To promote the 50th anniversary anime film Doraemon: Nobita’s New Dinosaur, which is set for release in Japan on August 14, 2020, Doraemon himself is making appearances right now at Jurassic Park in Universal Studios Japan until July 22, 2020. Additionally, in promotion of the upcoming 3D CG anime film Stand By Me Doraemon 2, USJ is opening its second-ever Doraemon themed XR ride on August 4 which will run until January 6, 2021.

It will be a fast-paced Stand By Me Doraemon 2 themed XR ride and sensory explosion that makes use of VR technology to send riders on a VR coaster time travel experience through the past, present, and future.

Stand By Me Doraemon was released in 2014 as the first 3D CG animated Doraemon film and was a huge hit for the quality of its animation and moving story. The staff have returned to work on its sequel, Stand By Me Doraemon 2, including writers and directors Takashi Yamazaki and Ryuichi Yagi. The XR ride will feature an original story that is connected to the sequel film which itself will be based on the Doraemon short film Doraemon: A Grandmother’s Recollections.

©Fujiko Pro/2020 STAND BY ME Doraemon 2 Film Partners

Universal Studios Japan (USJ) reopened on June 19, 2020 after temporary closure as a result of COVID-19. The park is now running with strict measures in place to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus, including practicing the 2m social distancing rule, making it mandatory to wear face masks, and so on. The park has posted a full video demonstration of the rules on their official website.

That means summertime is set to shine on USJ once again this year. The new ‘Universal Summer Parade: We are One’ event will begin on July 23 as the first parade held by the park since its reopening. Guests will be able to enjoy a fun and exciting summer at USJ with all the necessary precautions in place to ensure their safety.

Many familiar faces will gather at USJ to celebrate summer with guests, including the Minions, Elmo, Snoopy, Hello Kitty, and more. Each of them will board colourful floats for the parade during the parade, which will open with the fittingly-titled “Opening Float” followed by a flurry of unique floats like the flashy “Latin Float,” cute European-inspired “Europe Float,” the mysterious “Indian Float,” and the finale “America Float,” amongst many others. There will be music to entertain guests for laughs, smiles, and fun energy while characters and entertainers ride the floats and serve summertime vibes.

 

The peak moment of the parade will be when confetti rains down on guests in huge quantities. Flags can also be bought for the parade for the first time in this year. Performers and the park characters will be able to entertain guests at a distance while still connecting with them through the fun performances. A special “social distance” performance created in cooperation with the Osaka Prefectural Board of Education will also be part of the parade. This year’s parade plans to have guests dancing and smiling even more than previous years to lift some of that stress away and give them the fight and energy to continue into tomorrow.

 

Universal Summer Parade: We Are One

Put your hands into the air as the sun beats down and the floats arrive to a lively rhythm. ‘We are One’ is the catchphrase, so get your boogie on and explode with excitement together with the entertainers and park characters for a heated summer parade!

 

Running: July 23, 2020 – August 27, 2020

Location: Parade Route

Time: One per day from 11:00am (approx 40 mins) 

Buy yourself a parade flag for ¥500 and wave it around to the beat of the festival!

 

Cool yourself off with some summer merch

Get your hands on some merch for cooling off, including the must-have summer “Handy Fan,” a “UV Poncho” which keeps you cool in the heat of the sun, a classic “Sensu” folding fan, and more.

 

Feel the Japanese festivities with the Universal Market

The Universal Market will give that Japanese ‘matsuri’ festival vibe. Enjoy some cool desserts, spicy food, and more.

Left: Super Hot! Turkey Leg ¥1,000 / Centre: Peach Jelly Soda: ¥650 / Right: Frappe Sundae ~Strawberry & Blue Hawaii~ ¥750

Since guest safety is the number one priority this summer, the park will not be holding its famous splash performance where guests are soaked with water by water shooters.

 

Additionally, the parade will also not stop in any of the usual designated places and will instead keep on moving, meaning the parade can be enjoyed from anywhere along the parade route. Guests will be able to keep plenty of distance from others as they watch the parade.

 

The park also released a statement on its ‘enhanced sanitation in park operations’ on its official website so you can find out more about what USJ is doing to tackle the COVID-19 spread.

