's energy and excitement inspired by their long-awaited debut!”
Information
bala 1st Single「barla」
配信日:2023年3月8日(水)
配信URL:https://orcd.co/barla
【About bala】
東京を拠点に活動するガールズ・アーティストとクリエイターによるコレクティブ・balaは、MANON、SUNNY ONLY1、DAN、KANOの4人からなるクリエイティブ集団。
世界で同時多発的に進行している様々なZ世代ユースカルチャーと共鳴しながら、DNAに組み込まれた日本発のポップカルチャーと融合させたハイブリッドな表現を目指し、グローバルに発信していくことをコンセプトに活動する。
また3Dアバターキャラクター「Barla」を介し、次世代インターネット「WEB 3.0」など、積極的にエッジテックを活用した次世代のクリエイティブにも取り組んでいく。
ポップミュージックのフィールドに限らず、彼女たちの世界観を共有する様々なアーティスト、クリエイターが集うクリエイティヴ・プラットフォームとして機能することで、ポップカルチャーにおける新たなエコシステムへの発展を目指していく。
TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@bala_official_japan
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/bala_official_japan/
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©永井豪/ダイナミック企画 ©ダイナミック企画・東映アニメーション ©ダイナミック企画 ©東映アニメーション ©松本零士/零時社・東映アニメーション
From March 21 until April 5, 2023, Matsuzakaya Nagoya will host The World of Super Robot & Hero: Kazuhiro Ochi Art Exhibition, celebrating the creator’s 45th anniversary as an artist. Ochi is well-known for his work on Mobile Suit Gundam and dozens of other popular anime series, from Martian Successor Nadesico to Urusei Yatsura.
Ochi has personally selected over 100 items to be put on display at the exhibition, including illustrations from Mazinger Z and Devilman, both of which are celebrating their 50th anniversaries. Fans can also expect to see illustrations from the newly-announced UFO Robot Grendizer project along with original sketches, promotional materials, and much more.
Available merchandise will include an art book signed by Kazuhiro Ochi himself, prints, and character goods. New Cutie Honey and Cosmic Fantasy products will also be available for purchase.
The animator himself will also be in attendance on select days, so don’t miss this rare opportunity to meet an anime legend!
Guests spending over ¥5,000 (including tax) at the exhibition during days in which Ochi is in attendance will receive an autographed illustration card only available at the Nagoya venue.
Exhibition Merch at a Glance
©Go Nagai/Dynamic Planning Illustration by K.Ochi
©KAZUHIRO OCHI
イラスト/越智一裕 ©永井豪/ダイナミック企画
Information
The World of Super Robot & Hero: Kazuhiro Ochi Art Exhibition
Running: March 21 – April 5, 2023
Hours: 10:00-18:00
Venue: Matsuzakaya Nagoya Main Buiding 7F, Large Event Hall
Details & Merchandise Information: https://edition-88.com/blogs/blog/ochikazuhiro-ten-nagoya_event-info
Purchase Goods: https://edition-88.com/
Kazuhiro Ochi Attendance Schedule
Appearance Dates: March 21, March 25, March 26, April 1, April 2
Hours: 13:00-16:00
*The event will conclude promptly at the listed time.
*The attendance schedule is subject to be changed or canceled depending on various circumstances. -
Hisashi Eguchi’s Illustration Exhibition “Tokyo Girlfriend” Coming to Tokyo Midtown Hibiya, New Works to be Exhibited for the First Time
From March 14 until April 23, 2023, Tokyo Midtown Hibiya will hold Hisashi Eguchi’s Tokyo Girlfriend illustration exhibition, set to show off the artist’s unique perspectives on people and cityscapes. The exhibition will feature new illustrations of the titular girlfriend standing in the streets of Hibiya drawn especially for this exhibition, as well as various other girlfriends both large and small.
GING NANG BOYZ Kimi to Boku no Dai 3ji Taisen-teki Renai Kakumei CD Jacket (2005)
A LONG VACATION - Eiichi Ohtaki 40th Tribute Illustration (2021) ©2023 Eguchi Hisashi
Hisashi Eguchi, a manga artist and illustrator, continues to convey the charm of the city and its people by vividly depicting Tokyo and the many unique happenings within. As Tokyo Midtown Hibiya celebrates its 5th anniversary along with many other nearby businesses, the Tokyo Girlfriend exhibition of illustrations by Hisashi Eguchi is being held to celebrate.
The exhibition will feature a new painting of the mysterious girlfriend standing in the streets of Hibiya, newly created for the Tokyo Midtown Hibiya exhibition. A number of original pieces using Pantone overlay, Eguchi's favorite painting medium in the 80s and 90s, will also be on display for the first time.
During the exhibition period, guests can enjoy autograph sessions, live sketches in which Eguchi himself will draw a portrait of selected subject on the spot, and workshops where he will teach tips on how to be a better illustrator.
Don’t miss your chance to meet one of the greatest illustrators of the modern era!
©2023 Eguchi HisashiInformation
Hisashi Eguchi’s Illustration Exhibition ‘Tokyo Girlfriend’
Running: March 14 – April 23, 2023
Venue: Tokyo Midtown Hibiya
https://www.hibiya.tokyo-midtown.com/jp/ -
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