Sebastian Masuda x PAC-MAN Collaboration Celebrates Game’s 40th Anniversary With Merchandise and Art Installation
Bandai Entertainment is celebrating 40 years of PAC-MAN with a new collaboration with Sebastian Masuda, the artist and art director at the forefront of “kawaii” culture in Japan.
PAC-MAN x Sebastian Masuda: Pop Culture Taken to the Next Level
BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment is a Japanese multinational video game developer and publisher whose motto is “More Fun For Everyone.” This summer, the company is dropping a new face into the ghost and fruit-filled maze of their iconic 80’s video game character PAC-MAC. That person is none other than Sebastian Masuda.
The scope of Masuda’s influence is unrivalled. His touch can be seen all across Japanese kawaii culture, ranging from his work on Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s viral hit music video PONPONPON which skyrocketed her career, to Harajuku’s famous concept restaurant KAWAII MONSTER CAFE, the Miracle Gift Parade at Sanrio Puroland, as well as countless work on TV, commercials, advertisements, characters, stage, concerts, and more. He is a leader when it comes to pop culture, and so it is fitting that he follows alongside PAC-MAN into this labyrinth of a collaboration.
Primal Pop (PAC-MAN Mix)
In celebration of PACMAN‘s 40th anniversary, Sebasian Masuda created a giant art piece entitled Primal Pop (PAC-MAN Mix) which is made up from a mix of historical PAC-MAN merchandise and children’s toys which aims to have the people who see it return the excitement they felt as a child.
The art installation has been placed at the entrance of the BANDAI NAMCO Future Laboratory located inside the BANDAI NAMCO Group office building. It stands 2.9 meters high and 2.6 meters across. As of now, it is only available to see by staff and associates, but you can see a video of it being made below.
Sebasian Masuda’s “Primal Pop (Pac-Man Mix)” | Behind The Scenes
Sebastian Masuda x PAC-MAN Merchandise
PAC-MAN Special Art by Sebastian Masuda Official T-Shirt (Black) | ¥4,000 (Before Tax) | Sizes: Small, Medium, Large
PAC-MAN Special Art by Sebastian Masuda Official Sticker | ¥500 (Before Tax)
A special collection of merchandise themed on Primal Pop (PAC-MAN Mix) was also released on BANDAI NAMCO’s online store Asobi Store on August 12 so that everyone can enjoy the collaboration. There are plans for overseas releases too.
PAC-MAN: A Game Love the World Over
PAC-MAN was first released in 1980 and has since become a symbol of pop and gaming culture around the world. With the outbreak of COVID-19, BANDAI NAMCO Studios made PAC-MAN Championship Edition 2 free to play on PlayStation®4 , Xbox One, and Steam® between April 24 and May 10 as a way to put a smile of people’s faces while celebrating a game that has become so rooted in pop culture.
PAC-MAN™&©BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc.
Information
PAC-MAN Official Website: https://www.pacman.com/en/
*PlayStation and PS4 are registered trademarks of Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.
*Xbox and Xbox One are trademarks and registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation and associated companies.。
*Steam and the Steam logo are trademarks and registered trademarks of Valve Corporation.
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Sebastian Masuda to open SUSHIDELIC, a new sushi restaurant in Soho, New York City. The location will open on June 28, 2023.
“King of Kawaii” Sebastian Masuda, creator of Harajuku’s “KAWAII MONSTER CAFE,” loved by celebrities around the world, has created a new restaurant concept in New York City
Sebastian Masuda is a multi-disciplinary artist whose unique sense of color transcends the boundaries of art, fashion, and entertainment. His restaurant “KAWAII MONSTER CAFE” opened in Harajuku in August 2015 and quickly became a popular spot in Tokyo, frequented by celebrities from around the world, including BLACK PINK’s Jenny, Katy Perry, and Ariana Grande. His next project will take place in New York City, where he is currently based. The restaurant will offer a completely new perspective on sushi, the most popular Japanese food in the U.S. and an integral part of the American lifestyle.Enjoy an Immersive Kawaii Experience
The new location is meant to be an “immersive Kawaii experience.” Once you step into the restaurant, you’ll find yourself in a psychedelic and one-of-a-kind space that will make you feel as if you’ve wandered into another world. Guest will be guided by employees clad in colorful custom-made costumes, and three rotating cats will be suspended by the ceiling, rotating to reveal a secret image. Guests sitting at the counter will enjoy a pink custom-made conveyor belt, a.k.a a sushi lane.The restaurant will offer artist Sebastian Masuda “Immersive Kawaii Experiences” that go beyond THE DINING EXPERIENCE.Featuring a Menu Developed by Japanese Chefs and Supported by AUTEC, Inc.
