Kikkoman Foods has appointed the adorable characters from Pui Pui Molcar as ambassadors for Del Monte Vegetable Juice! A new CG commercial began airing nationwide on June 12, 2022.

This is the third collaboration between Del Monte’s Vegetable Juice and Pui Pui Molcar. 

The commercial is getting fans excited for the newly-announced second season of Pui Pui Molcar, scheduled to air this autumn. It’s also the first official commercial showing the characters in CG.

Mizuho Misato voices the presenter in the new commercial; the actress also played Potato in the series.

Comment from Tomoki Misato (Director)

I’m so happy that Del Monte is teaming up with Pui Pui Molcar again!

The previous 2D animated web commercials were amazing, so when this project was starting to come together, I was shocked to find out that it would be made with CG!

This is probably the first CG Del Monte commercial to date!

Seeing my characters moving around on the screen, I immediately hoped that we could team up again in the future! 

This will also be the first time that Potato’s driver speaks! (My sister did the voice!)

A selection of perfumes inspired by characters from the iconic manga series Ranma ½ are now available! Fans can get them at the official online store, Amazon, and the Fairytale shop on the third floor of Nakano Broadway.

Ranma 1/2 Eau de Parfum – Ranma Saotome

This light scent was inspired by Ranma Saotome.
A light fragrance fused with the feminine scents of jasmine and white rose, this product will remind you of Ranma’s strength and tenderness.

Top Notes: Citron, Blueberry
Middle Notes: Jasmine, Bamboo, White Rose
Base Notes: Cedar, Amber, Musk

Ranma 1/2 Eau de Parfum – Ranma

As you’d expect, the Ranma scent was made with a water-covered woman in mind!
The strong aroma of blackcurrant and blueberry slowly give way to a deeper scent of musk and moss. 

Top Notes: Black Currant, Grapefruit Zest, White Flowers
Middle Notes: Blackberry, Whitewood, Jasmine
Base Notes: Musk, Moss, Grass

Ranma 1/2 Eau de Parfum – Akane Tendo

This cute fragrance was inspired by the girly Akane Tendo, who is both strong and adorable.
The exotic and sweet fragrance transforms into a graceful and feminine scent blending rose and tuberose. 

Top Notes: Ylang-Ylang, Violet, Peach Nectar
Middle Notes: Rose, Tuberose, Cashmere Wood
Base Notes: Amber, Cedar, Powdery Musk

Ranma 1/2 Eau de Parfum – Shampoo

This sexy fragrance was inspired by the gorgeous Shampoo.
The gorgeous, feminine scent combining fruity and floral notes represents the character’s naivete. 

Top Notes: Bergamot, Grapefruit, Peach
Middle Notes: Peony, Rose, Magnolia, Violet
Base Notes: Vanilla, Cedar

Ranma 1/2 Eau de Parfum – Ryoga Hibiki

This commanding fragrance was inspired by the powerful Ryoga Hibiki. 
The perfume includes robust notes of jasmine and lily of the valley for a one-of-a-kind scent.

Top Notes: Lily of the Valley, Gardenia
Middle Notes: Bergamot, Jasmine
Base Notes: White Musk

Ranma 1/2 Eau de Parfum – Mousse

Mousse inspired this more traditional floral perfume.
As the day goes on, this fragrance will evolve from flowery and sweet to more warm and deep notes of patchouli and amber.

Top Notes: Citrus, Exotic Jasmine, Hyacinth
Middle Notes: Iris, white musk
Base Notes: Patchouli, Amber, Vetiver

©高橋留美子／小学館

Perfume’s Flow, the theme song for the TBS Tuesday drama series ‘Fight Song,’ was released on streaming services on March 9, 2022.

The four-track single also includes Mawaru Kagami, which was performed at ‘Perfume LIVE 2021 [Polygon Wave]’ last August.

Perfume also announced that they would release a new album in the summer of 2022, four years after their last album, Future Pop. Be sure to listen to the song on your favorite music service!

