Bourbon’s five-episode audiobook no doubt created for its Noukou Choco Brownie snack was released as an animated TV commercial last week. The video features Japanese pop rock band Macaroni Enpitsu’s new song Tomason which was written for the commercial.
The audiobook no doubt becomes a TV commercial
The no doubt audiobook was written by the popular Japanese author Yoru Sumino who is perhaps best known for writing I Want to Eat Your Pancreas. It tells the story of two boys who are in high school. They aren’t part of an afterschool club, and they don’t have part time jobs. They come to realise that this time will be what they look back on when they grow up. The characters were designed by Itsuka, an illustrator popular online.
The commercial features the song Tomason by Macaroni Enpitsu.
“no doubt” Animated TV Commercial
“no doubt” Recording Behind The Scenes
Japanese voice actors Hiro Shimono (Attack on Titan; Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba) and Yuki Kaji (Attack on Titan; My Hero Academia) voiced the characters in the commercial. Below is an interview with both of them on the commercial, part of which we have translated.
Hiro Shimono x Yuki Kaji Interview
A snippet of the interview, translated
Q1: How did your performances go? Tell me about your shoot.
Hiro Shimono: “The commercial portrays two boys who are neither adults nor children, so going through puberty I suppose. Their dialogue is elaborate, it was super interesting.”
Yuki Kaji: “Right up to wrapping up, the entire shoot was a lot of fun, including the intervals during our breaks.”
Q2: You both play the roles of high school boys. Tell me about a time from your youths.
Yuki Kaji: “One memory I have from school being young, which is like something out of a painting, was my time a the theatre club. You need real physical strength when it comes to acting, so before dress rehearsal, I’d run around the school building. That’s a memory that’s stuck with me. I’d change into my jersey, and go die– I mean, run to the nearby river embankment too. Being reminded of that now it’s too much like a youth film or something, it’s making me laugh <laughs>. “
Hiro Shimono: “I have a story from my youth too. It was on the day of the Culture Festival [at school]. After the festival finished, I was on my way home with some people, and there was a park with a water fountain in it. I said, ‘Well, it’s already raining, so why the hell not!’ Of course it wasn’t the thing to do, but we jumped into the water fountain and splashed about. That’s what being young is all about, right!?”
Q3: What’s your favourite Noukou Choco Brownie flavour, the regular or the rich milk?
Hiro Shimono: “Noukou Choco Brownie.”*
*Translator’s Note: Implying all of them
Yuki Kaji: “Me too! <laughs>”
Q4: Please give a message to fans.
Yuki Kaji: “I was lucky to have the opportunity to performance Yoru Sumino’s novel no doubt. I’m over the moon about it. The script was of course wonderful, and me and Shimono have known each other for a long time, so I think that comes across in the video with a pleasant atmosphere. The commercial is a youthful drama about two high school boys, and it’s linked to the bittersweetness of Noukou Choco Brownie. Be sure to tuck into one yourself while you listen to the story.”
Hiro Shimono: “[The commercial’s characters] Igarashi and Imai have a great conversation, and getting to do it with Kaji was a lot of fun. It made me think we’ve always had that kind of vibe with each other. Noukou Choco Brownie is the keyword, so please be sure to check out the audiobook to see how it plays its part.”
no doubt Synopsis
One day, high schooler Imai skips school by feigning illness. He is at home in his room, when all of a sudden another boy from his class, Igarashi, comes to visit him. He has the handouts to give to Imai from class, but the high school they go to doesn’t have that custom where a classmate has to give handouts to someone who’s off ill. And the two of them aren’t that class where Igarashi would suddenly pop to see Imai like that. Imai finds it suspicious. Igarashi is interested in the clay work Imai has in his room. Both of them have some free time, so begin to make a town together out of clay.
