Take a tour of Harajuku’s fresh-est information center, MOSHI MOSHI BOX with Anisong artist/model Ruki
In this series, MOSHI MOSHI Ambassadors will be giving you a heads up on some of the hotly tipped spots of Harajuku. What marks the first of many to come, the debut edition invites Spanish model/artist, Ruki, to take you on a tour through the colorful tourist information center smack in the center of Harajuku, MOSHI MOSHI BOX!
We meet up with our kawaii host at the BOX, and find her decked out head to toe with her ribboned hairband, checkered skirt and knee high socks. How adorable! Now let’s head in!
The MOSHI MOSHI BOX is located right where the two main streets of Harajuku, Takeshita Doori and Meiji Doori, intersect. If you were wondering who was behind this colorful eye-candy architecture, you could take a mighty guess and you might just get it right…it’s Sebastian Masuda, the go-to for Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s music videos and art direction. Spot his grand creation, the World Clock, which you’re more likely to be drawn to for its colorful decoration rather than actually figuring out the time.
Believe it or not, it was only last year that Harajuku got its first and only tourist information center: MOSHI MOSHI BOX. But thanks to this creation, tourists are now able to discover some handy information at Tokyo’s must-visit fashion district.
The BOX provides visitors with maps of Shibuya, Harajuku, Daikanyama as well as other areas central to Tokyo, that are available for free. Even if you don’t speak a word of Japanese – don’t worry. The BOX always have an English-speaking staff ready to give away the best kept secrets of this neon-filled concrete jungle.
If you have any questions on, say, how to get to Meiji Jingu, which train to hop on to get to your destination, etc. head over to the BOX and ask away!
Looking for a place to convert your mother money to ¥¥¥? Look no further, the BOX has got a currency exchange machine that’ll work for seven different currencies (US dollars, Euro, Chinese Yuan, South Korean Won, English Pounds, Australian dollars, Taiwan dollars) Also use this convenient machine as an ATM.
If your phone’s running out of battery, or you desperately need to connect to one of your SNS’, free power and Wi-Fi are also some of the many things you can get here, so drop by, because we know you need that stuff.
In addition to this graceful service, the BOX also has a shipping service readily available – if you’re afraid your luggage is going to surpass the limit from the large chunk of shopping you’ve done, save a couple ¥¥¥ by shipping it here.
The BOX is also making moves so in the near future, you’ll be able to book tours/hotels straight from their information desk.
Buy your souvenirs here!
The BOX not only provides you with information – they’ve also got a sweet selection of omiyage (or souvenirs). What you’ll see Ruki holding is a Mt. Fuji key case and a pair of sushi socks. Initially they’d readied the Mt. Fuji key case in red as well, but due to much love, they’ve emptied themselves from the shelves. Wait for it to re-stock, perhaps?
On the other hand, the sushi socks are still in-stock (phewf) and the egg sushi and shrimp sushi deem to be most popular. They’ll look great anywhere – on your feet, or even as an interior decoration to boast your love for Japan.
This other item would be a delightful one for all you lazy egg lovers: say hello to MOSHI MOSHI BOX x Gudetama collab goods! These are obviously only available here so get them or else Gudetama will get too lazy to make an appearance on the shelves. Other items that can be purchased here include HARAJUKU sunglasses, origami crane piercings, and many others that’ll keep you lingering around the store for a while.
If you’ve been keeping an eye out for the doll animation “MILPOM” that stars models Saki Shibata and Anna Yano as voice actresses, they’ve got collab items for that too. What can we say, if you’ve got a soft spot for anything pop and cute, you’ll be letting a cry of joy over here.
Experience Karaoke for free!
First off, you’re going to be astonished by how much color you’re surrounded by once you enter this room. What is this Candyland you’ve lost yourself into? “Ruki, what’s this place? WHY ARE YOU HOLDING A MIC?”
