Here at MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON, we post news and information about Japan in six languages. Our aim is to deliver a variety of content related to Japan for those who love and enjoy Japanese culture.
Right now, people across the globe are in self-isolation as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. The same goes for Japan too, so we’ve taken this opportunity to create a new series on the website to show how we’re spending time at home here in Japan. The future is yet uncertain, and we hope for normality to return for all of us soon. We created a new articles series called Stay Home with which we hope to take your mind off the situation, even for just a little bit, to help you feel calmer. It might give you some tips on what you can do while spending time at home.
Today, we are joined by the members of all-girls band SILENT SIRENーwho have their own featured series here on MOSHI MOSHI NIPPONーto see how they’ve been spending their time indoors.
Stay Home With SUU
1: Smoothies Everyday
I love bananas, so I mix a bunch of them with some berries to drink♡ I wanna try making lots of different smoothies!
2: Chilling With My Pet Dog Komeko
I’ve been home a lot so Komeko is always sat with me lovingly♡
3: Reading
Since I’m at home more now, I’ve been doing lots of reading. I’ve been thinking of getting or making a new bookcase that’s bigger than the one in the photo.
What’s your secret to spending time at home?
A positive mindset! Since you’re at home, find things to do that you normally wouldn’t be able to otherwise♡
Please give a message to those reading this article
I’ve kept my spirits up by cooking at home, listening to music, watching movies, trying out different scents, and recently I’ve been rearranging the place. I think this unexpected time is the time to do things we weren’t able to before, so I want everyone to enjoy their at-home time too!
Stay Home With Hinanchu
1: Takeout From Places I Never Go
Since I can’t really go out, I’m making fun with eating, being greedy, and indulgence.
2: Changing The Mood Of My Home Entrance
Since I can’t go out, moods tend to build up when I’m home, so I’ve aired it out a little to feel refreshed.
3: Plenty Of Playtime With My Pets
My cats are great at being home alone when I’m out, but I get to play with them lots while I’m indoors, so much so that they never seem to get tired of it.
What’s your secret to spending time at home?
I’m making an environment that makes me feel refreshed, even if just a little, by rearranging my home, decluttering, and cleaning. I’ve used this opportunity to get into feng shui, so it could be fun for people to look up the directions in their house and enjoy some feng shui too.
Please give a message to those reading this article
Know that you are absolutely not alone if you’re going through a tough or lonely time. Everyone is feeling the same. So let’s all be lively and positive while we’re at home and we might just discover something new about ourselves! Another good thing to do might be to make a list of all the places you want to visit when the world returns to its peaceful self! Let’s all work together and get through this, okay?
Stay Home With Ainyan
1: Foam Roller Full Body Massage
It’s easy for your body to become stiff as you spend more time at home, so I’ve decided to loosen up everyday by massaging my armpits, thighs, and back. It hurts pretty bad since you loosen up by using your whole body weight!
2: Clearing The Veranda And Making My Own Terrace Seat
Since we can’t go outside, I’ve cleaned my room to make myself feel good and have brought the outside air indoors. I spend my time sat on the veranda relaxing and enjoying something to drink.
What’s your secret to spending time at home?
I look on social media for tips on how everyone is having fun at home and try out different things!
Please give a message to those reading this article
It’s important in these times to think about what you can do at home and enjoy it, so I want to keep on posting about what fun things I’m up to indoors too.
Stay Home With Yukarun
1: Rice Pot
I’ve always cooked rice for myself, but what I’ve been addicted to since last year is making rice in a pot! It’s super delicious and surprisingly easy to make♡
I can’t get enough of that moment of happiness when I lift the lid off the pot♡
2: Healthy Treats
Being at home so much tends to result in not getting enough exercise.
But I still want to eat a sweet treat, so I made some gluten-free scones using soy flour.
Freshly-baked scones are the flavour of happiness♡
3: Doing My Nails
Since I can’t get to a nail salon, I’m enjoying enjoying some self nail care!
Whatever I go to do I can always see my fingertips, so simply making my nails look pretty is enough to lift me up.
4: Stretches
I’m making a conscious effort to move my body as much as possible at home.
Wearing leggings that I can train in all the time at home means I can stretch right away there and then, so I definitely recommend doing the same♡
What’s your secret to spending time at home?
