Hoshinoya Tokyo, a traditional ryokan in Otemachi, has announced the New Year’s Kabuki Plan, a two-day, one-night stay from January 5 until January 7, 2023. During the Edo Period, citizens enjoyed watching Kabuki plays during the New Year’s holidays, often sipping tea at connected teahouses. This event will invite visitors to experience what this was like, complete with traditional food and decorations.

Watching Kabuki was a chic way for those in Edo to ring in the new year. Theater teahouses were also a popular gathering place–along with arranging tickets, the teahouses offered plot notes, tea, sweets, boxed lunches, snacks, and other drinks.*

*Hiroshi Fujita, Yoshihide Tomizawa (2012) / The Updated Kabuki Dictionary, Kashiwa Shobo

Relax Before Enjoying Tea and a Play

Guests are invited to relax in the Ochanoma (Living Room) Lounge, decorated to look like a traditional teahouse with fans, ukiyo-e prints, and formal curtains. Hanabiramochi, or rice cakes with flower petals, will be served with green tea. These rice cakes are said to date back to the New Year’s tradition of eating hard foods like daikon and rice cakes in the hopes of prolonging one’s life. Characterized by its curious burdock root aroma, the cakes are sweetened with white miso bean paste. 

Enjoy a Post-Viewing Mont Blanc Shaped like Soba with Sweet Dessert Wine

At theater teahouses in the Edo period, sake, snacks, and desserts were served one after another. During this special event, a menu inspired by this practice and prepared by Hoshinoya Tokyo Executive Chef Noriyuki Hamada will be served! Soba noodles were often served after a play in the past. Inspired by this tradition, Mont Blanc made with chestnut paste and sponge cake will be served up to look like this popular dish. Paired with a dessert wine aged in oak barrels, the sweet will be served in a traditional lacquerware basket. In addition, the dish will be paired with Wasabi Pralines, Shichimi Meringue, and Ginger Pate de Fruits. 

Take a Rickshaw to the Kabuki-za Theater

Guests will be taken on an Edo-style tour on their way to the Kabuki-za Theater. Passing through the Nihonbashi area, the first stop will be the Fukutoku Shrine. It’s said that Hidetada Tokugawa paid a visit to and praised the shrine on New Year’s Day in 1614. The next shrine on the docket, Hodo Inari Jinja, was enshrined in Edo Castle during the Edo period to protect the heir to the Tokugawa family. It’s said that the shrine provides blessings for child rearing, matchmaking, and business prosperity. 

This tour will provide a more elegant way to explore Tokyo as guests enjoy exposition from their chauffeur. To make the rickshaw ride even more enjoyable, guests can rent kimonos for an extra charge.

Would you like to take a step back in time this New Year?

The 89th Tokyo Yushun, or Japanese Derby, is scheduled to take place on May 29, 2022. Ahead of the event, a special site featuring Kabuki actors Onoe Matsuya and Ukon Onoe was opened on May 12. That’s right–it’s time for the Kabuki Derby!

Celebrating its 89th year, the Japanese Derby is considered one of the finest horse races in the world. To make this traditional and prestigious event even more exciting, a collaboration with the traditional Japanese performing art of Kabuki is getting people talking.

Tokyo Yushun Kabuki Simulation Game

In the Kabuki Derby, visitors can enjoy tons of unique content made with Onoe Matsuya and Ukon Onoe. The site’s racing game even has a completely original story! Trivia quizzes related to the Derby and obstacle courses will also provide hours of fun.

Special Video: Home Horse Racing!

Special Video: Instant PAT!

Special Video: Full House Derby

In the original videos, both Kabuki actors appear as brothers in the Edo Period. The two are sure to make you smile with their performances, as they explain what they do on their days off and show off how fun horse racing can be.

Horse Designer

There will also be a Twitter campaign where you can win prizes depending on the results of the Japanese Derby. Be sure to tune in and root for your favorite horse!

Japanese makeup brand Shu Uemura launched its new 2022 Spring/Summer Collection on April 22, 2022 in limited quantities. Kabuki actor Ichikawa Somegoro VIII, who became a Shu Uemura brand ambassador in March 2022, is seen in new visuals for the collection.

Collection

Limited Edition Eyeshadow Palette

Nude Punk Eye Palette (5 limited edition colors / 1 existing color)

Lilac Rebel Eye Palette (3 limited edition colors / 3 existing colors)

Lipstick Unlimited Kinu Satin

Tailored Nude, Limited Edition Color (Star Shade)

Auburn Tulle

Lipstick Unlimited Kinu Cream

Taupe Couture (Star Shade)

Sienna Silk

Ultim8∞ Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil

Hard Formula Hard 9 Seal Brown

Petal 55 Foundation Brush

The Shu Uemura philosophy is that makeup is “fashion for the face.” From makeup that hides blemishes to makeup that helps people express themselves, every piece is important.

