On March 24^th for MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON FESTIVAL 2018 in SHIBUYA, Japanese paint company ROOMBLOOM held the Happy Wall Project which they have been doing since 2014, an activity that contributes to society.

 

 

The Happy Wall Project is a volunteer project based on the idea of enrichening one’s life even more through painting. The first run was held at Hiratsuka Children’s Center and has since made its way to 21 educational facilities and welfare institutions across Japan.

 

 

With backing from Shibuya City and the Shibuya Tourism Association, ASOBISYSTEM, who produce the MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON FESTIVAL, held the Happy Wall Project as a workshop for children at Mirai∞LABO KIDS, a daycare facility located on Cat Street in Ura-Harajuku, to promote the growth and prosperity of Shibuya and Harajuku.

 

 

On the day, enrolled students and graduates of Mirai∞LABO KIDS worked with children with Down’s syndrome and autism who are members of the painting group atelier A as well as people associated with Nippon Paint Holdings to create a picture book amongst other arty things. Natsume Mito also received approval to get involved.

 

 

The project they worked on was painting 3 of the walls at Mirai∞LABO KIDS. They didn’t use monochromatic colours for the biggest wall – they painted a circus tent. This is the symbol of the institution. Circus members have an unbroken fighting spirit. They challenge themselves to things other people don’t. These are all indispensable elements children must possess. There’s a hope in the center to one day give birth to someone who will go on to work in the circus after leaving.

 

 

Natsume Mito spoke with the children to decide on what paints to use for the colour scheme of the circus tent. Instead of strong, darker colours, they decided to go with lighter pastel colours so that the children can feel calm. It was quite a challenge however as there were 189 paints to choose from. For the circus tent they chose “Birthday Present” pink, “ALOHA!” light blue, and “Grass Hopper” green. For the sides of the wall they used “Little Kiss” cherry blossom colour. The colour names were all unique and exciting.

 

 

The smaller children began painting first. There were children who had fun using their hands instead of paint brushes to put hand prints on the wall. Smaller details and parts of the painting that were higher up were left to the older children. People of all ages worked together and helped each other out, and after about an hour, the paint project was completed.

 

 

When it came to snack time to wait for the paint to dry, Natsume Mito played hide and seek with the kids. A sense of connectedness through working together rang through the room. It was a warm atmosphere, and the laughing never stopped.

 

 

After tearing off the masking tape the painting was complete. The adult guardians who watched over the work applauded everyone for their admirable efforts.

 

 

The daycare center was now bright thanks to the paint job. And a picture of a new circus tent was now in the room. The children will likely never forget about the place they helped decorate.

 

▼Check out this video which captures footage from the day.

 

 

“Paddington” was a worldwide whirling sensation and arrived in Japan in January 2016. Based on the long term best-selling children’s story Paddington Bear, the film “Paddington” was followed up by the sequel “Paddington 2”!

 

© 2017 STUDIOCANAL S.A.S All Rights Reserved. 

 

Japan waits with bated breath for the release of the film which will be in January 2018. A quick trailer has been released, revealing some sneak peaks. The figure of a gentleman, round eyes and unintentionally fluffy fur. Paddington Bear is back! In Paddington 2, Paddington takes up the challenge of window cleaning in order to buy a present for his beloved Aunt Lucy for her 100^th birthday. Get ready for a mysterious incident in the middle of the city, an adventure where the familiar Brown family chase up a crazy incident with Paddington, and some classic moments, where the clumsy Paddington Bear wears a bucket of detergent on his head. The whole of Japan will be healed once again by this cute, lovable Bear’s reappearance.

 

© 2017 STUDIOCANAL S.A.S All Rights Reserved. 

 

Nicole Kidman, who plays the character Millicent, is still targeting Paddington from the first film. In Paddington 2, the antagonist Phoenix Buchanan is played by British actor Hugh Grant. A vain, charming actor losing his sparkle, Buchanan’s popularity is on the downfall. Everyone is curious to see just how Hugh Grant will portray this role. Continuing from the first film, it has been decided that the voice actors/ voice actresses for the Japanese version of the film will not be changed! The voice of Tori Matsuzaka is the perfect match for the respectful, charming Paddington. Arata Furuta has taken on the roll of the kind Mr. Brown. Yuki Saito is voice acting for Mrs. Brown, and the main spirit of the family, the diligent Judy, will be voice acted by Natsume Mito.

