Do you want to have a hands-on, up and close experience with real Japanese culture? Then we recommend one of Japan’s many “Wa no Taiken” (“Experience Japan”) programs established for people just like you! In this article we will introduce you to several of these programs all over the country.
Handmake your own Yatsuhashi sweets (Kyoto)
One of Kyoto’s biggest tourist spots is Kyoto Tower. On the 3rd floor of Kyoto Tower you can take part in one of many classes on a variety of different things including learning how to make makuzushi and how to make the plastic food samples you see outside most restaurants in Japan! The one we recommend the most is the yatsuhashi sweet class. You’ll learn how to prepare steamed flour dough before stuffing it with anko red bean paste. You can learn how to make various flavours including plain, matcha and purple sweet potato. At the end, you can take a photo and have it printed on your yatsuhashi sweets package. It’s nice to receive a souvenir.
Full Article: http://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/68757
■Information
Kyoto Tower Sando Otabe Taiken Dojo (京都タワーサンド おたべ体験道場)
Address: Kyoto Tower Building Floor 2, 721-1 Higashishiokojicho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto
Reservations: https://otabe-ktt.dt-r.com/
*Reservation possible until 15:00 the previous day.
Trace Aizen Myoo in “Puchi Shabutsu” Program (Osaka)
This program is located at “Waqoo Shitaderamachi,” a ‘shukubo’ temple lodging located in Shitaderamachi where around 80 temples are situated. ‘Shukubo’ refers to temple lodging for worshippers who are visiting shrines and temples. In “Shabutsu.” you trace rough copies of Buddhist pictures. It is said that this practice was created to spread the teachings of Buddha instead of learning difficult scriptures. In this program, all you have to do is trace a postcard sized picture, so anybody can take on the training in a short period of time! By focusing on the tracing, one can relax and let their mind be free to wander.
Full Article: http://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/39570
■Information
Waqoo Shitadera
Address: 2-5-12 Shitaderamachi, Tennōji-ku, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture
TEL: 06-6775-7020
Puchi Shabutsu Program
Learn the heart of Japan by experiencing the tea ceremony (Kyoto)
The first ever Concierge Salon opened its doors in Kyoto earlier this year, renovated from a 300-year-old traditional townhouse. Under instruction from your expert teacher, not only will you learn the manners and etiquette of the tea ceremony, such as how to properly eat the sweets and drink the tea, but you’ll also have the opportunity to make the tea yourself. And don’t worry – all of the Japanese tea teachers at the Concierge Salon are fluent in English and other foreign languages. English will be the basis for the explanation of the tea ceremony rules. (You can also listen to them in Japanese). You must book in advance, but it is possible to participate if there’s a spot open on the day. Joining in with the tea ceremony is a chance to achieve peace of mind.
Full Article: http://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/59896
■Information
Kyoto Concierge Salon
Address: Kyoto Concierge Salon, 384 Mongaku-cho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, 600-8222
TEL: 050-7132-5601
Homepage: http://kyoto.concierge-salon.com
Dress up as a samurai and sword fight and more (Asakusa, Tokyo)
Foreign fans of the famous Japanese samurai have been on the increase recently. In response to this, YUMENOYA have set up “Japan Culture Experience Tours” where you can engage in real sword fights, learn sword dancing, and much more. When you take on their “Samurai Experience” the first step is to kit up in your samurai outfit, wield your sword and have your photo taken. You will then learn how to hold a Japanese sword, the proper way to stand, and how to draw your and return sword. You will learn how to prepare your mind an how to maneuvre to feel like a true samurai.
