MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON FESTIVAL 2018 in SHIBUYA promoted Japanese culture to the world from Shibuya. Over the course of two days, MMN delivered a new kind of Japanese festival to 16,000 people.
In this article, we report on Onden Shrine – one of the four areas of the festival – where the gods of Harajuku are enshrined. Let’s take a look at the line-up of performances for the stage area as well as the variety of booths!
Stage
Mio Ooyama was in charge of presenting the on-stage performances and, with her bilingual skills, introduced each performer to the audience.
Satsumasendai Odoridaiko opened the stage with a team made up entirely of women who struck their drums like thunder. Dressed in traditional outfits, the traditional sound of their drums rippled through across the event.
The members of maid café group Maidreamin put on a full-force idol performance, captivating the crowd with their catchy music and kawaii dance moves!
Next on stage was kendama performer EASY, who is also active overseas too. His skilful performance with his kendama – a toy enjoyed by both children and adults – garnered him huge rounds of applause.
Then it was character DJ time, which all the kids had been waiting for! Shimockey of Shimo-Kitazawa and Coroton of Gunma Prefecture were there to entertain. They both sang and danced together with the children! Shimockey and Coroton were also very popular outside DJ time too.
Last on stage was Ukon Takafuji of YUMENOYA for the Japanese dance show. At the end, all the performers, attendees and venue staff joined in with Bon Odori dancing! Everyone got involved from children to adults, overseas tourists and the character DJs.
Ennichi Area
The Ennichi area was filled with food and games, as well as MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON style workshop booths. There was a diverse line-up of booths enjoyed by kids, grown-ups and foreigners too.
Harajuku Rainbow Cotton Candy
The colourful cotton candy store from Takeshita Street in Harajuku TOTTI CANDY FACTORY served up a special event-only menu. They sold a numer of things, including TOTTI Rainbow (¥800) which was a combination of 5 flavours: plain (white), strawberry (red), carbonated (blue), and lemon (yellow). Cotton candy is a common treat sold at shrine food stalls, but TOTTI give a Harajuku spin to it. People carrying cotton candy around Onden Shrine really decorated the area.
Amezaiku
The amezaiku booth was very well received last year too. Not only could to purchase some amezaiku candy, you could also make your own amezaiku rabbit, bear and more together with the teacher.
Mizuhiki
Mizuhiki artist Kaori Funaki was invited to hold a workshop for people to create ‘mizuhiki’ which are special cords that tie envelopes used for monetary gifts. There was also individual mizuhiki related merchandise on sale, such as chopstick rests.
Kendama
Global Kendamas Network was established to help spread the use of kendama, a popular sport originating from Japan that has given rise to pros around the world. Kendama performer EASY performed on stage, kendama for pros were sold, and people tried out kendama themselves.
Onden Shrine Omamori
Omamori and other items are sold at Onden Shrine. The god of beauty is enshrined at Onden Shrine, so the small, round omamori charm for “Beauty” (¥500) was very popular amongst girls. With foreign tourists, the omamori for “Victory” was popular.
Learn Shrine Etiquette
As part of the Harajuku tours by Airbnb which began and finished at SHIBUYA CAST, people were taught the proper manners and etiquette to praying at Japanese shrines, including about torii gates, temizuya, hishaku, and the main shrine building. Foreign tourists with an interest in Japanese culture were happy to get involved.
People were also able to participate in a formal sanpai and learned about ‘tamagushi houten’ – humbly presenting a tamagushi, a type of Shinto offering.
Frisbee Strike Out
At this booth, people had to throw a frisbee 6 times. When they got 1 line of bingo they picked one item they liked, and when they got 2 lines they picked two. Even if people didn’t get bingo, awards were still handed out to participants. The line-up included regional Japanese specialties such as “Soy Sauce Mochi” from Oita Prefecture and staple souvenir from Fukushima Prefecture “Brown Sugar Manju”.
Target Practice Game
The target practice game is common at Ennichi, but this was a special MMN Festival version. People had 5 shots per turn, and depending on how many targets they shot down, the number of prizes would change. Those who couldn’t land a shot weren’t left out however and were gifted low calorie chocolate. Prizes included tins of oden, tom yum flavoured okaki, and more.
Did you enjoy the events at Onden Shrine? We took elements from traditional Japanese matsuri festivals and put a MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON spin on them. During the Onden Shrine events, we were able to receive cooperation from local people and those associated with the shrine prior to the festival until the end of the festival.
MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON would like to continue holding even more events in the future where locals and those visiting Shibuya and Harajuku can have fun together.
■Information
MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON FESTIVAL in SHIBUYA 2018
URL：http://fes18.moshimoshi-nippon.jp
MMN Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/msmsnippon/
MMN Twitter: https://twitter.com/MOSHI2_NIPPON
RECOMMENDED ENTRIES
-
MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON FESTIVAL 2018 in SHIBUYA was held across two days where Japanese culture was delivered to the world from Shibuya.
As the gentle spring air embraced us, the Harajuku Kawaii Market saw at Laforet Museum Harajuku its second run on day two of the festival, with more appearances from hugely popular models and artists.
Kicking off the stage events for Day 2 was Rikako Ōya (Babyraids Japan), Ellie, Yuri Suganuma, Ema Tanioku, and Yuna Yabe who held their talk session A Lesson on Being Photogenic. The six photo experts looked pictures from their articles on the MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON website while giving tips and tricks on how to make yourself more Instagrammable.
Chamereon Takeda returned once more to the stage for day to with her Zodiac Sign Rankings. Hikari Shibata had her fortune told with western astrology and tarot cards. Hikari herself loves fortune telling. According to her tarot reading, “If you’re crazy about something you won’t be able to escape, but if you think before you act, you will have good fortune.”
At the end of the talk session, the horoscopes for April were announced. 1st place went to Cancer. Everyone in the audience, too, was happy to hear the ranking list.
Next on stage was the Fashion & Hair Dye Talk Session with Hikari Shibata, Yuri Suganuma & MIZUKI (KORD) presented by FRESHLIGHT. Popular models Hikari Shibata, Yuri Suganuma and MIZUKI (KORD) welcomed guest Michelle, who’s influential in China. The four of them chatted about their experiences with hair dyeing as well as their recommended hair colours for spring.
Michelle was asked about the hair dyeing scene in China. She said that light colours are popular over there during spring. It’s common to see a lot of people with pink hair, the same as in Japan. On the FRESHLIGHT website there’s a video of MIZUKI skilfully demonstrating how to dye your hair, so be sure to check it out.
Amato Danshi were last on the list for the first slot. There was a real sense of oneness with the audience as if the hype from day one still lingered! During their high-tempo song Chocolate, the guys surprised everyone by throwing actual wrapped chocolate into the crowd. Everyone went crazy!
After a short break, Noah Satou and Ren Koseki opened the stage for the second slot. Their talk session centred around their Recommended Spring Cosmetics, where they introduced a variety of cosmetics from high brand to low price. It seems like the two of them are into coral this spring. They said that it can be used for a much more toned down look compared to pink.
Mynavi Baito presented their Challenge Award again on stage. Three teams of fashion students were challenged to create cute part-time work outfits which were worn on stage by Yuri Suganuma, Mei Nagasawa and Anna Yano. Team 95 created an izakaya outfit, Team Hikari produced a gas station uniform, and Team Twinkle served up moving-company couture.
The audience made their vote and Team Hikari came out on top as winners this time! One big point about their outfits was how it echoed not only the kawaii of Harajuku, but of Japan. The three of them, all born in 1995, have gotten along and been on the same wavelength since they started designing the outfit. Their victory smiles left a big impression.
A huge cheer welcomed MAGiC BOYZ onto the stage, a hip-hop group formed of three high school DJs Toma, Ryuto and Mahiro, and elementary school DJ Joe. To begin the set, the audience did some call and response with Joe, shouting “Majibo!” (short for MAGiC BOYZ) and “Kawaii!” Their passionate Japanese rap cemented their performance as the most enthusiastic, high frenzy of the day.
Yutaro stepped onto stage next to answer people’s questions in his Q&A segment. He answered everyone’s questions honestly, such as “Where did you plan your first trip to?”, “If your boyfriend’s fashion style is uncool, how should you get him to fix it?” and “What type of girl do you like, and what hairstyle?” Everyone was absorbed in his answers.
The final event to wrap up the stage was Learn Japanese Spring Trend Styles with Shibasaki & Rinko♡. Saki Shibata and Rinko Murata introduced co-ords using their own personal items and offered suggestions and tips.
A flea market was also held on stage where people could enter a lottery to purchase personal items from models that attended the festival. People that bought Saki and Rinko’s items were overjoyed after hearing them tell the story behind each one! Harajuku Kawaii Market took place on March 24th and 25th. It promoted Japan’s kawaii culture from Harajuku and proved a roaring success.