 

If you’re in Osaka this year, you can still enjoy summer at Universal Studios Japan with all the necessary precautions in place.

SUPER NINTENDO WORLD is set to open at Universal Studios Japan (USJ) in 2020ーthe year of the Tokyo Olympicsーas the world’s first theme park area centred on the world, games and video game characters from Nintendo. A whopping 60 billion yen has been injected to make the park a reality.

 

In promotion of the park, the “SUPER NINTENDO WORLD CHALLENGE” was held in New York, US on February 19.

Fans dashed to Grand Central Terminalーa tourist hot spotーwhere the event was held to play a game involving the iconic Question Blocks from the Mario video game franchise. The set-up, which brought to mind a Bonus Stage from the game, had people hitting the question blocks just like Marioーsomething which we all must have imagined doing before.

1,000 people participated in the event which they signed up to prior. It was a day of fun for not only players but onlookers too. Grand prize winners won trips to SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, which is set to open before the Tokyo Olympic Games start, while all other participants got their hands on some exclusive SUPER NINTENDO WORLD merch early.

 

One participant said: “I love everything about Mario, so I knew I’d definitely be taking part today! I’ve loved Mario since I was a kid, I even had a plush toy of him. Mario really is exciting. I’ve always wanted to be Mario, so I’m really happy with how today turned out. I want to go to SUPER NINTENDO WORLD with my best friend and try out all the attractions. I’m sure it’s gonna be a lot of fun!” (Male, 20 / Staten Island, New York) *Translated from Japanese

One of the grand prize winners said: “I’ve been a huge fan of Nintendo’s games since I was 3-years-old. I was lucky to get to take part in the SUPER NINTENDO WORLD CHALLENGE today, but to go and win the grand prize is an amazing feeling! I’ll be going to Japan with my girlfriend who I love so much! I’m always paying attention to news about SUPER NINTENDO WORLD. The Mario Kart attraction will definitely be a ride, I’m looking forward to it so much I just can’t wait! I always thought it would be great if they made a Mario theme park, so the fact they’re doing it in both Japan and even the US is amazing!” (Male, 20 / The Bronx, US) *Translated from Japanese

The Question Blocks also made an appearance in Times Square. The event was covered on the morning news in the US with fans visible at the event, Rockefeller Plaza, and elsewhere.

 

If you’re a Mario and Nintendo fan planning a trip to Japan then be sure you get to experience SUPER NINTENDO WORLD when it opens this year.

Last autumn, Universal Studios Japan released a video showcasing youngsters in enjoying their youth in the park, and it blew up on Japanese social media. The park released a new version of the video online on January, and it will hit television in the Kansai area on February 1.

The video’s theme is “Youth is a moment; youth is infinite.” We see five NMB48 membersーCocona Umeyama, Rei Jōnishi, Suzu Yamada, Ayaka Yamamoto, and Haasa Minamiーenjoying themselves in their private time at USJ. They play the part of five friends about to graduate from high school, and like them, the lighthearted nature of the video makes you want to make some memories at the park with your friends too.

 

The video is saying to all young people that they hope they can make special memories at USJ, deepen their bonds with their friends, and continue their friendships after graduating.

We get to see the five NMB48 members enjoying the park to the fullest, wearing park merchandise like their cute headbands and pouches, riding the attractions with smiles on the face, snapping photos, and eating food. The song that plays during the video is LILLY by Osaka-born three-piece rock band Hump Back.

USJ is set to hold numerous campaigns for students entering the park, beginning in February, including student discounts.

This year’s Universal Cool Japan finally opened at Universal Studios Japan on Tuesday, where it is set to run until June 28, bringing together the ‘cool’ aspects of Japan enjoyed by the rest of the world. Four internationally beloved franchises take the spotlight for 2020: Attack on Titan, Monster Hunter World, Detective Conan, and Lupin III.

 

A host of lucky guests were able to experience the attractions before anyone else. Today, we hear their review and comments of the all-new rides, attractions, live shows and restaurants centred around the four big contenders which serve to fully immerse fans in their incredible worlds.

 

Attack on Titan’s first XR ride

The Attack on Titan manga series has celebrated its 10th anniversary last year. For this year’s Universal Cool Japan, the internationally-acclaimed series welcomes its first ever XR ride, as well as its own “Survey Corps Diner.”