A Karaoke box where you can belch out a song for free? Yup, they’ve got that. Karaoke is deeply embedded in Japanese culture (as we all learned from Lost in Translation) – even if you may not know any Japanese songs, the machine’s also got a wide selection of songs that aren’t Japanese, so don’t hesitate to sing that song you just can’t stop singing in the shower!
On Wednesdays they’ve got a “Crepe challenge” free for anybody who wants to participate. Get a score of over 90 and you can win a crepe for free! Remember, you won’t win anything unless you try.
Ruki, by the way, has landed a major label debut this November – “Please Ruki, let us hear you sing! One song? Pretty please? (laughs)”
What completes the whole Harjauku experience? A CREPE. Stopping by at Harajuku and grabbing a more or less affordable crepe might just be a daily routine if you were a teen living in Tokyo, but as a tourist, it’s one more thing that’ll instantly enhance your Harajuku experience.
You can also check the crepe off your list at MOSHI MOSHI BOX’s original crepe store, “Kyara-Kure,” you can even get limited-time offers on character-shaped crepes!
You’re now stocked with information on the highly buzzed spots of Tokyo and souvenirs to bring home, your phone’s charged and you’ve got your daily social media fix, you’ve changed your money to ¥¥¥, you’ve eaten your crepe and you’ve sung a song at an actual karaoke box. What more can you ask for? Seriously though.
How did you enjoy our mini tour of the place?
The second floor gallery space offers events from time to time, so drop by and have a look at what’s on while you’re around.
See you at the BOX!
MOSHI MOSHI BOX
Address: 3-23-5 1F Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Hours：10:00am～6:00pm
（Kyara-kure – 10:00am～7:30pm, Holidays are irregular）
Model：Ruki
Ruki was born in Spain and flew to Japan in hopes of becoming the world’s famous anisong singer. Hobbies include collecting figures, Japanese idols from the 80s, Japanese culture (kimono, arts, architecture, traditional culture, etc.) She also enjoys watching anime, reading manga, cosplaying and eating cutlet curry.
Stream Ruki’s Debut Album “Japani Beats! Ruki Special Vol.1” here.
Photos: Yuta Mukaiyama, Writer: MoMo (SHUTTER)
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The 2024 holiday campaign by CASETiFY, the global lifestyle brand that advocates for its customers to embrace their individuality with its customizable smartphone cases and tech accessories, has officially begun. Nagomi has been named an ambassador for this year’s CASETiFY Holiday Gift Guide. The key message of the campaign is “You will definitely find the perfect gift for that special someone.” The Holiday Gift Guide features a selection of gifts selected by Nagomi either for yourself or a loved one at CASETiFY's official online store and physical stores. On December 14, Nagomi will hold at event at CASETiFY STUDIO Shibuya PARCO.
