Mobile Police Patlabor is celebrating 30 years with a special exhibition in Tsuchiura City, Ibaraki Prefecture from January 14 until February 13, 2022. 

The exhibition has traveled to four locations so far, starting in Osaka in 2019, then Tokyo, Nagoya, and Niigata soon after. It has been extremely well-received by fans, and this new iteration will exhibit original drawings and cells from Mobile Police Patlabor 2: The Movie, along with poster and cels. 

Other production materials from the 47-episode TV series broadcast on NTV from 1989 until 1990 will also be available to peruse for the first time. 

1. Exhibition of Original Drawings and Cels from the Original Time of Production on Display for the First Time
The original jacket illustrations for the TV anime version and Mobile Police Patlabor 2: The Movie drawn by character designer Akemi Takada, as well as celluloid images discovered by the editorial department of KADOKAWA Newtype, and valuable original art owned by the animation production company Production I.G will all be on exhibition.

2. Exhibition of New 3-D Works
The exhibition will feature new sculptures created by sculptor Hideki Kawabata.
Especially noteworthy is the 1.2-meter tall Griffon statue.

3. New Merchandise on Sale
New booklets featuring the anime and movie will be available for purchase prior to the start of the exhibition.
Also, new Griffon goods, still very popular among fans, will be available.

4. Commemorative Stamp Rally
To commemorate the opening of the exhibition, a stamp rally will be held around the city.
Those who visit every spot will receive a clear folder decorated with the main visual of the exhibition drawn by Yukio Kitta.

5. AR Audio Guide Exclusive to the Venue
As with the previous Niigata exhibition, guests can listen to AR voice guidance by Miina Tominaga (Noa Izumi) and Yoshiko Sakakibara (Shinobu Nagumo) while at the venue. 

The hugely popular manga series Tokyo Revengers began serialization in Weekly Shonen Magazine in 2017 and has sold over 40 million copies to date. Author Ken Wakui, initially known for his work Shinjuku Swan, has found unforetold success since the series was released globally. An original Tokyo Revengers art exhibition will be held in Tokyo from January 29 until February 14, and in Osaka from March 19 until March 27, 2022.

Shopping Bag for Guests Spending Over ¥5,000 (Including Tax)

Selected Special Merchandise

Acrylic Stand (10 varieties)

B2-sized Tapestry (10 varieties)

Clear Art Panel (3 varieties)

Metal Badge Collection (10 varieties total)

Clear Folder Set

Original Work Clear Folder (10 varieties)

Manga-style Memo Pad (4 varieties)

Full-Color T-shirt (2 varieties)

Light-up Stand (2 varieties)

Mascot Plushies (22 varieties total)

The visual for the exhibition was drawn by Ken Wakui and features ten popular characters from the series. Check out social media for more details about the exhibition!

(C)和久井健／講談社

In October 2021, boy band BE:FIRST held their first photo exhibition at Shibuya PARCO. Now, a second version of the exhibition is triumphantly returning to the Tokyo venue!

BE:FIRST is a seven-member dance and vocal group created during THE FIRST boy band audition. Organized by BMSG, a company founded by popular rapper SKY-HI, the group immediately amassed an army of fans from around the world. The photo exhibition held in Tokyo, Nagoya, and online for three months starting in October attracted over 10,000 visitors. 

In response to the large demand, the BE:FIRST Photo Exhibition “We Just Gifted.” recently visited Osaka, before returning to Tokyo. The first showing focused heavily on the member’s journey towards a major debut, but now, more than 80% of the photos have been replaced. Since BE:FIRST’s major debut on November 3, the boys have held their first solo concert and fan meetups. Over 200 photos of the members post-debut will be on display.

The online photo exhibition, which was scheduled to end on January 31, will be extended to coincide with the new exhibition at Shibuya PARCO. Be sure to check it out!

The Noraneko Gundan exhibition, which saw great success in 2021, is now open in Osaka until January 31, 2022! The popular character is making the rounds to celebrate Noriko Kudo’s 20th anniversary as a children’s author. In addition to over 250 illustrations and videos on display from the Noraneko Gundan picture books, guests can enjoy a photo spot and other activities.

Osaka Exclusive Merchandise

IC Card Case with Octopus: ¥1,430 (Tax Included)

Cookie & Tin with Octopus: ¥1,400 (Tax Included)

Clear Folder with Octopus: ¥418 (Tax Included)

Sticker with Octopus: ¥385 (Tax Included)

Acrylic Keychain (Noraneko & Octopus / Mami & Octopus): ¥660 each (Tax Included)

Noraneko, Mami, and Octopus Acrylic Stand: ¥1,430 (Tax Included)

Baby Wipes & Can (Noraneko & Octopus / Mami and Octopus): ¥550 each (Tax Included)

New Products at Osaka Venue

Moisture Absorbing Coaster: ¥880 each (Tax Included)

Pin: ¥440 each (Tax Included)

Special Purchase Bonus for guests spending over ¥3,000 (Tax Included)

The first 100 guests to arrive each day will receive a special clear folder.

The exhibition will also include over 350 pieces of merchandise, including limited-edition goods for the Osaka exhibition, books, plush toys, figures, and more.

