The all new Kirby Star Allies: The Original Art Book will be released on March 16, 2021—the third anniversary since the release of Kirby Star Allies on the Nintendo Switch. Pre-orders opened on Thursday (September 24).
Kirby’s first official art book
Kirby Star Allies: The Original Art Book | ¥2,700 (Before Tax)
In the 28 years since Kirby has been announced, this comes as the first ever official art book in the Kirby’s Dream Land series.
The book will feature over 500 pieces of art beginning from the launch of Kirby Star Allies to its free patches, from character art to backgrounds, rough sketches, key visuals, and more.
The book will also include comments and interviews with the game’s creators. Fans in Japan who pre-order the book from Value Mall by October 3, 2020 will also receive a free gift.
©2018-2020 HAL Laboratory, Inc. / Nintendo
© ambit 2020
Information
Kirby Star Allies: The Original Art Book
Release Date: March 16, 2021
Buy Here (Japan): https://www.valuemall.jp/SHOP/205075/276863/list.html
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Next Generation Creative Girls’ Collective bala Kicks off New Activities
The Tokyo-based girl artists and creators’ collective bala has finally launched for real! The group will release its first single barla on March 8.
bala consists of MANON, SUNNY ONLY 1, DAN, and KANO, each with their own global background. The project aims to resonate with Gen Z youth culture and to be a collective of artists that connects hybrid Japanese pop culture with audiences around the world.
The debut song barla was produced by Shinichi Osawa, who has numerous hits under the name Mondo Grosso. It was co-written by Kenmochi Hidefumi from Wednesday Campanella. With Y2K culture making a comeback around the world, the track features the house sound popular in the late 90s which is showing signs of becoming the next musical trend yet again. The groovy dance tune is a perfect theme song for these girls who will lead the next generation of pop culture.
<Comment from Shinichi Osawa>
“I’m honored to be involved in bala’s debut. The members are super unique, and collaborating with Kenmochi-san for the first time was a dream come true.”<Comment from Kenmochi Hidefumi>
“I’m happy to be able to work with the members of bala and Shinichi Osawa. Everyone is so uniquely talented, and this song is filled with everyone’s energy and excitement inspired by their long-awaited debut!”Information
bala 1st Single「barla」
配信日:2023年3月8日(水)
配信URL:https://orcd.co/barla
【About bala】
東京を拠点に活動するガールズ・アーティストとクリエイターによるコレクティブ・balaは、MANON、SUNNY ONLY1、DAN、KANOの4人からなるクリエイティブ集団。
世界で同時多発的に進行している様々なZ世代ユースカルチャーと共鳴しながら、DNAに組み込まれた日本発のポップカルチャーと融合させたハイブリッドな表現を目指し、グローバルに発信していくことをコンセプトに活動する。
また3Dアバターキャラクター「Barla」を介し、次世代インターネット「WEB 3.0」など、積極的にエッジテックを活用した次世代のクリエイティブにも取り組んでいく。
ポップミュージックのフィールドに限らず、彼女たちの世界観を共有する様々なアーティスト、クリエイターが集うクリエイティヴ・プラットフォームとして機能することで、ポップカルチャーにおける新たなエコシステムへの発展を目指していく。
TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@bala_official_japan
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/bala_official_japan/
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TeamLab Unveils Three New Works at Singapore’s Permanent ‘Future World’ Exhibition
Art collective TeamLab has redesigned two exhibitions at Marina Bay Sands Singapore. The world’s first permanent exhibition from the creators, Future World: Where Art Meets Science, was opened in 2016 at the Museum of Art and Science. Guests can now enjoy three new works along with the Digital Light Canvas, a huge, interactive space inviting guests to share their own pieces of art.
Drawing Flight
Visitors can immerse themselves in these impressive new works while experiencing a complex, three-dimensional world. They can also create new worlds with others!
Future World
The Drawing Flight, part of the Amusement Park of the Future series, is based on the concept of co-creation, allowing visitors to not only draw an airplane that will fly but also allowing them to operate it from a pilot’s point of view using a tablet. Whether visitors draw a butterfly or a hawk, they’ll see the world from the perspective of each creature and enter a world constructed by the creature’s unique perceptions.
