Harajuku Girls Magazine Zipper to Return to Quarterly Release Schedule After 5 Years
23.December.2021 | FASHION
Popular Harajuku-based fashion magazine Zipper, which ceased publication in 2017, will return in March 2022! The rebirth of the magazine is being spearheaded as a joint venture between DONUTS Inc. and ASOBISYSTEM.
Zipper was first published in 1993 as a way to say “NO!” to traditional style. It continued to inspire creative minds for 24 years until it ceased publication in 2017, and many Harajuku-based celebrities and influencers cite the magazine as a major source of inspiration over the years. Now, this beacon of individuality and fashion is making a triumphant comeback right when the world needs it most.
In addition to the magazine, Zipper will also be available on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter, opening up the brand to fans of Japanese fashion around the world. More details will be announced in the future.
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Harajuku-based Brand KAWAII MONSTER CAFE Opens a Traveling Shop, Halloween Pop-Up Shop Opens in Harajuku
The Harajuku-based brand KAWAII MONSTER CAFE has announced a traveling store, KAWAII MONSTER SHOP. As the project’s first event, a Halloween pop-up shop named ‘KAWAII MONSTER SHOP – Colorful Halloween’ will open for 10 days starting October 19 in the birthplace of the brand, Harajuku.
KAWAII MONSTER CAFE is an entertainment restaurant that embodies the vibe of Harajuku in Tokyo, a town that swallows fashion and culture from places around the world and reimagines them into unrestrained originality. Originally opened in 2015 and produced by artist Sebastian Masuda, the colorful and crazy space offered photogenic food and drinks, and guests were served by the iconic Monster Girls clad in future Harajuku fashion. It became a ‘new Tokyo landmark,’ attracting over 700,000 visitors from both Japan and abroad. Even after the restaurant closed in January 2021, its one-of-a-kind concept has lived on in pop-up shops, events, and collaborations with various brands and creators.
The pop-up shop, open in Harajuku for a limited time starting October 19, offers food and drinks, merchandise, special experiences, and photo spots themed around the spooky Halloween season. Additionally, a collaboration with the popular Harajuku accessory store 6%DOKIDOKI will be held from October 19-22. Colorful hair accessories will be on sale, and shop girls with Monster Girls makeup experience will be giving seasonal makeovers to visitors.
■FOOD & DRINK
During the first half of the event, the pop-up shop will be serving food made in collaboration with the hot dog specialty restaurant HOTDOG CAFE STAND STATION TOKYO. The limited-edition menu includes the crazy Monster Dog, consisting of a monster holding a sausage in its mouth, and the monstrous Philly Cheesesteak, made with juicy tenderloin and tons of cheese.
The second half of the event will feature the Colorful Pop Burger Blue Monster (Teriyaki Chicken) from KAWAII MONSTER CAFE’s popular menu, along with French Fries with Monster Dip served with five different colorful sauces. Visitors are welcome to get into the Halloween spirit by enjoying the Monster Float during the pop-up event.
<10/19~10/22 Exclusive Menu>
Monster Dog: ¥880 (Tax Included) *In collaboration with HOTDOG CAFE STAND STATION TOKYO
Philly Cheesesteak: ¥1,350 (Tax Included) *In collaboration with HOTDOG CAFE STAND STATION TOKYO<10/26~10/31 Exclusive Menu>
Colorful Pop Burger Blue Monster (Teriyaki Chicken): ¥1,200 (Tax Included)
French Fries with Monster Dip: ¥700 (Tax Included)Monster Float: ¥800 [Rose/Passionfruit/Kyoho Grape]
■GOODS
New KAWAII MONSTER CAFE goods will make their first appearance at this pop-up shop! Guests can visit the Sweets Factory to create their own candy assortment by filling their favorite containers with chocolates, gummies, and other goodies. Harajuku Icing Cookies will also be available in collaboration with SHONPY, a popular cake shop. Be sure to grab some incredible souvenirs!
In addition, popular KAWAII MONSTER CAFE collaboration items from years past will be available, along with adorable plushies from the globally beloved brand Ty. Visitors can also snag some unique zipit pouches and flexible PLUS PLUS blocks starting October 26.
