Tokyo Hot N0800 April 2012 Instant

This was the peak of the "Idol Era." In April 2012, Atsuko Maeda’s announced graduation from AKB48 was arguably the biggest entertainment news story in the country.

April is synonymous with hanami (flower viewing), but in 2012, the mood was distinct. The concept of Kizuna (emotional bonds) was the social theme of the year.

The PlayStation Vita was in its first spring cycle, and mobile gaming via platforms like GREE and Mobage began to seriously challenge traditional consoles in the daily commute lifestyle. Tokyo Hot N0800 April 2012

The tower’s "neofuturistic" design combined with traditional Japanese aesthetics set a new tone for the city’s architectural identity. Lifestyle: The Sakura Season and "Kizuna"

Domestic hits like Thermae Romae (released late April) dominated the box office, showcasing the Japanese love for "quirky-meets-historical" storytelling. Fashion: The "Ura-Hara" Evolution This was the peak of the "Idol Era

The entertainment sector in April 2012 was caught between the physical and the digital, with J-Pop reaching a fever pitch.

From the flurry of cherry blossoms to the emergence of new architectural icons, here is a look back at the lifestyle and entertainment landscape of Tokyo in April 2012. The Skyline Reborn: The Rise of Tokyo Skytree The PlayStation Vita was in its first spring

A of the top hits from the April 2012 Oricon charts?