Aerial Climbing through a Flock of Colored Birds
In Aerial Climbing through a Flock of Colored Birds, guests are asked to perceive the world with their entire bodies. Visitors cross a space with sticks floating three-dimensionally in the air.
Autonomous Abstraction, Continuous Phenomena from the Universe to the Self
Autonomous Abstraction, Continuous Phenomena from the Universe to the Self offers a new and abstract concept. As people touch the dots, the rhythm of the dots flickers and their hue changes and disintegrates. The picture will then change dramatically, and despite these changes, the beauty remains.
Digital Light Canvas
Graffiti Nature – Red List Digital Light Canvas
Digital Light Canvas is a space consisting of a 15-meter-diameter circular link of light and a 20-meter-high cylinder of light made up of a collection of light dots. Team Lab’s interactive artwork, which changes depending on how many people are around, is on permanent display.
Drawing Factory
By visiting the Digital Light Canvas area, guests can also enjoy the Drawing Factory, where they can turn their own drawings into pins, T-shirts, and other items!
Come fully experience this curious art exhibition!
© チームラボ
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Final Fantasy Artist Yoshitaka Amano Holds Art Exhibition at Myoshin-ji in Kyoto
Yoshitaka Amano, known by international fans as the artist behind the legendary Final Fantasy video game series, is celebrating his 70th birthday with a unique art project from November 23 until December 8 at Myoshin-ji in Kyoto.
On the first day of the event, the venue, decorated with autumn leaves, was crowded with visitors including foreign tourists, who marveled at the fantastic space filled harmoniously with gold and blue. The exhibition will be held at Myoshin-ji, the head temple of the associated branch of Rinzai Zen Buddhism. This collection of works was designed to question visitors’ sensibilities and provide a new kind of art exhibition for fans to enjoy.
After the exhibition, the main art piece by Yoshitaka himself will be converted to 3DCG, and a Virtual Golden World will be developed in collaboration with the Yoshitaka Amano VR Museum. By integrating traditional and modern art methods, guests will be able to engage more deeply in the art by enjoying digital works, the metaverse, and NFTs.
Don’t miss this curious exhibition!
Information
Golden World: Infinite Light by Yoshitaka Amano
~GOLDEN VIEW OF THE WORLD~
Running: November 23 – December 8, 2022
Venue: Myoshin-ji
Hours: 9:00-12:00 / 13:00-16:00
Tickets on sale until 15:30 each day.
Official Site: https://www.myoshinji.or.jp/
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Kirby and Waddle Dee Sweets Released to Celebrate Character’s 30th Anniversary
22.November.2022 | ANIME&GAME / FOOD
Character-inspired Japanese confectionary series Tabemas has announced two new sweets inspired by Kirby and Waddle Dee from the popular game series! These will be available at select AEON and AEON Style locations starting November 18.
Kirby is celebrating his 30th anniversary in 2022, and the popular character has been seeing plenty of press time and special events to celebrate. Now, fans can snag these traditional sweets–though they might be too cute to eat!
The character’s round and puffy body have been recreated perfectly with mild sweetness and a smooth custard flavor.
While the bean paste inside the Kirby sweet is custard-flavored, Waddle Dee features a smooth chocolate flavor. Grab these while supplies last!
(C)Nintendo / HAL Laboratory, Inc. KB22-P4730」
Information
Tabemas Kirby 2022
Varieties:
Kirby (Custard)
Waddle Dee (Chocolate)
Release Date: November 18, 2022~
Where to Buy: AEON and AEON Style locations nationwide (Not available in the Tohoku region on Okinawa)
*Available while supplies last.
*Items may not be available at some stores.
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Kirby Cafe Reveals Exclusive Winter 2022 Menu
14.November.2022 | ANIME&GAME / FOOD / Uncategorized
The Kirby Cafe has announced a warm and tasty new winter menu! New items will be available from November 17, 2022 until February 28, 2023, and are sure to warm up fans of the beloved video game series.