It’s important to enjoy the things you can do now while at home for so long, be it doing your nails, trying new makeup, so on♡
Please give a message to those reading this article
I’m sure a lot of people are feeling down right now with how life as we knew it has changed so drastically. But it’s in these times when we need to stay positive, so let’s all smile and get through this together!
Information
Suu Instagram: @sumiredooon1228
Hinanchu Instagram: @hinaofficial0313
Ainyan Instagram: @ainayamauchi3131
Yukarun Instagram: @yukakokurosaka0606
SILENT SIREN Official Website: https://silent-siren.com/
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CANDY TUNE, the newest idol group from KAWAII LAB., just debuted in March. On April 7, the girls released their first single, TUNE MY WAY. The song promises that just as candy comes in many flavors and shapes, each member of CANDY TUNE will let their individuality shine through more going forward. TUNE MY WAY is an avant-garde rock dance number that is sure to impress new fans. The track was produced by Naoki Kubo, a former member of SILENT SIREN and the sound producer for SILENT SIREN’s songs. TUNE MY WAY marks a complete change from the two songs Kubo provided for CANDY TUNE's debut album, released in March. The song will be performed live for the first time at Mizuki Kirihara and Natsu Minami’s Birthday Festival to be held on April 8 at KeyStudio Shinjuku. CANDY TUNE will hold its first solo live concert at Spotify O-WEST on June 27. Since their debut only a month ago, the group has received several offers to perform at upcoming idol events, making them a group to watch!
Information
<Release Information>
TUNE MY WAY – CANDY TUNE (1st Digital Single)
Release Date: April 7, 2023
Streaming Links: https://KAWAIILAB.lnk.to/TMWTracklist:
1. TUNE MY WAY
2. TUNE MY WAY -Instrumental-<Additional Streaming Information>
CANDY TUNE – CANDY TUNE (1st Digital Album)
Streaming Date: March 7, 2023
Streaming URL: https://kawaiilab.lnk.to/CANDYTUNE
Available on all major streaming services and music download sites<Event Information>
Mizuki Kirihara/Natsu Minami Birthday Festival
Date: April 8, 2023
Venue: Shinjuku KeyStudio
Time: Doors Open at 12:00 / Show Starts at 13:00 / VIP Event Ends at 16:30
Tickets: https://t.livepocket.jp/e/kiri-natsu
CANDY TUNE’s First Solo Concert
Date: June 27, 2023
Venue: Spotify O-WEST
Time: Doors Open at 17:30 / Show Starts at 18:30
Tickets: https://l-tike.com/candytune/
Second Round of Presale Tickets available: 4/7 at 12:00 ~ 4/16 at 23:59 -
SILENT SIREN will release two all-time best albums on December 15, and the song list for all 64 tracks have been uploaded to the special release website! The group has also found popularity abroad, so this release won’t be something to miss if you’re a fan. Trailer
The fan club will also release 3,131 sets of the ‘SILENT SIREN PREMIUM BOX - 11 Years of HIstory.’ These are selling quickly, and those able to grab one will also get extra merchandise and bonuses. The group will hold their final LIVE TOUR 2021 ‘FAMILIA’ performance on December 30 before going on hiatus. Naoki Kubo, the band’s sound producer since before their debut, will be on stage as a guitarist for the show. Shinji Matsuda of THE BACK HORN will be the support drummer for the Fukushima and Osaka shows, and Yu Watanabe for the Nagoya and Tokyo shows. Information
ALL TIME BEST ALBUM「SILENT」
2-CD Set: ¥3,444 (Tax Included)
ALL TIME BEST ALBUM「SIREN」
2-CD Set: ¥3,444 (Tax Included)
Special Site: https://sp.universal-music.co.jp/silentsiren/silent_siren/
SILENT SIREN End-of-the-Year Special LIVE TOUR 2021 ‘FAMILIA’
https://silent-siren.com/ticket/livetour2021_familia/
SILENT SIREN Official Site: http://silent-siren.com/
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Sai Sai Jaran Jaran #11: SILENT SIREN’s Yukarun Tries Fruit Cutting for the First Time at Nakano’s Fruit Academy
