An incredible event combining video, music, and fashion, Tomioka Silk Fantasia ~Festival of Silk~ will be held at the Tomioka Silk Mill, a National Treasure and World Cultural Heritage Site. The event will be held with support from the city of Tomioka, Gunma Prefecture, and will run for approximately two weeks starting on October 6, 2023.

Guests will be able to enjoy the NAKED Yorusampo -Tomioka- and Tomioka Silk Fantasia as they explore the historic site. The special event was directed by renowned international director Junya Yamada in collaboration with NAKED Inc., which continues to captivate audiences with its digital artworks including projection mapping and illuminations.

<NAKED Yorusampo™ -Tomioka->

‘NAKED Yorusanpo™’ is an outdoor immersive night walk concept by NAKED. Previously, the unique event has been held in various regions, including the Ikaho Onsen town in Gunma Prefecture and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Zuiganji Temple in Matsushima, Miyagi Prefecture, to promote the nighttime economy of different areas. Even in tourist destinations where businesses tend to close early at night, this event breathes new life into the city’s landmarks through illuminations and projection mapping, allowing tourists to make the most of their evenings and supporting measures for dispersed tourism.

Experience NAKED’s grand projection mapping, lantern art, and Flower Fortune while enjoying the night at Tomioka Silk Mill, a national treasure and UNESCO World Heritage site.

＜Tomioka Silk Fantasia＞

On October 14 and 15, guests can enjoy live music and a fashion show on a special stage in front of the Tomioka Silk Mill’s West Cocoon Warehouse. Live music performers include DE DE MOUSE, a composer, producer, and DJ from Gunma Prefecture; bala, a Tokyo-based creative collective of female artists and creators; and Yasushi Yamabe, a taiko drummer active both in Japan and abroad.

DE DE MOUSE

bala

Taishi Yamabe

Visitors will also be able to enjoy a tour of the area between Jyoshu-Tomioka Station and Tomioka Silk Mill in cooperation with local restaurants and facilities. Please come experience a fantastic night in Tomioka City, where silk and fantasy are woven together in a fusion of images, music, and fashion, as if you have entered a different dimension.

Contents

・NAKED Distance Lanterns®

Introducing NAKED’s unique art-inspired lanterns, born during the COVID-19 pandemic. When you take a leisurely stroll with one of these lanterns in hand, the ground comes alive with colors and patterns unique to each location, allowing you to be a part of the mesmerizing light display.

For this event, inspiration was drawn from the location of Tomioka Silk Mill in Gunma Prefecture, which has strong ties to the art of natural dyeing. As a result, five color variations will be available: red, blue, pink, green, and yellow, all inspired by the vibrant hues of plant-based dyes.

*Lantern rentals: ¥500 per turn (Tax Included)

・NAKED Flower Fortune®

Introducing the wildly popular art fortune-telling, NAKED Flower Fortune®, which even ranked high in domestic rapid retweets on X (formerly Twitter). Choose your favorite flower from a variety of colors and shapes, and you’ll encounter the perfect message for that moment. The flower ornaments attached to the fortune can be transformed into art by tying them to a wooden branch to make the flowers bloom, making them a great souvenir to take home as a keepsake.

*Price: ¥500 each (Tax Included)

・Tomioka Silk Mill West Cocoon Warehouse

The highlight of this event is the massive projection mapping show on the stage of the national treasure, Tomioka Silk Mill West Cocoon Warehouse, spanning approximately 45 meters in width. As the giant silk wraps around the building, the lush flora of Tomioka bursts forth. After enjoying the changing seasons of nature, step into a nostalgic world featuring retro signs and lanterns. Experience the unique and culturally rich presentation that is characteristic of Tomioka’s deep historical heritage.