Guests wear VR goggles that transport them into a 360° rendering of the world of Attack on Titan, with life-size Titans appearing before their very eyes. Guests ride a roller coaster and fly alongside the Survey Corps. If you’ve ever wanted to know what it’s like to soar up high with ODM maneuver gear, now’s your chance. The Attack on Titan XR Ride offers a thrill like no otherーone so tense you’ll be left wondering whether you will survive.

 

■Guest Comment

“It was so much fun! The visuals are breathtaking and connect superbly to the ride’s movements. I was completely immersed in the visuals; it really felt like I was riding a wagon. Eren and the Survey Corps members were so cool, and even the horses looked realistic. It was amazing!” (Woman, 20/Osaka Prefecture) *Translated from Japanese

The themed restaurant, “Attack on Titan Survey Corps Diner,” is so realistic to a quality you wouldn’t believe, with the Survey Corps members’ weapons and personal belongings left casually around the place. Guests can feel immersed as they listen to the conversations between the characters will chowing down on their meal, take a photo with life-sized versions of Levi and Hange, and more.

 

Detective Conan World’s two new attractions with Shuichi Akai have fans screaming

At Detective Conan World, fans can expect to see the appearance of the hugely popular character Shuichi Akai who is set to star in the upcoming animated film Detective Conan: The Scarlet Bullet (releasing April 17, 2020). Four rides and attractions can be enjoyed at Detective Conan World, including the manga series’ first-ever story-packed roller coaster named Detective Conan x Hollywood Dream: The Ride.

Guests can also look forward to joining Conan solve cases in Detective Conan: The Escape ~The Scarlet Bullet~, an escape game featuring an original story and a live performance by a real cast. Participants will make use of AR technology and solve the cases within the time limit to escape. Expect appearances from familiar faces too like Rachel Moore, Richard Moore, and others.

In Detective Conan x Hollywood Dream: The Ride, you’ll be placed in the passenger seat with Akai on the wheel who will use some extreme driving techniques to shake off the criminal. Look forward to plenty of thrills in this immersive experience.

 

■Guest Comment

“Not only do you solve cases, there’s also a gaming aspect to the challenges which require the use of the AR terminal. It’s also a team game where you work with others, so I enjoyed it with everyone else. A lot of characters make an appearance too, it was so cool.” (Female, 20/Osaka Prefecture) *Translated from Japanese

There’s also the Detective Conan Mystery Challenge in which guests take a hands-on approach to solve various incidents around the theme park. Harley Hartwell, Kazuha Toyama, and Tomoya’s love rival Momiji Ooka are also present in this game with in the form of a real-life cast.

Fans can also tuck into some mystery-themed food at the Detective Conan Mystery Restaurant which combines food and live entertainment. Fans reacted overwhelmingly to the appearance of Masumi Seraーthe sister of Akai. There’s also appearances from Amuro Tooru and Serena Sebastian too.

 

Lupin the Third: The Live

 

Witness a live cast playing the roles of the popular Lupin III, Daisuke Jigen, Goemon Ishikawa XIII, Fujiko Mine, and Koichi Zenigataーthe latter of which is trying to chase down Lupin. It features live entertainment by real cast members who will perform right before guests. The reaction to this live show has been overwhelming as guests feel like they are running through Delancey Street in New York with Lupin in this interactive story.

 

■Guest Comment

“I was amazed to have been able to see such an amazing show right in front of me. Lupin and the gang came from above, below, left, and right. There were too many good moments. I didn’t have enough eyes! <laughs>” (Female, 20/Hyogo Prefecture)

Last year’s Lupin III restaurant, Ristorante Amore, has received an upgrade for 2020. Experience being served by Lupin himself, with his gentle approach and know-how when it comes to getting with the ladies, and Goemon Ishikawa XIII, who is aloof and has terrible romance skills. They are serving up authentic Italian cuisine.

Monster Hunter World: Iceborne XR WALK

The Monster Hunter video game franchise is loved the world over, and is appearing once more at Universal Cool Japan after two years. Use interactive VR technology and go hunting in the world of Iceborne, the hit expansion to Monster Hunter World, in an experience so immersive you’ll forget about the real world.