Chef Hiroki Abe and Sebastian Masuda collaborated to create an unforgettable menu, fully supported by AUTEC. After moving to the United States in 2001, Abe worked as an executive chef at EN Japanese Brasserie in NYC. He now works as a private chef at corporate events and parties around the U.S. On the technical side, AUTEC, which boasts the number one share of the automatic sushi machine market in North America, is backing up the venture. The sushi is sure to be as tasty as it is kawaii!Featuring Restaurant Music by RAM RIDER, the Music Producer Behind the Score at KMC
The in-store background music is essential when cultivating an immersive experience. Music producer RAM RIDER, who created the music for KAWAII MONSTER CAFE, has written an incredible 70-minute ambient track for SUSHIDELIC. Guests can look forward to losing themselves in the adorable ambiance.Tons of New Yorkers Visit During Pre-Opening, SUSHIDELIC Trends on Social Media
During SUSHIDELIC’s limited pre-opening, scores of New York-based celebrities and influencers visited the shop. The unparalleled ambiance, food presentation, and experience have quickly become a hot topic on social media!Opening in SoHo, the Trendiest Neighborhood in New York City
SUSHIDELIC is scheduled to open at 177 Lafayette St. in the heart of the SoHo area, where the latest fashions and trends are born and where many fashion brands have opened their flagship stores.We will keep you updated with the latest information as it becomes available. Please look forward to the chemistry between “Sushi” and “Kawaii,” two of Japan’s proudest exports.
Sebastian Masuda
Information
Shop Overview
Name: SUSHIDELIC
Opening: June 28, 2023
Address: 177 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10013Website: https://www.sushidelic.netInstagram: @sushidelic.nyc -
From September 30 until October 2, 2022, artist Sebastian Masuda will present a hands-on live performance work titled Polychromatic Skin - Minitsukeru, nugisuteru at kagoo in Kitakagaya, Osaka.
Masuda, who currently resides in New York, is returning to Japan temporarily to prevent this colorful and experimental participatory live performance, inspired by the street style of the 90s. The title of the artwork is pulled from the artist’s intention to break through and liberate people’s unconscious stereotypes that stand in the way of gender freedom. This work is the second in a series following Polychromatic Skin -Gender Tower- and Polychromatic Skin -Gender Wall- to be exhibited at Roppongi Art Night 2022.
The theme of this art piece is ‘wearing something by taking it off.’ Audience members will participate in the live performance by wearing masks, tops, and bottoms based on the idea of androgyny, or the body of a human before it is divided into male or female.
Upon entering the art space, guests will be surrounded by live music consisting of drums and violins and visuals, while being invited to act accordingly to create their own art. Each session lasts 60 minutes, and participation in the live performance must be reserved in advance. Tickets to view the works without participating in the performance will be sold at the venue on the day of the event.
The performance will take place at kagoo, a former warehouse space in Kitakagaya, an artistic area of Osaka. A free area at the entrance will feature a pop-up store filled with Sebastian Masuda’s art, along with items from 6%DOKIDOKI, a popular Harajuku apparel brand celebrating its 27th anniversary in 2022.
<Comment from Sebastian Masuda>
“In Brooklyn, New York in 2018, I wandered off to go to the restroom at a club. The male and female signs on the restroom doors had been smashed together, and the sign only said ‘non-gender.’ Bewildered by the unexpected instructions, I opened the door with the usual color and found a completely different sight than I was expecting. Shocked to realize that there were stereotypes hiding unconsciously within me, I returned to the club floor to find the space is as fun as ever. Since then, I’ve wondered if there is a way to break the stereotypes I have. I can’t stop thinking about it.
