Naked’s DANDELION PROJECT is now open at the Taiwan Lantern Festival until February 28, 2022! Visitors to the Weiwuying Metropolitan Park in Kaohsiung City can enjoy the popular installation along with Naked’s Flower Cleansing experience during the event. 

The Taiwan Lantern Festival is the main event of the Chinese New Year festivities in Taiwan. Established by the Taiwan Tourism Bureau in 1990, the 2022 event will be held on an even larger scale. It will also be the first time the Lantern Festival is being held in Kaohsiung City.

The DANDELION PROJECT has been set up in the Children’s Area of the park, inviting both young people and their parents to enjoy the experience together. By blowing on a dandelion displayed on visitors’ smartphones, dandelion fluff will be carried digitally to other locations around the world. This symbolizes peace and togetherness in a time of separation, and it’s no wonder that these powerful installations have been so inspiring to so many people.

This also marks the first time that Naked Flower Cleansing will be available to experience overseas. The act of Tsukubai, or cleaning your hands in a basin before entering a tea room, has been updated by NAKED to suit the modern era, shining colorful floral imagery across visitors’ skin.

Far Yeast Brewing Co., Ltd., a craft beer maker that shares original Japanese beer with the world  beer, will be opening their first directly managed overseas store in Taiwan. The Far Yeast Taiwan Craftbeer Gasteopub will be celebrating its grand opening in Taipei City, Taiwan on October 16 2021. 

The Far Yeast Taiwan Craftbeer Gastropub is the fourth directly managed store following the Tokyo-Gotanda, Shizuoka-Atami, and Fukuoka branches, as well as the first overseas location.

The Far Yeast Taiwan Craftbeer Gastropub” will have 15 taps, offering not only the core brands Kawa KAGUA and Far Yeast, but also their special Japanese craft beer that can’t be found anywhere else in Taiwan. You can enjoy the beer alongside a selection of modern Japanese-themed meals.

Far Yeast Lychee Haze 

To commemorate the opening, the company has brewed the Fruited Hazy IPA ‘Far Yeast Lychee Haze’ in collaboration with Taiwanese brewery UGLY HALF BEER, using Taiwanese lychee to flavor. The drink will be pre-released in Japan, available from  September 30 with preorders opening from 13:00 on September 21.

The combination of Nelson Sauvin hops with a grape-like aroma and the tropical scent of the citrus and coconut Sabro hops compliment the gentle and sweet flavor of lychee, enticing all craft beer enthusiasts to Taipei.

Far Yeast Taiwan Craftbeer Gastropub is expected to have an international customer base, as the gastropub is located in Taipei’s East District, an area with a high population of foreign nationals and business people. Now that overseas travel has become much harder, the new branch will allow customers to enjoy the varied tastes of Japanese craft beer and the richness of Japanese food.

Hotel Gracery Taipei, which can be found inside Taiwan’s TOKYU HANDS Tailung, have opened the new ‘HANDS CONCEPT ROOM’ which offers the experience of visiting Japan without having to get on a plane.

‘Take a Vacation to HANDS’ Room

‘Go Camping at HANDS’ Room

Coupon

TOKYU HANDS Tailung have created two new concept rooms, the ‘Take a Vacation to HANDS’ room and the ‘Go Camping at HANDS’ room. While it is difficult to visit Japan at the moment, these rooms provide an authentic Japanese experience which allows guests to experience the culture and feel the charms of Japan.

The ‘Take a Vacation to HANDS’ room is based on Mount Fuji, Japanese railways, and vending machines, which are popular even in Taiwan. Popular tourist spots are also recreated using famous characters. 

The ‘Go Camping at HANDS’ room is inspired by glamping, which has become popular in Taiwan, using outdoor equipment to create a fun, indoor camping experience.

The guest-limited service also offers guests two 10% coupons, one that can be used while shopping at TOKYU HANDS Tailung and one that can be used for accommodation. During the campaign period, guests who spend over 5,000 Yuan at TOKYU HANDS Tailung will be entered into a lottery to win a one-night stay in the new themed rooms.

 Try Japanese-inspired indoor camping with the new ‘HANDS CONCEPT ROOM!’