■InformationMOSHI MOSHI NIPPON FESTIVAL in SHIBUYA 2018
URL：http://fes18.moshimoshi-nippon.jp
MMN Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/msmsnippon/
MMN Twitter: https://twitter.com/MOSHI2_NIPPON
-
MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON FESTIVAL 2018 in SHIBUYA is currently being held across Saturday March 24 and Sunday March 25, serving Japanese culture to the world from Shibuya. Day one ended with huge success. Laforet Museum Harajuku, one of the four areas of the festival, was home to the Harajuku Kawaii Market take place, an event themed on the concept of “Find Japanese Kawaii♡”. The market was lined with a whole host of booths where people got up close with Japanese fashion, beauty, fortune-telling, DIY and more. But that’s not all.
The stage was graced by models heavily active in Harajuku-style fashion magazines, popular social media influencers, and others, all of whom shook the house.
Kicking off the stage performances was none other than Amato Danshi, a six-member male idol group whose concept centres around sweets and candy. “We want to spread the greatness of sweets even more!” They sure weren’t lying with those words, as the guys surprised the audience by gifting everyone sweets during their set. Things got really exciting during their high-tempo track Shu Cream (“Cream Puffs”) as the crowd joined in with the group members in some seriously energetic dancing!
With excitement still rippling through the room, “Mynavi Baito presents Challenge Award” was next on stage. Nine fashion students were split into teams of three who were challenged to create cute part-time work outfits to promote to the world. Yuri Suganuma, Mei Nagasawa and Anna Yano stepped out onto stage and presented the outfits by wearing them. Team 95 created an izakaya outfit, Team Hikari produced a Gas Station uniform, and Team Twinkle served up moving-company couture.
The audience were made to vote for a winner with a raise of hands. The winners of the Challenge Award were Team Twinkle and their mover outfit! They went away with a cash prize of ￥100,000. Tears were even seen from the team upon hearing the announcement. It was a moving stage event – you could see their passion and how hard they had all worked.
Natsume Mito put on her fashion show where the tender and slightly mysterious world of Tomonori Taniguchi’s picture book Bulldog Tantei to Kieta Hoshi (BUNKEI Co., LTD.) was brought to life with performances from Japanese models Akari Abe, Manaka Arai, Alice Ikeda, Anna Kawamura, Aino Kuribayashi, Saki Shibata, Yuri Suganuma, Ema Tanioku, Eri Tanioku, Chie Tsuji, Rinko Murata and Una while Natsume Mito read the book aloud.
Natsume wore a smile of joy on her face when the fashion show came to an end. She announced, “It was a challenge to bring to life and convey something that you imagine in your head. I want to go on to create the opportunity to produce more picture book stage shows!”
Natsume Mito show after report
The first slot of performances came to a close and led into slot two. Youtuber Megane and models Yoshiaki and Michi were invited as guests for a talk session. They showed lots of private photos while giving backstory to each of them. They also blurted out frank insights into each of the pictures which had people in stiches.
In a talk show with popular illustrator Fusedy and Koseki Ren, the two of them gave their cherished opinions of the topic of romance. It was very much a talk between two people who have known each other for 4 years. They were on the same wavelength. It was a girl-talk which showed no sign of stopping as they chatted with plenty of “I know, right!” and “Tell me about it!” moments as Ren empathised with the contents of Fusedy’s book.
Next on stage was none other than Rilakkuma! To realise Shibuya’s recent appointment as a city for international tourism and culture, an inauguration ceremony was held on stage to name Rilakkuma an official Shibuya Tourism Ambassador!
Seeing that had people sighing in adoration with accompanying exclamations of “kawaii.”
With three more stage events wrapped up, it was time to move on to slot three. The first of the performances was the “Fashion & Hair Dye Talk Session with Ren Koseki, Hikari Shibata, Yuri Suganuma, Ayumi Seto and MIZUKI (KORD)” presented by FRESHLIGHT. Popular models Ren Koseki and Ayumi Steo, as well as popular stylist MIZUKI (KORD), chatted about their experiences with dyeing their hair, recommended hair colours for spring, and more.
that when it comes to spring, it’s all about warm colours. When you want to shake things up a bit for going out during spring break, why not go for an easy and comfortable image change with hair dyes from FRESHLIGHT?
Fortune-teller Chamereon Takeda read Mei Nagasawa – who loves spirituality and going to shrines – for romance and work in her “Love Compatibility Rankings: Zodiac Signs” session. Chamereon Takeda used western astrology and tarot readings for Mei, who was interested in her marriage partner. She was told “Your luck will increase for both romance and work starting this autumn. It will be a time where you form a bond with someone you need, and break away with someone you don’t.”
In the second half of the show, Chamereon Takeda also announced the rankings for love compatibility for each zodiac sign. Coming in 1st place was the Taurus! The scene of people devouring the demonstration was a sight to behold – as if people really wanted to hear their destinies.
The final act of day one was a talk session with Saki Shibata, Ayaka Segawa, and Rei Maruyama. The three of them work as a model, artist & nurse, and performer respectively. Their open and honest discussion focuses on their careers. The conversation got pretty lively as expected from three friends!
That’s it for day one at Harajuku Kawaii Market. Look forward to the performances on stage on day two!
MOSHI MOSHI MUSIC FESTIVAL CUTUP STUDIO after report
Harajuku Kawaii Market Afterreport DAY2
■Information
MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON FESTIVAL 2018 in SHIBUYA
Locations: SHIBUYA CAST. / Tower Records Shibuya / Laforet Museum Harajuku / Onden Shrine
Dates: Saturday 24 March – Sunday 25 March
Time: 11:00-21:00 *Times differ at each area
Official Event Website：https://fes18.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/ja/
-
MMN Festival 2018 Report: Natsume Mito Produces and Performs First Show “Tobidase! Picture Book Show 〜Storytime With Natsume Mito〜”
MOSHI MOSHI FESTIVAL 2018 in SHIBUYA was held in Shibuya and Harajuku on March 24th and 25th. On Saturday March 24th, model and artist Natsume Mito held her first ever fashion show Tobidase! Picture Book Show ～Storytime With Natsume Mito～ at Laforet Museum Harajuku.
Natsume Mito fully produced the fashion show which was themed on Bulldog Tanei to Kieta Hoshi (BUNKEIDO Co., LTD.), a picture book by Tomonori Taniguchi. The story is as follows. The stars have disappeared from the sky. During this time, a letter arrives for the bulldog detective requesting he search for the lost stars. He accepts and heads out to find them. He’s able to locate them, but why did they disappear, and who sent the letter…? This exciting story is full of heart and can be enjoyed by kids and adults alike.
Natsume Mito read the story aloud while a cast of Japanese models brought the world of the book to life through fashion. Models that performed included Yuri Suganuma, Ema Tanioku, Eri Tanioku, Aino Kuribayashi, Chie Tsuji, Abe Akari, Saki Shibata, Rinko Murata, Manaka Arai, Alice Ikeda, Una, and Anna Kawamura. Natsume Mito styled the outfits in the image of everything from the bulldog detective to the animals, moon and stars. The models were immersed in their roles and walked and posed as directed.
Bulldog Detective (Eri Tanitoku) & Gorilla (Rinko Murata)
Bulldog Detective (Ema Tanioku) & Owl (Una)
Bulldog Detective (Ema Tanioku) & Starfish (Saki Shibata)
Bulldog Detective (Eri Tanioku) & Stars (Yuri Suganuma, Chie Tsuji, Aino Kuribayashi, Akari Abe, Rinko Murata, Manaka Arai)
At the end of the show, the models that performed spoke with the stage presenter Rei Maruyama and gave their thoughts on this first ever fashion show.
Anna Kawamura (Tortoise): Beret – Caorinomori / Hairband attached to hat, Brooch – Barairo no boushi / Bootsu – gREEN DOT / other personal items UNA (Owl): Innerwear, Jacket, Fringe Skirt – Barrack Room / Tulle Skirt – Gaijin / Hat, Choker – MARTE / other personal items Yuri Suganuma (Star): Neckband – SPINNS / Lace Pants – gREEN DOT / other personal items Chie Tsuji (Star): One Piece, Shoes – daidai / Camisole One Piece – Barrack Room / Necklace – CA4LA Bridal / other personal items Ema Tanioku (Bulldog): Shoes – daidai / other personal items
Eri Tanioku (Bulldog): Jacket, Shoes – HUG / Blouse, Hat – SPINNS / other personal items Alice Ikeda (Moon): Belt – HUG / Pumps – gREEN DOT / other personal items Manaka Arai (Star): One Piece – MARTE / Hair Accessory – CA4LA Bridal / Pumps – Gaijin / other personal items Rinko Murata (Star): Lace Gown – Barrack Room / Shoes – RANDA / other personal items Saki Shibata (Starfish): One Piece – gREEN DOT / Neckband, Pumps – Gaijin / Hair Accessory – CA4LA Bridal Aino Kuribayashi (Star): One Piece – Gaijin / Lace Top – gREEN DOT / Hat – Barairo no boushi / Hairband attached to hat – Caorinomori / Sandals – RANDA
Natsume Mito Comment:
“I went and produced a show that combined a picture book with fashion. This was my first time doing this, so I was worried perhaps due to my own self-satisfaction. I was finally able to feel relief after hearing claps from people who came to watch (laughs). Thank you so very much to everybody who came! And to all the models who performed too. I’m happy that the outfits I put together went perfectly with everyone. I can see once again how difficult it was to convey what was in my head to the staff too. It was a very good learning experience. I want to try creating another stage show that conveys the wonder of loving picture books together and the fun of fashion!”
