Does anyone know what time it is? I surely do… it’s party time, my children of the night!

If you are planning to visit Tokyo, you should come in the last week of the month in order to attend Midnight Mess. It’s the longest-running Gothic/Industrial event in Tokyo, held at the conveniently-located Shinjuku Marz. Special guests and DJS have included Skinny Puppy, Covenant, and your beloved SiSEN. Don’t feel intimidated — as you can see in this video, everyone is very friendly and the staff speak English! For Midnight Mess photos, maps, directions etc, visit my Tokyo Goth Club Guide.

9.26 MIDNIGHT MESS – with special guest Spanking Machine
- Begins midnight on Sept 26, 2009 at Shinjuku Marz. 3000/3500/4000 yen (cheaper if dresscode/RSVP). See my Tokyo Goth Club Guide for map and details.
To see the back of the flyer, click here.

11.29 presale tickets for Das Ich/GOTHIKA (Germany) available in limited quantities for 4000yen on the 26th of September at Midnight Mess. Details at http://midnightmess.com

10.24 MIDNIGHT MESS – Nightmare before Halloween
- A costume contest, suspension show, photobooth, performance by Selia and more!
- I took the photo above of the Comte de Sang (these are outtakes from the Vampire Cafe chapter of my Theme Restaurants book).
- Begins midnight on Oct 24, 2009 at Shinjuku Marz. 4500/5000 yen (cheaper if dresscode/RSVP).See my Tokyo Goth Club Guide for map and details.

11.29 MIDNIGHT MESS – With Das Ich and GOTHIKA
- A bloody vampire ball – a Goth Industrial Electro fest with Dance Macabre Records! Tickets available at the 9.26 Midnight Mess; details at http://midnightmess.com
- Begins midnight on Nov 29, 2009 at Shinjuku Marz. 3000/3500/4000 yen (cheaper if dresscode/RSVP).See my Tokyo Goth Club Guide for map and details.

9.25 Darkest Labyrinth Sponsored Event
- Greek promoters Sakura Syndrome kick-start their 5th consecutive season with rare audio-visual material of the label’s artists, exclusive pre-release songs, as well as a Double Release Party! Listen to Suicide Ali’s brand new album “Dai Yon no Waltz” and GPKISM’s new single “Barathrum”!
- Friday, the 25th of September at Cofix (Lori Margariti 11). Begins 21:00. Entrance: 4€ (drink included). For more details, visit Sakura Syndrome’s site.

10.10 Jasmine You + CLJ Records free event
- In the light of the recent passing of Jasmine You, Sakura Syndrome is holding a mini-tribute to Versailles.
- Plus a CLJ record release party with special audio and video material of SCREW and -OZ-
- And as always, giveaways, costume contests and Visual Kei/J-rock, anime music videos…
- Saturday, the 10th of October at DaSein Arts and Spirits [Solomou 12, Plateia Eksarheion]. Begins 21:00. Entrance: FREE! For more details, visit Sakura Syndrome’s site.

10.3 Glitter Channel
- DJs SiSeN, Manik(HimemaniK), and Cold+Sleep are playing a wild cyber party on Oct 3 in the outskirts of Tokyo!
- Live acts include digital-techno BESPA☆KUMAMERO, cruel electronics Marlee, and skin-piercing analog SuperBossM10.
- Exhibits by Gothic Lolita/VK fashion and accessories labels Bitch Gold, product_c, Belial

Oct 3 at Hangar Hall in Yamanashi-ken, Nakakoma-gun, Showamachi, Kasai 622-1
TEL 055-267-9011, Open 18:30 / Start 19:00, 2000/2500 yen with ID, http://hangarhall.com/
(Thanks to Comte de Sang for the translation)

One, two, three… let’s go J-News! For real-time updates of J-pop/Lolita/kawaii/Visual Kei news, you’re welcome to friend me on Twitter. Whenever I receive nifty special news, invitations, discounts etc, I immediately send a Tweet. Here’s the latest buzz…

† 6% DOKIDOKI (the legendary decora and fairy kei shop in Harajuku, as seen in Fruits) is having a meet-n-greet fan night. Founder Sebastian Masuda will answer questions, and you can “Find out the secret of Sensational Kawaii!” The event takes place on Sept 5 from 7-8pm, in San Francisco’s just-opened New People World.

