We Held “Poached Egg” to Share Trending Topics Our Members Discovered!

Hello! I’m Okamoto, in charge of “Poached Egg” communications!

“Poached Egg” is a morning meeting where volunteer members from different departments and age groups gather to casually introduce and share anything—recent news, trends, notable PR and promotions, or personal interests.

Let’s introduce the topics we gathered this time!

“Kawaii Hijabi from Tokyo” – The World’s First Muslim Lolita Event Held at Halal Expo Japan 2017!!

http://www.halalmedia.jp/ja/archives/30289/new-kawaii-%E2%99%AA-muslim-x-lolita-event-kawaii-hijabi-collection%EF%BC%81/
Image source: HALAL MEDIA JAPAN

The world’s first Muslim × Lolita event “Kawaii Hijabi Collection” was held.
The hijab is a cloth used by Muslim women to cover their heads to conceal their skin. Recently, among young Muslim women, while the hijab is primarily rooted in faith, it has also become utilized as a fashion item. There are popular patterns and wrapping styles that follow trends, and makeup and clothing are coordinated to match the hijab—it has become indispensable to fashion.
Muslim fashion is attracting global attention, as seen when American apparel manufacturer GAP selected a Muslim woman wearing a hijab as a model for their new collection.
The event was organized based on commonalities between the hijab and Lolita fashion, which also avoids excessive exposure, and the fact that Indonesia, which has the world’s largest Muslim population, has many fans of Japanese pop culture, with Indonesians and Japanese sharing very similar sensibilities about what is considered cute.
It’s wonderful that Japanese culture is spreading globally by presenting this new worldview of Muslim × Lolita.

From Tochigi! Kanpyo Speaker “fucucchi”

http://www.sankeibiz.jp/business/news/171109/bsl1711090500002-n1.htm
Image source: Sankei Biz

“Sound Tech Takahashi Denki,” a car audio specialty store in Oyama City, Tochigi Prefecture, has developed the kanpyo speaker “fucucchi.”
This product is a speaker made from the yugao gourd, the raw material for kanpyo, a Tochigi Prefecture specialty.
The yugao gourd has originally been used in stringed instruments and is beloved worldwide for its characteristically beautiful resonance. The price is 160,000 to 230,000 yen (!), which is somewhat expensive for a speaker, but you can enjoy the high-quality, pleasant sound unique to natural materials.
Since each is handmade, no two are alike, and their mascot-like appearance is endearing, making them easy to grow attached to. Fucucchi also works well as an interior piece. If you’re interested, consider purchasing one.

FamilyMart to Expand into Coin Laundry Business!

http://www.itmedia.co.jp/business/articles/1711/24/news091.html
Image source: FamilyMart official website

Major convenience store chain FamilyMart announced its entry into the coin laundry business, generating buzz.
The first store is planned to open in the Kanto region by spring next year, with plans to expand to 500 stores by 2019! With the increase in dual-income households and the rise of tower condominiums where laundry cannot be hung out to dry, demand for coin laundries is growing.
Being able to wait comfortably for laundry to finish in an adjacent eat-in space is truly appreciated. Following the coin laundry business, FamilyMart also announced plans to expand into fitness gyms. Both will operate 24 hours a day. Following these two announcements, many internet users have expressed their expectations. Things are becoming increasingly convenient! We look forward to it!

Breaking Through with the Kimchi Song! Rising Singer-Songwriter Kana Adachi

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-zYDT3pQdU

Are you familiar with Kana Adachi, a current high school student singer-songwriter?
Her recognition among junior and senior high school girls in Shibuya is an astounding 80%!!
Having dreamed of becoming a singer since childhood, what catapulted her to fame was a 15-second song called “Kimchi ~How to Make a Smile~” that she posted on her Twitter. This became known as the “Kimchi Song” and went viral! She noticed by chance in daily life that saying the word “kimchi” raises the corners of the mouth. Thinking she could make everyone smile, this song was born.
She has also posted numerous other 15-second songs themed around things she feels in daily life, family, and friends. Kana Adachi made her major debut in August this year. Once you hear her adorable looks and crystal-clear beautiful singing voice, you’ll be drawn into her charm! We look forward to her future success.

Breaking Through on “America’s Got Talent”! Miraculous Voice! Grace VanderWaal

Next is Grace VanderWaal, a 13-year-old singer-songwriter born in America. She is a talented songstress who appeared on the popular audition show “America’s Got Talent,” which has produced numerous stars, and won at age 12. Her husky voice, unimaginable from her adorable appearance playing the ukulele, and her lyrics—all written by herself—have a depth that seems impossible for a 12-year-old to conceive and resonate deeply, attracting fans. She made her Japanese debut this year. She is expected to be “the next Taylor Swift”!

88-Year-Old Amateur Photographer Kimiko Nishimoto’s Selfies Are Too Funny!!

https://matomake.com/I0000850
Image source: Kimiko Nishimoto’s Facebook

Following young people’s achievements, here’s a grandmother attracting attention now! Kimiko Nishimoto, age 89, was captivated by the appeal of photography and started using a camera at age 72!
She became increasingly drawn to photography after visiting Yubijuku, a photography and graphics class led by her son, art director Kazutami Nishimoto. Surprisingly, she even handles editing work herself using Mac and Photoshop.
Nishimoto’s original and humorous photographs warm viewers’ hearts and became a topic online, leading to television appearances. Last year, she published her first photo book, “Hitorijanakayo.” She is expanding her activities. Starting November 15, her solo exhibition “Asobokane” will be held at Epson Imaging Gallery Epsite in Shinjuku, Tokyo. This exhibition will feature her representative self-portraits that went viral online, digital art works, and previously unreleased works, so if you’re interested, please visit.

So, how was that?
Look forward to next time!