Is breaking down the walls the only shortcut? The right answer is inside all of us. Sometimes, to see the truth, you just need to put something on. Cast off the self by taking it off.”
Information
Polychromatic Skin -Take Off by Wearing-
Running: September 30 – October 2, 2022
Venue: kagoo (5-4-19 Kitakagaya, Suminoe-ku, Osaka)
Official Site:
https://sebastianmasuda.com/works/skin-osaka/ -
Sebastian Masuda, known as the “father of kawaii,” moved to New York City in 2022 to be more active in the Big Apple while continuing his activities in Tokyo. His first event since moving to the city will be the COLORS FOR PEACE charity art exhibition, which will be held at the Mizuma & Kips gallery on Manhattan’s Lower East Side from July 29 until July 31. A portion of all proceeds from the sale of artwork and donations collected will be donated to the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America, a human rights organization supporting those whose lives have been impacted by war. Masuda wanted people to think about peace, which is the theme for the COLORS FOR PEACE exhibition. The showing will feature artwork in four primary colors–blue, yellow, green, and pink. Along with original paintings and lithographs, the exhibition will also feature a bed installation where guests can freely relax. Visitors will be able to think about the people whose peaceful daily lives are threatened by the ongoing war, and will be able to support them through art. An opening reception for the event will be held on the evening of July 29, and reservations are open now. More information will be announced on Masuda’s social media accounts, including when the artist himself will appear.
Comment from Sebastian Masuda
“COLORS FOR PEACE is an event with a very straightforward theme, and that is for guests to think about peace. Close your eyes. Imagine it. Understand it. Understand how wonderful it is that you can sleep in your own bed at home tonight. We all know how comfortable it is to be able to sleep in our own bed, with our own sheets that have our own scent. Through my activities over the years, I’ve come to realize that the ‘kawaii’ movement is one of the best ways to inspire peace. It helps us to understand each other, and the bright and vibrant colors make people happy, both in Japan and around the world. I hope that the COLORS FOR PEACE venue will be filled with many smiling faces and that it will transcend race, religion, age, gender, and all other borders.”Information
COLORS FOR PEACE
Running: July 29 – July 31, 2022
Venue: Mizuma & Kips
Address: 324 Grand St, New York
Entry: Free
Hours
July 29: 12:00-18:00
July 30: 12:00-18:00
July 31: 12:00-17:00
Opening Reception:July 29, 18:00-20:00
Reservations: https://www.eventbrite.com/preview?eid=367935463877/
Official Site: https://sebastianmasuda.com/exhibition/colors-for-peace/
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PAC-MAN is one of the most important characters in video game history, so celebrating his birthday is a given! Bandai Namco has announced a number of projects to take place in 2022 based on the theme of ‘Be PAC-TIVE!!’
PAC-MAN Official Theme Song, We are PAC-MAN!