† How about treating yourself to a cute bento box for back-to-school? J-List recently listed an adorable polar bear face lunch box among other kawaii bento goods.

† And if you’re pining for a back-to-school outfit, come check out the designer/vintage clothes from Hong Kong and Japan that I’ve listed in my Online Garage Sale. Tons of cute accessories added.

† Video of a Japanese kitten with EYEBROWS! Enough said.

† A new obento iPhone app is on the market. It features cute sushi with happy faces. You can see more adorable food on my Cute Yummy Time blog.

† Did any of you make it to the Sweet Streets: Art inspired by Japanese street fashion exhibit? It runs until September 14 at Nucleus Gallery in LA. Click for more info and to bid on lovely Lolita paintings.

† Finally, M.A.C. cosmetics is releasing a Style Black Collection this month — which includes black lipstick and eye makeup. What do you think? Will you be buying it? You can see how I recreate the look with body tattoo and gloss in this post.

Coming up: I showcase Aromaleigh’s new Gothic Lolita Rococo makeup and will upload a new Death Cookbook episode. Please subscribe to my channel so you won’t miss it.

Did I leave out any exciting J-news? Comment below or Twitter me — I promise to write back.

Song of the Day #190: Sally Shapiro’s Swedish neo-Italo Disco has the admiration of the Committee (Carmina, Ronan, Basil Farrow). Heart producer Johan Agebjorn. He has Italo/ambient/synth songs and playlists for download on his website.

Good news, my darklings… Basil Farrow’s not going to starve, and the Tokyo pop culture shenanigans shall continue! I landed a very neat gig as a freelance contributor to CNNGo, a soon-to-be-launched Asia travel/lifestyle website.

† What? Lifestyle content and city guides for Tokyo, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Singapore, Bangkok, and Mumbai, all under the umbrella of CNN. I am writing five or more articles a week for the Explorations section, which is where you’ll land if you visit the site from anywhere other than the six above regions.

†Where? I can submit articles from anywhere in world (that’s the way a job should be!). They’ll appear on www.cnngo.com (the website is not yet up).

†When? CNNGo launches soon, in late September or early October!

How cool is CNNGo and why should you be excited? Because of…

† The subject: I get to pitch and write about the Asian pop culture oddities I adore. Such as Mr. Roboto chefs, pampered pets, overpriced fruit, cute characters, disturbing theme parks…

† The tone: It’s fun, witty writing – quite similar to my voice on this blog. No dry drivel.

† The team: My editor Chris Anderson is a blast to work with and hilarious on Skype which, in my books, counts for a lot. And the Tokyo writing team is a pack of all-stars: W. David Marx, Patrick Macias, Jean Snow, Matt Alt… yup.

† The utility: CNNGo is a resource you will come back to, especially if you live/travel in Asia. We’ll give you the scoop on the food/style/spa/nightlife gems that stud Asia’s metropolises.

I’m having super big fun with the work and the site design is great (and you know I’m picky). When CNNGo launches, I’ll post links to my articles on this blog so you won’t miss a thing. And no, of course this won’t cut into La Carmina’s daily updates. You know my OCD better than that.

I feel tremendously lucky to be able to write about my Asia pop culture fascinations for a cool site with a red-hot team. The photo above sums up the vibe: a maid café in Akihabara I shot for my Theme Restaurant book, with guests Tiffany Godoy (Tokyo fashion expert and author of Japanese Goth) and Nathan Reaven (head of HearJapan music label, which specializes in Visual Kei). May the adventures continue!