Tobidase! Picture Book Show ～Storytime With Natsume Mito～ wrapped up with much success. Look forward to the many things Natsume Mito will challenge herself to next!
Outfit Co-Operation: Gaijin / CA4LA / Caorinomori / gREEN DOT / SPINNS / daidai / HUG / Barairo no boushi / Barrack Room / MARTE / RANDA
■InformationMOSHI MOSHI NIPPON FESTIVAL in SHIBUYA 2018
URL：http://fes18.moshimoshi-nippon.jp
MMN Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/msmsnippon/
MMN Twitter: https://twitter.com/MOSHI2_NIPPON
-
The MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON Project has one goal: to promote Japanese pop culture to the people of the world. On March 24th and 25th, MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON FESTIVAL 2018 in SHIBUYA was held, delivering Japan’s popular culture to the world from the Shibuya and Harajuku area.
There were several places this year’s festival took place. One of those locations was Tower Records Shibuya, where we held a music event titled “Featuring Japanese New Music: MOSHI MOSHI MUSIC FESTIVAL.” Here, music artists with huge influence in the scene, as well as music media companies who have hooked up with new talent, came together as curators to deliver a fantastic showcase of promising artists. The event took place at the CUTUP STUDIO on B1F of Tower Records Shibuya.
Day One at the CUPUP STUDIO saw many performers. This included MANON, a hopeful new artist signed to ASOBISYSTEM, as well as three other artists recommended by music media company Spincoaster: SIRUP, Mizuki Ohira with Kobayashi Utena, and The Wisely Brothers.
Recognised R&B artist SIRUP warmed and spellbound the room with his sugary vocals and mellow, infectious beats.
Mizuki Ohira rocked the steelpans while Kobayashi Utena played the marimba, giving rise to an exotic musical co-performance. Three-piece female band The Wisely Brothers sent forth new-age girl power with their heavy garage rock. They also spoke about there being so much manga in Japan as one of the things they like about the country.
The second half of the event was graced by an MC battle produced by WREP, a hip-hop radio channel, hosted by Zeebra and Hachi Moji. Four spectators from the audience were appointed as team leaders and had to create teams from the 12 battle MCs present at the show.
The 4 teams battled it out in a tournament for the title of best MC. MCs that participated in the battle included MC Seishain, MC Matsushima, MC MIRI, Kizal, SAM, SHO GEN, Datemegiri, TKdakurobuchi, NiLL Nico, 8×8=49, FRANKEN, and Yuma.
Team SHO GEN, TKdakurobuchi & NiLL Nico and Team MC Matsushima, MC Seishain & SAM came out victorious. At the end of the battle, the chief members of the teams SAM and TKdakurobuchi clashed in a final battle with SAM taking the crown. The winning team took home a cash prize with the hip-hop fans in the crowd in a flurry of excitement. This marked the end of the first day.
For Day Two, Natalie Music worked as curators for the live stage event “Live Natalie meets MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON.” MISMOPE were the first on stage with their spacey performance, followed by Nemuri Haru, who left a huge impact with her mad mix of poetry and rap.
Monari Wakita fitted in nine songs in 30 minutes, demonstrating her multi-layered musicianship. The packed-out CUTUP STUDIO also got involved with some fiery call & response.
Atarashii Gakkou no Leaders wowed the audience with their infectious outlook and sharp, nimble dancing. During their song Saishuu Jinrui, which is the lead song taken from their first major album Mae Narawanai released on March 21st, they demonstrated their acrobatic bodies to the tune of a lively piano.
Five-member band Luby Sparks, who are recognised in the British alternative rock scene, also announced their new vocalist Erika for the first time.
The last performer of the day was SHE IS SUMMER, who performed a string of popular hits such as Machiawase wa Kimi no Iru Shinsen and Tobikiri no Oshare Shite Wakarebanashi wo. The two-day festival came to a close with MICO’s energetic, jumpy performance.
■InformationMOSHI MOSHI NIPPON FESTIVAL in SHIBUYA 2018
Event Website: http://fes18.moshimoshi-nippon.jp
MMN Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/msmsnippon/
MMN Twitter: https://twitter.com/MOSHI2_NIPPON
-
MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON FESTIVAL 2018 in SHIBUYA promoted Japanese culture to people of the world from Shibuya on March 24th and 25th. The weekend event ended with huge success.
There were 5 main areas where the festival took place this year. Let’s break them down one by one and see what happened.
Tower Records Shibuya CUTUP STUDIO / MOSHI MOSHI MUSIC FESTIVAL
A music event titled Featuring Japanese new music “MOSHI MOSHI MUSIC FESTIVAL” took place. Down in the B1F CUTUP STUDIO at Tower Records Shibuya, influential artists and the music media, who had previously hooked up with many promising artists, became official curators to provide a line-up of artists.
On Day 1, MANON served as the opening act to the first half of the event, followed by the three artists recommended by music media company “Spincoaster” – SIRUP, Mizuki Ohira with Kobayashi Utena, and The Wisely Brothers. It was a thrilling string of performances as expected from Spincoaster, who showcase fresh music from both inside and outside Japan.
In the second half we saw the MC battle produced by WREP, a hip-hop radio channel, under Zeebra and Hachi Moji. 4 teams battled it out in a tournament for the title of best MC, with MC Matsushima, MC Seishain and SAM taking the crown. Winners received a cash prize, wrapping up the first day of the event.
On Day 2, Natalie Music worked as curators for the live stage event “Live Natalie meets MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON.” MISMOPE, Nemuri Haru, Monari Wakita, Atarashii Gakkou no Leaders, Luby Sparks, and SHE IS SUMMER took to the stage. Each of them offered a different genre as up-and-coming artists and sang the two-day festival into a close.
Tower Records Shibuya SKY GARDEN / MOSHI MOSHI MUSIC FESTIVAL
Up on the rooftop of Tower Records Shibuya, the Sky Garden, a selection of groups from the idol genre, a unique part of Japanese pop culture, performed on stage as artists that MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON wanted to show to the world.
On March 24th, a total of eight idol groups performed including Yamakatsu and CY8ER, and on March 25th nine performed, such as Lucky Doll and The Dance for Philosophy, all of who enthralled the idol fans gathered at the venue.
Laforet Museum Harajuku / Harajuku Kawaii Market presented by Mynavi Baito
The Harajuku Kawaii Market was presented by Mynavi Baito at Laforet Museum Harajuku and centered on the theme of “Find Japan’s Kawaii♡”.
There was a whole collection of booths from fashion to beauty, fortune-telling, DIY and more, as well as appearances from models active in Japanese fashion magazines, artists, and a popular Youtuber.
Performers Rei Maruyama and Yuri Suganuma hosted the stage. The two of them are friends and so had a good, natural flow in directing the stage.
Talk sessions were held around fashion, cosmetics, how to be photogenic and more and saw the likes of Saki Shibata, Rinko Murata, Megane, Noah Satou, Ayaka Segawa, and Rikako Ōya from Babyraids Japan.
Mynavi Baito also presented their Challenge Award themed on fashion where school students were tasked with designing the cutest part-time work outfit to show to the world. Japanese models stepped out onto stage wearing each of the costumes.
Artist, model and actress Natsume Mito produced her first ever show for the event – a fashion show themed on a picture book. Rilakkuma attended too for his inauguration ceremony to be appointed as a Shibuya Tourism Ambassador. He handed out maps to people at the event.
MAGiC BOYZ and Amato Danshi performed live at the market with their catchy music and electrifying dance moves.
The booth area bustled with people who attended DIY workshops for making accessories and pin badges, the fortune-telling area, hair styling booth and more. Japan’s kawaii was delivered across two days through the on-stage performances and many booths.
SHIBUYA CAST / MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON MARKET
A market was held at SHIBUYA CAST called “Enjoy Hanami Early in Shibuya.” It was dotted with an array of food booths where people enjoyed strawberries from the city of Tamura in Fukushima Prefecture, the popular Kyoto souvenir “Tokyo Baum,” and Japan’s dashi stock. There were performances, people tried on kimono, there was a footbath and more. This area was particularly popular with overseas visitors.
Official tours were held called “HARAJUKU EXPERIENCE” with SHIBUYA CAST as the start and finish point. They were very well received. Aimed at foreigners, the tours took them around the fascinating areas of Shibuya and Harajuku.
It was just in time for the cherry blossoms at SHIBUYA CAST which were in full bloom this weekend, making the event even more brilliant.
RE THINK CAFÉ SHIBUYA / MOSHI MOSHI CAFÉ
The MOSHI MOSHI CAFÉ opened at RETHINK CAFE SHIBUYA with the concept of “Clean & Hungry.”
A campaign was held for people to receive free sweets from areas around Japan by taking a photo of food they ordered from the café and posting it online with the specified hashtag.