 

We know you can’t wait for the roadshow in January, so please check out the official website or trailers in the meantime!

 

 

Related article：This summer, get cosy and stay stylish with a Yutaka! Don’t miss out on the Natsume Mito collaboration!

 

Related article：Natsume Mito started her “first-album, ‘Natsumero’-release-tour” at Tokyo TSUTAYA O-EAST

 

From 17 brands owned by Stripe International Inc., a total of 23 varieties of Yukata are being sold!

With the intention of encouraging the younger generation to unite with Japanese traditional-style clothing, Stripe International began to sell Yukata last year. These Yukata are designed with brands owned by Stripe International. This year’s Yukata are designed with traditional floral patterns such as chrysanthemum and common camellia flower patterns. The colour scheme is also unique. There are also cute and pop-themed designs such as ones featuring goldfish and stars. Each brand has its own specific design.

There are also E hyphen world gallery MANIA X Natsume Mito collaboration Yukata. These include gingham checked Yukata with a toffee apple prints. This pop design comes in black and red. The retro toffee apple print is typical of model and artist Natsume Mito.

Even people who are not familiar with how to wear traditional Japanese clothing can easily wear these Yukata. The 3-piece set includes the Yukata, a sash and footwear.

 

The price is reasonable, and those who already own a Yutaka can collect more and enjoy the modern, fashionable take on traditional wear.

 

 

Related article：Natsume Mito started her “first-album, ‘Natsumero’-release-tour” at Tokyo TSUTAYA O-EAST

 

Related article：“FELISSIMO Nekobu” released a retro-modern Yukata (Japanese summer kimono) with a cat pattern on it.

 

Natsume Mito has been active in TV programs and commercials since her

major debut.

The first live concert of her national tour titled,“Natsumero LIVE TOUR ~Mito Natsume ha Cho Omedetai~” commemorating the release of her first album, “Natsumero” which was released recently, was held on the 21^st of May (Sun) at TSUTAYA O-EAST and the venue was packed with an audience of 1000 persons.

Mito appeared onstage after the SE was heard.

Mito enthusiastically said, “Hello, everyone. I’m Natsume Mito! Pleased to meet you!” and performed “Odekake Summer” which was released on YouTube limitedly as her first song.

The fans were waiting for this song to be an audio source and therefore the song was included in her first album. It can be said that this song was suitable for the first song of the tour.

For the second song, she performed “Watashi wo Fess ni Tsuretette” which suits the festival season.

All persons in the audience were moving their bodies to the song’s bouncy four-beat.

After the second song was finished, she said, “Again, I’m Natsume Mito. I’m happy that “Natsumero Live Tour” has begun. Let’s make an unforgettable memory!” The live was composed of mainly her early songs.

 

 Then, the talk section began. The section called “Kyono Fukuotoko / Fukuonna” which decides the luckiest person on the 21^st of May, 2017 (the day of the live) began.

Mito threw some questions out to the audience and one man was chosen. The man came onstage and Mito gave him a“Cho Omedetai Ema.”

 

During the middle section of the live, she performed Natsume Mito-like songs such as“Fusen to Hari” (this was the first time she performed this song at a live concert).

The dancers appeared on the stage when “8 Bit Boy” was performed. Mito had a square figure on her hand and the atmosphere of the venue heated up along with the song.

During the subsequent song, “Moshi Moshi Cooking,”the dancers made a cake onstage and Mito aroused the crowd by prodding the dancers and asking the audience to cheer on the dancers.

In the last section, Mito performed songs with an electric guitar in her hand. The atmosphere of the audience peeked when she performed her debut song “Maegami Kirisugita.”

While performing her last song “Natsumero” (the title song of the album), she performed a magic trick but she dropped her stick! All said and done, she concluded the live with a big smile on her face.

 

Natsume Mito’s encore number was also very unique. The audience started calling out “front hair” and Mito appeared onstage after a while, saying “the “front hair” girl is here!”

