Rain goods brand Wpc. will be opening preorders for their limited edition Super Mario themed collection after it sold out at the PARCO x Super Mario Collaboration Item Fair.

Wpc. Vinyl Umbrella ¥1,980 (Tax Included)

The umbrella, which was released as a limited item at the PARCO x Super Mario Collaboration Item Fair, was released for pre-sale at Wpc.’s Shinsaibashi PARCO store on July 1 and sold out the same day. Following overwhelming feedback from customers, the company has announced a second run, with pre-orders opening on August 5 on both the Wpc. ONLINE STORE and PARCO ONLINE STORE.

Character Pattern Print

The umbrella comes in 2 designs. The first features a variety of Mario characters and is finished with mushrooms, stars, and other iconic Mario motifs. Check out the cute facial expressions on the characters, such as the peeking Boo and the falling Goomba.

Neon Character Print

The Neon Character Print umbrella is packed full of popular Mario characters and motifs. The neon colours will surely brighten up any rainy day!

KiU New Standard Rain Poncho ¥6,600 (Tax Included)

The collaboration poncho that had previously sold out on the PARCO ONLINE STORE will be rereleased along with the vinyl umbrellas.

This item is not a pre-order and will be shipped upon purchase.

©Nintendo
ファミリーコンピュータは任天堂株式会社の商標です。

The full music video for ‘Dark Spiral Journey,’ the opening theme for the anime series Peach Boy Riverside, has been uploaded to YouTube. Performed by pop-rock group Q-MHz and featuring Wagakki Band’s Yuko Suzuhana, it’s a track that’s dark and fast-paced, a perfect match for the anime’s story. 

Previously, a non-credit opening video was released on YouTube and Twitter, commemorating the show’s first episode released on July 1. This short version was met with massive fanfare, and the full release doesn’t disappoint!

f you’re just looking for the audio release, ‘Dark spiral journey’ is now available on multiple streaming services! 

Peach Boy Riverside began airing on TOKYO MX, BS NTV and other stations beginning July 1. It’s based on the manga series of the same name, currently serialized in Kodansha’s Shonen Magazine R and Magapoke. You may have heard of the Japanese folktale Momotaro, but Peach Boy Riverside wants to tell another peach-related story you may not expect. 

Cosmos Hotel Management have announced a new Pokémon Room option at APARTMENT HOTEL MINIMARU, complete with special Pokèmon original recipes. APARTMENT HOTEL MINIMARU is a hotel service that offers spacious rooms and kitchen spaces, ideal for families and large groups.

You can make lasting summer memories as you cook adorable themed meals as a family in their incredible new Pokémon themed room.

Original Recipe (preview)

The dining and sleeping areas of the impressive new room are covered in Pokéball motifs, while the cute Pokémon appear to be playing hide and seek throughout the wallpaper. You’ll be greeted by a giant Snorlax plushie on the bed and have your food served on Pokèmon themed plates and cups – Perfect for Pokèmon lovers! The room will be available at MINIMARU in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka.

Following their Pokémon Card Game Sword & Shield / Family Pokémon Card Game free summer vacation project, MINIMARU have prepared several original recipes for guests of the new Pokémon Room. Try making some cute Pokémon dishes and desserts in the kitchen for yourself, with recipes including Pikachu Omurice and more!

The Pokémon Room offers 7 special dinner and snack recipes for parents and children to make during their stay. The ingredients are easily obtained at the local supermarkets and cooked in the kitchen space. You can even share your handmade masterpiece on social media using the hashtag #ポケモンルームレシピ (pokémonroomrecipe).

©2021 Pokémon. ©1995-2021 Nintendo / Creatures Inc. / GAME FREAK inc.
ポケットモンスター・ポケモン・Pokémonは任天堂・クリーチャーズ・ゲームフリークの登録商標です。

Tower Records have been promoting artists in-store with their Monthly Tower Push campaign, and the next group to be getting the big Tower Push will be BiSH as they promote their 4th major album, GOiNG TO DESTRUCTION, releasing on August 4, 2021. 

Monthly Tower Push August | BiSH Collab Poster

Tower Records Limited Bonus: Jigsaw Puzzle *Not available with HAKAI-BAN (AVCD-96749).

Between August 1 and 31, these special collaboration posters will be available at all Tower Record and TOWERmini store. Each store will be promoting the release alongside a commemorative panel exhibit to mark the release of GOiNG TO DESTRUCTiON, BiSH’s first full-length album in over 2 years.

10 lucky customers who purchase the album, available from August 4, enter the draw between August 3rd and 9th at participating stores, will win a free Monthly Tower Push A2 poster.

Those who purchase the album in store can enter the lottery on the Tower Record website using a QR code on the receipt, while customers buying online can enter the draw using the special lottery page.

A limited edition receipt will also be provided to customers who purchase BiSH’s GOiNG TO DESTRUCTiON during the promotion period.