Information
Nagomi Holiday Gift Event
Date: December 14, 2024, 12:00~
Venue: CASETiFY STUDiO Shibuya PARCO (Tokyo)
*Times are subject to change.[Content]
・Autographs by Nagomi on product displays in the store
・Holiday Gift Selection advice from Nagomi
・Polaroid photo shoot with select fans
・Special gift giving from Nagomi[How to Participate]
Make any purchase at participating stores between November 25 and December 13
*Participating Stores: Shibuya PARCO, Ikebukuro PARCO, Shinjuku Marui[Participation Details]
From November 25 to December 13, keep any receipts from purchases made at Shibuya PARCO, Ikebukuro PARCO, or Shinjuku Marui and bring them to CASETiFY STUDIO. On December 14, CASETiFY STUDiO will distribute 30 numbered tickets at the store on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 11:00 AM when the store opens. Numbered tickets will be distributed until they are gone.Holiday Gift Guide Official Site
https://www.casetify.com/collection/holiday-gift-guide -
[Channel47] Inbound Travel Product Allowing Visitors to Experience the “Real Japanese Countryside” in Iida, Nagano Prefecture Now on Sale
As part of the ongoing Channel47 project, which uses the power of local resources and entertainment to share Japan and its local culture with the world, a new travel experience titled ‘DEEP EXPERIENCE THE INAKA -TENRYUKYO・IIDA CITY-’ is now on sale, taking visitors to Iida, Nagano Prefecture. Iida City in Nagano Prefecture will be the location for the tour, with the city selected by the Japan Tourism Agency in 2024 for its ‘Project to Promote Expansion and Quality of Inbound Tourism by Providing Special Experiences for Visitors.’ The Minami Shinshu Tourism Bureau helped to create the tour for inbound travelers to experience the “real” Japanese countryside found in the Tenryu Gorge area of Iida City by funding farmhouse homestays in the area. By creating a travel experience that takes advantage of the local resources of Tenryu Gorge in Iida City, we aim to promote sustainable tourism activities by communicating the charm of the region to people in both Japan and abroad, revitalizing local production, passing on traditional culture, and strengthening cooperation between local communities.Information
■Tour Name
DEEP EXPERIENCE THE INAKA -TENRYUKYO・IIDA CITY-■Tour Summary
This is a special tour that allows inbound visitors to experience the traditional culture and beautiful landscapes of Minami-Shinshu. By participating, guests can leave the hustle and bustle of the big city behind, appreciating the true essence of Japan by spending time in the quiet region of Tenryukyo, Iida City, Nagano Prefecture.◼︎Main Points
・A Three-day, two-night all-inclusive tour departing from JR Toyohashi Station with time spent in the Tenryukyo area in Iida City, Nagano Prefecture
・An exclusive train car on the JR Iida Line
・Special snacks and drinks supervised by Yukimoto, a famous restaurant in Iida that was awarded Gold on Tabelog.
・Various experiences in nature in each of the four seasons (such as rafting on the Tenryu River, scenic sky walk, agriculture and livestock farming experiences, etc.)
・Experience traditional Japanese culture (mochi pounding, Fire Festival, Wayuraku, Ningyo Joururi, etc.)
・Stay in a farmhouse homestay to experience real life in the Japanese countryside◼︎Dates
① January 10-12, 2025
② January 12-14, 2025
③ January 17-19, 2025
④ January 19-21, 2025
⑤ January 24-26, 2025◼︎Optional Menu
Dinner at ‘Yukimoto’
*Courses and drinks are not included in the tour price.◼︎Details/Contact
Minami Shinshu Tourism Bureau Sales Page: https://www.mstb.jp/gentei/deepexperience_the_inaka/
Official Tour Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inaka_tenryukyo/ -
On October 4th (Friday), an event featuring a collaborative stage with ASOBISYSTEM was held at the nightclub "The Stranger,” operated by Outside The Box Amusements (OTBA), in New York City. The Stranger is a vibrant nightclub known for its lively atmosphere and unique events. At the event, performers MONSTER GIRL from "KAWAII MONSTER CAFE" and DELIC GIRL from New York's "SUSHIDELIC" took the stage, both brands produced by artist Sebastian Masuda. Sebastian Masuda himself also made an appearance as a guest DJ, captivating the audience with unique and energetic performances alongside the performers from The Stranger. This stage marks the first collaboration between ASOBISYSTEM and The Stranger, with plans for further collaborative content in New York and Japan in the future. Through this global exchange, we will promote Japan's proud KAWAII culture to the world.
