Model and talent Kouma Takase is now starring in an ad for TITANAIL PRO, a professional nail care product from Titanist Laboratories.

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!

The five winners of the second Japanese Traditional Culture Grand Prix have been announced! The contest was spearheaded by the Japan Traditional Culture Promotion Project, established in May 2020 as a collaborative effort among companies, associations, and local governments to establish a sustainable framework for the continued development of Japanese traditional culture.

The project is headed by Seiichi Kondou, the Former Commissioner of the Agency for Cultural Affairs. United Arrows Honorary Chairman Osamu Shigematsu serves as Vice-Chairman. Along with Nobuo Yoshida, the 14th generation head of the 400-year-old traditional paper fan store Ibasen, the Japan Cultural Promotion Project began this Grand Prix as a way to honor outstanding works of Japanese culture by companies, organizations, and individuals. Anyone can enter, regardless of nationality, residence, or age. The jury consists of 11 people from various fields, including Richard Collasse, the Chairman of Chanel LLC, and popular model Kozue Akimoto.

Grand Prix Winner

Dustpan x Broom

Luo Qi

Each dustpan is shaped by hand to match the special shape of the Matsumoto broom, which is then dyed with natural Tokushima indigo dye. The broom is the only one in the world made from home-grown broomcorn, and each is made by a third-generation craftsman with years of experience.

Runner-up Prizes

Japanese Lacquer Art – Ether

Takehito Sasaki

[Critique]

Both traditional and innovative. The spirit of Japanese culture and the meaning of this award seem to have taken shape in this work. The zippers do not open. The surface looks like leather, but it isn’t. When the lid is opened, the glossy lacquer seems to spread out. My expectations were surpassed. Anyone who sees it or uses it will find themselves lost in imagination, and I’m sure that thinking about that will bring a smile to the creator’s face. This beautiful craftsmanship was born from plenty of care and attention. What a pleasant surprise. (Risa Tanaka)

Sake Drinking Set – Japanese nagomi Sake Cups

Nagomi Fujita

[Critique]

There’s something about this piece that shares a spirit with Art Nouveau. The delicate plants superimposed on the bright transparent glass are a powerful image. In traditional Japanese nagomi art, the linear appearance of the plants is painted a bit more lightly, but these overlapping layers and shapes resonate and make an impact. The artist used traditional techniques such as lacquer and foil in a subtle manner, while still making the plants look alive. I’d consider this as a modern take on ecology. (Yuko Hasegawa)

Excellence Award

Floating Boat Counter

Masafumi Kodama (Registered Architect with a First-Class License) / Taiki Ishikawa (First Class Carpenter/Registered Architect with a Second-Class License)

[Critique]
The motif that inspired this piece is the traditional Japanese architectural technique of funahijiki. It’s an outstanding piece that utilizes practical architectural practices to create a piece of furniture at the center of a home, somewhere that the family relaxes. It brings the beauty of Japanese wood into the modern age. Funahijiki is a technique that has been used in incredible places, such as the Kyoto Imperial Palace and Kojoin Temple. It’s graceful and elegant, and not often seen in the current age. (Hidetsugu Horikoshi)

Folding Chair to Assist in Seiza
patol stool SEIZA

Hirayama Daily Goods Shop, Makiko & Kazuhiko Hirayama

[Critique]

The judges liked this folding chair for assisting seiza sitting, as it’s something that could be put to practical use right away. It’s sure to help people enjoy tatami culture, and will be a big help for people who seldom sit on the floor in this traditional way. The height and size of the chair, as well as its ability to be folded for easy storage, are nice touches. I’d consider this a masterpiece with incredible potential. (Yuji Akimoto)

These pieces of artwork managed to connect traditional Japanese culture with future sensibilities, so give them a look!

Fashion brand badmood, a line of goods inspired by the anime BAD MOOD, has released its first cosmetic line! The anime itself was written by Fukase from SEKAI NO OWARI, who also designed the characters. Four products are available–a shadow palette, gel eyeliner, color change lip balm, and bright sun cream. Products are available at the CREE’MARE online store, 9 CREE’MARE by DHOLIC stores, and the DHOLIC Lumine Omiya store. 

