Many visiting Tokyo in the future will want to find the most kawaii spots imaginable, and we know just the girl to serve as a guide! In today’s special interview, we chatted with MIOCHIN to share her recommendations. If you haven’t seen her colorful pop pics on TikTok and Instagram, you’ll want to jump into the MIONOSEKAI!

Q. MIOCHIN, what store is a must-visit in Harajuku?

“That would be SUGAR HIGH at Harajuku Alta! You can find colorful sweets and cute goods from all over the world. I always stop by when I have time because they have popular snacks I’ve seen on TikTok, tons of jewelry, and things I can use every day♪

It’s also a really good spot for buying small souvenirs and gifts for people!★”

Q. What store in Tokyo really embodies your personal worldview?

“The minacute CONCEPT STORE at Ikebukuro Sunshine City. I’m actually the store’s producer!★

Not only did I design this shop, but I’m also selling cute accessories in collaboration with minacute!!”

“The store feels like a big toy box and it’s filled with so many items that kids would love. Not only that–you can find popular brands from around the world and tons of sparkle too★

We also hold workshops and events on weekends, so please come visit!♪★”

Q. What’s your go-to Kawaii Spot?

(The HARAJUKU Room)

“If you’re looking to surround yourself with everything cute, it’s all about MOSHI MOSHI ROOMS! Each room is perfect for snapping photos–I’ve visited so many times for parties and photo shoots★

There are four rooms: DOSKOI, HARAJUKU, ORIGAMI, and SAKURA, and each has a uniquely cute interior♪ If you’re planning on staying the night in Harajuku, be sure to check it out!”

Q. Where can the readers find cute clothes like the ones found in your wardrobe?

(Skirt, Jacket: grapefruitmoon)

“Check out grapefruitmoon, a vintage clothing store. They have so many neat items from the 60s to the 80s, and the designs and shapes are so unique. I’d recommend browsing their retro dresses and funky bottoms★Whether you’re into more monotone fashion or something more flashy and bright, you’ll find it!♪”

Q. Where do you buy your makeup?

“ANNA SUI. I just can’t get enough of the brand’s vision, and the cosmetics are really one-of-a-kind. Honestly, I buy most of them–I especially love the perfumes. I love the scents and the designs are just too damn cute! It’s my favorite collection.”

Q. To wrap things up, do you have a message to readers coming to Japan in the future?

“I’m so glad that so many people are interested in Japan. I post so many colorful things on social media and always want to share Japanese culture with the world!♪

There are so many interesting places that you can only find here, and fascinating activities that you have to visit to enjoy!

I hope you’ll come enjoy our food, fashion, and sightseeing spots. And don’t forget to shop for some kawaii goods!★

And I hope that once you do, you’ll love Japan even more!”

PROFILE: MIOCHIN

Active as an illustrator, TikToker, and streamer, MIOCHIN is known for her colorful pop world MIONOSEKAI. She has fans young and old from around the world and often broadcasts on YouTube and TikTok, recently attracting attention for her duet videos on the latter. Her original videos focus on everything from makeup and art to impressions. 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dtdq2828/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mionosekai

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnyOak5Hd4WG0oLECz6L0Og

Twitter: https://twitter.com/dtdq2828

Last year, the Pola Museum Annex in Tokyo hosted a charity auction to support the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic breaking out across the globe. As the world continues to feel the effects of the virus, the charity event is returning for a second year, and is set to be held from November 12 until December 5, 2021. The title for this year’s art exhibition is ‘Find Your Travel.’ 

Lemon Tree – Yuka Kashihara. Acrylic and oil on canvas.  2020. 

POLA Dot or snowball ~Based on Tosa Mitsuyoshi’s Colored Painting of Yugiri from The Tale of Genji~ – Tetsuya Noguchi. Acrylic. 2020. 

our whereabouts – Moe Nakamura. Camphor, bronze, oil. 2021. 

Philanthropy – Yuko Higuchi. Hemp paper, pen, watercolor. 2020. 

Baby Heel-less Shoes – Noritaka Tatehama. Cowhide, pigskin, dye, metal zipper, coated crystal glass. 2020. 

Last year’s charity auction raised over ¥9,145,000 (about $83,000) for the Japanese Red Cross. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues around the globe, and as Japan remains locked down, this year’s event hopes to raise even more useful funds to help medical professionals on the front lines. 