Lots of people posted their food on social media and were able to enjoy free sweets from regions across Japan that are hard to get your hands on in Tokyo. The café served up the individual charms of regions in the country.
Onden Shrine / MOSHI MOSHI ENNICHI
Onden Shrine is where the local gods of Harajuku are enshrined. An Ennichi event was held for the festival titled “Tie Links With the Gods of Harajuku.”
Harajuku-style rainbow coloured cotton candy, cute amezaiku and other treats were sold as food for Ennichi, and there was a booth for foreigners to learn Japanese shrine etiquette.
Bilingual staff lectured on the manners and etiquette to teach the proper way of praying at shrines in Japan.
Traditional Japanese performance opened the stage with taiko drums and Awa Odori. There were also character DJs, a display by pro kendama performer EASY and many other things for kids and adults alike to enjoy. At the end of the day was a large Bon Odori dance which the performers, attendees and staff joined in with.
16,000 people attended this year’s MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON Festival across the two days. Just like last year, many foreigners attended the event, but this year the variety of content at the festival was upped, the number of families increased, and we saw lots of children getting involved in the booths. MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON promoted Japanese culture to even more people this year, not just with those in attendance, but event to people on the street who were given sampling bags.
Further reports of the event for each area of the festival will be posted on the MMN website in the coming days. Stay tuned and don’t forget to check the official event page: https://fes18.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/index.html
MMN will continue to deliver Japanese popular to the world through our website and official events. On our website, we post interviews with Japanese artists active both in Japan and overseas, spots to visit and food to try in Japan as recommended by popular models, fashion trends in Japan, and much, much more. We provide information from a unique perspective, so be sure to check us out.
■Information
MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON FESTIVAL 2018 in SHIBUYA
Date: March 24, 2018 – March 25, 2018
Time: 11:00-21:00
＜Performance Line-up＞
MOSHI MOSHI MUSIC FESTIVAL
Location: Tower Records Shibuya B1F CUTUP STUDIO / Tower Records Shibuya Rooftop
・Opening Act: MANON
・Spincoaster Stage: Mizuki Ohira with Kobayashi Utena / SIRUP / The Wisery Brothers
・WREP BATTLEFIELD presents Batotsuku (19:00 START)
MC: Zeebra／八文字
DJ: YANATAKE
MC BATTLE: MC BATTLE: MC Seishain / MC Matsushima / MC MIRI / Kizal / SAM / SHO GEN / Datemegiri / TKdakurobuchi / NiLL Nico / 8×8=49 / FRANKEN / Yuma
・Live Natalie meets MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON: Atarashii Gakkou no Leaders / SHE IS SUMMER / Nemuri Haru / MISMOPE / Luby Sparks / Monari Wakita
・MOSHI MOSHI IDOL SPECIAL: APPARE! Harajuku / Wyenra / QUEENS / Kus Kus / CY7ER / Sakadori Hasshinkyoku / C-Style / Jewel☆Neige / sora tob sakana / Nankini! / NEO JAPONISM / PPP!PiXiON / The Dance for Philosophy / Lucky Doll / Yamakatsu
Harajuku Kawaii Market presented by Mynavi Baito
Location: Laforet Museum Harajuku
MC: Yuri Suganuma / Rei Maruyama
Akari Abe / Amato Danshi / Manaka Arai / Alice Ikeda / Ellie / Rikako Ōya (Babyraids Japan) / Anna Kawamura / Chamereon Takeda / Aino Kuribayashi / Ren Koseki / Noah Satou / Saki Shibata / Hikari Shibata / Ayaka Segawa / Ema Tanioku / Eri Tanioku / Chie Tsuji / Mei Nagasawa / Fusedy / MAGiC BOYZ / Michi / Natsume Mito / Rinko Murata / Megane / Anna Yano/ Yuna Yabe / Yutaro / Una/ Yoshiaki / Rilakkuma (Shibuya Tourism Ambassador)
MOSHI MOSHI ENNICHI
Location: Onden Shrine
MC: Mio Ooyama
EASY / Coroton / Satsumasendai Odoridaiko / Shimockey / TAKARABUNE / Maidreamin / YUMENOYA Ukon Takafuji Japanese Dance Show & Bon Odori
MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON MARKET
Location: SHIBUYA CAST
MIOCHIN
＜Organizer＞ MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON Executive Committee
＜Support＞ Shibuya City / Shibuya City Tourism Association
＜Co-Operation＞ TOKYU CORPORATION / SHIBUYA CAST. / Tower Records Japan Inc. / Laforet HARAJUKU / Religious Corportation Onden Shrine / Jnnovations, Inc.
＜Sponsors＞
Mynavi Baito / NIPPON PAINT HOLDINGS CO.,LTD / Bijuu co.,ltd. / KitKat Chocolatory / Amato Danshi / Maidreamin / Don Quijote Co., Ltd. / HAPPINET CORPORTATION / POKKA SAPPORO Food & Beverage Ltd. / KAGAMOKU CO.,Ltd / DIDYCO / FUSOSHA / Aqua Belle / Keihen Sangyo / Clarence Lee Design & Associates / Henkel Japan Ltd. / Yuzawaya
＜Content Partners＞ Gurunavi, Inc. / Airbnb Inc. / Natalie / Spincoaster / WREP / SHIBUYA FASHION FESTIVAL / Japan Promotion
Official Event Website: https://fes18.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/index.html
MMN Website: http://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp (Japanese, English, Chinese)
-
Additional Information! Maidreamin, Kendama Performers, TOTTI CANDY FACTORY to Participate & Character DJ Festival Will be Held The MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON Executive Committee will hold the country’s biggest inbound event for promoting Japanese pop culture to the world, “MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON FESTIVAL 2018 in SHIBUYA,” across the areas of Shibuya and Harajuku on Saturday March 24 and Sunday March 25. New artists have been added to the event line-up as well as their performing dates. Registration for the event is also now open. Those who register for the festival will receive an original bag as thanks.
Register Here: https://mmnf2018.peatix.com
This year’s MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON FESTIVAL will take place in four main locations. Here are the artists who will perform as well as the content and activities to be held at each location.
In this article, we will take a detailed look at the stage performances and booths you can expect to see at Onden Shrine.
EASY – The Kendama Performer
EASY is a professional kendama (“sword and ball”Japanese toy) performer who is performing throughout the world. Don’t miss this chance to enjoy his breathtaking kentama performance!
Maidreamin
The popular cast members of the maid café, “Maidreamin” will gather at Onden Shrine! They will grab ojou-sama (ladies) and goshujin-samas’ (masters) hearts with their songs and dance performances.
Detailed information：https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/ja/98007
TOTTI CANDY FACTORY
TOTTY CANDY is popular for its giant rainbow-colored cotton candy. Cotton candy is eaten by many people as an Ennichi (hopping day) food. This cotton candy named TOTTY CANDY has the essence of Harajuku-style!
Character DJ Festival
DJs disguised as popular characters will perform on-stage at Onden Shrine and will grab audience’s hearts with their tunes and fantastic performances. DJs – Shimockey and coroton and many more.
DJ／Shimockey and coroton
＜Free Entry to MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON FESTIVAL 2018 in SHIBUYA＞
Register for free entry to this year’s festival!
To register, place visit the Peatix website below and follow the instructions. Upon completing your registration, you will receive a QR Code from Peatix that you must take with you and present at each area on the day of the event.
Click here to register.
*Upon registering, you will be signed up as a MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON Member where you will receive newsletters and other information. You will also be signed up to Omotenashi Platform.
Those that register for the event in advance will receive an original bag as thanks. There are 1,500 bags available on a first-come, first-served basis. You will find in them one of either popular products from KitKat Chocolatory: the “KitKat Chocolatory Moleson” (￥500) or the “KitKat Chocolatory Moleson Matcha” (￥500). Bear in mind that stocks are limited, so don’t forget to sign up early!
■Information
MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON FESTIVAL 2018 in SHIBUYA
Venue: LAFORET MUSEUM HARAJUKU, SHIBUYA CAST, TOWER RECORDS Shibuya, Onden Shrine
Date: 03/24 (Sat.), 25 (Sun.)
Time: 11:00 to 21:00 ※the opening hours differ depending on the venue
Official site：https://fes18.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/ja/
Pre-register (free)：http://mmnf2018.peatix.com
RELATED ENTRIES
-
Kanda Myojin Shrine dates back over 1,270 years, making it one of the most well-known religious sites in Tokyo. Dai Nippon Printing is now making it possible for interested visitors to experience the site from anywhere in the world, unveiling the Kanda Myojin CG Space this week. Developed with approval from the shrine, the virtual space faithfully reproduces the structure and design of the location using 3D laser measurement technology and CG techniques developed by DNP over many years. The space will be open online to all audiences.
A portion of the work from the Masayuki Kojo 10th Anniversary Exhibition currently behind held on-site at Kanda Myojin from June 4 until July 10 will also be available to view in the CG space. The space will also be linked to ‘Virtual Akihabara,’ developed by DNP in conjunction with the AKIBA Tourism Council. Using XR (Extended Reality), the company hopes to develop a wide variety of new communication styles.