・Tomioka Silk Fantasia

A special event will unfold at the Tomioka Silk Mill World Heritage site. Come enjoy an event featuring artistic direction by renowned director Junya Yamada, a mesmerizing live performance by DE DE MOUSE, a high-art fashion show that seamlessly harmonizes with  live music, and a powerful taiko drum performance by Yasushi Yamabe. Additionally, guests can enjoy an energetic performance by the creative collective girls group bala. Projection mapping will enhance the space, adding even more charm to the beautiful Tomioka Silk Mill, where history and the future intersect. From Gunma to the world, immerse yourself over the course of one special night where various cultures can come together to exchange unique experiences and celebrate.

・Tomioka Silk Mill East Cocoon Warehouse Illumination

The Tomioka Silk Mill East Cocoon Warehouse World Heritage site is illuminated, allowing visitors to savor its unique nighttime beauty that differs entirely from daytime. Enjoy the enchanting and fantastical nighttime scenery that you wouldn’t typically be able to see.

・The Historic Nirazuka Silk Mill Illumination

The historic Nirazuka Silk Mill is illuminated, offering guests the opportunity to enjoy its beauty in a way that differs from daylight. Enjoy this enchanting and fantastical nighttime scenery that you wouldn’t typically be able to see.

・Tomioka Night Gourmet Stroll

A collaborative event with “Tomioka Silk Fantasia – Festival of Silk.” We introduce dining and souvenir shops around Tomioka Silk Mill that are open during the event period. Enjoy delicious local cuisine unique to Tomioka.

Presale tickets are now available from ZAIKO and Rakuten Ticket.

Additional information will be announced in the future.

Each year, an incredible event is held at Kumano-Nachi Taisha, a Shinto shrine and World Heritage Site located in the Kii Mountain Range of Wakayama Prefecture.

To kick off the ‘diamond celebration,’ a special concert will mark the 1,250th anniversary of the birth of Kobo Daishi, the Japanese Buddhist monk who founded the Shingon school of Buddhism. Yoshimi Tsujimoto, a shakuhachi player from Hashimoto, will perform in the concert scheduled to begin on October 22 at 13:30. 

Moshi Moshi Nippon sat down with Yoshimi Tsujimoto to discuss her music and, most importantly, her interest in sharing the sound of the shakuhachi with the world.

−How did you become interested in the shakuhachi? 

My father loved the shakuhachi, and because of that, I grew up surrounded by the sound of it. That’s how it all began!

−What attracts you to playing the shakuhachi?

I love the timbre of the shakuhachi. 

Those who play the shakuhachi often say that a single note has the power to bring someone to enlightenment. 

Curiously, individual differences in tone are more easily discernible with the shakuhachi than with other instruments. That means that a person can express themselves in more unique ways.

 −You’ve performed in many different countries. Do you get different reactions to the shakuhachi in other countries when compared to Japanese audiences?

I have a vivid memory of a time I performed a classical shakuhachi piece solo. This particular type of classical music is called ‘wabi-sabi,’ and it isn’t very loud or lively. 

In Japan, when I finish a performance, people usually clap. But when I performed in South America, as soon as the piece concluded, there was a standing ovation with people shouting “Bravo!” That would never happen in Japan, and it left such a lasting impression on me.

−Are there any countries that have left a lasting impression on you, or that you would like to visit in the future?

I have good memories of every country I’ve visited, but I think that Cuba left the biggest impression. I just made me think about how incredible music can be.

I’d love to visit Bulgaria, Morocco, Armenia, Uganda…it’s tough, because I want to visit every country I haven’t been to yet. (laughs)

−You’re from Hashimoto City, near Mount Koya. How did you feel when you heard that this concert would be held so close to your hometown?

What I felt was pure joy.

Personally, I’ve always loved Mount Koya, and I went there many times as a child. It’s such a pleasure to be able to perform there.

−Tell us some of your favorite memories involving Mount Koya.

I go to Mount Koya at least three or four times a year. It’s not a particular memory per se, but every time I go, I love to eat vegetarian food, explore, and buy wheat buns and sesame tofu as gifts to take home.

−Are there any local foods or places that you’d recommend?

