Sundown Festival 2011
Singapore's Asian music festival returns for its third year 24 November, 2011 by Sho
In the past couple of years, the Sundown Festival have brought an assortment of popular Korean and Japanese artists over to Singapore. Acts primarily consisted of Korean boy and girl bands such as Brown Eyed Girl, Afterschool and FT Island, growing in 2010 to encompass Japanese visual-kei bands SuG and L.M.C..
The Sundown Festival 2011 returns this Saturday at Marina Promenade’s F-1 Pit, with similar performances from fast rising K-pop group Teen Top and visual-kei band ViViD. But the outdoor concert extravaganza also expands to Taiwan’s Mandopop scene with guests Show Luo, Zhang Yun Jing and Hebe Tien (of S.H.E. fame) being featured as this year’s top acts.
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Marimokkori
Hokkaido's less than subtle mascot 23 November, 2011 by Sho
Hokkaido’s mascot, Marimokkori is a play on the two words Marimo and Mokkori, the later of which is Japanese slang for erection. You’ll find this whimsical (to put it nicely) character for sale at almost all souvenir and gift shops from Hokkaido and as far as Tokyo. It’s apparently popular among kids too.
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Top 10 Japanese English
Words Japanese mistake for English 22 November, 2011 by Sho
While researching on wasei-eigo for a second, more interesting follow up to our popular Made In Japan English article, I came across this survey by search engine Goo where Japanese netizens answered what words they were previously most unaware of actually being Japanese Engrish.
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Sukajan
When cultures clash 21 November, 2011 by Sho
If you’ve ever been to any touristy area in Tokyo, or had the misfortune of watching either season of Majisuka Gakuen, then you would had probably have come across these jackets. Sukajan, an acronym for Yokosuka and Jumper refers to these snazzy jackets made popular by their badass appearance.
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Gunpla Expo World Tour
Gundam modelling event hits Singapore shores 16 November, 2011 by Mus
The Gundam Expo World Tour is here in Singapore. Held in Compass Point for the third year in a row, the expo serves to showcase the wonder of Gundam plastic modelling, or gunpla, as it is known in model enthusiast circles.
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AFA11 Anime Festival Asia Impressions
Singapore's largest anime convention returns for the 4th consecutive year 15 November, 2011 by Sho
Over the weekend, I had the chance to visit AFA11, the Anime Festival Asia 2011 held at the Suntec Convention Center. This is the fourth year running for Singapore and South East Asia’s largest anime related convention. Once again it attracted quite a crowd over the two days, some of whom had come down from neighboring countries specifically for the event. Impressions inside.
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Pop Rock Love Book Launch
A writer fulfilling her dreams 13 November, 2011 by Mus
Supermerlion attended the launch event for Pop Rock Love. In an event attended by friends and family (with a performance by a local band), we caught up with author Raine Koh. She spoke of her background as a writer, the book and future aspirations.
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Nabana no Sato Lights
Over 6.3 million LEDs light up the theme park this year 12 November, 2011 by Sho
Every year, the Nabana no Sato theme park in Kuwana, Mie is decorated with millions of sparkling LED lights during the Winter season. This year, the park outdoes its previous record with an amazing 6.3 million lights adorning the beautiful night time landscape.
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Tokyo Wonderground
An image change for the government owned subway 09 November, 2011 by Sho
Since its rebranding as Tokyo Metro back in 2004, the city’s metropolitan subway has made great attempts to improve the company’s previous, less than favorable image. Japan’s sweetheart Miyazaki Aoi graced the subway stations for the longest time as part of “Tokyo Heart” and the campaign was continued by Aragaki Yui up until not too long ago.
Since May this year though, Tokyo Metro has been running a brand new campaign titled “Tokyo Wonderground”. It’s a more energetic and uplifting facelift, featuring fashion model Anne commuting to the tune of Tokyo Jihen’s “Brand New Civilization”.
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See Singapore Pass
Now you can experience everything Singapore has to offer for less 08 November, 2011 by Sho
If you’ve been with us for a while, you would know about the discount offers available when traveling around Japan. I always wondered why there weren’t any similar free and easy plans for when Singapore. But there is now. With the new See Singapore Pass by iVenture, you’ll an immediate discount of over 40%. Best of all, it’s not limited to tourists.