■EXPERIENCE
During the event, KAWAII MONSTER CAFE’s iconic Monster Girls and the character Choppy will greet guests and take photos, as well as shoot cute Halloween-inspired videos together. Visitors wishing to be transformed into Monster Girls themselves can speak to the store girls, clad in Decora fashion and rocking accessories from 6%DOKIDOKI. These ladies will provide POP Harajuku Monster makeovers featuring original tattoo stickers and unique hair accessories to get you ready for Halloween.
■PHOTO SPOT
At the event, guests will find the 3-meter tall Sweets Cake Balloon inspired by the Sweets-Go-Round Cake, the symbol of KAWAII MONSTER CAFE. Surrounded by colorful decorations and captivating monsters, visitors are sure to leave with plenty of special memories.
Guests of all ages are invited to spend the Halloween season surrounded by the unique wonders of Harajuku!
Information
KAWAII MONSTER SHOP – Colorful Halloween
Running: October 19, 2023 – October 22, 2023/ October 26, 2023 – October 31,2023
Open: 12:00〜19:00
Venue: ASOBIFACTORY(3-21-8, Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo)
Access: 7 minutes walk from JR Harajuku Station, 5 minutes walk from Tokyo Metro Meiji-jingumae StationBe sure to follow where the pop-up shop will appear in the future!
Interested companies are welcome to contact us.
Learn more about KAWAII MONSTER CAFE here
https://asobisystem.com/brand/kawaiimonstercafe/ -
BG, an apparel brand directed by Toua, has officially launched. The online store began accepting orders on September 7, 2023.
The name ‘BG’ stands for ‘Borderless Gradation,’ implying that the brand’s creations represent freedom without boundaries. Buyers can expect unisex items with a playful and modern touch.
<CONCEPT>
No matter your age or your gender,
empower yourself just the way you are.
As sure as your heart beats, always keep your curiosity.
Make today the best day of your life.
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On August 10, the apparel brand tiit tokyo released a short film titled ESCAPE starring model and talent Nagomi.
The film comes prior to tiit tokyo’s first solo pop-up shop at Shibuya PARCO, scheduled to open on August 24. The final scene of the film was filmed at Shibuya PARCO and features the location’s classic symbol–a neon ‘P.’
The story follows a woman who lives a strictly controlled life who, after witnessing an incredible scene, begins planning her escape and a new beginning. Nagomi plays the main character, a female vampire.
ESCAPE was written and directed by fashion event director and filmmaker Hajime Tsuda, who previously worked on the film Daughters. The creative director for tiit tokyo, Sho Iwata, served as fashion director.
『
ESCAPE (Part One)
*Part Two will be released on August 22
Information
ESCAPE (tiit tokyo Short Movie)
Release Date: August 10, 2023 (Part One) / August 22 (Part Two)
Where to Watch: tiit tokyo’s Official Instagram / YouTube
Writer / Director: Hajime Tsuda
Starring: Nagomi
Fashion Director: Sho Iwata (tiit tokyo)
tiit tokyo Official Site
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Licaxxx, Yutaro Appear in Ad for Mandom’s ‘Gatsby’ Brand
01.May.2023 | FASHION
Licaxxx and Yutaro are currently appearing in a new ad for Meta Rubber, a new series of products from Mandom’s ‘Gatsby’ hair styling brand.
A total of nine cast members from all areas of the entertainment world appear in the ad, from voice actors and video creators to idols and DJs. The video features the song Kororon by the popular artist Eve.
Be sure to check out the ad for a glimpse into the Meta Rubber lineup, which aims to transcend standard hair styling techniques.
Information
Cast:
kemio (Video Creator)
Mizuho Habu (Artist, Sakurazaka46)
Keito Kimura (Performer, FANTASTICS)
Subaru Kimura (Voice Actor)
Yamato Inoue (Model/DJ)
Shuichiro (Video Creator)
Licaxxx (DJ)
Yutaro (Actor)
Tensei Saito (Model/Younger Song Director)Official Site
https://www.gatsby.jp/product/hairstyling/meta-rubber/ -
ZEROTOKYO and ASOBISYSTEM Collaborate on ASOBIZA Party Event
06.April.2023 | MUSIC
ZEROTOKYO, an entertainment mecca known for heating up Tokyo nights, is teaming up with ASOBISYSTEM to create an exciting new party! ASOBIZA, named after the origin of Kabukicho, will be held on April 28.
