“Under the Cedar Avenue” — Short MV (Second Release at Nikko Toshogu Shrine)

 The second short MV for my original track “Under the Cedar Avenue” is now available.

This new short piece features a quiet scene set at Nikko Toshogu Shrine,

offering a different atmosphere from the first release while keeping the calm spirit of the song.

Her deep crimson headband (autumn colors and Shinkyo Bridge),  

black‑and‑gold ribbon (Toshogu Shrine),  

green hair and tie (cedar leaves),  

and the small monkey motif inspired by Nikko  

all gently reflect elements of the region’s scenery and culture.

I hope this quiet moment will accompany someone softly.

More calm pieces inspired by the spirit of Nikko will follow.

Nikko Miku — Image Character for “Under the Cedar Avenue” Reflecting the Quiet Beauty of Nikko

 “Nikko Miku” is the image character created for my original song, “Under the Cedar Avenue.”

Her deep crimson headband is inspired by the autumn colors of Nikko and the vivid red of Shinkyo Bridge.

The black‑and‑gold ribbon quietly reflects the colors found in Nikko Toshogu Shrine.Her green hair and tie are designed after the leaves of the Nikko Cedar Avenue.

A small monkey motif is included as a gentle reference to animals closely associated with Nikko.

Through these elements, her design carries the calm atmosphere of places such as Nikko Cedar Avenue and Nikko Toshogu, blending the song’s world with the quiet cultural landscape of Nikko.

With artworks set in “Under the Cedar Avenue”, at Nikko Toshogu Shrine, and in other quiet places in Nikko, I hope to share both the spirit of the song and the gentle charm of Nikko’s scenery.

I will continue creating quiet pieces inspired by the calm spirit of Nikko.

“Under the Cedar Avenue” — A Quiet Short MV and a Gentle Tribute to Nikko Cedar Avenue

 I have released a quiet short MV titled “Under the Cedar Avenue.”

This piece is a small moment watched over by the world’s longest avenue of cedars,

known as the historic Nikko Cedar Avenue in Tochigi, Japan.

Through this MV, I hope to share a gentle glimpse of the calm beauty

that this ancient cedar avenue has carried for centuries.

If this short moment can inspire someone to discover or revisit Nikko Cedar Avenue,

that would make me very happy.

▼ Niconi Commons (Karaoke / Off‑Vocal Version　Music)

https://commons.nicovideo.jp/works/nc495189

▼ Ko‑fi (Support Page)

https://ko-fi.com/mikantomo

Thank you for spending a quiet moment with this work.

Kyoto Miku and the Taste of Uji Matcha Shaved Ice

In Japan, summer brings the refreshing delight of kakigori — shaved ice flavored with sweet syrups and traditional tastes.

Among them, Uji matcha stands out for its deep aroma and elegant bitterness, a flavor that embodies Kyoto’s refined tea culture.

In this illustration, Kyoto Miku enjoys a small glass of matcha shaved ice served in a parfait cup.

Her yukata features soft green tea leaf patterns, and the silver “01” embroidered on her obi glimmers gently under the warm lantern light. The scene captures a peaceful moment of summer — the harmony between tradition, sweetness, and the quiet beauty of Kyoto.

Ekiben Journey #9 – Tokai-ken’s Makunouchi Bento from Shizuoka

During my recent trip on the Tokaido Shinkansen, I stopped at Shizuoka Station and decided to buy an ekiben for the ride. I chose the Makunouchi Bento by Tokai-ken, a long‑established local maker known for shaping Shizuoka’s ekiben culture for more than a century.

The bento came in a colorful cover decorated with Shizuoka-related motifs, reflecting the region’s history and traditions. Inside, the classic assortment of rice, grilled fish, tamagoyaki, kamaboko, fried items, simmered vegetables, and pickles was beautifully arranged. I was especially delighted to find wasabi-zuke, a well-known specialty of Shizuoka that added a refreshing, sharp flavor to the meal.

I enjoyed the bento while riding the Shinkansen, and its nostalgic taste paired perfectly with the passing scenery. Eating this bento reminded me once again that ekiben is one of the true pleasures of traveling by train in Japan, enriching the journey in a uniquely cultural way.

Kyoto Miku – Evening Coolness in Summer Kyoto

Kyoto Miku enjoys the gentle coolness of a summer evening in Kyoto, a quiet tradition that has long offered relief after warm days.  

This year’s Kyoto summer was especially hot, making the soft breeze at dusk feel even more precious.  

In this calm moment, she reflects the beauty of slowing down and finding comfort in the fading light of the city.

Kyoto Miku dancing Bon Odori in Summer Light

Bon Odori is a traditional Japanese summer dance held to honor the spirits of ancestors.  

People gather under glowing lanterns, wearing colorful yukatas, and dance in gentle circles to the rhythm of taiko drums.  

It is a moment of joy, remembrance, and connection — a celebration of life and community.

Kyoto Miku is the guide to Kyoto and Japanese culture. In this illustration, Miku joins the Bon Odori festival in her blue yukata.  

Her smile shines softly beneath the lanterns, blending the warmth of summer with the quiet beauty of Kyoto’s night.  

The embroidered “01” on her obi glimmers like a memory carried through the dance.

May this gentle scene bring you a sense of peace and nostalgia for summer nights in Japan.