The latest with Japan includes Priyanka Yoshikawa, a Japanese-Indian haafu, being crowned as Miss Japan, the teamLab “DMM.Planets” finishing off in great success, a couple of typhoons going in and out of the country all while the Democratic Party candidates heat up with their campaigning for its leadership Election next week. Underneath all of these much-buzzed topics are the many exciting pop-culture embedded items and happenings that bring joy to our lives and give us a good giggle. Here are a couple that we wanted to highlight!
Do it Yourself.
Eating some odango (mochi balls) underneath a bright red traditional Japanese umbrella in a Japanese confectionary store in Kyoto that’s been up and running for over 100 years is as Japanese as it gets. There’s beauty in perfecting the Japanese experience to the t, but you’ve got to admit that it’s great when something can be done from the comforts of your own home — which brings us to this amazing cooking toy that allows you to make as many mochi balls as you wish, straight from your cozy house. Mega House, which is pretty much a company that makes all the cooking toys you wish you had (choices include donut maker, crepe maker, popsicle maker, amongst others. Click here for the whole selection) so it’s no surprise that they’re the creators behind this incredible invention.
Plus, you’ll be happy to hear that all you need is rice, potato starch, water and sugar. We assume you probably have three out of the four things you need, lying in your home. (Guess which?) Dump all of that in the machine and spin the handle, stick it in a microwave, take it out, and spin the handle again for a designated number of times and voila! An odango party sounds so appropriate for the month of September, since this is the month to dip into the Japanese tradition of Otsukimi (moon watching) and the accompanying sweet is…(drum roll, please) surprise! Odango! Available at all toy stores starting September, do Otsukimi the right way this year with this fun little DIY kit!
Details：http://www.megahouse.co.jp/megatoy/products/item/2029/ (Only in Japanese)
Strike a Pose in a Well-Protected Samurai Outfit
It was May of this year that Shibuya opened the Samurai Armor Photo Studio, where you could be a Samurai for a day by dressing in their perfect Samurai outfits and get pictures taken as proof if ever anyone questions that “one day you dabbled in Samurai-dom.” With their ever-exciting concept of dressing like a samurai (seriously though, who wouldn’t?), they’ve taken their photoshoots to the next level by allowing customers to go on a 2-hour stroll out on the streets of Shibuya, where Samurais-for-the-day can get a whopping 170 cuts taken in the best spots chosen by the photographers of the Studio, such as in front of the Hachi-ko Statue as you can tell from the picture above. If you’re looking to experience something that screams only in Japan in your face, this has got to be it. Have fun with it, just roll with it, and live your life out as a Samurai for 120 minutes.
Details: http://samurai.bz/en/index.html
Aragehonji Might Just be the Best Band You’ve Never Heard
For those of you who aren’t familiar with Japanese traditional music, Min’yō is one genre that emerged way back in the 12th century. To get a sonic idea, think matsuri — and for those of you who don’t know what that’s like, watch this. Fast forward to now, we live in a century where those digits are flipped over, and hybridizing two or more factors that you never would’ve imagined coming together is the ultimate way of keeping things fresh. In a world where everything is slowly becoming a replica of a replica of a replica, this is one of the few ways to defeat this dilemma. (Save us from being ordinary!) Example: Wagakki Band creates sounds that are a crossover of Japanese traditional instruments as well as Western instruments (guitar, drums, etc.) Example: the entire 80s comeback. Etc. Although this sounds a lot like recycling, recycling is quite the beauty — and we’re truly coming to realize this now!
With that said, Aragehonji is a band that’s achieved a sound unlike any other, combining Min’yō with elements of Black music. Now that we’ve got your attention, click play on the video above to get a taste. Who knew our traditional instruments would sound so well when combined with brass instruments? (Because it does!) This 8-piece group hails from Akita masters traditional Japanese rhythms and melodies that were big in Akita back in the day and pulls off Min’yō references from across the whole nation. 2010 gave them an opportunity to perform at Fujirock’s Fujirock Rookie A-Go-Go stage, and they’ve quickly become an unmissable act that know how to get a crowd dancing at festivals ever since.
