P→★ (TEMPURA KIDZ) Animal Café Diary #4: Feeling at Peace With Shiba Inu at the Harajuku Mame-Shiba Café
The long-awaited next entry to P→★’s Animal Café Diary is finally here!
P→★ of Japanese pop dance and vocal group TEMPURA KIDZ loves animals, and this is his featured series in which he visits animal cafés around Tokyo. For diary entry No. 4, our P→★ visits the Harajuku Mame-Shiba Cafe located along Harajuku’s famous Takeshita Street.
Harajuku Mame-Shiba Café is Tokyo’s first animal café for Mame-Shiba Inu. It’s very easy to find being just a 3-minute walk from Harajuku Station and 5-minutes from Meiji-Jingumae Station so you can pop in during your Harajuku sightseeing.
There is also an owl cafe called Harajuku Owl’s Forest in the same building on floor B1F which you can see in the picture above. P→★ also visited another owl cafe in Harajuku called Owl’s Garden.
Upon stepping your paws into the Harajuku Mame-Shiba Café you are met by Mame-Shiba dogs wearing bandana around their necks. The café itself has retro style decor with Showa music providing your soundtrack. It also has tatami flooring so you will need to take your shoes off beforehand.
Tickets can only be bought at the café. It’s ¥880 for an adult for for 30 minutes. Once you have your ticket you wait until your designated time. It’s not uncommon for tickets to be sold out on the day so we recommend buying yours early in the day.
You can pick out one drink from the vending machine with your ticket. Pick from a range of teas, coffees and juices, sit down on the tatami mat and enjoy playing with the adorable Mame-Shiba. The café also as a retro TV and Japanese-style ‘chabudai’ tables for sitting on the floor.
The pups are very energetic in the morning and each enjoy living their own lives in their own way as they please. A popular site to see is the dogs basking in the sunlight that shines through the café windows.
Customers are prohibited from picking up and embracing the dogs, but like P→★ they may give you one instead! Stroking and interacting with the bouncy bunch however is fine.
Use toys to play with them, give them food and treats, and find your favourite Mame-Shiba Inu from the pack.
When noon draws in the dogs start going into nap mode. You’ll see the number of them tumbling over for a sleep increase one by one. This makes it easy to snap some photos, so if you’re looking to take lots of photos with them you should go at midday!
There’s also merchandise on sale including items based on popular Shiba Inu characters like Chuken Mochi Shiba and Shibata-san. The most popular item is the key ring of Chuken Mochi Shiba laid sprawled.
P→★ was very happy with his trip: “My grandma had a Shiba Inu called Aka-chan when I was small. Since then I always come into contact with Shiba Inu! I prefer Mame-Shiba who have a bit of individuality compared to the cute ones that look like Chihuahuas. The café has Japanese taste, is spacious and relaxed. I had the best time!”
Harajuku Mame-Shiba Café brings in countless customers everyday from those who do not own pets to foreigners visiting Japan. Reservations cannot be made online or over the phone, so pop in to book when you’re in Harajuku.
Information
Harajuku Mame-Shiba Café
Address: Harajuku Mame-Shiba Café Floor 3F, 1-6-10 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo
Access: 3-minutes on foot from the Takeshita Exit of Harajuku Station via the JR Line / 5-minutes on foot from Exit 5 of Meiji-Jingumae Station via the Tokyo Metro Line
Business Hours: Weekdays 11:00-19:00 / Weekends & Holidays 10:30-19:30
No Fixed Holidays.
Price: ¥880 (13+ Years) / ¥580 (4-12 Years With Parent/Guardian) / Free (3 Years and Below With Parent/Guardian)
*You can also get a ticket for the owl cafe there. ¥1,400 for adults, ¥1,000 for children.
