Photo by zakkubalan ©2022 Kab Inc.

  On January 17, 2022, beloved composer Ryuichi Sakamoto celebrated his 70th birthday. The artist continues to battle cancer, and as a way to encourage and empower him, the commons label launched a special anniversary website titled 10 Favorites - Ryuichi Sakamoto. The site features appearances from major artists and creators who have cited Sakamoto as an inspiration, listing their ten favorite works by the composer alongside their unique perspectives and thoughts. The 25th and final installment features SUGA of the popular K-pop boy band BTS.

Comment from SUGA (BTS)

「어릴적 부모님 손에 이끌려 ‘마지막 황제’ 재개봉을 간 적이 있었습니다. 그 때 음악에 압도 되었다는 느낌을 처음 받았고 12살 음악을 만들기 시작하며 사카모토 류이치 선생님의 음악을 많이 듣고 샘플링을 하며 꿈을 키웠습니다. 저에게 수많은 영감을 준 뮤지션들은 많지만 사카모토 류이치 선생님은 더 많은 꿈을 꾸게 해주신 분입니다 (저는 참고로 코다 다큐멘터리의 재해대피소에서 연주한 Merry Chistmas Mr. Lawrence live 버전을 가장 좋아합니다) 부디 건강하세요 선생님. “When I was young, my parents took me to see The Last Emperor. That was when I first experienced the feeling of being awed by music. I began composing music when I was twelve and dreamed about my future while listening to your music, even sampling some of it.   There are many musicians who have inspired me, but you are one of the people who has influenced me the most. (For reference, my favorite Sakamoto piece is the live performance version of Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence that was performed in the area impacted by the 2011 earthquake, which appears in the documentary CODA). Mr. Sakamoto, please stay healthy.”   Previous contributors to the project include Shinro Ohtake, Goro Inagaki, Banana Yoshimoto, Shiro Takatani, Yukihiro Takahashi, Akira Asada, Kiko Mizuhara, Haruomi Hosono, Yuima Nakazato, Ryu Murakami, LEO, UA, Shin’ichi Fukuoka, U-zhaan, Lee Sang-il, Ryoji Ikeda, Hiroshi Fujiwara, Kei Wakabayashi, Shinichiro Watanabe, Kiichi Fujiwara, Miki Nakatani, Daito Manabe, Taeko Ohnuki, and Hirokazu Koreeda.   Fans of Sakamoto’s works should feel free to peruse the site, which includes English translations of the guest’s selections and thoughts.  

RootMe purikura machines around Japan have revealed some limited edition Spy x Family themes for a limited time! These will be available until March 5, 2023.    Spy x Family has become a worldwide phenomenon, with the original manga series by Tatsuya Endo has sold over 27 million copies. Twilight, a world-class spy, is forced to act like a family man in order to complete a difficult mission. The family comedy has struck a chord with audiences everywhere, and the first season of the anime adaptation aired in April, returning in October for a second season.

Forger Family Set

Anya and Friends Set

Anya Expressions Set

Anya's Famous Scenes Set

  Four themed decorative frames are available at most RootMe machines nationwide. These designs range from the Forger family to Anya’s adorable facial expressions, to famous scenes from the series.  These designs can, of course, be printed at the machines, and the photographs can also be downloaded to your smartphone. Fans won’t want to miss this! *To use the filters, users must register (for free).   ©遠藤達哉／集英社・SPY×FAMILY製作委員会

BTS fans will want to head to Nagoya! The TinyTAN Licensed Product Special Exhibition is now open at Nagoya Kintetsu Pass’e until October 2, 2022. Tons of new products inspired by Butter are available at an on-site pop-up shop!The exhibition opened on September 17, and fans of the BTS song Butter are flocking to the event to snag some adorable new merch. In addition to new interior goods being unveiled for the first time, popular products have been released with entirely new designs.    Many other world premiere products will also be available, including the 4 Season Blanket decorated with TinyTAN characters and inspired by spring, summer, fall, and winter. This will be available in limited quantities, so don't miss out!

Two Sega purikura machines–ROMAPI and lalamee–will start a collaboration event with BE:FIRST on September 15! Until November 7, fans can get some snapshots with their favorite members at machines nationwide.   This collaboration event will feature moving photo frames, with lalamee offering 24 varieties and ROMAPI offering 28 varieties. Fans will also find 25 exclusive stickers featuring the members’ names, mini-characters, and logos! Fans can also take 3-second video moments with the members, giving them the feeling that they’re taking pictures side by side with the popular idols.

lalamee: 24 varities / ROMAPI: 28 varieties

Original Collaboration Effects

Original Collaboration Stamps

Limited Edition Original BE:FIRST Stickers

  In addition, a total of five songs will appear as background music, including the group’s newest song Scream featured on their first album BE:1. Photos can be downloaded to smartphones using the Purikura ON app, which will also feature voice messages from the members! Select stores will also be holding a gift campaign where customers can get a limited original BE:FIRST sticker by showing off their purikura creations. 30 machines nationwide will also be decorated to celebrate the campaign.    BE:FIRST fans won't want to miss this exclusive opportunity to get a snapshot with their favorite member!   ©SEGA

Noritake, a fine china maker, has opened preorders for cup & saucer sets inspired by popular BTS songs! The DNA, MIC Drop, and Dynamite sets are currently available to order, while the Boy With Luv and Butter sets will be available on September 21. If you want one of these gorgeous sets, be quick–preorders will end once all items sell out.     The cups and saucers are made of bone china, a type of porcelain, and are decorated in bright and vivid colors inspired by some of the Korean boy band’s biggest hits. The backs of the cups and saucers are decorated with the BTS logo, so fans will want to add this to their kitchen.      (C) BIGHIT MUSIC. All Rights Reserved.

Lifestyle brand BAYFLOW has launched a triple collaboration collection! Stores nationwide are now selling items created by the popular South Korean idol group BTS, headwear and fashion brand New Era, and the MLB, the world’s premier professional baseball league.   Dynamite    Butter   Black Swan    The designs in this collection incorporate the coloring and artwork found on the covers of the BTS singles Black Swan, Dynamite, and Butter, with the MLB logo. Fans can grab baseball caps, bucket hats, and t-shirts inspired by each song.   BAYFLOW began selling these new items in stores nationwide starting May 13, 2022. In addition, two New Era pop-up shops are open for a limited time at BAYFLOW Kichijoji and AEON Mall Kawaguchi!