The fruit is delicious in Wakayama, and my hometown is famous for persimmons.They are so yummy, and I just want everyone to try them!

Mount Koya and Kumano Kodo are both World Heritage sites, and they are both absolutely breathtaking. Other than those, I’d recommend Adventure World! It has adorable pandas roaming around freely and the most wonderful dolphin shows. Everyone from around the country should visit!

−Finally, do you have a message for Moshi Moshi Nippon readers?

Japan is filled with incredible places and culture. The shakuhachi, a beloved traditional Japanese instrument, is one piece of that culture.

I want audiences around the world to hear the sound of the shakuhachi and to make it more familiar. If you have a chance to hear it, I hope you will.

Be sure to follow Yoshimi Tsujimoto’s activities going forward as she shares the beauty and culture of shakuhachi with the world.

To commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Yamanashi Sannichi Newspaper & Sannichi YBS Group, teamLab will hold a special illuminated art event on the shore of Lake Yamanaka in Yamanashi Prefecture from October 28 until November 13, 2022. Guests will be able to enjoy the Sunset Shore Autumn Leaves Festival at the same time, and at the same venue.

Autonomous Resonating Life – teamLab ©teamLab

Sketch Aquarium – teamLab ©teamLab

The works on display will be Autonomous Resonating Life and the Sketch Aquarium. In Autonomous Resonating Life, guests will wander along the shore, passing by massive colorful and glowing ovoids being pushed and pulled by the wind. When there is no wind, and when no one is touching the ovoids, they will begin to slowly blink.

The Sketch Aquarium invites visitors to color a drawing of a sea creature. Once finished, these creations will come to life in a giant virtual aquarium, swimming together with other creations. Visitors can touch the fish to see them swim away, or can touch a virtual food bag to feed them!

Each year, an incredible event is held at Kumano-Nachi Taisha, a Shinto shrine and World Heritage Site located in the Kii Mountain Range of Wakayama Prefecture.

To kick off the ‘diamond celebration,’ a special concert will mark the 1,250th anniversary of the birth of Kobo Daishi, the Japanese Buddhist monk who founded the Shingon school of Buddhism. Yoshimi Tsujimoto, a shakuhachi player from Hashimoto, will perform, while the event also hopes to bring tourism to the area by sharing more information about Wakayama with the masses. 

Date: October 22, 2022, 13:30
Venue: Danjo-garan Buddhist Temple

Program:

[Part 1]　Chorus of local elementary school students, etc.

[Part 2]　Talk Session

Participants:

Hougen Yabu (Director of Head Temple Kongobu-ji on Mount Koya)

Yoshimi Tsujimoto (Shakuhachi player)

[Part 3]　Concert

Performer: Yoshimi Tsujimoto (Shakuhachi player)

*Will include a percussion, guitar, and keyboard session

<About the Call for Visitors>

350 Guests are Invited!

*If there are too many applicants, a drawing will be held.

*Livestreaming of the event will also be available online.

Application Period: August 23 – September 26, 2022

 *Postcards must be postmarked by September 26. Those applying n the website must do so by 23:59 on September 26.

How to Apply:

1. By postcard

Address: Yamabutai Concert Section
Wakayama Broadcasting Co.
3-3 Minatohonmachi
Wakayama, 〒640-8577

What to Include: Zip Code, Address, Name, Age, Phone Number, Admission
*Can include up to 2 guests.

     2. On the special website

Please apply using the application form on the special website.

URL: https://yume.wbs.co.jp/

Keep in Mind:

1. Incomplete entries will be considered invalid.

2. Only one application per person is allowed.

3. If there are too many applicants, a drawing will be held. Winners will be announced when numbered tickets are sent out.

4. Personal information provided in each application will not be used for any purpose.

(For Reference) Past Performers

2015 – Hitomi Shimatani (Danjo-garan Buddhist Temple)

2016 – Chitose Hajime (Kumano-Nachi Taisha)

2017 – *Canceled due to typhoon.

