Pikachu turns into lingerie?! YUMMY MART’s limited edition collaboration sale to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Pokémon!

19.April.2016 | FASHION

Underwear brand YUMMY MART are helping to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Pokémon by selling limited edition Pikachu-themed lingerie. This is the first time attempt to sell Pikachu-themed lingerie anywhere around the world!

 

The lineup consists of panties, pajamas and other inner-wear , an eye mask and a poncho. Wear any of these and you will immediately transform into Pikachu! This selection totals up to a variety of 5 new Pikachu-themed lingerie products. Visit the YUMMY MART store or their online store( http://yummymart.jp )from Wednesday 20th April to purchase your Pikachu lingerie!

 

For this campaign, YUMMY MART have created a Pikachu-covered bra and panty set for the Pokémon Collection, however, only 3 of these unique sets have been made and therefore they will only be displayed and will not be available for purchase. From the date that the YUMMY MART Pokémon Collection launches their sales, the unique Pikachu-covered bra and panty set will be displayed at 3 YUMMY MART stores, which are; the Shibuya 109 store, the Shibuya Parco store and the Ikebukuro Parco store.

 

In order to commemorate the special YUMMY MART Pokémon Collection sale, YUMMY MART have created an Instagram hashtag campaign. To enter, all you have to do is take a photo in the Pikachu Narikiri photo booth at YUMMY MART then post it on Instagram with the hashtag mentioned in the information section of this article below. All the participants’ names will go into a lottery where 5 lucky winners will be selected to receive a special present!

 

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■ Information :

 

YUMMY MART POKĖMON COLLECTION  Commemoration sale campaign

Limited edition period: Wednesday 20th April ~ Sunday 8th May
Store names: YUMMY MART  (Shibuya 109 store、 Shibuya Parco store、 Ikebukuro Parco store)
How to participate: Take a picture in the Pikachu Narikiri photo booth located at YUMMY MART and post the image on Instagram including the hashtag.
Hashtag: #YM_PIKACHU

Special present:
・ YUMMY MART prize(1 winner): YUMMY MART POKĖMON COLLECTION full set + YUMMY MART original goods assortment
・ PIKACHU prize(4winners): YUMMY MART POKĖMON COLLECTION full set

※Please acknowledge that details of the campaign are subject to change.

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    <Member Comment>

    “Finally! AG! CALLING WORLD TOUR Pt. 2 has begun!

    How far will our power spread?! I can’t comprehend it but I’m so excited.

    Every time we perform overseas and outside of Japan, we’re so moved by how enthusiastic the audiences are and how they’ve been waiting to see us. I’m looking forward to seeing what kind of fans we’ll meet on this North American tour. 

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    Ayu Okuda

    Yui Otoi

    Natsuka Kurita

    Rise Shiokawa

    Mayumi Shiraishi

    Nagisa Shoji

    Mia Yanagawa

    Sakina Yamauchi

    Photo by Ryuji Kainuma

  • KAWAII LAB. Debuts New Idol Group SWEET STEADY

    23.January.2024 | MUSIC

    The KAWAII LAB. idol project has announced a new group, SWEET STEADY. Previously, the project has been responsible for the formation of FRUITS ZIPPER, who won the Best New Artist award at the 2023 Japan Record Awards and whose song Watashino Ichiban Kawaiitokoro has pulled in 900 million views on TikTok, and CANDY TUNE, who filled Zepp Shinjuku to capacity just six months after their debut.

     

    Eight members have been selected for the new group: Ayu Okuda, Yui Otoi, Natsuka Kurita, Rise Shiokawa, Mayumi Shiraishi, Nagisa Shoji, Mia Yanagawa, and Sakina Yamauchi. This will be the first KAWAII LAB. group in which all members have a history in the idol world—all eight girls have participated in various idol activities, including modeling, stage performances, and gravure shoots. Together, they have amassed over 1.8 million followers on social media even before their debut.

     

    The group’s name, SWEET STEADY, is inspired by the hope that these sweet girls, like a bouquet of colorful flowers, will steadily grow step by step through their idol experiences. The group will be produced by Misa Kimura, general producer of KAWAII LAB.

     

    Additionally, the group’s debut concert, KAWAII LAB. SESSION Vol.7 – SWEET STEADY, will be held at Ebisu’s The Garden Hall on March 4. All members of KAWAII LAB., including FRUITS ZIPPER, CANDY TUNE, and KAWAII LAB. MATES, are also scheduled to perform at the event.

