The "Hello Kitty Exhibition - When I Change, Kitty Changes Too" is a commemorative exhibition celebrating the 50th anniversary of the globally beloved Sanrio character, Hello Kitty. For over 50 years, Hello Kitty has greeted people in more than 130 countries and regions, spreading the message of "Let's all get along." The exhibition, themed "50 Years of Kitty and Me," will explore Hello Kitty's bright personality, charm, and unique qualities.
The exhibition will feature the largest-ever display of Hello Kitty merchandise. Additionally, there will be collaboration works with various unique artists, original video content, and numerous photo spots, offering a wealth of attractions for visitors.
Tickets will go on sale starting Monday, July 1st. In addition to regular advance tickets, a limited number of tickets that come with an original red-themed tote bag will also be available. These exclusive items can only be obtained at this exhibition, so be sure to check it out if you're interested.
June 22nd marks the full moon in Capricorn, also known as the "Strawberry Moon." This full moon is a time when efforts in authority, organizations, and vertical connections come to fruition. It is a great opportunity to appreciate your efforts and challenges, and to reflect and make adjustments.
During the full moon in Capricorn, social aspects are highlighted, and many people find that their hard work in their job or organization is rewarded. Many also set new goals, leading to practical and dynamic challenges. In Western astrology, the planets move through the zodiac signs, influencing fate. The full moon in Capricorn, known for its clumsy traits, is a time to reassess feelings like "languishing" and "not wanting to work."
The era of "just doing what you're told" is over. We now need to find ways to use our creativity and skills effectively. The full moon is a time for "fruition" as well as "reflection and adjustment." It's important to use your true feelings, which may seem disconnected from social norms, effectively.
Here are some activities to try during this full moon: recall what you've achieved in the past six months, read books related to the challenges you're currently facing at work, take time to think deeply, and savor green tea.
The full moon in Capricorn will occur just after 10 AM on June 22nd. The June full moon is called the "Strawberry Moon" by Native Americans, named after the strawberry harvest season. The moon appears reddish at its rise due to its low position in the sky, similar to the red hue of the sunrise and sunset near the horizon during the summer solstice. This color gives rise to the belief that it is a "full moon that grants love." Luck moves with action, so taking this timing as a milestone to act courageously could be beneficial.
Akihabara was once known as the "town of otaku," but its landscape has been changing recently. One reason is the widespread availability of online shopping, making it unnecessary to visit Akihabara to get what you want. The decline of bishoujo games and the rise of smartphone games have also played a role. For instance, major doujinshi shops like "Toranoana" have closed, removing iconic otaku culture spots.
On the other hand, anime pilgrimage has become popular, with more otaku visiting specific locations related to their favorite works. An example is Numazu City in Shizuoka Prefecture, the setting for "Love Live! Sunshine!!". Additionally, voice actor and idol concerts are held in various places, increasing the number of locations where otaku can enjoy their interests.
Recently, the number of foreign tourists has increased, and Akihabara has become more of an inbound tourist town. While Japanese anime and manga are attractive to foreigners, some Japanese find it harder to shop due to the influx of tourists. There are also many concept cafes with aggressive soliciting, creating an atmosphere different from traditional otaku culture.
Akihabara has always been a town of continuous change, evolving from an electric town to a computer town, and then to an otaku town. The current changes can be seen as part of Akihabara's unique character.
The contemporary brand "COS" from London will launch a collaboration collection "COS × TABATA SHIBORI" with Kazuki Tabata, a shibori dye artisan based in Kyoto. This marks COS's first collaboration with Japanese traditional crafts.
Tabata, who founded "Tabata Shibori" at the age of 25, comes from a family with a father skilled in "Kyokanoko Shibori," a technique with over 50 methods. Originally working in the audio industry, Tabata was inspired to enter the shibori dye world after hearing about the decline of traditional industries from his father. Unlike "Kyokanoko Shibori," which is restricted to dyeing silk, "Tabata Shibori" has no material limitations and can dye wool and cotton.
The collaboration began when Karin from COS saw Tabata's Instagram and was captivated, leading to the project. Initially, Tabata thought the direct message from COS was spam, but an assistant recognized the brand, clearing up the misunderstanding and leading to the partnership.
The collection features items created using two techniques: "Yukibana Shibori" and "Tesuji Shibori." It includes a jacket and pants set with Tesuji Shibori patterns on translucent fabric, a maxi dress incorporating umbrella-like "Kasamaki Shibori" patterns, and a silk scarf with Yukibana Shibori designs, totaling 14 items for both women and men. Karin said, "Inspired by water, we aimed to create designs with fluidity. 'Tabata Shibori' perfectly matched our vision."
The traditional shibori dyeing industry in Japan faces a severe shortage of successors, with the youngest artisans, aside from the 44-year-old Tabata, being in their 70s. Tabata expressed gratitude to COS, stating, "It's challenging to convey the charm of shibori dyeing on my own, so I'm thankful to COS. I hope this collaboration sparks global interest in shibori." While no future collaborations with Japanese traditional crafts are planned, Karin expressed openness to more if another excellent opportunity arises.
NERO, a hairstylist and photographer who also handles commercial work for brands such as Supreme, Adidas, Nike, and Y3, is holding a solo exhibition at the concept store "UNDER R" in Shibuya, Tokyo.
After relocating from Japan to New York in 2014, he has been working as a hairstylist on advertisements and editorials. At the same time, as a personal project, he has been documenting his friends who visit his studio for haircuts through photography.
