Episode List

Digital artist, Yusuke Shigeta is taking us to the Yokosuka art museum in Kanagawa prefecture. An exhibition was held during the 2014 summer holidays called "KiRaKiRa ZaWaZaWa HaRaHaRa" where parents could enjoy art with their children. It showcased Yusuke Shigeta's art pieces and four other contemporary artists' work. Yusuke Shigeta is originally a video creator who makes animation and computer graphics. His work is a video installation that uses the whole space of a room. The video is a pixel animation displayed from a projector set on the ceiling. This animation, "Gaso no Mori" (Pixel Forest) is inspired by ten fairytales that you can see by holding a white book opened while wandering in the room. His other art piece is called "Gaso Sansui" (Pixel Scenery) and is inspired by the series of paintings of Ogawa Usen, "Shunkashuutou".

The tea ceremony master, Soryo Matsumura is taking us to the Sankeien Garden in Yokohama, and to his own teahouse "Shuhally". The Sankeien Garden(三渓園) is an artificial garden built about 100 years ago by Hara Sankei. In this episode, we discover the Rinshunkaku built by the shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu's son about 350 years ago and other traditional Japanese teahouses such as Kinmokutsu and Shunsoro. Soryo Matsumura also invites us to his teahouse "Shuhally" situated at the 5th floor of a regular condominium in Yokohama.

Michihito Fujii, a film director from Babel Label is taking us to the Akagi Shrine which is one of the most elevated spots in Kagurazaka. Kagurazaka is a very inspiring city for artists and has an atmosphere very similar to Kyoto. The Akagi shrine is a very elegant shrine with walls made of glass that has been rebuilt recently. Flea markets or second-hand markets are held on weekends at the Akagi shrine. Michihito Fujii also invites us to the Babel Bar in Shinjuku, next to the Shinjuku Gyoen park. The Babel Bar has been created by the Babel Label production company, so that creators can gather and talk about cinema.

The designer Hima Kawagoe's brand called "Seitekisatui" (Sex and Death) is showcased at the department store PARCO at Shibuya during the Shibukaru Festival that is featuring female creators. Hima Kawagoe shows us her bestseller "Memeo", an accessory in the shape of an eye with false lashes that has been reblogged over 9000 times on tumblr. Hima Kawagoe also shows us a shop called GYFT that is showcasing some of her creations during the Shibukaru Festival. Then, Hima Kawagoe invites us to her home that she also uses as her atelier. Originally, Hima Kawagoe is an illustrator, but "Memeo" became so famous on tumblr that she decided to make it an accessory. Hima Kawagoe also has her own indie label.

Motohiro Inaba and Rio Asano take us to the publishing house “Cotonoha” situated in the sweet and retro neighborhood of Nagahara. “Machi no Techo Ikegami-sen” is a magazine published by “Cotonoha”. Ikegami line is a railway line that runs through Tokyo from Gotanda to Kamata on the south side of Tokyo. “Machi no Techo Ikegami-sen” is a magazine that introduces culture and shops around the Ikegami line. It featured the Japanese sweets shop “Wagashi Asobi” in one of their publications. The particularity of the Ikegami railway train is that contrary to most of Tokyo’s trains that are long, it’s relatively small as it’s a 3-car train. “Machi no Techo Ikegami-sen” is a magazine that talks about the neighborhood’s history. The Shochiku movie studios were once located in Kamata (end of Ikegami line) where directors such as Ozu Yasujiro used to shoot. This magazine is sold in shops, bars, and book shops along the train tracks and on “Cotonoha’s website”. Then, Motohiro Inaba and Rio Asano invite us to their atelier “Wagashi Asobi”. They make two types of sweets: the dry fruit yokan and the herb-aroma rakugan.