The Kanda Myojin CG Space was created by using DNP’s laser measurement technology to recreate three-dimensional objects. By using high-definition photography and photogrammetry technology, images of objects are taken from many angles, creating a realistic 3DCG space to explore. The structure of the shrine, which was rebuilt in 1934 after being damaged in the Great Kanto Earthquake, has been faithfully reproduced in every way.
In conjunction with events held at the Kanda Myojin Museum, the Kanda Myojin CG Space will make the history of Kanda Myojin and its collection of materials, including rare ukiyo-e prints, available online for anyone to access. Through these exhibits, people both in Japan and abroad can experience Edo culture through their web browsers!
Information
Kanda Myojin CG Space
https://virtual-akihabara-web.com/kandamyoujin-kojomasayuki10th/
Masayuki Kojo 10th Anniversary Exhibition
Running: June 4 – July 10, 2022
Hours: 9:00-16:00 *Last entry at 15:45, open daily
Address: Kanda Myojin Cultural Exchange Center 1F (2-16-2 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo)
-
Ryusenji Temple in Saitama is offering some exclusive summer goshuin! Goshuin are stamps or seals given to worshippers at shrines and temples around Japan, where somebody will stamp your goshuin-cho (stamp book) with the site’s unique seal along with the temple’s name and the day you visited handwritten in ink.
The two new goshuin feature summer fireworks and a cooling fan design. These will be available from June 1 until August. They might sell out, though, so be quick!
Summer Exclusive Paper-Cut Overlaid Goshuin: Fireworks and a Wish for Peace
The Fireworks and a Wish for Peace goshuin use five kinds of paper to depict fireworks in the summer night sky.
Fireworks are a popular summer tradition in Japan. It’s said that fireworks were born following the discovery of gunpowder and its use in guns when some decided to use the substance to make something beautiful rather than use it as a weapon.
Because of this, many see fireworks as a symbol of peace. The current war between Russia and Ukraine has seen gunpowder used as a horrific weapon used to end the lives of many innocent people, and this special goshuin was made in the hopes that the war will come to an end as soon as possible. Gunpowder should be used in fireworks to bring people happiness instead.
Summer Exclusive Paper-Cut Overlaid Goshuin: Refreshing Good Luck Charm
The Refreshing Good Luck Charm shows a traditional Japanese summer scene with a fan and goldfish swimming in clear blue water.
Fans are used by many Japanese to keep cool during the summer months, and some are even said to have the power to ward off illness and evil spirits. Goldfish are often seen during summer festivals, where visitors try to scoop them up using an easily-breakable net in a fun game with family and friends.
Goldfish became popular during the Edo period and were considered to be lucky creatures capable of bringing happiness into one’s home and bringing financial fortune.
If you’re heading to Saitama, why not add these intricate goshuin to your book?
Information
Saitama Yakuyoke Kaiun Daishi
Address: 3712 Mikajiri, Kumagaya, Saitama
Official Site: https://yakuyoke-kaiun.jp/
-
The Godfather of Kawaii Sebastian Masuda will open his ‘Yes, Kawaii Is Art’ exhibition at the 1,300-year-old Kanda Myojin Shrine on December 4, 2021. A number of Masuda’s representative works will be on display at the historical site, known as one of the most important shrines during the Edo period.
Colorful Rebellion -Seventh Nightmare-
Kanda Myojin Shrine
Colorful Rebellion -Seventh Nightmare- has been shown in New York, Milan, and Amsterdam over the past few years, and will now make an appearance as part of this exhibition. Given the magnificence of the venue, the work will be presented in a unique way–in the basement of the shrine. In addition, a part of the research on Kawaii culture conducted in collaboration with Kyoto University of Arts Ultra Factory will be on display as well. Guests will be invited to ponder the nature of Kawaii, and what makes it so beloved by audiences worldwide.
Colorful Rebellion -WORLD TIME CLOCK-
Time After Time Capsule Art Project
Kawaii Archival Research
Near the entrance to the shrine, the Colorful Rebellion -WORLD TIME CLOCK will be on display. Clad in the cutest colors imaginable, it has become a symbol of Harajuku around the world. The Hello Kitty-shaped time capsule, which was on display for five months in New York City in 2015, will also be shown on the temple grounds. The participatory art project has made it to 12 cities around the world so far.
Kawaii culture will blend with traditional Japanese culture during this exhibition, so keep an eye out for more details coming soon!
What is ‘Yes, Kawaii Is Art?’
Sebastian Masuda has been at the helm of the global Kawaii movement for decades.
In 2020, Masuda asked a number of questions to fans of Japanese pop culture around the world–what is Kawaii? Why does Kawaii cross borders, generations, and gender? This new exhibition tries to find an answer to those questions while bringing some joy and excitement to the local community.
Information
Sebastian Masuda Exhibition ‘Yes, Kawaii Is Art’ at Kanda Myojin Shrine
Dates: December 4 – December 12, 2021
Hours: 12:00-18:00 (Last Entry at 17:30)
Address: Kanda Myojin Shrine (2-16-2 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo)
Admission: Free (¥500 for Colorful Rebellion -Seventh Nightmare-)
https://sebastianmasuda.com/works/tokyo/
For more details on the event, follow Sebastian Masuda’s Twitter:
-
Imabari is a city in Ehime Prefecture that faces the Seto Inland Sea. Since olden times, it has flourished as an important location for marine traffic. It’s home to a bounty of recognised national treasures and historical heritage sights, and is also famous for its production of citrus fruits such as mikan. Japanese pop star, model, and icon Kyary Pamyu Pamyu took a trip to this ancient city to discover its wonder and beauty.
A Visit to the Historical Sea Route
Oyamazumi Shrine
A ‘power spot’ revered by prominent people
Oyamazumi Shrine has been revered by prominent figures throughout history as a place dedicated to the god of the mountain, god of the ocean, and the god of war. It’s home to numerous Important Cultural Properties which are available for viewing by the public such as the armour worn by the military commander Minamoto no Yoshitsune when the Minamoto clan won the Genpei War (1180-1185), armour worn by women, and more. The shrine is also a notable power spot for the ancient tree that has stood there for 2,600 years and is now recognised as a natural monument of Japan. Power spots are places in Japan where the spiritually-inclined draw energy from.
Information
Oyamazumi Shrine
Address: 3327 Omishimacho Miyaura, Imabari, Ehime 794-1393, Japan
TEL: 0897-82-0032
Opening Hours: Sunrise to 17:00
National Treasure Building: 8:30-17:00 (Last Entries 16:30)
Official Website: https://oomishimagu.jp/
Kurushima Kaikyo Service Area
Lip-smacking food aplenty
If you’re one for great views, then the Kurushima Kaikyo service area is a must-visit, offering a panoramic look at the Kurushima Strait of the Seto Inland Sea. The service area is very well know particularly for the Jaguchi Mikan Juice, something of a city legend in Ehime where you can enjoy fresh mikan juice straight from a tap. You can also tuck a rice bowl dish made with tachiuo hairtail caught in the Seto Inland Sea that’s made to look like Kurushima Kaikyō Bridge, or try Imabari’s soul food dish: the Imabari Yakibuta Tamago Meshi, a pork, egg, and rice bowl. Don’t pass up the chance to snap a photo at the designated photo spot with the Seto Inland Sea in the back either like Kyary above.
Information
Kurushima Kaikyo Service Area
Address: 3-9-68 Ohamacho, Imabari, Ehime, 794-0002, Japan
Food Court: [Weekdays] 8:00-21:00 / [Weekends & Holidays] 7:00-22:00
Shops: [Weekdays] 8:00-21:00 / [Weekends & Holidays] 7:00-22:00
Outside Shopping Area & Cafes: [Weekdays] 9:00-17:00 / [Weekends & Holidays] 9:00-18:00
Official Website: https://www.jb-highway.co.jp/sapa/kurushima.php
Murakami Suigun Museum
Dedicated to the Imabari heroes who protected the ocean
Murakami Suigun Museum is dedicated to kaizoku—pirates, or lords of the sea—something which conjures to mind villainy or bad guys, but the Murakami pirates were also considered heroes who helped maintain order and protect the sea during the Sengoku warring period of Japan. The museum features many displays of Murakami family treasures including the battle surcoat which the pirate leader wore over his armour, proudly bearing the Murakami family crest. Visitors can wear replicas of this coat, which Kyary tired herself: “Now I’m sorta like a military commander too,” she said.
Information
Murakami Suigun Museum
Address: 1285 Miyakubocho Miyakubo, Imabari, Ehime 794-2203, Japan
TEL: 0897-74-1065Opening Hours: 9:00-17:00
Closed: Mondays (or Tuesday if the Monday falls on a public holiday) / New Year Holidays (Dec 29-Jan 3)
Official Website: https://www.city.imabari.ehime.jp/museum/suigun/
Roadside Station Yoshiumi Iki-iki-kan
A bundle of fun and entertainment in one place
Roll on up to Roadside Station Yoshiumi Iki-iki-kan to enjoy a shichirin BBQ feast with fresh seafood caught in the Seto Inland Sea while gazing out across Kurushima Kaikyo. This building complex serves as a resting spot and is also the perfect place to purchase local souvenirs including Ehime specialty products. It’s also famous for its offering the chance to board a boat to ride around Kurushima Kaikyo, renting out bicycles, and more. You’ll also be able to meet Koro-chan, a popular fish who has lived there for 30 years.
