Japanese sock company Tabio is set to release a cute sock collection in collaboration with Miffy on May 17.

The Line-Up

Miffy Short Socks | 3 Colours | ¥1,430 (Tax Included)

Miffy Embroidered Socks | (2 Colours) | Women’s ¥1,430, Children’s ¥1,210 (Tax Included)

Miffy Short Socks | 3 Colours | ¥1,430 (Tax Included)

Miffy Embroidered Socks | (2 Colours) | Women’s ¥1,430, Children’s ¥1,210 (Tax Included)

Limited-Edition Novelty

The sock collection arrives with four different sock models featuring adorable Miffy designs. Those who spend over ¥3,300 on the collection will also receive a free Miffy memo pad.

Japanese sock brand Tabio is teaming up with the popular South Korean brand ‘she said that’ to release a collaborative new collection of socks. Pre-sales will open on Tabio’s online store on January 22 with general sales rolling out in-store at Tabio on January 29.

she said that is a South Korean brand that mainly focuses on accessories such as bags and iPhone cases. The brand’s owner and designer Lee Yezi is also popular in Japan for their pop illustrations.

she said that Logo Print Socks | ¥1,600 (Before Tax)

she said tha Logo Embroidered Socks | ¥1,400 (Before Tax)

The line-up includes two different sock types which are packaged in an original design bag.

Stickers

Original Cotton Pouch

For every pair bought customers will receive a novelty sticker, and if they spend over ¥3,000 on the socks they’ll get an original cotton pouch designed by Lee Yezi too. These novelty items are available while supplies last.

Tabio has teamed up with Yasuko Furita’s fashion brand TOGA to release a special new collection of winter socks on Sunday (December 10). They are available to purchase via the companies’ official websites as well as Tabio stores in Japan.

The Line-Up

STYLE 1: TOGA Front See-Through Socks | ¥1,600

Colours: 12 Beige / 44 Dark Red / 74 Green / 86 Navy Black
Sizes: 22.5cm~24.5cm

STYLE 2: TOGA Colour Block Reversible Socks | ¥1,800

Colours: 42 Red / 74 Green / 87 Orange
Sizes: 22.5cm~24.5cm, 25cm~27cm

STYLE 3: TOGA Front Logo Socks | ¥1,800

Colours: 22 Brown / 42 Red / 74 Green / 86 Navy
Sizes: 22.5cm~24.5cm, 25cm~27cm

STYLE 4: TOGA Line x Tiger Print Socks | ¥2,000

Colours: 09 White / 20 Beige / 47 Burgundy
Sizes: 22.5cm~24.5cm, 25cm~27cm

STYLE 5: TOGA Socks | ¥2,000

Colours: 09 White / 12 Black / 47 Burgundy / 74 Green
Sizes: 22.5cm~24.5cm, 25cm~27cm

Packaging

Add some style and colour to your feet with the new TOGA x Tabio collaboration.

Japanese sock manufacturers Tabio, which manages numerous stores like KUTSUSHITAYA, Tabio and Tabio, has revealed a new sock collection to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Barbapapa, the popular children’s picture book by the French-American couple Annette Tison and Talus Taylor. Pre-sales for the socks will begin on Tabio’s official website on September 25 with general sales heading to select branches in Japan on October 2.

The socks capture the cute and colourful world of the Barbapapa characters, with different designs for each member of the family.

Barbapapa (Pink), Barbazoo (Yellow), Barbabelle (Purple) | ¥1,815 (Tax Included)

Barbabeau (Black), Barbalib (Orange), Barbabright (Blue) | ¥1,815 (Tax Included)

Barbalala (Green), Barbapapa (Pink), Alphabet Design | ¥1,815 (Tax Included)

Barbabravo (Red), Barbamama (Black), Alphabet Design | ¥1,815 (Tax Included)

There are a total of four sets with three colours in each set. Each person who buys a set will also received an original Barbapapa pouch.

Coordinate your autumn and winter looks this year with this cute collaboration!

JR Kyushu has signed a promotional license agreement with Walt Disney Japan to launch the “GO! WAKU WAKU ADVENTURE with PIXAR” project, which will see the shinkansen bullet trains decorated in characters from the Pixar animated filmography starting on September 12, 2020.

The project comes at a time when Pixar celebrates the 25th anniversary of the original Toy Story film, which released back in 1995 as the first entirely computer-animated feature film.

New details have been released for the upcoming project, including the unveiling of the key visual, the content of the collaboration, campaigns that will be held, and limited-edition merchandise which will be sold.

