The upcoming anime adaptation and live-action film versions of Insomniacs After School have been a hot topic since both projects were announced. Ahead of the anime’s premiere on TV Tokyo in April, a themed train will begin running on the Noto Railway line in Nanao City, the setting for the series.

The train design has been unveiled and features beautiful Nanao scenery from the anime series along with the starry sky and the main characters.

Fans can find the train running between Nanao Station and Anamizu Station in Spring 2023. Check the schedule on the Noto Railway official website for more information.

Insomniacs After School (Trailer #2)

Makoto Ojiro’s coming-of-age manga series is set in Nanao City, Ishikawa Prefecture. It follows Ganta Nakami, a high school boy suffering from insomnia, and Isaki Magari, a girl with the same problem.

Insomniacs After School is only two months away. Will you be tuning in?

©オジロマコト・小学館／アニメ「君ソム」製作委員会

NAKED’s newest work, inspired by Sen no Rikyu, has opened at the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art in Kanazawa! The exhibition will run through September 3 and blends physical art pieces found in the museum with the Metaverse. 

NAKED’s first exhibition at this popular Kanazawa Museum brings visitors a modern version of chanoyu, or the ‘Way of Tea.’ This year marks the 500th birthday of Sen no Rikyu, a historical figure who had a significant influence on the tea ceremony still found in Japan today. NAKED wants to honor his contribution to shaping this massive part of Japanese culture. Visitors are invited to a traditional tea ceremony room, but the experience itself has been modernized by NAKED. This unprecedented art exhibition allows both those who know nothing about Sen no Rikyu and those who know him well to experience his philosophy and aesthetics in an entirely new way.

Gate: Greetings from the Master

Open-air: The Crossroads of this Transient World

Wash Basin: Where the Four Seasons Float

Dry Landscape Garden: The Teachings of Rikyu

Tea Whisk: “Make a Good Tea for your Guest.”

Hanging Scroll: The Master’s Memories

Small Room: Evolution

Tearoom: The End and the Beginning

NAKED Fuji Canele

Tsukubai, or a low stone basin filled with water, is used to cleanse the hands before entering a tearoom. Using interactive art, the water’s surface is covered in digital flowers that blossom when a guest’s hands pass over the basin. 

In the ‘Small Room: Evolution’ area, guests will find the Sustainable Contemporary Golden Tearoom, which was created by NAKED staff together with sixth graders using golden trash collected at Kanazawa University Elementary School. The calligraphy on display in the tearoom was also done by children, with the best creations selected to be included in the exhibition. The scent was produced by EarthRing, an aroma brand located in Hakusan, Ishikawa Prefecture. The ‘Tea Whisk’ area offers a unique experience for all five senses, including the scent of matcha, which guests can smell when they mimic the act of prepping tea. 

In addition, guests can purchase special NAKED Fuji Canele and a Kutani ware Original Tumbler with special tea-inspired motifs. The Canele is a triple collaboration with Fukumitsuya, the oldest sake brewery in Kanazawa, so don’t miss out!

In 2023, an anime adaptation of the manga series Kimi wa Hokago Insomnia will air on television. During the Nanao Port Festival held on July 17 in Nanao City, Ishikawa Prefecture, fans were treated to tons of artwork and collaboration visuals. After all, the series takes place in Nanao City! Over 1,500 flyers for the show were handed out in under two hours, and the local community was thrilled to know that such a popular anime series would bring more attention to the town.

As part of the collaboration between Kimi wa Hokago Insomnia and Nanao City, an exhibition will be held featuring 30 reproductions from the original manga manuscript and some original anime drawings!

The exhibition will be held from August 10 until September 25 at Patria, located directly in front of Nanao Station and prominently featured in the series. Admission is free and reservations are not required, so fans should consider coming to check it out!

Kimi wa Hokago Insomnia is the latest work by Makoto Ojiro. Set in Nanao City, the coming-of-age story follows Ganta Nakami, a high school boy suffering from insomnia, and Isaki Magari, a girl with the same issue. The manga is serialized in Weekly Big Comic Spirits.

Kimi wa Hokago Insomnia will receive an anime adaptation in 2023, and a live-action film is also in the works. The first trailer for the anime series has been released, so be sure to give it a watch!

