Laforest Harajuku is getting a revamp towards the end of August with new stores as well as renewals of current stores. The revamp aims to “promote Harajuku’s uniqueness and creativity.”
August 24th – RENEWAL OPEN
<Floor 1F> Vivienne Westwood RED LABEL Concept Store
Vivienne Westwood is fusing the Japanese branches of its prêt-à-porter Red Label and Anglomania collections to serve up the all-new Vivienne Westwood RED LABEL branding. Japan will get its very first Red Label concept shop at Laforet Harajuku on August 24 which will act as the flagship store where they will sew to perfection a very special capsule collection that will offer a unique and exciting clothing consumption experience.
August 23rd – NEW OPEN
<Floor 4F> Charles Chaton
After the success of its first ever pop-up shop in March 2019, girly brand Charles Chaton is setting up a permanent store in Laforet. The brand’s concept is “Girl, Forever!” which caters to girl culture and offers up items which it hopes that will catch the attention of girls in 50 years to come. The store’s slogan at Laforet Harajuku is “My Sweet Home” with which it will sell cute, comfortable and casual everyday clothing.
August 23rd – NEW OPEN
<Floor 2F> starblinc
starblinc are set to showcase “cute pop age of the 1960’s” with bright colours and flashy silhouettes, combining nostalgia and futurism to create an entirely new style. Look forward to diving into the unique future retro world of starblinc on August 23.
There are plenty more shops opening at Laforet Harajuku in addition to these ones, so if you’re in Tokyo this summer, get ready to stock up your wardrobe.
Information
Laforet Harajuku
Address: 1-9-13 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo
Official Website: https://www.laforet.ne.jp/en/
RECOMMENDED ENTRIES
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Taiwan-based cheese tea specialists machi machi are set to open their very first Japanese branch in Laforet Harajuku on June 26, 2019.
machi machi’s cheese tea has been described as “godlike” in the Taiwanese news. Each cup of this frothy tea is carefully crafted one by one, containing a mix of delicious Taiwanese tea and rich and salty cream cheese. The tea chain even opened a branch this spring in London’s Piccadilly Circus.
In the run up to the grand opening of their first Japanese store, machi machi will first open a pop-up shop in Jiyūgaoka on May 22. It will have neon signs and stylish wall art.
Iron Buddha Oolong Cheese Tea: ¥480 (Before Tax)
The Iron Buddha tea contains refreshing Taiwanese oolong tea topped with a rich cheese cap. The tea has a full-bodied flavour but its aftertaste is sweet. The smell is sweet with honey notes throughout. This is machi machi’s best tea to go with cheese.
Wildberry Cheese Tea: ¥680 (Before Tax)
This frozen tea is a mix of berry and jasmine teas topped with rich and soft cream cheese.
Strawberry Milk Panna Cotta: ¥630 (Before Tax)
A mix of strawberry milk and panna cotta is poured into a cute bottle to create an Instagrammable two-layered beverage.
From May 22 to 25, if you follow the new branch on Instagram you can get 50% off all drinks sold at the pop-up shop.
Information
machi machi Jiyūgaoka Pop-Up Shop
Running: May 22, 2019 – June 16 ,2019
Address: Chestnut Hills 2 Floor 1F, 1-26-18 Jiyūgaoka, Meguro, Tokyo
Opening Hours: 11:00-20:00
No Fixed Holidays
TEL: 03-6773-0647machi machi Harajuku
Grand Opening: June 26, 2019
Address: GOOD MEAL MARKET, Laforet Harajuku Floor 2F, 1-11-6 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo
Opening Hours: 11:00-21:00
No Fixed Holidays
TEL: TBA設定中machi machi Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Restaurant/%E9%BA%A5%E5%90%89machi-machi-266090640705313/
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It’s been a minute since we last ventured out with Japanese model Yuna Yabe and her beloved pet pup Mozuku. If you’re new to this feature, Yuna Yabe takes her trusty partner Mozuku to various hot spots in Japan that you can enjoy with your pet dog. Their relationship continues to deepen in this priceless experience.
Today, Yuna and Mozuku head to Uzumako Ceramic Art School which is close to Shiba Park. You can get a good view of TokyoTower from this famous park.
What’s unique about this art school is that visitors are allowed to take their pets with them. So this means you can take your dog with you to do some ceramics!
Yuna has always had an interest in ceramics. And what better way to experience creating something than with her partner in crime Mozuku! With him tottering beside her, she headed through the entrance curtain with a spring in her step.
When you enter the classroom, there are lots of examples of pottery ware lining the shelves. The room has that smell of craftsmanship which lingers as you begin the class with a demonstration by the teacher. Once you have your apron on and are fired up to begin, it’s time to start.
The work begins with kneading the clay to make its firmness uniform. This step helps prevent air bubbles from forming.
Yuna asked the teacher many different questions as she enjoyed kneading her clay. “Where does ceramic work originate from?” “What kind of things to other dog owners make when they come here?”