2018 – Kumiko (Oyunohara)

2019 – May J. (Kumano-Nachi Taisha)

2020 – *Canceled due to the ongoing pandemic.

2021 – Yuki Koyanagi (Kumano-Nachi Taisha)

■Cast Profiles

◆ Hougen Yabu / Director of Head Temple Kongobu-ji on Mount Koya

・1993 – Graduates from Koyasan University

・In 2011, he became the chief priest of Kirihata Temple, where he remains to this day.

        *Kirihata Temple [Fukuoka Prefecture] / Sasaguri 88 Sacred Sites, #10

・In 2021, he became the Director of Head Temple Kongobu-ji on Mount Koya and was also appointed as the director of the 1,250th birthday celebration for Kobo Daishi, the founder of the Buddhist sect.

◆ Yoshimi Tsujimoto / Shakuhachi Player

・Born in Hashimoto, Wakayama Prefecture in 1987.

・Graduating from Tokyo University of the Arts, she has attracted media attention since she was a student, and has been active in a number of fields from traditional Japanese music to pop.

・She has been invited to perform around the world, from the U.S. to Italy.

　　(Overseas tours: 33 cites in 24 countries, 53 total performances)

・In 2015, her cover of a song using traditional Japanese instruments went viral.

　She began her solo project Bamboo Flute Orchestra to share the beauty of Japanese traditional instruments with people around the world.

・In 2016, she made her major debut as the first-ever female solo shakuhachi player.

Yamanashi’s Fuji Motosuko Resort is home to the yearly Fuji Shibazakura Festival, one of the most popular spring flower events in Jaapn. From July 16 until October 10, 2022, guests will also be able to enjoy the Rainbow Flower Festival, with over 80,000 blooms decorating the land around Mount Fuji. 

From Left: Coneflowers, Common Zinnia, Begonia, Ageratum

From Left: Scarlet Sage (Sirius), Scarlet Sage (Bonfire), Scarlet Sage (Deep Blue), Coleus

The theme for the inaugural event is ‘Seven Colors of Mount Fuji.’ Visitors will be able to take incredible pictures, with a variety of blooms springing from the Earth in seven beautiful colors. Whether you love begonias or zinnias, you won’t want to miss this one. 

The venue will also feature photo spots that will be perfect for social media, from a rainbow circle bench to the ‘Yellow Door of Happiness.’ A campaign will also be held to choose the best photos of the event posted to Instagram.

Koppe-pan (with Yamanashi Peach Butter and Whipped Cream) / Lava Fried Tofu / Bellflower Mochi Ice Cream / Jewel Soda

A unique food menu featuring everything from lava-shaped fried tofu to fluffy bread with local peach butter will appear at the event.

*Sample image.

Pictures aren’t the only thing you’ll leave with–a selection of souvenirs will be on sale, including ‘Stick Jelly’ made with five types of local fruit puree. These will only be available at the event, so come have a wonderful time visiting Mount Fuji this summer!

The globally popular slice-of-life series Laid-Back Camp is currently serialized in COMIC FUZ.

Set in Yamanashi and Shizuoka Prefectures, Laid-Back Camp is a relaxing series following a group of high school girls going camping and enjoying their daily lives. The original comic has sold over 7 million copies, and the series has helped people around the world destress. In 2018, the first anime series premiered, inspiring a spin-off Room Camp in 2020 and a second season in 2021. An animated film will arrive in theaters on July 1, 2022.

The series has announced a collaboration with Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures, which are both depicted in the work, as well as JR Central. The ‘Laid-Back Camp Dramatic Puzzle Solving Game: Two Treasure Maps and a Trip Down Memory Lane’ event will run from July 1 until August 31, 2022. The Rin Route will begin in Kofu and the Nadeshiko Route will start in Shizuoka. Participants will receive a small gift for completing each route.