Two Halloween Parties Held at SUSHIDELIC
In celebration of its first anniversary, SUSHIDELIC NY, a sushi restaurant in New York's SoHo district, hosted Halloween parties on October 25 and October 26. The vibrant restaurant transformed into a dark-themed space for a limited time, creating a thrilling and immersive experience with a unique atmosphere and special performances. The restaurant is also offering a Halloween menu through October 31. Enjoy the pure imagination of Halloween with SUSHIDELIC’s exclusive menu, available for a limited time.Information
＜SUSHIDELIC NY＞
住所：177 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10013
定休日：月曜日Website：https://www.sushidelic.net
Instagram：@sushidelic.nyc
予約：https://resy.com/cities/new-york-ny/venues/sushidelic?seats＜KAWAII MONSTER CAFE＞
Instagram：@kawaiimonstercafe
TikTok：@kawaiimonstercafe
Online Shop：https://kawaiimonstercafe.shop/＜The Stranger＞
Instagram：@thestrangernyc
Website：https://www.thestrangernyc.com/
運営会社：https://otba.com/ -
On November 27, Toua will release her first EP, I am I, both physically and digitally. The lead track on the EP, I am I, became a hot topic following its July release, with over 10,000 TikTok videos in just three weeks. Also included is Young -MINE remix-, TREKKIE TRAX’s Afro-pop rearrangement of the popular 2022 song highlighting the emotions and struggles that teens face. The EP includes four songs in total, from MY Routine, a reggaeton bop with lyrics by up-and-coming rapper Minami Nakamura, and MEmories, a Y2K-inspired song composed by ‘Carpainter’ from MEZZ and TREKKIE TRAX CREW. With the message of “I, MY, ME, MINE” in each song title, the EP expresses the importance of loving yourself as you are and embracing self-expression. The cover artwork was created by Keisuke Shimizu once again, who has worked as creative director for THE FIRST TAKE and NHK's music documentary Okaeri Ongakushitsu. “To extract Toua’s character, I decided to highlight her most impactful parts,” Shimizu said. “Even if you only look at the hands, feet, nose, lips, or other body parts, you can easily recognize that it is Toua. That's proof that she is truly iconic!” The EP will be available in two forms: a Limited First Edition including a 12-inch record-size paper jacket with a CD, a B2-size poster, and a lyrics card, and a Standard Edition including a paper jacket with a CD and an 8-page booklet. Listeners are invited to enjoy the Gen Z icon’s music and visuals together. In addition, select CD shops and online stores will hand out special purchase bonuses while supplies last. Release events will also be held in various locations, with details scheduled to be revealed soon.
Information
I am I – Toua (1st EP)
Release Date: November 27, 2024Limited First Edition
12-inch Paper Jacket
CD+B2-size Poster / Lyrics card
AMT-10001 / ¥2,750 (Tax Included)Standard Edition
Paper Jacket
CD+8-page Booklet
AMT-10002 / ¥1,650 (Tax Included)Pre-order here
https://lnk.to/EP_IamI_CD[Tracklist]
1. I am I
2. MY Routine
3. MEmories
4. Young – MINE remix-[Purchase Bonuses by Store]
■Amazon.co.jp
Limited First Edition / Standard Edition: Mega Jacket (JKT Photo)■Rakuten Books
Limited First Edition / Standard Edition: Acrylic Keychain (JKT Photo)■Seven Net Shopping
Limited First Edition / Standard Edition: Pin (JKT Photo)<Release Event Information>
Date: November 26, 2024
Venue: Tower Records Shibuya Store B1F CUTUP STUDIODate: November 27, 2024
Venue: Asunal Kanayama Event SpaceDate: December 1, 2024
Venue: Abeno Q’s MALL 3F Sky Court*More details will be announced at a later date. Please do not contact the venues.
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On November 15, MANON released her new song Growing Pains. MANON often appears on Spotify’s ‘hyperpop’ playlist and has performed with many popular artists, such as six impala and Alice Longyu Gao. The artist continues to captivate audiences with her blend of hyperpop and gal culture paired with iconic visuals and recently modeled for SHIBUYA109’s 45th-anniversary campaign. While working on her side project bala and collaborating with edhiii boi, RAU DEF, and others, MANON has completed her new song, marking her first solo release in over a year. The new track was produced by popular trackmaker KOTONOHOUSE, who collaborated with MANON on Friday night彡☆ in 2023. Four years after moving to Tokyo from Fukuoka, the 22-year-old singer expresses her frustrations and struggles straightforwardly through her lyrics. MANON sings over an emotional rock mix, making this the most anthemic song in MANON's career. Additionally, a new artist photo was released alongside the track.