 

©Hajime Isayama・Kodansha / “Attack on Titan” Production Committee

©2020 Gosho Aoyama / Detective Conan Production Committee

© CRAP All rights reserved.

©Monkey Punch / ＴＭＳ・ＮＴＶ

©CAPCOM CO., LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

書・SISYU

TM & © Universal Studios. All rights reserved.

Osaka-based theme park Universal Studios Japan (USJ) has announced special discounts on its “Universal Annual Pass” tickets for students which will be available from February 1, 2020 to March 31, 2020. All university students, graduate students, junior college students, vocational college students, high school students, and junior high school students can get their hands on the discount by simply showing their student ID when purchasing the pass.

 

The pass enables the guests to enjoy the host of exciting seasonal events and attractions throughout 2020 at USJ. The park will also offer exclusive campaigns for students during the graduation and spring break seasons.

 

Don’t miss this chance to experience USJ’s world-class entertainment at a discounted price. Reap all the benefits of student life!

SUPER NINTENDO WORLD is set to open at Universal Studios Japan (USJ) in 2020ーthe year of the Tokyo Olympicsーas the world’s first theme park area centred on the world, games and video game characters from Nintendo.

 

What is “SUPER NINTENDO WORLD”?

SUPER NINTENDO WORLD will be the first-ever multilevel Nintendo-themed area at USJ, and the first of its kind in the world. Fans of the internationally beloved games can expected to see a whole host of rides and attractions dedicated to their favourite characters, from Mario Kart to Yoshi and beyond, as well as themed restaurants, merchandise shops, and more.

Power Up Band

Guests at SUPER NINTENDO WORLD will be able to feel like they are in a Mario video game with the Power Up Band, a purchasable wristband which works in connection with the USJ app for smartphones., which enables them to collect digital coins and compete with their friends for the highest score on the scoreboards.

 

Hit question blocks to collect coins

Just like Mario does in his quest to save Princess Peach from Bowser, guests can collect coins by hitting Question Blocks with their Power Up Bands. They will feel like they are competing in a video game, in real time, with the other guests in the park. The Power Up Band has numerous features, including the ability to obtain collectable items like Mario character stamps by completing various conditions listed on the app.

 

Battle bosses with friends

Additionally, guests can collect ‘Keys’ in a new attraction called ‘Key Challenges’ with which they can unlock various gameplay opportunities including ‘Boss Battles.’ They will be able to battle bosses together with their friends.

 

Charli XCX & Galantis drop music video to promote the park’s grand opening

To promote the opening of SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, USJ dropped a music video entitled WE ARE BORN TO PLAY on their official YouTube channel on Tuesday in collaboration with Swedish electronic DJ duo Galantis and English singer-songwriter Charli XCX. The music video merges the real world with the world of Mario, with Charli hanging out with Toad on top of Peach’s castle and people stomping on digital Goombas. The song features original music mixed together iconic leitmotifs from the Mario games.

We look forward when SUPER NINTENDO WORLD finally opens and will most definitely cover it once it does.

It has been announced that Universal Cool Japan 2020 will take place from January 21 to June 28 next year. This year marks the 6th run of UCJ which began in 2015, bringing together the ‘cool’ aspects of Japan enjoyed by the rest of the world, and enjoys immense popularity every year.

Universal Cool Japan 2020 will see four big titles in Japanese entertainment come together. Expect all-new attractions for all-new experiences.

*The Monster Hunter World: Iceborne x USJ attractions will be announced at a later date

Attack on Titan XR Ride

The Attack on Titan manga series has celebrated its 10th anniversary this year. For the first time ever, the series is getting its own XR Ride in which guests will don VR goggles that will transport them into a 360° rendering of the world of Attack on Titan, with life-size Titans appearing before their very eyes. Guests will ride a roller coaster and fly alongside the Survey Corps. If you’ve ever wanted to know what it’s like to soar up high with ODM maneuver gear, now’s your chance.

 

Running: January 21, 2020 – June 28, 2020

 

Detective Conan World

Join Conan in the all-improved and revamped Detective Conan World and help him solve cases in Detective Conan: The Escape; ride the new story-filled roller coaster Detective Conan x Hollywood Dream: The Ride which features full voice acting and an immersive plot; run around the park and solve various incidents hands-on with Detective Conan Mystery Challenge; and dine at the Detective Conan Mystery Restaurant.

