Benzaiten opened its first store in 2019 and since then has opened over 50 branches up and down Japan. The confectionery brand, which specialises in fruit-filled daifuki, has now opened a new store inside Tokyo’s luxury shopping centre GINZA SIX.

Yellow Papaya | ¥950 (Tax Included)

Tayo no Tamago Red Mango | ¥1,500 (Tax Included)

Fig | ¥1,000 (Tax Included)

Kiwi | ¥650 (Tax Included)

Benzaiten has over 10 types of fresh seasonal fruits ordered in from the market every day to make their daifuku with, most of which use the entire fruit. They are very particular about the mochi used to make the daifuku to ensure the original delicious flavour of the fruit is maintained and maximises. They use two layers of high quality white bean paste and habutai to hand-prepare the daifuku every day.

In celebration of Mr. Fullswing‘s 20th anniversary, Animate are collaborating with the manga series to serve up a themed menu at their own Animate Cafe in Ikebukuro from June 23 to July 26. The entire menu including the meals, drinks, and desserts are all inspired by the series, and fans can get their hands on some exclusive merchandise too.

Mr. Fullswing is a baseball manga series written and illustrated by Shinya Suzuki which was serialised in Weekly Shonen Jump from 2001 to 2006. This year marks 20 years since it was first released.

Menu item names have been translated from Japanese.

A peek at the manga-themed menu

Is That Rice? No, It’s Curry | ¥1,000

Rations From Shiba | ¥1,000

Gou’s Secret Batting Form ~Hachiku~ | ¥800

Sei’s Secret Batting Form ~Utsusemi~ | ¥800

Terrible Tatsuragawa’s Glasses | ¥600

A peek at the merch

CoLotta Acrylic Plate Key Rings | 15 Designs | ¥800 Each 

Acrylic Character Key Rings | 14 Designs | ¥800 Each

Acrylic Uniform Key Rings | 14 Designs | ¥650 Each

Campaign to win a free photo card

24 photo cards based on the manga volume front covers

Win a birthday bromide photo

For every ¥2,000 spent at the cafe on menu items or merchandise, customers will receive one free photo card. There is also a birthday campaign being held from July 19 where you can win a free birthday bromide for every ¥2,000 spent.

(Ｃ)鈴木信也／集英社

Sanrio has announced that their popular cast of characters are set to perform at an attraction-style musical titled From Hello Kitty which will run at the IHI Stage Around Tokyo on from July 26 to September 26.

All of the familiar faces from Sanrio’s character roster, including Hello Kitty, Dear Daniel, Cinnamoroll, Pompompurin, My Melody, and the Little Twin stars—all of whom ranked high on this year’s Sanrio Character Ranking—will make an appearance alongside notable Japanese actors Shota Takasaki, Dai Gotou, and Kodai Miyagi.

The musical is a historical lookback at 60 years of Sanrio and a delivery of their core message: to help everyone in the world get along. A special edition of the ‘Miracle Gift Parade’ held at Sanrio Puroland will also take place with an original story.

The art direction of the stage performance is being done by Sebastian Masuda, the music composed by music producer Hyadain, and the choreography created by Yukio Ueshima who has worked on countless Broadway musicals including a theatrical adaptation of the popular sports manga series The Prince of Tennis.

The musical is taking place at IHI Stage Around Tokyo, a unique theatre with 360-degrees rotating audience seats surrounded by movable huge screens and stages. The audience seats that are placed on a huge circular platform slowly rotates to each stage set as the story moves on, without waiting for set changes. Visitors will also be able to take photos with different Sanrio characters each day.

IHI Stage Around Tokyo is produced by TBS Television, Inc., Imagine Nation B.V., and The John Gore Organization Inc.

Sanrio teamed up with the convenience store chain FamilyMart to commemorate the 25th anniversary of their popular character Pompompurin with a special soufflé and macarons that hit shelves up and down Japan on June 8.