“What’s Yuna up to?” Mozuku’s puzzled face seemed to imply as he listened to Yuna and the teacher talk.
Yuna turned to Mozuku and said to him, “I’m going to make you a food bowl!” It seemed like the message got through as his face read, “Looks like my owner is making something just for me.”
Yuna wet her hands with some water and began forming a hole in the centre of her clay bundle. The hole forms and gets bigger as the pottery wheel spins.
Next, she used both of her hands to ensure the thickness of the bowl was even all the way around.
“Amazing! The shape of the clay changes in an instant!”
By adding a little bit of pressure the pile of clay can change shape rapidly. It’s like a living thing.
“It’s like the clay is my own child. I wanna wrap it up!”
Once the shape is formed, Yuna cut around the edges. She is a skilled individual, she got the hang of it straight away.
Mozuku sat right beside Yuna, quiet and curious.
“Is it my turn yet?”
He seemed itching to have a go at making something himself too.
He watched over Yuna’s work from atop the table.
“I wanna try spinning the wheel too!”
Mozuku in fact had the most important job of all. Yuna popped a wooden mould onto his paw and stamped a paw print into thebottom of the bowl.
“There we go!” said Yuna
Mozuku mustered all of his strength to make his mark, his facial expression unusually serious as he carried out his big task.
Time to check if the print was done properly!
Here’s the final product―Mozuku did a great job!
Their teamwork paid off as they were able to create a really cute dog bowl. The tiny footprint is packed with pet love. The art school actually sells a lot of different cute and stylish pet items but the owner making their own makes it unique―the only one in the world.
If that love is able to get through to your pup, the food they eat from the bowl is sure to be even more delicious.
Thanks for your help, Mozuku.
“I can’t wait to fire it!” Yuna’s excitement was peak from start to finish. She was very satisfied after the class finished.
After two weeks of waiting, the bowl was completely finished.
Why not try creating something unique special for your own pet―together with them?
Model: Yuna Yabe/Mozuku @yunaaay1030
Text: Ai Watanabe
Photographer: Kayo Sekiguchi
Translator: Joshua Kitosi-Isanga
Information
Uzumako Ceramic Art School
Address: Sekisui House Floor 1F, 3-29-11 Shiba, Minato Ward, TokyoBusiness Hours: 10:00-19:00
Access: https://www.uzumakotougei.com/en/access.html
TEL: 03-6809-6363
Official Website: https://www.uzumakotougei.com/en/index.html
*The course Yuna took with Mozuku was the “Pet Ceramics Plan” where you can make 2-4 ceramic items and fire them. For your first try the staff will carve and glaze the final product to completion. This can be picked up one to one-and-a-half months after your course for ¥4,500. Please check the website for more details.
*Obedient dogs permitted. Please note that there are other participants so dogs who bark a lot or cannot relax are not permitted.
TALENT PROFILE
Yuna Yabe
Yuna Yabe won the grand prix prize at the “Zipper×ASOBISYSTEM Model Auditions” at the age of 15. She is an expert not only in fashion but make-up and video editing too. She’s an influential figure to the people in her generation. Recently, her work has expanded greatly, such as appearing in music videos. Her activity continues to grow and looks to be very promising indeed.
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After having been closed since August 7, 2016 for renovations, it has been revealed that the new Shibuya PARCO shopping complex is set to open in late November. The new building aims to be a “global shopping complex for a new generation.”
Building on the complex’s facilities, Shibuya PARCO’s will communicate new forms of entertainment and experience together with designers and artists. Its goal is to deliver cultural trends on a global level. To do this, it is further developing aspects of the building to drive its unique perspective by focusing on the design, art and entertainment side of things.
Around 180 unique stores will open their doors in the new Shibuya PARCO each of which pivot around 5 different themes: Fashion, Art & Culture, Entertainment, Food, and Technology. Multiple floors are being specially designed to form the interior of the complex so that they draw out the appeal of each of these individual genres.
Today, we will take a look at two of these themes: Fashion and Art & Culture.
On the Fashion floor, customers can expect to slalom between up to 100 stores shelved with a plethora of styles representative of Tokyo’s melting pot of cultures, from luxury to mode, street, casual, vintage and more.
The Fashion floor is bolstering its range of new generation fashion designers and brands and will have new points of sale that aim in the promotion of their names. For example, the art direction for the shop naming and logo of GEYSER PARCO on the third floor was created by YAR, a creative team spearheaded by YOSHIROTTEN.
The floor won’t just take into account the purchasing of clothing either―it will also cater clothes that have already been bought. There will even be an environmentally-friendly cleaning service for those fashionistas treasure their threads as well as repairs for a variety of clothes carried about by specialists and more, giving customers an incentive to make frequent use of Shibuya PARCO.
In the Art & Culture department, Shibuya PARCO will offer the PARCO MUSEUM which will exhibit a line-up of unprecedented artwork focused on art, design and fashion, al built uniquely from the ground up.
The museum’s logo was created by design group TOMATO while the interior décor was co-developed by two Japanese interior designers.
