Natsume Mito began her career as a model in 2013 before gradually breaking her way into dramas and stage performances as an actress. To commemorate ten years in show business, Mito will release a photo essay book titled Natsumelon on August 12.

Yuuka Eda, a popular young film director, snapped the photos for the book. Shooting took place in Taiwan, a place with great sentimental value for Mito. Readers will find plenty of food and locale recommendations including the wholesale district, lined with restaurants in business for over 100 years, and the famous night markets in Taipei. In the accompanying essays, Mito, now in her 30s, speaks openly about her views on work, marriage, clothing, makeup, relationships, and future goals, while also including adorable hand-drawn illustrations. The book also contains details about Mito’s current wardrobe, her recommended manga and stationery, and behind-the-scenes snapshots.

<Comment from Natsume Mito>

“I’m so happy to announce the release of my photo essay book, celebrating my first 10 years in show business!

One of my goals was to publish a photo essay in my 30s, and I’m so grateful to all the fans and staff who made that dream come true. I chose Taiwan, a place with so many happy memories, as the location. I think that the readers will enjoy seeing many different sides of me, from playful Natsume to quiet Natsume.

The shoot brought me so much joy, and I was so glad to be back in Taiwan for the first time in so long after the pandemic. At the same time, I was excited to see what kind of future awaits me in this new decade. I included an essay reflecting on the past decade along with the photos. I hope you’ll read the ramblings of a woman in her 30s! Be sure to check out my current fashion breakdown too. For those who have supported me over the past ten years, I think you’ll enjoy my more mature personal style!”

<Comment from Photographer Yuuka Eda>

“I followed Natsume’s dizzying schedule of eating, laughing, and walking through the streets of Taiwan, and had such a blast. If you let someone young spread their wings and live their own lives, they’ll mature on their own. But during the shoot, I completely forgot about taking “age-appropriate” shots—instead, all I wanted to do was have a good time and do what was fun. I ignored what I should have done and instead did what we wanted to do. I’d be happy if even a few important moments of Natsume’s life were immortalized in this book.

Please, enjoy your life.”

■Profile

Born in Gunma Prefecture in 1994, Eda directed her first feature film, Girls’ Encounter, in 2017. Starring Moeka Hoshi and Serena Motola, the film won the Audience Award at MOOSIC LAB 2017 and was subsequently released in theaters to great acclaim. Invited to the Hong Kong International Film Festival and Shanghai International Film Festival, Eda also won the Best Director Award at the Asian Film Festival in Barcelona. In 2019, she won the Best New Director Award at the Japan Movie Critics Awards. Eda also works as a photographer, having shot numerous artists and promotional materials.

Natsume Mito will star in the upcoming film Kono Chiisana Te (These Small Hands). The film will debut in theaters on April 8.

The movie is an adaptation of the manga series by Mamora Goda, also known for his works Kira Kira Hikaru and Mori no Asagao. The story follows a father who never cared for his daughter and a daughter who has forgotten her father.

This is the feature-length debut of director Hiroyuki Nakada, who previously worked as an assistant director on films such as Love is Light and Tsukuritai Onna to Tabetai Onna.

<Comment from Director Hiroyuki Nakada>

“What is a father?

This question came to me as I was watching my newborn son sleep.
Does supporting a family financially make a good father?
Can a man be a father in some other way? Can he do something else?
While I was pondering this, I came across Kono Chiisana Te.
I really wanted to find the answer to my question, so I decided to work on plans for this live-action film.

I hope that everyone who sees this film will take some time to think about their families in this fast-paced world.”

<Story>
Kazuma, an illustrator, lives with his wife Sayuri and their three-year-old daughter Hina.

One night, while Kazuma is drinking with his work buddies, Sayuri gets into an accident and is hospitalized while out shopping.

Kazuma falls asleep at the bar and Hina wakes up alone the next day. She is rescued by the police and placed in an orphanage.

Given his actions, Kazuma can’t take Hina home. Having done nothing to help raise her, he’s decidedly unfit to parent. Sayuri doesn’t wake up, and time continues to pass.