Information
Noukou Choco Brownie TV Commercial
Initial Broadcast: April 13, 2021 (Japan)
Bourbon Official YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8UW0OHgo_FtkF4orKd2S4Q
Bourbon Official Website: https://www.bourbon.co.jp/chocobrownie/
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Information
Chogakusei
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Information
Rinjuu Love – Macaroni Empitsu
Release Date: January 14, 2023
Streaming Links: https://tf.lnk.to/rinjyulove
Official Site: http://macaroniempitsu.com/ -
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Noel Hayase“The past year has been the most packed year of my life. There was something to do every single day–it was so hectic and so fun! I could only think about how thankful I was to be part of FRUITS ZIPPER. I’m sure that we’ve all become stronger over the past year, and I want to keep working hard and expanding our activities more in the coming years!” Amane Tsukiashi“Every day seemed to fly by. I met and talked with so many people, and I was finally able to do the job I had always dreamed of doing.” ーYou performed in Thailand this year, highlighting your slogan of 'From Harajuku to the World.' Can you tell us any fun stories from that time? Yui Sakurai“I was so happy to see how many people knew about FRUITS ZIPPER–it was more than I could have ever imagined! So many fans told me how happy they were to meet me and it made me so thrilled!There were some fans who came from Japan too, and they joined the Thai fans to become Team Yui! I really felt like we had shared Harajuku with the world at that moment. ♡I hope that we’ll keep expanding this way and visiting fans around the world. It was such a warm and special day.” Luna Nakagawa“This was my first time performing overseas and I was nervous about how the audience would react. We weren’t well-known in Thailand, after all–but when we started singing Watashino Ichiban Kawaiitokoro, everyone sang along!The concert was so warm and the fans were so sweet, I immediately forgot that it was my first big overseas performance. I was full of adrenaline and it just turned out to be so much fun.That concert is still my best memory. I can't wait to go back to Thailand to perform again.Since our motto is ‘From Harajuku to the World,’ I hope that we can keep expanding to other countries soon!” ーDo you have any goals for the next year in terms of overseas activities? Suzuka Chinzei“I want to do a European tour!I’m still studying German, but I’d love to try out my communication skills! 🥺 (I guess I could do that here too, but…)” Karen Matsumoto“I want to be friends with more overseas fans! 💖Honestly, I’d love to become like Kyary, an idol who is now recognized all over the world!” ーGive a message to your fans both in Japan and abroad! Manaka Mana“In 2023, I hope that I can spend more time with fans from around the world in person! I want to become stronger and care for those important to me while growing my natural gifts!I hope you’re all looking forwards to a powered-up FRUITS ZIPPER!Let’s make 2023 a great one!" 🤍 Noel Hayase“Even though we’ve only just debuted, we’ve already been so blessed, invited to perform in Thailand and to spend New Year’s Eve in Taiwan. How have we been abroad so many times already? I want to keep the momentum going, spread my wings and aim for an even bigger stage! To all the international fans, just wait! We’ll keep bringing Harajuku to the rest of the world!” Information
FRUITS ZIPPER
Twitter: https://twitter.com/fruits_zipper
Instagram: https://instagram.com/fruits_zipper
YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCW8Q9LBGGBgK6a-u0C0h95A
TikTok: https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSen7dJAT/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FRUITSZIPPER
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Many visiting Tokyo in the future will want to find the most kawaii spots imaginable, and we know just the girl to serve as a guide! In today’s special interview, we chatted with MIOCHIN to share her recommendations. If you haven’t seen her colorful pop pics on TikTok and Instagram, you’ll want to jump into the MIONOSEKAI! Q. MIOCHIN, what store is a must-visit in Harajuku?“That would be SUGAR HIGH at Harajuku Alta! You can find colorful sweets and cute goods from all over the world. I always stop by when I have time because they have popular snacks I’ve seen on TikTok, tons of jewelry, and things I can use every day♪It’s also a really good spot for buying small souvenirs and gifts for people!★” Q. What store in Tokyo really embodies your personal worldview?
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Active as an illustrator, TikToker, and streamer, MIOCHIN is known for her colorful pop world MIONOSEKAI. She has fans young and old from around the world and often broadcasts on YouTube and TikTok, recently attracting attention for her duet videos on the latter. Her original videos focus on everything from makeup and art to impressions. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dtdq2828/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mionosekaiYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnyOak5Hd4WG0oLECz6L0OgTwitter: https://twitter.com/dtdq2828 -
FRUITS ZIPPER, a new idol group from ASOBISYSTEM, has a simple concept: “From Harajuku to the World.” Ready to transmit what they call ‘NEW KAWAII’ from Harajuku, an area known for fashion and individuality, to their soon-to-be global fanbase, the group consists of seven members: Amane Tsukiashi, Suzuka Chinzei, Yui Sakurai, Luna Nakagawa, Mana Manaka, Karen Matsumoto, and Noel Hayase. A while back in Report #12, we chatted with Karen Matsumoto, Yui Sakurai, and Luna Nakagawa about their makeup routine and tips. This time, we’re asking Noel Hayase, Suzuka Chinzei, Mana Manaka, and Amane Tsukiashi to share their thoughts on makeup!
