Sebastian Masuda, the Godfather of Kawaii, is bringing his ‘Yes, Kawaii is Art’ exhibition to Tokyo. If that isn’t cool enough, the event will be held from December 4 until December 12, 2021, at the 1,300-year-old Kanda Myojin Shrine, known as one of the most important shrines during the Edo period.
Kanda Myojin, the Tokyo Venue
Work at ‘Yes, Kawaii is Art’ Venue in Osaka
Related Event, 6%DOKIDOKI Fashion Show
Originally scheduled to arrive in Tokyo in September, the exhibition was postponed due to the state of the COVID-19 pandemic. Kanda Myojin is known as the site of the Kanda Festival, one of the three major Shinto festivals in Tokyo started by Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1600. The shrine is very close to Akihabara, and has become a place for technophiles to pray for their electronics!
Sebastian Masuda is known as the Godfather of Kawaii, and his colorful and crazy art is known around the world. In 2020, Masuda asked a number of questions to fans of Japanese pop culture around the world–what is Kawaii? Why does Kawaii cross borders, generations, and gender? This new exhibition tries to find an answer to those questions while bringing some joy and excitement to the local community.
Osaka’s City of Art Kitakagaya has hosted Masuda’s exhibition since October 30, with his works spread out across three different venues. These will be open until November 30, 2021.
Additionally, on November 13, a street fashion show by Masuda’s popular Harajuku fashion brand 6%DOKIDOKI will be held at the third venue. The brand turns 26 this year.
Information
Yes, Kawaii is Art
Tokyo Event
Sebastian Masuda’s “Yes, Kawaii is Art” Exhibition at Kanda Myojin Shrine
Running: December 3 – December 12, 2021
Hours: 12:00-18:00
Address: Kanda Myojin Shrine (2-16-2 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo)
*Details to be announced at a later date.
Osaka Event
Exhibition Pricing
Venue 1: ¥500 (Weekdays) ¥1,000 (Weekends/Holidays)
Both Venue 1 + Venue 2: ¥1,500 (Viewing) ¥2,000 (Experience)
Venue 3: Free
Details: https://sebastianmasuda.com/works/osaka/
Access: Close to Kita-Kagaya Station on the Osaka Metro Yotsubashi Line, Exit 4
Map: https://www.google.com/maps/placelists/list/fGC5yMFnbboXkfjYxijLmbHIzgP88w
Venue 1: kagoo
Main Work: ‘Colorful Rebellion -Seventh Nightmare-
Running: October 30 – November 21, 2021
Closed Mondays and Tuesdays, November 17
Hours: 12:00-18:00
Address: 5-4-19 Kita-Kagaya, Suminoe-ku, Osaka
Venue 2: Oto Building
Main Work: ‘Fantastic Voyage, Prototype II’
Running: November 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14
Hours: Shows at 13:00, 15:00, 17:00 *Only at 17:00 on November 14
Address: 5-5-1 Kita-Kagaya, Suminoe-ku, Osaka
Tickets: https://sebastianmasuda.peatix.com/
Venue 3: Chidori Bunka
Main Work: ‘Colorful Rebellion -WORLD TIME CLOCK-
Running: November 12 – November 21, 2021
Closed on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays
Hours: 12:00-18:00
Address: 5-2-28 Kita-Kagaya, Suminoe-ku, Osaka
Related Event
6%DOKIDOKI Fashion Show ‘Colorful Riot’
Date: November 14, 2021
Time: 15:00~
Address: Venue 1 (Free Admission)
Official Site: https://sebastianmasuda.com/
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Illustrator BEY’s solo exhibition ‘NEW WAMERICAN’ will be held at TRUNK (HOTEL) in Shibuya starting November 1. BEY is known for his illustrations inspired by the ‘Wamerican’ theme, a blend of Japanese culture, including ukiyo-e, and American pop culture. Currently, he is attracting attention as an up-and-coming creator who also works on CD jackets for artists and window art for apparel brands. Canvas works newly painted for the exhibition will be exhibited and sold, and new merchandise such as teacups and Palo Santo with limited edition packaging will be available. [Comment from BEY] “I hope to approach this exhibition as the first of its kind to showcase the new expressions of ‘WAMERICAN,’ a style which has continued to evolve over the past seven years, with a focus on original paintings on canvas. I hope tons of people will come to visit!”