After making everybody laugh, she asked the audience “I performed all of my songs at this live. So, please tell me which song you want me to do again!”After a show of hands in the audience, she performed “Watashi wo Fess ni Tsuretette.”

 

After performing one more song, her live (17 songs in total) was finished.

Mito’s face was shining after running through 90 minutes including the encore and the first day of the tour finished in successfully. “Natsumero,” both the album and live is the grand sum of her two years of musical activities.

She will be performing at nine venues including the live in Tokyo. Let’s check out Natsume Mito’s live tour.

Photo by Hiroyuki Dozono

 

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Related article：Passion as a singer and as a fashionista. Interview with Natsume Mito before her new album “Natsumero”

 

Related article：Natume Mito’s first album, “Natsumero” got the first place in iTunes electronic chart in Japan!

It has been 2 years after Natsume Mito’s astonishing release of “maegami Kiri Sugita”. We interviewed her before the release of her first album “Natsumero”. From her passion towards singing and her unique sense of fashion. There are energetic songs as well as nice songs. Don’t forget to listen to it!!

-This is the first album “Natsumero”. I was very amazed with your facial expression on the CD cover! Are there any stories behind it?

Yes, it might be a new face for me!

After several serious discussions with the art directer, we decided the design of the CD cover. We talked about what we wanted. We were thinking of something fashionable yet bizarre. From the start, we wanted to express that kind of worldview.

-Are there any reasons for choosing this design?

The CD cover has “Natsume Mito listens to “Natsumero”decades later” as a hidden theme. In the CD, there is a grandmother featuring as future me. I like this photo because it creates a story within the album.

 

-Your songs are very catchy and easy to listen to. Are there any songs that you particularly like?

Am… that’s very difficult, but i enjoy singing to “Puzzle” at the concert. Listening wise, I like “Fusen to Hari”. The lyrics are what I have felt and thought over the past 2 years as an artist. The first verse “you don’t need to be careful and worry as much as you think” has touched my heart.

−There was a part where it connects to your struggles.

Yes. There was part of me that cowers while being an artist. I question whether I am expressing myself correctly. That’s why a almost cried after listening to the lyrics Mr. Yasutaka wrote. I thought “it’s okay to make the best of it”. But there is also the difficulties

I faced during the actual recordings.

 

-I see! What kind of struggle did you have exactly?

From “Odekake Summer”, i slightly changes the style of the songs. Before i would sing in a energetic way but after getting an advice from Mr.Yasutaka, I tried to sing in a softer way.

-It seems like you have encountered a new part of you as an artist.

“Fusen and Hari” especially uses soft voice. It is as soft as if I am voiceless. Mr.Yasutaka taught me the way to sing and voice each words so in that way it has been an album with lots of change.

 

-When you first heard about producing songs with Mr.Yasutaka, what did you think? Actually there are many questions from your fans around the world and this is from a fan in Philippines.

I didn’t know if I was worth it at first. I had a strong image of Perfume and Kyary Pamyu Pamyu which is opposite of my features. So I was worried if I can sing the song Mr.Yasutaka has created.

However, an interviewer told me in a session not long ago that “Mr.Yasutaka’s futuristic sound and your old fashion yet childish sound creates a new style and is great!” This made me so happy. It was an incident that made me realize I am creating a new thing with Mr.Yasutaka. It’s pretty recent but…

 

-I didn’t know you had so many struggles and worries. It is very supportive to have fans around the world after two years. We have recurve love calls from Latin America and nicolagua. Do you have any artist that you wanted to collaborate with?

Wow from there too! That is surprising and exciting! Interesting questions too. Well, I love “Chibimaruko-chan” so I want to collaborate with B.B queens and dance to “Odori Pon Poko rin”. It is my dream to collaborate with Chibimarukochan.

 

-Are there any memorable or unforgettable incident when looking back this past two years?

The most memorable one is when I first released “Maegami Kiri Sugita”. Actually I recorded”Nemunemu Go” and “Colony” before, so I thought “Colony” would be my debut song.

 

-But, you released the unique “Maegami Kiri Sugita”!