■Information
JAPAN CULTURE EXPERIENCE TOURS 夢乃屋-YUMENOYA-
Address: Venis 2F, Asakusa 1-36-8, Taito-ku, Tokyo, 111-0032
TEL: 03-5770-5131 (From Japan)
+81-3-5770-5131 (From overseas)
Booking: https://www.tokyo-samurai.com
Learn how to make your own senbei rice crackers at Edo Wonderland (Tochigi)
Edo Wonderland Nikkei Edomura is truly a one-of-a-kind experience: a theme park that captures the life and culture of the people and towns of the Edo Period. By going there, you will have an outfit change to completely turn into a person of the Edo Period. There’s many sights to see and activities to join in at Edo Wonderland – even opportunities for children to experience work that Edo children would be occupied in. It’s a chance to learn all about Edo culture. We recommend learning how to make your own senbei (rice crackers). You’ll get to cook your rice crackers one by one on a shichirin – a small charcoal grill. And by adding soy sauce, you can cook them quickly while also ensuring you don’t burn them. The flavour of your own cooked senbei is exceptional. It’s just ￥150 for one rice cracker.
■Information
Address: 470-2 Karakura, Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture 321-2524
Open:
March 20th to November 30th – 9:00-17:00
December 1st to March 19th – 9:30-16:00
Closed: Wednesdays
TEL: 0288-77-1777
Website: http://edowonderland.net
Be taught by a real modern day female ninja (Shibuya, Tokyo)
The Kunoichi Ninja Cafe is a cafe located in Shibuya, Tokyo where you can meet a modern day ninja. They have a real dojo where you can experience and practice being a ninja. Your teacher will be Sayaka Ooguri, a modern day kunoichi (female ninja) who has practiced ninjutsu since she was 2-years-old. Adults and children alike can look forward to learning about ninja culture together with her. (*Japanese, English and Chinese possible). The dojo has a modern Japan decor and many Instagram worthy photo spots. It’s an original dojo based on the style of kimono, so you’ll no doubt have to take a few photos! We also recommend taking the rice ball class where you can learn the history of and how to make rice balls.
■Information
Kunoichi Ninja Cafe (忍者茶房KUNOICHI)
Address: 2-23-6 Higashi, Shibuya, Tokyo
Open: 10:00-22:00 (last orders 21:30)
Open all year round (apart from New Year’s)
TEL: 03-5778-4419
Website: http://galtpop.jp/kunoichi/jp/
Did any of these programs tickle your fancy? Make the most of your time in Japan by getting involved with everything you can – that goes for both traditional culture, not just pop culture!
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Illustrator BEY’s solo exhibition ‘NEW WAMERICAN’ will be held at TRUNK (HOTEL) in Shibuya starting November 1. BEY is known for his illustrations inspired by the ‘Wamerican’ theme, a blend of Japanese culture, including ukiyo-e, and American pop culture. Currently, he is attracting attention as an up-and-coming creator who also works on CD jackets for artists and window art for apparel brands. Canvas works newly painted for the exhibition will be exhibited and sold, and new merchandise such as teacups and Palo Santo with limited edition packaging will be available. [Comment from BEY] “I hope to approach this exhibition as the first of its kind to showcase the new expressions of ‘WAMERICAN,’ a style which has continued to evolve over the past seven years, with a focus on original paintings on canvas. I hope tons of people will come to visit!”
Information
BEY SOLO EXHIBITION ‘NEW WAMERICAN’
Dates: November 1 ~ November 4, 2024
Hours: 10:00~20:00
Venue: TRUNK (HOTEL) CATSTREET
5-31 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo[Reception Party]
Date: November 1, 2024
Hours: 19:00~24:00
Admission: Free
DJs: Yuuna Yabe / 50minimals[GOODS]
・L/S TEE
・Hat
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・Original Palo Santo
・StickersBEY’s Instagram：@beytaro_0912
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FRUITS ZIPPER Holds First Anniversary Concert, Announce Appearance at the ‘Sayonara Nakano Sunplaza Music Festival’ in June
On May 4, the 7-member idol group FRUITS ZIPPER held the first Tokyo performance of their first-anniversary concert tour at Toyosu PIT.
Tickets for both the Tokyo and Osaka shows sold out immediately after they went on sale. To celebrate the first anniversary of the group's debut, the lucky fans who were able to snag tickets came together at Toyosu PIT.