The sixth piece of apparel in the Perfume Closet fashion project officially went on sale on March 1, and the popular Fashion Truck pop-up store has made a comeback after being introduced last spring. The truck will travel to seven cities across Japan carrying new items.

With fans already excited, the three members of Perfume decided to surprise everyone by appearing at the Laforet Harajuku pop-up shop! Appearing on stage, each wore a new item and took selfies with their cell phones before strolling around the store and chatting with customers. Perfume also autographed the truck’s interior and wrote personal messages.

The members on the second floor of the CONTAINER store. On display are costumes worn by Perfume while performing Polygon Wave.

Perfume in front of the fashion truck set up in front of the store.

The girls pose with items from the collaboration menu at Laforet Harajuku.

Participating restaurants at Laforet Harajuku are offering Perfume-themed menu items for a limited time. Guests buying select items will receive a special Perfume lunch mat!

Which Perfume track is your favorite?

In January, Perfume held ‘Perfume LIVE 2022 Polygon Wave,’ an encore of the concert they held in August 2021. Massively popular with fans around the world, the three-member girls techno-pop unit continues to impress year after year. On March 9, 2022, they will release their new track Flow, the theme of the TBS Tuesday drama series ‘Fight Song.’ On February 21, the 6th Perfume Closet apparel collection was announced on the official Perfume website and the A! SMART Online Store.

Merchandise at a Glance

Laforet Harajuku x Perfume Closet Collaboration Menu

 Chipoon Soy Milk Noodles with Hiroshima Lemon

MILKMILKMILK! Perfume Closet Gradient Soda/Perfume Closet Milk Ice Cream

ovgo B.A.K.E.R Meiji St. Salty Chocolate

Cafe Crepe – Banana, Chocolate, and Fresh Cream / Fermented Butter & Vanilla Sugar / Avocado Shrimp Salad

The 6th apparel line features items inspired by Perfume’s on-stage costumes. The new pieces focus on three songs in particular–Polygon Wave, Rebirth, and If you wanna. Made popular during the reveal of the Perfume Closet project, the pop-up fashion truck will return for this new release! At the pop-up store, fans can see the actual costumes worn in the Polygon Wave video on display for the first time.

At Laforet Harajuku, Perfume Closet will collaborate with participating restaurants to create a limited-time menu inspired by the pop group. Which dish looks the tastiest?

Perfume’s first EP, ‘Polygon Wave EP,’ was released on September 22 2021.

Perfume ‘Polygon Wave’

The EP is titled ‘Polygon Wave’ after the song, which has been used as the theme song for the Amazon Original show The Masked Singer. The EP is composed of seven songs; ‘Polygon Wave,’ a ‘Polygon Wave’ remix, the instrumental, and a selection of other songs, including ‘System Reboot,’ which was shown in the opening of the ‘Perfume LIVE 2022 [Polygon Wave]’ concert, held in August 2021. 

The First Limited Edition contains footage of all 10 songs from ‘Perfume Imaginary Museum “Time Warp,”‘ as shown at the ‘POP (Perfume Online Present) Festival,’ which was held online in September 2020 to mark the 15th anniversary of the groups major debut and the 20th anniversary of their formation. 

In addition, you can also listen to two commentary tracks – One with the members, and one with Rhizomatiks’ Manabe Daito, who was in charge of the technical direction on stage.

You’ll have technopop on loop with the new ‘Polygon Wave EP!’

Miss Dior, the fragrance and maison first started in 1947, is being reborn thanks to Dior perfume creator Francois Demachy.

A new MISS DIOR art event will be held to commemorate the new fragrance, inheriting the art and passion for women that inspired Monsieur Dior himself. Reservations are now open for the AS SEEN BY exhibition, held alongside the MISS DOOR MILLEFIORI GARDEN pop up store between September 1 and 12, 2021, at THE MASS/BA-TSU ART GALLERY/STANDBY in Omotesando, Tokyo.

