The collaborative unit MNNK Bro. (Mononoke Brothers), formed by contemporary artist Takashi Murakami and rapper JP THE WAVY, has released the single “Mononoke Kyoto” for digital distribution.
MNNK Bro. was born when JP THE WAVY was chosen to create the theme song for Murakami’s solo exhibition “Takashi Murakami: Mononoke in Kyoto,” which has been running at the Kyoto Kyocera Museum since February. “Mononoke Kyoto,” released now, serves as the exhibition’s theme song and was previously exclusive to the exhibition venue. Murakami participated in the music production and recording process, and also handled the jacket artwork. Beat production was managed by Xansei and Snail’s House.
In conjunction with the digital release, the music video for the same song has been unveiled. Set against the backdrop of “Deep Kyoto” locations such as the Kyoto Kyocera Museum, Gion Kobu Kaburenjo Theatre, and Kennin-ji Temple, the video captures Takashi Murakami’s artistic universe. JP THE WAVY, adorned in costumes inspired by Murakami’s artworks, moves gracefully throughout these settings. Murakami makes an appearance as well, delivering a performance reminiscent of a kabuki actor.
Additionally, it has been announced that a 12-inch vinyl record will be released on August 3rd (Saturday). This vinyl allows fans to experience Takashi Murakami’s art world through its jacket design. This follows the release of collectible trading cards titled “Takashi Murakami: Mononoke in Kyoto Collectible Trading Card,” which were launched in May for “Takashi Murakami: Mononoke in Kyoto.”
Mononoke Kyoto
Digital Release Information
Artist : MNNK Bro. (Takashi Murakami & JP THE WAVY)
Title : “Mononoke Kyoto
(Lyrics by JP THEWAVY, Takashi Murakami, Nvmbrrr / Composition by Xansei, Snail’s House)
Distribution Date: Wednesday, July 10, 2024
■Various distribution links: https://linkco.re/Mn1bFRBB
Music Video
MNNK Bro. (Takashi Murakami & JP THE WAVY) – Mononoke Kyoto
Public channel: https://www.youtube.com/@mnnk_bro
Release information of vinyl release with trading card
Artist : MNNK Bro. (Takashi Murakami & JP THE WAVY)
Title : Mononoke Kyoto
Release date: August 3, 2024 (Sat)
Retail stores/online：to be announced
Retail Price: ¥6,600 (tax included)
Contents：12 inch vinyl record/includes 3 original trading cards (24 types in total)
Included songs
SIDEA: MNNK Bro. (Takashi Murakami & JP THE WAVY)
01. Mononoke Kyoto
02. Mononoke Kyoto [Instrumental]
SIDEB: Takashi Murakami Mononoke Kyoto
01. Picture of the Four Symbols
02. Mononoke Kyoto -Spoken Lyrics by Niina
Kyoto City Museum of Art 90th Anniversary Exhibition Takashi Murakami Mononoke Kyoto
Dates
February 3, 2024 (Sat) – September 1, 2024 (Sun)
The exhibition period has been extended.
*Some of the exhibited works will be changed.
Hours
10:00 – 18:00 (last admission by 17:30)
Venue
Higashiyama Cube, New Wing
Closed
Mondays (open if Monday is a national holiday)
Admission
Adults: 2,200 yen (2,000 yen)
University and vocational school students: 1,500 yen (1,300 yen)
High school students: 1,000 yen (800 yen)
Free for junior high school students and younger
All prices include tax.
Prices in parentheses are for groups of 20 or more people.
Free admission for the person with disability certificate and one caregiver (please bring your student ID, disability certificate, or other identification)
Other special tickets are available.
Free admission for university students and younger in Kyoto City (updated February 2)
Thanks to your donation, admission to the 90th anniversary exhibition “Takashi Murakami: Mononoke Kyoto” at the Kyoto Municipal Museum of Art will be free for students residing in Kyoto or attending school in Kyoto.
(*This offer is valid for students residing in Kyoto City or attending a school in Kyoto City.
Admission is free for junior high school students and younger, regardless of where they are enrolled (attending school).