I know! I was pretty shocked when the producer told me my debut song is “Maegami Kiri Sugita”. I thought “Oh! We are going to do this! That’s crazy!”. But because of the song, it gave me the opportunity to appear on TV and people to remember my face and voice, so overall it went great. Looking back, I think it was a great song choice.

-Speaking of Maegami, it often associate with you now! Natsume, you also have definite fans as a model. Are there any change in fashion recently?

Recently, I wear girly and adult like clothing. I used to wear sneakers but now I change it to heels. Although I may look young from other people, I try to look older.

 

-Today’s out fit is very spring like and it is cute.

Today’s lace top is from dearie dada and skinny jeans. I used to only wear rough clothing but I decided to wear tighter clothes. So for example, if the top is pretty loose, and i would wear tighter bottoms. Depending on the day, I decide the color but recently i usually have red or blue as a key fashion.

 

-Is your style different from your private life?

i don’t think it’s that different but if I needed to point out then my hairstyle changes a little. I need to keep my bangs for work but when i go out with friends, I wear a hat or arrange my bangs.

-Are there people or culture which has influenced your taste in fashion?

I sometimes look up JUDY AND MARY’s YUKI’s past costume on the internet. I also search for past magazine of YOPPY’s clothing. Although the style is from years before, I like how they incorporate colors and unique printing. That’s why I like used clothing. I go to thrift shop a lot such as Gaijin in Koenji or asagi in Osaka.

-I have an image that you are very creative in a way you present your clothing as well as your drawings! Are there any future prospects that you desire to do as an artist?

hmm… personally, i want to be accompanied by animals. When i first came out, I had a bear with me. I want to do more of that. In other words, I want to get on the stage with lots of animals. Last year, I saw Ami, a singer from Dream, was singing the theme song from Zootopia on Msute. I was so jealous because I also want to have animals’ orchestra in the back and sing with big fluffy bears!

 

-Having many animals around you suits you! I am excited for you next stage direction. I have heard that you have experienced a concert in Taiwan, but are there any other countries that you want to perform?

I am curious of how audiences in other countries will act. People in Taiwan expresses themselves with their bodies such as shouting, dancing and they are very easy going. Thinking about it, it may differ for each country so I think performing will be fun!

-There is a one man live upcoming on May 21st. Are there any plans?

Because there will be a microphone stand, I don’t think I can move that much… but I want include others and create a lively atmosphere. I mean I want everyone to enjoy the performance. I don’t know if it is possible but I hope to collaborate with Awa dancers and CHANCHIKITORNADE. I aspire to create more lively performance since it is my first album.

 

■Information

Natume Mito

First Album: 「Natumero」

First production limited edition： AICL-3324～3325　 ￥3,241+tax

Book：https://www.sonymusicshop.jp/m/item/itemShw.php?cd=AICL-3324

Normal version：AICL-3326　　￥2,315+tax

Book :https://www.sonymusicshop.jp/m/item/itemShw.php?cd=AICL-3326

Official website: http://mito.asobisystem.com/

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Related article：Natume Mito will release her 1st album “Natumero” with a teaser video! An in-store event will also be held

 

Related article：Pre-orders available for Natsume Mito’s 1st album “Natsumero” & title track available for purchase

The famous model and singer, Natume Mito will release her 1st album 「Natumero」on April 26th along with a teaser video.

 

All the image designing for this CD cover and the video was done by SIX’s Naonori Yago. You should check out the impressive worldview of this CD cover, and the video.

In-store events will be held in the following places. On April 26th in Umeda TSUTAYA garden lounge, on May 4th in Kashihama AEON, and in Canal city Hakata B1F, and on May 6th in Lazona Kawasaki.

In addition, a free gift (the gift will vary depending on the store) will be offered to the first group of CD buyers at each store. If you purchase this ”Natumero” CD early on, you will receive a present related to each store.

TSUTAYA’s gift will be a “Natumero LIVE TOUR ~Natume Mito is overjoyed~” invitation applicationpost card. HMV’s gift will be a “Natumero” picture post card. Supporting stores will give out “Natumero” CD cover post cards. Rush to your nearest store and get one of these limited-presents!