Menu
Winter Kirby Burger & Pasta with Powdered Snow Cheese (30th Anniversary Version)
Winter Waddle Dee Burger & Pasta with Powdered Snow Cheese
Waddle Dee’s Dreamy White Stew
Chef Kawasaki’s Winter Hors d’oeuvres with Roast Beef
Transform! Carby Cake
Kirby’s Dream Ricotta Pancake
Whispy Woods Blessed Tart
Elfilin’s Twinkle☆Frozen Drink
The Winter 2022 menu offers a variety of adorable and tasty menu items featuring Kirby and his friends all dressed up for the colder months. From a burger and pasta set to piping hot stew and fluffy ricotta pancakes, there’s sure to be something for every taste.
The Carby cake, inspired by Kirby’s special transformation in the recent game Kirby and the Forgotten Land, has been reimagined in a winter version. Fans won’t want to miss out!
This winter, come enjoy plenty of Kirby-inspired treats while you can!
©Nintendo / HAL Laboratory, Inc.
Information
Kirby Cafe Winter 2022
Available: November 17, 2022 – February 28, 2023
Venues: Kirby Cafe TOKYO, Kirby Cafe HAKATA, Kirby Cafe NAGOYA
*The Nagoya location’s winter menu will be available until February 5, 2022.
Kirby Café THE STORE: https://kirbycafe.jp/thestore/‘Kirby Cafe Pop-Up Store’ Limited Time Online Store: https://kirbycafe-popup.com/
Official Twitter: https://twitter.com/KirbyCafeJP
Official Site: https://kirbycafe.jp
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Nagoya Castle to Hold Special Autumn Night Art Viewing for a Limited Time
The historic Nagoya Castle will hold a special nighttime viewing event for 14 days only, from November 25 until December 8, 2022. During this period, Honmaru Palace will be open to the public at night, and the Chrysanthemum Corridor inside will be open to visitors for the first time.
The Ninomaru Garden will also be illuminated and will transport guests to a different place and time by showing a space only possible during dark hours.Inspired by the relationship between light and shadow, this event focuses on changes that occur over time and the creation and emergence of new ideas and things.
Honmaru Palace, Typically Closed to the Public, to be Open at Night
Nagoya Castle’s Honmaru Palace was completed in 1615 and served as the primary residence of the Lord of the Owari Domain and as the Domain’s government office. The interior of the palace was lavishly decorated with paintings and other art pieces and was praised as a masterpiece. Sadly, it was destroyed by an air raid in 1945. Restoration work began in 2009 and was completed in 2018 with unparalleled accuracy. The Honmaru Palace gives off a completely different aura at night.
First Public Viewing of the Jodan-no-ma in the Joraku-den
The Joraku-den was added to Nagoya Castle to accommodate the third Shogun, Iemitsu, on his way to Kyoto. It is the most luxurious of all the Honmaru Palace buildings, and this event marks the first time that the Chrysanthemum Corridor on the north side will be open to the public. Visitors are welcome to admire the golden-blue paintings as they stroll through the historic site.
See Spectacular Paintings when Entering the Tsugi-no-ma Room
During this period, visitors can enter the Tsugi-no-ma room to view classical period paintings, giving a more clear idea of how people acted and dressed during this time in history.
[Ninomaru Garden Special Viewing]
~Witness a Never-Before-Seen Feudal Lord’s Garden through a Spacial Presentation~
Scenography for this unique show was provided by the creative label PERIMETRON. In order to show another side of the Ninomaru Garden at night, the company focused on light’s characteristics, from reflection and transmission to refraction and absorption. Light and shadow intertwine in various ways, and guests will be transfixed by this curious showing.
Information
Nagoya Castle: Autumn Night Special Viewing ~KEI~
Running: November 25 – December 8, 2022
Viewing Hours: 9:00-19:30 (Gates close at 20:00)
Official Site: https://www.nagoyajo-kei.jp/
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Naruto Anime Series Celebrates 20th Anniversary With New Gallery Featuring Collaborations With Five Animators
10.November.2022 | ANIME&GAME / SPOT
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the globally popular Naruto anime series, NARUTO THE GALLERY will be held at AKIBA_SQUARE inside Akihabara UDX from December 10, 2022 until January 31, 2023. The gallery will feature collaborations with five animators.
This will be the first Naruto exhibition held since 2015. The event will focus on the growth of the characters, the bonds they share with their friends, and the many fights that have taken place over the past two decades.
