Momo Mashiro made her solo major debut today (February 12) with the release of her digital single Onegai Sequencer.

Momo Mashiro is a Japanese singer who won the Lawson Dream Artist Audition, an audition run by the convenience store chain Lawson to give women working at Lawson a cool image.

The song was written by famed Japanese music producer and DJ Yasutaka Nakata. Mashiro actually feated on his song Jump in Tonight, a track included on his solo album Digital Native.

Onegai Sequencer has a ‘kawaii’ dance music and sound laced with fantastical lyrics. It is the embodiment of fantasy and has a computer sound to it.

Momo Mashiro – “Onegai Sequencer” Music Video

The song was released together with a music video today. The video was produced as an official collaboration with Lawson. Mashiro works as an employee at the convenience store in the video, which turns into a dreamy pastel-coloured game world. The entire store becomes a huge arcade to the tune of the foot-stomping beat. It was shot over the course of an entire day, which includes stop motion scenes of each item on the shelves. It’s a wondrous mix of reality and fantasy and a must-see.

The song is available to listen to on music streaming and download services, including Spotify by entering Mashiro’s name or the song title in Japanese

MAISON ABLE Cafe Ron Ron is a popular conveyor-belt dessert cafe in Harajuku. We visited the cafe last year when it had just dropped, so be sure to check out our cover story if you want more information.

The cafe has just announced a night party that is exclusive to those in their 20’s. Titled “Cafe Ron Ron 20ty’s Night Party -PINK FRIDAY- supported by MAISON ABLE,” the event began yesterday and will run every night up to September 27.

Customers can enjoy all-you-can-eat unlimited snacks for just ¥500 with no time restrictions. For an additional fee, you can also pick from the food menu which features 5 dishes and order from the drinks menu which includes alcohol.

Everything on the food and drinks menu is ¥500 too, making it a delicious bargain!

Desserts are served at varying time slots from 19:00. Depending on what time you arrive or decide to start eating the menu will change which is all part of the fun!

The cafe has also teamed up with the fashion rental shop airCloset next door so customers can enjoy dining at Cafe Ron Ron while wearing a yukata.

You can even continue wearing the kimono after you’ve eaten so you can stroll the streets of Harajuku, go to nearby festivals and more for an exciting day out in Japan’s youth and culture hub. The yukata can be rented by people of all ages – full details on the websites below.

DINING & BAR TABLE 9 TOKYO is a fabulous dining and bar venue located on the top floor of Shinagawa Prince Hotel. The establishment is known for its “DJ TIME” where a DJ plays music, and it has just been announced that the experience is set to be revamped on May 29 where the theme will change each day.

Ever since its grand opening, the bars of TABLE 9 TOKYO have been leaders of today’s Tokyo with its night scene as its opening hours roll out until 4:00am. It is home to 3 different bars, NINE BAR being one of them, and each enjoys a huge attendance rate including many non-Japanese guests.

The bar and lounge is a place for adults to sit down, enjoy a drink and listen to music. The idea to have a theme change each day is a way for the bar to expand its services by having more options to choose from when it comes to the music.

The first week will begin with jazzy music, and there will be disco music on Wednesday and Thursday for which a new standing area has been set up in front of the DJ booth. On Friday night guests can enjoy getting down to some energetic dance music while on the weekends the playlist will span a wide variety of genres.

Enjoy a sophisticated night out in Tokyo at NINE BAR.

Studio Ponoc, formed by former Studio Ghibli lead film producer Yoshiaki Nishimura, is releasing its next animated movie after their debut release Mary and the Witch’s Flower (2017).

Modest Heroes is a three-part anime anthology film set for release in Japan on August 24. Several composers including DJ, record producer, songwriter Yasutaka Nakata (Capsule, Perfume, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu) have been unveiled to have worked on the movie’s soundtrack.

The film is split into three parts with different directors. Kanini & Kanino is a fantasy short directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi―who also directed Mary and the Witch’s Flower―and follows two crab brothers on a big adventure. Life Ain’t Gonna Lose is a drama short directed by animator Yoshiyuki Momose, a great talent who worked under the late Isao Takahata of Studio Ghibli. It’s based on a true story and tells a tale of love between a mother and a young boy. The final part, Invisible, is directed by veteran animator Akihiko Yamashita who is known for having worked on Hayao Miyazaki’s Howl’s Moving Castle. It focuses on the struggles of a lonely invisible man.