 

Running: January 21, 2020 – June 28, 2020

*Full details on the restaurant will be announced at a later date

 

Lupin the Third: The Live

Lupin the Third made its first appearance at UCJ 2019 and was very well-received. This live show features street live entertainment by real cast members who will perform right before guests. Join Lupin and the characters in the exciting world of the franchise.

 

Running: January 21, 2020 – June 28, 2020

 

Monster Hunter World: Iceborne x Universal Studios Japan

The Monster Hunter video game franchise is loved the world over, and is appearing once more at Universal Cool Japan after two years. Use interactive VR technology and go hunting in the world of Iceborne, the hit expansion to Monster Hunter World which has shipped 2.8 million copies worldwide.

 

Running: Spring 2020 (subject to change)

 

Image Credit: Universal Studios Japan

HARRY POTTER characters, names and related indicia are © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Harry Potter Publishing Rights © JKR. (s19)
Despicable Me, Minion Made and all related marks and characters are trademarks and copyrights of Universal Studios. Licensed by Universal Studios Licensing LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Nintendo properties are trademarks and copyrights of Nintendo. © 2019 Nintendo.
TM & © Universal Studios & Amblin Entertainment

©Hajime Isayama・Kodansha / “Attack on Titan” Production Committee

©2020 Gosho Aoyama / Detective Conan Production Committee

© CRAP All rights reserved.

©Monkey Punch / ＴＭＳ・ＮＴＶ

©CAPCOM CO., LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

書・SISYU

TM & © Universal Studios. All rights reserved.

Halloween is right around the corner, and in Tokyo, the spooky celebrations are beginning early. If you’re in the capital this month, here are 5 places you must check out this Halloween.

 

Plain Clothes Halloween 2019 @ Shibuya

Worried about what to wear for Halloween this year? No need to panic. If you’re spending your Halloween in Shibuya this year, which is known the world over for its incredible Halloween festivities, then head to Tokyo Culture Culture on October 27 where a very unique event is taking place.

 

Jimi (“Plain”) Halloween is an event that takes out the stress of having to go all out for Halloween as people go dressed as ordinary people. It has been held annually since 2014, with the number of attendees growing each year. Over 800 people took part last year, all clad in their plain clothes.

 

This year’s event will be split into three slots, with a capacity of 200 people per slot. Sign-up has already started, so if you’re interested, check the times below and book ASAP.

 

Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/263176

 

▶︎Jimi Halloween

Date: October 27, 2019 (3 Slots / 200 People Per Slot)

　Slot ①: 11:00-14:00　

　Slot ②: 15:00-18:00　

　Slot ③: 19:00-22:00　

★Places are available on a first-come, first-served basis at the website below

Venue: Tokyo Culture Culture (cocoti SHIBUYA 4F, 1-23-16 Shibuya, Tokyo)

Entry: Free (Apply at the link below)

Sign-Up: https://dailyportalz.jp/kiji/jimihalloween2019

 

MAX UNKO HALLOWEEN @ Odaiba

Unko Museum Tokyo, a poop-themed (unko in Japanese) museum located on the second floor of DiverCity Tokyo Plaza in Odaiba, opened its Halloween event “MAX UNKO HALLOWEEN ~Unko & Dancing Halloween~” last Friday which will run all the way up to October 31. They are serving “max unko kawaii-ness” in this all-new Halloween event.

At the Unko Museum this Halloween, expect to see nnko idol monsters, unko mummies, and lots of other cute and fashionable unko critters. All of them will be part of a spooky parade together with the museum’s mascot character Umberto. 

 

Also, if you go up to one of the museum staff members and say, “Trick or Unko?” you’ll receive a special Halloween gift. There’s lots of other unko-fying entertainment to be enjoyed, so if you’re looking for a different kind of Halloween experience, be sure to find out more about MAX UNKO HALLOWEEN.