The lineup includes music artists as well as charismatic figures at the top of their fields in fashion, beauty, and art. Transcending musical genres and generations, this night will embody ZEROTOKYO’s concept of being a true “Entertainment Junction.”
Additional performers may be announced in the future.
Information
ASOBIZA
Date: April 28, 2023
Venue: ASOBIZA (Tokyo)
Time: 21:00
Admission: ¥3,000 (Presale) / ¥3,500 (Day-of)Buy Tickets
https://zerotokyo.zaiko.io/e/ASOBIZA-230428Event Details
https://asobisystem.com/schedule/43726/ -
Spring 2023 Issue of Zipper Magazine Now on Sale
28.March.2023 | FASHION
The Spring 2023 issue of the revived fashion creator magazine Zipper was released on March 23.
This issue focuses on the major fashion and beauty trends this spring and the globally-popular eight-member boy group ATEEZ appears on the cover clad in retro-pop Harajuku fashion. The deluxe edition also comes with a double-sided poster.
Zipper ended its 24-year history in December 2017, but in March 2022, ASOBISYSTEM teamed up with DONUTS Inc. to revive the magazine as a quarterly release. The fashion magazine, popular with Gen Z, is known for sharing details aspects of Harajuku culture and will continue to share more from the creative center of Tokyo for years to come.
Information
Zipper Magazine: Spring 2023 Issue
Available online and at bookstores nationwide
Amazon
https://amzn.asia/d/jfmRJl7Rakuten Books
http://bit.ly/3Z9XXuL -
HARAJUKU COLLECTIVE, a Collaboration Between Hot Topic & Studio Ghibli, Gets Pop-Up Store at Shinsaibashi PARCO
Last year, the HARAJUKU COLLECTIVE collaboration appeared at AF Gallery in Harajuku from August 10 until August 28, garnering massive acclaim from fans. The collection is now being sold at Shinsaibashi PARCO until March 12, 2023.
HARAJUKU COLLECTIVE is a Studio Ghibli-inspired apparel collection by the popular American counterculture chain Hot Topic. Bringing more Japanese culture to the ongoing Studio Ghibli collaboration launched in 2014, Hot Topic stores began selling original items produced by nine Japanese creators and brands, as well as some original American items produced by Hot Topic’s executive designers.
The lineup of Japan-original items includes T-shirts, tote bags, and other items featuring exclusive artwork by up-and-coming creators. These items depict beloved characters from Studio Ghibli’s works, as well as logos created for the collaboration. Fans won’t want to miss grabbing these unique items!
Details on the Previous HARAJUKU COLLECTIVE Pop-Up Store: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/ja/625747
Information
HARAJUKU COLLECTIVE
Running: February 23 – March 12, 2023
Hours: 10:00-20:00
Venue: Shinsaibashi PARCO B1F Pop-Up Space (1-8-3 Shinsaibashisuji, Chuo-ku, Osaka)
Official Site: https://ghibli-harajukucollective-ec.com
Online Store (Open until March 31, 2023): https://ec.ghibli-harajukucollective-ec.com
HARAJUKU COLLECTIVE Official SNS:
Instagram: @harajuku_collective
(https://www.instagram.com/harajuku_collective)
Twitter: @harajuku_collect (https://twitter.com/harajukucollect)
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Jimmy Choo Announces 30th Anniversary Sailor Moon Collection Available Worldwide
09.February.2023 | ANIME&GAME / FASHION
Jimmy Choo has announced a new collection to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the internationally beloved Sailor Moon series.
Feminine style and power are important themes in Sailor Moon, and these inspiring elements are incorporated into Jimmy Choo’s beautiful shoes and accessories. The collection will include items inspired by Sailor Moon, Sailor Mercury, Sailor Mars, Sailor Jupiter, Sailor Venus, and Luna. These superheroines created by Naoko Takeuchi are ready to take the main stage, and there’s no doubt that fans around the world will be clamoring to get their hands on these items next week.