Tell us about your favorite lipsticks and what makes them special!
－Noel HayaseWhen I do my own makeup, I use b idol's Glossy Lip No. 08 and then layer PERIPERA's G Tint No. 06 on the inside. I’ve tried so many b idol lipsticks and I finally found one that matches my skin color perfectly. The tinted one was a gift but I love applying it on the inside of my lips–it gives this neat blood-colored look. It also doesn’t fade which is awesome.－Suzuka ChinzeiI like THREE Lyrical Lipstick Bloom 11 RUN FREE. The texture is soft, the color doesn’t fade, and the color is really cute. When I found it, I was so thrilled–it was the exact color I was looking for. Seriously, it’s the best lipstick! It’s honestly all I use in fall and winter♡ －Mana ManakaJill Stuart’s lip oil!We call the people who support us Soragumi, and some of them gave us these gifts along with letters and flowers after our first solo concert. We were so happy☁️I love the colors and the cloth wrapping, but I feel like it would be such a waste if I ran out so I only carry them as good luck charms. (Laugh) －Amane Tsukiashi DIOR ADDICT 524 DIORETTEDIOR ADDICT Maximizer 103 Pure Gold (This one was a gift🙇♂️) 04 rom&nd Dewiful Water TintI have so many favorite lipsticks, but lately I've been into layering this shimmery gold maximizer with brown, orange, red, and darker lip shades. It’s really cute!🤍 What do you use for your foundation?
－Noel HayaseI don’t put a lot on my skin, but I do apply a makeup primer called UV Idea XL Protection Tone-Up by La Roche-Posay first. After that, I use Dior Skin Forever Skin Correct Concealer to hide dark circles and redness. That’s all!－Suzuka ChinzeiI moisturize with VT's CICA cream. Depending on the weather, I’ll apply Chant a Charm sunscreen followed by The Skin Minimalist by Decorte. I put on powder last. I use CANMAKE's Secret Beauty Powder or Elegance's La Poudre Haute Nuance. No foundation for me! －Mana ManakaThese were also gifts, but I use Lunasol sunscreen, Dior primer, and foundation!The bottle is really beautiful, with the engraving…❤️I ran out of powder when I was in Thailand recently, so I'm just using what I bought locally!I don't know if it's because it's makeup from a really hot country, but it goes on so smoothly that it doesn't feel sticky at all, even with a mask on. I've been using it even after I got back to Japan! －Amane Tsukiashi CHANEL Base Hydra Luminere(I might upgrade.) CHANEL Fluid Foundation de CHANEL B10 Dior Forever Skin Correct Concealer 0N SUQQU Oil Rich Glow Loose Powder clé de peau BEAUTÉ LE REHAUSSEUR D’ÉCLAT 105 (This was a gift! 🙇♂️) What do you typically do when it comes to skincare?
－Noel HayaseFirst, I use &honey cleansing balm to remove my makeup. When I heard that you could cleanse and wash your face at the same time, I gave it a try and it was amazing, so I’m never going back. After my bath and before putting on my makeup, I use a complete skin care set like La Roche-Posay's skincare set, which includes mist lotion, toner, and skin cream. It’s not cheap, but since I started using it my skin feels so incredible. Remember to always buy products depending on what kind of skin you have!－Suzuka ChinzeiBefore makeup in the morning, I always cleanse with Bioderma. If I don’t feel moisturized enough, I apply a lotion emulsion. After cleansing at night, I use Bioderma again and then a toner emulsion. Sometimes I like doing face masks, and when I do, I use Mediplorer's CO2 Sheet Mask. It was recommended to me by someone with really beautiful skin and it’s amazing. I also use a Cell Cure. It’s crazy after how much dirt it removes. (Laugh) －Mana ManakaI use lotion, then a face mask, then a serum!When I used the MediHeal mask that Luna recommended, I was so surprised at how good it was that I started buying and trying tons of different masks.I'm trying different things to see what fits and what doesn't, and lately I've been buying a lot of Korean masks. －Amane TsukiashiI haven’t been doing much skincare, but I have been moisturizing a lot lately since my skin gets super dry. On some days I’ll do a face mask and use steam. On the day before an important photo shoot, I use my favorite CellCure 4t Plus. Oh no! You're running late! You only have time to apply one product! What part of your face will you focus on and why?