Modest Heroes features a voiceover cast of well-known actors and actress such as Joe Odagiri and Fumino Kimura. The soundtrack is composed by three huge names in music: film composer, pianist and singer-songwriter Takatsugu Muramatsu, music producer and keyboardist Masanori Shimada, and Yasutaka Nakata.

Which film short are you most looking forward to from the anthology?

An army of Japanese pop culture leaders signed to ASOBISYSTEM attended ASOBIEXPO at Shinkiba STUDIO COAST on July 21, 2018 to celebrate the company’s 10th anniversary, including Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, Yasutaka Nakata, Sebastian Masuda and more.

Close to 100 music artists, models, DJs and others attended the festival, which was split into two slots: ASOBIFES!!! was a free invitation-only concert and show event, and ASOBINITE!!! was a club event which was attended by some of Japan’s representative artists.

Beginning the show was none other than MANON, ASOBISYSTEM’s 16-year-old leader of the new generation of youth. She captivated the crowd with her soft and relaxed rapping and edgy lyrics with tracks like xxFANCYPOOLxx and COCO BOI ROMANCE.

Next to hit the stage was 4-member pop dance and vocal group TEMPURA KIDZ. They rolled out a string of infectious pop tunes that made you want to dance and gave a performance so foot-stomping you’d think it was the climax of the event already. A number of guests and dancers joined them on stage from Tamura in Fukushima Prefecture where TEMPURA KIDZ held workshops as part of a project to revitalise the region.

Sashaying onto the stage next was a list of models signed to ASOBISYSTEM for a special fashion show. The first theme was ‘urban mood’ which saw names like Shiho Takechi and Rinko Murata take over the runway. The second theme was ‘Tokyo Street Vintage Mix’ where Saki Shibata, Yuri Suganuma and others walked the walk.

After the fashion show, it was to change things up. Natsume Mito stepped onto stage followed by 6 others. They read aloud the children’s picture book Mumu written by Natsume Mito herself which was accompanied with acting, music and lighting to bring the story to life. After the performance she announced a sequel to the book, Mumu ~Shima-chan no Otanjoubi~.

Things changed up again when Atarashii Gakkou no Leaders came on to fire everybody up again. They gave an electrifying vocal and dance performance during the Showa-style number Koi Shadanki feat. H ZETTRIO. The members also spoke about their recollections with ASOBISYSTEM and said, “Congratulations on 10 years! Let’s keep working hard together!” They then performed Saishuu Jinrui. Their set was full of love for ASOBISYSTEM.

Now it was time to pull the big guns out. CAPSULE graced the stage, opening with Another World to get people pumped before hitting them with MORE MORE MORE, JUMPER and Hero. The crowd were pulled into the CAPSULE galaxy with the on-screen space visuals and giant mirror ball overhead for Starry Sky.

CAPSULE vocalist Koshijima shouted out softly, “Thank you for today! Congratulations on 10 years, ASOBISYSTEM. Have fun until the very end!” Their set concluded with a fantastic groove that shot the crowd into the stratosphere.

The final act of the night, and ASOBISYSTEM’s representative artist, was of course Kyary Pamyu Pamyu. As the audience waited with smiles on their faces, four dancers dressed in black appeared to the tune of KPP On Stage. Kyary subsequently stepped out wearing a rough outfit―something much different to what she usually wears―to perform her hit tune Invader Invader.

“Thank you! Is everyone at ASOBIEXPO having fun? Congratulations on 10 years, ASOBISYSTEM. I have been with ASOBISYSTEM for 7 years. 7 years have passed since I met the company president, Army. Yasutaka Nakata has continued to make my songs, so I am always indebted to ASOBISYSTEM. Thank you so much!”

Kyary performed her mature-sounding hit Kimino Mikata before wrapping up the first slot of the festival, ASOBIFES!!!, with Harajuku Iyahoi. The room was left with a festive, feel-good atmosphere and bright lighting.

It was then time for the party – ASOBISYSTEM’s flagship event ASOBINITE!!! A whole host of ASOBISYSTEM artists graced the stage including RAM RIDER, 80KIDZ, TeddyLoid, DJ KYOKO, Licaxxx, not to mention Yasutaka Nakata, amongst others. A line-up of guests also joined the event including SHINICHI OSAWA (MONDO GROSSO), TOMOYUKI TANAKA (FPM), ☆Taku Takahashi (m-flo, block.fm), DAISHI DANCE, and banvox. Everybody worked to cement ASOBISYSTEM’s 10th anniversary into history.