Desperate, Kazuma gradually realizes that there are people who care for him and want the best for his life. Determined, he sets out to repair his bond with his daughter.

When Kazuma visits, however, all Hina can do is cry. Has she forgotten her father’s face?

（Ｃ）映画「この小さな手」製作委員会

Customers can create an original pair of shoes by choosing from a selection of four different illustrations, which can be placed on the outside of the shoe and the tongue.

These sneakers will be available online and at White atelier BY CONVERSE locations.

The web3 creative studio 1BLOCK, based in Los Angeles and Tokyo, released a 3D NFT collection on August 12 to massive fan response. The Lupin the Third x MetaSamurai NFT set sold out instantly. The AIR SMOKE ZERO, Japan’s first virtual sneakers, feature a younger Lupin and friends. 

The NFTs sold out immediately after going on sale, and the collection was temporarily ranked 7th in the world based on transaction volume on OpenSea, the largest global NFT marketplace. The price of a single item has also quadrupled since it was first sold.

The collection is based on Takeshi Koike’s long-running Lupin the Third series. Each item is one-of-a-kind. 

To celebrate the release of the collaboration collection, a commemorative NFT will be airdropped to those holding MetaSamurai NFTs on August 19. Check out the 1BLOCK Discord for more details.

Takeshi Koike’s Lupin the Third series has inspired something truly unique. web3 creative studio 1BLOCK, inspired by a younger Lupin and friends, will be offering up some virtual sneakers in summer 2022. These sneakers are part of MetaSamurai, a 3D avatar project. Each of these NFTs will be the only one of their kind in the world.

MetaSamurai was inspired by Lupin III, Daisuke Jigen, and Goemon Ishikawa from the Lupin the Third series. The virtual sneakers were created with designs based on the three series: Lupin the Third: The Gravestone of Daisuke Jigen, Lupin the Third: The Blood Spray of Goemon Ishikawa, and Lupin the Third: Fujiko Mine’s Lie.

Watch out for the world’s first Lupin the Third 3DNFT project!

原作：モンキー・パンチ ©︎TMS

The Y’s SEEULATER X GSG9–the newest collaboration sneaker between Y’s and Adidas–will go on sale on June 3, with preorders starting on May 28. 

Designed with military elements in mind, the Y’s SEEULATER X GSG9 was based on the more rugged SEEULATER model. The new sneakers incorporate the GSG9 sole, and pairs will be available in black on black or white on black. Featuring detailed finishes and an urban feel, these high-performance kicks can be paired with any and all outfits. 

The SEEULATER, a hiking shoe from the ADVENTURE series, was originally launched in 1995. Not originally released in Japan, many now regard it as a legendary masterpiece in footwear. The sturdy shoe’s name comes from the phrase “see you later,” usually said when passing a fellow runner on the trail. Originally made for the German tactical police, the GSG9 features shock-absorbing soles that help to maintain a stable, strong grip on any terrain. 

The sneaker’s body features a combination of smooth cowhide leather and breathable mesh. This perfect blend of function and design showcase the best parts of both Y’s and Adidas. Will you be grabbing a pair of these classic and contemporary kicks?

Nike’s newest sneakers, the ‘W AIR MAX 90 FUTURA,’ will be available at atmos pink locations nationwide starting May 28, 2022.

The W AIR MAX 90 FUTURA is an easy-to-wear sneaker combining classic Nike style and an updated patchwork design in a number of colors. Heavily inspired by Tokyo streetwear, the newest visual for the sneakers feature the up-and-coming artist group bala. The visual has been directed by OWNCEAN from the duo UNA+MATCHA, who is also active as a DJ and model. The five female members of bala. are known for their modern style and freedom of expression. For those interested, a new interview with bala. is available only on the official atmos pink Instagram page.

bala.