Taiwan-based e-commerce platform Pinkoi, one of Asia’s largest, is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a special project! Virtual model imma is the face of the campaign as a character named ‘Pin Tripper,’ and a new web commercial featuring the personality along with a song written by popular artist Daoko is now available! In addition, the newest issue of the web magazine ‘Pinkoi Zine’ is also available on the official Pinkoi website, featuring a tour of unique items from cities around Asia in the style of a travel report. 

For the campaign, the Pantone Color Institute defined Pinkoi’s two corporate brand colors, ‘Pinkoi Navy’ and ‘Pinkoi Salmon Pink.’ Japanese illustrator Noritake then designed the Pinkoi x Noritake Limited Collaboration line of goods using these unique shades. These will only be available for a short time, so be sure to snag some while you can!

Comments

imma

“Pinkoi is fun to use, because it allows you to find trendy items from cities all over Asia. I found lots of items I don’t come across very often, and items that made me feel as though I were travelling around the continent. (laugh) I hope that you’ll enjoy the new web commercial and the special ‘Pin Trip Report’ in the newest Pinkoi Zine issue! And, of course, enjoy shopping at Pinkoi too.

Daoko

For this campaign, I was able to create a new song with trackmaker Yohji Igarahi. The theme was ‘sense of speed.’ I think I was able to express my identity as a rapper, while also maintaining the important image of neon lights shining at night. My impression of Pinkoi is that it has a huge variety of products not available on typical Japanese sites, and as someone who loves online shopping, I was super excited to work with them!

LiSA has been announced as the campaign model for NARS JAPAN’s AW21 lip collection. The new Power Matte Lip Pigment will be released in 3 new shades, each available to preorder on the NARS Cosmetics Official Website from September 3 2021. In the initial release, LiSA shows off the charming new shades from NARS, who are extremely popular for their Future Classic items. 

The new Power Matte Lip Pigment shades will be released on September 17, 

The AW21 lineup, releasing on September 17, is formed of the new Power Matte Lip Pigment shades, the NARS lipstick, which has been a bestseller since the brands formation, and the Audacious Lipstick, which was initially released to celebrate the brands 20th anniversary.  

LiSA empties NARS’ image of “Strength:” Flexible, dignified, powerful, and self-confident. The lipstick colors are strong, with a comfortable texture to allow a wide variety of people to wear them as the brand aims to encourage more people to feel self-confidence in their daily life.

LiSA commented, saying “NARS has the power to be enjoyed by anybody, regardless of how old they are. I love how the elegant finish and pigmented shades transcend age.”

NARS started in 1994 with only 12 lipsticks and grew into a proud brand with lipstick you can wear with pride this Autumn! 

In celebration of their 10th anniversary, Taiwanese design gift site Pinkoi has launched a commemorative project, with pre-orders for a series of items open until July 25. The collection will release on July 26.

Pinkoi x Noritake Beer Glasses (Set of 3) | ¥8,930 (Tax Included)

Pinkoi x Noritake PVC Vinyl Bags | 3 Designs | ¥5,070 Each (Tax Included)

Pinkoi x Noritake Drip Coffee (10 Bags) | Flavours: Classic, Mandheling, Brazil | ¥3,440 Each (Tax Included)

Pinkoi x Noritake Folders | 3 Designs | ¥1,200 Each (Tax Included)

Pinkoi x Noritake iPhone 12 Smartphone Cases | 3 Designs | ¥4,460 Each (Tax Included)

Pinkoi Navy

Pinkoi Salmon

The first entry to the project invites Noritake on board, a popular Japanese illustrator, who is supervising the “Pinkoi x Noritake Limited Collaboration” and its capsule collection which features the theme “In The City.”  The collection is based on the three cities Tokyo, Taipei, and Hong Kong and features two of Pinkoi’s brand colours: Pinkoi Navy and Pinkoi Salmon, both created by Pantone.

In an interview on this collaboration, Noritake expressed his desire to love in a city filled with all kinds of gorgeous illustrations.