You’re just in time for their latest album “Hanaotsuto” that just got released on the 7th of September, and the above-posted “Detarame Kagura” is straight off of this super festive record. Though summer is coming to an end, rest assured you can drag it a little longer with this album in hand.
I’ll Warm You Up, Dear.
Huggable pillows are great. They keep you snuggly in bed, and though they’re not real, the imitated cuddling action may just help in releasing those oxytocin hormones. But how would you like it when they’ve blown up into a size of height: 190cm and weight: 10kg (that’s about the same as a Japanese macaque)? That, my dear friends, is comedian Naomi Watanabe in pillow form, and sure, this model beside her might be slightly below average weight, but that pillow looks humongous despite.
With all the insane size issue aside, what’s worth taking note of here is that anyone is eligible to win this pillow (note: there will only be one winner) by feasting on a number of Cup Noodle Light Plus’. Easy, right? Yes, this is a campaign run by NISSIN, creator of the amazing Cup Noodle, and they’re telling you to apply for this pillow because all the air conditioning here, there, everywhere during the summer makes your body grow cold, and that’s a no-no to the body. So here’s a gigantic pillow that’ll keep you warm! Turn down the AC all you want!
The application website has given us a polite reminder to check whether something of such size will fit our apartments to be sure that the big cutie can indeed be delivered to our houses. Well, thanks for the reminder! So guys, make sure you’re eligible in that sense and apply by the 30th of this month to have this big one accompany your life.
Details：http://www.cupnoodle.jp/lightplus/summer (only in Japanese)
Writer: Miku
RELATED ENTRIES
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Licaxxx Announces Tokyo Community Radio’s Second Event Series ‘communities’ to be Held in Tokyo and Osaka
Tokyo Community Radio (TCR), an online radio platform run by Licaxxx, has announced a new event titled communities. The event will be held at Daikanyama UNIT / Saloon in Tokyo on June 30 and at Osaka JOULE on July 1.
The guest lineup includes re:ni and Laksa, two hot up-and-coming DJs and producers reshaping the UK music scene. The duo has a monthly program on NTS Radio titled re;lax, along with a party series of the same name. In February 2023, they released a new EP, Body Score, on their new label founded to explore music with faster tempos and to carry the torch of UK techno, jungle, dubstep, and grime. Each DJ is also active individually and the two have constantly been in the spotlight.
Music fans are invited to partake in this stunning musical event led by Licaxxx and targeted at the current generation of music makers as they extend beyond Asia and take their activities around the world.
re:lax (re:ni & Laksa)
Licaxxx
Information
■Tokyo
Tokyo Community Radio presents ‘communities’ with re;lax
Date: June 20, 2023
Time: 22:00
Venue: Daikanyama UNIT / SALOON
Admission: ¥2,000 (Early Discount) / ¥3,000 (ADV) / ¥3,500 (At the door)
Buy Tickets: https://tokyocommunityradio.zaiko.io/item/356159LINEUP:
Licaxxx
Temple Ov Subsonic Youth (a.k.a Mars89) – Live
Romy Matsand more..
[Starring]
Special Guest:
re:lax (re:ni & Laksa)Lineup:
LicaxxxTemple Ov Subsonic Youth (a.k.a Mars89) – Live
Romy Matsand more!
■Osaka
Tokyo Community Radio presents ‘communities’ with re;lax in OSAKA
Date: July 1, 2023
Time: 22:00
Venue: Osaka JOULE
Admission: ¥2,000 (Early Discount) / ¥3,000 (ADV) / ¥3,500 (At the door)
Buy Tickets: https://peatix.com/event/3590421/view[Starring]
SPECIAL GUEST:
re:lax (re:ni & Laksa)LINEUP:
Licaxxx
kotsu(CYK)
Romy Matsand more..
■Attention
Guests under the age of 20 will not be allowed entry.
All guests will be subject to an ID check prior to entry. Please bring a photo ID showing date of birth. (Photocopies will not be accepted.)
