It has been announced that Sakura Miku―an alternative design of Hatsune Miku―has been appointed as the official mascot character for this year’s Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival which will take place from April 20 to May 6.
Hirosaki Park is one of Japan’s most prominent cherry blossom sites. The park blooms cherry blossoms from its 2,600 or so cherry trees, of which there are 52 varieties, which bring in over 2 million tourists every year for the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival. Next year’s festival 2020 will be the event’s memorial year when it celebrates its 100th run.
The event’s main visual features a bright pink Sakura Miku with the cherry trees of Hirosaki Park behind her. This picture will be pasted around the park during the festival.
A stamp rally will take place during the event from April 20 for tourists who can get their hands on an original postcard by taking part.
Take part in this year’s festivals for which lots is being planned.
Information
Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival
Location: Hirosaki Park, 1 Shimoshiroganechō, Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture
Running: April 20, 2019 – May 6, 2019
Event Page: https://www.hirosakikanko.or.jp/web/edit.html?id=cat02_spring_sakura
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The popular female rock band BAND-MAID will perform for the first time at KNOTFEST JAPAN 2023, scheduled for April 1 and April 2 at Makuhari Messe in Chiba.
KNOTFEST was begun by the American heavy metal band Slipknot, and the festival has been held yearly since 2012. BAND-MAID will perform on Day 1 along with headliners Slipknot, Trivium, and MAN WITH A MISSION.
Tickets for the May shows to be held in the United States as part of the BAND-MAID 10TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR are none on sale. The group managed to bring in over 20,000 fans during their solo U.S. tour in 2022. In addition to performing at Pointfest 2023, Welcome to Rockville 2023, and the Sonic Temple Art & Music Festival, BAND-MAID will also perform six solo shows. With some venues selling out instantly last year, you’ll want to snag tickets while you can!
Information
KNOTFEST JAPAN 2023
*BAND-MAID to perform on Day 1, April 1
DAY 1 – ROADSHOWApril 1, 2023
DAY 2 – FESTIVALApril 2, 2023
Venue: Makuhari Messe International Exhibition Halls 9-11
https://knotfestjapan.com
Official Site: https://bandmaid.tokyo -
Keina Suda, also known by his Vocaloid producer name Balloon, has been rising in popularity with the release of the music video for his new track Darling. On May 24, he’ll release his second full album Ghost Pop, and his track Hana ni Kaze is being used to promote Hatsune Miku’s 360 Reality Audio Experience at the Sony Store. This catchy track will be released on all major streaming services on February 10, 2023. In addition, the cover for the song, created by Avogado6, has also been revealed.
The song was created exclusively as the campaign song for Sony Store’s exclusive Walkman and accompanying headphones featuring exclusive Hatsune Miku designs by Avogado 6. These are available to order now, and starting January 27, Sony Store locations are offering a new listening experience, allowing guests to enjoy Hana ni Kaze with Sony’s 3D Reality Audio.
In addition to this listening experience, a special viewing event was held in theater rooms, making guests feel as though they were at a live concert. Reservations were required to participate.
Visit the official Sony website for more information!
Information
Hatsune Miku’s 360 Reality Audio Experience at the Sony Store
Details: https://www.sony.jp/walkman/store/special/miku2022/Ghost Pop (2nd Full Album)
Release Date: May 24, 2023 (CD/Download/Streaming)
Preorder: https://sudakeina.lnk.to/GhostPop_CD -
For four days only starting in February 2023, fans of Hatsune Miku will want to take an incredible night cruise around Tokyo Bay. The virtual singer will collaborate with the popular Tokyo Bay Night Cruise which travels between Yokohama and Tokyo. The event will include special tickets, exclusive bonuses for guests, collaborative goods, and onboard decorations. Collaborative goods will be available to purchase on the ship or from the Shimapochi online store. OutlineDates: February 19, February 26, March 5, March 12Night Cruise Itinerary:Osanbashi, Yokohama / Check-in 16:00-18:00Osanbashi, Yokohama / Departure 18:10, Enjoy the night view from the shipTakeshiba Wharf, Tokyo / Arrival 19:45*Guests will be led by a special MC narrating the night scenery. Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase.