The ‘Be PAC-TIVE’ initiative wants to inspire people to eat well and live well, and to place more importance on cultivating a healthy body and mind. PAC-MAN’s circular shape is also symbolic of a circle of friends, harmony, the spirit of cooperation, and the shape of the planet we all inhabit. Who knew that a simple character and game like PAC-MAN could be so deep? We are PAC-MAN! (Japanese ver.): https://youtu.be/JKque0N2bwwWe are PAC-MAN! (English ver.): https://youtu.be/5_JzxszEpmc We are PAC-MAN! (Chinese ver.): https://space.bilibili.com/287390748PAC-MAN MUSEUM+ Commemorative T-Shirt
The PAC-MAN MUSEUM+, which includes 14 classic and modern titles from the PAC-MAN universe, will soon be available. New T-Shirts commemorating the release will be available on Amazon starting May 23. The birthday version of the shirt will be released on June 23, and will feature the key visual alongside a festive newly-drawn illustration. Collaboration with Popular Online Game Fortnite
PAC-MAN will also be teaming up with the globally-popular online game Fortnite starting June 2! Players will be able to purchase items with a PAC-MAN motif. It’s likely that you haven’t played a PAC-MAN game in a while, so why not pick one up for old times’ sake? PAC-MAN MUSEUM™+ & ©BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc. “PlayStation”および“PS4”は、株式会社ソニー・インタラクティブエンタテインメントの登録商標または商標です。 Nintendo Switchは任天堂の商標です。 STEAM および STEAM ロゴは、米国およびまたはその他の国の Valve Corporation の商標およびまたは登録商標です。 Information
PAC-MAN Website: https://pacman.com/jp/
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Report: Sebastian Masuda’s ‘Yes, Kawaii is Art’ Exhibition at Kanda Myojin Shrine Goes Beyond ‘Cute’
What does the word ‘kawaii’ mean to you? For most people overseas, it’s a purely Japanese aesthetic combining colorful visuals with cutesy characters to make something so adorable it defies imagination. In recent years, however, ‘kawaii’ has become a kind of philosophy that transcends language, national borders, and even consciousness. It’s a driving force behind people’s lives and something that pulls people out of bed in the morning--it’s something capable of instantly putting a smile on people’s faces. For those wishing to study the philosophy behind the ‘kawaii’ movement, the Godfather of Kawaii Sebastian Masuda is currently holding an exhibition at Kanda Myojin Shrine in Tokyo until December 12, 2021. What is it about ‘kawaii’ that is so capable of inspiring so many different people and cultures around the world?A correlation chart welcomes guests to the grounds. The ‘Kawaii Archival Research,’ a project on kawaii culture conducted with students from the Kyoto University of Arts, collected data on ‘kawaii’ trends from the post-war period to the present day. Through interactions with the worldwide ‘kawaii’ community, it’s clear how much of an impact the aesthetic has had on people around the globe. In the midst of the pandemic in 2020, Masuda announced #KAWAIITRIBE, a way to encourage those coping with depression during the days of COVID-19. His followers were asked to use ‘color’ to bring the world together, and more and more, the ‘kawaii’ movement became a way to express and love oneself. Using #KAWAIITRIBE, more and more fans of the movements became connected--even if those users were countries apart. The hashtag #SPEAKUP was also utilized by Masuda to collect data from ‘kawaii’ lovers around the world, asking about hobbies, interests, and opinions on ‘kawaii’ culture. The data collected over the course of 12 days was incredibly meaningful to Masuda and led to plenty of new discoveries about the community as a whole. Masuda explains that each country has different types of ‘kawaii,’ and that the aesthetic is expressed in different ways around the world. One country may have people influenced mainly by ‘kawaii’ expressions in anime and manga, while another expresses it through fashion or music. ‘Kawaii’ is diverse, just as people are diverse. Sebastian Masuda has also held a Zoom meeting with people in ‘kawaii’ communities around the globe to discover how they became involved with the aesthetic initially, while also asking how it inspired them and gave them strength during these difficult times. Certain people claimed that ‘kawaii’ helped them in their personal growth, while others say it has brought out some of their potential in new and unexpected ways. While Masuda’s artwork may simply seem visual, ‘kawaii’ has become a tool for new communication and personal healing and growth. Some may even call it a kind of therapy: a place where people can surround themselves with color and joy to heal from the difficulties of life. The bold colors of the ‘kawaii’ movement can inspire people to be bold in their daily lives. Individuality should be celebrated and self-confidence should reign supreme--that is yet another message of the ‘kawaii’ movement. Many people involved in the Zoom call had never met, and after the initial meeting, the room was left open to give people a place to communicate. Afterward, the ‘kawaii’ circle only became bigger, with a Facebook group bringing together more and