MIDTOWN BLOSSOM 2020 is set to take place in Tokyo Midtown from March 20 to April 19 to celebrate and welcome the spring and the cherry blossoms.

This marks the 13th year of the event, which will take place both in Tokyo Midtown’s garden area which is home to rows of gorgeous cherry trees, as well as around the building where they have sparkling wine, sweets, flower displays, and many other exciting things planned.

CHANDON Blossom Lounge

Enjoy a luxurious cherry blossom experience this year with a glass of premium Chandon sparkling wine available at the outdoor limited-time CHANDON Blossom Lounge. This vibrant sparkling rosé wine is the perfect accompaniment to your springtime banquet and to say “Cheers!” to this year’s hanami flower-viewing in Japan.

There will also be food prepared by Nagase Mitsunao, head banquet chef at the 5-star Ritz-Carlton Tokyo Hotel, as well as incredibly decorative-looking sweets to adorn the able. There are two new types of seats available this year with Japanese twists to them, including seats in the roofed lounge where you can enjoy the cool spring weather in the evening.

Running: March 20, 2020 – April 19, 2020 (Closed in the case of stormy weather)

Time: 12:00-20:00 (Last Orders 19:30) *Extended to 21:00 (Last Orders 20:30) on Fridays, Saturdays and during cherry blossom full bloom

Location: Midtown Garden, Sakura-dori area

*Select seats require a reservation – full details to be released in mid-February

Spring Flower Display ~Flower Art Award pre~

Za Sogetsu is a performance unit specialising in ikebana, or flower arrangement. One of the most recognised groups in the industry, their work will displayed around various locations at Tokyo Midtown, including large-scale pieces as well as never-before-scene ones. One look at this breathtaking flower art will be enough to fill you with spring vibes.

Running: March 20, 2020 – April 19, 2020

Time: 9:30-24:00 (Galleria Floor 1F) / 11:00-21:00 (Galleria Floors 2F-3F)

Location: Galleria 1F’s Tree Shower & various locations at Galleria 2F-3F

Nighttime Cherry Blossom Light-Up

The entire 200-meter length of cherry trees in Tokyo Midtown’s garden area will be lit up with beautiful illuminations at night－a sight that never fails to drawn in countless people. Before the flowers are in full bloom, pink lights will be used to get people ready for the main show. When the cherry blossoms are at their height, white lights will be used every night.

Running: March 20, 2020 – April 19, 2020

Time: 17:00-23:00

Location: Midtown Garden, Sakura-dori area/In front of Garden Terrace

Tokyo Midtown has many other events planned for spring 2020, so don’t miss out this year.

Capy Neko Cafe is the newest animal cafe to hit Tokyo. Located in the neighbourhood of Kichijoji, right by the station, customers are able to interact with both cats and capybara at the same time.

Japan is famous for its host of animal cafes, from the ubiquitous cat cafes to more unique ones like the owl cafe. But Capy Neko Cafe stands out from the rest as being the first cafe in Japan to combine cats and capybara.

You might wonder whether it’s actually safe to pet a capybara. They may be the largest rodent in the world, but they in fact loved to be pet by people. They are gentle creatures that get on with and can live alongside cats. At the cafe, you can take photos of the capybara who are sure to be chilling on the sofas as well as feed them. The comfy environment also means that they’ll feel like your very own pet capybara at home.

▶︎Tawashi (Male)

Tawashi is a sensitive, affectionate, and gentle guy. He loves snacks, and he’s sure to flop down if you start petting him on the butt. Part of his daily routine is having an afternoon nap on the sofa together with the cats.

▶︎Dan (Male)

The vice store manager of Capy Neko Cafe. He adores humans. He’s the kind of guy who’ll probably jump up onto you if you cover your lap with a blanket and sit on the sofa.

▶︎Emma (Female)

Another member with a soft spot for humans, Emma is reserved kitty who lets everybody eat their food first. She’s a needy and spoiled girlーif she’s on your lap, you’re not getting up. She’s siblings with Dan.

▶︎Cream (Male)

Cream is everybody’s idol. He’s unapologetically spoiled and a handsome guy with perfectly round black pupils.

This list is just a small taste of the many cute residents to meet at Capy Neko Cafe. The cafe is also active in finding families for their rescued cats. The number of people who want to own a cat in Japan are looking to rescues now instead of pet shops. At Capy Neko Cafe, you get the best of both worlds: you can meet and interact with a cat and see if they’re a good match for you.

If you’re interested in visiting Capy Neko Cafe, keep in mind that priority goes to those who have booked in advance. This can be done via their official website, so book first and look forward to kicking back and enjoying a cup of tea, coffee or soft drink before interacting with the cats and capybara!