Kojin Haruka: Reflectwo for Miss Dior 2021

Pop Up Store MISS DIOR MILLEFIORI GARDEN

The AS SEEN BY exhibition, held in Tokyo and several cities around the world, will feature MISS DIOR inspired artwork and creations from 10 female artists, including visual artist Kojin Haruka, sculptor Donna Ingrid, and designer Sabine Marcelis.

Experience the renewed MISS DIOR at the MISS DIOR MILLEFIORI GARDEN pop up store, where you can try the new Au De Perfume and it’s personalization service, alongside limited cosmetics that were inspired by the new fragrance.

Those who attend the MISS DIOR event will also be able to enjoy the guest-only cafe, which features Laudrée collaboration macaroons, with the original flavors each lined up in a package reminiscent of the colorful flowers at the MISS DIOR art event. Plus, a limited takeaway drink will be available at the exhibition cafe, allowing you to bask in the afterglow of the event even after exiting the venue. In addition, customers who connect their reservation to the official MISS DIOR Beauty LINE account will receive a free original tote bag.

A special film that delves into the history and charm of MSS DIOR will be screened at the exhibition, narrated by DIOR beauty ambassador Yoshizawa Ryo, who will guide you through the glamorous world of MISS DIOR.

You mustn’t miss the livestream with DIOR ambassador Araki Yuko, who will be attending the event via livestream to introduce the wonders of the new MISS DIOR. The stream will start on August 31 at 20:30.

Why not check out this flower-filled event where you can immerse yourself in the world of MISS DIOR for yourself?

Following the Imaginary Museum “Time Warp” – Reconstruction NFT artwork from June, Rhizomatiks will be working together with Perfume once again to release seven new NFT artworks between August 16 and 28, 2021.

Seven new Perfume NFT art pieces by live music video producer Rhizomatiks

Similar to last time, the NFTs will be unveiled at the P.O.P Festival (Perfume Online Present Festival), held to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the groups debut and the 15th anniversary of their major debut. The works are based on data from the Imaginary Museum “Time Warp” performance.

The three Perfume members’ iconic poses, as choreographed by MIKIKO, were transformed into 3D data, becoming a huge topic even during the initial NFT release.

Rhizomatiks, who participated in the video production of the Perfume LIVE 2021 [polygon wave] (Pia Arena MM), have produced seven variations of 3D NFT art.

*A PoS consensus algorithm and Polygon are being used to reduce any environmental impact. The NFT art will be released on Rhizomatiks NFT marketplace NFT Experiment.

What is NFT art?

NFT (Non-Fungible Token) refers to a piece of digital artwork whose value is guaranteed by its permeance, originality, and interoperability.

It is also referred to as CryptoArt.

It started growing in popularity during Summer 2019, but due to Covid-19 the movement has taken off globally, with hefty amounts of money being exchanged through the medium.

Perfume distributor Fairytail has started selling three new fragrances based on Racing Miku 2021! The items went on sale August 2 through the company’s online shop and Amazon. 

RACING MIKU 2021 Eau de Parfum: ¥3,080 (Tax Included)

RACING MIKU 2021 Eau de Parfum Private: ¥3,080 (Tax Included)

RACING MIKU 2021 Eau de Parfum Tropical: ¥3,080 (Tax Included)

RACING MIKU 2021 Fragrant Hand Gel Set: ¥990 (Tax Included)

Racing Miku is a popular incarnation of the Vocaloid Hatsune Miku, created to support those in motorsports. Since 2010, she has been the mascot character for the Hatsune Miku GT Project, and is drawn by a different creator each year. These three fragrances each feature a unique portrait of the symbolic character, and were drawn by popular illustrator Morikura En. 

The RACING MIKU 2021 Eau de Parfum is sporty and cool, with notes of citrus that give off a crisp and refreshing scent. The Eau de Parfum Private is more feminine, with a gentle aura of bergamot and citrus, followed closely by elegant notes of rose and peony. If you’re looking for a perfume perfect for summer, the Eau de Parfum Tropical is a more powerful fragrance characterized by the bursting sweet scents of mango and passionfruit. Which one do you think would suit you the best? 