     

    [SWEET STEADY Member Profiles / Comments]

    ■ Ayu Okuda : Blue

    “Hi there, I’m Ayu Okuda!

    I’m happy to announce that I’ll be continuing my activities as part of SWEET STEADY. I never thought I’d be able to be an idol under KAWAII LAB. again, so I’m super excited to be debuting with a new group and am looking forward to meeting all the fans!
    I hope we can all aim higher and make our dreams come true! I’ll give it my all! Thank you for your support!”

     

    X: @ayu_ss0107
    Instagram: @okudaayu
    TikTok: @okudaayu

     

     

    ■Yui Otoi : Light Blue

    “I’m Yui Otoi, also known as Oyui! I’m pleased to announce that I’m now a member of SWEET STEADY, a new KAWAII LAB. idol group. I’m so happy to be working with these kind girls that I love so much.

     

    I already feel like this group will be a powerhouse since each member has their own personality, strengths, and abilities.

     

    At the moment, we’re practicing a ton and growing a lot. We’re going to give it our all from the very start, so I hope you’ll stick with us from the beginning and not miss a single second!

     

    I’m going to do my best to bring a lot of happiness to those who support me! Thank you so much!”

     

    X: @yui_ss0109
    Instagram: @otoi_yui_19
    TikTok: @otoi_yui_19

     

     

    ■Natsuka Kurita : Pink

    “I’m Natsuka Kurita from Kyoto!
    I’m excited to announce that I’m now a member of the new KAWAII LAB. idol group SWEET STEADY. It’s so thrilling to make my idol debut with KAWAII LAB., something I’ve wanted so badly! Each member has their own personality, and I believe that we’ve gathered together some of the strongest members who love each other very much. I would like to make big dreams come true with SWEET STEADY!

    I’ll continue to be grateful and grow every day! Please look forward to the debut of SWEET STEADY and enjoy the happiness we bring!”

     

    X: @natsuka_ss0719
    Instagram: @n_wanwan3
    TikTok: @n_wanwan3

     

     

    ■Rise Shiokawa : Purple

    “I’m Rise Shiokawa!

    I’m here to announce that I’ve been chosen as a member of SWEET STEADY, a new group from KAWAII LAB. I’m so happy and proud to work with some of the strongest and most incredible members, all of whom embody both kindness and power. Although we’re just starting, I’d like the eight of us to become incredible idols so that one day we can all bloom as a single flower.

     

    I’d like to make my dream come true with all of you who support me, as well as with the other members and the staff! Thank you very much for your support.”

     

    X: @rise_ss0731
    Instagram: @rise_shio
    TikTok: @rise_7

     

     

    ■Nagisa Shoji : Orange

    “I’m Nagisa Shoji and I’m pleased to announce that I’ve been chosen to be a member of SWEET STEADY, a new group from KAWAII LAB.!

     

    I’m so thrilled to make my debut with the strongest members in such a supportive environment!

     

    It’s a miracle that eight such strong members have come together, and we’ve heard people say “It’s hard to believe that they haven’t even debuted yet!” We’ll do our best to make our dreams come true one by one, hand in hand, and to make our cheering fans happy!
    We’d like to become a group that can add color to the idol world! Thanks for supporting us!”

     

    X: @nagisa_ss1029
    Instagram: @nagyuuu_official
    TikTok: @nagyu_official

     

     

    ■Mayumi Shiraishi : Red

    “My name is Mayumi Shiraishi!

    I’m pleased to announce that I’m now a member of SWEET STEADY, a new idol group from KAWAII LAB.!

     

    I’m very happy to be able to work hard as an idol alongside such cute and kind people as we aim to be the top performers in KAWAII LAB! I’m really looking forward to the days ahead when we can work together as SWEET STEADY! I think we have the eight strongest members out there, so I’d be thrilled if you can watch and support us as we grow!
    Thanks for cheering for SWEET STEADY!!”

     

    X: @mayumi_ss1227
    Instagram: @mayumi.1227
    TikTok: @shiraishi_mayumi

     

     

    ■Mia Yanagawa : Mint Green

    “I’m Mia Yanagawa! I’m excited to announce that I’m now a member of the new KAWAII LAB. idol group SWEET STEADY. It’s a dream come true to work with some of my favorite people and some of the most skilled girls out there at my dream company!
    With this happiness in mind, I’ll never forget my original intentions, I’ll always be grateful, and I’ll do my very best!