GALLERY X, originally located at Spain-Zaka in Shibuya, is moving to Shibuya PARCO’s B1F floor. The PARCO staff have curated an edgy assortment of art pieces from multiple art fields spanning anime, games and music.
A gallery-style shop is also opening to allow visitors to come into contact with a myriad of cultures. Names include OIL by Bijutsu Techo who will promote contemporary art and who are appearing inside a shop for the first time, Hobo Nikkan Itoi Shinbun who will have their own ‘cultural information desk’ Hobo Nichi Karu-chan to communicate Tokyo culture, and more.
The sixth floor is the ‘Japan Culture’ zone where there will be Nintendo Tokyo, Pokémon Center Shibuya, a Touken Ranbu bookshop, and plenty of other Japanese pop culture content. It is an amalgamation of games, anime, E-sports, art, fashion and more where visitors can not only buy things but experience pop culture with all five of their senses. This is sure to be a hit with foreign visitors.
In the next article we will take a look at Entertainment, Food and Technology so stay tuned.
Information
Information
Shibuya PARCO
Grand Opening: Late November 2019
Address: 15-1 Udagawacho, Shibuya, Tokyo
Business Hours: Shops 10:00-21:00 / Restaurants 11:00-23:30 (*Hours may differ at select establishments)
No Fixed Holidays.Official Website: https://shibuya.parco.jp/
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Harajuku-based Brand KAWAII MONSTER CAFE Opens a Traveling Shop, Halloween Pop-Up Shop Opens in Harajuku
The Harajuku-based brand KAWAII MONSTER CAFE has announced a traveling store, KAWAII MONSTER SHOP. As the project’s first event, a Halloween pop-up shop named ‘KAWAII MONSTER SHOP – Colorful Halloween’ will open for 10 days starting October 19 in the birthplace of the brand, Harajuku.
KAWAII MONSTER CAFE is an entertainment restaurant that embodies the vibe of Harajuku in Tokyo, a town that swallows fashion and culture from places around the world and reimagines them into unrestrained originality. Originally opened in 2015 and produced by artist Sebastian Masuda, the colorful and crazy space offered photogenic food and drinks, and guests were served by the iconic Monster Girls clad in future Harajuku fashion. It became a ‘new Tokyo landmark,’ attracting over 700,000 visitors from both Japan and abroad. Even after the restaurant closed in January 2021, its one-of-a-kind concept has lived on in pop-up shops, events, and collaborations with various brands and creators.
The pop-up shop, open in Harajuku for a limited time starting October 19, offers food and drinks, merchandise, special experiences, and photo spots themed around the spooky Halloween season. Additionally, a collaboration with the popular Harajuku accessory store 6%DOKIDOKI will be held from October 19-22. Colorful hair accessories will be on sale, and shop girls with Monster Girls makeup experience will be giving seasonal makeovers to visitors.
■FOOD & DRINK
During the first half of the event, the pop-up shop will be serving food made in collaboration with the hot dog specialty restaurant HOTDOG CAFE STAND STATION TOKYO. The limited-edition menu includes the crazy Monster Dog, consisting of a monster holding a sausage in its mouth, and the monstrous Philly Cheesesteak, made with juicy tenderloin and tons of cheese.
The second half of the event will feature the Colorful Pop Burger Blue Monster (Teriyaki Chicken) from KAWAII MONSTER CAFE’s popular menu, along with French Fries with Monster Dip served with five different colorful sauces. Visitors are welcome to get into the Halloween spirit by enjoying the Monster Float during the pop-up event.
<10/19~10/22 Exclusive Menu>
Monster Dog: ¥880 (Tax Included) *In collaboration with HOTDOG CAFE STAND STATION TOKYO
Philly Cheesesteak: ¥1,350 (Tax Included) *In collaboration with HOTDOG CAFE STAND STATION TOKYO<10/26~10/31 Exclusive Menu>
Colorful Pop Burger Blue Monster (Teriyaki Chicken): ¥1,200 (Tax Included)
French Fries with Monster Dip: ¥700 (Tax Included)Monster Float: ¥800 [Rose/Passionfruit/Kyoho Grape]
■GOODS
New KAWAII MONSTER CAFE goods will make their first appearance at this pop-up shop! Guests can visit the Sweets Factory to create their own candy assortment by filling their favorite containers with chocolates, gummies, and other goodies. Harajuku Icing Cookies will also be available in collaboration with SHONPY, a popular cake shop. Be sure to grab some incredible souvenirs!
In addition, popular KAWAII MONSTER CAFE collaboration items from years past will be available, along with adorable plushies from the globally beloved brand Ty. Visitors can also snag some unique zipit pouches and flexible PLUS PLUS blocks starting October 26.
■EXPERIENCE
During the event, KAWAII MONSTER CAFE’s iconic Monster Girls and the character Choppy will greet guests and take photos, as well as shoot cute Halloween-inspired videos together. Visitors wishing to be transformed into Monster Girls themselves can speak to the store girls, clad in Decora fashion and rocking accessories from 6%DOKIDOKI. These ladies will provide POP Harajuku Monster makeovers featuring original tattoo stickers and unique hair accessories to get you ready for Halloween.