Also on sale, the easy-to-carry fragrant hand gel set is perfect to pop in your purse and use while you watch the race. The set comes in two designs: the super cute Racing Miku 2021 Nendoroid version, or the sleeker GOODSMILE RACING version. 

After smelling just one of these scents, you’ll want to collect them all!

Perfume have been announced as the panelists for the Amazon Original show The Masked Singer which is set to be released on Amazon Prime Video in Japan on September 3, 2021. The J-pop trio come as the latest names to be announced as regulars for the show alongside MIYAVI, Kiko Mizuhara, and Bakarhythm. Their new song Polygon Wave, which is their first in a year, will feature as the show’s main theme song.

The Masked Singer is a popular series that has been adapted for 50 countries around the world. This Japan-original adaptation will feature 12 performers wearing masks with Oizumi Yo as the host along with and guest panellists.

Perfume comments about appearing on the show

a-chan
“As a fan of the show, I’m happy The Masked Singer is being made in Japan! The show is making it possible for a lot of amazing people to come together too, so please look forward to it.”

KASHIYUKA
“I never thought they’d make a Japan-original version, so I was shocked when we received the offer. It’s a chance to discover new sides and charms of the performers.”

NOCCHi
“I was happy when we got the call. All of the performers ooze talent, even with the masks on, so it got me excited without even thinking. I think this is gonna be a show unlike we’ve ever seen before, so please look forward to it.”

About the theme song Polygon Wave

a-chan
“We were given a drama song that captures a world that even people 100 years from now would yearn for. It’s refreshing, elegant, nostalgic, and light. Doesn’t it make you want to dance? It does me.”

KASHIYUKA
“I am so honoured that we were picked to do the theme song for The Masked Singer! The song has an infectious and nostalgic melody that makes you relax your shoulders. It really pulls you in. That tantalising aspect of hearing the voice of someone whose face you can’t see for the mask links well with the feeling of this song. I want people to listen to it on the go while they’re gazing out of a window.”

NOCCHi
“I feel like the song captures that image of the ‘near future’ you hear when people say the phrase, or perhaps even beyond that. [Yasutaka] Nakata never fails to create an interesting world. Look forward to seeing where Perfume goes from here.”

©2021 Amazon Content Services LLC

As part of Coca-Cola System’s ‘Coca-Cola Summer Campaign,’ the drinks giant is releasing a new summer entry to their Kono Shunkan ga, Watashi (Me in This Moment) TV commercial series on June 28, promoting the start of a new summer. The commercial features the members of Japanese music group NiziU enjoying the hot weather and includes their new song Super Summer which doesn’t have a release date yet.

NiziU’z shoot for the commercial

On set, NiziU arrived with smiles and said to the staff, ‘We look forward to working with you!’ This shoot took place by the sea. The scene begins on the beach, and because the members were so engaged in the shoot, they didn’t notice the wave rolling up to them, making them scream out ‘Cold!’ when it hit their feet. When they’re running along the beach, all the members showed how each of them runs in their own unique way. There’s also a scene when they’re flying a kite, and when they were filming it, a bee appeared out of nowhere. The shoot was full of smiles from start to end, and it shows in the final cut.

NiziU | Interview

How did the shoot go on this ‘New Summer Start’ commercial, and what were some fun moments?

―RIKU
“We had fun being our normal, natural selves, and I think it shows in the commercial. I experienced at lot of first-time things in this one, so it was a lot of fun.”

―RIO
“Drinking Coca-Cola by the beach makes tastes super good! I enjoyed how refreshed I felt after it took the heat away.”

―RIMA
“I was able to enjoy feeling summer nice and early with the other members and some Coca-Cola!”

All of you are your normal, natural selves in this commercial. How did you find doing the activities together?

―AYAKA
“Everyone took the coke dropping way too seriously, it was a little scary <laughs>, but I enjoyed how natural we were!”

― MIIHI
“It’d been a while since I flew a kite and the other stuff, so I was hypnotised. It was fun, so I’d love to go to a lodging house with everyone if we get time and do it all again! <laughs>”

 ―MAYA
“It was my first time flying a kite. You need to be able to run a lot to keep it up high, so I was running around all over the place <laughs>.”