©オジロマコト・小学館／アニメ「君ソム」製作委員会

The Wakura Onsen Tourist Association is sponsoring a new project to illuminate Seirinji Temple, a nationally registered cultural property. Along with this light show, guests can enjoy a luxurious tea time starting on January 8, 2022. This year, the pavilion and garden will be lit up again, and the entrance will be decorated with traditional local paper lanterns. 

The historic property was built in 1909 as a resting place for Emperor Taisho. Only two such buildings exist in Japan: one in Hamada City, Shimane Prefecture, and the other at Wakura Onsen. Both were registered as Tangible Cultural Properties of Japan in 2017. 

Last year, the area was photographed for posters and pamphlets as part of the ‘Japanese Beauty Hokuriku’ campaign organized by JR East, JR West, and the Central JR Railway.

Each Saturday evening through February 26, guests will be invited to enjoy a different kind of atmosphere while enjoying a very fancy tea time. The program has been very well received by visitors, so it shouldn’t be missed!

The light-up of the temple and garden, with its slowly changing colors, will transport guests to another world. The entrance to Seirinji Temple will be redecorated and lit up, and a pathway of lights will be created from the gate to the entrance of the pavilion using paper lanterns.

Fashion icons show the modern and historical charm of Kanazawa, Japan

TOKYO, JAPAN (16 November, 2021) – Channel 47, a company focused on globally promoting the appeal of local and popular Japanese culture through the power of entertainment, is excited to debut their new “HAKKEN” video series today, 16 November, highlighting the wonderful modern and historical tourism aspects of Kanazawa City in Ishikawa Prefecture. “HAKKEN” is the Japanese word for discovery, which is the core feeling this new video series is aiming to convey. Channel 47 wants toinspire viewers to discover the wonders of Japan’s local culture through these shortfilms.

The debut videos feature fashion icons AMIAYA and ETSUNA (both represented by ASOBISYSTEM), each exploring a different facet of what Kanazawa has to offer curious visitors. These films were produced by Channel 47 as a part of promotional efforts for the Kanazawa Film Festival held in September of 2021. These entries in the “HAKKEN” series were informed by Channel 47’s shared philosophy with the Kanazawa Film Festival, to disseminate the culture of Japan’s countryside and promote its appeal worldwide.

In the first video, twin model & singer duo AMIAYA discover the “pop” elements of the city at locations such as the Omi-machi market, the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, the Nagamachi Samurai District, and more. Along the way they sample delicacies from some of Kanazawa’s highly rated restaurants. Through their experiences viewers will see art, food, shopping, and scenery that has high appeal among visitors.

Watch “HAKKEN – Discover Kanazawa with AMIAYA”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9-gD-ftTE0

Find AMIAYA online

Official Website: https://asobisystem.com/talent/amiaya/

AMI Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amixxamiaya/

AYA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ayaxxamiaya/

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/AMI__AYA

In the second video, fashion designer and influencer ETSUNA takes a different approach and wanders the traditional side of Kanazawa. Starting with a stroll in the Higashi Chaya District, her journey takes her to make ceramic art at Hokutoh, and to see historic locations such as the Ishikawa Bridge, the Gyokusen’inmaru Garden, Sannomaru Square, and more. To fit the traditional theme of her visit, she visits Kimono & Antiques Soki and gets dressed for the occasion. Viewers will see through ETSUNA’s exploration the beauty and historical legacy of Kanazawa City.

Watch “HAKKEN – Experience Kanazawa’s History with ETSUNA”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3h-57mhouU

Find ETSUNA online

Official Website: https://asobisystem.com/talent/etsuna/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/etsunaotsuka/

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/etsuna_artist/

ABOUT KANAZAWA FILM FESTIVAL

The 15th Kanazawa Film Festival was held from September 18-20, 2021 in Theater 21 at the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary art in Kanazawa. The festival has a reputation not only for the high quality of films presented each year, but also for its “New Directors with Promising Talent” program. This year 83 films were entered in the “New Directors with Promising Talent” program, and 11 of them won screening rights. The Grand Prix was awarded to MELIA’s “Experiential Tour”, for which she also received the special Channel 47 Award.