20 artists are participating in the exhibition, with each creating one work based on the theme of ‘travel.’ In addition to simply viewing these pieces at the exhibition, a silent auction will also be held online. With travel being severely restricted, these works of art seek to inspire and encourage visitors to imagine a better future, when the world is open once again. All proceeds will once again be donated to the Japanese Red Cross. 

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.

Ome—a city located in western Tokyo that’s about an hour’s train ride from the populous Shinjuku. It’s a place enjoyed by many for its hiking and river swimming locales, as well as its architecture, in which one can still feel the influences of Japan’s Edo period, and kindness of the locals.

MATINOEKI OUME, an Ome-based company, recently launched its “Made in OME” project which aims to revitalise the city. The project will create a new kind of Ome through the eyes of the millennial generation. Its goal is to polish and refine the appealing aspects of Ome to offer up new tourism opportunities while bringing in new fans to the city.

Made in OME’s first step towards that is teaming up with DJ and YouTuber Yuna Yabe and illustrator and streamer MIOCHIN, two models signed to ASOBISYSTEM who will represent the millennial generation as the navigators of this journey as they participate in workshops with local producers and manufacturers, developing a variety of products such as sweets made with ingredients from Ome, like baumkuchen and chocolate rolls, and more.

You can catch their activity live over on MIOCHIN’s official Instagram page. Visit Made in OME’s official website below for more details.

Yuna Yabe

MIOCHIN

The two of them will host a free ‘monitor tour’ on February 21, 2021. These monitor tours aim to have people developing a strong relationship with new products from Ome. Participants will learn about the history and culture of Ome via local producers and manufacturers with products such as sake and indigo dyeing. Made in OME plants to expand their range of tourist monitor tours in the future.

Local Ome residents will also be invited to the tour in the evening of the same day. Learn all there is to know about Ome at Made in OME’s website which is available in English, Japanese, and Chinese.

OH MY CAFE, a chain of cafes in Japan, is now running a special Pixar-themed food event called ‘PIXAR FEST’ which will run in Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya.

“Keep On Smiling” is the the concept of the event, which will serve up a whole range of different foods including a Lightning McQueen exclusive on September 5, a special drink inspired by Disney Pixar’s Onward which released earlier this year, a collection of strawberry desserts centred on Lots-o’-Huggin’ Bear to celebrate Toy Story’s 25th anniversary, and more. There’s lots to see, so we follow MIOCHIN to the Tokyo event in Omotesando.

PIXAR FEST at OH MY CAFE is packed full of exciting things for both kids and adults alike. Here’s our report.

The fun begins even before you enter the cafe, as at the entrance, you are met with a wall poster of numerous popular Pixar characters.

The moment you step inside, Sully is there ready to greet you! You can even take a picture with him, so if you visit, don’t miss the chance.

You’ll find familiar faces scattered all around the cafe, like Woody, Buzz, Mike, Nemo. The decorations and designs are really wonderful.

The original menu has a cute lineup too, with dishes, drinks, and desserts inspired by characters from the animated movies.

The food tastes really good too, so be sure to pick out a menu item based on your favourite movie.

Until October 9, you can order the special Onward and Lightning McQueen menu items. This includes ‘Ian & Barley’s Pink Sunset Blue Mallow Tea’ and ‘Lightning McQueen’s Kachow Lightning Hamburger Sandwich.’ You can see the full menu lineup here. It makes you want to watch Pixar movies all day then grab some Pixar food!

Lots-o’-Huggin’ Bear from Toy Story 3 will have his own special menu items too: the ‘Lots-o’s Strawberry Chicken Hamburger’ and ‘Lots-o’-s Strawberry Drink.’ These will be served from October 10 to November 24.

The cafe has its own collection of PIXAR FEST merchandise in three different types: the “PIXAR FEST Series” which uses the cafe’s main visual for its design, the “Vintage Series” which uses a cute purple, and the “Alien Mix” which has a pop design with the Little Green Men from Toy Story.

Customers can also receive a limited-edition OH MY CAFE sticker if they order something from the menu, buy some merchandise, and post their thoughts about the cafe and their items on Twitter with the hashtags #キャンペーン #PIXAR FESTカフェで最高の思い出を作ろう #OHMYCAFE. Be sure to get involved if you’re in Japan this summer and autumn.

