Model and talent Kouma Takase is now starring in an ad for TITANAIL PRO, a professional nail care product from Titanist Laboratories.

Taisho Pharmaceuticals has announced a new flavor of Vicks Medicated Drops available only in Japan! The Matcha flavor will be available starting October 1, 2022.

VICKS Medicated Drops are lozenges perfect to relieve sore throats, and in an attempt to make a product for everyone’s taste, 14 flavors have been developed so far–five fruit types, three refreshing types, and six sugarless types.

Matcha has become a more popular flavor among both young and old people in recent years, and this Japan-only flavor is sure to be a hit. The active ingredient, CPC, disinfects and sterilizes the mouth, so the next time you feel a cold coming on, try one of these lozenges out.

Located in Uji, Kyoto, matcha shop Itohkyuemon was founded in the late Edo period. Three cozy locations have just launched a Hydrangea Parfait, perfect for spring.

Hydrangea Parfait

Hydrangea Coaster

The shop’s main location is headquartered in Uji, which is also home to Mimuroto Temple, known for its hydrangeas. The flowery location attracts thousands of tourists during the rainy season. 

The Hydrangea Parfait has been offered since 2013, now celebrating its 10th year. The popular seasonal treat features matcha hydrangea mashed sweet potatoes, hydrangea-colored jelly, leaf-shaped matcha cookies, and blueberries. Those ordering a parfait will also receive a hydrangea coaster as a gift, so why not enjoy the rainy season with something sweet to lift your spirits?

Hibiya Hayashiya Shinbei in Tokyo Midtown Hibiya is now offering a scrumptious Strawberry Matcha Parfait until April 24, 2022! If that’s not up your alley, four Kyo Hayashiya locations in Shinjuku, Omiya, Yokohama, and Ikebukuro will begin offering a Matcha and Berry Mascarpone Parfait from April 1 until May 8, 2022. 

Strawberry Matcha Parfait

The Strawberry Matcha Parfait is an eye-catching mix of green and pink, reminiscent of cherry blossoms and bright green grass. Green tea blends with rose jelly and lychee sorbet, offering a refreshing taste with a hint of bitterness. The sweet accent of crunchy chocolate feuillantine gives each bite a little kick.

Matcha and Berry Mascarpone Parfait

The Matcha and Berry Mascarpone Parfait mixes the deep, bitter taste of Uji matcha, the sweet and sour taste of berries, and the gentle sweetness of mascarpone cream. The berry sauce is blended with crunchy chocolate feuillantine, a layer of whipped cream, green tea jelly, green tea ice cream, and milk panna cotta. To finish, it’s garnished with refreshing raspberry sorbet, bittersweet matcha ice cream, and fresh strawberries.

McDonald’s Japan locations with ‘McCafe by Barista’ areas will begin selling special spring treats for a limited time starting April 6, 2022. Customers will be able to grab the ‘Strawberry Uji Matcha Frappe’ and the ‘Uji Matcha Mont Blanc Tart.’

McCafe by Barista invites guests to enjoy high-quality frappes and smoothies. The Uji Matcha Frappe was added to the regular product lineup in June 2021, and features a mellow matcha flavor. The Strawberry variant is coming back for the first time in three years. The Mont Blanc Tart is a new addition, and is a perfect treat to enjoy with this popular frappe! 

Strawberry Uji Matcha Frappe: ¥490

The Strawberry Matcha Frappe mixes together the full-bodied flavor of matcha together with sweet and sour strawberries. It includes both a strawberry paste made from whole strawberries and a strawberry whipped cream at the bottom. The drink is topped with more strawberry whipped cream and a sprinkling of matcha powder. The refreshing taste of the strawberry sauce coupled with the whipped cream serves to elevate the great flavor of the Uji Matcha even more.

Uji Matcha Mont Blanc Tart: ¥390

The Uji Matcha Mont Blanc Tart is made with Uji Matcha batter, Uji Matcha whipped cream, white bean paste, and green tea cream. The refined sweetness is complemented by the mellow aroma and slight bitterness of Uji Matcha.

How would you like to enjoy these treats beneath the cherry trees?

Jill Stuart Beauty has launched a limited spring collection, ‘Crystal Bloom Sakura Bouquet.’ These items, inspired by beautiful double-layered cherry blossoms, are now available for purchase both in-store and online!