■PHOTO SPOT
At the event, guests will find the 3-meter tall Sweets Cake Balloon inspired by the Sweets-Go-Round Cake, the symbol of KAWAII MONSTER CAFE. Surrounded by colorful decorations and captivating monsters, visitors are sure to leave with plenty of special memories.
Guests of all ages are invited to spend the Halloween season surrounded by the unique wonders of Harajuku!
Information
KAWAII MONSTER SHOP – Colorful Halloween
Running: October 19, 2023 – October 22, 2023/ October 26, 2023 – October 31,2023
Open: 12:00〜19:00
Venue: ASOBIFACTORY（3-21-8, Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo)
Access: 7 minutes walk from JR Harajuku Station, 5 minutes walk from Tokyo Metro Meiji-jingumae StationBe sure to follow where the pop-up shop will appear in the future!
Interested companies are welcome to contact us.
Learn more about KAWAII MONSTER CAFE here
https://asobisystem.com/brand/kawaiimonstercafe/ -
HARAJUKU COLLECTIVE, a Collaboration Between Hot Topic & Studio Ghibli, Gets Pop-Up Store at Shinsaibashi PARCO
Last year, the HARAJUKU COLLECTIVE collaboration appeared at AF Gallery in Harajuku from August 10 until August 28, garnering massive acclaim from fans. The collection is now being sold at Shinsaibashi PARCO until March 12, 2023.
HARAJUKU COLLECTIVE is a Studio Ghibli-inspired apparel collection by the popular American counterculture chain Hot Topic. Bringing more Japanese culture to the ongoing Studio Ghibli collaboration launched in 2014, Hot Topic stores began selling original items produced by nine Japanese creators and brands, as well as some original American items produced by Hot Topic’s executive designers.
The lineup of Japan-original items includes T-shirts, tote bags, and other items featuring exclusive artwork by up-and-coming creators. These items depict beloved characters from Studio Ghibli’s works, as well as logos created for the collaboration. Fans won’t want to miss grabbing these unique items!
Details on the Previous HARAJUKU COLLECTIVE Pop-Up Store: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/ja/625747
Information
HARAJUKU COLLECTIVE
Running: February 23 – March 12, 2023
Hours: 10:00-20:00
Venue: Shinsaibashi PARCO B1F Pop-Up Space (1-8-3 Shinsaibashisuji, Chuo-ku, Osaka)
Official Site: https://ghibli-harajukucollective-ec.com
Online Store (Open until March 31, 2023): https://ec.ghibli-harajukucollective-ec.com
HARAJUKU COLLECTIVE Official SNS:
Instagram: @harajuku_collective
(https://www.instagram.com/harajuku_collective）
Twitter: @harajuku_collect (https://twitter.com/harajukucollect)
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Laforet Harajuku will host a pop-up shop inspired by the up-and-coming idol group FRUITS ZIPPER from February 1 until February 14! The FRUITS ZIPPER Valentine Pop-Up Shop will be found on the 5th floor MAKE THE STAGE area.
FRUITS ZIPPER debuted in April 2022 and embodies a simple concept: “From Harajuku to the World.” The group’s second single Watashino Ichiban Kawaiitokoro exploded in popularity on TikTok, pulling in over 600 million views. In February, the girls will embark on their first solo concert tour in Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka. This is the first FRUITS ZIPPER-inspired limited-time shop, and during the event, visuals of the group’s members will be displayed in the show windows found on the first floor of Laforet Harajuku.
◆About the FRUITS ZIPPER Valentine Pop-Up Shop
When entering the venue, fans will be greeted by a 5-meter-wide board where visitors can write and attach their messages to the FRUITS ZIPPER members on heart-shaped cards. Costumes that the members have worn on stage will also be on display, allowing fans to see each stitch up close.
Exclusive items featuring new photos of the members will be on sale at the pop-up shop. Fans can enjoy seeing the girls in their own personal style, and these items will only be available during the event! Starting February 4, tour merch for the group’s upcoming solo concert series will also be available for purchase.
◆Collaboration with Fruit Sandwich Specialty Store ‘Fruits Box Daikanyama’
Last year’s popular collaboration with Fruit Box Daikanyama, a well-known fruit sandwich shop, is happening again in 2023! Fans can find the Collaboration Gift Box for sale, including seven baked meringue goods each featuring one of the member’s colors. The box also comes with snapshots of the members, and for a few lucky fans, these snaps might be signed! The idol group and sandwich shop have also teamed up to create the Collaborative Lucky Grab Bag Lottery, including popular FRUITS ZIPPER goods and original items from Fruits Box Daikanyama. The lucky first-prize winner will receive a special set of all available February tour merchandise in all sizes.
◆Member Appearance Planned on Valentine’s Day
On February 14, the final day of the pop-up shop, the members of FRUITS ZIPPER will make an appearance! Guests will be able to participate in the first-ever hands-on event with the members, so keep an eye out for more details!