In 2022, the new project bala. was launched to gather artists and creators presenting cutting-edge music, fashion, and art from Japan to the rest of the world. bala. will link with the global music scene and present fans with an honest vision of Tokyo culture. The project aims to be a collective of artists that connects both underground and overground cultures, pop and alternative genres, and Japan and Asia with the world. The collective is led by MANON, an iconic presence in the Japanese rap scene; ASA Wu, a trilingual singer from Taiwan; SUNNY ONLY1, a Gen-Z alternative pop singer and model; and a creative crew called  ‘KissGelz’ (MANON, Dan, Kayno). They will create a new cultural hub under the bala. umbrella. 

Everyone loves a nice pair of kicks, and no one makes sneakers quite like Nike. For 50 years, sneakerheads have coveted everything the brand creates, and a new museum project is leading fans down memory lane. The first phase of this sneaker museum is now open at Hankyu Men’s Tokyo until April 7, 2022, and focuses on sneakers produced from 1972 until 1980. 

A group of curators knowledgeable about various sneaker models and historical backgrounds have gathered to handpick items by era and theme, and guests are welcome to brush up on their shoe history. 2022 marks 50 years that Nike shoes have been manufactured in Japan, and this exhibition will take place for several months over several installments. 

The first installment of the exhibition will highlight many different materials used to create Nike sneakers such as leather, suede, and nylon. Fans will also get to see shoes from different countries over the years! This is a rare opportunity, so please come and visit if you can!

Street culture is ever-evolving, and sneakers play a big part in street fashion. Combining sneakers and art, the artrA project finished up its first 7-city tour last year, and is now ready to start Season 2!

Season 2 will also be sponsored by ASOBISYSTEM. The shoe store atmos, on a mission to promote Tokyo’s sneaker scene to the world, and the news app SmartNews are also contributing to the project as content partners to bring the event to Tokyo, Nagoya and Kyoto.

A total of 16 up-and-coming creators are participating in the exhibition. Illustrators, graphic designers, and painters will display their unique artwork based on the simple theme of one famous pair of sneakers. The original art will be sold and also transformed into artrA original merchandise. A sneaker lottery will be held, and 10 pairs of sneakers (100 pairs in total during the event) will be given away at the venues each day.

Participating Creators

an / Illustrator 
https://www.instagram.com/aooooo1995/ 

BEY / Illustrator 
https://www.instagram.com/beytaro_0912/ 

BANBU / Artist 
https://www.instagram.com/banbu.daishi/ 

hitotsume / Illustrator 
https://www.instagram.com/hitotsume/ 

Jeremy Yamamura / Artist 
https://www.instagram.com/jeremy_yamamura/ 

KENTOO / Artist 
https://www.instagram.com/k2rocker/ 

kousuke Shimizu / Artist, Art Director
https://www.instagram.com/kousuke_kou/ 

KRAP / Artist 
https://www.instagram.com/krap_sae/ 

Morita Manabu by WOOD / Artist 
https://www.instagram.com/wood_dw/ 

MOYA / Painter 
https://www.instagram.com/moya_mk16/ 

SHIOTSU (Cartoon Mafia) / DJ, Illustrator 
https://www.instagram.com/djshiotsu/ 

tarou2 / Animator, Illustrator 
https://www.instagram.com/tarou2/ 

T.D BRUDER / Artist
https://www.instagram.com/t.d.bruder/

TM paint / Artist 
https://www.instagram.com/tmpaint/ 

itui / Illustrator 
https://twitter.com/it_ui 

Shouko Nagamine / Illustrator
https://www.instagram.com/sn___illust/

Shoe brand Cedar Crest has released three unique sneakers based on the Tokyo Revengers anime series at Shoe Plaza locations nationwide and online. The new lineup includes designs featuring popular characters and famous scenes from the series. 

Special Edition with Shoe Box and Clear Folder  (3 designs)

Lineup

TR-PRIDE ~Kamikaze Clothing~

TR-BOND ~Character Motif~

TR-CRYBABY ~Animation~

Each sneaker comes in a special shoebox and comes with a clear folder and themed shoe bag. These are must-have kicks for Tokyo Revengers fans–which pair are you eager to wear around town?