Key Visual

The key visual is a colourful Pixar creation which is shaped to look like the seven prefectures that make up Kyushu—Japan’s south-westernmost island where the JR Kyushu WAKU WAKU ADVENTURE Shinkanen bullet train will run.

Character Visuals

Poster Design

All major stations along the JR Kyushu Line display the key visual along with the above-pictured poster featuring various Pixar characters. Each of Kyushu’s seven major prefectural train stations listed below will also have additional posters for different Pixar films.

Hakata Station: Toy Story
Saga Station: Up
Nagasaki Station: Finding Nemo
Oita Station: The Incredibles
Kumamoto Station: Cars
Kagoshima-Chūō Station: Monsters, Inc.
Miyazaki Station: Wall-E

Tabloid Distribution

For illustrative purposes only. Distribution from September 12, 2020.

At all major stations running the JR Kyushu Line, commuters can get their hands on a free tabloid inspired by the “My Adventure Book” from the Pixar film Up. The content of the tabloid features information related to the collaboration and where you can find Pixar characters at stations throughout Kyushu, so you too can have your own adventure.

Photo Spots

Cars photo spot

The seven JR Kyushu prefectural stations will also have their own photo spots where you can snap a picture. You’ll also spot Woody and Buzz dolls and Hakata Station and Sully and Mike ones at Kagoshima-Chūō Station.

Participating Stations: Hakata Station, Saga Station, Nagasaki Station, Oita Station, Kumamoto Station, Kagoshima-Chūō Station, Miyazaki Station

Special Site & Official Instagram

A special site opened which features the departure schedule for the JR Kyushu WAKU WAKU ADVENTURE Shinkansen, details on campaigns, the latest details on the collaboration, and more. Waku Waku ADVENTURE now also has its own Instagram page which includes reports on event, pictures of merchandise, and other details.

Special Movie

A special collaborative movie will be released in September centred on the themes of Pixar’s movies such as bonds between people, family, friends, and adventure. It will be shown at JR Kyushu stations and the special site.

Campaign: Find the Pixar Ball

Original sticker designs

If you spot a station staff member at any of the JR Kyushu prefectural stations wearing a Pixar ball badge, call out to them and they’ll give you one of seven possible Pixar stickers as pictured above. All seven can be put into your “My Adventure Book,” so try collecting them all!

Participating Stations: Hakata Station, Saga Station, Nagasaki Station, Oita Station, Kumamoto Station, Kagoshima-Chūō Station, Miyazaki Station

*Depending on the time, platform staff may not be wearing the badges

*Stickers are available while supplies last

GO! WAKU WAKU ADVENTURE Digital Stamp Rally

A digital stamp rally will be held on the official JR Kyushu app. Board the JR Kyushu WAKU WAKU ADVENTURE Shinkansen, visit JR Kyushu Stations, and get some original stamps.

1st Stamp Rally: September 12, 2020 – January 31, 2021

Limited Edition Merchandise

Merchandise lineup

A special collection of merchandise has been created featuring designs of Kyushu and the Pixar characters. The items will be sold at shops around JR Kyushu stations and online in Japan.

Release Date: September 12, 20202
Merchandise List: https://www.jrkyushu.co.jp/train/wakuwaku-adventure/goods/

Those who ride the very first departing train will receive an original Pixar design train ticket. The Tsubame 363 train bound for Kagoshima-Chūō Station will depart from Hakata Station at 12:19 on September 12, 2020.

©Disney/Pixar

Japanese sock manufacturers Tabio, which manages numerous stores like KUTSUSHITAYA, Tabio and TabioMEN, has collaborated with Sanrio and released a collection of character socks on August 21. The socks are available on Tabio’s official website and at Tabio stores in Japan.

The cute sock designs feature popular Sanrio characters such as Hello Kitty and come in a variety of colours to add to your wardrobe.

HELLO KITTY Box Logo Socks | ¥1,200 (Before Tax)

These colourful socks feature a subtle illustration of Hello Kitty’s ribbon on the logo.

HELLO KITTY Logo Name Glitter Short Socks | ¥1,200 (Before Tax)

A cute collection of basic colour socks with glitter on them, also featuring Hello Kitty’s ribbon on the heel.

SANRIO CHARACTERS Collaboration Print Low Crews | ¥2,300 (Before Tax)

This pair features a sushi design with Hello Kitty, Keroppi, Hangyodon, Badtz-Maru, Gudetama, and Cinnamoroll.

