Provocative, confident and cheeky Ð Marriott International’s bold experiential brand, Moxy Hotels, created the ultimate ‘playhouse’ at the Moxy Tokyo Kinshicho to celebrate the debut of the brand inÊJapan. Inspired by subcultures of play inÊTokyo, the party showcased the costume, gaming and underground music culture that are the iconic lifeblood of the city. ÊAttended by more than 350 guests, the opening party saw the likes of Japanese TV personalityÊMaggyÊand celebrity DJs Kaori,ÊYuka MizuharaÊandÊAlissa Ueno.ÊÊ
Situated at the intersection of two cultural currents Ð steadfast tradition and ever influential trend-setting ÐÊTokyoÊrepresents the best of both. Despite perceptions of conformity,ÊJapanÊis also famous for the influence of its subcultures, mixing punk with petticoats, the dramatic with the demure, action heroes with “kawaii” (cuteness).
“We wanted to celebrateÊJapan’sÊoutstanding and unique culture with local artists from music, art and fashion to create an unforgettable event– marking Moxy’s debut inÊJapanÊwith two new hotels inÊTokyoÊandÊOsaka,” saidÊToni Stoeckl, Global Brand Leader and Vice President,ÊMarriott International’sDistinctive Select Brands. “Our high-energy lobbies and bars are thoughtfully designed to create social environments, always-on playgrounds for our guests.”
In line with Moxy’s cheeky and spirited attitude, the Moxy Playhouse offered guests different styles of play, from games and art to music and fashion. Each zone explored a different Japanese subculture, inviting guests toÊPlay On.
The ground floor of Moxy Tokyo housed the party’s main bar and party scene, with original craft cocktails named “Harajuku Punch”, “Rebel, Rebel”, “Cosplay-mopolitan” and “Street Fighter Highball”; flowing with DJ Yuka Mizuhara and DJ Alissa Ueno spinning funky urban beats. DJÊAlissa Ueno, creative director for clothing brand “FIG&VIPER”, has opened for DJs Steve Aoki, Diplo and Afrojack and played international music festivals. She was also featured as one of the singers for Australian DJ duo, NERVO, on their debut album.
The second floor was all about celebrating the gaming culture ofÊJapan. Through dcor and graphics, Moxy staged a perfectly Instagrammable scene inspired by nineties gaming culture, making the virtual worlds created by gaming a reality for one night. By bringing in authentic arcade games including Pac Man, Super Mario Land and Space Invaders, attendees were able to truly get into the gamer’s spirit.
The most eccentric floor in the Moxy Playhouse celebratedÊTokyo’sÊcolourful “cosplay” (costume play) culture. Inspired by Japanese fashion icons Gyarus, Lolita, and Decora. ÊAttendees were invited to “play” whoever they wanted to be along with rebel and cosplay participants. For those looking to explore their more rebellious side the hotel’s basement was transformed into a den of self-expression with air-brush tattoos inspired by the anti-establishment subcultures that bred the Sukeban, Dekochari and Dekotora trends.
The night ended on a high with DJ Kaori, also known asÊJapan’sÊqueen of hip-hop, spinning her signature beats that continued to electrify the night away. She also debuted two unreleased tracks withÊBeverlyÊfrom their soon to be released albums.
The 205-room Moxy Tokyo Kinshicho hotel is located in the urban Kinshicho district, edgy yet close to some of the city’s coolest districts of Shinjuku, Shibuya and Ginza, making exploring the city easy. Located near the Honmachi station inÊOsaka, Moxy Osaka Honmachi features 155-rooms and is a perfect playground for modern urban explorers inÊOsaka.