More information on the Kanazawa Film Festival can be found at

 https://www.eiganokai.com/event/filmfes2021/kanazawa/

ABOUT CHANNEL 47

Channel 47 is a project that using the power of entertainment to communicate the appeal of Japan and its different regions to overseas audiences. Through planning and producing events with celebrities and personalities, Channel 47 creates content that conveys the appeal and charm of Japan’s many different regions to viewers all over the world. Channel 47 created the post-movies for the 15th Kanazawa Film Festival, held in September 2021. Additional efforts to promote the event overseas include producing

English subtitles for “Alien Painter” which was screened as a Kanazawa Film Festival Scholarship Film.

For more information about Channel 47 please contact: info@channel47.jp

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted how many people live their lives, with fewer and fewer people venturing outdoors. Now, Japanese creative company NAKED has announced a Night Walk at the picturesque Katayamazu Hot Springs in Kaga, Ishikawa. While practicing social distancing, visitors can explore an illuminated wonderland from December 17, 2021, until January 16, 2022. 

Lights of the Dragon God: Ukimidou

Sunny Spot Baths: Katayamazu Hot Springs Sunahase Park, Aiai Plaza

NAKED Distanced Lanterns: Katayamazu Hot Springs Sunahase Park, Aiai Plaza

NAKED Flower Cleansing: Katayamazu Hot Springs Sunahase Park, Aiai Plaza

The Halo of Life: Aizenji Temple

Crystal-Dyed Paper Lanterns: Aizenji Temple

Guests will be invited to explore the grounds while carrying a NAKED Distanced Lantern–both an art piece, and a way to illuminate your steps. With safety in mind, there will be plenty of space between visitors, so people can enjoy the event with peace of mind. 

The location for the event, Katayamazu Onsen, was recently a runner-up in the Onsen General Election 2018 spectacular scenery category. Surrounded by crystal blue waters and with a beautiful view of Mt. Haku, the location will have guests feeling completely calm by the time their visit comes to an end. 

DMM.com will sponsor a projection mapping project titled Yamashiro Night Promenade Fall 2021 on Yamashiro Onsen Street in Kaga, Ishikawa prefecture from October 30 until November 28, 2021. 

The limited-time project is being organized by the Yamashiro Onsen Tourist Association with support from DMM. Under the themes of harmony and local tradition, brilliant images of flowers, water, and geometric patterns will illuminate the hot spring resort while accompanied by music. There will also be traditional Taiko performances during the event. 

An exhibition featuring artisan Hiroshi Nakakado’s unique lacquerware will be on display at Yokohama Takashimaya from September 29 until October 5, 2021. Wajima, located in Ishikawa prefecture, is home to 25,000 people, and a number of craftsmen producing Wajima-nuri, known throughout the country as some of the most durable and beautiful lacquered products in Japan. 

Umbrella Dessert Dish: ¥31,900

Umbrella Dessert Dish: ¥59,400

Coffee Cup & Saucer: ¥49,500

Pasta Bowl: ¥30,800

Cube Vase: ¥26,400

Umbrella Cup: ¥52,800

Limited-Edition Takashimaya 190th Anniversary Goods | Wine Glass: ¥67,100 / Dry Lacquer Sake Cup (small): ¥33,000 / Dry Lacquer Sake Cup (medium): ¥35,200 / Oval Tray: ¥60,500

Nakakado Lacquerware, established in 1928, specializes in the top coating of Wajima-nuri, the traditional lacquerware made in the small city of Wajima, in Ishikawa prefecture. Nakakado Hiroshi, a fourth-generation craftsman, is one of the leading experts on ‘colored lacquer.’ Using his unique technique, each piece is treated like a canvas and painted on appropriately. Gazing at each detailed piece, it’s easy to see that Nakakado has over 40 years of experience in his field–he has created over 100 different colors of lacquer, and continues to create modern lacquerware featuring trendy techniques such as gradation. His innovative pieces break the mold of traditional Wajima-nuri, and are beginning to become popular with younger generations. 

In recent years, the production value of Wajima-nuri has begun to decline, largely due to changes in lifestyle, the aging population, and a lack of successors due to the low birth rate in Japan. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has put a halt to foreign tourism, with local tourism also in a steep decline over the past year. Compared to the amount of production in 1991, the current rate is only 20%, and the number of workshops and craftsmen continues to decline year after year. 