Professor Sakamoto is a composer who has the perfect pitch in his ear. He plays video game musics with a Nintendo console strapped to his head where he inserts cartridges. He also composes original songs in the chiptune or chip sound style. Besides Japan, he recently performed in France at the Japan Expo or also in Sweden and London. Today, Professor Sakamoto invites us to the "Ninety" bar situated at Akebonobashi, two stations away from Shinjuku station. This game bar is situated right next to his music label company, "Lastrum". People can gather at "Ninety" to play games while having a drink. They can even bring their own game consoles such as PS Vita or 3DS. You will find a lot of old games, manga, anime, cards and board games. The decoration of this bar is composed of rare Famicom games and antique consoles. It is the perfect place for people who love games, and want to have fun while eating and drinking.

Kyoka is a musician who creates electronic music. She uses bass and high-pitched sounds in order to bring out the basses. She also creates works using light, reflections and colors where she tries to express the same emotions as with music. Every year, the ICC is hosting the OPEN SPACE exhibition. Today we are going to the 2014 edition. The ICC art center is a place specialized in what we call "multimedia arts". It is a place exhibiting art, but also all kind of technologies that are featured in modern art. ICC's goal is to globally show the relationship between art and technology. In this episode, Kyoka and Mr. Hatanaka, the chief curator at the ICC center are showing us several installations. The first installation is a setting called "video synthesiser" and was created in the 70s by Abe Shuya, the engineer who was working together Nam Jun Paik as part of his research in video art. Three oscilloscopes are connected to the synthesiser in order to interfere with the video signal and obtain multiple patterns and modifications. It is the same type of process as the one used in electronic music, but applied to video. The second installation introduced in this episode is the work of Shimizu Jio. It uses lasers' relflections on water. The third work is called "The Immortal", created by Cohen and Van Balen, two artists active in the United Kingdom. It is a visual and sound installation featuring a series of organ replacement machines. The fourth work we introduce is called "Cube". When we alter the shape of a cube on a computer, it can be done in the blink of an eye. This installation shows how it is done in the real world. Don't hesitate to go take a look at the ICC Art Center!

Today, Arisa Katayama the leader of the "Walking Bicycle" project is taking us to her favorite cafe "Hanabi" situated in Nakameguro. Riding the Walking Bicycle, a new vehicle which mixes the stepping movement with an electric bicycle, she will guide us in the hip area of Nakameguro. Located on the Meguro river bank, "Hanabi" is a polyvalent place to chill out and can be used as a cafe, a restaurant, or a bar. The cafe "Hanabi" is very convenient because it's a place where you can leave your bike in front of the store and come with your dog, which is really rare to find in Tokyo. In summertime, there is also a patio decorated in a Japanese manner. It's a place where you can come and enjoy spending time with your dog, or with your family and friends. Arisa Katayama used to live for a long time in the United States, so she likes to go to Japanese style cafes where she can drink genmaicha or green tea. "Hanabi" also offers a wide array of Japanese dishes and desserts as well as drinks like craft beers or Japanese alcohols in the izakaya and space in the back of the shop. The Walking Bicycle project started in 2009 and was initiated by a 70 years-old car parts company located in Okayama. Its engineering team wanted to create a vehicle simply based on the concept of walking. They also wanted to have all parts "Made in Japan". The walking bicycle is a three-wheeled vehicle so it is very stable and there aren't any balance problems. An electric assist helps you to climb the hills without any trouble. Many prototypes were made and many famous designers worked on this project. Be sure to go to Nakameguro when you visit Japan!