ASOBIEXPO was an entire day of Japanese pop culture. ASOBISYSTEM continue to seek working as the architects of next-generation culture and will advance onto the world stage. This is the feeling that was left in the venue on this memorable day.

Text: Fukuryuu (Music Concierge)

DJ Nobunaga is a new action and puzzle game for smartphones with music produced entirely by Yasutaka Nakata. The game is teaming up with Final Fantasy XV which will see Yasutaka Nakata remix music that will be put in the game.

The remixed track can be enjoyed during a limited time event in-game from July 19. A website explaining the collaboration as well as a promotional video have also been posted.

Collaboration Video

The game is set during the Sengoku period of Japanese history where all the warring state military commanders (‘busho’) have become DJs. Together with your ally busho, your mission is to go into DJ battles to unify the whole country. In this action battle game, you must trace “Inspiration” that appears onscreen with your busho DJ while inside a club DJ and fight with enemy busho as you collect more power. With just one finger the game is super easy to play and highly addictive.

All of the music in the game was created by music producer, artist and DJ Yasutaka Nakata who is known for producing the music for some of Japan’s biggest artists including Perfume and Kyary Pamyu Pamyu. The characters were created by Tanaka Hideyuki who is responsible for having created many different character designs for anime series such as OH! Super Milk Chan and Generations Koukou TV. The game design was made by Reisuke Ishida who has worked on games such as Groove Coaster and Space Invaders Infinity Gene.

DJ Nobunaga will be released on July 12, so be sure to play it for yourself!

The OTONOKO music festival was first held in October 2016 to an enormous crowd. A second wave of artists set for this year’s line-up has just been revealed.

OTONOKO is produced by none other than Yasutaka Nakata. As well as being the man solely responsible for the entire music production behind some of Japan’s biggest artists like Perfume and Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, he has just about done it all, whether that’s providing music for international ceremonies, or creating the departure sound for the Hokuriku Shinkansen at Kanazawa Station. He has also produced music for a plethora of movies both inside and outside Japan, including Hollywood. He’s Japan’s representative musician, producer and DJ who has received praise and support from top international artists.

OTONOKO will return for its third run this year at the Ishikawa-ken Sangyo Tenjikan (Hall 4) on Saturday October 13, 2018.

The new artists announced for the line-up include m-flo who are back with all the original members including LISA, who has returned to the group after leaving 15 years ago in 2002, VERBAL and ☆Taku Takahashi. Also returning after playing OTONOKO two years in a row are banvox, DAISHI DANCE and TeddyLoid.

OTONOKO is described as an unprecedented kind of music festival that delivers Japanese culture to the world through OTO (‘sound’) from the hub of Kanazawa in Ishikawa Prefecture, Yasutaka Nakata‘s own hometown.

It’s time to get excited about the line-up reveal, one that will give way to plenty of OTO thanks to Yasutaka Nakata producing the festival, an internationally active top artist and DJ and leader of today’s pop scene in Japan.

It’s been 15 years since Roppongi Hills first opened, which is set to welcome summer again this year with exciting events running from July 14 to August 26. It will be packed with events including the 5th run of TV Asahi’s collaborative Natsumatsuri Summer Station event, the annual Bon Odori dance and more. There will even be events up Tokyo City View, one of Tokyo’s best observation decks with a panoramic view of the city.

TV Asahi & Roppongi Hills Natsumatsuri Summer Station 2018

One of summer’s biggest events in Tokyo, Summer Station began in 2014 and has been held every year since. Last year, it saw a record 5.8 million people turn up. The theme this year is ‘summer magic’ for which the event will collaborate with the whole town. Look forward to live music performances, shows, food, VR sessions, photo spots, exhibitions and more. The popular life-sized Doraemon will make a return at 66 Plaza where there’ll also be artists performing as well as anime inspired food. A new booth will also make an appearance at Keyakizaki this year. There’s plenty for both adults and children to enjoy!

Roppongi Hills Bon Odori 2018

This will be the 16th year of the Roppongi Hills bon odori where people come together and dance around the central yagura. The event will offer the real Japanese ‘matsuri’ festival experience, with food stands serving up original menus from restaurants in Roppongi Hills, and more.

Feel the Summer Sky Atop Tokyo City View

A summer event will be held at Tokyo City View, the observation deck of Roppongi Hills, where you can learn about the ocean and environment. There will be a digital globe you can touch which will introduce the mysteries of the world with a focus on the sea. It’s a popular project that was set up by the UN and museums around the world. Also, people who head up to the roof sky deck dressed in yukata or other traditional summer clothes will receive a special bonus. The opening hours will also be extended so people can fully enjoy watching neighbouring firework events, the starry night sky and the city nightscape. If you’re looking to experience Japanese summer to the max then this one’s a must!