Information
Roadside Station Yoshiumi Iki-iki-kan
Address: 4520-2 Yoshiumichomyo, Imabari, Ehime 794-2114, Japan
TEL: 0897-84-3710
Opening Hours: 9:00-17:00
Restaurant: 10:00-16:00 (Last Orders 15:00)
Closed: New Year’s Day (and certain days in winter)
Official Website: http://www.imabari-shimanami.jp/ikiiki/
Dolphin Farm Shimanami
Meet the cute and friendly dolphins
Dolphin Farm Shimanami, which is connected to Hakata Beach, is the best and biggest place in Japan to interact with dolphins. Visitors can get close to them and the dolphins will show off their tricks and skills. There’s even a car camping area you can stay at.
Information
Dolphin Farm Shimanami
Address: 1673 Hakatacho Kanoura, Imabari, Ehime 794-2302, Japan
TEL: 0897-72-8787
Opening Hours: 9:00-17:00
Closed: On days with bad weath
Official Website: https://www.df-shimanami.com/
Hakata Beach
A white sandy beach rolling out 200-meters
Hakata Beach is located at the base of Oshima Bridge in Hakata. The beach is famous for its salt which is best tried on their popular sweet-tasting sea salt ice cream.
Information
Hakata Beach
Address: 1668-1 Hakatacho Kanoura, Imabari, Ehime 794-2302, Japan
Sea Bathing: Early July – Late August
Official Website: https://www.city.imabari.ehime.jp/kanko/spot/?a=198
Imabari Towels
High quality towels woven with tradition and technique
Imabari is the biggest producer of towels in Japan. Even their white towels alone have countless types you can choose from, allowing you to pick which level of softness and comfort you want. The iconic brand logo is also impactful, capturing the quality, production, and enthusiasm that the makes have for the product. Kyary herself uses them all the time!
Information
Imabari Towel
Official Website: https://www.imabaritowel.jp/
Sunrise Itoyama
Need a bike?
Sunrise Itoyama, located in the Imabari Central Cycling Terminal, is a rental bicycle service that has bikes and helmets for everyone’s needs. Rent out a bike and ride the Shimanami Sea Route which connects Ehime and Hiroshima with a series of bridges that hop across the islands of the Seto Inland Sea.
Information
Sunrise Itoyama
Address: 2-8-1 Sunabacho, Imabari, Ehime 794-0001, Japan
TEL: 0898-41-3196
Rent-a-Cycle Details: https://www.sunrise-itoyama.jp/archives/rentacycle/
Official Website: https://www.sunrise-itoyama.jp/
Marutomi
The famous restaurant known to every local
If you want the real experience of Imabari’s yakitori soul food, you should visit Marutomi, a yakitori eatery. Imabari yakitori is different from the usual Japanese yakitori as it doesn’t come skewered. Instead, the chicken is cut into small pieces and fried that way. One of the most popular ways to have it is with the skin on so the outside is crunchy and the inside succulent. It goes perfect with a cup of sake too.
Information
Marutomi
2-3-6 Katayama, Imabari, Ehime 794-0063, Japan
TEL: 0898-23-2740
Opening Hours: 17:30-22:00
Closed: Wednesdays
Official Website: https://maru-marutomi.jp/
Imabari Castle
A castle by the sea
Imabari Castle, built by the daimyo Tōdō Takatora, is known famously as one of Japan’s three “Castles on the Sea” and was also listed in Japan’s Top 100 Castles. When it was first constructed, boats could enter the moat from the ocean. It’s a site that breathes the prosperity that Imabari has enjoyed as a significant location for maritime traffic, the same Imabari that the Murakami pirates sought to protect. Head on up to the top of the castle to stand on the observation deck and gaze at an unbroken view of the city.
Information
Imabari Castle
Address: 3-1-3 Toricho, Imabari, Ehime, 794-0036, Japan
TEL: 0898-31-9233
Opening Hours: 9:00-17:00
Closed: December 29 – December 31
Official Website: https://www.city.imabari.ehime.jp/museum/imabarijo/
Kirosan Observatory Park
A breathtaking spectacle to remember
Kirosan Observatory Park is officially recognised by Setonaikai National Park. Standing atop the observation deck fills the eyes with wonder as they gaze upon a panoramic stretch of Imabari, the Seto Inland Sea, and Kurushima Kaikyo all at once. Kyary wrapped up her time in Imabari here as the sunset coloured the sky and sea in warm evening hues.
Information
Kirosan Observatory Park
Address: 487-4 Yoshiumicho Minamiura, Imabari, Ehime 794-2115, Japan
No Fixed Holidays
Open 24-hours a day
Official Website: https://www.city.imabari.ehime.jp/kanko/spot/?a=182
Imabari Tourism Information: https://www.city.imabari.ehime.jp/kanko/
We hope you enjoyed joining Kyary on her adventures across Imabari, and perhaps she even got you a little curious in wanting to visit the city yourself. It’s a treasure trove filled with vistas by the sea, in nature, and in the city itself with its Important Cultural Properties. Food is also a big part of travel for many people, so you can rest assured that your belly will be satisfied in Imabari as you try their speciality mikan, fresh seafood fished in the Seto Inland Sea, and more.
Information
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu
Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kyarypappa (＠kyarypappa)
Official Twitter: https://twitter.com/pamyurin (＠pamyurin)
Official Website: http://kyary.asobisystem.com/
-
Noryo Matsuri is a popular summer festival held every August at Kanda Shrine in Tokyo, bringing in over 40,000 visitors every year to enjoy a variety of fun and exciting activities like the big bon-odori dance to anime songs, live performances, events in collaboration with anime series and more. Unfortunately, the event was cancelled this year due to COVID-19.
However, that isn’t stopping the festival from being held in some sort of form. In fact, the festival organisers are teaming up with Animal Crossing: New Horizons to bring the festival to the Nintendo Switch title in Japan.
Players can even get their hands on some original Kanda Shrine outfits, as well as visit Kanda Shrine Island by using Luna’s dreaming service in game (until September 30).
Information
Kanda Shrine Noryo Matsuri x Animal Crossing
Release Date: August 28, 2020 at 10:00 (JST)
Official Website: https://www.kandamyoujin.or.jp/atumori/Dreaming Service: August 28, 2020 – September 30, 2020
Dreaming Service ID: DA-0760-0601-9410 -
Kifune Shrine, which is dedicated to the god of water Takaokami no Kami, is currently holding evening illuminations with Tanabata bamboo lamps until August 15, 2020.
About Kifune Shrine
Kifune Shrine is one of Kyoto’s foremost historical shrines. Records show that the shrine was already built in 677 during the reign of Emperor Tenmu. It is located near the source of Kamo River and is dedicated to the god of water who is said protect Kyoto’s water sources. The area is also known for kawadoko which is where Kibune’s restaurants build platforms over the river where visitors can enjoy their meal as the water flows beneath them.
Kifune Shrine and Tanabata
Tanabata is said to originate from the Suijinsai Festival (Water God Festival), with the stars themselves as the god of water. At Kifune Shrine, which is dedicate to Takaokami no Kami—the god of water—people not only pay their respects to the blessing of water, but hold Tanabata events as well as the Kifune Water Festival.
For this year’s Tanabata event, bamboo lamps will be lit up with wishes written on them by people.
Tanabata Shinto Rituals and the Kifune Water Festival
Tanabata Shinto rituals and the Kifune Water Festival will be held on July 7 where people will express their gratitude to the god who watches over Kifune’s waters as well as pray for water’s blessing throughout the year.
Information
Kifune Shrine Tanabata Bamboo Lamp Light-Up
Running: July 1, 2020 – August 15, 2020
Time: From sunset to 20:00
Location: Kifune Shrine, 180 Kuramakibunecho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
TEL: 075-741-2016Official Website: http://kifunejinja.jp
-
Movic has collaborated to release two special goshuincho books at Animate stores in Japan as well as the Animate and Movic online stores and select Mugiwara shops.
A Goshuincho is a book for collecting goshuin, which are stamps or seals given at shrines and temples across Japan. Every shrine and temple has its own unique goshuin which are stamped alongside calligraphy handwritten by the staff there and then who write the date and the name of the temple or shrine. We have covered goshuin here on MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON many times – click for more details.
Goshuincho – Luffy
Goshuincho – Trafalgar Law
The designs feature Luffy and Trafalgar Law made from gold leaf stood against backgrounds with traditional Japanese designs. Both books also feature their respective pirate logos. They are the perfect gift for any fan of One Piece heading to Japan to see the temples and shrinesーor to just add to their collection at home!
The order window for these books will run from March 16, 2020 to April 15, 2020 at Animate, Animate online, Movic online, at select Mugiwara storesーthe latter being the official One Piece merchandise shop. You won’t be able to order them after April 15, so be sure to get your order in quick.*Photos are of the product still in development. Actual product is subject to alterations.