In 1968, Shu Uemura introduced ‘Mode Makeup,’ with the idea that just as there are patterns in clothing, there should be patterns in makeup as well. He proposed free expression using makeup and inspired people to be more fearless with their makeup application. Try expressing yourself more in 2022!

Japanese cosmetics brand Shu Uemura is releasing two new holiday collections in collaboration with beloved Sanrio character Hello Kitty! The first collection, featuring twelve items, will go on sale on November 1, 2021, and the second collection, featuring four items, will be available on November 15, 2021. Only limited quantities will be available. Preorders are now available on the official online store. Certain products will also be available at Sanrioworld GINZA 1F starting October 30 to celebrate the new collaboration. 

Bold, edgy, and chic makeup looks

Rich Collection Lineup

1st Collection Lineup

Rock the Party Palette (6 limited-time colors/ 4 existing colors): ¥9,900 (Tax Included) 

Discogram Eye Palette (6 limited-time colors): ¥7,150 (Tax Included) 

Unlimited Disco Glitz Lipstick (2 limited-time colors): ¥4,070 (Tax Included) 

Unlimited Satin Lipstick (2 limited-time colors): ¥4,070 (Tax Included) 

Unlimited Lacquer Shine Lipstick (1 limited-time color/1 existing color): ¥3,740 (Tax Included)

Unlimited Cream Lipstick (2 limited-time colors): ¥4,180 (Tax Included) 

Ulim8∞Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil (Limited-time packaging) 450ml: ¥12,650 (Tax Included) / 150ml: ¥5,060 (Tax Included)

Limited-Time Channel Goods

*Available only at the official online store and Global Flagship Beauty Boutiques

Unlimited Satin Lipstick VIP Auburn: ¥4,070 (Tax Included) 

Hard Formula 9 Seal Brown: ¥2,860 (Tax Included) 

Rock the Party Premium Makeup Box: ¥35,200 (Tax Included) 

Rock the Party Mini Lipstick Set: ¥7,150 (Tax Included) 

*Available only at the official online store and Global Flagship Beauty Boutiques

The new collaborative collection is inspired by Tokyo nightlife and is perfect for creating both a glamorous rock ‘n roll look or something more soft and sweet. A number of new shades of eyeshadow and lipstick appear in this holiday collection, so why not snag some of these high-quality goods before they’re gone? 

© 2021 SANRIO CO., LTD. APPROVAL NO. L614617

Japanese cosmetic brand Shu Uemura is set to release its new origami-inspired ‘mindfully crafted in japan’ collection on June 18, but presales opened on their online shop last Tuesday. The collection is a display of Japanese tradition and craftsmanship with sustainability at the core of its concept.

ultime8 ∞ sublime beauty cleansing oil (Limited Edition Design) | ¥12,650 (Tax Included)

hard formula hard 9 (seal brown 02) (Limited Edition Design) | ¥2,860 (Tax Included)

petal 55 foundation brush (Limited Edition Design) | ¥6,600 (Tax Included)

The collection focuses on three aspects of mindfulness with Japan as its focus: mindful of Japanese nature with locally and sustainably resourced ingredients, mindful of Japanese resources by taking only what is needed, and mindful of Japanese traditional craftsmanship by preserving traditions from the past.

Shu Uemura’s Cleansing Oil is one of the brand’s most notable sustainable products, preserving everything important about Japanese culture from its history to its natural environment. Using traditional methods passed down the ages, the product is made from plant-derived ingredients sourced sustainably, and the packaging is made from 100% recyclable plastic. The Cleansing Oil bottles were also added to Shu Uemura’s new recycling program which began on May 5 which enables bottles to be reused.

Don’t miss out on this special new collection by Shu Uemura.

Japanese makeup artist brand Shu Uemura dropped its new limited-edition “rouge unlimited iron reds collection” on New Year’s Day. Pre-sales for the  collection opened via the brand’s online shop on Boxing Day.

Shu Uemura is inviting people to blast into 2021 with 13 powerful iron red lip shades. This includes 12 colours as part of the rouge unlimited iron reds collection (9 limited-edition, 3 existing) in three textures – Rouge Unlimited, Rouge Unlimited Matte, and Rouge Unlimited Lacquer Shine – and 2 colours of the Rouge Unlimited Liquid Matte (1 new, 1 existing).

Metallic colours designed for Asian skin

The rouge unlimited iron reds collection arrives in three textures as part of Shu Uemura’s popular Rouge Unlimited series, from a vivid combination of reds and oranges to deep rusty browns. The colours have a sensual metallic sheen to them which gives them a complex appearance like that of a flame. The colour variation has been designed with Asian skin tones in mind to bring out their beauty.