The current photo exhibition "YOUTH" focuses on this series of portraits. It considers people who live with intention as youth, displaying their portraits on 10.8×8.5cm Polaroid film. The collection of photos, featuring youths of various ages, professions, and backgrounds, seems to express the city of New York itself, which embraces diverse individuality.
The cup noodles "HIKAKIN PREMIUM Rich Miso Ramen" and the cup rice "HIKAKIN PREMIUM Rich Miso Rice," from the brand "HIKAKIN PREMIUM" launched by popular YouTuber HIKAKIN, have been restocked at 7-Eleven.
The sale began at 10 a.m. on May 30th, with long lines of people seeking to buy the Miso Kins at each store. However, resellers also targeted the product, leading to many instances of resale on various flea market websites.
This time, 7-Eleven released the "Miso Kin" and "Miso Kin Rice" in two batches, on the 25th and the 30th. During this second sale, a significant number of users were able to purchase the products, and related keywords like "Miso Kin Buy" and "Miso Kin GET" were trending on social media.
A "Sold Out" sign was posted 20 minutes after sales began.
News has arrived that the popular toy "Furby," first released in the late 1990s, is making a comeback. The new release is the first in 12 years, and despite it being 26 years since Furby first arrived in Japan in 1999, "Furby activities" are still thriving domestically. The new Furby is also selling out quickly abroad, causing a sudden Furby craze in the Reiwa era.
Furby first landed in Japan in 1999. It became a talking pet that people could talk to, stroke, and play with, gaining significant attention. In the first three years, it sold about 40 million units worldwide. In 2005, Furby 2 was released with a sleepier expression than the original and an enhanced "pseudo-conversation" feature that responded when spoken to. In 2012, Furby 3 was launched domestically, featuring LCD eyes that added more expressiveness. However, Furby remained silent for the next 12 years.
Yet, even 26 years after its debut and 12 years after the last release in 2012, Furby has quietly maintained its popularity. On Instagram, the hashtag "#Furby" has over 42,000 hits, showcasing Furbies captured in travel scenes and meals, dressed in original outfits, and even featured in fan art mimicking famous paintings. Additionally, tags like "#全ファ連リペア部" ("All Furby Repair Club"), "#全日本ファービー連盟" ("All Japan Furby Federation"), and "#全ファ連" ("All Furby Federation") have emerged on Twitter (now X). Around 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Furby enthusiasts initiated efforts to "rescue" Furbies in poor condition being sold at secondhand shops by sharing repair methods.
The new "Furby" and the approximately 5cm mini-sized "Furby Furbalets"
How is the Reiwa-era Furby different from the old models?
The Furby making a comeback this time not only speaks over 600 types of songs and words but also sings and dances. It features a sleep mode that lets out breathing and snoring sounds when laid on its back. Furthermore, the model released in Japan supports the Japanese language. Already released in August last year in Western countries, it has been selling out in various countries, not just the U.S., sparking a renewed Furby boom worldwide.
One notable difference in the new Furby compared to the old models is its significantly different facial design. Some users have commented that "the old ones were cuter."
Will the Furby, reborn after 12 years, surpass the popularity of the old models? Expectations are high for its future developments.
TAMIYA PLAMODEL FACTORY TOKYO, which just opened in Tokyo's Shimbashi on May 24.
With the concept "Tamiya’s NOW, all under one roof," it brings together the latest plastic models, Mini 4WD cars, RC cars, and craft series products, providing enriching experiences in "making things" and promoting "model culture" to the world as a flagship location.
1/1 scale "Mini 4WD Aero Avante.
As soon as you enter, you are greeted by the 1/1 scale "Mini 4WD Aero Avante." The life-sized Mini 4WD car, measuring 4.65 meters in length and 2.80 meters in width, makes a striking impression.
Inside the store, there are about 6,000 Tamiya products, including plastic models, Mini 4WD cars, RC cars, and parts, displayed on large shelves about 4 meters high and 100 meters long that zigzag throughout the interior.
At the back, there is an event space with a Mini 4WD track. Various events are planned, such as exhibitions of model works, competitions, and experience sessions for moving models like Mini 4WD cars and RC cars, as well as craft classes, workshops, seminars, and talk shows.
I also bought some souvenirs!!
TAMIYA PLAMODEL FACTORY TOKYO ដែលទើបតែបើកនៅ Shimbashi តូក្យូ កាលពីថ្ងៃទី 24 ខែឧសភា។
Research team to unearth a head of Deva statue in the excavation pit at Angkor Thom’s Victory Gate
The excavation team of APSARA National Authority, led by archaeologist On Sopheap, recently unearthed a head of a Deva statue at Angkor Thom’s Victory Gate.
The team had been conducting archaeological excavations at the Victory Gate for over two weeks to assess the structure of the foundation of the balustrades in preparation for a restoration project.
During the excavation, the team discovered a well-preserved head of a Deva statue buried in the foundation pit. Experts determined that the head belonged to the 23rd Deva from the front row and is made of sandstone, measuring 20 cm long, 11 cm wide, and 12 cm high.
Further excavation revealed that the foundations of the balustrades at the Victory Gate are still strong, as they had been repaired during the post-Angkor and French periods. However, stakeholders have suggested additional digging to assess the overall condition of the bridge and the previous repairs before planning future restoration work on the balustrade statues.
The discovery of the Deva statue head adds to the rich archaeological heritage of Angkor Thom and provides valuable insights into the history and craftsmanship of the ancient Khmer civilization. Apsara Authority