Website: http://owls-cats-forest.com/free/mameshiba-harajuku
Model: P→★(TEMPURA KIDZ)@0830_pika
Photography: Kayo Sekiguchi
Text: Sayoko Ishii
Translator: Joshua Kitosi-Isanga
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Four-member dance and vocal unit TEMPURA KIDZ announced on their official website on Thursday (February 18) that YU-KA, AO, and P→★ will depart from the group following their concert at Shibuya Veats on March 28, 2021. TEMPURA KIDZ began their career as backup dancers for Japan's queen of pop Kyary Pamyu Pamyu where they were known as the "Kyary Kids." The original five-member line-up of YU-KA, AO, P→★, KARIN, and NaNaHo made their major debut in 2013. At the young ages of just 15, the group took their unmatched, high-energy dance performances across Japan and overseas. The big stage was ahead of them as they embarked on a world tour to perform in 17 cities throughout 13 countries, beginning with a performance at the Thai music festival TOFU MUSIC FES 2014 where they performed alongside the acclaimed K-pop artists 2NE1 and GOT7. TEMPURA KIDZ at TOFU MUSIC FES 2014
TEMPURA KIDZ also performed at the world's largest indoor arena, Philippine Arena, in Manila, Philippines for the 2015 New Year's countdown event. In the performer line-up, TEMPURA KIDZ were just one act behind Chris Brown. TEMPURA KIDZ at Philippine Arena in 2015 TEMPURA KIDZ have taken their exceptional dance skills around the world where they have hosted dance workshops to children at schools. One was hosted in Payatas in the Philippines as part of an Official Development Assistance (ODA) effort and was filmed to be shown on TV. Over the course of their career, TEMPURA KIDZ have also lent their creative choreography to countless artists as well as for commercials and TV shows. In 2019, they performed their iconic "Puputto Fumutto Kaiketsu Dance" on Kōhaku Uta Gassen, an annual New Year's Eve television special in Japan. The dance was created by the group for the animation series Butt Detective. In 2018, group member NaNaHo graduated for the group, leaving TEMPURA KIDZ with just four members: YU-KA , AO, P→★, and KARIN. However, YU-KA , AO, and P→★ will now be graduating from the group at their solo concert together at Shibuya Veats on March 28, 2021 to focus on their own individual careers. YU-KA aims to become a performer on many different levels and so wants to focus on enhancing her current skill. AO wants to become an actress, and P→★ wants to challenge himself to many new things such as being a DJ, model, and performer to arm himself with a talented skill set. The remaining member KARIN will announce her plans in the near future. This March will be the final time that the four members stand on stage together as TEMPURA KIDZ. Tickets went on sale on Thursday (February 18), including special tickets that include signings from the members and an invitation to their rehearsal. Comment From TEMPURA KIDZ
"We want to convey our utmost gratitude to you all for supporting us for so long. On March 28, at our solo concert, YU-KA, AO, and P→★ will graduate from TEMPURA KIDZ. Each member has decided to pursue their own paths. This of course means a big change for TEMPURA KIDZ, but all four of us will go all out to put on a hugely successful final show for you that captures out past 8 years together. Truly, from the bottom of our hearts, we thank you. And remember, this isn't the end—we're working super hard to get off to a new start, so we ask you kindly for your continued support." —From all the members of TEMPURA KIDZ Each member of TEMPURA KIDZ also wrote their own handwritten letters to fans which you can read here.Information
TEMPURA KIDZ Solo Concert
Date: March 28, 2021
Time: Doors 14:30 / Start 15:15
Price: Reserved Seating ¥5,000 / Standing ¥3,500 + 1 drink charge
Venue: Veats SHIBUYA
Address: 33-1 Udagawacho, Shibuya, Tokyo
Buy Tickets: https://w.pia.jp/t/tempura-kidz/
TEMPURA KIDZ Solo Concert Rehearsal Tickets
Date: March 28, 2021
Time: Entry to lobby at 12:00
Price: Seating Anywhere ¥2,000 + 1 drink charge
Venue: Veats SHIBUYA
Address: 33-1 Udagawacho, Shibuya, Tokyo
Buy Tickets: https://w.pia.jp/t/tempura-kidz/
*Includes signed cards
TEMPURA KIDZ Official Website: https://tempurakidz.asobisystem.com/
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Here at MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON, we post news and information about Japan in six languages. Our aim is to deliver a variety of content related to Japan for those who love and enjoy Japanese culture. Right now, people across the globe are in self-isolation as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. The same goes for Japan too, so we’ve taken this opportunity to create a new series on the website to show how we’re spending time at home here in Japan. The future is yet uncertain, and we hope for normality to return for all of us soon. We created a new articles series called Stay Home with which we hope to take your mind off the situation, even for just a little bit, to help you feel calmer. It might give you some tips on what you can do while spending time at home. Today, we are joined by all four members of Japanese dance and vocal group TEMPURA KIDZ who have shared with us what they have been doing at home recently.
Stay Home With AO
1: Watching movies
I've been sipping on nice hot drinks while cosied up watching movies. One that I want to recommend that makes me cry is The Green Mile. For comedy is would be A Story of Yonosuke! 2: Reading
Reading at home! I don't make a lot of progress with reading, but I can concentrate better setting time aside to read at home alone rather than when I usually would on trains or in my spare time. So I've developed the ability to read a lot quicker now! I want to use this time to read lots and lots! What’s your secret to spending time at home?