Rouge Unlimited (3 Limited-Edition Colours/1 Existing) | ¥3,300 Each (Before Tax)

“Metallic” MET OR 555 / “Metallic” MET CR 355 / RD 163 / BR 788

Rouge Unlimited Matte (3 Limited-Edition Colours/1 Existing) | ¥3,300 Each (Before Tax)
“Metallic”  MET M RD 163 / “Metallic” MET M BR 786 / M RD 163 / M BR 786

Rouge Unlimited Lacquer Shine (3 Limited-Edition Colours/1 Existing) | ¥3,300 Each (Before Tax)
“Metallic” / M LS OR 570 / “Metallic” M LS OR 583 / LS RD 198 / LS BR 784

Eye-catching Liquid Rouge ignites

Rouge Unlimited Liquid Matte (1 Limited-Edition Colour/1 Existing) | ¥3,600 Each (Before Tax)
M RD 04 / M OR 01
A long-lasting liquid matte colour that’s striking but doesn’t run. It comes with a brush inspired by traditional Japanese writing brushes that makes it easy to fit and draw beautiful lip lines.

New Year Limited-Edition “Iron New Year Collection”

Released January 1, 2021

To celebrate the New Year, three of Shu Uemura’s signature items have been dressed up in red and liquid gold. These iconic items capture the quality and craftsmanship of Japanese products and arrive in limited-edition packaging for the start of 2021.

Ultime 8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil | ¥11,500 (Before Tax)

Hard Formula (Brown/Acorn) | ¥2,600 Each (Before Tax)

Petal 55 Foundation Brush | ¥6,000 (Before Tax)

As part of this year’s Gifu, Land of Clear Waters Ji-Kabuki All-Star Performance 2020, Gifu Prefecture has posted a special commentary video over on the official YouTube channel of Gifu Seiryu Bunka Plaza which combines footage from two local kabuki plays held this year.

The local kabuki of Gifu

Japan is home to 200 jikabuki, or ‘local kabuki,’ preservation organisations, 30 of which can be found in Gifu Prefecture. Gifu is one of the most active regions for jikabuki in the whole of Japan. The prefecture also has 9 historical shibai-goyas, or playhouses, some of which are over 100 years old.

Gifu, Land of Clear Waters Ji-Kabuki All-Star Performance 2020

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx_NJKW7JOicMjhzfqBC1hQ 

Gifu Seiryu Bunka Plaza made the decision to postpone the 11 jikabuki performances that were scheduled to take place January to July 2020 this year. They are being rescheduled for 2021, so for now people can enjoy the content over on their official YouTube channel.

The second instalment of the “Shu Uemura x One Piece Collection” finally launched on November 15. The collection was first announced back in September with the first instalment released on November 1.

The special collection is inspired by the brave and heroic Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates from One Piece, one of Japan’s biggest manga and anime franchises. The second instalment welcomes a new collection of highlighters, makeup brushes, and more for the holiday season.

Shu Uemura x One Piece Collection

Fearless Crew Highlighter Gold Feast / Fearless Crew Highlighter Romance Dawn (¥5,000 Each Before Tax)

Smooth, silky highlight powder to accentuate the face. Colours include shining gold which glistens like pearls and sun-basked peach. These highlighters capture the lively energy of Nami and Robin.

Fearless Crew Premium Brush Set (¥6,500 Before Tax) | Includes: Face Brush, Cheek Brush, Eyeshadow Brush, and Eyebrow Brush

The high quality mini brush set includes a face brush, cheek brush, eyeshadow brush, and eyebrow brush. Their small sizes makes them conveniently portable for the party season. They come in a marine blue bag with the Straw Hat Pirates on the front of it.

Petal 55 Foundation Brush (¥6,000 Before Tax)

A high quality Shu Uemura brush with beautiful form and functionality crafted by the brand’s makeup artists. Their foundation brushes are very popular for layering the perfect base makeup.

Wanted Gold Eyelash Curler (¥2,000 Before Tax)

Add some volume to those lashes with this golden pair of curlers equipped with a One Piece skull charm.

©Eiichiro Oda/Shueisha, Toei Animation

Minami-za, one of the most respected kabuki theatres in Japan, has announced a special exhibition in collaboration with the TV anime series Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba which will run from November 6 to 23.

Minami-za is the oldest theatre in Japan and is registered as a Tangible Cultural Property of Japan. The Demon Slayer exhibition will feature displays, decorations, and a range of exclusive merchandise.

Lobby Exhibit

Fans will find a range of character boards displayed at the entrance lobby to Minami-za with the characters donning traditional kabuki attire.

Special Stage Photo Spots

Cut-outs of the main cast of characters will be displayed on stage. People will be able to stand up on stage and take photos with the characters in this unique collaboration with kabuki.

Signboard

An original signboard will be displayed at the entrance to Minami-za.

Free Bonus Items

All customers who visit the theatre will receive one of these 18 possible coasters for free.