Stay up to date with the latest FRUITS ZIPPER news at the official Twitter page (@FRUITS_ZIPPER).
FRUITS ZIPPER Pop-Up Shop Exclusive Goods
Random Photo – Valentine pop-up ver. (21 varieties): ¥330 (Tax Included)
Random Pin – Valentine pop-up ver. (7 varieties): ¥500 (Tax Included)
Random Purikura Stickers – Valentine pop-up ver. (14 varieties): ¥600 (Tax Included)Information
FRUITS ZIPPER Valentine POP-UP SHOP
Running: February 1 – February 14, 2023
Venue: Laforet Harajuku 5F MAKE THE STAGE
*Closed on February 7 and February 8[Fruits Box Daikanyama Collaboration Goods]
Collaboration Gift Box: ¥3,500 (Tax Included)
Collaborative Lucky Grab Bag Lottery: ¥1,500 per try (Tax Included)Check out more details about the pop-up below!
https://www.laforet.ne.jp/pop_up_shop/fruitszipper_2301/Stay up to date:
FRUITS ZIPPER Official Twitter
https://twitter.com/FRUITS_ZIPPER/<Tour Information>
FRUITS ZIPPER 1st LIVE TOUR 2023 WINTERDate: February 3, 2023
Venue: ReNY limited
Time: Doors open 17:30 / Show starts 18:30
Contact: Sunday Folk Promotion (052-320-9100) *Open daily 12:00-18:00Date: February 5, 2023
Venue: Nanba Hatch
Time: Doors open 16:30 / Show starts 17:30
Contact: Kyodo Information (0570-200-888)FRUITS ZIPPER 1st LIVE TOUR 2023 WINTER 〜FRUITS DAY〜
Date: February 9, 2023
Venue: Shibuya WWW X
Time: Doors open 18:00 / Show starts 19:00
Contact: HOT STUFF PROMOTION (03-5720-9999) *Open weekdays 11:00-19:00FRUITS ZIPPER 1st LIVE TOUR 2023 WINTER 〜ZIPPER DAY〜
Date: February 10, 2023
Venue: Shibuya WWW X
Time: Doors open 17:30 / Show starts 18:30
Contact: HOT STUFF PROMOTION (03-5720-9999) *Open weekdays 11:00-19:00FRUITS ZIPPER 1st LIVE TOUR 2023 WINTER -TOUR FINAL –
Date: February 12, 2023
Venue: LINE CUBE SHIBUYA
Time: Doors open 17:00 / Show starts 18:00
Contact: Sunrise Promotion Tokyo (0570-00-3777) *Open weekdays 12:00-15:00Buy tickets for all shows here: https://l-tike.com/artist/000000000899959/
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The Winter 2022-2023 issue of the revived fashion creator magazine Zipper went on sale on December 23.
This issue focuses on this winter’s must-know trends and is packed with coordination tips, outfit plans through spring, snapshots, hair and makeup tips, and much more.
Zipper ended its 24-year history in December 2017. In March 2022, ASOBISYSTEM teamed up with DONUTS Inc. to revive the magazine as a quarterly release. The fashion magazine, popular with Gen Z, is known for sharing details aspects of Harajuku culture and will continue to share more from the creative center of Tokyo for years to come.
Standard Edition (Cover: Nagisa Saito)
Another Edition (Cover: FRUITS ZIPPER）
Information
Zipper 2022-2023 Winter Issue
Release Date: December 23, 2022
Price: ¥700
Publisher: DONUTS
Publishing Company: ShodenshaAvailable at bookstores nationwide and online
Amazon
・通常版
・anotehr editionOfficial Site
https://www.zipper.jp/ -
The global online fashion brand SHEIN has become wildly popular, shipping goods to over 150 countries. The world’s first permanent brick-and-mortar SHEIN store will open in Harajuku, Tokyo on November 13, 2022, displaying popular styles and items perfect for the Japanese market. All items on display will be available for purchase on the official SHEIN app simply by scanning the QR code on the tag. While items won’t be available to purchase in-store, the location will be a place where curious customers can try things on and explore new trends. The store has two floors and carries women’s and men’s wear, as well as kids’ wear, pet goods, and accessories. In addition to standard fitting rooms, there will also be a photo booth and SHEIN gacha machine!
This summer, the brand held its first pop-up event in Japan, traveling to five cities over two days. In October 2022, the three-month-long SHEIN POPUP OSAKA event invited customers could try on clothes and discover new styles.
“SHEIN TOKYO is planning to hold a number of events to make the SHEIN brand more familiar to new customers. Please visit us and enjoy perusing our reasonably priced but high-quality items,” an official comment reads.
Information
SHEIN TOKYO
Open: November 13, 2022
Address: b-town Building C, 1, 2F (4-25-9 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo)
Hours: 11:00-19:00 (Closed during New Year’s holiday)
Official Website: https://jp.shein.com
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Momoko Sakura’s popular series Chibi Maruko-chan is filled with beloved characters, and Coji-Coji has remained a fan favorite for decades. Starting in October 2022, fans will be able to grab goods from the new COJI-COJI BABY brand.