Information
BEY SOLO EXHIBITION ‘NEW WAMERICAN’
Dates: November 1 ~ November 4, 2024
Hours: 10:00~20:00
Venue: TRUNK (HOTEL) CATSTREET
5-31 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo[Reception Party]
Date: November 1, 2024
Hours: 19:00~24:00
Admission: Free
DJs: Yuuna Yabe / 50minimals[GOODS]
・L/S TEE
・Hat
・Hand Towel
・Hanafuda Playing Cards
・Teacup Mug
・Original Palo Santo
・StickersBEY’s Instagram：@beytaro_0912
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Sebastian Masuda to open SUSHIDELIC, a new sushi restaurant in Soho, New York City. The location will open on June 28, 2023.
“King of Kawaii” Sebastian Masuda, creator of Harajuku’s “KAWAII MONSTER CAFE,” loved by celebrities around the world, has created a new restaurant concept in New York City
Sebastian Masuda is a multi-disciplinary artist whose unique sense of color transcends the boundaries of art, fashion, and entertainment. His restaurant “KAWAII MONSTER CAFE” opened in Harajuku in August 2015 and quickly became a popular spot in Tokyo, frequented by celebrities from around the world, including BLACK PINK’s Jenny, Katy Perry, and Ariana Grande. His next project will take place in New York City, where he is currently based. The restaurant will offer a completely new perspective on sushi, the most popular Japanese food in the U.S. and an integral part of the American lifestyle.Enjoy an Immersive Kawaii Experience
The new location is meant to be an “immersive Kawaii experience.” Once you step into the restaurant, you’ll find yourself in a psychedelic and one-of-a-kind space that will make you feel as if you’ve wandered into another world. Guest will be guided by employees clad in colorful custom-made costumes, and three rotating cats will be suspended by the ceiling, rotating to reveal a secret image. Guests sitting at the counter will enjoy a pink custom-made conveyor belt, a.k.a a sushi lane.The restaurant will offer artist Sebastian Masuda “Immersive Kawaii Experiences” that go beyond THE DINING EXPERIENCE.Featuring a Menu Developed by Japanese Chefs and Supported by AUTEC, Inc.
Chef Hiroki Abe and Sebastian Masuda collaborated to create an unforgettable menu, fully supported by AUTEC. After moving to the United States in 2001, Abe worked as an executive chef at EN Japanese Brasserie in NYC. He now works as a private chef at corporate events and parties around the U.S. On the technical side, AUTEC, which boasts the number one share of the automatic sushi machine market in North America, is backing up the venture. The sushi is sure to be as tasty as it is kawaii!Featuring Restaurant Music by RAM RIDER, the Music Producer Behind the Score at KMC
The in-store background music is essential when cultivating an immersive experience. Music producer RAM RIDER, who created the music for KAWAII MONSTER CAFE, has written an incredible 70-minute ambient track for SUSHIDELIC. Guests can look forward to losing themselves in the adorable ambiance.Tons of New Yorkers Visit During Pre-Opening, SUSHIDELIC Trends on Social Media
During SUSHIDELIC’s limited pre-opening, scores of New York-based celebrities and influencers visited the shop. The unparalleled ambiance, food presentation, and experience have quickly become a hot topic on social media!Opening in SoHo, the Trendiest Neighborhood in New York City
SUSHIDELIC is scheduled to open at 177 Lafayette St. in the heart of the SoHo area, where the latest fashions and trends are born and where many fashion brands have opened their flagship stores.We will keep you updated with the latest information as it becomes available. Please look forward to the chemistry between “Sushi” and “Kawaii,” two of Japan’s proudest exports.
Sebastian Masuda
Information
Shop Overview
Name: SUSHIDELIC
Opening: June 28, 2023
Address: 177 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10013Website: https://www.sushidelic.netInstagram: @sushidelic.nyc -
On May 31, the idol group IDOLATER released its 11th single, Aimai Silhouette. Unlike the group’s more mature love songs released in the past, this new track is packed with cuteness and a fresh sound.
