Starting on July 20, the Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi store will be celebrating illustrator Macoto Takahashi’s 88th birthday with a special exhibition. The event will display many of Takahashi’s works, featuring beautiful girls and festive flowers.
For over six decades, Takahashi has been drawing princesses and girls to turn heads, each of them full of life and captivating coquettish energy. With fans around the world, the artist dominated the Showa period with his pieces which were frequently on the covers of girls’ manga magazines. With the artist’s 88th birthday coming up next month, this exhibition will focus on many of Takahashi’s original paintings, as well as his recent collaborations with apparel brands such as COMME des GARCONS and Anna Sui.
Original Illustration – Elaine’s Flowers
Flowery Mademoiselle II
Original Illustration – Sunflower Prayer
“I want people to feel warm and healed when they see my works. I want them to feel euphoric. Euphoria brings peace, and it cultivates mutual respect for each other,” Takahashi said about his works. His recent work Sunflower Prayer, on display at the exhibition, shows a Ukrainian girl in a traditional costume wishing for peace.
“I’m an artist, so I was able to convey my hope for peace through my work. I hope that you’ll also express your desire for peace in any way that you can,” Takahashi said. This work painted by the 87-year-old is a major highlight of the event.
Original Illustration – The Prince and His Dog
Original Illustration – Fairy-Tale Wedding
Takahashi’s original paintings often sell out quickly due to their popularity. During this massive event, the largest number and widest variety of the artist’s works will be displayed and sold. The lineup is packed with highlights, ranging from works made during the 1990s to the creator’s latest works from 2022.
Goods
To commemorate the event, new goods featuring nostalgic illustrations seen on girls’ magazine covers in the 1970s will be available, including stationery, buttons, and more.
ⒸMacoto Takahashi
Information
Macoto Takahashi’s 88th Birthday Exhibition: A Collection of Beautiful Woman
Running: July 20 – July 25, 2022
Venue: Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Building 7F Event Space
Details: https://www.mistore.jp/shopping/event/nihombashi_e/takahashi_macoto_50
Official Site: https://artgallery.co.jp/
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On August 16, SUNNY ONLY 1 released her new digital single WASH IT. In April, the accomplished artist released her first single in two years, So What? SUNNY ONLY 1 is also an active member of the Tokyo-based girls’ creative collective bala, and her previous release Dance like a monkey feat. Mori attracted plenty of attention. A collaboration with close friend Mori from the musical group DONGURIZU, the song was featured on Spotify’s official Electropolis playlist. WASH IT, concluding the trilogy of solo single releases from SUNNY ONLY 1 this year, was co-written by Kyoichi Mikuriya and Hiroto Sugawara of the band Eiji, along with rapper KOHKI. These artists are close friends of SUNNY, and the track itself is a party tune filled with Afro-funk and disco beats that capture the hustle and bustle of the underground scene. WASH IT was produced by Noah Ings, an up-and-coming producer from London who also worked on SUNNY ONLY 1’s previous release. [Comment from SUNNY ONLY 1] “This is the last song of the trilogy. It’s the funkiest song I’ve ever written and I made it while partying with my friends, so I hope you’ll have a listen while you’re vibing and feeling good!”
Information
WASH IT – SUNNY ONLY 1 (Digital Single)
Release Date: August 16, 2023
Streaming URL: https://orcd.co/wash_itSpecial Thanks:
Kyoichi Mikuriya (Eiji)
Hiroto Sugawara (Eiji)
KOHKI
SENA
MASAO
yoxen
kawasaki -
Model, DJ, and photographer Hikari Shibata will hold her first photo exhibition in five years, THROUGH THE WINDOW, at the FLOAT Gallery in Tokyo for four days starting September 8, 2023.
The exhibition’s title was inspired by Shibata’s shyness, which has always led her to photograph landscapes rather than people. Many photos were taken through windows, and both the view and reflections are meaningful and personal to Shibata herself.
This year’s exhibition features photos of daily life taken in Copenhagen, Denmark’s largest city, where Shibata stayed for a total of three weeks in March 2023. It will also feature photographs snapped in Berlin, Los Angeles, and New York City.