Everyone say this in a dramatic voice:
“In 2009 JAPAN will set its attention to the WORLD!
We proudly present this year’s Festival of Festivals!
In October 2009 more than 50 artists will participate
in the world’s largest visual-kei festival ever…V-ROCK!”

“For two days on four stages Makuhari Messe will be transformed into sacred ground.” This year, the performers include such Visual Rock gods as Versailles, D’espairs Ray, The GazettE, Moi dix Mois, PENICILLIN, D’espairs Ray, heidi., Vidoll, SuG, ALI PROJECT, TSUCHIYA ANNA… and Marilyn Manson? Whatever works!

Here is a 10 minute propaganda video that will get your blood flowing. Can you find Yukiro Dravarious among the interviewees?

And can you name the Visual Kei bands in all the photos? Fly over to my Visual Kei Male or She-Male guessing game for a hilarious challenge.

The V-Rock Visual Kei festival takes place October 24-25 at Chiba’s Makuhara Messe. A 1-day ticket is 12,000 JPY; a 2-day is 20,000 JPY (tax-included). For English info and a link to buy tickets, click here. Has anyone been to V-Rock before? Which bands would bring out your inner fangirl/boy?

Time for a long overdue round-up of Lolita/Visual Kei/J-pop news! If you want to receive J-news in real time, you’re welcome to follow me on Twitter. Whenever I receive press releases, store specials, invites etc, I immediately share the news on Twitter.

† Hello Kitty iPhone application launched! You can dress her in Gothic Lolita & Harajuku fashions, and there are more Sanrio wallpapers and skins on the way.

† Mana-sama is coming to Los Angeles! His Visual Kei project, Moi dix Mois, will perform at the July 2-5 Anime Expo at the LA Convention Center. Will any of you be there?

† Poketo, designer of cute limited-edition art products and accessories, is camping out at Royal/T Maid Cafe in LA from June 27 to July 18. You’re invited to the Pop-Up Shop opening and a Karaoke Dance Party on July 10.

† Japan’s three “cute ambassadors”, which you may remember from this post, are raising some eyebrows among Japanese Diet members. What do you think – could there be “unwarranted criticism against overseas tours by ‘pretty ambassadors’ wearing very short skirts”?

† Digital music label HearJapan now has over forty Visual Kei artists under its umbrella! These include Deathgaze, Dolly, Ghost, Otokage, Angelique, Hizaki’s solo project, Versailles…

† Japan & Anime event promoter Sakura Syndrome recently had two successful parties in Greece, and will be announcing more soon. Their featured band for June is DARKSIDE MIRRORS – check them out!

† Lady GaGa wears Sweet Lolita dresses while on tour in Japan. What do you think – does she pull it off? Video here.

Finally, here are some funny “only in Japan” tidbits that I found on the Net…

† How to hide from the Yakuza? By flipping your skirt over your head and laying your bag on the ground. The criminals will think you’re a vending machine and mistake your purse for a pothole!

† I wish I saw this in Tokyo… a takarazuka production of Phoenix Wright. Yes, the DS video game… with singing and dancing and an all-female cast! Check out the video; “character designs and characters and music and settings all faithfully reproduced… pretty spectacular” according to Ronan.

† Above: the Happy Phantom meets Lolita Princess Mihoko and Goth Princess Zoe. Featured films include: Satan’s Bed, Scare Their Pants Off, The Best of Burlesque! (all by ‘Something Weird Video’) and even The Beatles ‘HELP!’

† And finally, in La Carmina news… if it fancies you, my Theme Restaurants book can be pre-ordered online (it comes out in July). You’re welcome to browse my garage sale for neat clothes ($10-20). And I just got exciting news about a potential appearance… on a major TV show… with someone hardcore… cross your fingers for me!

Did I leave out any exciting J-news? Comment below or Twitter me – I promise to reply!

San Francisco was always a hub for Japanese culture, and it’s soon going to be top stop in America for Harajuku fashion. New People World is counting down the days to the August opening of its J-Pop Center: an ultra-mod 20,000 sq. foot complex in Japantown (1746 Post St.) That’s three stories and a basement dedicated to J-pop culture… including several Lolita boutiques!

