The lifestyle hotel chain ESTINATE HOTEL’s Okinawa Naha branch will turn 6-years-old on August 7, and to celebrate, it will hold a special event in collaboration with the character designer Ryu Ambe from August 6-15. This will be Ambe’s first-ever exhibition where his work will be sold in-person.
Pottery in Shujiro Castle Park
“Shima Map” design by Ryu Ambe to be used on posters and t-shirts
ESTINATE HOTEL has welcomed people from all regions of Japan over the years. It has held many events including one two years ago with the theme “Meet Local” and another last year themed on “Feel Global.” This year, the catchphrase is “Hello New World” which hopes to encourage people to discover new things by meeting the locals of Okinawa through the medium of art.
Ryu Ambe has a unique designer reminiscent of American comics. For this event, he has created the “Shima Map” which will be used on a variety of merchandise such as 30 limited-edition silk screen posters. There are also pottery pieces inspired by the sea life found in Okinawa’s oceans, amongst other art works.
Information
Ryu Ambe Exhibition “HELLO NEW WORLD” at ESTINATE HOTEL
Running: August 6, 2021 – August 15, 2021 @ 11:00-17:00
Ryu Ambe’s Stay Duration: August 7, 2021 – August 8, 2021
Location: ESTINATE HOTEL Okinawa Floor 1F Lounge
Address: 23-11 Matsuyama, Naha, Okinawa, 900-0032, Japan
Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/estinate_hotel/
Official Website: https://estinate.com/
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On August 16, SUNNY ONLY 1 released her new digital single WASH IT. In April, the accomplished artist released her first single in two years, So What? SUNNY ONLY 1 is also an active member of the Tokyo-based girls’ creative collective bala, and her previous release Dance like a monkey feat. Mori attracted plenty of attention. A collaboration with close friend Mori from the musical group DONGURIZU, the song was featured on Spotify’s official Electropolis playlist. WASH IT, concluding the trilogy of solo single releases from SUNNY ONLY 1 this year, was co-written by Kyoichi Mikuriya and Hiroto Sugawara of the band Eiji, along with rapper KOHKI. These artists are close friends of SUNNY, and the track itself is a party tune filled with Afro-funk and disco beats that capture the hustle and bustle of the underground scene. WASH IT was produced by Noah Ings, an up-and-coming producer from London who also worked on SUNNY ONLY 1’s previous release. [Comment from SUNNY ONLY 1] “This is the last song of the trilogy. It’s the funkiest song I’ve ever written and I made it while partying with my friends, so I hope you’ll have a listen while you’re vibing and feeling good!”
Information
WASH IT – SUNNY ONLY 1 (Digital Single)
Release Date: August 16, 2023
Streaming URL: https://orcd.co/wash_itSpecial Thanks:
Kyoichi Mikuriya (Eiji)
Hiroto Sugawara (Eiji)
KOHKI
SENA
MASAO
yoxen
kawasaki -
Scenic Girls’ Fashion Festival OKINAWA COLLECTION 2023 to be Held for the First Time in September, Popular Boy’s Group OCTPATH Announced as First Performers
The Okinawa Collection Executive Committee has announced the first girls’ fashion festival OKINAWA COLLECTION 2023. The event will be held at Umisora Park in Okinawa on September 24, 2023. The first round of performers has been announced and pre-sale tickets are now available.
The event will be held on the picturesque sandy beaches of Naha, the capital of Okinawa Prefecture. The area is famous for its contributions to entertainment, and the show aims to share current pop culture with both audiences in Japan and the world.
■Several influential models are scheduled to appear!
The first batch of performers include Yuina Kogawa, a model and television personality; Nana Kato, an exclusive model for Ray and LARME magazines; Ariana Sakura, an exclusive model for ViVi and a model for many popular brands; Nagomi, who also produces the cosmetics brand "GENTY," and PyunA., an exclusive model for the fashion magazine Koakuma ageha who is set to release her first photo book in August.
■Additional guests, including popular YouTubers, will take the stage!
Guests include the popular YouTuber duo Nakonako Couple, active both online and on TV; Mukuena, two childhood friends and artists with a popular YouTube channel; Toua, a current trendsetter; Osaki, a high-schooler appearing in the People category of the JC/JK Buzzword Awards 2022; Sakura, an exclusive model for Popteen; Mika Kato, an exclusive model for nuts; and Yuichami, the younger sister of Uchami and an exclusive model for egg.