If you’re in the area, be sure to check out this exhibition highlighting one of the traditional crafting areas of Japan. Purchasing any of these items will also help revitalize Wajima city, and hopefully, bring more attention back to this fading craft. 

The Yusuke Nakamura Exhibition opened at 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa, on April 29. It was also announced that the Japanese illustrator is releasing the first artbook to compile all of his CD cover art on May 28, but the book can be bought early at the exhibition.

Yusuke Nakamura Exhibition

Yusuke Nakamura Exhibition CD Artworks

Yusuke Nakamura has designed covers forASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION, Masashi Sada, Spitz, and more

Commentary on the CD covers written by the Yusuke Nakamura himself

Rough sketches are featured in the book

A talk between Yusuke Nakamura and Masafumi Gotoh (ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION)

It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to call Yusuke Nakamura one of Japan’s most prolific artists, having worked with some of the country’s biggest names such as ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION, Gentouki, Masashi Sada, and more. His new artbook, entitled PLAY, compiles all of his CD covers from 2002-2020, commentary, rough sketches, talks, and more. While many things from the book are explored at the exhibition, there’s plenty of content exclusive to the book too, so it’s a must-grab for fans.

The all-day dining restaurant FIVE – Grill & Lounge at Hyatt Centric Kanazawa is serving up a selection of spring season menu items this February including an afternoon tea cake set perfect for Valentine’s Day, a special Valentine’s Day dinner, refreshing springtime parfaits, and more.

The hotel’s rooftop terrace bar will also serve up some bunny-themed Valentine’s and feel-good spring cocktails.

FIVE – Grill & Lounge

Valentine’s Cake Set | ¥2,500 (Before Tax)

Serving Dates: February 1, 2021 – February 14, 2021
Serving Times: 14:30-17:00
Details/Bookings: https://bit.ly/FIVEFebCakeSets

February Cake Set | ¥2,500 (Before Tax)

Serving Dates: February 15, 2021 – February 28, 2021
Serving Times: 14:30-17:00
Details/Bookings: https://bit.ly/FIVEFebCakeSets

Valentine’s Parfait | ¥1,800 (Before Tax)

Serving Dates: February 1, 2021 – February 14, 2021
Serving Times: 14:30-17:00
Details/Bookings: http://fivegrillandlounge.jp

Chocolate Parfait | ¥1,800 (Before Tax)

Serving Dates: February 15, 2021 – February 28, 2021
Serving Times: 14:30-17:00

Details/Bookings: http://fivegrillandlounge.jp

Valentine’s Day Dinner | ¥12,500 (Before Tax)

Serving Dates: February 12, 2021 – February 14, 2021
Serving Times: 17:30-22:00 (Last Orders 21:30)
Details/Bookings: https://bit.ly/FIVEValentineDinner

RoofTerrace Bar

Valentine’s Day Cocktail

White Rabbit | ¥1,500 (Before Tax)

Serving Dates: February 1, 2021 – February 14, 2021
Serving Times: 17:00-22:00 (Last Orders 21:30)
Details/Bookings: http://roofterracebar.jp

Spring Cocktails

Very Berry Mojito / Panacea | ¥1,400 Each (Before Tax)
Serving Dates: March 1, 2021 – May 31, 2021
Serving Times: 17:00-22:00 (Last Orders 21:30)
Details/Bookings: http://roofterracebar.jp

Feel spring early with Hyatt Centric Kanazawa’s special seasonal line-up.

Ishikawa Prefecture is generally split into two areas—Kaga and Noto—and these areas are home to six cities dubbed Kaga no Kuni, or “Kaga Country.” The cities include Kaga, Komatsu, Nomi, Kawakita, Hakusan, and Nonoichi. Today, we’ll be looking at some of the must-visit spots in these cities to visit during the autumn season.

Kaga Country’s Autumn Colours

Natadera Temple in Komatsu

The beautiful Natadera Temple is a symbol of southern Kaga and even has a Michelin star in Michelin Green Guide Japan. It’s home to a large number of important cultural properties such as the picturesque Kigan Yusenkyo Rock Formations. Visitors can ross the Fugetsukyo Bridge to reach the observation deck from which their eyes are treated to all the fiery colours of autumn.