In promotion of their new Ver.2.0.0 energy drink, which hit shelves in Japan last Tuesday, ZONe released a TV commercial featuring Japanese artists LiSA and yama. The new beverage, which is advertised as putting people in the zone of invincibility, contains the highest amount of caffeine put in a ZONe drink yet: 150mg of the stuff, which is sure to keep people buzzing throughout the day. The packaging has also been updated to feature the new ‘ZONe EYE’ which symbolises that you’re in the zone and nothing will stand in your way.

LiSA in the ZONe
　　　　　

Dive into the zone with LiSA who knocks back her drink and immediately takes on the ZONe EYE. She grabs her mic and belts out a hardcore performance, showing off her incredible voice, before winking at the camera.

yama in the ZONe

When yama chugs her can she says the words ‘Into the ZONe’ along with the futuristic-sounding voice. She is surrounded by a whirlpool of the energy drink which flows along to the sound of her gorgeous high-tone vocals. The track itself is titled Ketsuryu (‘Blood Flow’) and was written for this commercial.

Interview

LiSA

・What did you think of the commercial and your appearance?

“For me, it was a live performance. Even I was surprised at the show of power that ZONe has [in the commercial] when it turns on your switch. I enjoyed it like a real live performance, since the part when I switch into that invincible zone was filmed just as I look in the video.”

・Tell us about the song RUNAWAY which features in your commercial.
“The song is about quitting while you’re ahead in life. It’s the start of a new era, heading into that invincible zone to laugh lots, sing, dance, and enjoy everything.”

yama

・Tell us about the song Ketsuryu which features in your commercial

“ESME MORI kindly wrote this song for me. It’s a song that brings up the topic of being bored in life, and feeling lonely, but that you can still find someone special or something you can immerse yourself in to light up your life. It’s about keeping your heart moving even if those things disappear. I hope it encourages people, even if just a little.”

The popular Taiwanese face mask brand JIUJIU was released in Japan for the first time on Friday (February 26) via the company’s new Japanese website.

We now live in a time where face masks are a part of everyday life when commuting, going to the shop, walking in public places, working at the office, and so on. Japan is no stranger to face masks as they were always a part of the culture for hygienic reasons in the workplace when an employee is ill, as a fashion statement, for those suffering from hay fever, and so on, but even there has seen a major increased demand for face masks since the pandemic began.

JIUJIU’s face masks are used in medical professions in Taiwan. They are noted for not only they quality but fashion sentiment too, with over 60 style variations available. These masks are now available to buy in Japan in packs of 5.

JAPAN POSTEC, a wholesaling company in Japan, is now an authorised dealer of products from the popular Taiwanese gift shop Lai Hao. The first product to enter the Japanese market from the company is a colourful collection of blotting papers which hit the country last Thursday (January 28).

Lai Hao Blotting Paper (8 Designs)

Taiwanese Scents: Oolong Tea / Gardenia / Yulan Magnolia / Hinoki / Pineapple

Size and Ingredients

Lai Hao’s products are a display of Taiwanese creativity and high quality and are sure to leave an impression on buyers.

The blotting paper designs are based around a variety of different foods, with eight different picks to choose from. Each one comes scented with fragrances that remind one of Taiwan.

It has been announced that the opening theme for the upcoming TV anime series Back Arrow will be performed by LiSA while the ending theme will be performed by Shuka Saitō. Set to air in January 2021, Back Arrow is an original anime series being produced by Studio VOLN, directed by Gorō Taniguchi, and written by Kazuki Nakashima.

The opening theme by LiSA is entitled dawn and was featured in the newest promotional video for the series which you can watch below. It introduces two new characters: Fine Forte (voiced by Ami Koshimizu) and Prax Conrad (Mikako Komatsu).

TV Anime “Back Arrow” 2nd PV

A special program about the series will air in Japan on ABEMA on December 11, 2020 where more details will be revealed.

LiSA | Comment

“The characters, as well as we ourselves, are heading towards a dazzling new dawn. I hope we can continue believing in ourselves as we advance, no matter what the future holds.”

Shuka Saitō | Comment

“I’m so happy to be the one to sing the ending theme for Black Arrow! Thank you! I hope this becomes a song of strength, not only for the characters in Back Arrow, but everyone who hears it too, so that we can carve a path to our goals and dreams together. That’s the kind of song ‘Sekai no Hate’ is. It’s a song about the delicate aspects of people and their strengths hidden away inside. I hope you enjoy it together with the Black Arrow story.”