In the year since their debut, FRUITS ZIPPER has skyrocketed in popularity, performing live at several idol festivals and some of Japan's largest fashion events, and successfully touring Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka. Their show at LINE CUBE SHIBUYA garnered incredible attention.
For the first anniversary concert, the stage was transformed by a special set and the member appeared in new never-before-seen costumes. They performed a total of 17 songs, and each member expressed their gratitude to their fans during the MC segments.
During the performance, it was announced that the group would perform at the Sayonara Nakano Sunplaza Music Festival on June 26. The venue, which has seen countless performances over its long history, will be demolished and replaced to commemorate its 50th anniversary. Fans are excited to see their favorite artists perform on this legendary stage, and many are curious to see how it will be transformed in the future.
FRUITS ZIPPER has also released the song Cho Medetai Song ~Konnani Shiawasede Iinokana? ~ (The Super Joyful Song ~Is It Okay to Be This Happy?~) on all major streaming services. The track was co-written by Sho Yamamoto, who wrote the group’s hit song Watashino Ichiban Kawaiitokoro, currently with over 700 million views on TikTok, and Gento Miyano, who has written songs for numerous popular artists. The super-happy pop tune has a sound reminiscent of idol tracks from the 2000s and has been a smash hit at live shows, stirring the fans into a frenzy.
Information
<Sayonara Nakano Sunplaza Music Festival Performance Information>
Sayonara Nakano Sunplaza Music Festival
Date: June 26, 2023
Venue: Nakano Sunplaza (Tokyo)Ticket information and additional information will be posted on the official FRUITS ZIPPER Twitter page（@FRUITS_ZIPPER）as it becomes available.
<Release Information>
FRUITS ZIPPER New Single
Cho Medetai Song ~Konna ni Shiawase de Iinokana?~
Streaming Date: May 4, 2023
Streaming URL: https://kawaiilab.lnk.to/CSKSI
Available on all major music streaming and download sites1. Cho Medetai Song ~Konna ni Shiawase de Iinokana?~
2. Cho Medetai Song ~Konna ni Shiawase de Iinokana?~ -Instrumental-<FRUITS ZIPPER Tour Information>
FRUITS ZIPPER Japan Tour 2023 AUTUMN
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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/ -
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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The new Tokyo Diary Map series aims to introduce readers to awesome spots in Tokyo that they might want to visit! Each entry features locations recommended by a single artist or talent, and fans will get to not only discover new places to visit in Japan’s capital, but also get to learn more about the thoughts and feelings of these unique individuals.
The first participant in the Tokyo Diary Map series is Atsushi Ogata, a multi-talented TV personality and actor. Last year, he appeared as a beauty-concious man on Nippon TV’s DANCING SANMA PALACE, spurring a major buzz by revealing his cosmetic routine. He’s also a notable actor, having appeared in the papercraft theater company's 7th performance Sekai ga Asa wo Shiroutomo (Though the World May Know Morning), telling the story of a man and a woman, a couple of friends, and a certain woman “until morning.”
-Tell us about your favorite spot in Tokyo!
“Daikanyama T SITE TSUTAYA. I feel like I can really relax there. I love being surrounded by my favorite fashion magazines, and no matter what magazine you pick up, they’re all so exciting and educational. That's what I like about bookstores–you can pick up something you're not usually interested in and learn something new. It’s the best.”
Daikanyama T SITE TSUTAYA 16-15 Sarugakucho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo https://store.tsite.jp/daikanyama/
- How do you like to spend your time at Daikanyama T SITE TSUTAYA?
“I pick up a new book, find a seat, and take my time reading. I like people-watching and checking out people’s fashion too. Also, there’s a nice café called ivy place nearby, where I can read while having a relaxing cup of coffee.”
Ivy Place
東京都渋谷区猿楽町16-15
https://www.tysons.jp/ivyplace/
-You studied fashion design in the United States. How did that experience influence you? How do you want to make use of that experience going forward?
