Birthday photobook release

Japanese actor and singer Tomohiro Sato marked the release of his “31st Birthday Photo Book” with an in-person event in Akihabara on Saturday. (nikkansports.com) The Tokyo stop began at 5:30 p.m. on April 12 at Sofmap AKIBA Amusement Hall 8F, where buyers could join a handover event, a mini talk show and a rock-paper-scissors game. The book itself was listed at 4,400 yen including tax. (sofmap.com, passmarket.yahoo.co.jp) Sofmap sold tiered tickets tied to the number of copies purchased. A one-book ticket included one selectable bromide photo, while higher tiers added two-shot cheki photos, on-the-spot signatures, and a 30-second personalized video message for buyers of 10 copies. (passmarket.yahoo.co.jp) The release was part of a full-day rollout in Tokyo. Sato also had a noon event at Shosen Book Tower, and fans who attended both venues were promised a pre-shot one-shot cheki at the Sofmap session. (t.livepocket.jp, passmarket.yahoo.co.jp) An online bonus event was scheduled for 8 p.m. the same day through Sofmap Live. That gave the photobook a hybrid release format, with separate in-person and streaming sessions on April 12. (sofmap.com) Sato, who was born on April 20, 1995, turns 31 later this month. Nikkan Sports reported that the photobook was shot on Miyako Island in Okinawa and included Sato’s first attempt at surfing. (nikkansports.com, ja.wikipedia.org) At the release event, Sato said the book completed a run of birthday merchandise that had already included a Blu-ray and a calendar. He rated the finished photobook “1,000 points,” according to Nikkan Sports, and said the score reflected many people’s work coming together. (nikkansports.com) Sato is best known for stage work, including the “Musical Nintama Rantaro” series, and Nikkan Sports described him as both an actor and singer. He also told the outlet that he plans to keep taking on new challenges as he turns 31, with a new song set for release on May 9. (nikkansports.com, ja.wikipedia.org) By Saturday evening, the photobook launch had become more than a store signing: it was a tightly structured fan event with staged perks, two Tokyo venues and an online follow-up in the same day. (passmarket.yahoo.co.jp, t.livepocket.jp, sofmap.com)