If we are unable to confirm your identity, you may be denied admission.<About Tokyo Community Radio>
TCR is a distribution platform based in Tokyo that focuses on introducing both local DJs and up-and-coming DJs from around Japan. The program features all musical genres and showcases both DJ mixes and live performances. In featured podcasts, DJs talk about their music, hobbies, and interests, allowing fans the rare chance to learn more about their favorite creators. The station also cooperates with community radio stations in other Asian cities and supports DJs and artists from Asia and beyond when they visit Japan. In addition to regular DJ sessions and podcasts, TCR also collaborates with corporate events, produces music events, and matches DJs to places and brands -
ZEROTOKYO, an entertainment mecca known for heating up Tokyo nights, is teaming up with ASOBISYSTEM to create an exciting new party! ASOBIZA, named after the origin of Kabukicho, will be held on April 28.
The lineup includes music artists as well as charismatic figures at the top of their fields in fashion, beauty, and art. Transcending musical genres and generations, this night will embody ZEROTOKYO’s concept of being a true “Entertainment Junction.”
Additional performers may be announced in the future.
Information
ASOBIZA
Date: April 28, 2023
Venue: ASOBIZA (Tokyo)
Time: 21:00
Admission: ¥3,000 (Presale) / ¥3,500 (Day-of)Buy Tickets
https://zerotokyo.zaiko.io/e/ASOBIZA-230428Event Details
https://asobisystem.com/schedule/43726/ -
The Mine City Tourism Association has announced a Christmas & Valentine’s Day event at Akiyoshido Cave, one of the largest limestone caves in Japan. The event will see the natural wonder illuminated by a number of colorful lights. The Christmas event will run from December 21 to 25, 2022, while the Valentine’s Day event will run from February 10 to 14, 2023.
Akiyoshido Cave is one of Yamaguchi Prefecture’s most popular tourist attractions. The interior will be decorated with colorful lights and unique soundscapes, creating a once-in-a-lifetime setting for visitors. These illuminations and sounds were directed by world-renowned lighting designer Motoko Ishii, known for her work on Tokyo Tower and the Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge.
Information
Christmas & Valentine Theater ~ Akiyoshido Cave ‘Fantasy of Light and Echoes’
Dates:
Christmas Theater: December 21 – December 25, 2022
Valentine Theater: February 10 – February 14, 2023
Times: (1) 10:00-11:00 (2) 12:00-13:00 (3) 14:00-15:00
3 events per dayVenue:
Akiyoshido Cave, Shuhocho Akiyoshi, Mine, YamaguchiTickets/Details: https://karusuto.com/event/christmas-valentine-theater-2022/
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A story-based digital GPS rally inspired by Chainsaw Man will be held within Tokyo’s subway system from November 1 until November 28. Fans of the anime series won’t want to miss it!
Participants will be tasked with one vital mission: to find five senior devil hunters who are currently undercover at subway stations around the city.
Participants will download an app from the special website and follow the instructions within to find stamp locations at stations throughout Tokyo. When they reach the designated location, they’ll find a special poster, and they’ll just need to press a button in the app to earn a stamp. By collecting stamps in all six locations, fans will receive a unique key visual which can only be obtained through this event.
Pop-Up Shop
During the event period, fans will also find a limited-time pop-up shop inside Ikebukuro Sunshine City. Original collaboration items will be on sale, and a game will be set up with winners able to walk away with unique prizes. From November 1 to November 20, admission to the shop will be by advance reservation only on a first-come, first-served basis to reduce crowding. Reservations can be made through the official website.
©藤本タツキ／集英社・ＭＡＰＰＡ
Information
Chainsaw Man Tokyo Special Division 4 Event and Pop-Up Shop
Running: November 1 – November 28, 2022
Location: Various locations in Tokyo
Participation Fee: Free
Special Website: https://www.edith.co.jp/lp/CHAINSAWMAN-GPSRALLY/
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HELLO KITTY SHOW BOX, a theater and restaurant offering Hello Kitty-themed shows and meals on Awaji Island, and HELLO KITTY APPLE HOUSE, an apple-shaped observation theater based on the popular character’s home, are both currently holding the Apple Halloween 2022 event until October 31!
Guests can enjoy a mystery-solving event and some adorable photo spots inspired by apples and the Halloween season. By solving certain riddles, visitors will be rewarded with candy!
Come have fun this Halloween with Hello Kitty, friends, and family!
