As part of the ongoing Channel47 project, which uses the power of local resources and entertainment to share Japan and its local culture with the world, a new travel experience titled ‘DEEP EXPERIENCE THE INAKA -TENRYUKYO・IIDA CITY-’ is now on sale, taking visitors to Iida, Nagano Prefecture.

Iida City in Nagano Prefecture will be the location for the tour, with the city selected by the Japan Tourism Agency in 2024 for its ‘Project to Promote Expansion and Quality of Inbound Tourism by Providing Special Experiences for Visitors.’ The Minami Shinshu Tourism Bureau helped to create the tour for inbound travelers to experience the “real” Japanese countryside found in the Tenryu Gorge area of Iida City by funding farmhouse homestays in the area.

By creating a travel experience that takes advantage of the local resources of Tenryu Gorge in Iida City, we aim to promote sustainable tourism activities by communicating the charm of the region to people in both Japan and abroad, revitalizing local production, passing on traditional culture, and strengthening cooperation between local communities.

On May 4, the 7-member idol group FRUITS ZIPPER held the first Tokyo performance of their first-anniversary concert tour at Toyosu PIT.

Tickets for both the Tokyo and Osaka shows sold out immediately after they went on sale. To celebrate the first anniversary of the group’s debut, the lucky fans who were able to snag tickets came together at Toyosu PIT.

In the year since their debut, FRUITS ZIPPER has skyrocketed in popularity, performing live at several idol festivals and some of Japan’s largest fashion events, and successfully touring Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka. Their show at LINE CUBE SHIBUYA garnered incredible attention.

For the first anniversary concert, the stage was transformed by a special set and the member appeared in new never-before-seen costumes. They performed a total of 17 songs, and each member expressed their gratitude to their fans during the MC segments.

During the performance, it was announced that the group would perform at the Sayonara Nakano Sunplaza Music Festival on June 26. The venue, which has seen countless performances over its long history, will be demolished and replaced to commemorate its 50th anniversary. Fans are excited to see their favorite artists perform on this legendary stage, and many are curious to see how it will be transformed in the future.

FRUITS ZIPPER has also released the song Cho Medetai Song ~Konnani Shiawasede Iinokana? ~ (The Super Joyful Song ~Is It Okay to Be This Happy?~) on all major streaming services. The track was co-written by Sho Yamamoto, who wrote the group’s hit song Watashino Ichiban Kawaiitokoro, currently with over 700 million views on TikTok, and Gento Miyano, who has written songs for numerous popular artists. The super-happy pop tune has a sound reminiscent of idol tracks from the 2000s and has been a smash hit at live shows, stirring the fans into a frenzy.

ZEROTOKYO, an entertainment mecca known for heating up Tokyo nights, is teaming up with ASOBISYSTEM to create an exciting new party! ASOBIZA, named after the origin of Kabukicho, will be held on April 28.

The lineup includes music artists as well as charismatic figures at the top of their fields in fashion, beauty, and art. Transcending musical genres and generations, this night will embody ZEROTOKYO’s concept of being a true “Entertainment Junction.”

Additional performers may be announced in the future.

The new Tokyo Diary Map series aims to introduce readers to awesome spots in Tokyo that they might want to visit! Each entry features locations recommended by a single artist or talent, and fans will get to not only discover new places to visit in Japan’s capital, but also get to learn more about the thoughts and feelings of these unique individuals.

The first participant in the Tokyo Diary Map series is Atsushi Ogata, a multi-talented TV personality and actor. Last year, he appeared as a beauty-concious man on Nippon TV’s DANCING SANMA PALACE, spurring a major buzz by revealing his cosmetic routine. He’s also a notable actor, having appeared in the papercraft theater company’s 7th performance Sekai ga Asa wo Shiroutomo (Though the World May Know Morning), telling the story of a man and a woman, a couple of friends, and a certain woman “until morning.”

-Tell us about your favorite spot in Tokyo!

“Daikanyama T SITE TSUTAYA. I feel like I can really relax there. I love being surrounded by my favorite fashion magazines, and no matter what magazine you pick up, they’re all so exciting and educational. That’s what I like about bookstores–you can pick up something you’re not usually interested in and learn something new. It’s the best.”

 

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代官山 蔦屋書店 / 代官山T-SITE(@daikanyama.tsutaya)がシェアした投稿

Daikanyama T SITE TSUTAYA
16-15 Sarugakucho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
https://store.tsite.jp/daikanyama/

– How do you like to spend your time at Daikanyama T SITE TSUTAYA?

“I pick up a new book, find a seat, and take my time reading. I like people-watching and checking out people’s fashion too. Also, there’s a nice café called ivy place nearby, where I can read while having a relaxing cup of coffee.”

 

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Ivy Place

東京都渋谷区猿楽町16-15

https://www.tysons.jp/ivyplace/

-You studied fashion design in the United States. How did that experience influence you? How do you want to make use of that experience going forward?