 

Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/262397

 

▶︎MAX UNKO HALLOWEEN ~Unko & Dancing Halloween~

Location: Unko Museum Tokyo

Address: DiverCity Tokyo Plaza Floor 2F, 1-1-10 Aomi, Koto Ward, Tokyo

Opening Hours: 10:00-21:00 (Last Entries 20:00)

No Fixed Holidays (Except when DiverCity Tokyo Plaza is closed)

Ticket Reservations: https://reserve.ale-box.com/reserve/169

Official Website: https://unkomuseum.com/tokyo

 

ROPPONGI HILLS HAPPY HALLOWEEN 2019 @ Roppongi

Roppongi Hills has announced this year’s Halloween festival. Titled “ROPPONGI HILLS HAPPY HALLOWEEN 2019,” it will take place from October 1 to 31, packed full of spooky fun from a Halloween costume parade to a ghoulish gourmet menu line-up, featuring an always-unique array of food and drink.

Halloween Cupcakes – ¥638 Each @ LOLA’S Cupcakes Tokyo (Available from October 5)

LOLA’S Cupcakes has baked up an assortment of cute monster motif cupcakes, with flavours including pumpkin, purple sweet potato and more. Whichever one you pick, it’s sure to give you a smile and delight your taste buds.

Happy Monster – ¥980 @ Cafe Crepe

Delight in this cute pumpkin and fresh cream crepe, filled with pumpkin ice cream and snug in an orange crepe wrap. Housed inside is an adorable purple sweet potato mont blanc monster wearing a witch’s hat.

 

There’s plenty of other Halloween-themed menu treats besides these too in addition to numerous spine-chilling events.

 

Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/257307

 

▶︎ROPPONGI HILLS HAPPY HALLOWEEN 2019

Running: October 1, 2019 – October 31, 2019

Official Website: https://www.roppongihills.com/en/

 

PURO HALLOWEEN PARTY ~KAWAII MASQUERADE~ @ Tama

Sanrio Puroland is currently holding its “PURO HALLOWEEN PARTY ~KAWAII MASQUERADE~” Halloween festival will until October 31. This is the park’s first mask-themed festival, with each day split into two slots: Day and Night. During the daytime, guests are invited to the park’s “Cute Masked Party” string of events. But when night falls, the monsters creep their way out for the “Beautifully Scary Masquerade Party.”

With the release of IT Chapter Two―the sequel to one of the biggest horror hits in years―Sanrio Puroland is collaborating with the film. This includes Hello Kitty taking Pennywise’s place in the movie poster amongst other special content.

A ball mask parade is taking place on the first floor Puro Bridge. The Sanrio cast is dressed up in ballroom attire with masks and dance elegant dances, pulling onlookers into a frightening yet beautiful world.

 

As part of the Halloween celebrations, if you arrive at the park in full Halloween dress you can get a discount on Passport Tickets. Be sure to go clad in your best outfit to have the most fun!

 

Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/249600

 

▶︎PURO HALLOWEEN PARTY　～KAWAII MASQUERADE～

Running: September 13, 2019 – October 31, 2019

DAY: Weekdays – Until 14:30 / Weekends – Until 15:00

NIGHT: Weekdays – From 14:30 Until Closing / Weekends – From 15:00 Until Closing

*Weekday closing hours during the Halloween period is 6:00pm. Times subject to change.

Event Page: https://www.puroland.jp/2019_halloween/

 

VISION HALLOWEEN PARTY 2019 @ Shibuya

VISION HALLOWEEN PARTY 2019 @ Shibuya

The annual Halloween event at SOUND MUSEUM VISION, a club in Dogenzaka, Shibuya, will take place again this year on October 31.

 

Look forward to seeing live DJ performances from Yasutaka Nakata and SHINTARO with special guest acts from Kuro-chan and Ringo-chan of Yasuda Dai Circus as well as live performances from Yayoi Daimon and Rei©hi.

 

Dress up in your fanciest Halloween dress and club all night this Halloween!

 

VISION HALLOWEEN PARTY 2019

Date: October 31, 2019

Time: Open – 21:00

Price: Dress-Up Discount ¥2,500 / Door ¥3,500

Event Page: http://www.vision-tokyo.com/event/vision-halloweenparty-2019

 

 

Which of these events takes your fancy? Let us know on Twitter @moshi_moshi_glb or Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/msmsnippon/

Ginza’s luxury ice cream shop has released a new parfait flavour for the Halloween and autumn season.

They have called it the “Akiiro Murasaki coi Parfait” (Autumn Colour Purple coi Parfait). Coloured like the vivid sumire plant―a species of violet―this mouth-watering parfait contains a jam made in-house with whole natsuhaze, a wild type of blueberry that has been used in Japan since ancient times. It’s topped with a dollop of rich and milky ice cream, a puree made from in-season purple sweet potatoes, and assorted nuts for added crunch.

Natsuhaze blueberries contain a lot of polyphenols, giving them an elegant sour flavour which goes unbelievably well with the taste of the milky ice cream and sweet potato. The parfait is served with a liqueur made from sumire extract.

For the Halloween period between October 16 to 31, the parfait can also be topped with various spooky decorations at no extra cost, like chocolate ghosts, spiders and cobwebs.

 

If you’re celebrating Halloween in Japan this year, or want to treat your date to a Halloween treat, then take them to Tokyo’s high-class shopping district Ginza for a luxurious parfait.

Starbucks Coffee Japan has announced a new beverage called the Halloween Dark Night Frappuccino® which will be released at Starbucks branches (*1) across Japan from 17:22 (*2)―the time of sunset when night begins―on October 18, 2019. The coffee chain is also releasing its new “Halloween Masquerade” filter on Instagram (*3).

 

*1. Select branches not participating.
*2. Roll out time may differ at select branches.
*3. Instagram is a service owned by Facebook, Inc. The above-mentioned filter is not backed or managed by Instagram in any way nor is it affiliated with the service.

The Halloween Dark Night Frappuccino® is themed on an evening masquerade party. It will go on sale when the sun sets at 17:22 on October 18. As the name suggests, the drink itself is black and mysterious like the night, blending together black cocoa powder with white chocolate brownie.

 

The jet black beverage also has a red hue to it which comes from a sweet and sour red berry sauce made from raspberries, cranberries and strawberries. It’s topped with a squirt of fluffy whipped cream, sprinkled with black cocoa powder, and drizzled with more of that red berry sauce to create that Halloween aesthetic. The black cocoa adds a delicious bitterness to the sweetness of the brownie and the sweet and sour mixed berries, creating a mouth-watering flavour combination.

 

The Halloween Masquerade filter was developed by Starbucks for people’s Instagram stories this Halloween. There are four masks to choose from which can be changed by just tapping on the screen. There are other cool Halloween effects on the filter to find too. Something might even pop out of your mouth if you open wide…

Starbucks Japan will also sell the above-pictured Halloween cup stands when the drinks go on sale. Limited in stock, the stands come in black and white, titled Halloween Red Night Frappuccino® or the Halloween Dark Night Frappuccino® respectively. You can buy them separately or as a set.

 

Experience a spooky masquerade party at Starbucks this Halloween.

Worried about what to wear for Halloween this year? No need to panic. If you’re spending your Halloween in Shibuya this year, which is known the world over for its incredible Halloween festivities, then head to Tokyo Culture Culture on October 27 where a very unique event is taking place.

Jimi Halloween is an event that takes out the stress of having to go all out for Halloween as people go dressed as ordinary people. It has been held annually since 2014, with the number of attendees growing each year. Over 800 people took part last year, all clad in their plain clothes.

 

This year’s event will be split into three slots, with a capacity of 200 people per slot. Sign-ups begin on October 15 at 12:00pm (JST).

 

 

Past Examples

①Situational attire

Beauty salon client

Dressing up as someone doing something has been a popular choice at the event recently. You can come up with some creative ideas that’ll make people say, “You came as that?!”

 

②”I’ve seen people like that!” attire

Flea market woman

There’s always certain types of people that everyone sees, and in Japan this is one of them!

 

③”I get it, but I don’t get it” attire

Hawaii vibe  uncle

You’ve heard all about them, but have you seen them?

 

④Work attire

Handing out tissues with pachinko ads on them

Work attire is a go-to at the plain clothes event. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that this is the one that started the entire movement.

 

⑤Miscellaneous attire

Maslow’s hierarchy of needs

The final entry is those which are hard to categorise. They serve whatever vibes they are feeling.

 

Attend this year’s event and show off your own unique ideas!