*Product sales subject to change, extensions, or cancellations.
©Eiichiro Oda / Shueisha・Fuji TV・Toei Animation
Information
Goshuincho (2 Designs)
Price: ¥3,300 each (Tax Included)
Size: Approx. 16cm x 11cm
Product: Front Cover – Cloth with gold leaf / Inside: 24 folds
Order Window: March 16, 2020 – April 15, 2020Release Date: June 19, 2020
Order here: https://www.movic.jp
-
With the increase in number of collaborations between contemporary digital art and traditional and historical Kyoto sites, teamLab is getting in on the action with its new digital art exhibition “Digitized Forest at the World Heritage Site of Shimogamo Shrine.”
We are joined by Instagrammer Macchan who recently attended the exhibition and who has provided photos for us.
Shimogamo Shrine is a shrine located between the Kamo River and Mount Kōya. It was registered it as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The shrine is associated good luck in marriage and welcomes sightseers from Japan and around the world. It can be reached by the 205 Bus from Kyoto Station and getting off at either Shimogamo Shrine (下鴨神社) or Tadasu Forest (糺ノ森前). It’s also about a 20-minute taxi ride from Kyoto Station.
This marks the third run of teamLab’s “Digitized Forest” exhibition at Shimogamo Shrine, and this year’s exhibition has been made even bigger. It is running until September 2, 2019.
Floating by the Rōmon Gate of the shrine are spheres of light which change colour and emit various musical tones unique to the colour when touched by a person. They also react to the other spheres around them, changing to the same colour and letting out the same tone, creating a chain reaction.
Egg-shaped orbs of light can be found dotted around the Tadasu Forest by the shrine which illuminate the trees. Like the light spheres, when the eggs are pushed they change colour and play a musical noise specific to that colour, the sound and tone spreading through the forest.
These objects of light can also be found at Mitarashi Pond where they float on the water. The orbs shine brightly and then fade slowly as if breathing. If pushed by people or blown by the wind they will change colour and emit sound.
The best part about teamLab’s art exhibitions is how visitors become part of the exhibition itself by interacting with the installations, offering a much more engaging experience than simply looking. Visit Shimogamo Shrine before the exhibition ends to see digital art meet a traditional Japanese shrine at night.
If you’re looking for more sightseeing recommendations for Kyoto then be sure to follow Macchan on Instagram!
Photos by まっちゃん
Information
Shimogamo Shrine
Address: 59 Shimogamo Izumikawachō, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
Official Website: https://www.shimogamo-jinja.or.jp/english/Digitized Forest at the World Heritage Site of Shimogamo Shrine, Kyoto Art by teamLab – TOKIO INKARAMI
Running: August 17, 2019 – September 2, 2019
Time: 18:30-22:00 (Last Entries 21:30)
Location: Shimogamo ShrinePrice: Weekdays ¥1,300 / Weekends ¥1,500
*Free entry for elementary school children and below. Must be accompanied by a parent or guardian aged 20+.Official Website: https://www.teamlab.art/e/shimogamo/
-
Shimocho is one of the districts of Hida Takayama and is overflowing with traditional culture that you absolutely must experience. To make the most of your trip, there is a summer yukata-wearing programme running from July 20th which is the perfect opportunity to wear cooling and refreshing Japanese clothes while strolling and exploring the streets.
This year will be the 7th time the programme has been run. The Hida Takayama de Nippon no Natsu Yasumi programme allows visitors to dress in a comfortable and cooling yukata, stroll, explore, try different foods and enjoy the culture of the area. This year’s theme is “romance and yukatas” and gives visitors the opportunity to enjoy programme-limited desserts and the rich culture of the district.
Discover Hidden Beauty with the Stroll Map
Visitors will be given a map packed with wonderful spots of the area. The map will also include the destinations of 31 shops where you can enjoy special experiences, meals and desserts that are limited to those who take part in the yukata programme. Recommended spots to visit are also drawn on the map in a very cute handwriting-like style, so you can stop by these places easily while enjoying your walk. There are even many places on the map that only a local would know about.
Some of the special benefits of the programme allow you to enjoy the best regional cuisine that Hida has to offer, including the wonderful experience of restaurants that have been loved by the locals for generations, a beef delicacy restaurant, and much more. Besides food, the programme also gives you the opportunity to witness the beautiful festival floats used during the Takayama festival at the Takayama Matsuri Yatai Kaikan. You can also enjoy experiencing baking your own senbei crackers and gold panning.
The programme includes a wide range of experiences for you to enjoy from local shops to food to culture to some new experiences.
An old-style café called Sabou Usagi is particularly popular with the locals. Here, the coffee is made using a vacuum coffee maker. With the summer programme, you can enjoy the delicious heart Tiramisù served here.
The stroll map includes a variety of locations such as the Takayama Tourist Information Centre, Hida Takayama Tourism Convention Association, Hida Takayama Travel Hotel Association and much more. The map also includes some of the accommodations available around Takayama, some important train stations and much more. You can easily download this map from the official website. (Japanese only )
Stroll the Streets in an Elegant Yukata
Change into a traditional Yukata that matches the beautiful surrounding townscape. There are four shops Yukata rental shops available to pick up your favourite Yukata, so there is no need to worry if you did not come prepared. There are also some accommodations that allow for yukata rental.
If you decide to join the Hida Takayama Nippon Natsu Yasumi programme, make sure to share your beautiful memories on Instagram with the hashtag #Hidasummer
Information
Hida Takayama de Nippon no Natsu Yasumi Programme
Running: July 20 ー September 8, 2019
Location: Shimocho, Takayama (in the general area of Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine, Kamiichinomachi, Takayama, Gifu)
Official Website: https://hida-natsu.jp/
-
Kyoto is renowned for its historical architecture and richness in traditional Japanese culture, but did you know it’s also home to some extremely cute and delicious desserts? Their sweets and desserts are actually pretty popular, some of which contain motifs and little nods to the city.
Today, Instagrammer meme takes us on a tour in Kyoto to try out 4 popular desserts.
JEREMY&JEMIMAH
JEREMY&JEMIMAH is a shop selling cute and colourful cotton candy. Their staple Wata-Hako cotton candy comes in 10 different flavours! In the photo we have yuzu, rose and matcha flavours. Of the two branches of the store, there is one along Furukawacho Shopping Street where you order your cotton candy for takeout, and another in Yasaka that serves cotton candy on long sticks.
We picked up a few different ones since there are so many flavours and designs. It was fun lining them up to take a picture.
We took them home to eat and they stayed nice and fluffy the whole way back. The yuzu one tasted a little herbal, like it was healthy for you.
▼JEREMY&JEMIMAH (Furukawacho Shopping Street Branch)
Address: Furukawacho Shopping Street, 444-3 Hachikenchō, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto
Opening Hours: 11:00-17:00
Official Website: http://www.jeremyjemimah.com/
ROCCA & FRIENDS TRUCK
At ROCCA & FRIENDS TRUCK, you can order these iced dessert matcha and houjicha lattes which are topped with yatsuhashi―a confection sold in Kyoto―shaped into various sights across the city including Kyoto Tower, Hōkanji Temple, Daimonji, a Torii gate, and more.
I ordered the matcha latte. The drink itself isn’t sweet at all so you can enjoy the full original rich and bitter flavour of the matcha. The fresh cream however is quite sweet so you can mix it into the drink as much as you want to get your desired flavour.
There are lots of great spots in the area such as the Hōkanji Temple pagoda and Yasaka Shrine so you can snap some great sightseeing photos♡
▼ROCCA & FRIENDS TRUCK
Address: 370 Yasaka Kamimachi, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
Opening Hours: 9:00-18:00
Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rocca.truck/
Jumondo
We also visited Jumondo which sells Kyoto-style dango, or “sweet dumplings.” We shared three different orders amongst three people: Danraku (団楽) which comes as a set with a drink, Dandan (だんだん) which comes with matcha, and Zenzai to Aburi Kuri Kinton (ぜんざいと炙り栗きんとん).
Once you order, the dango are made fresh so are served hot and chewy. Each dumpling is on the small side so are nice and easy to eat.
The Danraku comes with five different dumplings including sweet soy glaze, mashed sweet bean paste, soy sauce and black sesame seed, fried, and white miso. The Dandan comes with three types of your choice and a wafer filled with mashed sweet bean paste. The Zenzai to Aburi Kuri Kinton with mashed sweet potatoes with sweetened chestnut dango. The final one comes with matcha which can be served hot or cold.
Everything was tasty but my personal favourite was the yuzu flavoured white miso dumpling.
The one that everybody raved about was the Zenzai which is a thick soup that the dango are placed into. These dumplings are bigger, not too sweet and light. The soup went really well with the dango, it was super tasty.
▼Jumondo
Address: 76 Tamamizuchō, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto
TEL: 075-525-3733
Official Website: http://jumondo.jp/index.html
Kyo Yasaka Pudding
Yasaka is a particularly popular tourist spot in Kyoto, and that’s where the cute purin shop Kyo Yasaka Pudding is located.