Iconic scenes from the Naruto anime series will be on display in collaboration with five up-and-coming animators: Ai Niina, Kohei Kadowaki, que, Kosuke Sugimoto, and Kohta Morie. This will give fans the chance to see an unprecedented and unique view of the world of Naruto which can only be seen at the event.
Admission Bonus: Gemaki-style Card
Goods
An original Gemaki-style Card featuring a newly-drawn visual will be handed out to those visiting the exhibition.
The first lineup of exclusive event-only merchandise has been revealed and longtime fans of the series won’t want to miss adding some of these goods to their collection.
Participating Artists / Episode
Ai Niina / Sasuke’s Ninja Way
Kohei Kadowaki / Naruto’s Path
que / The Land of Waves
Kosuke Sugimoto / Sasuke’s Vessel
Kohta Morie / Naruto and Kurama
©NARUTO THE GALLERY実行委員会
Information
NARUTO THE GALLERY (Naruto 20th Anniversary Project)
Running: December 10, 2022 – January 31, 2023
Hours: 10:00-20:00 (Last entry at 19:30)
Venue: AKIBA_SQUARE (Inside Akihabara UDX)
Official Site: https://naruto-20th.jp -
Final Fantasy Artist Yoshitaka Amano Holds Art Exhibition at Myoshin-ji in Kyoto
10.November.2022 | FASHION
Yoshitaka Amano, known by international fans as the artist behind the legendary Final Fantasy video game series, is celebrating his 70th birthday with a unique art project in Kyoto.
The exhibition will be held at Myoshin-ji, the head temple of the associated branch of Rinzai Zen Buddhism. Stepping into the temple, guests will be met with colorful autumn leaves and a sea of gold and blue art pieces.
“I want people to enter this world of light and experience being part of it,” Amano said. “Rather than art being something flat on a wall, I want to present something new and unique.” This collection of works was designed to question visitors’ sensibilities and provide a new kind of art exhibition for fans to enjoy.The main art piece, newly painted by Amano himself, will be on display in the Dharma Hall, which was decorated by one of Kano Tan’yu’s masterpieces. Tan’yu was an Edo-period painter.
The three meter tall column features Amano’s own interpretation of Hiten, part of Mount Meru, a part of Buddhism cosmology considered to be the centre of all the physical, metaphysical and spiritual universes. Four smaller pieces will be displayed on all four sides to create a three-dimensional mandala.
Information
Golden World: Infinite Light by Yoshitaka Amano
~GOLDEN VIEW OF THE WORLD~
Running: November 23 – December 8, 2022
Venue: Myoshin-ji (1 Hanazonomyoshinjicho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto)
Hours: 9:00-12:00 / 13:00-16:00 *Tickets sold until 15:30
Admission: Adults ¥700 / Children ¥400
Details: https://goldenworld.jp/
Official Site: https://www.myoshinji.or.jp/
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Lovisia Cosmetics Releases New Kirby Hand Cream Collection
05.November.2022 | ANIME&GAME / FASHION
Lovisia Cosmetics, which has sold nearly 2 million items, has now launched a collection of Kirby hand creams inspired by the zodiac! Sales will begin on November 9, and items can be purchased from the Lovisia online store and sundry shops nationwide.
The Lovisia cosmetic series launched in July 2018, and each of the product’s designs makes them perfect for gift-giving. The brand has become a hot topic on the web and social networking sites.
Lovisia Kirby Horoscope Hand Cream: ¥880 each (Tax Included)
The new Kirby hand cream collection comes in 12 varieties, each representing a different constellation. In addition to four types of flower extracts used as moisturizing ingredients, each also contains collagen, hyaluronic acid, Vaseline, and mineral oil to moisturize the skin.
Be sure to try these flower-scented hand creams!
Information
Lovisia Kirby Horoscope Hand Cream
Release Date: November 9, 2022
Where to Buy: Lovisia Online Shop, Sundry shops nationwide
Special Site: https://lp.lovisia-shop.jp/kirby_02/index.html
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Popular Illustrator and Character Designer Mika Pikazo Holds Solo Exhibition in Shibuya
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!