 Japanese rock band amazarashi, which includes Aomori prefecture’s Hiromu Akita as lead vocalist, is set to release their new album boycott on March 11, 2020, which will be their first original full album release in two years. They have also dropped a sneak preview of their artist photo. 

amazarashi are pushing full steam ahead, constantly producing new and exciting content. Since the release of Chihou Toshi No Memento Mori in December 2017, amazarashi followed up with their first ever live performance at the Nippon Budokan under the concert title Rodoku Enso Jikken Kukan Shin Gengo Chitsujo, subsequently releasing the Dororo anime ending theme song Sayonara Gokko and the music video for their song Miraininarenakatta Anoyoruni, which worked up a sensation for featuring famous actor Ryusei Yokohama among other big names. 

The upcoming album will come in three formats including two first press limited editions and one regular edition. Each format contains 14 songs. The two first press editions will also include original video contents, music videos, the live video of their performance that took place at the end of the year and a short story detailing the early years of Hiromu Akita in the form of a special booklet.  

If you are a fan, keep your eyes peeled for more updates.

Kyo Yasaka Pudding is a shop with a new vision. Located in Kyoto’s tourist hot spot of Higashiyama ward, it’s home to a team of people who love and are well-versed when it comes to food. Their incredible purin, or Japanese custard puddings, are made carefully one by one to make people happy. These puddings are tried and tested: much trial and error was done to ensure the ingredients, flavours, technique, and appearance were perfect.

On January 24, they’re set to release a new product to the menu: the Kyo Yasaka Hot Pudding Latte.

This hot beverage combines a pudding latte, made from incredible Kyoto milk, with super rich caramel cream. It’s then topped with a mix of tempting decorations. The caramel and cream are of a high quality, with the caramel cream itself having a unique and irresistible bitter bite you won’t find anywhere else.

This is the perfect accompaniment to a winter walk through Kyoto while sightseeing.

Fujifabric have unveiled the artwork for their upcoming music video collection FAB CLIPS 4 and live concert Fujifabric 15th anniversary SPECIAL LIVE at Osaka-jo Hall 2019 – “IN MY TOWN”, both of which will be released on DVD and Blu-ray on January 29 and February 26 respectively.

Hokkaido-born, Tokyo-based illustrator Jose Franky is credited with having designed the artwork for FAB CLIPS 4. The quirky design has a traditional Japanese touch to it with the addition of the 12 zodiac animals.

The cover design for the live DVD and Blu-ray pays homage to the concert itself held lat Osaka-jo Hall last year to commemorate the band’s 15th anniversary. Its design takes inspiration from kagami biraki, a traditional ceremony in Japan performed at special celebrations and events where people open a “kagami mochi,” a rice cake and Japanese New Year decoration.

A special site has also gone live with information on the two releases. Both are packaged with exclusive goodies with the above-pictured designs at Tower Records or Amazon Japan.

FAB CLIPS 4 is the first music video collection from the band in almost 5 years since FAB CLIPS 3. It includes 14 music videos from Green Bird to their newest single Golden Time. It also features the making-of footage for six of the videos.

The live concert DVD and Blu-ray release at Osaka-jo hall features the full set including the encore. First press copies are coupled with a 40-page booklet.

150 lucky fans who purchase both of these releases will be selected randomly to win one of two prizes: the A-Prize is an invitation to a special talk event hosted by the band, and the B-Prize is a specially-made masu box with the 15th anniversary logo on it.

It has been announced that Japanese singer Harumiーwho is lauded for her incredibly powerful singing abilityーwill perform the ending theme for the upcoming TV anime series Wave, Listen to Me! which is set to premiere on MBS/TBS/BS-TBS and HBC in Japan in April 2020.

The song is entitled Pride, and Harumi will promote it with a live show in Shibuya. tacica will perform the opening theme.

Haruma said: “I identify with Minare Koda, the protagonist. There was a lot I could relate to. I also work as a radio personality. I admire her, she’s able to use her imagination when she talks. She showed me a completely different world without me realising.”

She continues: “I took Minare’s spirit to heart when writing the ending song ‘Pride’ so I could properly convey how important it is to be able to stand up and keep trying no matter how many times you fall, and to not fear pain or failure.”

The series is an anime adaptation of Hiroaki Samura’s manga of the same name, serialised in Monthly Afternoon. Manga legend Samura is known in the West for writing and illustrating Blade of the Immortal.

Wave, Listen to Me! is set in Sapporo, Hokkaido where tacica formed their band. The series tells the story of Minare Koda, who one day spills her woes to a radio station worker. The next day, she hears her conversation with him over the radio. An angry Minare storms into the station to complain, only to be pulled into doing a talk show on the radio. Thus begins her adventure into delving deeper into the world of radio.

