The Pulse - 01/25/24

Pulse Check: Lunar New Year

Lunar New Year is increasingly celebrated by brands around the world. There are plenty of traditions to follow, each aimed at making sure the year ahead is lucky and prosperous. We’ve put together a list of dos and don’ts for the Year of the Dragon here. ➔

Photo via Caption by Hyatt Namba Osaka

BMF client Caption by Hyatt expands to Osaka, Japan, with the opening of Caption by Hyatt Namba Osaka where you set the vibe, and move at your own pace. Based in the heart of downtown Osaka, guests at Caption Namba Osaka have access to the high-energy and vibrant city. More Caption locations are on the horizon including Shanghai, Tokyo, and Ho Chi Minh City. Book your stay at Caption by Hyatt here. ➔

Photo via Hennessy

BMF client Hennessy collaborated with Chinese digital artist, Yang Yongliang, to create an AR experience where tradition meets technology as a dragon comes to life to usher in a prosperous Chinese New Year. With this limited edition collection, Hennessey offers three unique cognac blends and presentations, adorned with Yongliang’s beautifully designed dragons. See the celebratory collection come to life here. ➔

Photo via JW Marriott Hotel Xi'an Southwest

BMF client Marriott International introduces a new addition to the JW Marriott brand – the JW Marriott Hotel Xi'an Southwest in Xi'an, China. This hotel seamlessly blends modern luxury with tradition, situated in a prime location that allows guests to delve into Xi'an's rich history and connect with the expanding hi-tech business industry. A testament to modern elegance and luxury, centered around well-being and ambiance, the JW Marriott Hotel Xi'an invites guests to step out and experience the city's richness. Book your stay at JW Marriott in Xi’an here. ➔

Photo via Rosewood Hotels

Opening its doors in Japan in 2024, Rosewood Miyakojima promises an exquisite retreat with 55 villas boasting private pools and panoramic sea views. Crafted by Studio Piet Boon, the architecture seamlessly integrates with the island's natural beauty, utilizing local materials to evoke a sense of harmony. Four beachfront restaurants offer a relaxed ambiance featuring fresh seafood, island-raised beef, and locally distilled spirits. Recreational offerings include the Rosewood Explorer’s Club and Asaya, an innovative wellness concept. Explore more about the island's captivating culture and scenic wonders here. ➔

Photo via Moxy Hotels

BMF client, Moxy Hotels, hosted the lively ‘Moxy Playground – Unlock to Play’ in December 2023, building excitement for the opening of Moxy Bangkok Ratchaprasong, Asia Pacific's largest Moxy hotel in early 2024. This event – conceptualized and designed by BMF – took place at The Market Bangkok Ratchaprasong, welcoming Marriott Bonvoy members and the public in Thailand to experience Moxy's playful spirit. Offering cool beats, games, and exclusive previews, the three-day pop-up showcased Moxy's stylish brand. The hotel promises a modern check-in experience, vibrant social spaces, and smartly designed, comfortable bedrooms for a dynamic and unconventional stay. Book your stay at a Moxy Hotel here. ➔

Photo via Ted Dully/The Boston Globe

Hong Kong's M+ Museum presents "I. M. Pei: Life is Architecture," a major retrospective opening on June 29, 2024. It spans seven decades of Pei's career, showcasing themes like transcultural foundations and iconic projects such as the National Gallery of Art East Building. The exhibition features drawings, videos, models, and archival material, offering a contemporary lens with newly commissioned photographs and architectural models. Plan your visit here. ➔

Photo via Azabudai Hills

An urban community-based collection of restaurants, art spaces, shops, hotels, and residences, Azabudai Hills opened this winter in Tokyo. An immersive environment that values the connectedness of its community, Azabudai Hills emphasizes wellness and keeping nature accessible in a very urban environment, while also enjoying the seamless advancements of modern times. With nature-filled sidewalks that transition into offices, visitors find solace in the district's uniqueness. Azabudai Hill’s net-like structure seamlessly exhibits a blur between park and building, offering an escape from an industrial setting. Read more about Azabudai Hills here. ➔

Photo via teamLab

TeamLab’s Bubble Universe is the first exhibit being presented in Tokyo's newly built Azabudai Hills. Bubble Universe is a fully immersive exhibit centered around the theme of “borderless” encouraging the interaction between art and the public. The concept encapsulates the essence of “wander, exploration, and discovery in one borderless world”, and bubbles are one way of embodying this concept. Learn more about TeamLab Borderless projects and get your tickets here. ➔