PIXAR FEST at OH MY CAFE is a dreamland for Pixar fans, and is best experienced in person.

©Disney/Pixar

In an effort to ensure the safety and protect the health of guests and staff, Universal Studios Japan (USJ) introduced strict measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 on June 8, 2020, such as limiting the number of people who could enter the park each day and enforcing thorough cleaning routines. This enabled the park to reopen after its temporary closure. It has since been able to deliver its scope of fun and excitement to guests, albeit in a more structured way.

USJ wants to make wearing masks more fun too, and so it is releasing a range of character-inspired face masks, such as Snoopy, Elmo and the Cookie Monster, on August 7. Part of the money made from sales of these masks will be donated to the USJ Wonder Kids Program which helps support children in need.

Universal Studios Japan original design masks

The masks’ unique designs take the mouths of each character. These can be worn together with each respective characters’ headband which are also sold at USJ. Designs include Elmo, Cookie Monster, Snoopy, Tim, Jurassic Park, and Jaws.

Photos provided by Universal Studios Japan.
HARRY POTTER characters, names and related indicia are © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Harry Potter Publishing Rights © JKR. (s20)
Minions and all related elements and indicia TM & © 2020 Universal Studios. All rights reserved.
TM & © 2020 Universal Studios.
© 2020 Peanuts
© ’76, ’20 SANRIO
© 2020 Sesame Workshop
TM & © Universal Studios & Amblin Entertainment
TM & © Universal Studios.
TM Universal Studios.

Over 50 manga artists in Japan are coming together for the launch of the new “MANGA Day to Day” project which will depict daily life during the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The project is set to roll out for free in mid-June on Twitter and Comic Days. A teaser by famous manga artist Tetsuya Chiba (Ashita no Joe; Notari Matsutarō) was released on May 22, 2020.

A related project entitled “Day to Day” is also taking place over on the Japanese literature news website TREE where over 50 popular authors have penned writings and essays on the restrictions of today’s everyday life. In addition to Japan, both projects have caught the attention of overseas news media and websites too. Like the related “Day to Day” project, “MANGA Day to Day” will have one new manga strip released for free each day on Twitter and Comic Days. A piece entitled Akudama by Tetsuya Chiba is already available to see over on the project’s official Twitter account.

People’s lives have changed drastically as a result of the pandemic. To pass down this time in history to the next 100, or even 200 years, the pieces contributed to the “MANGA Day to Day” project will be compiled into a book that’s scheduled for release in early 2021. A special edition of the book will also be compiled featuring both the manga and writing pieces.

Be sure to follow the Twitter account below to keep up to date.

A BATHING APE® released its new face mask case on Saturday (May 23) for people to hygienically put away their face masks, whether to store away or for on the go. The cases will be given to everyone that purchases something from the BAPE STORE® or BAPE.COM in Japan.

The case features BAPE’s iconic APE HEAD design. It’s made from PVC and so can be hand washed so people can safely and hygienically store their face masks. The case can of course be used to store hand sanitiser or hand wipes too.

Like many institutions around the world now, Mori Art Museum is temporarily closed as a result of COVID-19. But that hasn’t stopped the museum spreading creativity as it recently launched a new page on its website titled “Mori Art Museum Digital.”

The page comes as part of a new agenda by Mori Art Museum which it is calling “MAM @ HOME” which encourages people to “Stay Home, Stay Creative.” The project aims for the museum to stay connected with people even while the building itself is closed by offering a host of free art-related content.

This includes the “Future and the Arts 3D Walkthrough” which had to end in response to the museum’s closure, an online sneak preview of the postponed “MAM Screen 013: Mounira Al Solh,” the “ARTISTS COOKBOOK” which features recipes, photos and stories from artists around the world, and more.

Program #1: Online Sneak Preview of MAM Screen 013: Mounira Al Solh

Mounira Al Solh – Rawane’s Song (2006)

Mounira Al Solh – As If I Don’t Fit There (2006)

Since “MAM Screen 013: Mounira Al Aolh” has been postponed as a measure against the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), Mori Art Museum is introducing two works online prior to the official screening: Rawane’s Song (2006) and As If I Don’t Fit There (2006).

Mounira Al Solh works internationally and is based in her home country Lebonan and in Europe. Her work offers humorous takes on everyday events and stories, as well as episodes based on the lives of women from a contemporary society where political and religious conflicts as well as issues surrounding refugees occurs.