©沙村広明・講談社／藻岩山ラジオ編成局

NIWAKA is a Japanese jewellery brand that first launched in the city and ancient capital of Kyoto. The company has announced it is set to open a special concept store in Tokyo’s district of Ginza, home to luxury shops, restaurants and outlets.

The new jewellery shop will boast the biggest collection in the country, housing five floors of fashion, bridal, and high jewellery.

NIWAKA’s jewellery is renowned the world over, even being used by Hollywood actresses at the US Acadamy Awards for four years in a row.

The new concept store in Ginza aims to deliver everything about the NIWAKA brand, with its modern interior littered with traditional Japanese motifs. They hope to grow their name even more with stores overseas in the future.

The outside of the store is adorned with gorgeous and sparkling wisteria installations. Their abstract design makes them look like light bunches that sway gracefully.

Inside the store, each floor has its own theme, with traditional elements like lattice and paper sliding doors combined effortlessly with the modern design.

Los Angeles was the first to try NIWAKA’s new collection which was used by famous red carpet actress, and it will now be sold in Japan at the new concept store. The first floor will include a range of fashion jewellery in the company’s “Kyo no Matsuri” range as well as all-new accessories.

Floors 2-4 will house gorgeous bridal jewellery with centre showpieces and tables and chairs on both sides.

Up on the 5th floor will be the high jewellery, accessed via an elevator, which brings you to an incredible sparkling bamboo thicket-like space.

If you’re looking to indulge in some expensive jewellery, worn by the famous actresses of Hollywood, then be sure to check out NIWAKA and visit their new Ginza store. Be on the lookout for future branches opening up in Japan and overseas.フ

Muten Kura Sushi opened the first of its its all-new chain of “global flagship” sushi restaurants in Asakusa BOX on January 22.

This kaitenzushi restaurant, or “conveyor belt sushi,” aims to promote Japanese culture. It wants people, both Japanese and foreign, to rediscover the wonders of kaitezsushi, and what better place to open its first branch than Asakusaーone of the biggest tourist hot spots in Tokyo?

The restaurant’s design and decor takes on a more traditional approach, drawing inspiration of Japan’s Edo period with classic ukiyo-e paintings and paper lanterns adorning the walls, amongst many other things. This classic image of Japan has found its way to the dining space itself too, with flat tables made from plain wood and chairs topped with tatami. This gives it that air of grace and beauty which is typically associated with traditional Japanese culture, as well as a relaxed atmosphere.

The logo used on the restaurant’s paper lanterns, crockery, staff uniform and elsewhere was designed by Japanese art director and creative director Kashiwa Sato. It was created for the brand to be used on all future branches, including all Japanese restaurants and those planned for the US and Taiwan.

The restaurant even has several Japanese festival games for customers to play, like target practice and ring toss. They can win coupons that can be used in the restaurant, and kids can win toys too.

Some of the staff can speak foreign languages too, and tablets that you order food from are available in 4 languages.

Staff also carry a “Langogo Genesis,” a speech translation machine, to allow for smooth customer service. It’s connected to an AI language server which can speak and translate quickly in 104 languages.

This global flagship restaurant also has a self check-in and payment system. Using touch screen, customers will be shown their seats automatically. The AI also adds up how many plates you have used by scanning their QR codes, and this is used to determine how much you need to pay. This means you needn’t wait for someone to bring the bill, you just head straight to the till.

There’s also a smartphone app (called スマホでくら) which you can use to book a table and makes for easy checking in when you arrive at the restaurant.

Head to Kura in Asakusa, Tokyo to enjoy Japan’s longtime affordable and delicious fast food: sushi.

It has been announced that tacica’s new song aranami (“Stormy Seas”) will be used as the opening theme for the upcoming TV anime series Wave, Listen to Me! which is set to premiere on MBS/TBS/BS-TBS and HBC in Japan in April 2020.

The series is an anime adaptation of Hiroaki Samura’s manga of the same name, serialised in Monthly Afternoon. Manga legend Samura is known in the West for writing and illustrating Blade of the Immortal.

Wave, Listen to Me! is set in Sapporo, Hokkaido where tacica formed their band. The series tells the story of Minare Koda, who one day spills her woes to a radio station worker. The next day, she hears her conversation with him over the radio. An angry Minare storms into the station to complain, only to be pulled into doing a talk show on the radio. Thus begins her adventure into delving deeper into the world of radio.

aranami was written specifically for the anime adaptation.

Shoichi Igari, the vocalist and guitarist of tacica, said: “I love Hiroaki Samura’s work, because you can guarantee that in all the harshness of the stories, there’ll be beauty and faith. However, ‘Wave, Listen to me!’ is a bit different. It’s more realistic so you can address it more directly, but more than anything people don’t die, and yet they keep killing. We can’t help but incorporate that freshness into our sound. ‘aranami’ is a song that places our work and ourselves as a band in front of each other.”

