Kyoto pop icon Asachill

Some of our long-term grape Japan readers may recall model, singer, artist, Harajuku fashion leader and Kyoto pop icon Asachill. We first met her in 2017 when she led us on a tour of her native Pontocho, the charming traditional Kyoto neighborhood and its main cobblestone street studded with restaurants, taverns, and pubs which sparkle like gems in the night.

We interviewed her shortly afterward to learn about her upbringing in Kyoto, her development as a singer and the range of activities she was already involved in.

After she moved to Tokyo, she blossomed as a Harajuku fashion leader, a position symbolized by her influence as one of icon girls of the now-defunct KAWAII MONSTER CAFE. She has also branched out, creating ChillArt, her own brand of illustration and mixed-media works, she released her photo album POPN MONSTER SINGER "ASACHILL" last year, and will have a role in the upcoming MAD CATS the Movie.

Her latest project is one which is very dear to her, as it brings together artists from the Kyoto and Shibuya art scene together in a special exhibition.

Asachill presents SHIBUYAGION - Group Exhibition

SHIBUYAGION will be held from March 27th to April 4, at y gion, a "creative building" in Kyoto's historic Gion neighborhood. Showcasing a mixture of Shibuya-based and Kyoto-based artists, the exhibition will let you experience the art culture of the two cities, Tokyo and Kyoto.

• Name: Asachill presents SHIBUYAGION - Group Exhibition
• When: March 27th to April 4th, 2021
• Hours: 14:00 to 22:00
• Where: 4F, y gion
• Address: 京都市東山区弁財天町 19 | 19 Benzaitenchō Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto
• Access: 3 min. walk from Gion-Shijō Sta. and Sanjō Sta.

---

Featured Artists

Asachill

Links: Twitter (Global), Twitter, TikTok, YouTube, Asachill IG, Chill Art IG

Mako Watanabe 渡辺真子 a.k.a. Mako Principal

Links: Website, Twitter, IG

PAC CAT

Links: Twitter, IG

Jaako Motoie (ヤーコ・モトイエ)

Links: Instagram

まち針 machi bari

Links: Instagram

---

SHIBUYAGION Opening Reception and Party

• Where: y gion
• Date: March 27th (Sat.), 2021
• Time: 16:00 - 21:00
• Admission: 1,000 JPY

You can enjoy a mini live performance by Asachill and Makopuri, with DJs yanyan and grow spinning, while sipping on drinks served by bartender KAB from Brooklyn Night Bazaar, Kyoto's most popular spot right now. There will also be a nail booth by 56nail.

---

SHIBUYAGION Closing Party

• Where: y gion
• Date: April 3rd (Sat.), 2021
• Time: 16:00 -
• Last order: Alc. drinks 20:00, Soft drinks 21:00
• Admission: 1,000 JPY

At the closing party, you'll enjoy music by DJs MAMEZUKA, ZEN and Crux a.k.a. Muuta, an acoustic performance by iqu, and food provided by タンポポ Tampopo, a famous ramen shop with a 70-year history in Kyoto.