     

    Alongside the other members, I’d like to make big dreams come true and repay those who have helped us by becoming successful!”

     

    X: @mia_ss0211
    Instagram: @miapichan_
    TikTok: @mia_pyon_

     

     

    ■Sakina Yamauchi : Yellow

    “My name is Sakina Yamauchi!

     

    I’m happy to announce that I’ll be continuing my activities as part of SWEET STEADY!
    I’m so excited to be able to work with these lovely members who I care for so much!
    My goal is to spread as much happiness as I can while always remembering to be grateful for the incredible opportunity to become an idol in such a warm environment!
    I hope to make many big dreams come true with SWEET STEADY and everyone who supports us! Thank you so much!”

     

    X: @sakina_ss0229
    Instagram: @sakina_yamauchi
    TikTok: @sakina_yamauchi

  • ATARASHII GAKKO! Wows Audience of 12,000 at First Ever Budokan Concert

    12.January.2024 | MUSIC

    The vocal-dance group ATARASHII GAKKO! made their global debut in 2021 on the 88rising label, which promotes Asian music and culture to the world. The four members have continued to attract attention over the past few years, recently performing on NHK’s New Year’s staple Kohaku Uta Gassen for the first time and starting their own TV show. On January 9, the group held its first concert, SEISHUN SHURAI (Youth Invasion),  at Nippon Budokan.

    When the first notes of Tokyo Calling began playing, all 12,000 fans in attendance instantly reached maximum excitement as they focused their attention on the 360-degree stage. The LED lights covering the stage began to shine and the members, clad in red sailor uniforms, appeared to the sound of wild applause.
    After performing Toryanse, a new song released from embargo just before the start of the concert, and thePineapple Kryptonite Remix, the members began a brief MC, eager to address and thank the audience. “All of you fans out there, can you see us in all 360 degrees? We’ve dreamed of the day that all four of us would be here, standing on our own feet on this legendary stage.”

    After a short intermission, the group moved on to a block of songs appearing on their first and second albums, including Night Before the Exam, Tomei Boy, Koi Geba, and other fan favorites, followed by a medley featuring Freaks, NAINAINAI, and other songs released following the group’s international debut in 2021. Rin performed finger drumming and the members amused fans with a cover of the Beastie Boys’ classic Intergalactic while wearing traffic guard costumes.

    The audience’s excitement only continued to grow as the girls called out, screaming “Budokan, here we go!” before breaking into an intense performance of Saisyu Jinrui filled with head-banging and shoulder rides. During the last part of the concert, ATARASHII GAKKO! performed their new song BORN TO BE FREE!!!! for the first time. The track’s fast-paced sound immediately captured the hearts of fans, and the girls closed the main event with SEISHUN WO KIRISAKU HADO, an extremely popular song at their live performances.

    The first encore song, unsurprisingly, was OTONABLUE, the global hit that has pulled in over 3.3 billion views on TikTok. The audience cheered, joining in with the viral ‘neck swing’ dance during the chorus.

    During the final MC portion, there was a tearful moment in which Suzuka cried and hugged the other members. “I don’t want anyone to suffer alone,” she said. “We’re all here together. Thank you all so much.”

    The group’s first concert at Nippon Budokan ended with Mayoeba Toutoshi, known as a common final song at ATARASHII GAKKO! concerts. “If you ever feel lost, you can always rely on us–on our concerts, our videos, and everything else,” Suzuka said.

    Along with the announcement of a new fan club, the group’s first fan club tour, which will visit five prefectures, was announced during the show. Additionally, the new song Toryanse will be available to stream on January 26.

    ■SET LIST
    Tokyo Calling
    Giri Giri
    Toryanse
    Pineapple Kryptonite (Yohji Igarashi Remix)
    Night Before the Exam
    Sekigae Gattuso
    Tomei Boy
    Koi Geba
    Dokubana
    Shiritai
    Freaks
    NAINAINAI
    Fantastico
    Pineapple Kryptonite
    Intergalactic
    Saishuu Jinrui
    Janaindayo
    BORN TO BE FREE!!!!
    SEISHUN WO KIRISAKU HADO

     

    <ENCORE>
    OTONABLUE
    Que Sera, Sera
    Mayoeba Toutoshi

  • FRUITS ZIPPER Member Yui Sakurai to Release 1st Photobook in February 2024

    10.January.2024 | FASHION / MUSIC

    Having celebrated her 10th year in showbiz in 2023, Yui Sakurai, a member of the popular idol group FRUITS ZIPPER, will release her first photobook on February 20, 2024.