It's all about putting the time in right now! I usually don't get this kind of time to enjoy chilling at home, so I'm consuming lots of media like movies, dramas, anime, and books. I think it's great time spent to power up my power as a human, by laughing and crying while increasing my knowledge and sensibility!Please give a message to those reading this article
With more time spent at home because of the lockdown period, you might feel a sense of loneliness or anxiety, but it's important to increase your immunity, even a little, and make your mind and body strong! I hear that tears and laughter are a way of de-stressing and upping your immunity. Let's immerse ourselves in some kind of media and laugh and cry so we can eliminate stress, increase our immunity, and level ourselves up.Stay Home With KARIN
1: Feeling better with candied fruit!
I'm lifting my mood at home by making candied fruit! It's super simple, you just need fruit, sugar, and water. Though I'm at home indoors, it makes me feel like I'm at a stall at a Japanese festival, so it makes me happy! It's really easy to do, so why not give it a go yourself? What’s your secret to spending time at home?
If you use your time at home wisely to try out things you normally don't have time for you're bound to discover something new. I think that's important.Please give a message to those reading this article
Wash your hands, be aware that each and every person is a potential danger, and make the right decision until the fun days return. Let's all get through this together!Stay Home With YU-KA
1: Dancing on TikTok at home!
I started using TikTok just recently. Since the lockdown means being at home everyday, I'm posting dance videos everyday as part of my daily routine! They're super easy to make and post, I think it's the best kind of content to enjoy with everyone. Plus, you feel refreshed after moving your body about, and it lifts your mood! 2: I can't meet with the other members, but...
I'm also doing duet dances in my videos too! When the lockdown finally ends and I get to meet with everyone again, my happiness won't feel incomplete anymore. Doing this means you can stay connected with people even if you're at home. It made me realise again what a convenient time we live in. I'm posting everyday, so I hope it kills a bit of time for everyone at home! Check out my videos here: https://www.tiktok.com/@yuka_tempurakidz What’s your secret to spending time at home?
This period we're in now might actually be a great opportunity to do those things you've been neglecting everyday, or to challenge yourself to something new! You might also realise something you didn't before because of this very situation. It's made me reconsider the peaceful life I took for granted, so let's think of it as a plus because of the good time we've been granted!Please give a message to those reading this article
Our want for the lives we loved together to continue will ensure that they return quicker. Let's pray for things to turn back to normal and work hard to get through this together!みStay Home With P→☆
1: Making music and editing YouTube videos
I'm set on making music and editing YouTube videos, and other things too. I'm using my time at home to do the things I normally wouldn't be able to because it takes time. I'm also absorbing myself in a lot of research and making things. Keeping myself busy by looking up the things I love relieves my stress and makes me feel great. What’s your secret to spending time at home?
Feeling positive trying out things you normally can't!Please give a message to those reading this article
Make sure to properly self-isolate at home, and let's all look forward to and work towards when we can enjoy outdoors again! I'll work hard to deliver entertainment to everyone from home too!Information
AO Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ao_tempurakidz/
KARIN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karin.tempurakidz/
YU-KA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yuka_tempurakidz/
P→☆ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p_tempurakidz/
TEMPURA KIDZ Official Website: https://tempurakidz.asobisystem.com/
TEMPURA KIDZ Official YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/TEMPURAKIDZ/
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Capy Neko Cafe is the newest animal cafe to hit Tokyo. Located in the neighbourhood of Kichijoji, right by the station, customers are able to interact with both cats and capybara at the same time.
Japan is famous for its host of animal cafes, from the ubiquitous cat cafes to more unique ones like the owl cafe. But Capy Neko Cafe stands out from the rest as being the first cafe in Japan to combine cats and capybara. You might wonder whether it's actually safe to pet a capybara. They may be the largest rodent in the world, but they in fact loved to be pet by people. They are gentle creatures that get on with and can live alongside cats. At the cafe, you can take photos of the capybara who are sure to be chilling on the sofas as well as feed them. The comfy environment also means that they'll feel like your very own pet capybara at home. ▶︎Tawashi (Male) Tawashi is a sensitive, affectionate, and gentle guy. He loves snacks, and he's sure to flop down if you start petting him on the butt. Part of his daily routine is having an afternoon nap on the sofa together with the cats. ▶︎Dan (Male) The vice store manager of Capy Neko Cafe. He adores humans. He's the kind of guy who'll probably jump up onto you if you cover your lap with a blanket and sit on the sofa. ▶︎Emma (Female) Another member with a soft spot for humans, Emma is reserved kitty who lets everybody eat their food first. She's a needy and spoiled girlーif she's on your lap, you're not getting up. She's siblings with Dan. ▶︎Cream (Male) Cream is everybody's idol. He's unapologetically spoiled and a handsome guy with perfectly round black pupils. This list is just a small taste of the many cute residents to meet at Capy Neko Cafe. The cafe is also active in finding families for their rescued cats. The number of people who want to own a cat in Japan are looking to rescues now instead of pet shops. At Capy Neko Cafe, you get the best of both worlds: you can meet and interact with a cat and see if they're a good match for you. If you're interested in visiting Capy Neko Cafe, keep in mind that priority goes to those who have booked in advance. This can be done via their official website, so book first and look forward to kicking back and enjoying a cup of tea, coffee or soft drink before interacting with the cats and capybara! Information
Capy Neko Cafe
Address: PLATANO Floor 2F, 1-5-10 Kichijōji Minamichō, Musashino, Tokyo
Business Hours: 12:00-18:00
Closed: Wednesdays
Official Website: https://capyneko.cafe/
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Felissimo released a new line of shiba inu slippers and handkerchiefs from their humorous brand YOU+MORE! on their website on November 26. The slippers feature various shiba inu pulling adorable faces, with the sole parts made to look like their fluffy bellies. The handkerchiefs are made using appliqué needlework to stitch a variety of different pups onto them. The prints are so realistic you'll find yourself wanting to stroke them.
