Last Friday, February 26th was the official JPy Magazine press conference featuring their new team of models to lead the “Kawaii (cute)” movement in LA. The event also partnered up with the wireless company KDDI and their newest spokesmodel Ai Kago formerly from the famous Japanese idol group Morning Musume.
For those of you who are unaware, JPy Magazine is a widely popular lifestyle magazine for youth to young adult Japanese readers and even non-Japanese readers who are simply interested in the culture and fashion of Japan. The magazine is a mega publication in that it not only is available in print, but on the web and also features a flea market and blogging community all for FREE. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve read my share of “free” magazines and newspapers in the past, but the quality of JPy – both in content and presentation – is up to par with the American Cosmo or Glamour, only cooler. Let me explain why.
The entire press conference was dedicated to presenting the new team of models who’ll be leading the whole “Kawaii” movement in LA by not simply modeling the style, but planting the seeds to help spread this famous movement in Japan to LA as well. These models will be working overtime in the sense that they will be style icons or what we Angelinos like to call them, fashionistas, for the magazine and the movement. To my recollection, no other American publication has gone to such an extent to spread American fashion or culture in any other country. Tell me, how awesome is that?
Word in LA spreads like fire and the supporters of JPy packed Beechwood Restaurant that night and don’t get me started on the starry eyed, slightly drooling faces of all the male reporters and guests there because I’d end up writing a novel. The gorgeous models as well as Ai Kago did an excellent job of promoting the magazine and KDDI and addressed the questions asked eloquently and with poise.
Famous for being part of the 4th generation of the famous Japanese idol group Morning Musume, Ai Kago truly brought her star quality to the press conference. With her beautifully coordinated outfit and adorable face, she was certainly the queen of the night. Unfortunately, her visit to LA was brief and she will be flying back to Japan to her career and fans. One die hard fan possibly knowing she’d never see Ai again, literally broke out in tears when meeting her face to face outside of the restaurant. I wish I took some photos, but I just couldn’t get myself to turn paparazzi and possibly embarrass the poor fan.
All in all the press conference was as huge success! Best of luck to JPy and Ai Kago in their newest endeavors. Check back often for the latest updates on what’s happening in LA from the most happening lifestyle group,The House of GLAM!