Jill Stuart Crystal Bloom Sakura Bouquet Eau de Parfum

Jill Stuart Crystal Bloom Sakura Bouquet Perfumed Hand Cream

Jill Stuart Sakura Bouquet Bloom Mixed Blush Compact

21 – Rosy Cherry Blossom

Jill Stuart Sakura Bouquet Lipstick – Lip Jewel Gemmy Satin / Jill Stuart Sakura Bouquet Lipstick Case

106 – Cherry Waltz

107 – Fluttering Petals

Jill Stuart Sakura Bouquet My Lips 01 – Fluffy Cherry

Cherry blossoms are a symbol of spring and continue to entrance people each year. Sakura in full bloom have the power to bring people together, and this spring, Jill Stuart hopes that this fragrance and beauty collection can do the same.

Artist Kyary Pamyu Pamyu has started a science-based hair care brand named ‘Curuput.’ The brand’s first product, the ‘Deep Damage Care Set (Shampoo, treatment, and hair mask)’ will be available for a limited time at beauty counters nationwide and online from November 1 2021. 

One of Kyary’s defining features is her vivid hair color. Behind the scenes however, she has been suffering with damaged hair to maintain her bleached hair. Her goal is to create a future where everybody, including Kyary herself, can dye their hair freely, without the worry of damage. With this in mind, she began production of her own science-based hair care brand that focuses on damaged hair and smells great too.

From the moment you wash off the ‘Curuput’ shampoo and treatment, your hair will feel silky and moisturized. By using the triple care routine, the products will not only care for your existing hair damage, but continue to repair your hair by preventing future harm.

Kyary’s tie-up song ‘Perfect Onei-san’ plays in the background of the official brand interview, and features on her upcoming 5th album “Candy Racer.’ The album is scheduled to be released on October 27. 

Why not try Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s new haircare brand ‘Curuput’ for yourself?

Message from Kyary Pamyu Pamyu

“After many meetings, I think the shampoo is complete! I’m so, so excited for it to finally be released.

I have been having fun bleaching and coloring my hair since I was 18, but my hair would become damaged no matter what I did. I haven’t been able to enjoy my ‘ideal hair’ often, because I’d worry about the condition, and I’ve even been holding back from dying it due to damage concerns. But then I realized, “this isn’t me.” It’s the same with shampoos – I’d find a great shampoo but I’d dislike the smell, or vice versa.

This new shampoo was created over many meetings and every detail has been considered. In order to create the best hair product, we wanted to create something that made your hair go “Kyurun” (bounce). We also paid special attention to the scent! Each time I would test the prototype version, my hair would become even closer to my ideal hair, so I’m really happy that I had the opportunity to develop ‘Curuput.’ 

We put a lot of thought into this brand, so I would be really happy if everybody could give it a try!”

Japanese cosmetic company Shiseido, sold in 88 countries around the world, has released a new conceptual video for its global “POWER IS YOU” campaign.

The short video features a star-studded cast of ambassadors from a variety of fields, including Megan Rapinoe, co-captain of the U.S. women’s national soccer team, known for her advocacy and creative style that defies stereotypes. The athlete has commented on her inclusion in the “POWER IS YOU” campaign, proud to show her authentic self and inspire others to live their truth.

Comment from Megan Rapinoe

“Shiseido makes so many of the products I use in my daily life, so when I was invited to collaborate on this new campaign, I didn’t even have to think about it. Partnering with such a great company means a lot to me. I deeply believe in the individual power of every human being, and I think that anyone has the power to change the world. “POWER IS YOU” represents the power each of us has to alter the world for the better, which is something that resonates with me personally. I want young people especially to know that it is possible to change things. I hope they do, and I hope that this campaign helps to inspire more people to feel the same.” 

Conceptual Videeo

The song used for the campaign is Utada Hikaru’s Find Love. The singer also appears in the video as an ambassador. 

Comment from Utada Hikaru

“The source of all power is believing in yourself.

It takes courage to know yourself, but being honest with yourself is the key to finding that inner beauty. Courage is beautiful.” 

Finally, Ursula Corbero, who gained international fame for her role in the Netflix series Paper House, appears as the final ambassador. The actress is an avid philanthropist and has long supported a number of causes including breast cancer awareness, childhood cancer awareness, and climate change awareness. She is also the founder of Ymas, a company of artists allowing people to attend movie premieres and special behind-the-scenes events. 

