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.

The Recording Industry Association of Japan has announced the Gold Disc Certified titles for April 2022.   Triple Platinum CertifiedI - INI (Single)   Double Platinum CertifiedLovin' you / Odoru you ni Jinsei wo - King & Prince (Single)   Samidareyo - Sakurazaka 46 (Single) The Answer / Sachiare - Naniwa Danshi (Single)    Platinum CertifiedHana wa Dare no mono? - STU48 (Single)   In addition, six other works (two singles, three albums, and one video) were certified gold in April. Be sure to check out the full list!

FRUiTS, a magazine capturing the essence of Harajuku culture through fashion, will release a special issue in collaboration with women’s sneaker store atmos pink and SNKRGIRL, the first and only sneaker news site for women in Japan.   SNKRGIRL, Japan's first and only sneaker media for women by women, is participating in this special collab with FRUiTS, the legendary street photo magazine that introduced Harajuku culture to the world, and atmos pink, the popular Tokyo-based sneaker select store for women.  

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FRUiTS editor-in-chief shot the images for the special issue. Female sneaker lovers are becoming more common in the Japanese fashion scene, with #SneakerGirls often trending on social media. The new issue will feature popular influencers who attended SNKRGIRL’s recent Harajuku Snap Party, as well as models, dancers, and women from many other walks of life. The magazine will be a way to see what Harajuku fashion looks like in 2022, and each issue will include a special Bikkuriman sticker!   The cover features influential model YURINO, a big name in the fashion and sneaker scene. Readers can enjoy an interview between Harajuku fashion expert Kaoru Takami and FRUiTS editor-in-chief too, so don’t miss it!    

The H&M Studio Spring/Summer collection is using more sustainable materials. These items are now available at the H&M Shinjuku stores and the official H&M online store. The model for the collection is Yurina Hirate, an artist, actress, and former center of idol group Keyakizaka46.  H&M Studio is a limited-edition collection made by the H&M design team. Announced twice a year, it showcases popular seasonal themes and trends. All items in this new collection are made from sustainable materials, such as leather made from grape skins, stems, and seeds, and other recycled materials.   Yurina Hirate has become incredibly popular with young women and is known for her in-your-face style. She has become a beacon for women who want to become more confident and who love to experiment with fashion. The photos were taken at Hoshinoya Tokyo, which features hip eateries, hot springs, and five-star accommodations. 

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.

VOGUE GIRL is a leading new-generation web magazine picking up the latest in international trends for women. Its most popular feature is Girl of the Month which offers a close-up of a different girl every month where they serve their own fashion stories.   This month features Yuriyan Retriever who is celebrating her loss of 36kg, showcasing a fresh new look and positive mindset. She is serving curves, power, humour, and cuteness with her eye-catching combination of makeup with abstract colours and a sensual mini dress. "It's not because she has lost weight that she has become more beautiful," the editor of her feature explains, "but rather that living a healthy and positive lifestyle has caused her to shine and given her much more confidence. " They go on to describe the photo shoot itself being a fun experience thanks to Yuriyan's erratic posing and dazzling expressions, and how they have never seen a shoot before that has resulted in so many laughs amongst the staff.   In her upcoming appearance in '90 Second Challenge' on VOGUE GIRL's official YouTube channel, Yuriyan will talk about her morning routine before work, the music she listens to when working out, her favourite body parts, and more.