Information
Growing Pains – MANON (Digital Single)
Release Date: November 15, 2024
Streaming URL: https://orcd.co/manon_growing_pains
Available on all major music download and streaming sites. -
KAWAII LAB.’s New Program ‘KAWAII LAB.’s Road to Being Super KAWAII’ Begins, KAWAII LAB. to Hold 3rd Anniversary Performance
Idol project KAWAII LAB. kicked off its new program, KAWAII LAB’s Road to Being Super KAWAII, on TV Asahi’s official YouTube channel ‘Douga, Hajimetemimashita.’ KAWAII LAB. groups FRUITS ZIPPER, CANDY TUNE, SWEET STEADY, and CUTIE STREET will participate in the program, featuring projects that transcend group boundaries. In addition, a special third anniversary performance, KAWAII LAB. 3rd Anniversary Special LIVE ‘Watashitachino Ichiban Kawaiitokoro,’ will take place on February 22, 2025 at K Arena Yokoyama. All KAWAII LAB. groups will perform, including a mixed unit performance exclusively for the event. Tickets are now available for pre-order. A collaboration cafe will be held at the EX Garden Cafe in the atrium on the first floor of TV Asahi’s headquarters from November 14 until December 26 to celebrate the start of the new program and the KAWAII LAB. special live performance at K Arena Yokohama. Visitors can enjoy food and drinks inspired by each group in the decorated restaurant, and original goods will also be available. [Member Comments] FRUITS ZIPPER: Yui Sakurai “I’m so happy to start a new program with all of KAWAII LAB. We’ll keep updating ourselves to become super KAWAII! We hope to make this a weekly program that everyone who watches will enjoy.” CANDY TUNE: Nanako Ogawa “When I heard about this project for the first time, I was happy & surprised! Every member of KAWAII LAB is so charming, and I hope that we can convey that through this program. I want to do my best so that everyone who watches this program will love it!” SWEET STEADY: Nagisa Shoji “I’m very happy and looking forward to the start of this new program! I haven't been able to talk a lot with members from other groups yet, so I’ll be happy to take part in a lot of girl's talk on this show. I’ll do my best to make sure everyone enjoys the show!” CUTIE STREET: Emiru Kawamoto “I’m nervous about starting this new program, but I want to make it something that will cheer up the people watching! We had a lot of fun and laughed so much during the first recording, so we’ll be sure to bring smiles to everyone's faces.”Information
<Program Information>
Title: KAWAII LAB’s Road to Being Super KAWAII (KAWAII LAB. no Chou Kawaii he no Michi)
Where to Watch: TV Asahi’s Official YouTube channel ‘Douga, Hajimetemimashita’
Airing: Tuesdays at 18:00
URL: https://youtu.be/t3GSdL9njZY<Performance Information>
KAWAII LAB. 3rd Anniversary Special LIVE ‘Watashitachino Ichiban Kawaiitokoro’
Date: February 22, 2025
Time: Doors open 13:00 / Show starts 15:00
Venue: K Arena Yokohama (Kanagawa Prefecture)Tickets: Favorite Member Ticket *with bonus limited edition goods: ￥15,000 (Tax Included) General Ticket: ￥8,000 (Tax Included)
Details: https://kawaiilab.asobisystem.com/
<Collaboration Cafe Information>
Collaboration Period: November 14 – December 26, 2024
Venue: TV Asahi Headquarters 1st Floor Atrium – EX Garden Cafe (Tokyo)
Details: https://kawaiilab.asobisystem.com/news/detail/35577
Reservations: https://lin.ee/YSaxp7V