■The trending boy band OCTOPATH will perform!
OCTPATH, a boy group consisting of former trainees appearing on the popular audition program PRODUCE 101 JAPAN SEASON 2, made their major debut in 2022. Guests can expect a mesmerizing performance!
More performers and content will be announced soon. Check out the event's official website for the latest information!
Information
OKINAWA COLLECTION 2023
Date: September 24 / Doors open at 14:30, Show starts at 16:00
Venue: Umisora Park (3-chome-3-1 Tsuji, Naha, Okinawa)<Seating Type/Pricing>
Standing Only
Pre-sale Tickets: ¥3,000 (Tax Included) / General Tickets: ¥3,500 (Tax Included)
*Tickets are required for all guests ages 4 and up.
*Up to five tickets per purchase.
<Pre-sale Tickets>
Available: July 27 – August 15, 2023 at 23:59
Where to Purchase: e+ https://eplus.jp/okinawa-collection/<General Ticket Sales>
Available: August 18 – September 23, 23:59
Official Site: https://okinawa-collection.jp/■Performers
[Guest Models]
Arianna Sakura / Nana Kato / Nagomi / PyunA. / Yuna Kogawa[Guests]
Osaki / Katomika / Sakura / Toua / Nakonako Couple / Mukuena / Yuina Kogawa[Artist]
OCTPATH -
Licaxxx’s Tokyo Community Radio Releases First Digital Compilation Album Inspired by the “sessions” Training Program
On June 29, SESSIONS COLLECTION VOL. 1 was released. This is the first digital compilation inspired Tokyo Community Radio’s recent training program “sessions.” DJ and Beatmaker Licaxxx runs the online radio platform, and the training sessions have seen incredible success, inspiring new musicians to grow and improve. “sessions” is a training program focused exclusively on dance music. Participants work closely with DJs and other active music creators to hone their skills and share unique experiences. The main goal of the program is to teach more about current technology and to share real-world examples that can help participants thrive. Sharing actual problems that current artists are facing and how to overcome them is also a popular part of the program. Club (RDC) and Red Bull, inviting guests to embark on a 3-day/2-night training camp in Izu to hone their DJ and dance music skills. Artists from all over Japan were selected from an open call and gathered to create new works individually or in groups after listening to advice and having discussions with track makers active in several different genres. A ton of music produced during the “sessions” program is included on TCR’s first 18-track digital compilation album. In addition to the 14 artists that participated, Stones Taro, Carpainter, Pharakami Sanders, and Licaxxx worked with FELINE to create a track as well. This genre-crossing compilation album by the next generation of Japan-based artists is a must-hear for active DJs, and a behind-the-scenes look at the training camp is available on TCR’s official YouTube channel. TCR will also be hosting events in Tokyo and Osaka this weekend with re:lax, a unit comprised of DJ/producers re:ni and Laksa from the UK. Keep an eye out for more details!Information
Tokyo Community Radio Digital Compilation Album
SESSIONS COLLECTION VOL. 1
Release Date: June 29, 2023
Streaming URL: https://tokyocommunityradio1.bandcamp.com/album/sessions-collection-vol-1Featured Artists: abentis / Carpainter / ETV / K8 / LICAXXX&FELINE / mah-ble soda / natsumi hirota / NirBorna / Pharakami Sanders / Pine / QUNIMUNE / SEKITOVA / Stones Taro / Syunto / tanakana / Terax / TIMER feat. plan i / yokinist
<About Tokyo Community Radio>
TCR is a distribution platform based in Tokyo that focuses on introducing both local DJs and up-and-coming DJs from around Japan. The program features all musical genres and showcases both DJ mixes and live performances. In featured podcasts, DJs talk about their music, hobbies, and interests, allowing fans the rare chance to learn more about their favorite creators. The station also cooperates with community radio stations in other Asian cities and supports DJs and artists from Asia and beyond when they visit Japan. In addition to regular DJ sessions and podcasts, TCR also collaborates with corporate events, produces music events, and matches DJs to places and brands. -
On June 14, SUNNY ONLY 1 released her new single Dance like a monkey feat. Mori. In April 2023, the artist released So What?, her first single in two years. The well-established creator is also a member of the Tokyo-based girl artists and creators’ collective bala. The new song features rapper Mori from DONGURIZU, a long-time friend of the group. Following the electroclash revival heard in her previous work, the new alternative dance track features notes of post-punk and old-school style. Mori brings his distinct style to the song, and listeners are sure to experience the chaotic mood found in the Tokyo Underground scene.