Pompompurin Soufflé Pudding | ¥276 (Before Tax)

Pompompurrin & Cinnamoroll Macarons | ¥350 (Before Tax)

Pom’s Kitchen Campaign

The Japanese pudding-style soufflé is made with smooth and velvety custard and caramel. It’s sold in a cup in three different original designs. Also available as part of the celebration is a set of macarons made to look like Pompompurin as well as Cinnamoroll, another one of Sanrio’s most popular characters. They are wearing cute king and queen crowns respectively.

A campaign is also being held where you can win some special Pompompurin merchandise by posting a photo of a rice dish inspired by Pompompurin on social media. More details can be found on the campaign website below.

Sanrio announced the final results and winners of the 36th Sanrio Character Ranking, an annual event where fans vote for their favourite Sanrio character to see who is the most popular. A total of 21,346,750 votes were submitted for 2021.

2021 Sanrio Character Ranking: General Ranking

Comments from the Winners

1st Place: Cinnamoroll
“I’m going to treasure this feeling forever! Thank you all for your support!♪”

2nd Place: Pompompurin
“Thanks so much for cheering me on!♡ I’m so grateful for all the love!”

3rd Place: Pochacco
“I can’t believe I got 3rd again this year! It’s thanks to all your support! I’m going to try hard next year too!”

2021 Sanrio Character Ranking: Collaboration Category

This year sees Cinnamoroll take the top spot for the second year in a row. In the first round-up of announcements, Cinnamoroll was already at number one, but in the second round-up he dipped to 2nd place. That didn’t stop him however as after gaining over 2.3 million votes, he grabbed that shiny crown once again. Pompompurin, who is celebrating his 25th anniversary this year, came in 2nd again, and Pochacco in 3rd again. Hello Kitty, who ranked 5th last year, came in 6th place this year – a place she kept since the second round-up. SHOW BY ROCK!! who will commemorate her 10th anniversary next year came in 8th once again. Kuromi, who received much love from overseas fans this year, climbed from last year’s 7th to 5th this year, making it the first time she has clocked in the Top 5 spot in 11 years. Cogimyun came in 10th after coming in 13th last year, making it her first time in the Top 10.

The Collaboration Category, which began in 2013, saw 27 entrees from different businesses and creators. Popular creators Azuki and Hapidanbui took 1st place this year.

Mizkan launched a social media campaign last Tuesday in collaboration with Sanrio’s popular character Gudetama. As part of the campaign, the lazy egg character is featuring on the packaging for Mizkan’s ‘Tamago Shoyu Tare,’ an egg soy sauce topping for rice. There are eight designs in total, and all limited in stock.

The campaign invites foodies to make their best version of N-TKG, that’s an abbreviation of natto tamago kake gohan, or natto egg on rice. 30 lucky people have the chance to win an original Quo card featuring a Gudetama design. All they need to do is follow Mizkan on Twitter and post their creation along with the Japanese hashtag ＃マイベストNTKG (“My Best NTKG”) while quoting the campaign tweet.

N-TKG Recipe Maker

Mizkan have created a special N-TKG maker where you can make your own digital natto egg on rice. You enter six alphabetical letters which will give you a variety of toppings to creating your own dish. You can then use this as reference for actually making it in real life.

How to Make
1. Enter 6 letters into the recipe maker
2. Make your own original N-TKG using the toppings chosen by the letters you pick
3. Try making the dish yourself!

Sanrio has announced that the announcement ceremony for the winner of the 2021 Sanrio Character Ranking will take place in collaboration with Tokyo Girls Collection (TGC), a semi-annual fashion festival in Tokyo, on June 8. The event will be streamed live on Hello Kitty and TCG’s respective LINE accounts, as well as Sanrio’s official YouTube account, so that more people can tune in to this year’s announcement and see which of Sanrio’s characters will take the crown.

80 characters are participating in this year’s Sanrio Character Ranking which will be announced in order from 80 to 1. This year also sees the return of the sub-award categories including Collaboration. Hosting the event as MC is tarento and actress Nao Asahi and the Japanese comedy duo Wagyu ga Tsutome.