Started in October, the New Show ‘HELLO KITTY THE PARTIES’ Gets Rave Reviews
HELLO KITTY THE PARTIES, a new show at the theater and restaurant HELLO KITTY SHOW BOX, will run until December 30, 2022. The show features a new theme each month and currently features a jazz band.
October’s theme is Happy Halloween Party, and visitors can listen to a number of famous songs while enjoying tasty and healthy dishes packed with autumn flavors. At the end of the performance, a meet and greet with Hello Kitty will be held. November’s theme will be Hello Kitty’s Birthday Party, while December will focus on a Christmas Party!
Information
Apple Halloween 2022
Running until October 31, 2022
Hours: 11:00-17:00
Venue: Awaji Hello Kitty Apple Land ( 177-5 Nojimahirabayashi, Awaji, Hyogo)
Official Website: https://awaji-resort.com/hellokittyshowbox/
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The popular anime series Free! will celebrate its 10th anniversary with a special event at Saitama Super Arena on August 13, 2023. Cast members from the series, including Nobunaga Shimazaki, Tatsuhisa Suzuki, Mamoru Miyano, Tsubasa Yonaga, and Daisuke Hirakawa, will be in attendance. Free! -the Final Stroke- The Second Volume will be released on Blu-ray and DVD on April 5, 2023, and will include a priority purchase application ticket for the special event. Check out the official website for details!
The Free! anime franchise, which is loosely based on the High Speed! light novels by Kouji Ooji, began in 2013 and includes three TV series and multiple films produced by Kyoto Animation. The three anime series–Free!, Free! Eternal Summer, and Free! Dive to the Future–have been incredibly popular around the world. The first part of Free! The Final Stroke was released in theaters last year, with the second part hitting theaters in April 2022. Fans won’t want to miss out on the exciting 10th-anniversary activities in 2023!
©おおじこうじ・京都アニメーション／岩鳶町後援会2021
Information
Free! 10th Anniversary Special Event
Date: August 13, 2023
Venue: Saitama Super Arena (8 Shintoshin, Chuo-ku, Saitama)
Cast: Nobunaga Shimazaki, Tatsuhisa Suzuki, Mamoru Miyano, Tsubasa Yonaga, Daisuke Hirakawa, more
Free! -the Final Stroke- The Second Volume Blu-ray＆DVD
Release Date: April 5, 2023
Price: ¥11,000 (Tax Included)
Official Site: http://fs.iwatobi-sc.com/
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A special event is coming to Tokyo and Osaka this summer to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Kuroko’s Basketball anime series. Fans will want to visit Tokyo in July and Osaka in September.
Kuroko’s Basketball is a manga series by Tadatoshi Fujimaki which was serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump until 2014 and tells the story of a high school basketball team trying to make it to the national tournament. The anime adaptation began airing in April 2012.
Kuroko’s Basketball ~A Miracle One Day in the City~
Kuroko’s Basketball ~ Kyoto Exhibition
Gallery Corner
Voice Guide
Admission Bonus – Invitation Card (9 varieties)
Exclusive Goods – F6 Character Board
Goods
Acrylic Stand (9 varieties)
Mini Acrylic Charms 1 (Random)
Mini Acrylic Charms 2 (Random)
Pin (9 varieties, random)
Purchase Bonus – Shopping Bag
The event will feature exhibits highlighting the history of the series and will feature a special voiceover. Exclusive merchandise will be on sale and guests will be welcomed by Kuroko and his friends at the entrance, all wearing special costumes drawn for the event.
Are you a Kuroko’s Basketball fan?
© 藤巻忠俊／集英社・黒子のバスケ製作委員会
© 「黒子のバスケ」アニメ10周年プロジェクトInformation
Kuroko’s Basketball 10th-Anniversary PARTY!
Tokyo Venue
Venue: Ikebukuro Sunshine City World Import Mart Bldg. 4F, Exhibition Hall A
Running: July 16 – July 31, 2022
Hours: Weekends and Holidays, 10:00-20:00
Weekdays: 12:00-20:00
*Closing at 17:00 on July 31.
*Last entry until 30 minutes prior to closing.