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SUPER☆GiRLS
Avex's new attempt at engineered happiness might just work 07 November, 2011 by Sho
SUPER☆GiRLS (スーパーガールズ) look like they have everything it takes for success. This new large group of young, attractive members sing infectiously catchy pop tunes filled with Japanese English, all while decked out in cute plaid dresses that scream of innocence and youth. Sounds familiar?
Well, if Tokyo Girl’s Style were to be likened a revival on what Avex fans have grown to love, then SUPER☆GiRLS (which is often abridged to スパガ or “Supaga”) is a blatant effort by Avex Trax to cash in on the current idol fever sweeping across Japan. Watch out AKB48, here comes a new challenger.
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NuKME
Never leave your bed again 05 November, 2011 by Sho
Was doing some usual online shopping, when I came across this interesting find. NuKME seems to sell fleece blankets fitted with sleeves and made into a dress. But like other Japanese lifestyle products, it’s the manner in which it’s being marketed that is most amusing.
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Yokohama Port
Japan's largest port 04 November, 2011 by Sho
Yokohama served as the main port of Japan in the 1800s. Today it rivals Tokyo as the country’s largest city and retains its status as one of Japan’s main ports. Most of Yokohama’s port has been incorporated into an area known also as Minato Mirai 21. It’s a high tech urban center where skyscrapers, convention halls and shopping centers stand side by side with traces of the city’s heritage.
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Sea A
The first Singapore-Malaysian idol group to debut in Japan 31 October, 2011 by Sho
SEA☆A (pronounced Sea A) is a four girl idol group that debut in Japan earlier this year. It is notable for consisting mostly of members from Singapore. The group was born out of maids from the Moe Moe Kyun Maid Cafe, an annual makeshift cafe that operates out of the Anime Festival Asia.
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Tokyo Girls’ Style
Avex's new dance and vocal unit 29 October, 2011 by Sho
Tokyo Joshiryuu (東京女子流) aka Tokyo Girls’ Style is a 5 member “dance and vocal” group that debut last year. Produced by Avex Trax, the group is generally regarded as the second (or third) coming of SPEED. Following in the footsteps of their predecessors, Toko Girl’s Style churn out catchy, R&B inspired pop tunes and impactful dance moves, despite their young age.
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Heijo Palace
Recreating Japan's former capital 27 October, 2011 by Sho
The Heijo Palace is the site of the imperial throne back when Nara was the capital city in the 8th century. The original castle had been long destroyed. But recent efforts by the local government have been made to restored the site to its former glory.
The main building (pictured here) was completed and unveiled last year, as part of it’s 1300th year anniversary. The landmark is open to the public for free, for those interested in experiencing this bit of Nara’s cultural history.
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Evangelion Store
Official Evangelion life goods store opens next month! 26 October, 2011 by Sho
Spearheaded by Radio Eva, the cult classic anime Neon Genesis Evangelion has slowly evolved into a lifestyle brand in recent years. By collaborating with popular brands and designers, the Evangelion name has has grown beyond the usual gaudy merchandise featuring anime characters.
The enigmatic motifs used in their new products form a new branding, identifiable only by those in the loop. Having won over many new fans, this new identity has proven so successful that we will be seeing the first ever Evangelion Store Tokyo-01 open next month in Harajuku.
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Singapore Flyer
Singapore's rotating observatory 25 October, 2011 by Sho
As part of our ongoing efforts to write about attractions in Singapore, today we feature the Singapore Flyer. Built in 2008 and standing at 165 meters tall (approximately 42 floors high), the Singapore Flyer is currently the world’s tallest Ferris wheel. The wonder is located at Marina Promenade, reshaping the Central Business District skyline. Unsurprisingly, it’s one of the most immediately noticeable landmarks for those traveling to Singapore.
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DisneySea
The one place on earth you'll never get tired of. 22 October, 2011 by Sho
While it has been requested, I don’t think I’d ever be confident enough to write what I could consider a guide to DisneySea. Sure you could get the gist of the place with just a single visit, but it would take many days to explore every nook and cranny of Tokyo Disney Resort.
With the theme park popping up in more friends’ upcoming itineraries once again, I figured it was about time that we take a second, closer look at this magical land with some helpful tips to maximize your enjoyment at any Tokyo Disney Resort park. Warning, long read ahead.
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Woobbee
Have yours a woobbee time 21 October, 2011 by Yan
Another bubble tea post again? I have no excuse for delivering yet another drink post. But this time it’s a standalone shop located in Tanjong Pagar, yet another local entrepreneur setting up to join in the fierce bubble tea competition currently ongoing in Singapore.
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