Shibata will visit the gallery in person to present her creations. In addition to the sale of exhibited photographs, guests will also be able to purchase T-shirts, hats, and Shibata’s first photobook, the latter of which is available in limited quantities. The self-published 112-page hardcover book was entirely designed by Shibata herself. T-shirts will be available in two colors and feature the title of the exhibition, while hats will come in three colors with an embroidered graphic image of the sun reflected in a window.
Information
THROUGH THE WINDOW (Hikari Shibata Photo Exhibition)
Running: September 8-11, 2023 / 13:00-20:00
Venue: FLOAT (3-1-9 Megurohoncho, Meguro-ku, Tokyo)
*Please be aware that admission may be restricted in the event of crowding.[Profile]
Hikari Shibata
Born in Kanagawa in 1997, Shibata is a model, DJ, and fashion director, known for sharing her life and unique fashion sense on social media. Her interest in photography dates to her high school days, and along with her work in Japan and abroad, she’s handled visuals for apparel brands and CD jackets. This will be her fourth photo exhibition.YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@peepinsidehead5862
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shibatahikari/
PEEP INSIDE HEAD: https://peepinsidehead.com/ -
Licaxxx’s Tokyo Community Radio Releases First Digital Compilation Album Inspired by the “sessions” Training Program
On June 29, SESSIONS COLLECTION VOL. 1 was released. This is the first digital compilation inspired Tokyo Community Radio’s recent training program “sessions.” DJ and Beatmaker Licaxxx runs the online radio platform, and the training sessions have seen incredible success, inspiring new musicians to grow and improve. “sessions” is a training program focused exclusively on dance music. Participants work closely with DJs and other active music creators to hone their skills and share unique experiences. The main goal of the program is to teach more about current technology and to share real-world examples that can help participants thrive. Sharing actual problems that current artists are facing and how to overcome them is also a popular part of the program. Club (RDC) and Red Bull, inviting guests to embark on a 3-day/2-night training camp in Izu to hone their DJ and dance music skills. Artists from all over Japan were selected from an open call and gathered to create new works individually or in groups after listening to advice and having discussions with track makers active in several different genres. A ton of music produced during the “sessions” program is included on TCR’s first 18-track digital compilation album. In addition to the 14 artists that participated, Stones Taro, Carpainter, Pharakami Sanders, and Licaxxx worked with FELINE to create a track as well. This genre-crossing compilation album by the next generation of Japan-based artists is a must-hear for active DJs, and a behind-the-scenes look at the training camp is available on TCR’s official YouTube channel. TCR will also be hosting events in Tokyo and Osaka this weekend with re:lax, a unit comprised of DJ/producers re:ni and Laksa from the UK. Keep an eye out for more details!Information
Tokyo Community Radio Digital Compilation Album
SESSIONS COLLECTION VOL. 1
Release Date: June 29, 2023
Streaming URL: https://tokyocommunityradio1.bandcamp.com/album/sessions-collection-vol-1Featured Artists: abentis / Carpainter / ETV / K8 / LICAXXX&FELINE / mah-ble soda / natsumi hirota / NirBorna / Pharakami Sanders / Pine / QUNIMUNE / SEKITOVA / Stones Taro / Syunto / tanakana / Terax / TIMER feat. plan i / yokinist
<About Tokyo Community Radio>
TCR is a distribution platform based in Tokyo that focuses on introducing both local DJs and up-and-coming DJs from around Japan. The program features all musical genres and showcases both DJ mixes and live performances. In featured podcasts, DJs talk about their music, hobbies, and interests, allowing fans the rare chance to learn more about their favorite creators. The station also cooperates with community radio stations in other Asian cities and supports DJs and artists from Asia and beyond when they visit Japan. In addition to regular DJ sessions and podcasts, TCR also collaborates with corporate events, produces music events, and matches DJs to places and brands. -
On June 14, SUNNY ONLY 1 released her new single Dance like a monkey feat. Mori. In April 2023, the artist released So What?, her first single in two years. The well-established creator is also a member of the Tokyo-based girl artists and creators’ collective bala. The new song features rapper Mori from DONGURIZU, a long-time friend of the group. Following the electroclash revival heard in her previous work, the new alternative dance track features notes of post-punk and old-school style. Mori brings his distinct style to the song, and listeners are sure to experience the chaotic mood found in the Tokyo Underground scene.