©Hiroaki Samura・Kodansha/

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.

A huge exhibition of Chocomoo’s artwork is set to adorn WITH HARAJUKU HALL from August 20 to September 28 this year for “Chocomoo EXHIBITION -OUR SECRET PARTY- Supported by WITH HARAJUKU.”

Chocomoo is a Japanese artist born and bred in Kyoto. Her work is known for its originality and pop style which she draws in black and white. Her work has been used for clothing and apparel brands, for music artists, and for many other special collaborations with other companies. She is active internationally and draws huge popularity with Japanese women between the ages of 10-20. We have translated an interview with her which was just released.

Chocomoo Interview

“I’ve loved drawing ever since I was a kid. I’d draw in notebooks, sketchbooks. When I went to New York for the first time, too, I kept a sketch diary and would draw in the park. I was later asked by a guy who managed a gallery if I’d put my work on at his site.”

It was there at that gallery exhibiting several of her works that the first buyer came by.

“I sold my first piece of art. A piece of art drawn by an ‘ordinary person,’ not someone who was an active artist. It was about 30 dollars, if I recall, but I was super happy.”

New York helped pave the way for Chocomoo to begin her first steps towards becoming an illustrator.

She would post her art on her blog and social media, which was seen by singers and songwriters who got in touch with her. She penned artwork for their tour merchandise, album covers, and more. Recently, she collaborated with Italian car brand FIAT. They released 100 limited edition cars with her art on it. Japanese convenience store FamilyMart even sold umbrellas with Chocomoo’s illustrations on them. The reach of her work has no limits.

“When I create a piece, I incorporate a lot of positive words into it in the hopes that it lifts people up.”

One distinct aspect of Chocomoo’s art is the black and white monotone colouring. When asked why she draws in this way, she said: “I did calligraphy from elementary school to high school and was captivated by how we would write in black. When using black ink, it has a matte look to it, and when using black paint, it’s got a glossiness. I think that’s part of the reason why I do it.”

This will be Chocomoo’s biggest exhibition. She is currently working on new material and looking into the details of the exhibition. Speaking about it, she said: “I want to try evolving in a way that’s me. I’m aiming to stimulate the people who come to see my work in a different kind of way.”

She also commented on the ‘OUR SECRET PARTY’ part of the exhibition title. “It’s an exhibition of my work, but I want everyone to enjoy it like they would a party. There’s also new things to be discovered which you won’t no about unless you visit, so I put ‘secret’ in there.”

Chocomoo was asked to give a comment on her future plans and goals. She said, with a smile: “I want to steadily keep doing what I’m best at without changing what I already have, but I also want my work to reach lots of children too. I’d be happy for them to colour in my work, and I want to challenge myself to making some kind of video format aimed at kids. After that, since I’ve already painted a car, I want to go bigger and paint an aeroplane!”

Interview/Original Text: Naho Sotome (五月女菜穂)

Photos: 大黒屋 Ryan 尚保

English Translation: Joshua Kitosi-Isanga

As Chocomoo looks to expand her portfolio and reach, we look forward to seeing what she has in store for her exhibition in Harajuku.

©2020 Chocomoo

adidas Japan and Pokémon have collaborated to create a new apparel collection featuring the Pokémon games’ first generation graphics. The items dropped today in Japan at adidas store branches and its online shop, Sports Authority, G-FOOT, and Pokémon Centre.

PKM PXL Unisex T-Shirt – ¥3,490 / Released: January 22, 2020

PKM PXL Unisex T-Shirt – ¥3,490 / Released: January 22, 2020

The collection includes adidas tracksuits, t-shirts, pants, short pants, and three types of footwearーwhich kids and adults alike can get behind.

ADIHOOPS MID 2.0 PKM Kids – ¥5,490 / Released: January 22, 2020

ADVANCOURT PKM Kids – ¥4,990 / Released: January 22, 2020

PKM Kids Tracksuits – ¥6,990 / Rolling out March 2020

For the kids sneakers, the adidas Advantage and Hoops Mid 2.0 uppers feature Pokémon pixel graphics, redefining the adidas shoes to give them a retro feel.

ADVANCOURT PKM Unisex – ¥7,990 / Released: January 22, 2020

PKM TRAINER Unisex T-Shirt – ¥2,990 / Released: January 22, 2020

For the adults, they can enjoy the adidas Phosphere running shoes, which feature a distinct pixel design.

You Pokémon Trainers out there that pick up an item from this collection in Japan will receive one of five possible A5-size stickers. They are limited in stock, so catch ’em all before they run out!

©2020 Pokémon. ©1995-2020 Nintendo/Creatures Inc. /GAME FREAK inc.