Fans who buy a pair of any of these socks will receive a free mirror. Available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Japanese sock manufacturer Tabio has teamed up with the TV anime series Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba to release an original collection of character socks this autumn. Made to order, pre-orders for this limited edition socks opened on August 11, 2020 via Tabio’s official online store, Premium Bandai, and Tabio’s Rakuten page.

Tanjiro Kamado socks

Full line-up of embroidered designs | ¥1,350 Each (Before Tax)

There are six character designs in total, each with two different colours to pick from, and are sized at 22cm-24cm. Designs include Tanjiro Kamado, Nezuko Kamado, Zenitsu Agatsuma, Inosuke Hashibira, Giyu Tomioka, and Shinobu Kocho.

Which design would you go for?

The upcoming anime film Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Mugen Train is set for release on October 16, 2020. It serves as a direct sequel to the 2019 anime series adapted from Koyoharu Gotouge’s manga series Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba and is being animated by ufotable.

©Koyoharu Gotouge/Shueisha・Aniplex・ufotable

Japanese tea shop Susumu Chaya started up a takeout service for shaved ice on Tuesday (July 7) at all of its branches including in Kagoshima as well as Jiyugaoka and Shibuya’s DESCENTE TOKYO in Tokyo.

The shaved iced takeout service was originally only available at the two Tokyo branches, but now customers in Kagoshima can enjoy the tea-flavoured desserts.

Matcha Shaved Ice: ¥750 (Before Tax)

Made using Susumu Chaya’s “koicha,” a rich and full-bodied matcha variety.

Houjicha Shaved Ice: ¥750 (Before Tax)

The houjicha shaved ice is made using only first-grade tea leaves picked by Susumu Chaya. It has a refreshing taste.

The shaved ice can be ordered for takeout or eaten inside the cafes. Enjoy the full flavour of Japanese tea coupled with a refreshing portion of shaved ice.

Both Sengan-en, Shoko Shuseikan Museum and Satsuma Kiriko Glassworks have been nominated for “Best Attraction” in the 2019 Travel & Tourism Awards, which are held in London every year as part of World Travel Market London (WTM).

This year marks the 40th run of WTM London, which brings together over 50,000 travel and tourism professionals from 186 countries to spread the latest tourism trends and must-visit locations around the world. The Travel & Tourism Awards is a universally recognised stamp of approval, held in front of over 500 seniors in the travel industry.

Sengan-en, Shoko Shuseikan Museum, and Satsuma Kiriko Glassworks have been recognised and nominated for their renovation efforts which have increased tourism. They are up against six other facilities in the same category, including Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter by Warner Bros Studios.

With only one entry from Japan, which location will take home the award? Japan will be watching intently for the reveal on November 5.

Hirakawa Zoo is home to 12 koalas, the most of any other zoo in the country. Last month, one of the mothers gave birth to three baby koalas who have now crawled into her pouch.

The zoo is located in Hirakawacho, Kagoshima. It houses 1,000 animals of around 140 different species. Some of their most popular residents are the koalas and white tigers. The giraffe site is a popular spot too as people like to snap photos with them and Sakurajima in the background, an active volcano.

The marsupial babies are growing slowly day by day. They are weight each day to keep an eye on their health.

The zoo is now currently taking suggestions from the public to help name the three babies. One is male and the other two are female. Each of them were born on different days and are not related.

Head to the zoo and to the koalas for yourself and help them come up with a name. Full details on how to submit can be found below.

Saki Shibata loves travel, both in her personal and work life. She was recently appointed ambassador of the Tokunoshima Island Gem Project.

Her position runs until March 31, and during that time she is going to introduce to all of us the “gems,” or things made on the island, as well as its allures and charms.

Saki receives her official ambassador certificate. “I will put my all into promoting the appeals of Tokunoshima. Let’s all work hard, together!” she says with enthusiasm and a smile.

 

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しばさき 柴田紗希さん(@shibasaaki)がシェアした投稿 – 2019年 1月月21日午前3時05分PST

To know the products, Saki must first learn about the people making them and where. She gets her hands on a tourist guidebook of Tokunoshima and studies. The island is approximately 470km south of mainland Kagoshima. It takes about an hour to get from there to the island in a plane. It’s also famous for triathlons and bullfighting.

The main produce farmed on Tokunoshima is sugarcane. You can see sugarcane growing all over the island, and there are lots of different products made from sugarcane in souvenir shops.

There is a rare and unusual product made from the island’s sugarcane “Shima no Napoleon.” It’s a type of sugarcane shochu sold on the island, outside of which only Amami Ōshima has special approval to make it, a neighbouring island. Saki saw the alcohol in shops and restaurants on Tokunoshima.