Information
Dance like a monkey feat. Mori – SUNNY ONLY 1 (Digital Single)
Release Date: June 14, 2023
Streaming URL: https://orcd.co/a8b3ke9＜Profile＞
Mori
Born in 1998, Mori is a rapper with DONGURIZU and also handles the group’s artwork. In January 2023, he released his first solo track YAZAWA composed by Shinichi Osawa. In addition to modeling for C.P. Company, GAP, and other apparel companies, he has appeared on the popular Red Bull programs 64Bars and RASEN. Funny and stylish, the rapper has been amassing more and more fans. Mori also won the top prize in the ‘100 Famous Views of Empathy’ contest hosted by Gekidan Hitori and sponsored by SLUSH-PILE. -
Starting in October 2022, artist MANON released new music for four consecutive months. Continuing her exploration of the HyperPop genre, her new track L.M.S.N feat. Kyunchi is now streaming.
MANON is known for releasing music with up-and-coming artists, and for this new track, she’s collaborated with NY-based HyperPop artist Kyunchi. L.M.S.N was composed by trackmaker Kiraku, who also worked on MANON’s previous release. The song is a Gal anthem, packed with Kiraku’s signature sound and ‘Gal Rap’ performed by MANON and Kyunchi.
Kyunchi
MANON
<Comment from MANON>
“I’ve wanted to collab with Kyunchi for so long, and it’s finally happened.
When I go to parties, I have a habit of being loud and not holding back, so people tend to shoot me these judgmental looks. But I don’t care! I always think “LET’S MAKE SOME NOISE!!” This song is just that–it’s us doing what we want to do at the moment. ⭐️That’s the vibe.
I feel like gals from the 2010s are all about YOLO–they give off this super strong vibe. That’s what I was trying to channel in this track, but then Kyunchi’s bad bitch rap made it so much more intense. The jacket was also inspired by blinged-out images from the 2010s and was made by Kiraku’s friend onumi!
When you hear this song, be sure to MAKE SOME NOISE!!”
Information
L.M.S.N feat. Kyunchi – MANON (Digital Single)
Release Date: May 24, 2023
Streaming URL: https://orcd.co/lmsn
Lyrics: MANON, Kyunchi / Prod.: Kiraku
■Kyunchi Profile
Kyunchi is a New York-based, candy-coated, gender-bending, post-modern, hyperpop, scene kid. Not bound by age, gender, nationality, or religion, the artist debuted in 2019 with Kyunshi Shopping Spree, produced by Ayesha Erotica. In April 2022, they released Mecha Angel Genesis♡, produced by writer syva of Codomo Mental INC. WORLDWIDE☆GIRL feat. nonamera was released on August 31, produced by syva and featuring nonamera on vocals.
Instagram: @kyunchi.jp
Spotify: Kyunchi -
Nike’s Gamma Force line, a modern interpretation of classic 80s sneakers, will be available at ABC-MART and ABC-Mart Online. To celebrate the launch, a new visual and collaborative video featuring the members of ATARASHII GAKKO! have been released. In the video, the girls are seen performing a flashy dance while wearing shoes from the Gamma Force line. The featured song, SUKI LIEwas featured on the group’s new EP ICHIJIKIKOKU and in standard ATARASHII GAKKO! style, the members express themselves freely while holding absolutely nothing back.
Information
ATARASHII GAKKO! x Gamma Force Bonus Campaign
Those who purchase shoes from the Gamma Force line at ABC-MART stores or online will receive original stickers featuring ATARASHII GAKKO! One sheet will include special edition stickers, including key visuals and illustrations of the members wearing Gamma Force and their signature socks.Special Site
https://www.abc-mart.net/shop/e/e1000650w/*One sticker sheet per purchase will be available while supplies last
*Bonus campaign begins May 11 both in stores and online
*The campaign will end once all stickers are gone