Information
Aimai Silhouette – IDOLATER (Digital Single)
Release Date: May 31, 2023
Streaming URL: https://kawaiilab.lnk.to/aimaisilhouette
Available on all major music download and streaming sites -
FRUITS ZIPPER Holds First Anniversary Concert, Announce Appearance at the ‘Sayonara Nakano Sunplaza Music Festival’ in June
On May 4, the 7-member idol group FRUITS ZIPPER held the first Tokyo performance of their first-anniversary concert tour at Toyosu PIT.
Tickets for both the Tokyo and Osaka shows sold out immediately after they went on sale. To celebrate the first anniversary of the group's debut, the lucky fans who were able to snag tickets came together at Toyosu PIT.
In the year since their debut, FRUITS ZIPPER has skyrocketed in popularity, performing live at several idol festivals and some of Japan's largest fashion events, and successfully touring Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka. Their show at LINE CUBE SHIBUYA garnered incredible attention.
For the first anniversary concert, the stage was transformed by a special set and the member appeared in new never-before-seen costumes. They performed a total of 17 songs, and each member expressed their gratitude to their fans during the MC segments.
During the performance, it was announced that the group would perform at the Sayonara Nakano Sunplaza Music Festival on June 26. The venue, which has seen countless performances over its long history, will be demolished and replaced to commemorate its 50th anniversary. Fans are excited to see their favorite artists perform on this legendary stage, and many are curious to see how it will be transformed in the future.
FRUITS ZIPPER has also released the song Cho Medetai Song ~Konnani Shiawasede Iinokana? ~ (The Super Joyful Song ~Is It Okay to Be This Happy?~) on all major streaming services. The track was co-written by Sho Yamamoto, who wrote the group’s hit song Watashino Ichiban Kawaiitokoro, currently with over 700 million views on TikTok, and Gento Miyano, who has written songs for numerous popular artists. The super-happy pop tune has a sound reminiscent of idol tracks from the 2000s and has been a smash hit at live shows, stirring the fans into a frenzy.
Information
<Sayonara Nakano Sunplaza Music Festival Performance Information>
Sayonara Nakano Sunplaza Music Festival
Date: June 26, 2023
Venue: Nakano Sunplaza (Tokyo)Ticket information and additional information will be posted on the official FRUITS ZIPPER Twitter page（@FRUITS_ZIPPER）as it becomes available.
<Release Information>
FRUITS ZIPPER New Single
Cho Medetai Song ~Konna ni Shiawase de Iinokana?~
Streaming Date: May 4, 2023
Streaming URL: https://kawaiilab.lnk.to/CSKSI
Available on all major music streaming and download sites1. Cho Medetai Song ~Konna ni Shiawase de Iinokana?~
2. Cho Medetai Song ~Konna ni Shiawase de Iinokana?~ -Instrumental-<FRUITS ZIPPER Tour Information>
FRUITS ZIPPER Japan Tour 2023 AUTUMN
9/3 – Zepp Namba (Osaka)
9/5 – Zepp Nagoya (Aichi)
9/8 – Zepp Fukuoka (Fukuoka)
9/10 – BLUE LIVE HIROSHIMA (Hiroshima)
9/13 – PENNY LANE24 (Hokkaido)
9/16 – KT Zepp Yokohama (Kanagawa) -
IDOLATER, the idol group from KAWAII LAB., released their new single, Before the endroll.IDOLATER is celebrating their 4th anniversary since their debut as a group. The group has been active as a five-member group consisting of Yukino Fushiki, Ayu Okuda, and Kurumi Tsukishiro, with the addition of Ririka Satsuki and Fuka Oishi, since April 2022.This song is a powerful declaration of their determination to continue advancing towards the future, expressing the various emotions they have accumulated so far as their driving force, including the loneliness and frustration that they have shouldered while running as idols, as well as their gratitude towards those who have supported them.
Information
Before the Endroll – IDOLATER
Release Date: April 22, 2023Streaming Links:https://ssm.lnk.to/Beforetheendroll
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The NFT project City Pop TOKYO is inspired, fittingly, by City Pop, a music genre from Japan that is immensely popular worldwide, particularly among Gen Z. Now, the project is collaborating with the incredibly popular idol group FRUITS ZIPPER! Starting at the end of April, Legendary NFTs inspired by the members of FRUITS ZIPPER will be released sequentially as part of the City Pop TOKYO NFT collection. These collaborative NFTs feature rare designs that are unique among the other characters in the City Pop TOKYO NFT collection and were drawn by Natsumi Sato, the illustrator who oversaw character design for the collection. This collaboration will commemorate the release of City Pop TOKYO's main collection, which will be available starting at the end of April. City Pop TOKYO will allow both NFT holders and non-holders to participate in new character development through a series of Twitter posts after the main NFT collection is sold. Characters will level up by earning training points when they post on Twitter, which will also be reflected in their NFT properties. The final ranking will be based on level, and a subsequent audition will be held, with winners being invited to join ASOBISYSTEM as new talents. For this collaboration, the wildly popular FRUITS ZIPPER is sure to bring some new excitement to this incredible project.