Today, Riyoo Kim, a ceramic artist is taking us to "Spiral", a multi-purpose cultural center situated in Omotesando, where he is helding an exhibition. Various exhibitions, salons and other contemporary art projects are held there. Riyoo Kim studied ceramics of the Jomon and Yayoi eras. What is fascinating about ceramics is that it can last for more than fifteen thousand years if buried. What has been made by the hands of humans who lived fifteen thousand years ago still remains today. Riyoo Kim would also like to leave a message to future generations, using ceramics. In this episode, is introducing to us the "Arts Of Jomon" exhibition. The Jomon era is the starting point of Japanese antic culture. It span is over ten thousand years, with no wars or human disasters. The era is famous for its Jomon ceramics which characteristic is the use spiral shapes. Riyoo Kim is presenting his work but also other artist's work, such as Takeya Takayuki's, a figurine sculptor. Takeya Takayuki created a Dogū clay figure with eyes shaped like googles. He is also introducing us to the work of Mr. Ifūrai, a reknown ceramist. We are also discovering the Spiral shop with Riyoo Kim where the item selection is all under the theme of "intemporal design". You can appreciate various aspects of Japanese craftsmanship. It is the perfect place for visitors to find a nice souvenir. In the Spiral center, there is a cafe and a mezzanine floor where you can relax while admiring the view over Omotesando.

In this episode, Fuyuki Kanai, an illustrator is introducing us to PARK SHOP and GALLERY located in Hirai, in the Edogawa ward. He is holding an exhibition called "PARCHIVE" that is commemorating the opening of the gallery. Hirai is an old school neighbourhood that doesn't benefit much from the latest policies in urbanism. However, it is this kind of places that young people choose to open cafes or galleries. This new movement is very interesting and PARK is part of it. The PARK SHOP and GALLERY is very close to the station, about one-minute walk and opened in January 2015. It takes its name from the small park across the street. Both share the purpose of bringing people together. His goal is to create a place where art, culture could mix with the life of the neighbourhood. The exhibition space is in the back. Artists exposing are also making clothes that you can find in the PARK SHOP. Inside the gallery, there are also books, second-hand clothes, and a place where you can quietly read while drinking free coffee. Edogawa is a very traditional area and even though the Tokyo Sky Tree tower is located right next to it, tourism hasn't developed in the area. Fuyuki Kanai finds it interesting to have this new form of culture mixed with the old-style neighbourhoods. He exhibits his work in various places and also publishes a lot of comics. He studied Cinema at university and also did some theater. He did all kind of things but decided to go back to what he loves, drawing. Since Fuyuki did some theater he is sometimes doing dance performances as a hobby.

Today the cookie artist Ayaka Matsuno is taking us to a Korean restaurant called "Pungumu" situated in Shin-Okubo, close to Shinjuku. Shin-Okubo is known as the Korean district. There you can find K-pop and beauty products, and also Korean restaurants. The restaurant Ayaka Matsuno is introducing us is specialised in Samgyeopsal, a Korean dish using grilled meat. The Samgyeopsal is prepared using a hot plate that is placed diagonally in order to dispose of the fat. After grilling the meat, we roll it in lettuce leaves and we add spices and other toppings. As a K-pop fan, Ayaka Matsuno likes to eat at "Pungumu" with her friends, discuss about K-pop bands while eating Korean food. Then, Ayaka will show us how to make cute cookies decorated with sugar icing. For this special occasion, she will feature the show's characters. She uses powdered sugar, egg white and food coloring. Ayaka Matsuno first started making this kind of cookies when one of her friend asked her to make original dishes for an opening event gathering creators. She likes strong visual and that's how she likes to express herself, through cooking and food.

Today the comic duo "Montblancs" is taking us to a neko cafe in Ebisu called "Nyafe Melange" and to "Theater D", a live house where they usually perform. Montblancs (モンブランズ) is a duo composed of Daisuke Kita and Kazutaka Aizawa. They perform on Japanese television, events, live house. The place Montblancs wants to introduce is a very popular place among Japanese people and foreigners: the Neko cafe (cat cafe). It is a place where you can drink coffee while playing with cats. At Nyafe Melange, there is over 20 cats, food and drinks. Then Montblancs introduces us to "Theater D" situated in Shibuya. It is a small live house that can welcome up to 80 people. Every comedian who aspire to become famous perform at "Theater D".