What parts of the commercial would you want people to look out for?

―MAKO
‘New Summer Start’ was the theme, so we showed us enjoying the summer in the moment, so I hope people look out for that! I’d also love for it to encourage people to try something new!”

―NINA
“You get to see all of us looking natural in this commercial, so I definitely want people to check that out!”

―MAYUKA
“I personally think the part where we’re all enjoying drinking Coca-Cola at the beach is a must-see part.”

 

With the core message of the commercial mind, is there anything you too want to try doing this summer?

―MAKO
“Going to the beach with everyone!”

―MAYUKA
“You’re here now, aren’t you? <laughs>”

―ALL MEMBERS
<Laughs>

―MAKO
“We’re here! <laughs> But I want to come here in our free time too! <laughs>”

 ―RIKU
“I want to try dares! A lot of the members aren’t good with them, so I want to go and have fun doing that with everyone! <laughs>”

―MAYUKA
“I want to eat a big shaved ice with everyone!”

―RIKU
“We’re gonna get brain freeze! <laughs>”

 ―MAYUKA
“It’ll make a good memory though!”

―ALL MEMBERS
“For sure! Sounds fun!”

 ―AYAKA
“I want to try making a watermelon dessert!”

―MAKO
“I love that! You’re the best, AYAKA! <laughs>”

―NINA
“I love ice cream, so I wanna try making some myself to enjoy with everyone!”

―RIO
“I’m bad at swimming, so I want to learn to swim this summer!”

 ―MAYA
“I want to go to a summer camp with all the members, with a BBQ and campfire, and to try out new things together!”

―MIIHI
“I really love summer festivals, so I want to eat something at home with someone you can only get at summer festivals, like whole pickled cucumbers!”

―RIMA
“Summer means nagashi somen noodles, so I really want those!”

―MAKO
“Shall we go get some bamboo then? <laughs>”

―RIKU
“Let’s all get some together! <laughs>”

As part of the Coca-Cola Summer Challenge, NiziU had a go at the summer Coke mix challenge in a video which shows you how to best into Coke in summer.

In promotion of their new Ver.2.0.0 energy drink, which hit shelves in Japan last Tuesday, ZONe released a TV commercial featuring Japanese artists LiSA and yama. The new beverage, which is advertised as putting people in the zone of invincibility, contains the highest amount of caffeine put in a ZONe drink yet: 150mg of the stuff, which is sure to keep people buzzing throughout the day. The packaging has also been updated to feature the new ‘ZONe EYE’ which symbolises that you’re in the zone and nothing will stand in your way.

LiSA in the ZONe
　　　　　

Dive into the zone with LiSA who knocks back her drink and immediately takes on the ZONe EYE. She grabs her mic and belts out a hardcore performance, showing off her incredible voice, before winking at the camera.

yama in the ZONe

When yama chugs her can she says the words ‘Into the ZONe’ along with the futuristic-sounding voice. She is surrounded by a whirlpool of the energy drink which flows along to the sound of her gorgeous high-tone vocals. The track itself is titled Ketsuryu (‘Blood Flow’) and was written for this commercial.

Interview

LiSA

・What did you think of the commercial and your appearance?

“For me, it was a live performance. Even I was surprised at the show of power that ZONe has [in the commercial] when it turns on your switch. I enjoyed it like a real live performance, since the part when I switch into that invincible zone was filmed just as I look in the video.”

・Tell us about the song RUNAWAY which features in your commercial.
“The song is about quitting while you’re ahead in life. It’s the start of a new era, heading into that invincible zone to laugh lots, sing, dance, and enjoy everything.”

yama

・Tell us about the song Ketsuryu which features in your commercial

“ESME MORI kindly wrote this song for me. It’s a song that brings up the topic of being bored in life, and feeling lonely, but that you can still find someone special or something you can immerse yourself in to light up your life. It’s about keeping your heart moving even if those things disappear. I hope it encourages people, even if just a little.”