badmood Shadow Palette

・Easily-portable eyeshadow palette with 4 colors

・Comes in two textures: Powder and Jelly

・Dense color offers complete coverage, even when applied with fingertips

・Orange-Brown: ¥2,600 (Tax Included)

badmood Gel Eyeliner

・Creamy texture gently adheres to the eye area

・Sure to keep lines firmly in place without smearing

・Includes a pencil sharpener for thinning the tip

・01 Matte Black / 02 Chocolate Brown: ¥1,800 (Tax Included)

badmood Color Change Lip Balm

・Offers a bright pop of natural color when applied

・Moisturizing for those with dry lips

・Smooth and easy to use without leaving sticky residue

・01 Orange / 02 Grape: ¥2,000 (Tax Included)

badmood Bright Sun Cream

・Moist texture for easy application

・Easy to match to any skin tone

・SPF50+ sure to block harsh ultraviolet rays

・Skin Color: ¥2,600 (Tax Included)

Customers will also receive a badmood original tattoo sticker for each product purchased!

*Available while supplies last.

*Not available at Rakuten or Qoo10 Official Store.

To commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Naruto anime series, Usaburo Kokeshi has created two traditional dolls modeled after Naruto Uzumaki and Sasuke Uchiha. The original manga series by Masashi Kishimoto has become a global phenomenon, and fans won’t want to miss out on these unique pieces! Preorders are now open.

Usaburo Kokeshi makes each of these pieces by hand, transforming them from children’s playthings into traditional works of art. The wood used to create these pieces is from trees in Gunma Prefecture.

Usaburo Kokeshi Doll – Naruto Uzumaki

Usaburo Kokeshi Doll – Sasuke Uchiha

These adorable dolls completely recreate both character’s outfits and hairstyles, and the designers clearly focused on the small details. Enjoy these palm-sized versions of your favorite Naruto characters!

©岸本斉史 スコット／集英社・テレビ東京・ぴえろ

Behance, the world’s largest creative social media network, has started a new project to promote Japanese traditional culture and arts and crafts to the world. Works on Behance will be transformed into NFTs, with the goal to establish a new way for traditional craftsmen to profit from their work.

Japan’s traditional arts and crafts are well-known by many around the world. On the other hand, challenges still remain as many regions’ traditional manufacturing industries are digitized. Sharing more detailed information about these crafts with overseas markets has also been difficult.

According to the “Survey on the Revitalization of Local Traditional Manufacturing Industries” published by the Development Bank of Japan in 2018, Japan’s traditional arts and crafts industry peaked around 1980. Due to the recession caused by the burst of the bubble economy, the rise of inexpensive foreign products, and changes in lifestyle, the amount of production has been declining year by year. Compared with the peak period, current production has dropped to one-fifth or about 100 billion yen. The workers involved in traditional crafts are also aging, making it difficult to pass on their skills to younger creators.

On Behance, users can not only get inspiration from other people’s work but can also publish their own works and receive helpful feedback and comments. Marketing professionals also use Behance to find creators for campaigns and collaborations, and previously, a Japanese creator who had uploaded his work to the social media site was asked to illustrate the cover of the New York Times. 

This project is designed to promote traditional Japanese arts and crafts in the hopes of supporting their continued development in the face of many difficult conditions.

Japanese makeup brand Shu Uemura launched its new 2022 Spring/Summer Collection on April 22, 2022 in limited quantities. Kabuki actor Ichikawa Somegoro VIII, who became a Shu Uemura brand ambassador in March 2022, is seen in new visuals for the collection.

Collection

Limited Edition Eyeshadow Palette

Nude Punk Eye Palette (5 limited edition colors / 1 existing color)

Lilac Rebel Eye Palette (3 limited edition colors / 3 existing colors)

Lipstick Unlimited Kinu Satin

Tailored Nude, Limited Edition Color (Star Shade)

Auburn Tulle

Lipstick Unlimited Kinu Cream

Taupe Couture (Star Shade)

Sienna Silk

Ultim8∞ Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil

Hard Formula Hard 9 Seal Brown

Petal 55 Foundation Brush

The Shu Uemura philosophy is that makeup is “fashion for the face.” From makeup that hides blemishes to makeup that helps people express themselves, every piece is important.

In 1968, Shu Uemura introduced ‘Mode Makeup,’ with the idea that just as there are patterns in clothing, there should be patterns in makeup as well. He proposed free expression using makeup and inspired people to be more fearless with their makeup application. Try expressing yourself more in 2022!