Information
<Collaboration Details>
●Seven FRUITS ZIPPER NFTs inspired by the group’s members will be added to the City Pop TOKYO collection as Legendary NFTs.
● Legendary NFTs were created by Natsumi Sato, the illustrator behind City Pop Tokyo. Each special edition release has its own unique parts.
● Unlike standard collections, Legendary NFTs will be sold via auction.Available: April 19 at 21:00 ~ April 20 at 21:00
Amount Available: 7
Price: To be determined at auctionBelow are the NFT designs. Illustrations will be sent to auction winners as NFTs.
<Special Benefits for Legendary NFT Holders>
● One NFT airdrop from City Pop TOKYO’s main NFT collection
● Easier to accumulate XP points when developing characters on Twitter
● A 3D model from the Gemie Metaverse (Design to be selected from airdrops from the main collection)
●NFT airdrops of future collections (details to be announced as soon as the collections are available)
*Legendary NFTs cannot participate in the promotional game or audition.
*The images and designs of the characters may be used by the FRUITS ZIPPER and its members during their activities.About City Pop TOKYO
City Pop TOKYO plans to release 1984 original NFTs based on City Pop, a music genre from Japan that is immensely popular worldwide, particularly among Gen Z. The project’s characters are featured in trendy outfits and makeup representing symbolic fashion styles in Japan, such as GAL, SHOWA, and REIWA. After the NFTs are sold out, they can be registered as talents with ASOBISYSTEM and entered into the METAVERSE’S GOT TALENT NFT talent audition using Twitter! Successful entries will be invited to have full-fledged virtual careers, appearing in ads and releasing music. Community members can participate in surveys and vote on songs and other releases, coming together to help develop new talent.Through this project, City Pop TOKYO will work to reaffirm the usefulness of Web 3.0 technology and NFT and further promote Japanese culture to people worldwide.
・Website: https://www.city-pop.tokyo/
・Twitter: @CityPopTokyoNFT
・Discord: https://www.city-pop.tokyo/<Participating Businesses>
Kingdom Labs
Kingdom Labs is a venture studio that aims to support and invest in projects in the gaming and toC areas within the Web 3.0 domain. The company provides consistent support to entrepreneurs building innovative business models across various industries, from planning to execution. One of the company’s key strategies is to partner with large companies that are expanding their business to Web 3.0 or that exist in a different area but hope to create Web 3.0 services. Kingdom Labs takes a unique, multi-disciplinary approach to maximize the interests of investors and partners, leverage its global team, and to grow its global portfolio and investment experience. The company also operates the world-renowned NFT collection Monkey Kingdom.Representative: CSO Maurice Ng
URL: https://www.kingdomlabs.com/UPBOND Inc.
UPBOND offers Wallet, which easily allows customers to manage their assets and connect to many Web 3.0 services. Its non-custodial wallet enables general consumers to easily engage with Web 3.0 marketplaces and allows enterprises to obtain customer information with its decentralized identity solution. UPBOND works with top-notch Japanese corporates to bring their business into this new frontier while also updating customer relationships.Representative: Director Takashi Mizuoka
Head Office: 6-31-15 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo (8F)
URL: https://www.upbond.ioGEMIE
GEMIE is an Asian entertainment-focused metaverse platform inspired by fan culture. The company aims to help artists achieve their full potential by providing them with the tools, resources, and opportunities they need to reach their goals and allowing them to interact with fans from all over the world without limitations.
Comment: “Instead of holding a talent show by region or country, why don’t we do it in the metaverse so there won’t be any geographical locations – you will be surprised how many talented artists who are worth a shot are scattered in our everyday life!”Representative: Co-founder John Fung