#Japan #Tokyo #MES #Laforet Harajuku #Love and Madness

Celebrating 4 Years of Love and Madness

From April 1 to April 30, 2023, Laforet Harajuku will celebrate the fourth anniversary of its self-edited section, the "Love and Madness Market". This special occasion will feature a variety of exciting initiatives that embody the theme of "returning to the roots".

On April 28, the actual anniversary date, a special announcement will be made to commemorate the establishment of the market. In collaboration with the creative virtual expression platform "MEs", visitors can enjoy a unique, immersive experience that bridges the gap between real and digital worlds. To express gratitude toward patrons, the market will also distribute special seeds to visitors, symbolizing the growth of creativity and passion in people.

Additionally, the Love and Madness Market will participate in the "40 DEGREES JAPAN" exhibition at the National Yoyogi Stadium on May 9 and 10, showcasing its distinct artistic perspective alongside popular creators.

This spring, new pop-up shops will join the celebration. One such shop, ALLEY TOKYO, will introduce limited-edition items that mark its first collaboration with the wildly popular Korean character "Nyan Nyan Monsters". Also, a joint pop-up store by MUGUET and Me roir will feature exclusive items that can only be experienced at Laforet.

Since its launch on April 28, 2022, the Love and Madness Market has embraced a no-genre, no-border philosophy, featuring talents, artwork, fashion, accessories, and more without limitations. The market has created opportunities for encounters between over 3,500 creators and customers, standing as a space where new talents can thrive and where shoppers can enjoy a vibrant shopping experience like no other.

The collaborative aspect of the fourth anniversary also includes a partnership with MEs, a platform designed for artists to share and visualize their thoughts and ideas in a 3D digital space. Through this collaboration, the Love and Madness Market world will be accessible both physically and virtually, featuring creators who will showcase concepts that cannot be expressed in reality. Attendees can experience a one-of-a-kind art experience that merges the physical and digital realms.

In an effort to give back to its community, the market will also offer gifts of basil seeds to visitors. This initiative symbolizes the nurturing of invisible talents, encouraging hopes for growth and creativity, mirroring the process of nurturing plants.

The statement from the market leadership expresses gratitude for four years of support, affirming their commitment to be a fertile ground where talents and passions continue to flourish. They aim to bring warmth, richness, and creativity to Harajuku while ensuring that the area remains a vibrant hub for unique expressions and creativity, overcoming any potential homogeneity in urban landscapes.

On April 18, a special event will occur—the 4th Anniversary Party and Creator's Day—where many creators will be present to celebrate. From 11:00 am to 4:00 pm, an open consultation will be held for creators interested in showcasing their work, followed by a celebration from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Everyone is welcome to join this free event to mark the occasion collaboratively.

The Love and Madness Market continues to actively engage with its creators and community, enhancing its role as a place where people meet, connect, and resonate with unseen talents while celebrating the beauty of creativity.

The anniversary will be marked as an essential moment for all those who believe in the transformative power of creativity and community, inspiring a kaleidoscope of imaginative endeavors that stay true to the spirit of Harajuku.

Join us in celebrating this remarkable milestone from April 1 to 30 at Laforet Harajuku, and let the Love and Madness Market enchant you with its multifaceted experiences.