Today Take0920you, a video game streamer on Youtube, is taking us to Akihabara, to the Kanda Myojin Shrine and to the retro game shop "Friends"! The video game streaming culture is growing more and more in Japan and Take has been streaming for 4 years now on many games but mostly on Minecraft. Take is taking us to Akihabara, known as the electric town, where you can find a lot of video games shops. The first place Take wants to introduce is a shrine situated at 5 minutes walk from Akihabara's station, called the Kanda Myojin Shrine. The Kanda Myojin Shrine is famous for people seeking good fortune in business and trade. You will find the ema wooden plates, that are ex-votos on which people write a wish they would like to see come true. As the shrine is situated close to Akihabara, a lot of these plates are decorated with animation character portraits. The second place Take is introducing us is a retro game shop called "Friends" which is a famous store, quite hidden in Akihabara. You will find Game Boy games, Famicom games, Game Gear games but also very recent games as well. Take is looking for a retro game called "Spelunker" known to be one of the hardest game.

Today the photographer Rui Hashimoto is taking us to the Le Déco gallery in Shibuya, where he is holding every year the SOUND SHOOTER exhibition. The Le Déco gallery is on the opposite side of Shibuya's popular locations, such as Center Gai, Udagawacho or Harajuku. With the upcoming Olympics in 2020, this area is being entirely renewed. The building of Le Déco gallery was made at the time of the 1964 Olympics, and it is quite rare in Japan to have one gallery take up a whole building, from ground to the fifth floor. On one floor he is exhibiting landscape photos taken on film. Pictures Rui Hashimoto took when he was travelling a lot for about 6 years, in Europe, America, in places such as Germany, Belgium, France, the Netherlands, but also London or New York. When travelling he used to walk around town about eight hours a day, taking pictures in the streets. During that time, he often listened to the tracks the singer of the band "Straightener", Horie composed for Ent, his solo project. The style is oriented towards folk electronica. When he released his collection of pictures, Rui Hashimoto asked Horie to compose an original soundtrack and also to choose the title of the book : Journey in January The second floor of the SOUND SHOOTER exhibition has all its walls painted in black, which is rare in Japan, to give it the atmosphere of a live house. He is the official photographer of bands such as 9mm Parabellum Bullet, The Black Horn, Straightener, The Bawdies or One Ok Rock, The Hiatus and Nothing's carved in stone.

Today the singer and cosplayer Umikun will be showing us the cosplay event acosta! at Ikebukuro. The organiser of the acosta! event is a company (Acosta) that rent studio to cosplayer who take their pictures there. Everything that a cosplayer is looking for can be found at this event! The event has a reception, cloakrooms where cosplayers can change into their favorite character's clothes, various backgrounds to take pictures, and goods stores. There are plenty of settings that recreate various anime's world. In Japanese anime, there are lot of stories centered around school life or extra-curricular activities, so you can find a grass area that looks like a sport court. There are also classroom setting, costumes and weapons that can be rented at the event as well. You will also find beauty products such as foundation, designed especially for cosplayers. The best part of the event is being able to cosplay outside. As the city supports the event, you can walk freely around the streets of Ikebukuro and there are a lot of stores, restaurants, karaokes, game centers or even aquarium where you can go dressed as your favorite anime character. Cosplay lovers gather at this event to share their passion, meet new friends, and take a lot of pictures.

Today the twin sisters Ema and Eri Tanioku, Harajuku tourism ambasadors introduce us to the not so well known Harajuku, called Ura-Harajuku. First we will visit the cafe Natural Stance, where they usually go after their shopping. For the lunch menu, you can choose 3 delis, and you also get a salad and a soup for 980 yen. They also come sometimes to eat some desserts. There is also brown rice with the menu, which is really healthy. Ema and Eri travel a lot, especially around Asia to promote Harajuku. Harajuku is well known for its famous street, Takeshita-dori, but Ema and Eri want to show that there are plenty of other charming cafes and shops to visit in Harajuku besides Takeshita-dori. The second place we are visiting with Ema and Eri is a second hand shop situated at 1 minute walk away from the Natural Stance cafe. They often shop at HUG because they like the natural style of the shop, and they also love their customised clothes.