 “Learning about fashion at art school was very inspiring. It was also very interesting to see how people with different ethnic backgrounds dress and to see their individual personalities. For example, I saw high school students wearing backpacks instead of using school bags. I just loved seeing people’s unique fashion. It made me realize something that I still believe in to this day–that there’s  nothing more beautiful than wearing what you like in your own way. I’d actually like to create my own clothing brand in the future, so I hope to put my high school fashion design studies to good use.”

–Which apparel stores do you frequent?

I always peek into Dover Street Ginza!

 

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Dover Street Ginza
Ginza Komatsu West Building (6-9-5 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo)
https://ginza.doverstreetmarket.com

-What fashion styles are you interested in lately?

“I like a lot of different genres, but lately I’ve been into chic styling, like pairing shirts and sweaters. I dream of dressing like Thom Browne. I want to try to buy at least one piece from his collection.

-You post a lot of illustrations on your Instagram. Do you usually like to draw? When do you lke to create? 

“I bought an iPad to draw because I really wanted something to do something new during COVID. For me, when I plan time to draw something, it never goes well, so I tend to just draw when inspiration suddenly strikes. I have no particular style, I just draw whatever I want!”

-What inspires you as someone so expressive? What has piqued your interest lately?

“I get inspiration from a wide range of different people. It could be people walking on the street, people on the train…lately, I’ve been meeting the most inspiring and wonderful people. Listening to their stories is what inspires me the most. Fashion inspires me, humanity inspires me, people’s auras inspire me.”

-Finally, please give a message to those who are planning on coming to Japan!

“Japan is just wonderful. It’s the best. The food, the people, the scenery, all of it is incredible. Once you visit, you’ll definitely want to come back. Please come and enjoy!” (Laugh)

From March 14 until April 23, 2023, Tokyo Midtown Hibiya will hold Hisashi Eguchi’s Tokyo Girlfriend illustration exhibition, set to show off the artist’s unique perspectives on people and cityscapes. The exhibition will feature new illustrations of the titular girlfriend standing in the streets of Hibiya drawn especially for this exhibition, as well as various other girlfriends both large and small.

GING NANG BOYZ Kimi to Boku no Dai 3ji Taisen-teki Renai Kakumei CD Jacket (2005)

A LONG VACATION – Eiichi Ohtaki 40th Tribute Illustration (2021) ©2023 Eguchi Hisashi

Hisashi Eguchi, a manga artist and illustrator, continues to convey the charm of the city and its people by vividly depicting Tokyo and the many unique happenings within. As Tokyo Midtown Hibiya celebrates its 5th anniversary along with many other nearby businesses, the Tokyo Girlfriend exhibition of illustrations by Hisashi Eguchi is being held to celebrate.

The exhibition will feature a new painting of the mysterious girlfriend standing in the streets of Hibiya, newly created for the Tokyo Midtown Hibiya exhibition. A number of original pieces using Pantone overlay, Eguchi’s favorite painting medium in the 80s and 90s, will also be on display for the first time.

During the exhibition period, guests can enjoy autograph sessions, live sketches in which Eguchi himself will draw a portrait of selected subject on the spot, and workshops where he will teach tips on how to be a better illustrator.

Don’t miss your chance to meet one of the greatest illustrators of the modern era!

©2023 Eguchi Hisashi

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)

Fans of the pop rock band Macaroni Empitsu will want to head to Tokyo from February 17 to March 6, 2023 to enjoy a newly-reworked 10th-anniversary exhibition. Guests are invited to look through various macaroni holes around the exhibition hall to catch glimpses of some curious and rare items only on display for a limited time.

After being held at several locations around Japan, the exhibition will return to Ikebukuro PARCO in Tokyo next month.

Items appearing in the Macaroni Empitsu 10th Anniversary Book -Macaroni Kuronikuru- will be on display, and a short film titled Aspirations will be screened following its premiere in Shibuya.

Graphic designer Shun Sasaki served as the art director for the exhibition.

Fans won’t want to miss out on the exhibition’s original merchandise featuring key visuals and lyrics from the band. Come get a glimpse at the history and personal lives of Macaroni Empitsu’s members while you can!

[Comment from Vocalist Hattori]
“Macaroni Empitsu’s exhibition is making a triumphant return to Tokyo! New content has been added this time around, so be sure to come fall into the macaroni hole!”

Atarashii Gakko! will hold solo concerts at Zepp venues in Tokyo and Osaka in April and May of 2023.

These performances will be held almost a year after the girls held their solo concert at Zepp DiverCity in Tokyo last May. This year’s events will be held at Zepp Osaka Bayside on April 30 and Zepp Shinjuku in Tokyo on May 2.