Address: Yu-122 Natamachi, Komatsu, Ishikawa
TEL: 0761-65-2111
Natadera Temple Official Website: http://www.natadera.com/

Kakusenkei Gorges in Kaga

The Kakusenkei Gorges are located in a valley where the Daishoji River runs. Its autumnal beauty is said to be the most beautiful in all of Japan’s Hokuriku region. The 1.3km stretch of the valley has a public footpath which is perfect during autumn as you gaze at the red and yellow leaves overlooking the river below.

Address: Kakusenkei Gorges, Yamanakaonsen Kajikamachi, Ho, Kaga, Ishikawa
TEL: 0761-78-0330
Information: https://www.yamanaka-spa.or.jp/global/eng/view2.html

Matsusaki in Nomi

Matsusaki is an onsen ryokan (hot spring Japanese inn) that was built during the Edo Period. It’s enjoyed greatly for its open-air baths which boast their own water source as well as their kaiseki-ryori traditional Japanese multi-course dinner made using local ingredients. It’s also the setting for the Japanese novel Umi no Naru Toki. It boasts a gorgeous garden with an area that overlooks trees which blossom beautifully in autumn.

Address: 3-1 Tatsunokuchimachi, Nomi, Ishikawa
TEL: 0761-51-3111
Matsusaki Official Website: https://www.matsusaki.jp/

Jumoku Park in Hakusan

The park located by the Ringyoshiken Center in Ishikawa Prefecture is home to a variety of towering regional trees. There are 900 trees of 130 different species, which give rise to beautiful cherry blossoms in the spring. It also enjoy incredible autumn scenery and is home to rolling fields and a Japanese-style garden too. It offers must-see views throughout all four seasons.

Address: Ho-1 Sannomiyamachi, Hakusan, Ishikawa
TEL: 076-272-0673
Information: https://www.pref.ishikawa.lg.jp/ringyo/about/park.html

Aramata Gorge in Komatsu

Aramata Gorge is known as one of the Eight Views of Kano. The Osugidani River flows through this year, and there’s huge strangely shaped rocks and rolling trees which create an incredible sight to see. There’s a 400m path which bustles with people during the autumn months who flock to see the verdure.

Address: Akazemachi, Komatsu, Ishikawa

Bettou Suspension Bridge in Hakusan

Bettou Suspension Bridge is the entryway to the highset peak of Hakusan. The discharge of rocks to the area in 2004 meant that the bridge had to be rebuilt. The towering bridge offers a panoramic view of autumnal trees and bushes.

Address: Shiramine, Hakusan-shi, Ishikawa

Tedori Gorge in Hakusan

The beautiful Tedori Gorge was created as a result of the flow of Tedori River. Along the 8km path, which runs from Komon Bridge to Taizan Bridge, is a 20m-30m precipitous cliff. The surroundings along the bridge are a must-see, bringing people together every year to see the autumn environment.

Address: Kamashimizumachi, Hakusan, Ishikawa

Kaname Inn Tatemachi, a hotel in Kanazawa, Ishikawa, has announced a project named “Room for rescue” which will offer free accommodation to foreigners unable to travel back to their home countries from Japan due to lockdowns and restrictions from going outside as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic

With flights cancelled around the world, there is no way for foreigners to return home from Japan, resulting in them being forced to change their plans and extend their stay. They are living their days in constant worry, both financially and mentally. To ensure that foreign travellers don’t feel like their trip to Japan was a bad experience, free accommodation is becoming available to those who meet certain prescribed conditions.

In response to the decreasing number of tourists, Kaname Inn Tatemachi opened its doors to Japanese citizens through Facebook for free accommodation to help support businesses like local restaurants that could no longer make a living. They received a lot of guests, as well as a request from a friend who asked if someone from the Netherlands could stay there because they couldn’t get back to their country. This sparked the “Room for rescue” project for stranded foreign tourists to stay at Kaname Inn Tatemachi for free too.

Kaname Inn Tatemachi is using its own funds to pay for the project and allow free stay. However, doing this long term will put strain on the business, so to help pay for hotel use and staff’s wages, the hotel has opened up a crowd funding page which you can find here.