niponica is a web magazine that introduces modern Japan to people all over the world.
2017 No.21
Japan’s Cutting-Edge Pop
ポップ POP ぽっぷ
The Place to Meet J-Pop Culture
Experience a blast of J-Pop culture
on that street in that city
It’s like a toy chest bursting with color—
Let’s have fun and open it !
KAWAII
A monster that swallows everything whole
KAWAII MONSTER CAFE HARAJUKU is a restaurant presenting Harajuku Kawaii culture to the world. When you walk in, the first thing you notice is SWEETS GO ROUND, a merry-go-round in the shape of a cake. “MONSTER GIRLS,” iconic Harajuku-styled young women, are happy to show you around. (Photo: Diamond Dining Co., Ltd.)
GRAFFITI
Street Art Bursting with Life
Tennozu Isle is a waterside area surrounded by canals. On Bond Street, a former warehouse district, you’ll be greeted by stylish pop street art painted as wall murals. (Photo: Ishihara Hideki)
OTAFUKU
Mythic Muse Bringing Good Fortune
At Park Hotel Tokyo, in Shiodome, the Artist in Hotel project presents an entire guest-
room decorated by an artist. (Photo: Park Hotel Tokyo © Artist Room Otafuku Face /
AKI KONDO)
ROBOTS
Shiny and Splendid Technology Entertainment
Robot Restaurant, in Shinjuku’s Kabukicho district, presents enjoyably innovative and state-of-the-art entertainment via an interesting collaboration of robots and humans. (Photo: Robot Restaurant)
KUSAMA YAYOI
Pop Art in the Wind
Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale is the region’s largest international art festival and is hosted there by Tokamachi City, Tsunan Town, Niigata Prefecture. Kusama’s Tsumari in Bloom is one of many sculptures on permanent display, her personal favorite of all the outdoor works by this artist greatly acclaimed in Japan and internationally. (Photo: Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale Executive Committee / photo by Osamu Nakamura)