Comment from Ursula Corbero

“Inner beauty comes from positivity.
Tap into your individual energy, and if there’s something you want to do, do it!
It’s okay to make mistakes. Life is not perfect, and those imperfections make it beautiful.” 

The Yojiya Café, opened by the Yojiya brand famous for its Aburatorigami, or facial oil blotting paper, will be renewing its menu from September 13. The popular face parfait, which features the logo alongside a Kyoto woman with a mole, comes in three flavors available – Kinako, Matcha, and Milk Tea. Each parfait comes with a sauce, so you can adjust the taste as you eat.

Kinako Parfait: ¥1,200 (Tax Incl.)

Matcha Parfait: ¥1,200 (Tax Incl.)

Milk Tea Parfait: ¥1,200 (Tax Incl.)

The Yojiya Café is currently open in two locations, Gion and Sagano Arashiyama, offering a relaxing space to rest between shopping and sightseeing.

The café has renewed their iconic Kinako Parfait, which combines Japanese Kinako and Western Maple Syrup, along with the Matcha Parfait, which is packed full of matcha ice cream, jelly, and cookies. The Milk Tea Parfait is made with a rich Japanese Tea and Earl Gray ice cream.

Take a trip to Yojiya and find out which parfait is your favorite!

Cosmetics brand KOSE has announced that popular girl group NiziU will act as brand ambassadors for a new collection of Visée eyeshadow, Glossy Rich Eyes N.

Visée Glossy Rich Eyes N  – Available in 8 shades + 2 limited edition shades

Photo Shoot

「Visée AVANT」Limited Edition Seasonal Visual with MAYUKA＆NINA

The theme for this year’s campaign was ‘Find the Color Just for You.’ By trying all possible shades, even those which seem out of the consumers comfort zone, they will absolutely find the perfect color. For this photo shoot, NiziU applied makeup inspired by their respective member colors, showing off their individuality.

A special web movie and visual for Glossy Eyes Rich N featuring the NiziU girls is available on the special product website and through the official social media channels. The eyeshadows will be available at drugstores and other retailers, as well as online, beginning September 16. Members Mayuka and Nina will also appear in limited season ads for Visée AVANT.

An original movie featuring all members is also available to view on the official TikTok brand account and the Glossy Rich Eyes N special product website.

Interview with NiziU

Q1. Visée has partnered with a number of women before, each symbolizing the current era. What are your thoughts on being chosen as brand ambassadors for Visée now?

Mako: I’m turning 20 this year, and I’ve really wanted to show a different side of myself now that I won’t be a teenager anymore. I was so happy when I was chosen for this project, since it gave me the perfect chance to do just that!

Maya: We’re so incredibly honored to be chosen as ambassadors for Visée! I use their products regularly, but there are so many different colors of product available. I think this will inspire people to make use of colors they may not use often, and to try new things!

Q2. How did you feel after shooting wrapped?

Ayaka: It felt like something totally different than what NiziU has tackled in the past. I typically wear more cutesy makeup, but this time I tried to show something more mature. It was refreshing. It was a blast getting close-up shots taken of my eye makeup!

Q3. The theme for this year’s campaign is ‘Find the Color Just for You.’ It calls on people to find a color that best matches their personality. After the first ad shoot, what were your impressions of your fellow members’ new makeup looks?

Riku: Maya was the one getting her pictures taken first, and she looked so gorgeous that Ayaka and I couldn’t stop staring at her! Honestly, we were staring at her so much that when she finally looked over at us, she did that typical Maya smile, and it was like we fell in love with her. (laugh)

Q4. This year’s visuals are impressive, with the NiziU members showing off very different expressions than usual. Is there anything you refer to or try to do personally, to find new facial expressions?

Mayuka: It can be really difficult, but I find it useful to look at photos of some of the more senior members and practice copying their expressions.

Q5. Again, this year’s theme is ‘Find the Color Just for You.’ Each of the nine members of NiziU have their own distinct personalities, so with that in mind, what do you think makes you stand out as an individual?

Rima: For me, it’s my different worldview. It allows me to converse in a very unique way, and to really adjust how I carry myself depending on the location. My member color is red, which also has many meanings: it can be powerful, or mature, or energetic, or mischievous. I’m like a chameleon. I hold many different personalities that I can switch to at the drop of a hat.