The made-for-babies merchandise line will feature new artwork. The first theme is ‘outer space,’ and little ones will love the pastel colors and playful illustrations. A promo video has also been posted to the official Coji-Coji YouTube channel.
About COJI-COJI BABY
“A snooze on the moon…
From childhood to the faraway future,
Coji-Coji is always cozy-cozy.
Such a valuable life.
Grow together with your baby.
Snuggle up with your family.
Be there to relax with those you love.
Spend irreplaceable time together.
After all of these desires and thoughts came together,
COJI-COJI BABY was born.”
Product Release Information
Sales of COJI-COJI BABY products began on October 12, 2022 on the official Eightex Japan online store.
Coji-Coji Costume Romper: ¥9,900
COJI-COJI BABY Fair Now Open!
Starting on October 15, the COJI-COJI BABY Fair is being held at Kiddy Land Harajuku and Kiddy Land Osaka Umeda.
During the event period, those who purchase over ¥4,000 (including tax) on COJI-COJI BABY products will receive an original mini shikishi. This is a perfect frame for your baby’s handprint or footprint!
Information
COJI-COJI BABY
Official Online Store: https://eightex.com/pages/cojicoji
COJI-COJI BABY Fair
Running: October 15, 2022 ~
Venue: Kiddy Land Harajuku, Kiddy Land Osaka Umeda
*Bonus goods are only available while supplies last
*COJI-COJI BABY products will be available starting October 15.
COJI-COJI BABY Promo Video: https://youtu.be/QyGTaz8geT0
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LDFS Co. Ltd., which operates six cafes and brands in Tokyo, has opened a new location! The company currently operates THE GREAT BURGER, a gourmet burger shop in Harajuku, The Little BAKERY Tokyo, and GOOD TOWN DONUTS. Now, they’ve brought the old-school burger store Jennifer Seven to Harajuku!
Jennifer Seven is a combination general store and burger store that sells apparel, kitchen items, and groceries. While it may seem like a general store with a coffee stand at first glance, the back door opens to reveal a secret burger shop! The innovative location will serve simple burgers, not the hearty and massive gourmet burgers available next door at THE GREAT BURGER.
General stores are found in rural America and carry a wide range of daily necessities, much like a yorozu-ya in Japan. Jennifer Seven sells original apparel, sundries, and goods with a vintage flare, as well as tableware and other items from the U.S. In addition, guests can find unique food items like handmade jellies and jams, fresh fruits and local veggies, natural wines, small gifts, and plenty more.
The drive-thru coffee stand attached to the store sells GOOD TOWN COFFEE, and Chinese-American steamed buns are also available at the Harajuku location!
Each classic burger will come with simple and tasty ingredients, including the beef patty, ketchup, mustard, original burger sauce, pickles, and onions. The restaurant’s simple interior features white and vintage wood with blue-grayish green accents and was designed by the owner himself, inspired by diners and school cafeterias in rural America.
Come enjoy a classic burger at this secret burger joint!
Information
Jennifer Seven
Location: Jennifer Seven
J-cube C Building 1F (6-12-6 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo)
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HARAJUKU COLLECTION, a Studio Ghibli-inspired apparel collection by popular American counterculture chain Hot Topic, is offering licensed Ghibli goods for fans in the U.S. and Canada. The collection opened its online store for those in Japan on August 10, and a limited time pop-up store has been opened in Harajuku to celebrate the release of this incredible apparel!
Japan Original Items
American Original Items
The store has a colorful exterior that shows Totoro and the Susuwatari playing together. Once inside, guests will be greeted by a massive rainbow Totoro! The shop blends the world of Ghibli with the style of Harajuku.
“If there were colorful and kawaii mushrooms in Totoro’s forest, and if it rained acorns one day, maybe he’d need a mushroom umbrella!” This colorful Totoro was inspired by this adorable thought.
The walls are decorated with artwork drawn by the creators of the original Japanese items, and guests are able to see and purchase the products in this special space. Why not visit?
© 1988 Studio Ghibli
© 1989 Eiko Kadono – Studio Ghibli – N
© 1997 Studio Ghibli – ND
© 2001 Studio Ghibli – NDDTM
© 2004 Studio Ghibli – NDDMTInformation
HARAJUKU COLLECTIVE Pop-Up Store
Running: August 10 – August 28, 2022
Hours: 11:00-19:00
Venue: AF GALLERY (3-21-8 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo) 1F
Online Store (Japanese)
Order Period: August 10 – December 31, 2022
http://ec.ghibli-harajukucollective-ec.com/*Items available while supplies last.
Special Site (Japanese): https://ghibli-harajukucollective-ec.com/ -
Last year, Chiikawa Land, the first official Chiikawa shop, opened at the Harajuku and Osaka Umeda branches of KIDDYLAND. Both locations will celebrate the 1st anniversary of the shop’s opening with a special fair on August 5, 2022.