† Basement: The 143-seat VIZ Cinema – with “high-definition digital projection and THX®-certified sound” – will broadcast the best of Japanese cinema. Expect anime, samurai dramas, J-horror…

† First floor: Dedicated to two of my favorite victuals: coffee (Blue Bottle, a local roaster) and bentos (Delica rf-1). I wonder if the bentos will be cute? (PS – you can now pre-order Cute Yummy Time!)

† Main floor: The New People signature shop delivers “all that is kawaii, fun, fabulous and bizarre.” Everything from music, toys, clothing, books, DVDs, and limited edition products.

† Second floor: THIS is what we’ve been waiting for. Get ready for the US flagship boutiques of Baby the Stars Shine Bright, Alice and the Pirates, Black Peace Now, and 6% Doki Doki! (You can see photos of all these stores in my shopping guide.)

† Third floor: Superfrog Gallery will exhibit fun, modern artists (soon to be announced). I hope it’ll be as fantastic as Royal/T in LA!

Seiji Horibuchi, head of VIZ Media and Pictures, spearheaded the J-Pop Center project. His vision: “to foster the appreciation, preservation and exposure of Japanese pop culture and to connect the public with its creators.” Investment to date: $15 million. A promising sign that the US interest in J-pop culture will continue to spawn…

Hot off the blogs! Get your J-news here!

† Robot runway model debuts at Japan Fashion Week. She won’t get out of bed for less than 10,000 volts… HRP-4C was designed to look like an average Japanese woman, but I think her silver-and-black body makes her look more like a Storm Trooper. Mrs. Roboto can walk, move her arms and make facial expressions such as anger and surprise – but she isn’t yet ready to do daily chores or carry out Japan’s secret plans to take over the world…

† Sakura Syndrome launches website and new Japan&Anime Party. DJs and organizers Somnium in Tenebris and Mona Risa jumpstarted the interest in Japanese pop culture in Greece with their J-music events. Their new site has concert reviews, recent press and more. Check out the details for the April 3rd party, which includes a cosplay contest!

† Mad Hatter party takes over Royal/T maid cafe in LA. LA Weekly reports on the Alice in Wonderland-themed soiree, which attracted both LA’s doll collectors and Lolitas.

† Japan Fashion Week opened last Monday; sadly, h.NAOTO and other Goth Loli designers won’t be on the runways this year. I continue to be intrigued by Ne-net, a young label that isn’t exactly wearable but strikes a chord with me nonetheless. Conehead hair, boxing gloves and champion belts, wrestler masks like the ones from Swimmer…

I posted photos of Ne-net’s store in Laforet here; you can view more Japan Fashion Week runway photos on the website. Which designers caught your attention?

Keep up the contest entries! You have a great chance of winning this time around; there are TWELVE generous Goth/Lolita prizes up for grabs (3 gift certificates from Gloomth, 9 makeup prizes from Aromaleigh!)

Song of the Day #76: Kaya – Chocolat

† † † † † † †
† HOW TO WIN
Each person can enter up to three times. You receive…
- 1 entry if you embed my new video in a blog post or forum, or link to it via Facebook, Twitter, Stumble or any other social network.
- 1 point if you promote the contest in a blog post or forum, or link to it via Facebook, Twitter, Stumble or any other social network. (You can promote it at the same time as the video.)
- 1 point if you comment here and tell me your favorite Gloomth/Aromaleigh product and why.

C-Scout Japan is an excellent source for news about “Cool Japan”, which is increasingly tied to Gothic Lolita Punk fashion. According to the site, FRUiTs has moved beyond the magazine to open a new retail space, FRUiTs MiX, in MaruiOne Shinjuku. Above are some photos from the recent re-opening of the seminal department store. C-Scout reports: “A number of locally influential Harajuku boutiques (like Faline and Dog) and vintage shops (Berberjin) are involved in the project. Street savvy designer Nozomi Ishiguro has also been tapped to create a limited edition line, Nozomi Ishiguro FRUiTS PUNCH, for the select shop.”