－Noel HayaseI’d only do eye makeup. In this day and age, everyone wears masks, so when you meet someone, you always make eye contact, right? Besides, if it's just eye makeup, I can get by without base makeup, and I can do the rest of my makeup whenever. (Laugh)－Suzuka ChinzeiI just need sunscreen!Sunscreen is life. It’s so important!Starting when I was in junior high, my parents told me to wear sunscreen, so I can’t imagine not doing it now. No matter how busy I am, I put on sunscreen, even while walking to the station.I was on the track team in junior high and I’d put some on every 30 minutes. At the time I thought it was so annoying, but now I’m so glad my mom told me to do it. (Strangely enough, my mom doesn’t wear sunscreen at all.) －Mana ManakaOn days when I actually have a whole day off or if I’m just at rehearsal, I don't wear makeup. I hide behind a mask and a hat! (Laugh)If I use anything at all, it's sunscreen or foundation with sunscreen in it.It covers my eyebrows and eyes so much that I can't see at all, but I do want to prevent spots!!! (Laugh) －Amane TsukiashiEyes!I always think that wearing eye makeup makes a huge difference. I’d want to do my eyebrows too, but at least I can hide them with my bangs. Eyes it is! Information
FRUITS ZIPPER
Twitter: https://twitter.com/fruits_zipper
Instagram: https://instagram.com/fruits_zipper
YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCW8Q9LBGGBgK6a-u0C0h95A
TikTok: https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSen7dJAT/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FRUITSZIPPER
Amane Tsukiashi
Twitter
https://twitter.com/amane_fz1026
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/am1026_official/
TikTok
https://www.tiktok.com/@am1026_official
Youtube
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYH_GZdDHYrrh_8iQOi4P0g
Suzuka Chinzei
Twitter
https://twitter.com/suzuka_fz1124
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/tarasuzuka24/
TikTok
https://www.tiktok.com/@oooooossssss24
Youtube
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0XgLUbhD1Wdj_hgknrDo7A
Mana Manaka
Twitter
https://twitter.com/manafy_fz0422
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/manafy_baby/
TikTok
https://www.tiktok.com/@manafy_fz0422
Noel Hayase
Twitter
https://twitter.com/noel_fz1229
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/noel_hayase/
TikTok
https://www.tiktok.com/@hysnl1229
Youtube
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“Japan is such an interesting country, where so many cultures blend and evolve.” Moshi Moshi Nippon is dedicated to sharing Japanese pop culture with audiences around the world. Recently, we launched a new interview series with foreign influencers active in Japan, and for the third edition, we’re chatting with Zhu Zhu! A popular influencer with over 2 million followers on Weibo, Zhu Zhu claims that since coming to Japan, her fashion has become ‘softer.’ We sat down to ask her what kind of Kawaii she’s found in Japan.
Q. Why did you first come to Japan?
"In 2013, I moved to Japan with my family because Beijing’s air pollution had become really bad. It’s already been nine years!"Zhu Zhu when she first came to Japan
Q. When you first arrived in Japan, what surprised you?
“When I first came to Japan, what really surprised me was the wide use of the word ‘kawaii.’ It’s so interesting that literally anything can be called kawaii. Sure, it makes sense to call girls, animals, or clothes cute, but in Japan, people call things cute that people in other countries would never refer to in that way. I mean, I think calling things ‘cute’ when you mean ‘good’ is something really commonplace here. (laugh)”Q. Tell us what you find the most Kawaii in Japan!
"There are so many cute things in Japan, but I think that the sweets take the cake. I was surprised by how small they are unlike in other countries. And there are so many kinds! Cakes, baked goods, wagashi, they’re all so incredibly kawaii!"Q. How did your encounter with Kawaii culture in Japan change you?
“Since I first came into contact with the Japanese version of kawaii, I think my style has become softer. When I was overseas, I typically just worse really simple outfits and makeup, but now, I’m always conscious of looking girly and cute.”Q.In Japan, what are you interested in right now? Where do you want to visit in the future?
“I recently read an article about Yufuin Floral Village, which is England-inspired. It looks so cute and I really want to go!”Q. Do you have anything to say to our readers who want to visit Japan in the future?
“Japan is such an interesting country, where so many cultures blend and evolve. No matter how many times you visit, you can always find something new. Please visit!”Zhu Zhu ProfileAn influencer from China with 2 million followers on Weibo. Nicknamed “Big Cousin” on social media, she has been a favorite of many Japanese brands for years. Since moving to Japan, Zhu Zhu has actively shared fashion, beauty, travel, and food posts on social media. In addition to appearing on TV and in magazines, she has collaborated with a number of major Japanese apparel and cosmetics companies.