more members of the community. The research done during the last year of the COVID-19 pandemic has given ‘kawaii’ lovers a reason to think deeply on how to overcome the many struggles born from the ‘new normal,’ and these forums are perfect places to share colorful messages of hope and strength. Inspired by Masuda’s own struggles during his time in Manhatten in 2013, Colorful Rebellion -Seventh Nightmare- is on display at Kanda Myojin. The installation has previously appeared in locations around the world including New York City, Milan, and Amsterdam. This time, the exhibit was inspired by ‘muro,’ a basement room in Omotesando where amazake is fermented. The room was used as an air-raid shelter during the war, and walking along the dimly-lit path leading to Masuda’s brightly-colored room, it’s hard not to wish that those evacuees could have been surrounded by these beautiful colors instead of pitch darkness. It is no exaggeration to say that this is Masuda’s representative work. Created in the midst of the artist’s own struggles, it has helped establish the philosophy of ‘kawaii’ culture and continues to help those dealing with their own problems. The Time After Time Capsule Art Project, starting in 2014 and held in 12 cities around the world, is a massive time capsule filled with messages and wishes for the future. Shaped like the beloved Sanrio character Hello Kitty, the capsule is gradually changing color as it becomes heavier and heavier with wishes for peace and happiness from fans around the world. Originally planned to be exhibited at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, this couldn’t come to fruition due to the current pandemic. This is the first time it is being shown in Japan. The WORLD TIME CLOCK, a once-famous landmark of Harajuku, has also been recreated and installed within Kanda Myojin. ‘Yes, Kawaii Is Art’ at Kanda Myojin is a deeply emotional, personal, and inspiring exhibition allowing visitors to experience firsthand how ‘kawaii’ culture is capturing the hearts of people around the world. Sebastian Masuda isn’t slowing down any time soon, and his works will continue to heal people and bring joy for many years to come. Sebastian Masuda's solo exhibition ‘Primal Pop’ will be held at Roppongi Hills A/D Gallery from December 11, 2021, until January 10, 2022. TEXT：Natalie（MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON） Information
YES, KAWAII IS ART at Kanda Myojin Shrine
Running until December 12, 2021
Location: Kanda Myojin Shrine
Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/ja/527783
Primal Pop
Running: December 11, 2021 – January 10, 2022
Location: Roppongi Hills A/D Gallery
Official Site：https://sebastianmasuda.com
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The Godfather of Kawaii Sebastian Masuda will open his ‘Yes, Kawaii Is Art’ exhibition at the 1,300-year-old Kanda Myojin Shrine on December 4, 2021. A number of Masuda’s representative works will be on display at the historical site, known as one of the most important shrines during the Edo period.
Colorful Rebellion -Seventh Nightmare-
Kanda Myojin Shrine
Colorful Rebellion -Seventh Nightmare- has been shown in New York, Milan, and Amsterdam over the past few years, and will now make an appearance as part of this exhibition. Given the magnificence of the venue, the work will be presented in a unique way--in the basement of the shrine. In addition, a part of the research on Kawaii culture conducted in collaboration with Kyoto University of Arts Ultra Factory will be on display as well. Guests will be invited to ponder the nature of Kawaii, and what makes it so beloved by audiences worldwide.Colorful Rebellion -WORLD TIME CLOCK-
Time After Time Capsule Art Project
Kawaii Archival Research
Near the entrance to the shrine, the Colorful Rebellion -WORLD TIME CLOCK will be on display. Clad in the cutest colors imaginable, it has become a symbol of Harajuku around the world. The Hello Kitty-shaped time capsule, which was on display for five months in New York City in 2015, will also be shown on the temple grounds. The participatory art project has made it to 12 cities around the world so far. Kawaii culture will blend with traditional Japanese culture during this exhibition, so keep an eye out for more details coming soon! What is ‘Yes, Kawaii Is Art?’ Sebastian Masuda has been at the helm of the global Kawaii movement for decades. In 2020, Masuda asked a number of questions to fans of Japanese pop culture around the world–what is Kawaii? Why does Kawaii cross borders, generations, and gender? This new exhibition tries to find an answer to those questions while bringing some joy and excitement to the local community.Information
Sebastian Masuda Exhibition ‘Yes, Kawaii Is Art’ at Kanda Myojin Shrine
Dates: December 4 – December 12, 2021
Hours: 12:00-18:00 (Last Entry at 17:30)
Address: Kanda Myojin Shrine (2-16-2 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo)
Admission: Free (¥500 for Colorful Rebellion -Seventh Nightmare-)
https://sebastianmasuda.com/works/tokyo/
For more details on the event, follow Sebastian Masuda’s Twitter: