Lagunasia, a theme park managed by Laguna Ten Bosch, has announced an event in collaboration with the TV anime series Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba which will run from March 6 to June 5.

©Koyoharu Gotouge / Shueisha・Aniplex・ufotable

©Koyoharu Gotouge / Shueisha・Aniplex・ufotable

The event will feature an immersive attraction called “Trial of Recollection: Tanjiro’s Journey” as well as a rally event to hunt down all the stickers around the theme park, a Demon Slayer themed menu line-up, exclusive merchandise, and more.

Further details will be announced in the coming months.

Two branches of Animate Cafe, Animate Cafe Ikebukuro 3 and Animated Cafe Nagoya 2, are set to collaborate with Attack on Titan from November 25 in promotion of the anime’s upcoming final season which will begin airing on December 7. This marks Animate Cafe’s fourth collaboration with the anime.

Menu

Animate Cafe held a poll amongst customers who dined at the previous Attack on Titan collaboration cafes to find out what the most popular dishes were. These have been chosen to go on the menu for this collaboration.

5 Years Colossal Hamburger & Mother’s Handmade Stew | ¥1,000

Eren Meringue & Bertholdt Tart | ¥750

Hange’s Experiment Drink | ¥600

Eren’s Death Wish Drink | ¥600

New additions to the menu include Hange’s Experiment Drink and Eren’s Death Wish Drink.

The Final Season Special Rose Cake | ¥750

Gorgeous Champagne Jelly | ¥600

Original merchandise

Big Acrylic Stands (4 Designs) | ¥1,600

Trading Pins (A Group: 6 Designs/B Group: 7 Designs/C Group: 4 Designs) | ¥400 Each

Print Cookies | ¥1,000 Each (Comes with 1 illustration card)

©️Hajime Isayama・Kodansha / Attack on Titan The Final Season Production Committee

Sanshu Onigawara Kogeihen, a traditional crafts company in Takahama, Aichi, which is known for making ‘onigawara’—a type of decorative tile in Japan (kawara) traditionally bearing the face of a demon—has announced a collaboration with the hit TV anime series Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba which will begin in the city of Takahama on October 30, 2020.

The tiles are made by artisans called Onishi and are used for warding away evil spirits and evil in general. For the collaboration, Demon Slayer fans can get their hands on a selection of original kawara tiles, get involved in an Onishi workshop, and more.

Original Kawara Merchandise

Demon Slayer x Kawara

Crafted by a real Onishi, the kawara line-up includes paperweights, magnets, card stands, and other items all with Demon Slayer designs. They can be purchased at the ONI-House tourist information centre, Takahamashi Yakimononosatokawara Museum shop, Sanshu Onigawara Kogeihen’s online shop, and elsewhere.

Onishi Workshop (Reservations Required)

A special workshop will be held by a real Onishi where people can learn to make their own paperweights featuring characters from Demon Slayer. All participants will also receive a free original pin badge and folder. Bookings for December workshops will open at the end of this month (October) and January workshop bookings open in November.

Other Merchandise

A monument to the 14 Taishi from the Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba series will be put up in front of Takahama City Hall for a limited time. A selection of exclusive merchandise will also be sold at the city’s tourist information centre and museum shop too.

There is lots planned for this collaboration which is set to run until January 29, 2021. More details can be found on Takahama City’s official website.

©Koyoharu Gotouge/Shueisha・Aniplex・ufotable

Japanese company LEGS has announced the opening of the limited-time Ojamajo Doremi Cafe 2020 ~FRUITS PARLOR~. The themed cafes will open in Tokyo on October 29, Osaka on October 30, and Aichi on October 23.

Ojamajo Doremi is an original magical girl created by Toei Animation that ran from February 1999 to January 2003. To celebrate the series’s 20th anniversary last year, LEGS opened a different Ojamajo Doremi limited-time themed cafe in collaboration with Cafe&Kitchen which welcomed lots of magical girl fans.

This year once again welcomes Etoile et Griotte as the art director for the fruit parlor-inspired cafe.

Ojamajo Doremi Cafe 2020 ~FRUITS PARLOR~ celebrates the 20th anniversary of Ojamajo Doremi Sharp is the second series in the Ojamajo Doremi series. Fans will be able to get their hands on a range of exclusive magical merchandise as well as tuck into pastel coloured fruity food.

FOOD

Doremi’s Cheese Steak Doria in Cherry Sauce | ¥1,699

Steak is Doremi-chan’s favourite food, so it was a must-have on the menu. The cream cheese is coloured like Doremi, and there’s a cute musical note topping too. It comes with a cute lunch mat that looks like Doremi’s skirt.

Hazuki’s Omurice in Porcino & Orange Cream Sauce | ¥1,399

The omelette is made to look like Hazuki’s yellow skirt. Enjoy together with the delicious porcino sauce and orange combination.

Onpu’s Waffles With Crepe & Mascarpone | ¥1,299

Blueberry sauce-drizzled and mascarpone-topped waffles served with a mashed potato skirt. The sweet and sour mix is to die for.

DESSERT

Aiko’s Blueberry Float | ¥999

A fresh blueberry float inspired by Ai-chan. Mix everything together to create a different flavour.

Momoko’s Lemon Cheesecake Parfait | ¥1,399

A fresh lemon cheesecake packed parfait with lots of enjoyable flavours and textures.

Rhythm Tap Tart | ¥1,300

Inspired by the Rhythm Taps seen in the series, the tart imagines Doremi’s transformation scene in Ojamajo Doremi Sharp.

DRINK

Onpu Melody Drink (5 Flavours) | ¥1,099

A rainbow line-up of colourful Onpu drinks available for takeout.

Movie Theater Menu

Girls Meet Sushi | ¥1,299

Inspired by the meat sushi that Sora and the gang eat in the animated film Majo Minarai wo Sagashite. Comes with an original postcard.

Exclusive Merchandise

Acrylic Keyrings (6 Designs) – ¥600 Each

Letter Set (1 Design) – ¥1,200 | Folder Set (2 Designs) – ¥700

A selection of super kawaii cafe-original merchandise is available for fans to grab.

Bonus Items

Those who book a table in advance, order a drink, or spend more than ¥2,000 at the cafe will receive one of six possible A5 folders.

Become a magical girl like Doremi at the Ojamajo Doremi Cafe 2020.

©Toei Animation

Aichi Prefecture and Chunichi Shimbun have revealed that they are to hold a Studio Ghibli exhibition at Aichi Prefectural Museum of Art from July 22, 2020 – September 3, 2020.

Yubaba wearing a Mask ©TS ©Studio Ghibli

The exhibition, called Ghibli no “Dai Janai” Hakurankai (Ghibli’s “Not So Big” Exhibition), will be taking all necessary safety measures against COVID-19 to ensure people’s safety.

Never before seen Ghibli material a must-see for fans

Ghibli Park’s “Seishun no Oka” (Hill of Youth) Area ©Studio Ghibli

The exhibition will look back at Studio Ghibli’s past as well as into the studio’s future. Fans will be able to look at construction materials and sketches of Ghibli Park, a new Studi Ghibli themed facility set to open at Aichi Expo Memorial Park in autumn 2022, as well as dolls of the characters from the upcoming animated film Earwig and the Witch which is being written by Hayao Miyazaki and directed by his son Goro. The film was originally scheduled to premiere at the 2020 Cannes Film Festival before the event was cancelled due to COVID-19 and will now be aired by NHK this winter.

The Cat Bus from the Studio Ghibli Museum will also be showcased at the event; stills taken from Studio Ghibli’s films such as Laputa: Castle in the Sky, Porco Rosso, Howl’s Moving Castle, Princess Kaguya and more will be displayed; there will be a photo spot for taking photos, and much more.

Fans of Spirited Away will also be able to get their own omikuji fortunes from the giant Zeniba and Yubaba faces.

For this summer only, a limited-time gourmet shaved ice shop called “VERMICULAR PREMIUM SHAVED ICE SALON” is opening up inside VERMICULAR VILLAGE in Nagoya from July 2 to September 13.

The exquisite shaved ice options are topped with fruit confitures which are made without any water involved, allowing for the original flavour of the fruits to come through, as well as adzuki beans cooked with Vermicular cookware, and more. The shaved ice is served inside Vermicular’s high quality mini pots, which have been kept cool, meaning the ice doesn’t melt when it’s put inside, meaning it stays nice and fluffy until the end.

There are three to pick from, and underneath each the shaved ice is a blancmange which goes hand in hand with the shaved ice flavours.

Strawberry, Pistachio, & Condensed Milk: ¥1,300 (Before Tax)

This ice pot is topped with a strawberry jam which was made using no water, and pistachios—which go really well with the fruity confiture. At the very bottom is a condensed milk blancmange, making it delicious down to the last spoonful.

Nishio Matcha, Adzuki Beans, Brown Cane Sugar Warabimochi, & Houjicha: ¥1,500 (Before Tax)

Next is a matcha flavoured shaved ice pot made with adzuki beans and matcha grown in Nishio, Aichi. Sat at the bottom of the pile is a houjicha tea blancmange and brown cane sugar warabimochi.

Mango, Passion Fruit, & Coconut: ¥1,300 (Before Tax)

Lastly is a mango and passion fruit sauce covered shaved ice with coconut milk and a topping of fresh mango. At the bottom is a coconut blancmange.

LEGS COMPANY is opening three cafes in Tokyo (Ikebukuro), Osaka (Umeda), and Aichi (Nagoya) based on the popular mobile game Game BanG Dream! Girls Band Party for a limited time from July 31, 2020.

Game BanG Dream! Girls Band Party is a rhythm and adventure mobile game that was released in Japan in 2017. It is part of Bushiroad’s “BanG Dream!” music media franchise which is centred on all-female bands.

Since summer 2017, LEGS COMPANY has opened themed cafes based around the game every year. 2017 saw the cafes focus on the vocalists of the bands in the game. In 2018, it was the keyboardists and DJs, and last year the drummers. Each theme brought with it illustrations and decorations created specifically for the cafes, as well as a food menu inspired by the characters, original merchandise, and more.

This year marks the 4th run of the annual summer cafe which will hit Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka. The theme this time around focuses on the seven main bands from the game. Seven characters from the bands, including one from a new band, will welcome fans in the form of kawaii-packed dishes, drinks, and desserts.

Yamabuki Bakery’s Mini Croissant Plate (Poppin’party): ¥1,590 (Before Tax)

Kitazawa Butcher’s Stamina Croquette Curry (Hello, happy world!): ¥1,490 (Before Tax)

All of the main dishes on the menu are colourful and vivid, plated with hearty portions of delicious and nutritional goodies.

Strawberry Rock Parfait (Afterglow): ¥1,290 (Before Tax)

Colourful Doughnut Sandwich (Pastel＊Palettes): ¥1,290 (Before Tax)

This gourmet dessert is topped with fruit, so gorgeous it seems a waste to eat.

Grape: ¥890

Ramune: ¥890

There are colourful drinks too with each colour representing a different band. Support your favourite band by getting a glass!

Pin Set 2020 ver. (7 Designs): ¥3,100

Canvas Art (7 Designs): ¥3,500 Each

Birthday Pins (4 Designs): ¥650 Each

Fans can get their hands on plenty of exclusive merchandise too, and there’s even birthday items and food available too.

Online Birthday Cake (4 Designs): ¥3,850 Each (+¥950 shipping fee)

Cushions (22 Designs): ¥3,800 Each

You can even order your own special birthday cake in Japan from the cafe, and they’re not short on exclusive merchandise.

©BanGDream! Project ©Craft Egg Inc. ©bushiroad All Rights Reserved.

SAKEICE is an ice cream shop that offers a new kind of ice cream experience, combining Japanese sake and alcohol together with the frozen treat. The shop opened in Akusaka, Tokyo in March this year.

However, due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the store has had to close temporarily. SAKEICE wants to cheer people up during these turbulent times with their ice cream, and has therefore announced the launch of a crowdfunding campaign so they can set up a website where people can order ice cream in Japan and have it delivered to them.

I tried out their ice cream

Otokoyama / Nihonshu Ice

SAKEICE’s ice cream is laced with lots of Japanese alcohol. I tried the Otokoyama and the Nihonshu Ice, the latter of which is an original ice cream flavour exclusive to SAKEICE. They both contains around 4% alcohol. I were curious exactly how they would taste.

I started with the Nihonshu Ice. The moment the ice cream hits your tongue, your taste buds are met with its smooth texture, and your nose is filled with the full bodied flavour of nihonshu. The velvety texture on your tongue as it melts is to die for. The Otokoyama has a refreshing kick to it when compared to the Nihonshu Ice. It’s creamy, but the aftertaste is refreshing, so we recommend it for people who aren’t a fan of sweet treats. Both are sure to leave you feeling satisfied, and maybe a little flushed afterwards.

These ice creams contain alcohol, so keep that in mind when coming here with minors, kids, pregnant women, or if you’re driving.

They have non-alcoholic flavours too!

Matcha / Cherry Blossom

Of course, they have non-alcoholic options too. I tried out the matcha and cherry blossom flavours.

The matcha one has an irresistible bitterness layered inside the sweetness. You get that real rich matcha taste too. The cherry blossom ice cream is a cute light pink colour and has a subtle sweetness to it. If you don’t like alcohol then you’ll definitely want to try one of delights.

Toyota in Aichi Prefecture is a city abundant with nature and one home to countless famous flower spots. Tourism Toyota has outlined a list of the perfect places to visit there this spring to enjoy viewing the cherry blossoms for this year’s Hanami.

Asian Fawnlily | Korankei

Korankei is a valley created by the Yodo River in Toyota, Aichi, and is said to be one of the best places in Japan to enjoy the autumn colours. In spring, an area covering 5,000m² blooms with beautiful Asian fawnlilies, dyeing the grass as a light purple carpet.

Best Time To See: Mid March – Late March

Location: Korankei, Iimori Asukecho, Toyota, Aichi

Access: Board the Meitetsu Bus bound for Yamani (矢並線) at Toyotashi Station’s East Exit, get off at Korankei (香嵐渓), and walk for 10-minutes

Official Website: https://www.tourismtoyota.jp/spots/detail/272/

Cherry Blossoms & Spiraea Thunbergii | Aichi Greenery Center

Every year at Aichi Greenery Center from late March to early April, the Spiraea Thunbergii, also known as Thunberg’s meadowsweet, blossom their white flowers in full along a path stretching 200 meters, which makes it look like the area is covered in snow. When the cherry blossoms bloom, their light pink flowers offer a beautiful contrast with the snowbound meadowsweet.

Best Time To See: Late March – Early April

Address: Saruta-21-1 Nishinakayamachō, Toyota, Aichi

Access: Board the Oiden Bus bound for Fujioka/Toyota Via Nishinakayama (藤岡・豊田線(西中山経由)) and get off at the Greenery Center (緑化センター)

Official Website: https://www.tourismtoyota.jp/spots/detail/277/

Weeping Cherry Blossoms | Kaminaka

Kaminaka is home to some incredible weeping cherry sights. Around 3,000 weeping cherry trees stretch 1km from the car park, dyeing the mountainous landscape white, red, and pink.

Best Time To See: Early to Mid April

Address: Makigahora Kaminakacho, Toyota, Aichi

Access: 27km from Shidare Interchange (枝下IC) via Sarugata Green Road (猿投グリーンロード)

Official Website: https://www.tourismtoyota.jp/spots/detail/225/

Weeping Cherry Blossoms | Zuiryuji Temple & Daian-ji Temple

Zuiryuji Temple is home to a weeping cherry tree that is said to be 400 years old. It is officially listed as a Natural Treasure of Aichi Prefecture. Its flowers are best enjoyed in early April when it offers a spectacular sight next to the temple gate.

Daian-ji Temple also has an ancient weeping cherry tree that is 260 years old and listed as a National Treasure of Toyota. Another row of cherry trees are located next to it, wrapping the area in gorgeous pink hues. Both of these temple trees are also lit up in the evenings, offering a different kind of beautiful atmosphere from a daytime viewing.

Best Time To See: Early April

Address: Terayama-3 Inabuchō, Toyota, Aichi

Access: Board the Oiden Bus [Kaisoku Inabu] at Toyotashi Station’s East Exit, get off at Dongurinoyu Mae (どんぐりの湯前), and walk for 10-minutes

Official Websites:

https://www.tourismtoyota.jp/spots/detail/39/ (Zuiryuji Temple)

https://www.tourismtoyota.jp/spots/detail/697/ (Daian-ji Temple)

Wisterias | Fuji no Kairo

This 370-meter long path is known as Fuji no Kairo, or “Wisteria Corridor,” which is home to four different species of wisteria that bloom fully in the spring to the delight of those passing under it.

Best Time To See: Late April – Early May

Address: Mitsukuricho, Toyota, Aichi

Access: Board the Oiden Bus bound for Fujioka/Toyota Via Kanocho (藤岡・豊田線(加納経由)) and get off at Toyota City Hall (藤岡支所). Change onto the Fuji Bus bound for Kawaguchi/Ino (川口・飯野線), then get off at Fuji no Kairo (ふじの回廊口).

Official Website: https://www.tourismtoyota.jp/spots/detail/191/

Early November marks the opening of the autumn cherry blossoms in Obaracho, Toyota. By the time mid-November rolls around, close to 10,000 shikizakura cherry blossoms bloom a pale pink until the end of the month.

The Yoshino cherry bears its pink petals in springtime, but the shikizakura blossoms twice a year: first in spring, then in autumn. They are considered one of the most beautiful flowers of autumn, especially when they bloom against the gorgeous and vibrant red maple leaves. The Obara Shikizakura Matsuri began on November 1, and right now, you can witness this spectacle for yourself.

The shikizakura trees planted in Obara have been there since Kansei era (1789-1801). With the helping hand of locals, the trees have become one of Japan’s most famous shikizakura spots. They were designated as Chiku (District) Trees in 1978 and can be seen throughout the entire district. Some of the trees are over 100 years old and as such registered as Natural Monuments of Aichi prefecture.

This is a spot we highly recommend visiting when travelling to Aichi.

▼Obara Shikizakura Cherry Blossoms

Peak Blossom Time: From Mid-November

Locations:

441-1 Johei, Obaracho, Toyota, Aichi (Obara Fureai Park)

Senmichi, Toyota, Aichi (Senmi Shikizakura no Sato)

Access: Take the Toyota Oiden Bus bound for Kaminigi (上仁木行き) and get off at Obaraokusa (小原大草) or Kaminigi (上仁木)

Details:  http://www.kankou-obara.toyota.aichi.jp/

▼Obara Shikizakura Matsuri

Running: November 1, 2019 – November 30, 2019

Locations: Senmi Shikizakura no Sato, Obara Fureai Park, and elsewhere in the region

Notes: The Kururin Bus can be boarded for free on weekends and public holidays while the festival is on

Official Website: https://www.aichi-now.jp/spots/detail/132/

The Korankei Maple Festival is also taking place this month where you can witness around 40,000 maple trees bearing their gorgeous autumn foliage.

The trees are being lit up every night for the month of November. Watch the sun set before the illuminations are turned on, creating an enchanting atmosphere with the warm, radiating lights against the night sky.

▼Maple Trees

Peak Blossom Time: From Mid-November

Location:  Iimori Asukecho, Toyota, Aichi

Access: Ride the Meitetsu Mikawa Line to Toyotashi Station, change onto Meitetsu Bus, and alight at Korankei (香嵐渓)

Official Website:  http://asuke.info/korankei/

▼64th Korankei Maple Festival

Running: November 1, 2019 – November 30, 2019

Location: Around Iimori Asukecho, Toyota, Aichi

Light-Up: Sunset to 21:00

Access: 20 minutes from Sarugata Green Road Interchange / 20 minutes from Toyota-Kanpachi Interchange

Official Website: http://asuke.info/event/nov/entry-705.html

Witness two of Japan’s most celebrates treesーthe cherry blossom and the mapleーflower together in one place in Aichi.

LEGS COMPANY, LTD. has announced that it will open six Sailor Moon cafes for its Sailor Moon Cafe 2019 event across Japan this year. The opening dates differ from branch to branch, but the first two will open in Tokyo and Osaka on October 3. See all the opening dates in the Information section below.

LEGS held the Sailor Moon Cafe 2017 event back in September 2017 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Sailor Moon. The event’s theme focused around adulthood imbued with a hint of cuteness. The cafes were so popular that they had a second “encore” run in December of the same year.

This year, LEGS has created an entirely new concept.

The theme this year is “Girls Night Out,” and the menu line-up stays true to it, featuring food and drinks all ladies are sure to enjoy on a night out.

5 Sailor Tortilla Wrap Sandwiches – ¥1,590 (Not available at the Saitama cafe)

Pretty Girl’s Brunch Pancakes – ¥1,590 (Available at lunchtime only)

Girls Night Out (Chicken Steak Plate) – ¥1,990 (Available at dinnertime only)

Cosmic Heart Berry Sandwich – ¥1,690

Moon Night Parfait – ¥1,490 (Available at dinnertime only)

Girls Night Out Drinks (10 Flavours) – ¥890 Each (Usagi Tsukino/Ami Mizuno/Rei Hono/Makoto Kino/Minako Aino/Chibiusa/Haruka Tennou/Michiru Kaiou/Setsuna Meiou/Hotaru Tomoe)

This is just a select look at what’s on the menu―there are many other themed foods and desserts too!

Acrylic Key Ring (12 Designs Chosen Randomly) – ¥650

Clear Bag (1 Design) – ¥1,800

Plate (1 Design) – ¥2,200

The artwork for select cafe-exclusive merchandise was done by popular creator Etoile et Griotte who makes items for girls who love cute things, and Japanese illustrator Jenny Kaori, who creates cute, fashionable and alternative works.

Every person who books a seat in advance (¥650 before tax) at the cafe will receive one of the 5 above-pictured ticket holders chosen randomly.

If you dine at the cafe, you’ll get one of the 4 above-pictured lunch mats chosen randomly.

And if you order a drink, you’ll get one of the 10 above-pictured coasters chosen randomly.

*All prices are pre-tax prices. Photos are for illustrative purposes only.

©Naoko Takeuchi・PNP・Toei Animation

The town of Kisogawa in Nagoya, Aichi is just 30-minutes by car from Nagoya Station, which is set to welcome the 36^th annual Kazutoyo Festival on September 15.

The city of Ichinomiya was the birthplace of Yamauchi Kazutoyo, a famous military commander during the Azuchi–Momoyama period (1568-1600). Every year, the bustling Kazutoyo Festival recalls the Sengoku Period, a time of war and upheaval in Japan which lasted over a thousand years, as well as the helmet and armor-clad commander.

The festival also has mini live performances, as well as an anime show which can be enjoyed by children. There’s also food, horse riding, and other fun activities.

Experience a unique cultural autumntime festival this year at the Kazutoyo Festival in Kisogawa.