Sai Sai Jaran Jaran is a featured series here on MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON from the members of the all-female band SILENT SIREN (aka Sai Sai) who visit various hot spots in Japan and experience different things, the Sai Sai way. In Episode #11, SILENT SIREN’s keyboardist Yukarun will try her hand at decorative fruit cutting, something she’s always wanted to try. The musician, who enjoys munching on fruits every single day, traveled to Nakano to take a trial lesson at the Fruit Academy.Fruit cutting is the art of cutting different fruits into pieces that are both beautiful to look at and easy to eat. At the Fruit Academy, visitors can take different courses in fruit cutting from beginner to advanced, the latter including more artistic techniques. One-day trial lessons are available for beginners, so it’s easy to give it a try. Bring your favorite apron, put it on, and you’re ready to start your fruit cutting experience! Fruit and a small knife are provided. Today, the teacher is explaining how to prepare an incredible fruit platter. Boat-Cut Pineapple The lesson begins with pineapple, which has been cut into eighths. Placing the skin side down, insert the knife just under the harder core and cut along it. When you reach the end, cut along the skin, leaving the center hollow. Removing the hollowed-out fruit, cut it into bite-sized pieces, and simply place those pieces back in. Alternate pulling each piece out to the left or right, and then… Voila, the boat-cut pineapple is ready! By holding the pineapple vertically, the pieces won’t fall out. Kiwi and Fig Wedges Remove the stem and the core from the kiwi and cut into six equal wedges. Cut the wedges diagonally to make a sharp corner. Place the kiwi skin side down, and insert the knife along the skin. While keeping the blade against the cutting board, move the fruit around so that the skin peels cleanly and evenly. Cut the figs into wedges and peel them the same way. Grapefruit Cup Cut the grapefruit in half and remove the bottom. Placing the grapefruit on its side, insert the knife and hollow out the pulp while carefully rotating the fruit. Place the previously removed bottom piece into the center to make a cup. Scrape off the white parts of the pulp and cut it into bite-sized pieces. Serve the pieces in the newly made cup for a gorgeous treat! Cutting Shine Muscat (Grapes) While it’s completely fine to eat these grapes whole, cutting them brings out more of their natural sweetness. After cutting off any stems, cut lengthwise with force. It’s easy to get a clean and crisp cut. Yukarun couldn’t help but look a little smug! Flower-Cut Piones (Grapes)To peel these purple grapes, carve the skin on the wider side with a cross. Peeling these four sides back, the fruit becomes a flower! Play with these pieces gently to really make them stand out, and when you’re ready, stick a toothpick in the backside and place it anywhere you like for a tasty decoration. Leaf-cut Apple After cutting the apple in half and then into thirds, insert a knife into the edge of the skin side and make a slit, tilting the knife back and forth like a seesaw. Turn the apple over and make a cut on the other side, eventually connecting them. Repeat this step a few times. Finally, stack the pieces on top of each other and play with them until they resemble a fall leaf! Apple Carving
Finally, the fruit carving begins! Actually, fruit carving is a traditional craft from Thailand, with these decorative pieces often prepared for entertainment and hospitality. This specially-shaped carving knife is held and used just like a pen. Cut an apple into six pieces. Then, cut horizontally and vertically across the skin. Insert the tip of the blade into one of these cross-sections and carefully remove pieces of skin in an alternating pattern. When you’re finished, you’ll be left with a gorgeous grid pattern! Placing all of the fruits she prepared onto a platter, Yukarun’s work is done! The trick to fruit cutting is to make sure that each cut is precise and sharp. By lining up the pieces with the sharper edges facing outward, the finished product looks like it was made by a pro! The teacher commented that Yukarun did a great job for her first-ever fruit cutting attempt, and praised her proper technique. So, how did you like it? “I’ve been wanting to give this a try forever, and it was a blast! It was great to learn how to peel certain fruits to make them taste even better. I can’t wait to try this at home! Even before digging in, the way it looks just puts me in a good mood. My favorite part was carving the apples, so I’ll keep practicing until I’m a pro!” (Yukarun) Yukarun had such a great time, she bought a carving knife on her way home. If you’d like to give it a try, be sure to stop by the Fruit Academy for a trial lesson! Photo: Haruka Yamamoto Text: Sayoko Ishii Information