Osaka Venue
Venue: Hirakata Park Event Hall I
Running: September 16 – November 6, 2022
Event Details: https://kurobas-ap.com/
TicketsOn Sale: July 16, 0:00 – July 31, 16:00
Where to Buy: Loppi at Lawson / Ministop locations
Online Reservations: https://l-tike.com/event/kurobas_ap/ -
Aniplex Online Fest 2022 will be available to stream worldwide on September 24, 2022! This is the third such event, with the first streaming in 2020. The large-scale online festival will share the latest information on Aniplex’s anime works and a number of live performances are planned. Participating artists will be announced soon, so keep an eye out for more information.
Last year’s Aniplex Online Fest featured information on 11 anime series and had a lineup of incredible musical artists, DJs, and live drawing events. The festival was streamed on YouTube worldwide in both English and Japanese for over six hours and recorded a total of 850,000 viewers.
To commemorate the upcoming event, the main visual has been revealed. The illustration was done by Kerorira, the character designer for Bocchi the Rock!
Comment from Kerorira“It’s not often I get to create an original image from scratch, so I’ve been given a very rare opportunity! Please enjoy it!”
Stay tuned for more Aniplex Online Fest 2022 information!
Information
Aniplex Online Fest 2022
Date: September 24, 2022 *JST
Streaming on YouTube Worldwide *Excluding some countries and regions.
Japanese Official Site: https://aniplex-online-fest.com/
English Official Site: https://aniplex-online-fest.com/en/
Aniplex Official Event Twitter: https://twitter.com/aniplex_event
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Massively popular VTubers from Hololive Productions will appear at Anime Expo 2022 in Los Angeles from July 1 until July 4, 2022. The contention is one of the largest anime events in North America.
Fans will be able to purchase exclusive merchandise featuring the Hololive Meet ambassadors: Gawr Gura, Tokino Sora, and Ayunda Risu. The three represent Hololive English, Hololive, and Hololive Indonesia, respectively. Everything from shirts to wall scrolls will be on sale, so if you’re in the LA area, be sure to come out and support your favorite streamer!
Information
Anime Expo 2022
Booth Number: Exhibit Hall #4606
Dates: July 1 – July 4, 2022
Hours: 10:00-18:00 (Closing at 15:00 on July 4)
Location: Los Angeles Convention Center
Official Site: https://www.anime-expo.org/ -
In 2021, the Hypnosis Mic -Division Rap Battle- Hypnosis Flava event was held at Mixalive Tokyo, attracting tons of attention and making fans of the franchise extremely happy. Now, the event will travel to Nagoya and Osaka!
Hypnosis Flava -The Missing Case-
CAFÉ Hypnosis Flava
Food
Hypnosis Flava 〜 Rap Roll Buster Bros!!! （Curry-flavored Chicken）/ MAD TRIGGER CREW（Meatball）/Fling Posse（Meat Tacos）/Matenrou（Grilled Salmon）/Dotsuitare Hompo（Yakisoba with Mayo）/Bad Ass Temple (Miso Katsu)
Dessert
Hypnosis Flava -Division Rap Battle-
Hypnosis Flava 〜 Mille Crepe Buster Bros!!! / MAD TRIGGER CREW / Fling Posse /Matenrou / Dotsuitare Hompo /Bad Ass Temple〜Drink
Hypnosis Mic -Division Rap Battle-
Hypnosis Flava ~ Jelly Soda Drink Buster Bros!!! / MAD TRIGGER CREW / Fling Posse/ Matenrou / Dotsuitare Hompo /Bad Ass TempleMenu Order Bonus
Coaster (36 varieties)
Cafe Merchandise Corner
Sticker Set /Clear Photo Card／Square Pin Hypnosis Flava Ver.2（6 varieties) / Acrylic Block Keychain Hypnosis Flava Ver. (18 varieties) / Candy and Magnet, Hypnosis Flava Ver. (6 varieties) / Handkerchief Hypnosis Flava Ver. (1 variety)
Store
2nd D.R.B Winner: Commemorative Acrylic Smartphone Stand (Fling Posse) / Acrylic Panel (Division Leaders) /2nd D.R.B Postcard Collection
T-Shirt /Hoodie Hypnosis Flava Ver.