Chiikawa is a popular character first revealed by Japanese illustrator Nagano on Twitter. In December 2020, the official online store Chiikawa Market opened, and Nagano released a book compiling the manga panels they drew and posted on Twitter. The characters have become massively popular, with the artist’s social media accounts racking up over 1.1 million followers. From collaboration cafes and exhibitions to a recent anime series, the sky’s the limit for these adorable characters!
Purchase Bonus
「Holographic Sticker (Not for Sale) *Designs will differ between the Harajuku and Osaka Umeda locations.
Holographic Pin (Not for Sale) / For guests spending ¥3,300 or more (including tax)
Picnic Blanket (Not for Sale) / For guests spending ¥5,500 or more (including tax)
Mug (Not for Sale) / For guests spending ¥8,800 or more (including tax)
Limited Edition Chiikawa Land Harajuku x Marion Crepes Collab
Limited Edition Chiikawa Land Harajuku x Marion Crepes Goods
Chiikawa Land Osaka Umeda Limited Edition Goods
Both the Harajuku and Osaka Chiikawa Land locations are visited by fans each day, and each store has developed unique products to celebrate the first anniversary.The Chiikawa Land Harajuku location will offer products in collaboration with Marion Crepes, while the Osaka Umeda location will sell limited edition products featuring the characters in cute traditional costumes. Special bonuses will also be handed out to guests spending particular amounts, so why not come out and grab some new goods?
©nagano / chiikawa committee
Information
Chiikawa Land Harajuku / Osaka Umeda – 1st Anniversary Celebration
Date: August 5, 2022
KIDDYLAND Harajuku:
https://chiikawa-info.jp/chiikawaland/harajuku/KIDDYLAND Osaka Umeda:
https://chiikawa-info.jp/chiikawaland/osaka/ -
Reebok has appointed a number of popular artists in Japan and abroad to take part in their new campaign titled ‘Life is Not a Spectator Sport -Move, Move!-’ This collaboration started in March 2022.
As a part of this collaboration, Reebok is teaming up with the manga series Eren the Southpaw. Kappa’s popular ensemble drama highlights a number of creators, and has a very poignant tagline: “To all those who couldn’t become geniuses.” Reebok’s brand message matches this and is meant to be a manifesto for life, telling people to never give up, act on their own convictions, and find their own path.
Reebok Classic Store – Harajuku Interior
Stickers / Pins
Original Scene from Eren the Southpaw
To commemorate the release of Reebok’s flagship model INSTAPUMP FURY 95 in Sax Blue, a huge piece of window art was redrawn by Kappi. The artist also provided an original manga featuring an entirely new story. Fans can find this at the Reebok Classic Store Harajuku and on the official Reebok Twitter page. The Reebok stores in Harajuku and Shibuya have also been completely taken over by Eren the Southpaw, completely decorated from top to bottom in images from the series.
Information
[GY7178] SLATE/CBLACK/TINGRE
Release Date: July 22
https://reebok.jp/products/GY1589/
Original Manga Available:
Reebok Official Twitter: https://twitter.com/Reebokjp
Reebok Classic Store Harajuku
Reebok Store Shibuya
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KAWAII LAB. is a project spearheaded by ASOBISYSTEM with the aim of introducing the world to popular Japanese idol culture. The idol group IDOLATER was born from this idea, and in April, the girls welcomed two new members, transforming it into a fresh new 5-member group. Announced at the group’s solo concert ‘New IDOLATER’ on April 24, Fuuka Oishi and Ririka Satsuki joined the lineup consisting of Ayu Okuda, Kurumi Tsukishiro, and Yukino Fushiki.
A typical idol group is peppy and filled with energy, but IDOLATER is doing things a little differently. What is their appeal? How do they want to shake things up?
A Group Formed by Finalists from ASOBISYSTEM’s First National Audition
IDOLATER debuted in April 2019. In the spring of 2018, ASOBISYSTEM, the management company behind Kyary Pamyu Pamyu and a number of other popular talents, announced its first large-scale nationwide audition, ASOBISYSTEM THE AUDITION 2018. IDOLATER’s history began with five audition finalists–Fushiki, Okuda, Tsukishiro, and two others. The catchphrase for the audition was fitting for the group: “Seeking the next generation of talents to shape Japanese pop culture and share it with the world.”
IDOLATER Welcomes Solo Singer Ririka Satsuki & Model Fuuka Oishi
Following the departure of two members and intense restrictions imposed on the group’s activities due to the pandemic, IDOLATER continued to operate with only three members. Although they didn’t manage to get a ton of media coverage or appeal in large-scale events, the group continued to pull in new fans and gain recognition in the idol community. After a while, Fuuka Oishi and Ririka Satsuki joined the group, giving a much-needed boost to IDOLATER’s activities and energy.