In conjunction with the event, JR Central will sell special Laid-Back Camp one-day round-trip tickets, and a collaboration train will be decorated with illustrations from the series.

The poster for the event shows new illustrations of Rin and Nadeshiko made by Green House, the illustrators behind Bikkuriman. These illustrations will also appear on a variety of original goods!

When Japan opens again, how would you like to journey through these beautiful areas?

©あfろ・芳文社／野外活動委員会

The Nakamura Keith Haring Collection in Yamanashi Prefecture will be holding a celebratory exhibition in honor of the location’s 15th anniversary from May 14, 2022 until May 7, 2023.

In April 2007, the Nakamura Keith Haring Collection opened in Kobuchisawa, located at the foot of Mt. Yatsugatake. The only museum in the world dedicated entirely to New York-based artist Keith Haring, Kazuo Nakamura collected the works and acts as the director of the museum. Over 300 works of art are on display along with 500 other pieces, from photographs and videos to merchandise. The new exhibition features approximately 150 works.

Three Lithographs (People Ladder), 1985

Icons (Radiant Baby), 1990

Untitled, 1984

Untitled, 1988

Untitled (Subway Drawing), 1981-1983

The ‘Chaos and Hope’ exhibition was originally held during the museum’s first year of operation and looks back at Haring’s first experiences in New York City in 1978. The artist was present at the dawn of the hip-hop movement and was struck by the clash between typical white art and underground minority artists. In only five years, Haring rose to stardom. Sadly, while traveling the world, he contracted AIDS, passing away at the age of 31. Behind the bright and cheerful artwork he left behind, he hid his inner suffering and desire for hope and freedom.

All Keith Haring Artwork ©Keith Haring Foundation
Courtesy of Nakamura Keith Haring Collection.

Peter Rabbit’s English Garden, one of the largest English-style gardens in the Tokyo metropolitan area, will open at Fuji Motosuko Resort on April 16, 2022.

Known for the Fuji Shibazakura Festival, an annual springtime cherry blossom event, Peter Rabbit’s Garden is opening at the resort at the perfect time. The garden will include over 300 varieties of plants, trees, and flowers, and visitors can enjoy a photogenic stroll with popular characters. An on-site cafe will offer a lineup of original items inspired by Beatrix Potter’s classic books, including a colorful afternoon tea set and ‘Flowery Latte’ with petals scattered on top. ‘Mr. McGregor’s Vegetable Garden Salad’ is also a light dish perfect for spring.

Cafe Menu

Take Out Menu

Cafe

Original Merchandise

Photo Spot

Shop & Gallery

Original Sticker

Guests can also enjoy a gallery highlighting moments from the Peter Rabbit picture books, from The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin to The Tale of Mr. Jeremy Fisher, both translated by novelist and poet Mieko Kawakami. The shop will offer original merchandise only available at Fuji Motosuko Resort, including keychains, sweets, and coffee cups. There’s something for adults and children alike, so fans of Peter Rabbit won’t want to miss it!

To commemorate the opening of the garden, a bus decorated with Peter Rabbit and friends will be in operation from April 4 until April 16. This passenger bus will bring visitors from Shinjuku, Yokohama, Shizuoka, and other locations, and those riding will get a special sticker as a bonus.

Come enjoy some time outdoors with Peter this spring!

BEATRIX POTTER(TM) & (C) Frederick Warne & Co.,2022

Fujisan Product, a company that specializes in making Mount Fuji-themed food and beverages, has released a gorgeous blue beer in partnership with distributor Millex Japan and Far Yeast Brewing, an award-winning craft brewery. The refreshing product is being sold mainly through department stores. 

After plenty of trial and error, the drink now resembles a snow-capped mountain when poured into the appropriate glass. The blue color comes from Spirulina and blueberry, and the beer contains natural water from Mount Fuji.