The slippers come in three designs: Black Fur, Red Fur, and White Fur, all with loving faces looking up at you as you walk around the house. The insoles are made with long and comfy boa fabric to create the fluffy underbelly of the dogs. The gauze handkerchiefs come in six designs: Pomeranian, White Shiba, French Bulldog, Red Shiba, Golden Retriever, and Corgi. The embroidered doggy designs are 3D textured, making you want to poke and stroke them all the time you're holding them. The front part is made from gauze and the back from pile. One of each of the six designs will be released monthly over a period of six months. If you love shiba inu, or know someone that does, this is the perfect gift! Information
Slippers
Price: ¥1,900 (Before Tax)
Product Details & Ordering: https://feli.jp/s/pr191205ym/2/
Gauze Towel Handkerchiefs
Price: ¥750(Before Tax)
Product Details & Ordering: https://feli.jp/s/pr191205ym/4/
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Dance and vocal unit TEMPURA KIDZ―who have taken their boisterous personalities to 13 countries around the world―have just dropped a new song entitled Tapi Tapi in collaboration with French DJ and music producer Moe Shop. This marks their second collaboration with Moe Shop, the first being the release of UKIYO back in June.
The bubble tea-inspired song takes on a future funk sound, a genre which Moe Shop is at the forefront of. The lyrics were written by singer-songwriter Aoi Yamazaki. It's a colourful pop dance anthem littered with the TEMPURA KIDZ members' unique character. You're sure to be humming the words "tapi tapi" along to this catchy tune in which the members sing positive things like, "Let's drink tapioca and be happy" and "Something good'll happen if you live life smiling." With the Olympics right around the corner, TEMPURA KIDZ are looking to continue their global activities to help spread Japanese culture to the world. Be sure to give Tapi Tapi a listen which is also available now on Spotify. Information
TEMPURA KIDZ & Moe Shop – Digital Single “Tapi Tapi”
Releaed: August 28, 2019
Lyrics: Aoi Yamazaki
Composer: Moe Shop
Stream/Download: https://moeshop.fanlink.to/tapitapi
TEMPURA KIDZ Official Website: https://tempurakidz.asobisystem.com
Moe Shop Official Twitter: https://twitter.com/korewamoe
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Japan is famous for its animal cafés. If you are looking for something less conventional, then mipig cafe ー a heavenly cafe where you can play endlessly with adorable micro pigs ー might be just what you are looking for. mipig will be opening its second cafe in Harajuku in November 2019.
With the concept of "becoming a home for micro pigs", mipig cafe opened their first cafe in Meguro on March 1st, 2019. After just half a year, over 30,000 people visited the cafe and reservations were full every day. Check out our previous report on the Meguro mipig cafe here: P→★ (TEMPURA KIDZ) Animal Café Diary #5: Visiting Japan’s First Micro Pig Cafe ‘mipig cafe’ The concept for the Harajuku branch is "entering the world of a micro pig picture book" and therefore, the cafe decoration is based on the famous story "The Three Little Pigs". This is the perfect environment to play with the adorable little pigs and create some loving memories together. Information
Information
mipig cafe Harajuku
Address: Barbizon76, 1 Chome-15-4 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo
Reservations: Advanced reservation required. The reservation period will open from approximately the end of October.
* For more information, please check mipig’s official Instagram and Twitter accounts:
Instagram: (@jpmipig)
Twitter:(@mipigcafe)