©工藤ノリコ／白泉社

​Shojo manga artist Ai Yazawa will hold her own exhibition in 2022! The event will begin at Shinjuku Takashimaya in late July before traveling to Osaka Takashimaya and Yokohama Takashimaya. 

Yazawa’s most popular manga series include Tenshi Nanka Ja Nai, Neighborhood Story, Paradise Kiss, and Nana. This exhibition will serve as a ‘best-of album’ for her many beloved works. Typically, Yazawa’s storylines center heavily on young women and their relationships, with each of these characters being very stylish. In the west, this inspired more interest in Tokyo street fashion. 

The Ai Yazawa ALL TIME BEST Exhibition will feature over 100 original drawings and illustrations, as well as never-before-seen materials from the production of Yazawa’s many manga series and anime adaptations. 

The amusement park Asakusa Hanayashiki will hold a collaboration event with the TV anime Gintama titled Gintama Festival from December 20, 2021 to January 16, 2022.

Mission clear bonus acrylic coasters (4 types/randomly distributed).

Original Merchandise (example)

Reward for ordering original food: one original coaster (10 types/randomly distributed).

The lineup for the Gintama Festival includes sales of event-exclusive original merchandise, a riddle solving rally, and collaboration food. In addition, the special ticket, an advance ticket with special offers that will make the event even more enjoyable, will be available for purchase.

Please look forward to this special event that Gintama fans can enjoy to the fullest.

©空知英秋／集英社・テレビ東京・電通・BNP・アニプレックス

Yokohama Landmark Tower’s 69th floor Sky Garden observation deck will, strangely, host a Pac-Man Museum event from December 17, 2021 until February 28, 2022. 

Video Game Art Gallery

Pac-Man Sparkling Fruit Drink

Clear Folders

Pac-Man became a smash hit upon release in Japan in 1980 and is still beloved around the world to this day. The event will include a huge lineup of Pac-Man exhibits, and even those not familiar with the title will be able to enjoy the incredible view and history of this iconic franchise.

In addition to a gallery filled with original drawings of Pac-Man and other games from the 1980s, guests can also view handwritten game plans from this important era. Visitors can also play a number of games on-site. Special collaboration drinks and merchandise inspired by Pac-Man will be on sale as well!

©BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc.

Starbucks Coffee Japan has launched the second product in its “double the love” collection, the first collaboration with fashion brand Ron Herman, at Starbucks Reserve® Roastery Tokyo.

Castanets (white and navy) ￥2,200 each / Guiro ￥3,960/ Bell ￥4,400

The theme of “double the love” expresses the moment when you and your loved one can feel the love by choosing and giving a gift while thinking of the joy on the face of the recipient. For the second edition, under the theme of “sharing together,” a variety of musical instruments made of wood, such as castanets, guiro, and bells, as well as wooden ornaments are available to make your time with family and loved ones more enjoyable.

Ornament heart/star (red, navy, white) ￥1,320 each

Wooden ornaments in the shapes of stars and hearts can be hung on the tree or used as decorations to accentuate your room, adding to the Christmas spirit! As you reflect on this year, spend a happy time with your family and loved ones, thinking of each other and overflowing with love.

With the desire to deliver a heartwarming moment of sharing and caring for each other, the greeting card workshop “Make your gift double of your love” is scheduled to be held online from 10am on December 18 and at RHC Ron Herman Kawasaki on December 19. While drinking coffee, think of the face of the person you are sending a gift to, and spend a moment making a greeting card to express your feelings.

The Puella Magi Madoka Magica 10 Exhibition will be open at Daiwa Korinbo in Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture from December 26, 2021, until January 12, 2022. The event commemorates the 10th anniversary of the anime series, and this limited-time run will be the first time the exhibition has been held in the Chubu and Hokuriku regions. 

Puella Magi Madoka Magica 10 Exhibition Admission Ticket with Goods

The Puella Magi Madoka Magica 10 Exhibition invites visitors to relive the series’ story with newly-drawn key visuals, production materials, illustrations, videos, and much more. 

In addition to original merchandise such as tapestries and new illustrations, visitors can find local acrylic charms for purchase. 

Kanazawa is located close to the Sea of Japan, and visitors coming during this holiday season can enjoy the beautiful snowy scenery and delicious local fare as well!

(C)Magica Quartet／Aniplex・Madoka Partners・MBS

KAMU k=k, the sixth space in the private contemporary art museum KAMU Kanazawa, will officially open on December 17, 2021. The location was created as a multi-purpose exhibition space, and it’s first project will be ‘TALISMAN in the Woods’ by Ayako Suwa, active in the field of food art. The work is seat in Hakusan and Kanazawa and revolves around the themes of nature, cities, and water circulation.

TALISMAN in the woods ©Ayako Suwa Courtesy of KAMU kanazawa 

In the year and a half since its opening in 2020, KAMU Kanazawa has continued to inspire with unique spaces inspired by artist’s individuality. The opening of ‘KAMU tatami’ in October made a big splash, and ‘KAMU k=k’ will only be a limited space for around four years. This follows the museums philosophy that the role and shape of a city changes over time, meaning that the museum should change along with it. 