©谷口悟朗・中島かずき・ANIPLEX／バック・アロウ製作委員会

Japanese singer-songwriter LiSA’s third collaboration with the Japanese apparel company Candy Stripper launched on Friday. The new collection features three unisex items designed by LiSA herself.

CHECK SWITCHED HOODIE: ¥20,000 (Before Tax) | ＜Colours:  BLUE×BLUE×RED(BLACK OTHER) / BLACK×YELLOW×BLUE＞

A hoodie made to look upcycled by docking a hoodie with a flannel shirt. It has long sleeves as well as a zipper down the middle, giving it a punk look and enabling you to wear it open or closed. With its loose silhouette, the hoodie can be worn as a one piece.

CND YOUTH JACKET: Ladies – ¥26,000, Men – ¥27,000 (Before Tax) | ＜BLACK＞

A blouson with vintage graphics and logos that will leave an impact. It’s lined with thick satin, and since it’s light, can be worn in all seasons. Available in women’s and men’s sizes.

BREAK THROUGH L/S TEE: ¥12,000 (Before Tax) | ＜Colours: OFF WHITE / BLUE / BLACK＞

A thick cut and sewn long T-shirt with a unisex silhouette. The front and right sleeve and logos printed on them, while on the back is a cartoon cat munching on a record.

LiSA’s new collection is a must-grab for Autumn 2020.

A new poster and trailer have been released for the upcoming film Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Mugen Train which is set for release on October 16, 2020. The trailer gives us a snippet of the main theme Homura (Flame) performed by LiSA. The singer-songwriter previously performed the TV anime’s first opening theme Gurenge.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Mugen Train is a direct sequel to the 2019 anime series adapted from Koyoharu Gotouge’s manga series Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba. It is being animated by ufotable.

The showcases the protagonist Tanjiro Kamado battling it off against Enmu aboard the Infinity Train (Mugen Train). Tanjiro is clenching his teeth while Enmu smiles on, revealing what is sure to be a testing battle for our hero.

Enmu threatens Tanjiro with the words, “To be able to die while dreaming… Just how lucky are you?” We also see Tanjiro reunite with his siblings, who are supposed to be dead, but he senses something amiss and encourages himself to wake up as he is being attacked. The Infinity Train will be an action-packed locale as Tanjiro and Enmu battle it out. We also see returning characters on the train with Tanjiro.

Fans also get to hear the main theme Homura by LiSA for the first time. The song was composed by Yuki Kajiura who also wrote the TV anime adaptation’s ending theme from the edge which is performed by FictionJunction feat. LiSA.

Natsuki Hanae (Voices: Tanjiro Kamado) | Comment

“When I read the Mugen Train arc, I saw so many scenes I wanted to hurry up and voice act for, so I’m so happy that I get to perform for this film. All the other voice actors during the recording sessions were on fire. When it was over, I was so burnt out, I really thought I was gonna die. ufotable’s gorgeous animation and the beautiful music both come together wonderfully. It’s a really amazing film. Like the fans, I wanna watch it in the cinema already. I hope you’re looking forward to it just as much as I am!” (Translated from Japanese by MMN)

Akari Kitō (Voices: Nezuko Kamado) | Comment

“It had been a while since we’d done voice work for Demon Slayer, but getting to work on the Mugen Train arc, which is a popular one in the manga series, I psyched myself up like the rest of the cast! Despite us not having any visuals to work with for the recording sessions, everyone really put their all into it. Seeing that actually brought tears to my eyes. I think what we achieved by the end of it exceeded our expectations! I hope you all enjoy watching it in the cinema!” (Translated from Japanese by MMN)

LiSA | Comment

“I previously performed for the TV anime series, now I’m doing them main theme for the Mugen Train film arc. It’s personally my favourite arc from the manga, so I was able to add another layer of strength to the song. While the characters face sadness, they still have a fire lit in their hearts. I hope that all of you who may be sad have the strength to move forward just like them.” (Translated from Japanese by MMN)

©Koyoharu Gotouge/Shueisha・Aniplex・ufotable