(C)和久井健・講談社／アニメ「東京リベンジャーズ」製作委員会

atmos, a shop sharing Tokyo’s sneaker culture with the world, has collaborated with the mysterious character PINKS, created by Acky Bright, for an intense new collection. Blending the classic and the futuristic, SNEAKER PINKS and atmos have begun selling the new items at atmos-Tokyo.com

Sola-031

Personality: The leader of the PINKS, she easily combines both power and kindness.
Her megaton kick can destroy any armor with ease.
She can also freely control her long blue hair.

Hanna-700

Personality: The speediest member of PINKS. Using her overwhelming agility, she easily tosses her opponents and tears them apart with her sharp claws. She always goes for the gold.

Pauley-800

Personality: The mood maker of the group, she’s full of energy and always smiling. She can jump over a building in a single leap. Even when things are tough, she can turn the situation around with her natural positivity.

Sui-025

Personality: Quiet and calm, she’s the group’s chief strategist. 
With plenty of combat experience, unparalleled intelligence, and ample physical strength, she’s admired by the other members.

Aoi-401

Personality: Although she’s the smallest member of PINKS, she makes up for it with her blunt tongue and powerful personality.
A maniacal warrior, she cuts her enemies down with her laser blade.

En-040

Personality: The most mysterious of the group, En-040 is like everyone’s little sister.
Always aiming for top marks, she’s tough and dependable, but also moody and sometimes unpredictable.

Vivi-071

Personality: With a consistent poker face, she always gets her work done without hesitation or complaint.
She can fire powerful laser beams from the palms of her hands and is able to fly, making her the best at aerial combat.

Lily-111

Personality: The idol character of PINKS, she has amassed plenty of male fans. With a calm personality, she’s always smiling. 

Nico-100

Personality: The group’s secret weapon, she’s packed with the latest technology.
Her ability to bury her enemies with ease has earned her the respect of the other members of the group.

Mona-125 / Mone-101

Personality: These twins have been around since the early days of the group.
With strong legs and massive arms, they’re as tough as they look.

Acky Bright has worked across a number of genres and mediums, including character design, concept art, and live painting. He has also provided cover art for DC Comics. For the third installment of this collaboration, 10 different sneakers were designed as ‘prototypes,’ with each being based on a specific mecha suit. 

These unique characters and concept are still shrouded in mystery. Their identities and future developments will be posted on social media, so be sure to follow the official atmos account! Which girl is your favorite?

HENSHIN by KAMEN RIDER, a company that develops sneakers featuring Heisei era Kamen Riders, has released its long-awaited new “Kamen Rider Genm Sneaker” and “Wolf Orphnoch Sneaker” on the official website of atmos and HENSHIN by KAMEN RIDER.

Line-up

atmos × HENSHIN by KAMEN RIDER TYPE EX-AID SNEAKERS T-SHIRT atmos original ve

atmos × HENSHIN by KAMEN RIDER TYPE RYUKI SNEAKERS T-SHIRT atmos original ver.

BANDAI HENSHIN by KAMEN RIDER Kamen Rider Genm Sneaker

BANDAI HENSHIN by KAMEN RIDER Wolf Orphnoch Sneaker

BANDAI HENSHIN by KAMEN RIDER Kamen Rider Ex-Aid Sneaker

BANDAI HENSHIN by KAMEN RIDER Kamen Rider Ryuki Sneaker

The long-awaited new release of these two pairs are inspired by the characters that play an important role in each story, and not only the backbone of the character, but also the details of the character have been designed with great care. An original T-shirt commemorating the collaboration has also been released.

The sneakers are produced using an original atmos body with a comfortable fit, featuring unreleased illustrations of “Kamen Rider Ryuki” and “Kamen Rider Ex-Aid” on the front. The back of the sneakers features the logos of both atmos and HENSHIN by KAMEN RIDER.

This time, the looks depicted the scenes in which each character appeared, making it a must-have look for any fanatic.

These sneakers are available until December 19, 2021. The collaboration tee shirt is available only at atmos online. The sneakers are limited to the first 100 pairs of each type, so don’t miss out on these products which are sure to be a hit with Kamen Rider fanatics and sneakerheads alike!