Q6. As a member of NiziU, you’ve had many different and unique experiences. Have you found any unexpected sides of yourself during your time as a member?

Rio: I used to think I was one of the cool girls, but during this photo shoot, I was given a makeup look and outfit that was more cutesy. That’s a side of myself I haven’t explored, and this is something that happens frequently during the many events and challenges we take on as a unit.

Q7. During the makeup shooting sessions, we were able to see very different sides of the NiziU members. Is there anything new you’ve learned about the other members recently?

Miihi: Compared to how we all were when we all joined, everyone is really starting to show their true selves! We’ve so close, there’s nothing that we don’t know about each other at this point!

Q8. The Glossy Rich Eyes N products that you used this time come in a wide variety of colors, making it possible for anyone to meet their perfect shade. Speaking of ‘meetings,’ what do the members of NiziU want to meet more than anything right now?

Nina: I want to meet with WithU (the name for NiziU fans). We haven’t been able to meet them face to face yet, and I hope we’re able to soon.

In Japan, McDonalds McCafe by Barista will be releasing the new Kuromitsu Uji Matcha Frappe beginning September 1. The sweet autumn drink will only be available for a limited time.

McCafe by Barista has been popular with customers looking for sweet beverages, such as Frappes and smoothies. The Uji Matcha Frappe was added to the regular product lineup in June 2021, and features a mellow matcha flavor. With this release, kuromitsu, or Japanese black sugar syrup, has been added to enhance the drink’s flavor.

Kuromitsu Uji Matcha Frappe: ¥490 (M), ¥560 (L)

The Kuromitsu Uji Matcha Frappe is made with powdered Uji Matcha tea from Kyoto, mixed with milk and topped with Kuromitsu jelly, known for its gentle sweetness and rich flavor. Brown sugar from Okinawa Prefecture along with whipped cream is added on top.

Uji Matcha Frappe: ¥440 (M), ¥490 (L)

The regularly available Uji Matcha Frappe is made with Uji Matcha powder from Kyoto, milk, and fluffy whipped cream. Dark green matcha powder and pure white whipped cream gives the beverage a gorgeous appearance, along with a truly Japanese flavor.

These are two drinks not to miss if you’re in Japan!

Miss Dior, the fragrance and maison first started in 1947, is being reborn thanks to Dior perfume creator Francois Demachy.

A new MISS DIOR art event will be held to commemorate the new fragrance, inheriting the art and passion for women that inspired Monsieur Dior himself. Reservations are now open for the AS SEEN BY exhibition, held alongside the MISS DOOR MILLEFIORI GARDEN pop up store between September 1 and 12, 2021, at THE MASS/BA-TSU ART GALLERY/STANDBY in Omotesando, Tokyo.

Kojin Haruka: Reflectwo for Miss Dior 2021

Pop Up Store MISS DIOR MILLEFIORI GARDEN

The AS SEEN BY exhibition, held in Tokyo and several cities around the world, will feature MISS DIOR inspired artwork and creations from 10 female artists, including visual artist Kojin Haruka, sculptor Donna Ingrid, and designer Sabine Marcelis.

Experience the renewed MISS DIOR at the MISS DIOR MILLEFIORI GARDEN pop up store, where you can try the new Au De Perfume and it’s personalization service, alongside limited cosmetics that were inspired by the new fragrance.

Those who attend the MISS DIOR event will also be able to enjoy the guest-only cafe, which features Laudrée collaboration macaroons, with the original flavors each lined up in a package reminiscent of the colorful flowers at the MISS DIOR art event. Plus, a limited takeaway drink will be available at the exhibition cafe, allowing you to bask in the afterglow of the event even after exiting the venue. In addition, customers who connect their reservation to the official MISS DIOR Beauty LINE account will receive a free original tote bag.

A special film that delves into the history and charm of MSS DIOR will be screened at the exhibition, narrated by DIOR beauty ambassador Yoshizawa Ryo, who will guide you through the glamorous world of MISS DIOR.

You mustn’t miss the livestream with DIOR ambassador Araki Yuko, who will be attending the event via livestream to introduce the wonders of the new MISS DIOR. The stream will start on August 31 at 20:30.

Why not check out this flower-filled event where you can immerse yourself in the world of MISS DIOR for yourself?