In this episode, a Japanese animation legend, Shichiro Kobayashi who worked on more than a hundred animes as an art director and production designer is taking us to Akiruno-shi, situated at one hour from Tokyo. We will first take a walk along the Akigawa river, and then we will go to Shichiro Kobayashi's atelier where he keeps all his amazing illustrations and paintings. Higashi-Akiruno represents very well the charming japanese countryside. Along the Akigawa river, you will find nature and peace. When he was a child, Shichiro Kobayashi use to look at the river for hours imagining all sorts of things. This is simply where all its creativity comes from: Nature. While sketching, he tells us about his childhood and his passion of drawing that became a career at the age of 30 when color television was taking its first steps. Then, Shichiro Kobayashi takes us to his atelier where he lets its creativity express itself on the paper. For forty years, he worked on famous anime such as Nobody's boy: Remi, Gamba no Boken, Treasure island, Aim for the Ace!, Cobra, Angel's Egg, Berserk, Revolutionary Girl Utena, Ashita no Joe, Nodame Cantabile, and many more.

In today's episode, we will meet Showta Mori, a crazy inventor from Japan who also work as a film director Showta Mori will take us to Asakusa where we'll take a ride on a boat and then he will introduce us the Hama-Rikyu garden. From the Tokyo Cruise boat embarking point, you can go directly to the Hama-Rikyu garden. There are a some famous spots such as the Azuma bridge, but also the Asahi Beer buildings and the Tokyo Sky Tree. At the Tokyo Cruise, you can ride the boats that were drawn by Matsumoto Leiji, famous creator of anime and manga series. But thoses boats are not running today so we will be riding a regular boat. While riding the boat, he will show us some of his creations, such as his well-known iPhone Quick Draw System. Showta Mori was originally doing theater acting, and then started to get noticed on Youtube after uploading videos of his iPhone Deployer, and event started to get work offers from big companies.

In today’s episode, we will meet the whole crew of TEMPURA KIDZ, a pop dance group in Japan’s fashion mecca Harajuku. The young and cheerful members of TEMPURA KIDZ will take us to the shop SPINNS, then to the karaoke box located inside the information corner « Moshi Moshi Box ». SPINNS is one of the most emblematic fashion shop chain from Harajuku, with one shop located in the famous street « Takeshita-dōri ». SPINNS offers a mix of original items and vintage clothes at a very low price, thus being very popular among Japanese teenagers who follow the trends of Harajuku fashion. Then TEMPURA KIDZ will introduce the karaoke located in the tourist information center Moshi Moshi Box. This karaoke box can be used for free, offers explanations in many languages and has been designed by Harajuku sensation art director Sebastian Masuda. TEMPURA KIDZ began their career as child back dancers for the famous singer Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, before forming their own unit upon entering junior high-school. Mixing dance and pop music, they often participate in live events in Japan and Asian countries. In 2015, they will perform outside Asia for the first time, with a live performance in France in October.

In today’s episode, Paranel, an artist and musician will be taking us to visit his friend at animation studio 4℃, in Kichijoji and to the office of his record label. Ten years ago, Paranel created, his own record label, LOW HIGH WHO?. It is one of Japan's first label to offer music in the free download format. At first, the label was doing mostly hip-hop music, one of their artist being Fukashigi / wonderboy who is mixing poetry with rap. Paranel is describing his label as some kind of school for young artists who are starting a career in music, as most of them sign with major labels at some point. He takes care of the office work, the website, the video production and the music composition. He also does sound mixing and CD cover design. LOW HIGH WHO? is interested in music but also in art and culture in general. Paranel has composed the music of a short animation produced at the animation studio 4℃ named Tuzki: Love Assassin. He will be visiting his friends, Hirano Kotaro, CGI director of Tuzki, who works also on movies like Berserk or the upcoming Harmony. The short animation is cool and stylish and was even broadcasted on Time Square's big screen in New York City. The 4℃ studio has also produced anime such as Berserk or Harmony that will be released in November.