     

    The photos were shot in Phuket, Thailand, and the Phi Phi Islands, which Sakurai had dreamed of visiting. On the world-class island of Phuket, the artist experienced riding an elephant along the beach and enjoyed a romantic floating breakfast in a warm pool. When visiting the Phi Phi Islands, Sakurai visited Maya Bay, which served as the location for the film The Beach and is known by many as ‘Phantom Beach.’ Along with some swimsuit shots, Sakurai also makes her first appearance in lingerie.

     

    A special edition of the photobook including an acrylic stand, a special book, and an exclusive box will be sold exclusively at HMV&BOOKS online, HMV&BOOKS, HMV (participating stores), and Tower Records (the Shibuya store and online). The special book features an exclusive dialogue between Sakurai and the other members of FRUITS ZIPPER, snapshots of their many outfits, and other rare personal details. Those who purchase the special edition will also be invited to attend an exclusive event.

     

    <Comment from Yui Sakurai>

    “I am so excited to announce the release of my first photobook! Shooting this book overseas during the 10th anniversary of my idol career was a dream come true. The release date is February 20, which is the last day I’ll be 23 years old. I’m so lucky to be able to experience so many wonderful things!

     

    Thank you so much to the fans and all of the people whose support has made this dream come true! In the book, you’ll see plenty of photos that show not only my on-stage self, but also my more relaxed self and a more personal side of me! I hope this release will give more people an opportunity to get to know me…I hope you’ll enjoy it…”

  • Miyu and ATARASHII GAKKO! to Participate in ‘True Colors DANCE 2024’ Dance Project for Diversity

    21.December.2023 | MUSIC

    As part of the True Colors Festival -Super Diversity Arts Festival-, the diversity dance project True Colors DANCE 2024 will be held alongside several other exciting events. The festival invites artists and audience members to celebrate their individuality in terms of disability, gender, age, language, and nationality through performing arts. Both Miyu and ATARASHII GAKKO! will participate in the project.

     

    Held in September 2019, True Colors DANCE wowed audiences and subverted expectations when focusing on disabilities. The multinational world-class breakdance team ILL-Abilities, whose members all have physical disabilities, and the Japanese group Bboy Shigekixx came together for some intense battles, leaving an impression on viewers.

     

    In 2024, a group of unique dancers, many of whom are junior high and high school students, will hit the stage along with ATARASHII GAKKO!, the dance and vocal group taking the world by storm. Under the themes of individuality and freedom, the unpredictable, wild, and powerful concert is sure to impress audiences next March. The theme song for the event has been announced as Odoru Honnou 001 by ATARASHII GAKKO!

     

    Miyu, active in many fields both in Japan and abroad, and the group SOCIAL WORKEEERZ will work as mentors to support the True Color DANCERS. The latter is led by DAIKI, a dancer with chondrodysplasia, and its members work in the welfare sector helping both children and the disabled.

     

    The schedule for the event next month will be posted on the special True Colors DANCE 2024 website, as well as the official YouTube channel and social media accounts. Details can also be found on the website of the high school dance club magazine D-S-K. We hope you’ll look forward to seeing how the True Colors DANCERS transform the stage with their unique personalities next year!

     

    The theme song for the project, Odoru Honnou 001, will also be aired as the January theme of HNK’s SDGs campaign ‘Minna no Uta ~Hirogare! Irotoridori.’ The project aims to share the fundamental power of dance with a wider audience.

     

    <Comment from ATARASHII GAKKO!>

    “Hi there, we’re ATARASHII GAKKO!
    We’re happy to announce that our song Odoru Honnou 001 has been chosen as the theme song for True Colors DANCE 2024! When we started performing overseas, we realized that dance is a form of communication that everyone can understand, regardless of differences in gender, language, nationality, or background. We’re looking forward to going all out on stage with these uniquely individual dancers while our song plays! We’ll put on a special show for everyone, so please come watch!”

     

    <Comment from Miyu>


    “Last year, I had the amazing opportunity to see True Colors Festival THE CONCERT 2022 in person and I was shocked by the wonderful performance. I hoped that more people would know about it, so when I was invited to participate, I immediately said yes. Though it’s my first time participating, I’ve been looking forward to it the moment it was announced.
    I’d like this year’s performance to express each dancer’s personality, and I hope that they can inspire the world itself through dance. I hope to open up even more possibilities while respecting the unique qualities of every person, so let’s have a fun and memorable time together!”

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