Program #2: Future and the Arts 3D Walkthrough

Due to the museum’s closure, “Future and the Arts: AI, Robotics, Cities, Life – How Humanity Will Live Tomorrow” was forced to end earlier than scheduled. Since then, the museum has been able to share walkthroughs of the exhibition via Instagram Live, as well as photos. Now people can enjoy the exhibition in a more immersive way as the museum introduces a virtual, 3D walkthrough, which they were able to capture thanks to the galleries being empty. It’s a complete recreation of the exhibition for people to enjoy at home.

Special #1: ARTISTS COOKBOOK by MAM

As a special project during Mori Art Museum’s closure, the museum has introduced “ARTISTS COOKCOOK by MAM,” a collection of recipes, stories, and photographs that artists from around the world have shared with them. The first recipe showcased is the “Kusama Lotus” by Kataoka Mami, the Director of Mori Art Museum. She describes lotus roots as reminiscent of polka dots and white nets, and that it’s a dish we could keep eating forever. She calls it a “dish for infinity.”

More recipes can be found on the museum’s official social media pages, so be sure to check them out.

Learning Online: Enjoy, Play, Learn Art @ HOME

Mori Art Museum hosts various programs and events where people can deepen their knowledge about contemporary art from around the world. The museum has posted an archived list of videos from some of their programs which people can tune in to from the comfort of their homes.

Neco Republic launched online pre-orders of its new face masks, called “SAVE THE CAT MASK,” via its website on May 6, 2020. Neco Republic is a company who pours efforts into helping save cats in Japan; they manage various businesses including the cat cafe Neco Republic which takes in rescue cats, NECOREPA/ which sells a variety of products and items with all proceeds going towards their efforts to taking in stray cats, Neco Ichi Neco Za which is a rescue cat event held in Japan, and more.

The “SAVE THE CAT MASK” series was launched for cat lovers and as a way to help cats in the process. The previous batch of these masks sold out in just two days.

High quality materials and skilful sewing, all made in Japan

SAVE THE CAT MASK – ¥1,980 for one / ¥9,900 for five

The masks are made from high quality natural cotton with all manufacturing carried out in Japan. They are sewed using a Japanese sewing method known as ayaori which ensures elasticity and makes it harder for the masks to wrinkle. The masks can also be washed repeatedly. Maintaining hygiene is of utmost important when it comes to face masks, and so these face masks are made so you can hand wash them lightly with detergent as well as put them in a net before putting them in the washing machine.

The masks are all sewn in Gifu Prefecture which is where Neco Republic is based.

Cute designs inspired by cats

There are five design variations of the masks each inspired by a different cat breed including calico, Russian Blue, tuxedo, white, and black. They are also shaped subtly like a cat which most likely won’t be noticed by other people meaning you can express you love of cats secretly.

Save cats during the process

The masks aren’t only for us humansーthey benefit our cats too. All proceeds from the masks will go towards Neco Republic’s rescue cat cafe as well as be used for the company’s efforts for helping rescue cats.

UNICEF Japan launched a spin-off story of the manga series Left-Handed Ellen on May 1 to help support children from the novel coronavirus. The web series gives tips on how to raise kids.

What is Left-Handed Ellen?

Left-Handed Ellen is a web manga series written by Kappy and illustrated by nifumi. Kappy became popular for his Facebook Police web manga. Left-Handed Ellen was the first full-length manga series to win the Special Prize at the Cakes Creator Content which was organised by Note. The series was made into a televised drama in October 2019.

The new spin-off made in collaboration with UNICEF Japan takes inspiration from UNICEF’s “6 Hints On Raising Kids” which was released on April 10 this year. It was made with parents in mind who are having to stay at home more with their children now due to COVID-19 and gives tips on teaching them about the virus, spending one-on-one time with them, how to stay positive each day, and so on.

Schools in 190 countries and regions are currently closed as a result of the pandemic, with around 60% of the world’s children at home from the lockdown. The sudden change to everyday life where we’re having to stay at home over long periods of time is sure to cause household stress levels to rise. There is also fear of an increase in fights and abuse at home. Kappy, who himself is raising a child at home, made the following comment with regards to this new manga collaboration.

