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.”

 

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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?