But the winner announcement is not the only event scheduled for 2021’s ranking. Since this time is a collaboration with TGC, there will be a fashion runway where popular models will show off their looks, a live performance with JO1 and the Sanrio characters, a rap battle, and more.

Fashion Runway: Famous models display the Sanrio character aesthetic

On the fashion stage, a line-up of well-known Japanese models will serve fashion inspired by Sanrio’s most famous characters including My Melody, Kuromi, Little Twin Stars, and Pompompurin.

Marie Iitoyo and Maika Yamamoto will use a real-time composite photography system as they dress up as the adorable My Melody and her rival Kuromi. Serving the dreamy star-filled world of Kiki and Lala are Kaane and Sakura Saiga, Yoshiaki & Michi, and Rikariko. For the Pompompurin section, which is themed on the golden retriever’s daily life, we have Nana Kato, Ami Komuro, Natsuki Deguchi, Sachi Fujii, and Roy. But that’s not all as Sakachin, Yuki Higashihara, and Reina, who won the LINE LIVE auditions to appear on this year’s fashion runway, will also appear.

A heated rap battle between the Sanrio characters

In the rap battle, KIRIMI-chan, Kuromi, Kogimyun, and Pompompurin will go head to head against special guests Tsukasa Saito of comedy duo Trendy Angel and Yuriyan Retriever. 

The Sanrio cast join music artists for a concert

The adorable Cinnamoroll, who is also expanding his work as an idol, will perform alongside JO1, while Hello Kitty will sing with singer-songwriter Sonoko Inoue.

A new virtual experience using the latest technology

Japanese digital advertising company CyberAgent, who produced virtual events and 3DCG content, will be using the latest in 3DCG and XR tech to blur the lines between reality and the virtual space with an interactive experience, such as people’s comments on social media and the video displaying in real time, and more.

Hotel Keihan launched a new guest room plan in collaboration with the anime series The Promised Neverland at its Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Nagoya, Sendai, and Sapporo branches on Tuesday. It also released a collection of exclusive merchandise which can be bought at each hotel’s front desk.

Guest Rooms

Exclusive Merch Line-Up

Pins | ¥550 Each (Tax Included)

Key Rings | ¥550 Each (Tax Included)

Lobby display

The hotel plan was originally scheduled to take place for three months but has been extended by a further month to accommodate for travel restrictions as well as guest demand. New prices have also been introduced to make it more accessible to people. Fans of the anime series can get their hands on a range of items not available anywhere else too including pins, key rings, folders, and more.

The hotel room designs are inspired by both seasons of The Promised Neverland and come with life-size panels, wall decorations, and more, so fans can look forward to getting sucked into the world of the anime series.

(C)白井カイウ・出水ぽすか／集英社・約束のネバーランド製作委員会

Tower Records has announced a collaboration with the Hetalia World★Stars anime series which will take place at three TOWER RECORDS CAFÉ branches: in Shibuya and Umeda NU Chayamamachi from June 9 and Nagoya Sakae SKYLE from June 22.

The cafe collaboration will see two different menus served across two periods. See the Information section at the bottom for more details.

The cafe collaboration’s main visual

Menu ① Line-Up

Gutentag! Assorted Germany Plate / Dobrý den! Czech Style Goulash / Ahoj! Slovakian Kapustnica Set – ¥1,500 Each (Tax Included)

Buono! Panna Cotta & Tiramisu Set / Anmitsu Parfait – ¥1,300 Each (Tax Included)

Italy’s Bicerin / Germany’s Spezi / Japan’s Matcha Milk / Czech’s Berry Lemonade / Slovakia’s Honey Wine-Style Apple Juice – ¥800 Each (Tax Included)

Menu ② Line-Up

C’est bow! Big Brother’s Special Pot-au-feu / Hello! England’s Meat Pie / Здравствуйте! Our Beef Stroganoff – ¥1,500 Each (Tax Included)