Sugarcane shochu demands delicate control and management in the production process. Multiple types of storage vessels are used to contain it. Saki felt even more so just how special Shima no Napoleon is when she saw the place it was being made.

There are plenty more special products being made from the sugarcane too. This includes additive-free cookies. They are sold in various flavours and are made on Tokunoshima. The manager said that the cookies came about from a desire to stock more products in the island’s souvenir shops using things available on the island. Much trial and error was put into crafting the best possible cookies.

You can get them in stylish pouches or high quality packaging for that proper souvenir feel. The box type is really cute!

The manager also kindly showed us around the factory. He has a wonderful smile!

Saki was healed by the harmonious and peaceful atmosphere of everybody working.

The next place Saki headed to was Tomita, an industrial association in Tokunoshima where they make raw peanuts. Tokunoshima is a producer of peanuts which has earned them the name Jimame, or “land of legumes.”

The reason they sell the peanuts raw is because they want people to eat them with the flavour of their choosing at home. They also come with some simple recipes. Also, when planted, the raw peanuts give rise to sprouts in just a few days. People planting their own peanuts is something they want to encourage too.

Let’s take a look at some of the other wonderful products. The Papaya Spice, a product of Okayama, goes well sprinkled lightly on meat, helping to bring out the meat’s full flavour. It’s packed with papaya enzymes and is supposed to be good when dieting.

The Buta Miso is an accompaniment to a meal and is made from Berkshire pig, ginger, peanuts and other ingredients.

If you want to visit Tokunoshima but haven’t got time then we’ve got some good news for you! If you’re in Tokyo between February 9 and March 8 this year, all of the “gems” you’ve seen up to now and more can be bought at Rito Kitchen in Nihonbashi. These are available for a limited time only, so head on over ASAP and enjoy the flavours of Tokunoshima.

■Information

Rito Kitchen Nihonbashi

Address: YUITO Nihonbashi Muromachi Nomura Building Floor B1F, 2-4-3 Nihonbashi Muromachi, Chuo Ward, Tokyo

TEL: 03-6225-2095

Here are the products that Saki was most interested in when visiting Tokunoshima.

The first is Shima no Hachimitsu, or “Island Honey” made by Shigeaki Maeda. This raw honey contains no sugar or additives. It has a very organic flavour that lets you taste the nature of Tokunoshima.

Mr. Maeda handles every part of the manual labour effort when creating his honey, from collecting bees to operating the centrifuge to packaging. He understands customers may become worried as the concentrated honey solidifies when it’s stored below 14℃ (though this does not affect its quality, he explains), so he sells it from springtime.

Contact：Shigeaki Maeda #201 5553-8 Kamezu Tokunoshima-cho Oshimagun Kagoshina

This is called a Great Green Turban. You often see them spanning 20cm on Amami Ōshima, and you can even prep and cook them. Saki made them herself during her stay and enjoyed pasta and curry.

Blue Shell, a Great Green Turban workshop, uses their mother-of-pearls to create beautiful stamps. Each and every one is handmade by the owner Umeyama, so all of them have their own unique forms and shapes.

You can’t miss out on products made with oranges native to Tokunoshima either. The Dressing Candy, a brand of ponzu, is made with orange juice and fine powder and uses absolutely no agrochemicals. It’s a product that’s hard to get your hands on anywhere else.

The 100% orange juice too is full of nutritional value and has even been called a “high power food.”

Tokunoshima Airport is nicknamed Kodakara Kuukou, or “the airport treasured with children.” This comes from the high birth rate up and down the island. When you exit the airport you see women dubbed Nesugatayama as they look like the mountains when laying down. The airport is supposed to give you very good luck!

Try discovering the beautiful charms of Tokunoshima yourself too like Saki, the ambassador of the Tokunoshima Island Gem Project, and be sure to visit Rito Kitchen too to enjoy the natural flavours of the island if you can’t make the trip.

A try-on experience of Japanese body armor and photo taking event will be held at “Senganen,” a Japanese garden attached to the former Shimazu Clan, in Kagoshima. This event will take place from the 8^th of December 2017 (Fri.) to the 10^th (Sun.), and from the 15^th of December (Fri.) to the 17^th (Sun.).

Kacchu means “body armor.”

Yoroi Musha (body armored warrior) Shashinkan (photo studio) is a place where you can wear kacchus and take a photo in front of Sakurajima.

You can view the vast sceneries of Kinko Port and Sakurajima from the Senganen garden. It is said that Atsuhime who became famous through the long-running historical drama series on NHK, visited this garden.

Let’s wear a kacchu at this historical site and become a Sengoku Warrior.