Latest news with #KenMatsudaira
Japan Forward
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Japan Forward
A Retro Wonderland Where Showa Japan Comes to Life
このページを 日本語 で読む In recent years, "Showa retro," a wave of nostalgia for Japan's Showa era (1926–1989), has surged in popularity among the country's younger generations. Interestingly, many of those embracing the trend weren't even born yet. The park's "Sunset Hill Shopping Street" bustling with visitors of all ages. This fascination has sparked renewed interest in Showa-era establishments, such as retro coffee shops that evoke the atmosphere of decades past. A new event called "Everyone March!" at the Seibuen Amusement Park. One particularly popular destination is Seibuen Amusement Park in Tokorozawa, Saitama Prefecture. In May 2021, the park underwent a major renovation, with its centerpiece being Sunset Hill Shopping Street — a 150-meter-long (about 492 ft) recreation of a typical Showa-era townscape. "Sunset Hill Shopping Street" at Seibuen Amusement Park in October 2023. Characters like police officers and shop girls bring the nostalgic charm of the Showa era to life. The street comes alive with various events, both large and small, hosted by performers dressed in Showa-style costumes. Among the most beloved is the "Boogie-Woogie Festival," where visitors are invited to sing and dance alongside the entertainers. Visitors join in with the "residents" in song and dance. On April 26, the park launched a special celebration: the Grand Showa 100 Festival, commemorating both the park's 75th anniversary and the 100th year since the beginning of the Showa era. The opening day drew significant attention, highlighted by a guest appearance from singer and actor Ken Matsudaira. Actor Ken Matsudaira (center top) appeared at the "Golden Matsuken Festival" held at Seibuen Amusement Park on April 26. Sunset Hill Shopping Street is alive with nostalgia, drawing both older visitors and curious younger guests during the Showa centennial celebration. "Residents" lead the audience toward the stage. Author: Takumi Kamoshida, The Sankei Shimbun このページを 日本語 で読む
The Mainichi
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Mainichi
In Photos: Theme park immerses in Showa retro during Japan's Golden Week holidays
Image 1 of 15 Japanese entertainer Ken Matsudaira, top center, performs his song "Matsuken Samba II" wearing a gold outfit at the "Golden Matsuken Matsuri (Samba)" event at Seibuen Amusement Park in Tokorozawa, Saitama Prefecture, on April 26, 2025. (Mainichi/Koichiro Tezuka)
The Mainichi
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Mainichi
Entertainer Ken Matsudaira samba dances to celebrate Showa era at Tokyo-area amusement park
TOKOROZAWA, Saitama -- A glittering samba event recently kicked off the Golden Week holiday season at the Seibuen Amusement Park in this city just northwest of Tokyo in a tribute to Japan's Showa era, which lasted from 1926 to 1989. The "Golden Matsuken Matsuri (Samba)" was held April 26 as part of the "Showa 100-nen Daisaiten" grand festival, celebrating the 100th anniversary of the beginning of the Showa era, at the theme park's Yuhino-oka Shopping Street -- immersed in the "Showa retro" aesthetic. The dance event featured 71-year-old actor and musician Ken Matsudaira, known by the nickname Matsuken, in a luminous golden outfit. As gold-colored confetti fluttered through the air, Matsudaira and the performers danced to the rhythm of his 2004 hit "Matsuken Samba II," filling the shopping street with excitement and cheers from the crowd. After the event, Matsudaira commented, "It was my first performance at an amusement park. I was moved by how enthusiastic the visitors were. If I stay healthy, I want to continue singing until I am 80." Various Showa-themed events will be held at the theme park in Tokorozawa, Saitama Prefecture, during the Golden Week holidays through May 6, including the "Showa-priced grand sale" which allows shopping at 1960s prices, the "Showa 100-year grand fireworks" and the participatory show "Golden Boogie-Woogie festival." (Japanese original by Koichiro Tezuka, Photo Group)