Hi! Hero’s Special Muffins / Hào chī! Sesame Seed Dango & Annin Tofu – ¥1,300 (Tax Included)

America’s Cherry Cola Float / England’s Biscuit Tea / France’s Rose Ginger Ale / Russia’s Varenye Tea / China’s Floral Jasmine Tea – ¥800 Each (Tax Included)

Available in Menus ① and ②

Pochi-kun’s Latte | ¥800 (Tax Included)

Takeout Bottle Drink | ¥972 (Tax Included)

Menu Order Bonus Items

Menu ① Postcard

Menu ② Postcard

Menu ① Business Card Set (3 Included)

Menu ② Business Card Set (3 Included)

Menu ① Sticker (You must book a table in advance to receive)

Menu ② Sticker (You must book a table in advance to receive)

Exclusive Merchandise

Pins | ¥440 Each or Full Set ¥4,400 (Tax Included)

Key Rings | ¥880 Each (Tax Included)

Mini Character Acrylic Stands | ¥990 Each (Tax Included)

Folder Set (2 Included) | ¥990 (Tax Included)

Acrylic Diorama | ¥3,850 (Tax Included)

Hetalia World★Stars is a manga series by Hidekaz Himaruya that’s serialised in Jump Comics+. In promotion of the new original net anime series which began airing on April 1, Tower Records has teamed up with the popular franchise to create a themed cafe experience with food, drinks, and desserts.

Fans can also get their hands on a selection of cafe-exclusive merchandise featuring their favourite characters including Italy, Germany, America, England, France, Russia, China, Czech, and Slovakia. These items are also available at Tower Records’ online shop in Japan.

Since you have a time limit of 80 minutes to dine at the cafe, you can book a table in advance, which also earns you some freebie merch. Tickets are now available. Additionally, if there is a free table on the day, you can also go straight in. Same-day tickets are available in limited quantities.

©日丸屋秀和／集英社・ヘタリアW★S製作委員会

The Capcom Cafe located inside AEON Lake Town in Saitama is now serving up an Ace Attorney themed menu until July 8.

1. Keema Curry | ¥1,738 (Tax Included)

A keema curry inspired by the hoodie worn by Phoenix Wright. It features the Japanese word kurae! (くらえ！) which in the English version of the series is the quote “Take that!”

2. Tonosaman Tacos Plate | ¥1,958 (Tax Included)

A plate of tacos themed on Miles Edgeworth and Steel Samurai, the latter known as Tonosaman in Japanese. It includes two tortillas, one with a picture of Steel Samurai and the other with his name in Japanese.

3. Godot’s Cafe Coffee Break Set | ¥1,408 (Tax Included)

A rich coffee jelly with accompanying biscuits and gateaux chocolate. Based on Godot.

4. Blue Hawaii Parfait | ¥1,408 (Tax Included)

A parfait with motifs of Franziska von Karma. It captures her cool and stylish look. A perfect drink for a hot summer’s day.

5. Chocolate Banana Drink | ¥880 (Tax Included)

A drink inspired by the yukata worn by Maya Fey. Comes with a chocolate banana like the one she is holding in the illustration drawn of her for this cafe collab.

6. Fruit Sangria | ¥880 (Tax Included)

A fruity and refreshing non-alcoholic sangria inspired by Apollo Justice.

7. Rock Soda | ¥880 (Tax Included)

A non-alcoholic cocktail on the rocks inspired by Klavier Gavin. Served with a bottle and glass.

For an extra ¥3,000, customers can get the Kurae! plate as a set with the keema curry

Get some free original novelties

Get a free lunch mat (pictured left above) when you order any dish or dessert or a free coaster (pictured right above) when getting a drink.

And if you spend over ¥3,000 on the cafe menu,  you get one of these free postcards.

Fans need to book a table in advance to dine at the Capcom Cafe.