Information
Dance like a monkey feat. Mori – SUNNY ONLY 1 (Digital Single)
Release Date: June 14, 2023
Streaming URL: https://orcd.co/a8b3ke9＜Profile＞
Mori
Born in 1998, Mori is a rapper with DONGURIZU and also handles the group’s artwork. In January 2023, he released his first solo track YAZAWA composed by Shinichi Osawa. In addition to modeling for C.P. Company, GAP, and other apparel companies, he has appeared on the popular Red Bull programs 64Bars and RASEN. Funny and stylish, the rapper has been amassing more and more fans. Mori also won the top prize in the ‘100 Famous Views of Empathy’ contest hosted by Gekidan Hitori and sponsored by SLUSH-PILE. -
Starting in October 2022, artist MANON released new music for four consecutive months. Continuing her exploration of the HyperPop genre, her new track L.M.S.N feat. Kyunchi is now streaming.
MANON is known for releasing music with up-and-coming artists, and for this new track, she’s collaborated with NY-based HyperPop artist Kyunchi. L.M.S.N was composed by trackmaker Kiraku, who also worked on MANON’s previous release. The song is a Gal anthem, packed with Kiraku’s signature sound and ‘Gal Rap’ performed by MANON and Kyunchi.
Kyunchi
MANON
<Comment from MANON>
“I’ve wanted to collab with Kyunchi for so long, and it’s finally happened.
When I go to parties, I have a habit of being loud and not holding back, so people tend to shoot me these judgmental looks. But I don’t care! I always think “LET’S MAKE SOME NOISE!!” This song is just that–it’s us doing what we want to do at the moment. ⭐️That’s the vibe.
I feel like gals from the 2010s are all about YOLO–they give off this super strong vibe. That’s what I was trying to channel in this track, but then Kyunchi’s bad bitch rap made it so much more intense. The jacket was also inspired by blinged-out images from the 2010s and was made by Kiraku’s friend onumi!
When you hear this song, be sure to MAKE SOME NOISE!!”
Information
L.M.S.N feat. Kyunchi – MANON (Digital Single)
Release Date: May 24, 2023
Streaming URL: https://orcd.co/lmsn
Lyrics: MANON, Kyunchi / Prod.: Kiraku
■Kyunchi Profile
Kyunchi is a New York-based, candy-coated, gender-bending, post-modern, hyperpop, scene kid. Not bound by age, gender, nationality, or religion, the artist debuted in 2019 with Kyunshi Shopping Spree, produced by Ayesha Erotica. In April 2022, they released Mecha Angel Genesis♡, produced by writer syva of Codomo Mental INC. WORLDWIDE☆GIRL feat. nonamera was released on August 31, produced by syva and featuring nonamera on vocals.
Instagram: @kyunchi.jp
Spotify: Kyunchi -
Nike’s Gamma Force line, a modern interpretation of classic 80s sneakers, will be available at ABC-MART and ABC-Mart Online. To celebrate the launch, a new visual and collaborative video featuring the members of ATARASHII GAKKO! have been released. In the video, the girls are seen performing a flashy dance while wearing shoes from the Gamma Force line. The featured song, SUKI LIEwas featured on the group’s new EP ICHIJIKIKOKU and in standard ATARASHII GAKKO! style, the members express themselves freely while holding absolutely nothing back.
Information
ATARASHII GAKKO! x Gamma Force Bonus Campaign
Those who purchase shoes from the Gamma Force line at ABC-MART stores or online will receive original stickers featuring ATARASHII GAKKO! One sheet will include special edition stickers, including key visuals and illustrations of the members wearing Gamma Force and their signature socks.Special Site
https://www.abc-mart.net/shop/e/e1000650w/*One sticker sheet per purchase will be available while supplies last
*Bonus campaign begins May 11 both in stores and online
*The campaign will end once all stickers are gone