Whenever I visit MaruiOne, I’m only interested in floors 5 to 8 (which you can see in this post). Now that FRUiTS is part of the mix, I can’t wait to check out the second floor. How about you?

C-Scout also blogs that Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has named three kawaii models to be Pop Culture Ambassadors. These girls (Misako Aoki, Yu Kimura, and Shizuka Fujioka) will represent three style tribes (Lolita, gyaru, schoolgirl); they’ll travel the world promoting J-pop culture. “First stop: The upcoming Japan Fest in Bangkok, followed by a summertime stint at the Japan Expo in Paris.”

You may recognize Misako (far left) and Yu from the pages of Kera Magazine. Does this campaign seem forced, much like the Hangry & Angry girl group? Or will it promote a positive image of Japanese street fashion? Strange to think that the indie Nagomu Girls – precursors to today’s Lolitas – would one day be sponsored by the government…

When I started this blog in September 2007, there was nary a mention of Gothic Lolita in the news. Now, I can hardly keep up with the media mentions! It’s about time I started a new feature called J-News. Every so often, I’ll post a round-up of the latest stories about Japanese street fashion, Visual Kei, cute food, kawaii, and the various other J-pop schmatas, tsotchkes and chozzerai that clutter my head-space.

As always, I’m eager to hear what you think in the comments. I encourage you to post links to other news stories, videos, Etsy designers… the Godzilla continues to spawn!

† Baby, the Stars Shine Bright is opening its first retail store in San Francisco this spring. The store is looking for a general manager… click to see if you meet the qualifications! (A dream job – or just another retail position?)

† J Rock Revolution posted an interview with DJ Sisen. He says he used to dress all-black and in women’s clothing, but has now “taken those various influences and made it a cute and mysterious kind of look.” Sisen’s fashion advice? “It’s very important to have a good balance of color and to really express who you are 100%, It’s all about you so it can look a little confused sometimes but it’s about having an inner balance between you and what you’re wanting to express.” (Great interview – Sisen is too adorable for words.)

† LA Weekly writes about Kawaiiety Please, a fascinating noise artist who dresses in Lolita and is inspired by Malice Mizer in addition to Boredoms and Merzbow. “I think that maybe that clash between the Lolita aesthetic and the noise, that in itself is noise. I’ve had outfits before that were almost completely destroyed in a set.” (She wears Sweet Lolita with rainbow beads and police tape… thoughts?)

† Viz is promoting Missin’, a two-part novel from Novala Takemoto (author of Kamikaze Girls) at the NY Comic Con. “How far can you go to get what you want before you lose your mind?” This Gothic-tinged tale follows a young girl who has an overwhelming obsession with a pop star – an obsession that leads her down a dark path. (I haven’t read any of his works other than Kamikaze Girls; are they any good?)

† Japan Nite, a musical tour featuring thirteen Japanese artists, is hitting SXSW and other American cities from March 21-29. HearJapan.com is offering one track from six of these artists for free download until March 29; quaff, Dirty Old Men, Asakusa Jinta, THE EMERALDS, HONEY SAC, and OMODAKA.

† FIT curator Valerie Steele, who spearheaded the Gothic: Dark Glamour exhibit, is planning another show on Japanese fashion/visuals – including Hello Kitty – called Cute and Scary. “It’s the cuteness, but there’s something else that’s dark and edgy about her that’s appealing. There’s something just very mysterious.” (Intrigued? I am; I loved her last exhibition.)

† My upcoming recipe book Cute Yummy Time features adorable sushi such as the Obama one posted on Gawker! “Obama’s skin is made out of ami (little shrimp) boiled in soy sauce, his hair is made out of black sesame seeds, and his teeth are made from fish paste.” (Too cute to eat?)