Also, check out her all-Japan tour, 「Natumero LIVE TOUR ~Natume Mito is overjoyed~」! Keep an eye out for all her upcoming activities!

■Information

Natume Mito

First Album: 「Natumero」

［First production limited edition］ AICL-3324～3325　 ￥3,241+tax

Book：https://www.sonymusicshop.jp/m/item/itemShw.php?cd=AICL-3324

［Normal version］AICL-3326　　￥2,315+tax

Book :https://www.sonymusicshop.jp/m/item/itemShw.php?cd=AICL-3326

Official website: http://mito.asobisystem.com/

−−−

Related article：Pre-orders available for Natsume Mito’s 1st album “Natsumero” & title track available for purchase

Related Article：Natsume Mito to release her first album “Natsumero” on April 26th

Baby Star is a cherished snack that originated in Japan in 1959. Popular singer and model Natsume Mito appeared in the brand’s latest commercial for a new product, “Baby Star Panmen.” The ad is scheduled to start appearing nationwide from Monday February 6th.

It was announced at the end of 2016 that the mascot character for Baby Star, “Bei-chan,” would retire – a character that defined a generation. Now, a new, third character will step in: Hoshio-kun. You can expect to see Hoshio-kun package designs on shelves from February 6th for the new product Baby Star Panmen.

Model and artist Mito Natsume appears in the commercial for the new product eating Baby Star while doing a fun and upbeat dance. In the background is a tie-up track from Mito titled “Hanabira” produced by Yasutaka Nakata which will be released on February 22nd. FISHBOY of RADIO FISH was in charge of the choreography for the video. Make sure you don’t miss out on seeing this cute commercial with Natsume Mito and Hashio-kun.

■Information

Baby Star Panmen (Original Salt / Yasashii Chicken / Maple Cinnamon)

Price:￥120 each ※Prices may vary from shop to shop

Release Date: Monday February 6th, 2017

On sale at supermarkets and convenience stores nationwide around Japan

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Related Article: Natsume Mito’s new single “Puzzle” will be released for sale on 22nd February and you can watch the music video now!

Related Article: Natsume Mito to release new single “Puzzle” and embark on tour next year!

 

Since her major debut, Natsume Mito has been engaging in many areas of the industry including TV commercials. Now, the music video for her highly anticipated new single “Puzzle” has been completed! This single was produced by Yasutaka Nakata.

Up until now, Natsume Mito has always been strongly associated with guitar performances, and so for the making of this video, she met with street dancer FISHBOY from the group RADIOFISH to refresh her style. For the first time ever, Natsume Mito has challenged herself with dancing choreography in her new video! She was always under the constant supervision of FISHBOY, who coached her to perfection! To contrast the dance there is an element of surrealism in order to create a magnificent performance.

With the dance scene at the core of the music video, Natusme Mito is seen wearing costumes of different colours and becomes a Tetris game to add a touch of comedy. She is then turned into a human puzzle ー a perfect representation of the song’s title! The video also includes some lovely snaps from her beauty cut that was released yesterday, and a lovely shot of her lying on 50,000 puzzle pieces. There is so much to enjoy in this video!

 

Yesterday, it was announced that this song will be the ending theme song to the anime “Puzzle & Dragons X”. The original animation will be decided by February. At the end of last year, Natsume Mito stirred the news with her performance on a variety show! This year brings the release of her new CD and her Japan tour! Natsume Mito is placing her life as an artist at the core of this year’s plans. There will be a series of release events to celebrate the arrival of this highly anticipated CD. The first release event brings the unmissable and unique opportunity to meet Natsume Mito!

 

Please keep on the lookout for further information about Natsume Mito’s tour in Japan and release events!

 

■Information

“Puzzle” by Natsume Mito

Release date: 22.02.2017

[Special limited edition version (※ Anime-themed)]

￥1,000 (tax included) [AICL-3188]

Reserve at: https://www.sonymusicshop.jp/m/item/itemShw.php?cd=AICL-3188

[Standard version (CD only)]

￥1,000 (tax included) [AICL-3189]

Reserve at: https://www.sonymusicshop.jp/m/item/itemShw.php?cd=AICL-3189

 

URL  https://youtu.be/mJDzEzUEyF0

 

 

■ Related article: Lenny code fiction and Natsume Mito Selected to Sing the New Theme Song For the Popular TV Anime “Pazudorakurosu”

 

■ Related article: Natsume Mito to release new single “Puzzle” and embark on tour next year!