KAMU k≐k Courtesy of KAMU kanazaw

The space is five meters high, and seven meters wide and deep, giving a theater-like atmosphere. Giving a wildly different impression than it’s surroundings, visitors can enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime art experience. 

TALISMAN in the woods ©Ayako Suwa Courtesy of KAMU kanazawa 

The first exhibition held in “k≐k” will be “TALISMAN in the Woods” by Ayako Suwa. Ripples will spread outside of the museum, following the theme of water circulation. Visitors will be asked to pay attention to how nature silently impacts daily life, and will be inspired to create connections with the world around them. In this exhibition, Suwa will share insight on water from Hakusan, a city supplying water to huge areas of Ishikawa Prefecture. This three-dimensional work was created by the artist during 2020 during the height of the Coronavirus pandemic. Using Cedar branches and leaves from Hakusan, the installation is on a massive scale consistent with the new space.After the exhibition, the talismans displayed in the work will be returned to the soil of Hakusan to connect the exhibition with local nature. 

©Ayako Suwa Courtesy of food creation

©Ayako Suwa Courtesy of food creation

Through crowdfunding, guests can snag a piece of Suwa’s work along with other special items. In addition to simply owning a piece of art, upon the death of these talismans, guests can participate in the ritual of returning these pieces to the forest. 

TALISMAN ©Ayako Suwa Courtesy of food creation

Six Peanuts Cafe and Peanuts Diner locations across Japan are currently offering a special Christmas menu inspired by the world of Snoopy until December 25, 2021. 

Christmas Stew Set with Bonuses: ¥3,520 (Tax Included) 

Participating Locations: Peanuts Cafe Nakameguro, Snoopy Museum, Nagoya, Sunny Side Kitchen

Nagameguro：https://www.peanutscafe.jp/product_nakameguro_xmas2021/
Snoopy Museum：https://www.peanutscafe.jp/product_smt_xmas2021/
Nagoya：https://www.peanutscafe.jp/product_nagoya_xmas2021/
Sunny Side Kitchen：https://www.peanutscafe.jp/product_sunnysidekitchen_xmas2021/

Christmas Hamburger Set with Bonuses: ¥3,960 (Tax Included) 

Participating Location：Peanuts Diner Yokohama

Reserve：http://www.peanutsdiner.jp/product_yokohama_xmas2021/

Woodstock’s Merry Christmas Plan: ¥4,950 per person (Tax Included)

Participating Location： Peanuts Cafe Nakameguro

Reserve：

https://www.peanutscafe.jp/product_nakameguro_sproom_xmas2021/
*Price per person based on two-person reservation. 

*Reservations can be made up to two days in advance.

Snoopy’s I CAN’T WAIT Christmas Parfait: ¥1,430 (Tax Included)

Snowy Christmas Latte ~Cheesecake Flavor~: ¥880 (Tax Included) 

Those who order a special food set will receive a tote bag with an adorable Snoopy and Woodstock design. 

(C) 2021 Peanuts Worldwide LLC　(短縮形 (C) 2021 Peanuts)

Following the current exhibition being held at Japan’s Snoopy Museum, the 100th birthday of the popular character’s creator Charles Schulz will be celebrated from January 15 until July 10, 2022. The title of the new exhibition is simply ‘Laugh and Smile.’ 

Selected Works on Display

I Don’t Remember Making a Joke

Original Peanuts Comic / August 20, 1954

Smile for the Three-Legged Race

Original Peanuts Comic / April 6, 1999

The Dog Who Wanted to be a Cheshire Cat

Original Peanuts Comic / April 19, 1967

Do Your Best and Have a Laugh

Original Peanuts Comic / July 17, 1974

Our Friendship is Priceless

Original Peanuts Comic / April 14, 1999

The World’s Best “I’m Home!” 

Original Peanuts Comic / November 19, 1965

Museum Shop ‘Brown’s Store’ 

Fabric Poster: ¥1,800 (Tax Included)  / Color Postcard: ¥220 (Tax Included) 

Charles Schulz 100th Birthday Products

Kalita Coffee Mill: ¥5,800 (Tax Included)  / Kalita Dripper: ¥1,680 (Tax Included) / Flower Vase: ¥1,298 (Tax Included) / Chopstick Rest: ¥858 each (Tax Included) 

Products featuring Snoopy Designs from the 1950s

Gauze Handkerchief: ¥1,100 each (Tax Included)

Drawstring Bag: ¥1,397 (Tax Included) / Pouch: ¥1,650 (Tax Included) 

A collection of 60 original and reproduced paintings featuring Snoopy and his friends.

The theme of the exhibition, ‘Laugh and Smile,’ focuses exclusively on the smiling faces of the Peanuts characters, and aims to start 2022 off with happy faces. 

Charles M. Schulz, the author of “Peanuts,” was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota on November 26, 1922. He grew up in St. Paul. 

Stay tuned for more information when a 100th birthday website is launched soon!

(C) Peanuts Worldwide LLC( 短縮形 (C) Peanuts )