©CAPCOM CO., LTD. 2021 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

The Shinjuku branch of EGG & SPUMA is now hosting “Sanrio Characters CAFE,” a menu of food and drink themed on Sanrio’s beloved characters. Running until August 31, the cafe has also been decorated in colourful and cute Sanrio designs.

Receive a free coaster with your order

The menu line-up features lots of fruits, including the Cinnamoroll crème brûlée which is served on weekdays only, fruit sandwiches which will include My Melody themed ones this month and June, Hello Kitty and Keroppi ones in July, and Little Twin Stars in August. There’s also fruity jelly and more.

If you’re a Sanrio fan look to indulge a little more, then there is also a two-tiered afternoon tea set. The upper plate includes Kiki & Lala sandwiches, a Keroppi tart, the Cinnamoroll crème brûlée, and more. On the bottom plate there is Hello Kitty apple jelly, My Melody strawberry caprese salad, Kuromi canapé, and so on. There will also be special pancakes and a jelly dessert arriving in June which must be booked in advance.

Which of these Instagram-worthy delights do you want to tuck into?

Votes for the 2021 Sanrio Character Ranking opened on April 9. Fans around the world have been voting for their favourite characters to win this year. The winner is set to be announced on June 8, but results of 1st place to 10th place for the second round-up have been revealed. These interim results were collected from votes placed online, in Sanrio’s Ichigo Shimbun magazine, and Sanrio’s online shop.

Taking the number one spot of the interim results is Pompompurin who made his debut 25 years ago. In 2nd place is Cinnamoroll, who is not far behind in the voting numbers. In 3rd is Pochacco, in 4th is My Melody, and in 5th is Kuromi. These characters are usually ones to rank high each year. Hello Kitty has moved up two places from the first round-up to 6th. Yoshikitty, the character representing music artist YOSHIKI, is in 8th.

Entering the Top 10 for the first time ever is Kogimyun in 9th place. There’s still a little ways to go until votes close on May 24, so it could still be anyone’s game. The winner will be announced online on June 8 at 19:30 (JST).

Comments from the Top 3 (Translated by MMN)

1st Place: Pompompurin

“Wow, 1st place! Thanks for all your support♪ I’m super happy, so lemme tell you something! I found an island that’s shaped like me! The world we live in sure is exciting. My dream is to go there with you all after getting 1st place♪”

2nd Place: Cinnamoroll

“Thanks so much for your support! I love you all, and I want you to see me become an idol, stand on a big stage, and sing and dance for you♪”

3rd Place: Pochacco

“I’m still in 3rd place from the first round-up! Thank you, allll♪ It’s all thanks to your support. Make a stop with me on our walk. If I’m together with you all, we’re sure to see a brand new world. Keep supporting me, okay?”

Top 5 Characters Ranking Analysis

1st Place: Pompompurin

Pompompurin has been in the Top 3 for several years in a row. He last took 1st place in 2016. This year marks the 25th anniversary of his debut. He’s looking to be number one after five long years.

2nd Place: Cinnamoroll

Cinnamoroll is a very busy individual, even making a CD debut. He first took 1st place in 2017 and has done three times in total. Will he take home the top spot again like last year?

3rd Place: Pochacco

Pochacco finally entered the Top 3 again last year for the first time in 23 years. This veteran character actually achieved this feat five years in a row between 1991-1995. Will 2021 be his year?

4th Place: My Melody

My Melody has been in the Top 5 for 24 years in a row. She has gone up one place since the first round-up. She has been in the Top 3 every year since 2017.

5th Place: Kuromi

Also known as My Melody’s rival, Kuromi has seen a huge increase in popularity in recent years, and her place in the Sanrio Character Ranking has surged. Will she enter the Top 3 for the first time ever and beat her biggest rival, My Melody!?

Voting at the Sanrio Character Ranking is open to fans around the world. Hurry and make your vote before they close on May 24!

©‘21 SANRIO S/F·G 著作（株）サンリオ