Shiseido’s makeup brand Integrate will launch three products inspired by the anime series Ojamajo Doremi on April 21, 2022 in limited quantities! Each will come in packaging designed in collaboration with Toei Animation. Fans can grab the Integrate Pro Finish Foundation Special Set D, the Integrate Pro Finish Liquid Special Set D, and the Integrate Nuance Eyebrow Mascara D while supplies last.

Those in their 20s and 30s remember Ojamajo Doremi fondly as a series they watched during their childhood. The series followed three elementary school girls–Doremi, Hazuki, and Aiko–as they become witch apprentices.

For the collaboration, a special set of two popular foundations and three limited-edition colors of eyebrow mascara will be available while supplies last. The character illustrations on the packaging were created exclusively for this release, so fans won’t want to miss it!

To celebrate the release, a Twitter and Instagram campaign is currently underway, and fans who take a test on the official Integrate website will be able to see which character is most like them and which makeup would suit them best. 

©東映アニメーション

Cosmetics brand Lovisia has unveiled 15 hand creams inspired by the Detective Conan anime series. Those purchasing three or more bottles at the Lovisia online store will receive a special Detective Conan drawstring bag while supplies last!

Fans can grab a hand cream decorated with their favorite character. Not only are these extremely cute, but they include four moisturizing ingredients perfect for keeping skin soft. The characters Detective Takagi and Detective Sato from the recent film Detective Conan: The Bride of Halloween are included in the lineup, with other familiar faces like Jinpei Matsuda and Hiromitsu Morofushi also appearing.

The new hand creams have a refreshing and clean scent, containing moisturizing Vaseline, shea butter, ceramide, and argan oil to prevent dry skin during any season.

The package designs feature a new retro theme, with the concept of “New Styley Collection.” Each image blends nostalgia with a fun pop of color. Which character would you like to see each time you want to moisturize? 

Fans of Doraemon and traditional Japanese artwork won’t want to miss this special collaboration! On March 30, preorders will open for ukiyo-e prints inspired by the film ‘Doraemon: Nobita’s Little Star Wars 2021.’ These limited-edition pieces were created by Iwano Ichibei, a Living National Treasure.

The prints show Doraemon and friends along with the alien Papi and the special gadget the “Small Light.” The tool is giving off light depicted in a traditional Edo pattern believed to bring good luck, and the characters are shown inside its silhouette. 

Ukiyo-e Woodblock Print Production

Engraving by Craftsman

Printing by Craftsman

First, a sketch is made, and a monochrome version of the print is carved. After carving a number of woodblocks for each color and using them to rub the painting tirelessly to bring it to life, one single woodblock print is completed. 

The extremely delicate and advanced techniques these craftsmen utilize have been passed down from the Edo period. Imagine having one of these beautiful pieces hanging in your home!

Shu Uemura Japan has announced that Kabuki actor Somegoro Ichikawa VIII will be the brand ambassador for its popular cleansing oil and other cosmetic items.

Shu Uemura products are all crafted in Japan and the brand exemplifies the Japanese spirit of perfection, care, and tradition. This advanced technology and cutting-edge design philosophy is a perfect match for Somegoro Ichikawa, who is incredibly passionate about Japanese artistry through his work in kabuki theater. This collaboration is bringing kabuki, a 400-year-old art form, to the mainstream, infusing it with modernity.

Comment from Somegoro Ichikawa

“I’m honored to have been chosen to serve as an ambassador for Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil, which I personally use on a regular basis. What can we do to pass on Kabuki and other Japanese traditions to future generations? I feel a strong connection between my own ideas and challenges and those of the Shu Uemura brand.” 

Jill Stuart Beauty has launched a limited spring collection, ‘Crystal Bloom Sakura Bouquet.’ These items, inspired by beautiful double-layered cherry blossoms, are now available for purchase both in-store and online!

Jill Stuart Crystal Bloom Sakura Bouquet Eau de Parfum

Jill Stuart Crystal Bloom Sakura Bouquet Perfumed Hand Cream

Jill Stuart Sakura Bouquet Bloom Mixed Blush Compact

21 – Rosy Cherry Blossom

Jill Stuart Sakura Bouquet Lipstick – Lip Jewel Gemmy Satin / Jill Stuart Sakura Bouquet Lipstick Case

106 – Cherry Waltz

107 – Fluttering Petals

Jill Stuart Sakura Bouquet My Lips 01 – Fluffy Cherry

Cherry blossoms are a symbol of spring and continue to entrance people each year. Sakura in full bloom have the power to bring people together, and this spring, Jill Stuart hopes that this fragrance and beauty collection can do the same.