SILENT SIREN
SILENT SIREN is a four-member all-female band consisting of vocalist & guitarist Sumire “Suu” Yoshida, drummer Hinako “Hinanchu” Umemura, bassist Aina “Ainyan” Yamauchi, keyboardist Yukako “Yukarun” Kurosaka. The band was founded in 2010 by Umemura and Yoshida who are former models. In 2015, they performed their first solo concert at Nippon Budokan, making them the fastest Japanese all-female band in history to perform there after their major debut. They celebrated their 10th anniversary in 2020. Yukarun also launched an apparel brand ‘jour de muguet’ in 2020. See the band’s website for more details: http://silent-siren.com/
Fruit Academy
Address: #5 Hirano Building 1F (3-1-16 Saginomiya, Nakano-ku, Tokyo)
Phone: 03-3337-0351
Cost for Trial Lesson (60 minutes): ¥6,600 (Tax and Materials Included)
Official Site: http://fruitacademy.jp
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Last Thursday, SILENT SIREN performed at LINE CUBE SHIBUYA in Tokyo for Symphonic Concert 2021, a special collaboration show with the Tokyo New City Orchestra who have performed with countless international opera singers, international ballet groups, with the Paris Opera Ballet, and more. The concert was held with a live audience and saw SILENT SIREN perform with the 50 orchestra members. During the show, SILENT SIREN announced a new date for their 10th anniversary concert which had to be cancelled last year due to COVID-19. The new date is scheduled for September 25 and the venue is Hibiya Open Air Concert Hall in Tokyo. SILENT SIREN Kirara Revenge ~Sai Sai 10th Anniversary Festival~
Premium pre-sale tickets are now available exclusively to members of the official SILENT SIREN fan club, Sai Sai Family. Photo：Makiko Takada Information
SILENT SIREN Kirara Revenge ~Sai Sai 10th Anniversary Festival~
Japanese Concert Title: SILENT SIREN きららリベンジ〜サイサイ10歳祭〜
Date: September 25, 2021
Venue: Hibiya Open Air Concert Hall
Time: Open 17:00 / Start 18:00
Fan Club Pre-Sale Ticket Window: June 17, 2021 – June 27, 2021
Concert Details: https://silent-siren.com/ticket/kirararevenge-ss10th/
SILENT SIREN Official Website: http://silent-siren.com/
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Wanget's unisex loungewear brand Arce launched its online shop on Wednesday (February 17). The brand is hosting a campaign on its social media pages to promote the launch where customers can win some free items.
Arce was established from Makuake on November 25, 2020. The brand creates clothes made in Japan using environmentally-friendly Japanese materials. Their loungewear is versatile and can be worn not only indoors but outdoors too, and even when going to meet people. The clothes are shipped in boxes made from FSC-certified cardboard, and the vinyl bags used to protect each item are made using biodegradable saccharum officinarum. Arce held its first exhibition in Japan on November 25 and 26 last year to resounding success, bringing in many customers. The brand is currently holding a campaign on its Instagram page from February 17 to 28 where people can enter for a chance to win the above-pictured T-shirt and pullover. Only one of each will be given to two people respectively. To enter, you need to follow Arce on Instagram and give a like on which item you want. -
Sai Sai Jaran Jaran is a featured series here on MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON from the members of the all-female band SILEN SIREN (aka Sai Sai) who visit various hot spots in Japan and experience different things, the Sai Sai way. In Episode #10, SILENT SIREN drummer Hinanchu wanted to go and stay at a hotel in Tokyo, so she decided to take a trip to sequence MIYASHITA PARK, a new hotel inside Shibuya's new landmark shopping complex MIYASHITA PARK which itself opened in August 2020.