Purin is a type of custard purring sold in Japan. The first pudding we picked up was the store’s recommended option named after the store itself, the Kyo Yasaka Pudding. It contains a transparent lemon and honey flavoured jelly inside which there are small and colourful agar agar balls and mango jelly balls.
It has an enjoyable texture and a refreshing sweetness that I’ve never experienced before with other purin. It’s very tasty!
There are five flavours to choose from, the others being hard, smooth, matcha and black soy bean, and houjicha black soy bean. All are served in tiny cute jars. Not only do they look great, they taste amazing too. Each is made with ingredients sourced in Kyoto including the milk, Uji matcha, houjicha, and black soy beans.
They also sell soft serve ice cream topped with candy balls, very Kyoto-like! You can choose from vanilla, matcha, or a mix of both. I think it’ll be really fun if you can snap a photo of your ice cream with one of Yasaka’s stylish locations in the background! Speaking of which, there was a cute illustration on the wall of the store so we took our photo there.
Be sure to pay a visit to Kyo Yasaka Pudding to pick up your own pudding whether as a souvenir or for yourself.
▼Kyo Yasaka Pudding
Address: 87-4 Hoshinochō, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
TEL: 075-533-8338
Official Website: https://kyo-yasaka-pudding.co.jp/
Kyoto is full of shops selling desserts and sweets perfect to walk around and munch on while you walk its ancient streets, or to take home as a souvenir. Enjoy all the tasty things you can during your visit to this beautiful city♡
—
Photos/Text: meme
Translation: Joshua Kitosi-Isanga
-
Japan is home to a lot of shrines. We have picked out 5 shrines you have to visit when travelling to Tokyo. All of them are close to the city centre, and not only are they easy to get to, each of them is also very famous.
Shinjuku: Hanazono Shrine, an oasis in central Tokyo
Hanazono Shrine is associated with food and agriculture, success, fortune, and family and company prosperity amongst other things. The closest station to it is Shinjuku-Sanchome Station where it is within mere seconds’ walking distance from the station’s E2 exit. An alternative route is from Shinjuku Station from which is just a 7-minute walk. The shrine is smack in the middle of Shinjuku and near the Shinjuku City Office and Shinjuku Golden Gai.
Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/134888
■Information
Hanazono Shrine
Address: 5-17-3 Shinjuku, Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo
Shrine Office Times: 8:00-20:00
Praying Times: 9:30-16:30
TEL: 03-3209-5265
Access: Seconds from E2 Exit of Shinjuku-Sanchome Station via Tokyo Metro Line / 7-minutes on foot from East Exit of Shinjuku Station via JR, Odakyu and Keio Lines
Website: http://www.hanazono-jinja.or.jp
Harajuku: Onsen Shrine, home to the Shinto god of Harajuku and tied to beauty and marriage prosperity
Onden Shrine is located just a 10-minute walk from both Shibuya Station and Harajuku Station via the JR Yamanote Line or 7-minutes from Meiji-Jingumae Station via the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line. It has been enshrined in Harajuku for more than 400 years where it has watched over the area.
Onden Shrine is a site for blessings in things like marriage and beauty. It offers a lot of keywords particularly favoured by girls, so it’s definitely one to visit.
Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/96403
■Information
Onden Shrine
Address: 5-26-6 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo
TEL: 03-3407-7036
Access: 10-minutes on foot from “Shibuya Station” or “Harajuku Station” via the JR Yamanote Line / 7-minutes on foot from “Meiji-Jingumae Station” via the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line
Azabu-Jūban: Azabu Hikawa Shrine, the Sailor Moon holy ground
Azabu Hikawa Shrine which is located in the district of Azabu-Juban known for being referenced many times in the Sailor Moon series. The closest station is Azabu-Juban Station. Naoko Takeuchi, the author of Sailor Moon, actually lived in Azabu-Juban when the series was being serialised in Nakayoshi from 1991 to 1997. The shrine was used as a model for Hikawa Shrine where Rei, or Sailor Mars, worked as a shrine maiden.
The shrine is seen as lucky for many reasons. People pray there for increased luck, business prosperity, warding off evil, better fortune, success in life, wealth, safe childbirth, protection against misfortune, academic achievement, exam success, family safety, marriage, national security, and more.
Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/118472
■Information
Azabu Hikawa Shrine
Address: 1-4-23 Motoazabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Time: Shop 9:00am-5:00pm / Shrine 9:00am-4:30pmTEL: 03-3446-8796
Access: 8-minutes on foot from Azabu-Juban Station via the Tokyo Metro Namboku Line or Toei Oedo Line
Website: http://www.azabuhikawa.or.jp
Kamiyachō: Atago Shrine, climb the stone steps for success in life
You can reach Atago Shrine in 5 minutes by foot from Kamiyacho Station via the Hibiya Line or 8 minutes by foot from either Toranomon Station via the Ginza Line or Onarimon Station via the Toei Mita Line.
The fire god Homusubi no Mikoto is the main deity enshrined at Atago Shrine who not only offers protection against fire and fire-related disasters, but brings good fortune to businesses and marriages too.
Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/80038
■Information
Atago Shrine
Address: 1-5-3 Atago, Minato, Tokyo
TEL: 03-3431-0327
Access: 5 minutes by foot from Kamiyacho Station via the Hibiya Line / 8 minutes by foot from either Toranomon Station via the Ginza Line or Onarimon Station via the Toei Mita Line / 20 minutes by foot from JR Shimbashi Station
Homepage: http://www.atago-jinja.com
Asakusa: Imado Shrine, the birthplace of the ‘maneki-neko’ waving cat
The closest station to Imado Shrine is Asakusa Station. It’s about a 15 minute walk from there, but you can reach it quicker on the Megurin Bus for just ¥100. The shrine is popular power spot for successful marriage. The god of wealth and longevity and one of Asakusa’s Seven Lucky Gods, Fukurokuju, is also enshrined here. The shrine is also recognised as one of Tokyo’s 8 Shitamachi shrines that people make a pilgrimage to.
Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/111527
■Information
Imado Shrine
Address: 1-5-22 Imado, Taito, Tokyo
Opening Hours: 9am-5pm
TEL: 03-3872-2703
Access: 15-minutes on foot from Asakusa Station / 5-minutes on foot from Asakusa 7-Chome bus stop (浅草七丁目) via Toei Bus / 1-minute on foot from ‘Riverside Sports Center’ bus stop (リバーサイドスポーツセンター前) via Kita Megurin Bus in TaitoWebsite: http://imadojinja1063.crayonsite.net
Did you enjoy our list? Remember, all of them are super easy to access from central Tokyo and from tourist hot spots, so be sure to make your own pilgrimage around each of them while in Tokyo.
-
Eizan Electric Railway and the Kibune Tourist Association are teaming up to hold an autumn illumination event which will run from November 3 to 25.
This marks the 16th run of the event which will once more be held in co-operation with Kyoto Hanatouro who will provide paper lanterns and spotlights. The Momiji Tunnel, Ninose Station and Kibuneguchi Station along with Kifune Shrine and elsewhere will be lit up with enchanting illuminations.
As the train runs through the Momiji Tunnel―a tunnel of maple trees―it will cut its lights and slow down for passengers to enjoy riding past the lit-up magical maples with autumnal hues. The path leading up to Kifune Shrine as well as the main shrine itself too will glow with warm colours.
Take in the spectacle of Japanese autumn-time at Kifune Shrine in Kyoto.
Information
16th Kibune Momiji Tourou
Running: November 3, 2018 – November 25, 2018
Illumination Time: Sunset to 21:00
Locations
Kifune Shrine – Shrine grounds and surrounding area (approx. 1,000m)
Eizan Electric Railway – Ninose Station and Kibuneguchi Station
Eizan Electric Railway – Momiji Tunnel (Ichihara Station to Ninose Station) (approx. 250m)Special Bus Run: (Kibuneguchi Station Bus Stop – Kibune Rinji Bus Stop) Special bus service with Kyoto Bus until 21:00
Train Schedule: (Autumn Leaf Weekday Schedule) Weekdays from November 5 to 30
<Eizan Main Line> 10:00-15:00
・Demachiyanagi Station – Yase-Hieizanguchi Station (Running approx. every 15 minutes. Normally every 20 minutes)<Kurama Line> 10:00-15:00
・Demachiyanagi Station – Kurama Station (Running approx. every 15 minutes. Normally every 20 minutes)・Demachiyanagi Station – Nikenchaya Station (2 trains every hour until 12:00)
Train Schedule: (Autumn Leaf Holiday Schedule) Saturdays & Holidays from November 3 to 25
<Eizan Main Line> 09:00-18:00
・Demachiyanagi Station – Yase-Hieizanguchi Station (Running approx. every 6 to 13 minutes. Normally every 15 minutes)
<Kurama Line> 09:00-18:00
・Demachiyanagi Station – Kurama Station (Running approx. every 13 to 15 minutes. Normally every 15 minutes)<Kurama Line> 19:00-20:00
・Demachiyanagi Station – Kurama Station (Running approx. every 15 minutes)
Website: http://momiji-tourou.xii.jp