“Learning about fashion at art school was very inspiring. It was also very interesting to see how people with different ethnic backgrounds dress and to see their individual personalities. For example, I saw high school students wearing backpacks instead of using school bags. I just loved seeing people’s unique fashion. It made me realize something that I still believe in to this day–that there’s nothing more beautiful than wearing what you like in your own way. I’d actually like to create my own clothing brand in the future, so I hope to put my high school fashion design studies to good use.”
-Which apparel stores do you frequent?
I always peek into Dover Street Ginza!
Dover Street Ginza Ginza Komatsu West Building (6-9-5 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo) https://ginza.doverstreetmarket.com
-What fashion styles are you interested in lately?
“I like a lot of different genres, but lately I've been into chic styling, like pairing shirts and sweaters. I dream of dressing like Thom Browne. I want to try to buy at least one piece from his collection.
-You post a lot of illustrations on your Instagram. Do you usually like to draw? When do you lke to create?
“I bought an iPad to draw because I really wanted something to do something new during COVID. For me, when I plan time to draw something, it never goes well, so I tend to just draw when inspiration suddenly strikes. I have no particular style, I just draw whatever I want!”
-What inspires you as someone so expressive? What has piqued your interest lately?
“I get inspiration from a wide range of different people. It could be people walking on the street, people on the train…lately, I’ve been meeting the most inspiring and wonderful people. Listening to their stories is what inspires me the most. Fashion inspires me, humanity inspires me, people’s auras inspire me.”
-Finally, please give a message to those who are planning on coming to Japan!
“Japan is just wonderful. It’s the best. The food, the people, the scenery, all of it is incredible. Once you visit, you’ll definitely want to come back. Please come and enjoy!” (Laugh)
Information
Ryo Ogata
In 2021, Ogata began his career as an actor and model.
His upbringing exposed him to dance, English, and art from an early age, helping to craft his current appeal.公式Instagram：https://www.instagram.com/ryokun_39
公式TikTok：https://www.tiktok.com/@ryoogata -
Hisashi Eguchi’s Illustration Exhibition “Tokyo Girlfriend” Coming to Tokyo Midtown Hibiya, New Works to be Exhibited for the First Time
From March 14 until April 23, 2023, Tokyo Midtown Hibiya will hold Hisashi Eguchi’s Tokyo Girlfriend illustration exhibition, set to show off the artist’s unique perspectives on people and cityscapes. The exhibition will feature new illustrations of the titular girlfriend standing in the streets of Hibiya drawn especially for this exhibition, as well as various other girlfriends both large and small.
GING NANG BOYZ Kimi to Boku no Dai 3ji Taisen-teki Renai Kakumei CD Jacket (2005)
A LONG VACATION - Eiichi Ohtaki 40th Tribute Illustration (2021) ©2023 Eguchi Hisashi
Hisashi Eguchi, a manga artist and illustrator, continues to convey the charm of the city and its people by vividly depicting Tokyo and the many unique happenings within. As Tokyo Midtown Hibiya celebrates its 5th anniversary along with many other nearby businesses, the Tokyo Girlfriend exhibition of illustrations by Hisashi Eguchi is being held to celebrate.
The exhibition will feature a new painting of the mysterious girlfriend standing in the streets of Hibiya, newly created for the Tokyo Midtown Hibiya exhibition. A number of original pieces using Pantone overlay, Eguchi's favorite painting medium in the 80s and 90s, will also be on display for the first time.
During the exhibition period, guests can enjoy autograph sessions, live sketches in which Eguchi himself will draw a portrait of selected subject on the spot, and workshops where he will teach tips on how to be a better illustrator.
Don’t miss your chance to meet one of the greatest illustrators of the modern era!
©2023 Eguchi HisashiInformation
Hisashi Eguchi’s Illustration Exhibition ‘Tokyo Girlfriend’
Running: March 14 – April 23, 2023
Venue: Tokyo Midtown Hibiya
https://www.hibiya.tokyo-midtown.com/jp/