The newly-reborn MIYASHITA PARK is a four-storey shopping complex with stores located on the first three floors and the top floor being home to the park. The park houses a range of exercise and sports sites like a skate park and bouldering wall as well as the green area and even a Starbucks. This park is so spacious that it's easy to forget it's right next to busy Shibuya Station. It has been open for three months now and is already adored by the community. sequence MIYASHITA PARK is an 18-storey hotel that stands on the north side of MIYASHITA PARK. It can even be accessed from the complex's fourth floor park which leads visitors to the lobby lounge. The park side of the hotel is also home to a cafe called VALLEY PARK STAND. VALLEY PARK STAND can be used by non-guests at the hotel too and is open from morning to night time. The windows tower from the floor to the ceiling, allowing plenty of natural light into the cafe. There's plenty of seating areas with table seats, sofas, and benches. MIYA PITA CHICKEN SHAWARMA ¥900 | FRENCH FRIES & COCKTAIL COMBO ¥800 (Tax Included)
VALLEY PARK STAND is a cafe themed on a fictitious valley park, acting as one big park situated in the middle of bustling Shibuya. Adventuring through the valley park is best done with one of the cafe's signature "MIYA PITA" pita sandwiches in hand.The cafe offers a selection of coffees, pastries, and pitas for lunch and breakfast. In the evenings, customers can switch to the bar to enjoy something alcoholic. Their original craft cocktails are very popular and are made by a bartender who honed their craft while working in New York. Hinanchu ordered the "Park & Pomegranate Bellini." Normally hotel cocktails are small, but the ones served at VALLEY PARK STAND are much more generous. The cafe even sell their own merchandise, from mugs to tumblers and even picnic blankets so you can have a picnic in MIYASHITA PARK if the weather calls for it! For more information about VALLEY PARK STAND, check out our full breakdown here. VALLEY PARK STAND Address: sequence MIYASHITA PARK 4F, 6-20-10 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo Opening Hours: 7:30-23:00 (Last Orders 22:30) TEL: 03-6712-5442 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valleyparkstand/ The hotel check-in lounge can be found on fourth floor, the same as VALLEY PARK STAND. Check-in uses a new unmanned self-service system so all you need to do is follow the instructions. Guest rooms are simple but the furniture and fixtures are of high quality. Hinanchu stayed in the 4-person "BUNK BED 4" room. Prices vary depending on the season, but it can cost less than ¥5,000 for one person to stay in a 4-person room which is a bargain! The wide windows in guest rooms look out across MIYASHITA PARK. Depending on the hotel room you're in, you'll also be able to see landmarks like Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Skytree. The windows also read "Hi, TOKYO!" on them which makes for the perfect photo opportunity. All rooms are also fitted with reading material by young authors. If you scan the QR code next to their piece, you can learn more about them and even make a donation. Check-in is at 17:00 and check-out is 14:00 so guests can enjoy their stay leading into the early afternoon of the next day. The MIYASHITA PARK shops open at 11:00, so after checking-out, guests can go straight to shopping or lunch. So, how did you find MIYASHITA PARK, Hinanchu? "I've always lived in Tokyo, so I never imagined I'd stay in Shibuya, but you can really feel like a queen staying here! Despite it being smack bang in the middle of Tokyo, it's right next to the park which feels good. I definitely recommend it to those who live in rural areas that want to come and play in Tokyo since places like Shibuya and Harajuku are close by. The hotel is littered with art and stylish design, so it's not simply a stay but a creative experience too which I think will be popular with foreigners. I want to come here again on my own for a relaxing time!" On the fifth floor of the hotel is the restaurant and bar Dōngxī Restaurant & Sakaba which offers both breakfast, and dinner. The new entertainment restaurant and bar SOAK is also opening on November 13. If you're thinking of staying in Tokyo or Shibuya, be sure to look up sequence MIYASHITA PARK. Photo: Kayo SekiguchiText: Sayoko IshiiTranslation: Joshua Kitosi-Isanga SILENT SIREN SILENT SIREN is a four-member all-female band consisting of vocalist & guitarist Sumire “Suu” Yoshida, drummer Hinako “Hinanchu” Umemura, bassist Aina “Ainyan” Yamauchi, keyboardist Yukako “Yukarun” Kurosaka. In 2015, they performed their first solo concert at Nippon Budokan, making them the fastest Japanese all-female band in history to perform there since making their major debut. In April this year, they launched their own YouTube channel called “Sai Sai Channel.” They released their 7th album mix10th on September 2, 2020. The band celebrated their 10th anniversary with a special live performance at Yamanakako Communication Plaza Kirara on September 20, 2020. For the latest information on SILENT SIREN, visit their official website here: http://silent-siren.com/Information
sequence MIYASHITA PARK
Address: 6-20-10 Jingumae, Shibuya, TokyoTEL: 03-5468-6131
Official Website: https://www.sequencehotels.com/miyashita-park