Merchandise

Those who hold a ticket to the event will be able to purchase a selection of original merchandise at the theatre. The items will also be sold online at Shochiku Kabuki-ya Honpo.

Teabags (4 Flavours) | ¥800 (Tax Included)

Special teabags will also be sold at the Tokyo and Kobikicho Square branches of Shochiku Kabuki-ya Honpo as well as their online website between October 21 and 23.

Tickets to the event are available via Lawson in Japan.

©Koyoharu Gotouge/Shueisha・Aniplex・ufotable

Japanese kabuki actor Ichikawa Ebizo XI, the eleventh holder of the famous Ebizo name, is set to perform at Tomioka Silk Mill, one of Japan’s World Heritage Sites, and it will be streamed online.

Tomioka Silk Mill is the oldest modern silk reeling factory in Japan. Ichikawa Ebizo XI will perform two kabuki plays there: the long-celebrated Kotobuki Shiki Sanbaso and Ebizo’s famous piece Otokodate Hana no Yoshiwara.

This is a special one-night-only opportunity to see a legendary perform at such historical location.

Japanese makeup artist brand Shu Uemura’s highly-anticipated holiday collection is here. The “Shu Uemura x One Piece Collection” will launch in two parts: the first on November 1 and the second on November 15.

The special collection is inspired by the brave and heroic Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates from One Piece, one of Japan’s biggest manga and anime franchises.

The first part of the collection launching on November 1 welcomes Shu Uemura’s popular vivid eyeshadows and iconic lipsticks from the Rouge Unlimited collection while the second part is made up of a variety of face colours, accessories, and more, made specially for the holiday season. Pre-orders for both parts will launch via Shu Uemura’s website and select online stores in Japan on October 15, 2020.

Shu Uemura x One Piece Collection

Bright colours and textures inspired by the marine blue ocean, the beaming sun, and treasure—all elements that scream the adventures of One Piece. Shu Uemura invites people to join Luffy on that adventure with this new collection.

Part One

Wanted Treasure Box Eye Palette Grand Line / Wanted Treasure Box Eye Palette Thousand Sunny | ¥8,500 Each (Before Tax)

The Wanted Treasure Box Eye Palette Grand Line comes in a treasure chest-like eye palette case and boasts ten gorgeous colours, which includes numerous new colours and textures like Crushed Stone, Deep Matte, Antique Metal, and Warm Pearl. Inspired by the Grand Line ocean current in One Piece.

Rouge Unlimited Amplified / Rouge Unlimited Amplified Matte / Rouge Unlimited Matte / Rouge Unlimited Amplified Lacquer Shine | ¥3,300 Each (Before Tax) *Includes 9 colours

Each colour is based on one of the special moves performed by characters in One Piece. The colour arrangement is diverse, ranging from colours to make a statement to more casual ones. Wield the power of the Straw Hats wherever you go.

Part Two

Fearless Crew High Rider Gold First / Fearless Crew High Rider Romance Dawn | ¥5,000 (Before Tax)

Smooth, silky highlight powder to accentuate the face. Colours include shining gold which glistens like pearls and sun-basked peach.

Fearless Crew Premium Brush Set | ¥6,500 (Before Tax)

The high quality mini brush set includes a face brush, cheek brush, eyeshadow brush, and eyebrow brush.

©Eiichiro Oda/Shueisha, Toei Animation

Japanese makeup artist brand Shu Uemura has invited Naomi Watanabe on board as the global ambassador for the launch of the new colour and packaging for their “Rouge Unlimited Amplified” lipstick which will hit shelves on September 16, 2020.

Rouge Unlimited Amplified looks to amplify the user’s lip experience with its bold colours. The collection will see a range of updated colours and packaging, including the brown “BR 784 Naomi’s redwood.”

In the promotion for the lipstick, Naomi Watanabe has donned the “Rouge Unlimited Amplified Matte AM BR 784.”

Naomi Watanabe | Comment

“This is a really beautiful colour and gives you a personalised look that you don’t see with other lipsticks. You can use it pretty much anywhere, whether at the office or at a party. As long as you wield this lipstick, you can go anywhere, and do anything.”

Naomi Watanabe is a fashion icon in Japan, promoting positivity and letting people know they can wear whatever makeup and clothing they like. Her message ties in with Shu Uemura’s core concept of individual beauty.

Rouge Unlimited Amplified Matte AM BR 784

The “BR 784 Naomi’s redwood” was specially developed to bring out the tones in the skin of those in Asia. It’s a tailor-made brown inspired by reddish-brown, a popular colour trend. Adding a reddish tinge makes it contrast well against the skin and makes it possible to wear it on any occasion. The brown hue adds a sense of sophistication and balances out the red, so you can wear it both casually and formally. Four different textures of the “BR 784” are available to purchase.