Enjoy an exciting Japanese summer from all angles in Roppongi!

TOWER DISCO is a night party coming to Kyoto Tower where you can enjoy music and a nighttime view up 100m high.

The event will take place in three places in Kyoto Tower: the Sando B1 Food Hall, KUU Sky Lounge, and Observation Deck. Expect DJ booths manned by some of the industry’s leading DJs as well as Kyoto-bred DJs.

Continuing the trend of Kyoto Tower’s transformation from the opening of Kyoto Tower Sando in 2017, TOWER DISCO is a stylish and modern event that serves to symbolise its change!

OTONOKO will take place again this year, a music festival with a consistent line-up of exceptional artists.

OTONOKO is produced by none other than Yasutaka Nakata. As well as being the man solely responsible for the entire music production behind some of Japan’s biggest artists like Perfume and Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, he has just about done it all, whether that’s providing music for international ceremonies, or creating the departure sound for the Hokuriku Shinkansen at Kanazawa Station. He has also produced music for a plethora of movies both inside and outside Japan, including Hollywood. He’s Japan’s representative musician, producer and DJ who has received praise and support from top international artists.

OTONOKO will return for its third run this year at the Ishikawa-ken Sangyo Tenjikan (Hall 4) on Saturday October 13, 2018.

Super early discounted pre-sale tickets that include priority entry and OTONOKO original stickers will go on sale April 21 at 10:00am (JST). They are limited in quantity, so be sure to get yours and enjoy the additional bonuses them come with!

OTONOKO is described as an unprecedented kind of music festival that delivers Japanese culture to the world through OTO (‘sound’) from the hub of Kanazawa in Ishikawa Prefecture, Yasutaka Nakata’s own hometown.

It’s time to get excited about the line-up reveal, one that will give way to plenty of OTO thanks to Yasutaka Nakata producing the festival, an internationally active top artist and DJ and leader of today’s pop scene in Japan.

TECHNO INVADERS is an experimental club event that slices up everything to do with Japan’s techno scene and puts it back together to create an all-new techno experience. The event is set to return on March 23 at Shibuya VISION.

Taking to the stage this time around is Takkyu Ishino, a composer and music producer who continues to dominate the Japanese techno scene and who released an eight-disc collection of his work titled Takkyu Ishino Works 1983～2017 in January this year. Joining him is Yoshinori Sunahara, a producer and DJ and a current member of METAFIVE. Licaxxx will also be performing, a multi-talented individual who’s active as a DJ, beatmaker, editor, writer, radio personality and more. This edition of TECHNO INVADERS truly offers an indispensable line-up.

In addition, internationally recognised artist GONNO will play at the event, whose single Acdise #2 was released from International Feel Recordings and has been played by French electronic music producer Laurent Garnier, British electronic artist James Holden, and others. Sapphire Slows will also make her first appearance at VISION. Her overseas activity has proven remarkable, having performed at the worldwide music festival Sonar in Barcelona in 2016.

Don’t miss out on this fantastic line-up of artists who continue to delve deeper and deeper into the unending hole of the techno genre.

Yasutaka Nakata released his first ever solo album Digital Native under his name in February. It has been announced that the first and final tracks of the album will receive a limited run 7” vinyl release as part of Record Store Day 2018.

Yasutaka Nakata made his debut in 2001 with his two-member unit CAPSULE. He subsequently went on to work as the music producer for many artists including Perfume and Kyary Pamyu Pamyu. He is a world-class Japanese producer and artist who famous international artists such as Madeon, Porter Robinson and SOPHIE have cited as a source of influence.

“「White Cube」MV Teaser”

The new vinyl release features two symbolic anthems: the hit song White Cube which was used in a promotional video for a Nikkei Cup Noodle commercial for their “Chili Tomato” flavour and Give You More, which spearheaded as the theme song for the SOUND JUNCTION live event at Red Bull Music Festival Tokyo 2017.

White Cube graces the A-side of the record. It’s grounded in the latest club music format with vocal cut-ups sliding into the digital beats and the colourful sounds of the synth lacing together a catchy melody. It has that Nakata-esque pop sense and is packed with production techniques.

The B-side is a complete flip, serving up future bass. It’s a killer tune that incorporates elements of game music – which is a keyword of this album – and chiptune.

Yasutaka Nakata is gradually broadening his career so be sure stay up to date.