Sailor Moon boots/ VARENNE QUAD XS
Sailor Mercury ankle boots
Sailor Mars patent pumps
Sailor Jupiter boots
Sailor Venus platform pumps
Each pair of shoes comes in a specific color inspired by one main character, instantly recognizable to fans. This collection was inspired by the limited-edition custom-made Sailor Moon boots released last year, with a pair shown off at the Sailor Moon Museum in Roppongi. With Jimmy Choo’s signature kick heel, Sailor Moon’s iconic crescent moon jewel, and bright pink all-over crystal embellishment, the boots unite the worlds of Sailor Moon and Jimmy Choo and give off some serious feminine energy.
Items in this exclusive collection will be available to purchase worldwide on Valentine’s Day, February 14. Major Jimmy Choo flagship stores will also be decorated in Sailor Moon style, and the collection’s limited-edition packaging will shimmer in the colors of the rainbow. In addition to fashion, Jimmy Choo has also collaborated with DJ Honey Dijon to create two remix tracks inspired by Sailor Moon.
If you grew up with Sailor Moon, you’ll want at least one pair of these stylish shoes!
Information
JIMMY CHOO x PRETTY GUARDIAN SAILOR MOON COLLABORATION
Worldwide Release Date: February 14, 2023
Japan Release Date: February 15, 2023
http://www.jimmychoo.jp/ -
FRUITS ZIPPER Valentine Pop-Up Shop to Open at Laforet Harajuku
Laforet Harajuku will host a pop-up shop inspired by the up-and-coming idol group FRUITS ZIPPER from February 1 until February 14! The FRUITS ZIPPER Valentine Pop-Up Shop will be found on the 5th floor MAKE THE STAGE area.
FRUITS ZIPPER debuted in April 2022 and embodies a simple concept: “From Harajuku to the World.” The group’s second single Watashino Ichiban Kawaiitokoro exploded in popularity on TikTok, pulling in over 600 million views. In February, the girls will embark on their first solo concert tour in Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka. This is the first FRUITS ZIPPER-inspired limited-time shop, and during the event, visuals of the group’s members will be displayed in the show windows found on the first floor of Laforet Harajuku.
◆About the FRUITS ZIPPER Valentine Pop-Up Shop
When entering the venue, fans will be greeted by a 5-meter-wide board where visitors can write and attach their messages to the FRUITS ZIPPER members on heart-shaped cards. Costumes that the members have worn on stage will also be on display, allowing fans to see each stitch up close.
Exclusive items featuring new photos of the members will be on sale at the pop-up shop. Fans can enjoy seeing the girls in their own personal style, and these items will only be available during the event! Starting February 4, tour merch for the group’s upcoming solo concert series will also be available for purchase.
◆Collaboration with Fruit Sandwich Specialty Store ‘Fruits Box Daikanyama’
Last year’s popular collaboration with Fruit Box Daikanyama, a well-known fruit sandwich shop, is happening again in 2023! Fans can find the Collaboration Gift Box for sale, including seven baked meringue goods each featuring one of the member’s colors. The box also comes with snapshots of the members, and for a few lucky fans, these snaps might be signed! The idol group and sandwich shop have also teamed up to create the Collaborative Lucky Grab Bag Lottery, including popular FRUITS ZIPPER goods and original items from Fruits Box Daikanyama. The lucky first-prize winner will receive a special set of all available February tour merchandise in all sizes.
◆Member Appearance Planned on Valentine’s Day
On February 14, the final day of the pop-up shop, the members of FRUITS ZIPPER will make an appearance! Guests will be able to participate in the first-ever hands-on event with the members, so keep an eye out for more details!
Stay up to date with the latest FRUITS ZIPPER news at the official Twitter page (@FRUITS_ZIPPER).