Information
Mika Pikazo Exhibition – REVENGE POP
Running: December 10 – December 29, 2022
Hours: 10:00-20:00
Venue: Hz, 1F (4-3 Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo)
Admission: Free
Official Website: https://revenge-pop.mikapikazo.info/
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Saiyuki 25th Anniversary Art Exhibition to Open in Osaka, Tokyo, and Fukuoka
30.October.2022 | ANIME&GAME / SPOT
Anime and manga merchandise seller AMNIBUS will hold an exhibition to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Kazuya Minekura’s Saiyuki series! The art exhibition will be held in Osaka, Tokyo, and Fukuoka, with the Osaka event beginning on December 30, 2022, and running through January 15, 2023. The Tokyo event will run from May 12 until May 28, 2023, and the Fukuoka event will run from August 11 until September 3, 2023. Additional events will be held in other locations to be announced at a later date.
Minekura’s Saiyuki manga series has sold over 25 million copies as of January 2021. Loosely based on the 16th-century Chinese novel Journey to the West, the series tells the story of four heroes traveling west to stop demons from killing all of mankind. Over the past 25 years, the manga series has spawned several anime adaptations, live-action musicals, video games, and more.
The exhibition will feature plenty of must-see items for fans, from original manuscripts to full-color drawings by the original creator. Will you be attending this once-in-a-lifetime event?
*Addition venues, exhibition details, ticket and merchandise sales information, and additional details will be announced at a later date.©峰倉かずや/一迅社
Information
Saiyuki 25th Exhibition
▼Osaka VenueAddress: Nanba Marui 5F Event Space
(3-8-9 Nanba, Chuo-ku, Osaka)
Running: December 30, 2022 – January 15, 2023
*Details on New Years’ holiday closures will be announced at a later date.
▼Tokyo VenueAddress: Yurakucho Marui 8F Space 7, 8
(2-7-1 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo)
Running: May 12 – May 28, 2023
▼Fukuoka VenueAddress: Hakata Marui 7F Event Space
(9-1 Hakataekichuogai, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka)
Running: August 11 – September 3, 2023Details: https://event.amnibus.com/saiyuki25th-exhibition/
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NAKED GARDEN ONE KYOTO Night Walk Project Invites Guests to Stroll Through the Tale of Genji
28.October.2022 | SPOT
From November 11 until December 4, NAKED will hold the unique NAKED GARDEN ONE KYOTO event in Uji. The one-of-a-kind art project is being produced through a partnership with Kyoto City, Uji City, and Otsu City in Shiga Prefecture. Several events and art exhibitions will appear in the Kyoto area until December 25, 2022.
The project first began on September 15 at Kyoto City Hall, and it will move to Uji on November 11. NAKED’s unique digital art will bring color to Uji, a place steeped in Japanese history and the heart of Japanese tea culture. The Asagiri Bridge, appearing in The Tale of Genji, will be illuminated, and the Zen temple Kosho-ji will be offering tea ceremonies and a digital teamaking experience for guests to enjoy. NAKED’s popular Distance Lanterns will return, allowing visitors to explore Uji at night while properly socially distancing.
At Kosho-ji, guests can enjoy the renewed DANDELION PROJECT. Created by Ryotaro Muramatsu, the art project has appeared in a number of towns and cities around the world, inviting participants to create flowers and send them around the globe digitally as a hope for peace. Visitors can use their smartphones to send dandelion fluff with their name on it to the metaverse version of Kosho-ji and beyond, eventually causing a digital flower to bloom.
Why not come take a quiet walk through the streets of Uji, Kyoto?
Works
Urasenke Tea Ceremony and Digital Teamaking Experience
『DANDELION PROJECT』by RYOTARO MURAMATSU / NAKED
NAKED Distance Lantern®︎
Asagiri Bridge and Kotosaka Interactive Illuminations
NAKED Tsukubai®︎
Chazuna’s New Mobility C⁺walkT Experience
Information
NAKED GARDEN ONE KYOTO Uji
Venue: Uji, Kyoto (Near Kosho-ji)
Running: November 11 – December 4, 2022
Kosho-ji Exclusion Dates: 11/19-28, 12/3-4
Hours: 17:30-21:00*Kosho-ji is open from 17:30-20:00 (Last entry at 19:30)
Tickets: https://www.kkday.com/ja/product/134386
Official Site: https://garden.naked.works/venue_kyoto/1450/