Naruyoshi Kikuchi Appears as a Rapper!?

'Winkle' was born to delve into the essence of various cultures, including art, music, film, photography, and food. Its name is inspired by the American fairy tale 'Rip Van Winkle,' where the protagonist, after being treated to sake by a stranger he met, wakes up to find 20 years have passed. This reflects the magazine's pursuit of the core of things, rather than being swayed by superficial information.

The magazine 'Winkle' was created to seek the essence of all things, rather than being misled by information encountered through various media and devices – information that hasn't been seen with one's own eyes or touched by one's own hands, akin to being deceived by "delicious sake." The editorial team's "sentiments and messages that should be passed down" are treated as modern-day fables, presented with beautiful and pop visuals.

Published twice a year, this 128-page, full-color issue focuses on Japanese hip-hop, which has been regaining momentum, particularly among young artists in their early twenties. The issue features a lecture by Toshiyuki Owada, a professor of law at Keio University specializing in hip-hop, followed by a conversation with jazz musicianNaruyoshi Kikuchi, who released the album 'BIRTH OF DOMMUNIST' last year with the hip-hop crew 'JAZZDOMMUNISTERS,' and also with Yoshio Otani, alongside newly drawn graffiti art.

In addition, the magazine broadly covers topics such as the art festival'Dogo Onsenart 2014', held in Dogo Onsen, Ehime Prefecture, and an interview with Swiss artist Miriam Cahn. The lineup of regular series is also diverse, including 'What I Saw at the End of Indulgence and Whim' by manga artist Radio Wada and 'Authentic Yakiniku Journey' by graphic designer Shinpei Onishi.

This is the launch of a media outlet that freely traverses the contemporary cultural landscape, featuring content explored from a unique perspective, unbound by major or minor labels, or general or local distinctions.

'Winkle VOLUME01'
Publication: Twice a year
Publisher: Neko Publishing
Price: 1200 yen
Release: May 7 (Wed)