FRUITS ZIPPER Pop-Up Shop Exclusive Goods
Random Photo – Valentine pop-up ver. (21 varieties): ¥330 (Tax Included)
Random Pin – Valentine pop-up ver. (7 varieties): ¥500 (Tax Included)
Random Purikura Stickers – Valentine pop-up ver. (14 varieties): ¥600 (Tax Included)Information
FRUITS ZIPPER Valentine POP-UP SHOP
Running: February 1 – February 14, 2023
Venue: Laforet Harajuku 5F MAKE THE STAGE
*Closed on February 7 and February 8[Fruits Box Daikanyama Collaboration Goods]
Collaboration Gift Box: ¥3,500 (Tax Included)
Collaborative Lucky Grab Bag Lottery: ¥1,500 per try (Tax Included)Check out more details about the pop-up below!
https://www.laforet.ne.jp/pop_up_shop/fruitszipper_2301/Stay up to date:
FRUITS ZIPPER Official Twitter
https://twitter.com/FRUITS_ZIPPER/<Tour Information>
FRUITS ZIPPER 1st LIVE TOUR 2023 WINTERDate: February 3, 2023
Venue: ReNY limited
Time: Doors open 17:30 / Show starts 18:30
Contact: Sunday Folk Promotion (052-320-9100) *Open daily 12:00-18:00Date: February 5, 2023
Venue: Nanba Hatch
Time: Doors open 16:30 / Show starts 17:30
Contact: Kyodo Information (0570-200-888)FRUITS ZIPPER 1st LIVE TOUR 2023 WINTER 〜FRUITS DAY〜
Date: February 9, 2023
Venue: Shibuya WWW X
Time: Doors open 18:00 / Show starts 19:00
Contact: HOT STUFF PROMOTION (03-5720-9999) *Open weekdays 11:00-19:00FRUITS ZIPPER 1st LIVE TOUR 2023 WINTER 〜ZIPPER DAY〜
Date: February 10, 2023
Venue: Shibuya WWW X
Time: Doors open 17:30 / Show starts 18:30
Contact: HOT STUFF PROMOTION (03-5720-9999) *Open weekdays 11:00-19:00FRUITS ZIPPER 1st LIVE TOUR 2023 WINTER -TOUR FINAL –
Date: February 12, 2023
Venue: LINE CUBE SHIBUYA
Time: Doors open 17:00 / Show starts 18:00
Contact: Sunrise Promotion Tokyo (0570-00-3777) *Open weekdays 12:00-15:00Buy tickets for all shows here: https://l-tike.com/artist/000000000899959/
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Zipper Magazine’s 2022-2023 Winter Issue on Sale Now
14.January.2023 | FASHION
The Winter 2022-2023 issue of the revived fashion creator magazine Zipper went on sale on December 23.
This issue focuses on this winter’s must-know trends and is packed with coordination tips, outfit plans through spring, snapshots, hair and makeup tips, and much more.
Zipper ended its 24-year history in December 2017. In March 2022, ASOBISYSTEM teamed up with DONUTS Inc. to revive the magazine as a quarterly release. The fashion magazine, popular with Gen Z, is known for sharing details aspects of Harajuku culture and will continue to share more from the creative center of Tokyo for years to come.
Standard Edition (Cover: Nagisa Saito)
Another Edition (Cover: FRUITS ZIPPER)
Information
Zipper 2022-2023 Winter Issue
Release Date: December 23, 2022
Price: ¥700
Publisher: DONUTS
Publishing Company: ShodenshaAvailable at bookstores nationwide and online
Amazon
・通常版
・anotehr editionOfficial Site
https://www.zipper.jp/ -
FRUITS ZIPPER Performs for Audiences in 101 Countries in the Metaverse
23.December.2022 | MUSIC
The Metaverse Music Festival, a virtual event organized by the global Web3 platform Decentraland, took place starting on November 10, 2022, featuring a number of Japanese artists.
FRUITS ZIPPER was one of the performing acts, appearing on the MetaTokyo stage on November 11 and November 12.
According to data from MetaTokyo, a total of 20,000 viewers from 101 countries around the world watched the performances, including those from the United States, Canada, Japan, Spain, Germany, and Brazil.
This spring, the idol group FRUITS ZIPPER released the track Watashino Ichiban Kawaiitokoro, which racked up over 600 million views on TikTok. The music video has amassed over 5.5 million views on YouTube, and despite having just debuted, the girls performed at all major idol festivals over the summer.