Natsume Mito made her major debut last year and has seen appeared on TV and been featured commercials numerous times. Her new single “Puzzle” will be released on February 22nd, 2017 and has been chosen as the ending theme for the anime series “PUZZLE & DRAGONS X”. Yasutaka Nakata, who has produced Natsume Mito’s songs since her debut, will also be in charge over the production of this track.

The first press limited edition of “Puzzle”will include a wide cap illustration from the anime series. The regular edition will include an extra song in addition to “Puzzle”. Natsume Mito is looking a little bit more mature than usual in the accompanying photograph for the single’s release. It gives us a glimpse of another side of Natsume Mito’s beauty.

It has also been announced that she is to embark on a one-man live tour starting in May 2017. The tour will began at TSUTAYA O-EAST on May 21st and will finish on July 23rd at Osaka BIG CAT. She will play 9 different locations in total around Japan.

For further details, check out her homepage! http://mito.asobisystem.com/

■Information

New Single from Natsume Mito “Puzzle”

Release Date: February 22nd, 2017

【First Press Limited Edition w/Wide Cap Illustration】

￥1,000(tax-inclusive) [AICL-3188]

https://www.sonymusicshop.jp/m/item/itemShw.php?cd=AICL-3188

【Regular Edition (CD only)】

￥1,000(tax-inclusive)[AICL-3189]

https://www.sonymusicshop.jp/m/item/itemShw.php?cd=AICL-3189

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■Related article：Lenny code fiction and Natsume Mito Selected to Sing the New Theme Song For the Popular TV Anime “Pazudorakurosu”

■Related article：This spring, Natsume Mito is supporting new lifestyle changes!

In January of next year, a new opening and ending theme song for “Pazudorakurosu”, an anime broadcasted on BS Japan, has been chosen. For the opening, the stylish rock band Lenny code fiction’s new song “Colors” has been selected. Japanese model/artist, Mito Natsume’s new song “Puzzle” was selected for the ending theme. There are personal messages from both artists. Be the first to check it out here!

Lenny code fiction is a rock band consisting of four members with Vo&Gt Wataru Katagiri in the center. Their splendid appearance and catchy tunes grasp the hearts of listeners. Both of their debut singles, “Key-Bring It On, My Destiny-“released in August of 2016, and their second single, “Flower” released in November of the same year, were used for the opening theme of an anime show. Their music has drawn a great deal of attention in the media.

■Comment

“Hello, I am Wataru Katagiri, the “guitarist and vocalist” from Lenny code fiction. We are honored to have such a great opportunity to create a song for the opening theme of “Pazudorakurosu”. It is also the opening theme following UVERworld, so we inherit this baton and it has become a song that we made carefully to make the anime world look even more exciting. This song includes my feelings of hoping to make all the farewells and obstacles we will be facing in the future lead to success. I hope everyone will enjoy both the song and the anime”.

 

Natsume Mito became popular when she started her career as a model in 2010. She also debuted as an artist/singer with the help of Yasutaka Nakata (CAPSULE). Mito is expanding her range of activities as an artist with her trademark of having short bangs.

 

■Comment

“Hello, I am Natsume Mito. I will be taking part in the ending theme song for “Pazudorakurosu”. The song was produced by Yasutaka Nakata, and it turned out to have an exciting pop flavor similar to the anime! The dancing to the song is very easy, so I hope everyone will enjoy dancing along with the music!”

 

■Information


TV Anime “Pazudorakurosu”

Tokyo 6 Station Network, Broadcasted every Monday from 6:25pm

BS Japan, Broadcasted every Thursday from 5pm.

 

■Related article：Cute, bittersweet and emotional — Artwork for Natsume Mito’s new single has been announced!

 

■Related article：This spring, Natsume Mito is supporting new lifestyle changes!