SKY CIRCUS Sunshine 60 Observatory will hold the 9th annual Diamond Fuji viewing event from January 23 until January 29, 2022 from 16:40 until 16:50. This is a rare sight that can only be glimpsed a few days a year when the sun is perfectly aligned above Mt. Fuji.

Guests will have no buildings blocking their view from the observation deck, and if the weather conditions are right, it will look exactly as if the sun is emerging from Japan’s most famous mountain. You won’t want to forget your camera!

The rooftop will be open to only 105 people total (15 guests per day) to experience this once-in-a-lifetime view from 227 meters above the ground. On January 25, a special viewing event will utilize a super-telephoto lens to project this incredible sight onto a monitor. Mr. Hiroyuki Narisawa, a renowned star photographer, will also give a lecture on how to take the best photos during the event.

Fuji-Q Highland began its ‘NARUTO x BORUTO Fuji Hidden Leaf Village’ event on Wednesday which is set to run throughout summer until August 29. The event is taking place to celebrate the birthday of the popular character Sasuke Uchiha from the Naruto franchise.

During the event, a keyword rally will take place, and a special menu will be served up.

Keyword Rally

Guests must play and ride six Naruto-themed attractions at the park where they will be able to collect keywords related to the Uchiha family. Those who manage to answer all the questions correctly will receive one of two free exclusive pins. The Sasuke & Itachi design will be available from June 9 to July 22 and the Uchiha Family design from July 23 to August 29. Check out the designs below, both of which are must-grabs for fans of Sasuke and the Uchihas.

Pin Design 1: Sasuke & Itachi (Uchiha Brothers) | Available: June 9, 2021 – July 22, 2021　

Pin Design 2: Sasuke & Sakura & Sarada (Uchiha Family) | Available: July 23, 2021 – August 29, 2021

Special Menu

Guests will also be able to enjoy a special menu line-up including a ramen dish served at Ichiraku, the ramen bar at Fuji-Q Highland which is themed on the same eatery of the same name in Naruto, and two cakes at Fuji-Q Highland’s official hotel resort and spa.

Uchiha Brother’s Spicy Ramen | ¥1,500 (Tax Included)

Uchiha Brother’s Print Cake

Uchiha Family’s Print Cake

ⓒ岸本斉史 スコット／集英社・テレビ東京・ぴえろ

HOSHINOYA Fuji, a hotel which opened as Japan’s first glamping resort, has announced the Glamping Fruits Breakfast summer plan which is set to run from June 20 to August 31.

HOSHINOYA Fuji is located in Japan’s prefecture of Yamanashi, a place that enjoys a bounty of fruit cultivation. Yamanashi has been called the “Fruit Country,” offering a variety of different fruits. In fact, it has been the biggest producer of peaches, grapes, and plums in Japan for over 10 year. The glamping masters of HOSHINOYA Fuji have had knowledge bestowed on them from the growers of these sweet gems who have advised on the safety and best ways to prepare land for fruit growing, characteristics of fruits grown throughout the year, and other means of support. Now, guests at HOSHINOYA Fuji are set to serve these fruits to guests at breakfast this summer.

Dine outdoors from a terrace with a breathtaking view

Guests will enjoy their breakfast out on a sofa on a private terrace that overlooks Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi. With the support of the hotel’s Glamping Master, food will be prepared outdoors using a skillet and burner. The main dish is roasted peaches made with bacon and fresh herbs. The salty bacon and sweet peach make for a delightful combination. Best of all, ingredients and condiments are all prepared for guests in advance so they can enjoy a hands-free outdoor experience.

Indulge in high quality fruits

Eight varieties of fruit are available during the breakfast experience including peaches, Shine Muscat, pione, and more. And only the tastiest fruit is served to customers.

An optional tour is available with the plan which offers guests a chance to depart HOSHINOYA Fuji early in the morning to visit a peach farm in the city of Fuefuki. Guests are given exclusive access to the farm where they can learn all about how the peaches are grown from the farmers. At the end, they can tuck into some freshly-picked peaches with a glass of sparkling wine in hand.