Photo via Biennale of Sydney

The 24th Biennale of Sydney, titled "Ten Thousand Suns," runs from March 9 to June 10, 2024, marking its 50th anniversary. With 88 artists from 47 countries, the event, directed by Cosmin Costinaș and Inti Guerrero, challenges apocalyptic narratives, emphasizing hope, joy, and diverse artistic expressions. Held in various venues, including the Art Gallery of New South Wales and the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, the Biennale explores themes such as First Nations technologies, Queer resilience, and Carnivale's spirit, presenting a transformative celebration of collective resilience and joy. Plan your visit to the Biennale of Sydney here. ➔

Photo via SM Entertainment

In 2022, Aespa catapulted to stardom fueled by the widespread popularity of their hit song "Black Mamba," marking a transformative moment in the KPop scene. Accompanying the 4 artists – Giselle, Karina, NingNing, and Winter – are the group’s metaverse avatars that help them express parts of themselves that are not expressible in reality or have yet to be expressed. After performing at Coachella, Aespa continues to establish their presence in the US. Aespa is redefining what it means to be a performing artist in the digital age. Check out Aespa’s Apple Music Up Next preview here. ➔

Photo via Billboard Japan

Awich, the Japanese rapper hailing from Okinawa, emerges as a distinctive force in global hip-hop. Infusing her music with traditional Okinawan elements and contemporary beats, Awich creates a sound that reflects her multicultural upbringing. As a solo artist, she seamlessly blends Japanese and Okinawan dialects in her lyrics, addressing personal and societal issues while proudly representing her roots. Awich's bold fashion choices, visually striking music videos, and commitment to advocating Okinawan culture have garnered her international recognition, positioning her as a key figure in the evolving landscape of Japanese hip-hop. Listen to Japan’s hottest new artist here. ➔

Photo via Art Basel

Beijing, with its rich history, promising future, and incredible dining scene is a complex and captivating city. Consult BMF’s Beijing Travel Guide when planning your next visit to the Chinese capital. ➔

Photo via Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre

Mumbai's commercial district welcomes the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC), a glitzy addition offering unprecedented cultural experiences. The center features a three-story art gallery, a 150-seat experimental theater, and a 250-seat studio theater, hosting shows since late last year. This brass-and-glass behemoth promises a blend of history and grandeur, enriching Mumbai's cultural landscape. Learn more about it here. ➔

In the last decade, Asia's cocktail scene, led by Tokyo, Singapore, and Hong Kong, has surged with innovation. The 2023 World’s 50 Best Bars ceremony in Singapore, a first outside Europe, highlighted Asian rising stars like BKK Social Club and Jigger & Pony. Recognized for sustainable mixology, Asian bars, including emerging markets like Taipei and Kuala Lumpur, are making international waves. The event in Singapore symbolizes a dynamic shift and a bright future for the Asian cocktail industry. Read more about it here. ➔

Photo via MO Bar

Ali Wong is the first Asian female to win an Emmy and Golden Globe for best actress in a limited series for her work in “Beef”. This is a groundbreaking achievement, symbolizing a significant shift in industry recognition. As a talented comedian and actress, Wong has broken barriers and challenged stereotypes, paving the way for greater Asian representation in Hollywood. Her success inspires aspiring artists, highlighting the importance of diverse voices and narratives. Wong's accolades contribute to dismantling long-standing biases and fostering a more inclusive and representative entertainment landscape. Watch her acceptance speech here. ➔

Photos via Sonja Flemming/CBS via AP

An unanticipated long-term stay in Shanghai exposed Chinese-American photographer, Jefferey Jin, to the unique queer persona in China. Highlighting the “queer Chinese diaspora”, Jefferery Jin encapsulates the seemingly delicate, yet powerful, resilience in each of his subjects, as they navigate their queerness in China. Read more about Jefferey Jin’s experience and exploration here. ➔

Photo via Jefferey Jin

The Korean government is injecting an extra 441 billion Korean won (approximately US$325 million) into its 6G development, aiming for "pre-6G technology" by 2026 to establish Korea as a global leader. Key focuses include radio access, advanced antenna chips, ultra-highspeed optical transmission, and 6G services like urban air traffic and virtual reality. The government also plans to set international standards through a dedicated team and a pre-6G technology demonstration in 2026, building on previous initiatives, including the K Network 2030 Plan and an ongoing 6G core technologies research project. Read more about 6G here. ➔

Photo via Adobe

Photo via Hotel the Mitsui Kyoto, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Spa

The Japanese onsen is a unique natural hot spring bath experience, rich with minerals and healing relaxation benefits. The onsen bath itself is an experience, however, when you pair it with a stay at some of Japan's most luxurious hotels, the sky’s the limit. Rooted in tradition, onsens have their own etiquette and rules that allow for immersion in Japanese culture. In recent years, more hotels have integrated the rejuvenating onsen experience, adding to their luxurious qualities, giving guests privacy and unparalleled comfort. If you're looking for a unique relaxing experience, a look at Japan’s top hotels with private onsens can be found here. ➔