Kappy | Comment

“I have a daughter who is 1-and-a-half years old. Me and my wife are working together to bring her up. But we’re also swamped with work, so when I’m not in tiptop shape there are times I feel like I can’t raise her to the best of my ability. UNICEF release their own message about this, but I think the most important thing in all of this is to lay down a daily routine so you can live a more peaceful life. And it doesn’t have to be something special. It might be something ordinary that you can do which will benefit someone else. Myself, for example, all I can do right now is draw manga. So if me drawing manga as I usually do helps somebody else in some way, I don’t think there’s a more economical way of doing so. If parents can bring back a sense of normality I believe the kids will be able to relax too. When I hear things about fighting at home and domestic violence my mind automatically wants to think that that has no relation to us. But in these times when we can’t even do the things that are the most natural to us, spending time with family is important, and so I hope [this manga] helps people remember that.”

©左ききのエレン

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.

In this edition of Stay Home, we’re taking a look at six more cute, easy-to-make toast recipes that were featured with the trending Japanese hashtag #おうちカフェ (“Cafe at Home”). Try making them yourself at home for breakfast, lunch, or as a snack.

Related Article: Stay Home: 6 Toast Arrangements to Bring the Cafe Experience to Your Home During the Lockdown

1: Orange Toast | @candyrose914

Candy Rose’s recipe shows us how to make orange toast. Orange and chocolate is a tried and tested combination. The fresh cream adds a dessert-like quality to the toast.

Ingredients
・Bread 　・Navel Orange & Chocolate Jam 　・Orange Jam　・Fresh cream　・Orange

Method
1: Simmer the orange in white wine and granulated sugar.
2: Toast bread and smear with the jam.
3: Add a dollop of fresh cream on top.
4: Top with sliced orange and tuck in!

2: Mini Strawberry & Red Bean Paste Butter Toast | @__yk._

yk.’s toast recipe is a combination of Japanese and western flavours with red bean paste and buttered brioche which looks cute when it’s cut thick and small like in the picture♡

Ingredients
・Brioche toast　・Strawberries　・Red bean paste　・Butter　・Fresh cream

Method
1: Toast the bread and add the red bean paste.
2: Top with a strawberry and fresh cream.
3: Finish with a knob of butter and enjoy!

3: Apple Toast | @ruko_0519

KAORUKO’s toast recipe is a great dessert idea too. It’s a super simple recipe made with microwaved apple compote.

Ingredients
・Bread　・Apple　・Lemon juice　・Sugar　・Fruit granola

Method
1: Slice apple with the skin on.
2: Add 1 tbsp of lemon juice and 30g sugar to the apple and microwave for 3 minutes.
3: Slice a thin slice of bread and toast. Add the apple compote to the toast and finish with a sprinkle of fruity granola.

4: Marshmallow Toast | @woo.rrei

Rei has added marshmallows to their toast to create a fluffy, dessert-like, and cafe-worthy recipe.

Ingredients
・Bread　・Marshmallows　・Chocolate Sauce

Method
1: Slice a thin piece of bread and toast. Top with marshmallows.
2: Toast once again under a grill until the marshmallows take on colour.
3: Drizzle with chocolate syrup and you’re done!

5: Open Avocado Sandwich | @keijunrin

Keiko’s recipe makes a fresh open-style sandwich with lots of avocado. The egg yolk adds a melt-in-the-mouth texture. The texture of the whole thing is nice and smooth.

Ingredients
・Bread　・Avocado　・Pink pepper　・Egg yolk　・Mayonnaise

Method
1: Add the avocado to a slice of bread and grind on some rose pepper.
2: Drop on an egg yolk and lightly toast under a grill.
3: Drizzle with mayonnaise and enjoy!

6: Bread Gratin | @izumxx_37

izumi’s recipe is a combination of bread and “naporitan” which is a Japanese pasta dish. It’s a hearty serving that makes for a great lunch.

Ingredients
・Bread　・Naporitan pasta　・White Sauce　・Cheese

Method
1: Make naporitan and white sauce in advance. Cut the naporitan into small pieces.
2: Slice 1 thin and 1 thick slice of bread.
3: Cut out the inside of the thick slice. Place this hollowed-out thick piece on top of the thin slice of bread. This thin slice forms the bottom of your bread.
4: Add the naporitan inside. Drizzle in white sauce so it’s like a lid over the pasta.
5: Sprinkle on cheese, toast, and you’re done!

Bring the cafe experience into your own home by making your own fun toast arrangements.