Ririka Satsuki is a solo artist based in Fukuoka with an incredible husky voice. Fuuka Oishi has previously worked as a model and is popular with creators for her sweet yet listless atmosphere. Despite their incredible confidence, this is the first time either has worked as an idol!
IDOLATER and the Concept of ‘Idols’
The word ‘idol’ can conjure plenty of images to mind, but what does the word mean to the members of IDOLATER?
The group’s music blends together elements of city pop, future funk, and house, while still keeping true to traditional J-pop roots. The familiarity of their music makes it easy to approach, and Yukino Fushiki’s powerful voice alongside Ririka Satsuki’s melodies shower fans with some of the best vocals in the idol world.
The group’s choreography is provided by YU-KA, formerly of TEMPURA KIDZ. Her experience as both a dancer and an idol makes her an asset, and her refreshing moves are a highlight of each IDOLATER show.
A former pattern maker for a Japanese fashion brand designed the group’s costumes.
If this sounds like the idol group for you, come and check out an IDOLATER event to see the girl’s incredible appeal for yourself.
On June 19, IDOLATER will hold their second regular performance, ‘Camel,’ at Ebisu CreATO. (The title of the show was chosen because it sounded fun, not for any other specific reason.)
Stay tuned for the next report, where we’ll delve a little deeper into the life of each member of IDOLATER!
Information
KAWAII LAB.
Twitter: @kawaii__lab
YouTube: KAWAII LAB.
IDOLATER
Official Site: https://note.com/idolater
Twitter: @Official_IDLT
Instagram: @idolater_official
YouTube: IDOLATER
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FRUITS ZIPPER is a group quickly rising to stardom, debuted from “KAWAII LAB.” KAWAII LAB is a new project to introduce Japanese idol culture from “Harajuku”, a fashion town where various cultures and personalities gather, to the world. Members of the group include Amane Tsukihashi, Suzuka Chinzei, Yui Sakurai, Runa Nakagawa, Manaka Mana, Karen Matsumoto, and Noel Hayase.
Even before their debut, the group garnered attention for their breathtaking visuals. Their performances are so powerful, you would never expect such refined skill from such an adorable aesthetic, which is known to captivate the hearts of their fans. The group is produced by Misa Kimura, a model and TV personality who is also the general producer of “KAWAII LAB. She will utilize her experience and creativity as the leader of the idol group “Musubizm” to introduce idol culture to the world.
Expressing FRUITS ZIPPER’s world through collaborations with creators
Furthermore, even before their debut, the group drew a lot of attention because of their collaborations with many different renowned creators. Among the collaborations includes the artist photos created by video director/art director/3DCG artist YUKARI. She uses a cutting-edge trend of CG-moving techniques, in addition to still-images. The mysterious colors of bright light that embraces the girls are definitely eye-catching.
Catchy and cute choreography of FRUITS ZIPPER
@fruits_zipper ハートハート #わたしの一番かわいいところ ♬ わたしの一番かわいいところ – FRUITS ZIPPER Followed by the debut song “Kimino Akaruimiraiwo Oikakete,” a song with a positive message for the future, “Watashino Ichiban Kawaiitokoro,” with its cute choreography and lyrics, won the hearts of people and was selected as one of the “TikTok Hot Songs in Japan” and charted on the Billboard. More than 13,000 videos using ”Watashino Ichiban Kawaiitokoro” have been posted on TikTok with the hashtag “#わたしの一番かわいいところ (Watashino Ichiban Kawaiitokoro).” The long-awaited third single “Kanpeki Syugide☆”, which was released on May 20, is an energetic tune created by music producer Manaka Suzuki.
Performances that reach into people’s hearts and minds
A pop-culture event presented by Asobisystem “ASOBE!!,” was held at Spotify O-EAST on May 26th. In addition to FRUITS ZIPPER, fellow Asobisystem members Atarashii Gakko! and IDOLATER, who is also a member of “KAWAII LAB.”, performed at the event. Many other remarkable idol groups also took part in the event, enlivening the venue.
Alongside their regular performances, they are scheduled to participate in a number of events, including the “LEADING PALETTE! and “HYPE IDOL! vol. 20” at Nihonbashi Mitsui Hall both June 12th. Make sure to come and see their live performance, it’s sure to steal your heart!
Additionally, KAWAII LAB. will be serialized on “Moshi Moshi Nippon,” a website that provides the latest news of Japan to the world. The articles will be published in hopes of sharing the charm of IDOLATER and FRUITS ZIPPER with people not only in Japan, but also around the world. Details will be announced soon. Stay tuned for more from KAWAII LAB.!
Information
KAWAII LAB.
Twitter: @kawaii__lab
YouTube: KAWAII LAB.FRUITS ZIPPER
Twitter: @fruits_zipper
Instagram: @fruits_zipper
YouTube: FRUITS ZIPPER
TikTok: @fruits_zipperIDOLATER
Official HP: https://note.com/idolater
Twitter: @Official_IDLT
Instagram: @idolater_official
YouTube: IDOLATERMisa Kimura
Twitter: @misaxmas_
Instagram: @misaxmas