In November, the group’s second solo concert at Shibuya WWW X was a major success. In February 2023, the girls will begin the FRUITS ZIPPER 1st LIVE TOUR 2023 WINTER scheduled to conclude at LINE CUBE SHIBUYA on February 12. The group will also perform at a New Year’s Eve event in Tainan, Taiwan. Keep an eye out for them in 2023!
Information
FRUITS ZIPPER
Twitter: https://twitter.com/fruits_zipper
Instagram: https://instagram.com/fruits_zipper
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCW8Q9LBGGBgK6a-u0C0h95A
TikTok: https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSen7dJAT/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FRUITSZIPPER -
KAWAII LAB. Report #16 ~One Year of FRUITS ZIPPER~
FRUITS ZIPPER, an up-and-coming idol group from ASOBISYSTEM’s KAWAII LAB project, has a simple concept: “From Harajuku to the World.” For the past year, the girls have been transmitting what they call ‘NEW KAWAII’ from Harajuku, an area known for fashion and individuality, to their growing fanbase.
Recently, we sat down with the members to chat about their first year as idols since debuting in April 2022.
ーWhat has the past year been like as members of FRUITS ZIPPER?
Manaka Mana
“The past year has been a year of love. I’ve learned so much about myself and see my own weaknesses more than I ever have before!
I’ve been able to encounter emotions I wasn’t even aware that I could, and I’ve even been able to recognize and verbalize a lot of new dreams and goals for the future!
Thank you so much!”
Noel Hayase
“The past year has been the most packed year of my life. There was something to do every single day–it was so hectic and so fun! I could only think about how thankful I was to be part of FRUITS ZIPPER. I’m sure that we’ve all become stronger over the past year, and I want to keep working hard and expanding our activities more in the coming years!”
Amane Tsukiashi
“Every day seemed to fly by. I met and talked with so many people, and I was finally able to do the job I had always dreamed of doing.”
ーYou performed in Thailand this year, highlighting your slogan of ‘From Harajuku to the World.’ Can you tell us any fun stories from that time?
Yui Sakurai
“I was so happy to see how many people knew about FRUITS ZIPPER–it was more than I could have ever imagined! So many fans told me how happy they were to meet me and it made me so thrilled!
There were some fans who came from Japan too, and they joined the Thai fans to become Team Yui! I really felt like we had shared Harajuku with the world at that moment. ♡
I hope that we’ll keep expanding this way and visiting fans around the world.
It was such a warm and special day.”
Luna Nakagawa
“This was my first time performing overseas and I was nervous about how the audience would react. We weren’t well-known in Thailand, after all–but when we started singing Watashino Ichiban Kawaiitokoro, everyone sang along!
The concert was so warm and the fans were so sweet, I immediately forgot that it was my first big overseas performance. I was full of adrenaline and it just turned out to be so much fun.
That concert is still my best memory. I can’t wait to go back to Thailand to perform again.
Since our motto is ‘From Harajuku to the World,’ I hope that we can keep expanding to other countries soon!”
ーDo you have any goals for the next year in terms of overseas activities?
Suzuka Chinzei
“I want to do a European tour!
I’m still studying German, but I’d love to try out my communication skills! 🥺 (I guess I could do that here too, but…)”
Karen Matsumoto
“I want to be friends with more overseas fans! 💖
Honestly, I’d love to become like Kyary, an idol who is now recognized all over the world!”
ーGive a message to your fans both in Japan and abroad!
Manaka Mana
“In 2023, I hope that I can spend more time with fans from around the world in person! I want to become stronger and care for those important to me while growing my natural gifts!
I hope you’re all looking forwards to a powered-up FRUITS ZIPPER!
Let’s make 2023 a great one!” 🤍
Noel Hayase
“Even though we’ve only just debuted, we’ve already been so blessed, invited to perform in Thailand and to spend New Year’s Eve in Taiwan. How have we been abroad so many times already? I want to keep the momentum going, spread my wings and aim for an even bigger stage! To all the international fans, just wait! We’ll keep bringing Harajuku to the rest of the world!”
Information
FRUITS ZIPPER
Twitter: https://twitter.com/fruits_zipper
Instagram: https://instagram.com/fruits_zipper
YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCW8Q9LBGGBgK6a-u0C0h95A
TikTok: https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSen7dJAT/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FRUITSZIPPER