The event contains three events: Hypnosis Flava -The Missing Case-, an interactive riddle-solving attraction that challenges guests to solve a mission to find the missing Division team leader, Cafe Hypnosis Flava, offering food and drinks inspired by the world of Hypnosis Mic, and Store Hypnosis Flava, a shop selling exclusive merchandise featuring newly-drawn illustrations. A merchandise corner will be set up at the cafe, where six new items will be on sale to commemorate the Nagoya and Osaka events.
©︎ヒプノシスマイク-Division Rap Battle- HypnosisFlava@Mixalive TOKYO製作委員会
Information
Hypnosis Mic -Division Rap Battle- Hypnosis Flava @ Mixalive TOKYO in NAGOYA & OSAKA
●Nagoya Event
The Missing CaseRunning: April 28 – May 22, 2022 (11:00-20:00)
Venue: Nagoya PARCO South Building 9F Event Space
CafeRunning: April 28 – June 6, 2022 (11:00-20:00) *Last food order 19:00 / Last drink order 19:30
Address: Nagoya PARCO South Building 8F THE GUEST cafe&diner
StoreRunning: April 28 – May 22 (11:00-20:00)
Address: Nagoya PARCO South Building 9F Event Space
●Osaka Event
The Missing CaseRunning: July 1 – July 31, 2022
Venue: Shinsaibashi Opa Main Building 6F Event Space
Admission: ¥2,100 (Tax Included)
CafeRunning: July 1 – August 7, 2022
Venue: Shinsaibashi PARCO 6F THE GUEST cafe&diner
Reservation Deposit: ¥300 (Tax Included)
Store
Running: July 1 – July 31, 2022Venue: Shinsaibashi Opa Main Building 6F Event Space
Admission: Free
Tickets/Official Site: https://art.parco.jp
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Tokyo’s Sanrio Puroland has begun its annual Easter celebration! The oldies-themed Puro Easter event will run until July 5, 2022.
This year marks the third Puro Easter event, and the annual stage show has been revamped for 2022! ‘Egg ‘n’ Roll Easter! -BLAST’ will be performed in the Entertainment Hall on the first floor of the park. Fans of My Melody and Kuromi won’t want to miss out, as the popular characters will appear in brand new costumes.
Egg ’n’ Roll Easter! -BLAST-
Limited-Time Easter Photo Spot
Easter Egg Hunt Mini-Game
Puroland Special Easter Greeting
Food & Dessert Menu
Original Easter Goods
An Easter-themed photo spot is located at the entrance to the 3rd floor with pop and retro style. Fans can participate in an Easter Egg Hunt mini-game, scavenging around Puro Village searching for eggs and collecting keywords to unlock an original video. Don’t miss out on new food and merchandise during the event period, with colorful curries and pasta perfect for filling hungry tummies.
The 1st-floor Event Corner will also allow guests to interact with characters dressed in Easter costumes. Staff will be dressed in Easter outfits!
© 2022 SANRIO CO., LTD. TOKYO, JAPAN 著作 株式会社サンリオ
Information
Puro Easter
Running: March 11 – July 5, 2022 -
The Flower Painting Culture Association of Japan will hold the Tokyo Flower Carpet 2022 event on Gyoko-Dori Avenue in Marunouchi from March 19 until March 21, 2022. Over 50,000 carnations will cover the street like an otherworldly carpet, forming images of popular Kabuki actors from the Edo Period. Yasuhiko Fujikawa, a well-known flower artist who created this flower Kabuki concept, will supervise the event.
With help from 200 local volunteers, five giant flower paintings measuring 6m x 8m will be created for the event. The theme is ‘Tokyo Restart,’ with organizers hoping to inspire residents to experience new things and find new hope as we move past the effects of the pandemic.
The flowers used in the event will be recycled and reborn as ‘flower sketchbooks’ made of recycled paper. These will be donated to special-needs schools in Tokyo to support art education for children with disabilities. Since 2018, 8,000 sketchbooks have been donated to 57 schools in the city.
Her Imperial Highness Princess Tomohito of Mikasa will be in attendance.
Information
TOKYO FLOWER CARPET 2022
Running: March 19 – March 21, 2022
*Setup running from 9:00-15:00 on March 19
Location: Gyoko-Dori Avenue (Marunouchi 1, Chiyoda-ku)
Official Site: https://www.infiorata88.com/tokyoflowercarpet