Special Ticket Fare:Adults ¥2,000 / Children ¥1,500 (Includes consumption tax and fuel price adjusted for inflation)[Includes Hatsune Miku Collaboration Sticker and Postcard (6 varieties, random)] Special tickets featuring Hatsune Miku will only be available to those reserving their spot online. Reservations can be made two months prior to the boarding date. Space is extremely limited, so grab a spot while you can! Those not interested in bonuses can also enjoy a night cruise during this period, with adult tickets costing ¥1,000 and children’s tickets costing ¥500. More details will be released at a later date. Information
Hatsune Miku x Tokyo Bay Night Cruise
Dates: February 19, February 26, March 5, March 12
Details/Tickets: https://www.tokaikisen.co.jp/news/392932/
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Snow Miku has teamed up with Sanrio’s popular character Kuromi to promote the beautiful prefecture of Hokkaido! A new collection of goods went on sale starting December 14, 2022. Goods
Clear Folder
Pen with Clip
Mini Sign Board
Mini Towel (Set of 2)
Pin
Framed Magnet with Stand
Sticker
T-Shirt
Tapestry
Acrylic Stand
Acrylic Keychain
Rubber Keychain
Silver Foil 2-Layer Magnet
Snow Miku debuted during the Sapporo Snow Festival in 2010 when an incredible snow sculpture of Hatsune Miku was unveiled. Ever since then, Snow Miku festivals have popped up in Hokkaido each winter, and the character dons costumes designed by popular internet creators. Kuromi is back this year, with Miku’s outfit dyed black and tons of adorable art featuring the rock ‘n roll character. The life-size version of Miku was designed by illustrator PiPi, and the chibi character was designed by illustrator Yoi. Between Miku's cute idol energy and Kuromi's edginess, this is the perfect collab for all audiences! The items are available in two versions: Day, featuring Hokkaido’s beautiful landscapes covered in snow, and Night, featuring twinkling winter lights. Don't miss out on these exclusive items!Information
Hokkaido Exclusive – Snow Miku x Kuromi Hokkaido
Available: December 14, 2022
Official Site: https://snowmiku.com/
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The cities of Hirosaki and Hakodate in Hokkaido have announced that they will team up with Hatsune Miku’s popular iteration Snow Miku to promote tourism in the area this winter. A number of activities will begin in December 2022. [Snow Miku x Hirohako] Collaboration Project■Hirohako Winter Tourism Campaign Poster Featuring Snow Miku・Period: Mid-November~February 28, 2023・Locations: Facilities in both cities, tourist facilities, hotels, shopping areas ■Snow Miku Illustration Contest Exhibition EventOver 50 illustrations have been submitted under the theme of Snow Miku and Hakodate / Snow Miku and Hirosaki. These will be on display through the winter! ・Running: December 1, 2022 - February 28, 2022 ・Venues: Hirosaki Municipal Tourist Center (Hirosaki) Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse (Hakodate) ■Snow Miku Photo SpotSnow Miku panels featuring shamisen and apples from Hirosaki will be on display, while the Hakodate version will include references to squid fishing and footbaths. ・On Display: December 1, 2022 - February 28, 2022・Locations: JR Hirosaki Station, Chuohirosaki Station (Hirosaki) JR Hakodate Station, Hakodate Airport (Hakodate)
■Digital Stamp Rally Using the Mikunavi AppA number of panels will be installed at five checkpoints in Hirosaki and Hakodate. A total of 1,000 people–500 in each city–will win original merch including a Snow Miku mask case and decorated masking tape. All you need to do is check in!・Available: December 1, 2022 - February 28, 2022・Locations: (Hirosaki) Hirosaki Municipal Tourist Center, Hirosaki City Machinaka Information Center, Hirosaki Tourist Information Center, Hirosaki Castle Information Center, Tsugaru-han Neputa Village (Hakodate) Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse, Yunokawa Hot Spring Footbath, Goryōkaku Tower, Hakodate Green Plaza C Block (Hakodate Lumi-Pop), Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward ■Hirohako Winter Tourism Campaign Theme Song and Music Video The tourism theme song will get a new music video that will be broadcast on YouTube, at local tourist facilities, and on TV and radio!・On Air: December 1, 2022~・Theme Song: Mahou no Keshiki (Lyrics/Composition: ryuryu) ■Snow Miku Welcome Announcements to be Broadcast at Tourism Facilities, etc. A one-minute welcome announcement by Snow Miku will air at tourist facilities!・Running: December 1, 2022 - February 28, 2022・Locations: Tourist areas in both cities ■Snow Miku Filters Using ARWhen each barcode is scanned with a smartphone, Snow Miku will appear on the screen! Visitors can take pictures with Snow Miku to commemorate their winter trip to Hirosaki and Hakodate.・Available: December 1, 2022 - February 28, 2022 Information
Hirosaki x Hakodate x Snow Miku Tourism Campaign
Beginning December 2022
Details: https://www.hirosaki-kanko.or.jp/edit.html?id=hirohako
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Project Sekai: Colorful Stage! feat. Hatsune Miku is a popular iOS/Android rhythm game and music from the title has become incredibly popular. The third single from the group Leo/need featuring the tracks From Tokyo and Ryuusei no Pulse was released on November 16, 2022. From Tokyo is a refreshing and powerful ballad originally sung by Hatsune Miku, while Ryuusei no Pulse was originally sung by Kagamine Len. These tracks are sure to get stuck in your head, so check them out!
First-Edition Production Bonus
Original Trading Card (5 varieties, 1 per purchase)
1 Weiß Schwarz Special PR Card (1 variety)
First-Come, First-Served Purchase Bonus
B2-size Announcement Poster
*Available while supplies last. **Certain shops will offer unique purchase bonuses. © SEGA/© CP/© CFMInformation
From Tokyo / Ryuusei no Pulse
Release Date: November 16, 2022
Price: ¥1,540 (Tax Included)
Details: https://bushiroad-music.com/musics/brmm-10582Official Site: https://pjsekai.sega.jp