Nico Nico has been a huge platform for many Japanese artists who have propelled into digital stardom in recent years – Hachioji P is inescapably one of the hotly-tipped Nico Nico stars we’ve come to know them as. Performing on the first day of MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON FESTIVAL 2015 in TOKYO, he brought upon a thrilling performance with his signature vocaloid interlaced with dance music and electronic beats. Here we got caught in heated conversationswith the vocaloid prince on J-pop culture before the man took stage.
――You’re on soon! How do you feel?
Hachioji P (P from here on)：I’d previously performed at MOSHI FES in Singapore in Taiwan so I’m grateful to be able to take part in its Tokyo rendition as well. The venue is big, so I hope to live up that as well.
――How did you feel about your performances abroad?
P：It’s always quite unsettling going abroad because I’m not sure if people even know me. I’ve received positive feedback on Twitter and other media outlets, but I wasn’t entirely confident until I actually set foot in these places. But once I did, these people knew my music, and they were pumped to hear it live. Vocaloid is bred off of the internet so even if you live in a different country, it doesn’t matter. You can post a track and have millions listening to it at the same time. Perhaps that’s why it’s permeated across the globe.
I’ve yet to explore how to best enjoy this sonic climate. If I knew how to deliver it best, people would be able to understand it better and thus enjoy it better. I feel I’d be able to project the Japanese culture better if I got a better grip at how to do this.
――What do you feel is different about MOSHI FES compared to other festivals held in Japan?
P：MOSHI FES covers a wide scope of Japanese culture. There are acts that are traditionally Japanese, there are guys like me who were born off of the internet, there are others who play club music, there are models…it’s as if every thing you can list off of Japanese culture’s brought together in one event.
――I’m sure there was a lot more variety in the crowd who will be watching you perform today.
P：You’re right. In that sense, it’s a great opportunity for us artists to get more people to get to know what we do.
――What is your fan base like? It seems you’ve got a huge female fan base.
P：Since I do vocaloid, I mainly perform at events that are in the vein of Nico Nico, streaming events. The crowd is very young ― usually junior high school, high school. If the event’s on during the day, I’ll even see elementary kids roaming around. It seems like the vocaloid culture draws in a lot of kids, or the younger population.
――What does J-pop culture mean to you?
P：To me, J-POP is very interesting. Club culture seems too defined, the genre is defined, the subgenres are defined, and the music needs to fit to the mold it’s been given.
With J-POP, anything goes. For example, you’ll hear idol songs or anisongs and they’ll be taking in the best bits of music. I think that’s what’s so great about it, and that’s a really appealing element to J-POP. But when we bring that abroad without providing its context, it’s difficult to translate. It goes back to what I was speaking about earlier, but we’ve got to deliver the interesting elements of Japanese culture together with the music.
I feel the characteristics specific to Japan reveal itself through the music we create, and the music becomes more interesting when you understand its context.
――Any city/country you’d like to visit in the future?
P：This is a very personal goal, but I’d love to perform at Tomorrowland in Belgium. If I were to be more greedy with my wishes, I’d also like to hop around countries in Europe. It seems so easy to do so there ― it’s like crossing over prefectures in Japan. Holland is big on the club music scene, so I’d definitely make a stop there. I guess I’m drawn to Europe in that sense.
――Thank you for speaking with us right before your performance! We can’t wait to see it.
P：Thanks so much! I’ll do my best.
—
Photos：Yuta Mukaiyama、Words：Toshinori Tanaka（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