ATARASHII GAKKO! – HANAKO (Official Music Video)

ATARASHII GAKKO! – Pineapple Kryptonite (Official Music Video)

For four days only starting in February 2023, fans of Hatsune Miku will want to take an incredible night cruise around Tokyo Bay. The virtual singer will collaborate with the popular Tokyo Bay Night Cruise which travels between Yokohama and Tokyo. The event will include special tickets, exclusive bonuses for guests, collaborative goods, and onboard decorations. Collaborative goods will be available to purchase on the ship or from the Shimapochi online store.

Outline

Dates: February 19, February 26, March 5, March 12

Night Cruise Itinerary:

Osanbashi, Yokohama / Check-in 16:00-18:00

Osanbashi, Yokohama / Departure 18:10, Enjoy the night view from the ship

Takeshiba Wharf, Tokyo / Arrival 19:45

*Guests will be led by a special MC narrating the night scenery. Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase.

Special Ticket Fare:

Adults ¥2,000 / Children ¥1,500 (Includes consumption tax and fuel price adjusted for inflation)

[Includes Hatsune Miku Collaboration Sticker and Postcard (6 varieties, random)]

Special tickets featuring Hatsune Miku will only be available to those reserving their spot online. Reservations can be made two months prior to the boarding date. Space is extremely limited, so grab a spot while you can!

Those not interested in bonuses can also enjoy a night cruise during this period, with adult tickets costing ¥1,000 and children’s tickets costing ¥500. More details will be released at a later date.

The cities of Hirosaki and Hakodate in Hokkaido have announced that they will team up with Hatsune Miku’s popular iteration Snow Miku to promote tourism in the area this winter. A number of activities will begin in December 2022.

[Snow Miku x Hirohako] Collaboration Project

■Hirohako Winter Tourism Campaign Poster Featuring Snow Miku

・Period: Mid-November~February 28, 2023

・Locations: Facilities in both cities, tourist facilities, hotels, shopping areas

■Snow Miku Illustration Contest Exhibition Event

Over 50 illustrations have been submitted under the theme of Snow Miku and Hakodate / Snow Miku and Hirosaki. These will be on display through the winter!

・Running: December 1, 2022 – February 28, 2022

・Venues: Hirosaki Municipal Tourist Center (Hirosaki)
                    Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse (Hakodate)

■Snow Miku Photo Spot

Snow Miku panels featuring shamisen and apples from Hirosaki will be on display, while the Hakodate version will include references to squid fishing and footbaths. 

・On Display: December 1, 2022 – February 28, 2022

・Locations: JR Hirosaki Station, Chuohirosaki Station (Hirosaki)
                        JR Hakodate Station, Hakodate Airport (Hakodate)

■Digital Stamp Rally Using the Mikunavi App

A number of panels will be installed at five checkpoints in Hirosaki and Hakodate. A total of 1,000 people–500 in each city–will win original merch including a Snow Miku mask case and decorated masking tape. All you need to do is check in!

・Available: December 1, 2022 – February 28, 2022

・Locations: (Hirosaki) Hirosaki Municipal Tourist Center, Hirosaki City Machinaka  Information Center,

                         Hirosaki Tourist Information Center, Hirosaki Castle Information Center, Tsugaru-han Neputa Village

　　　　　　(Hakodate) Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse, Yunokawa Hot Spring Footbath, Goryōkaku Tower,

Hakodate Green Plaza C Block (Hakodate Lumi-Pop), Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward

■Hirohako Winter Tourism Campaign Theme Song and Music Video 

The tourism theme song will get a new music video that will be broadcast on YouTube, at local tourist facilities, and on TV and radio!

・On Air: December 1, 2022~

・Theme Song: Mahou no Keshiki (Lyrics/Composition: ryuryu)

■Snow Miku Welcome Announcements to be Broadcast at Tourism Facilities, etc. 

A one-minute welcome announcement by Snow Miku will air at tourist facilities!

・Running: December 1, 2022 – February 28, 2022

・Locations: Tourist areas in both cities

■Snow Miku Filters Using AR

When each barcode is scanned with a smartphone, Snow Miku will appear on the screen! Visitors can take pictures with Snow Miku to commemorate their winter trip to Hirosaki and Hakodate.

・Available: December 1, 2022 – February 28, 2022

Mika Pikazo is an illustrator and character designer. The artist has designed characters for many popular titles including Fire Emblem Engage, the latest in Nintendo’s Fire Emblem series, as well as book covers and CD jackets.

Starting December 10, the artist will hold his second solo exhibition in three years at the Hz event space in Shibuya.

According to a press release, the exhibition is being held to show a number of creations Pikazo has made recently, and aims to show off new animation and past illustrations to merge his past and future selves. The creator hopes to challenge himself more going forward.

The first main visual, REVENGE, can be seen on the exhibition’s official website. A total of three visuals have been newly drawn for the event and will be released sequentially. In addition, a number of collaborative works with other creators will be on display, so art fans won’t want to miss out.

Limited-edition merchandise featuring new illustrations will be on sale at the venue, and autograph sessions are planned to be held. For more details, check the official Twitter page!

Be sure to come to see Mika Pikazo’s colorful pieces in person!