This special campaign celebrating the groups 4th anniversary is a a must-visit for any BiSH fan!

Round1 will be collaborating with Jujutsu Kaisen, an anime series adapted from the super popular manga in Weekly Shonen Jump. The campaign will be starting on August 1st, with limited freebies and projects to be rolled out nationwide.

Round1 Limited Original Mascot | 8 Types Available

Original Souvenir Cup (Limited to 17 locations)

Collaboration Drink Menu ((Limited to 17 locations)

Special Themed Video upon Striking

Special Themed Purikura stickers

A limited edition Round1 Jujutsu Kaisen mascot, coming in 8 popular character themed designs, will be presented to each member in groups of 4 or more who play bowling, Spo-Cha, karaoke, or use various other Round1 facilities.

The mascot will also be offered to groups of 2 or more using the MEGA Pack.

Their mascot design changes each month, so keep an eye out!

During the event, you can find Jujutsu Kaisen souvenir cups available at the bowling and Spo-Cha drink bars. You will also receive a free souvenir cup if you order three or more collaboration drinks during karaoke. 

Plus, you’ll receive a free original coaster if you order any of the special character themed beverages during the campaign.

A themed video will play if you hit a strike while bowling and if you take part in the Moonlight Strike Game, you could win a limited Photo Coin to use in the Purikura machines, allowing you to use Jujutsu Kaisen frames in your photos.

There’s plenty more, including crane games,  themed karaoke rooms, and even collab illustrated goods, so check it out while you can.

Try living the Jujutsu Kaisen life at Round1!

MUSER FEST. 2021 -MUSIC AID- is an upcoming virtual music festival, held on September 11 and 12. 

The newly announced artists are ATARASHII GAKKO!, the 4-member performance dance unit, Jazzrronik, who will be performing as a trio,  CHAI, who have received high praise overseas, and fox capture plan, who have performed the theme songs for a variety of tv shows and films. 

A live band performance from Yasuyuki Horigome has also been announced.

19 performing artists have been unveiled so far, with artists from overseas being announced in the near future. You can watch a special comment from each artist on the MUSER Official YouTube channel.

There will be exclusive digital content for those who purchase tickets to the event, including some that are already available to view by logging into the MUSER Fest official website and clicking My Page.

Newly Announced Artists

ATARASHII GAKKO!!

Jazztronik

CHAI

fox capture plan

Here you can see all previously announced acts:

DAY1　August 11
Original Love
Cypress Ueno To Roberto Yoshino
SIRUP
SOIL & “PIMP” SESSIONS
Doul
D. A. N.
CHAI
NABOWA
bonobos
Yasuyuki Horigome (Band Set)
YONA YONA WEEKENDERS

DAY2　August 12
ATARASHII GAKKO!!
H ZETTRIO
Sunny Day Service
The fin.
jizue
Jazztronik
Scha Dara Parr
fox capture plan

Get heated up this summer from the comfort of your own home with this online festival!

Niigata prefecture is known for being a treasure trove of gastronomy, specializing in rice and sake products. Locals will be familiar with the long running Japanese sweet stores in the area, most of which incorporate the areas speciality rice and sake into their products.

“We want to let people know about Niigata’s amazing sweets and spread the word about our local produce.” 

With this in mind, a new “evolutionary” style of Japanese confectionary (Wagashi) was created, combining the traditional taste of Japan with the essence of the modern era to invoke both newness and nostalgia.

Mandai Bean Paste is the signature treat from the new Evolutionary Wagashi selection, made with the ever-popular Ohagi in mind. The mochi is made in partnership with a long-established Niigata confectionary store with over 200 years of experience in the prefecture.

The mochi is made using Shinnosuke, a new Niigata-based rice brand known for it’s rich taste, while the Bandai-an bean paste filling is created by a long-standing local Anko store.

Each Ohagi is hand wrapped in store, with 12 delicious flavors available, including some seasonal fruits.

Unlike any normal Ohagi, this Evolutionary Wagashi is combined with seasonal fruits, nuts, and mascarpone cheese, adding an essence of Western flavoring to the traditional Japanese confectionary.

 The new store will be opening in the center of Niigata city, with a concept of “Long-established modern.”

Just like their modern twist on timeless Japanese sweets, Bandai-an has created a fitting space that combines the dignified image of a traditional store with modern sensibilities.

These modern sweets can be enjoyed in all kinds of settings, so why not try them for yourself?

As a company aiming to bring a new kind of happiness to many people, Ramen Kourakuen have announced their new slogan: All New Happy! 

In order to spread the message even further, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu has been appointed as Kourakuen’s new CKO – Chief Korekara (Future) Officer. 

Their new goal is to work towards each step of the New Happy 5 Plan in order to spread cheer across Japan.

Plus, a new Kourakuen commercial featuring Kyary Pamyu Pamyu will be released nationwide.

The special commercial will be promoting the new student discount set, where students will be able to enjoy ramen meals for ¥550 on weekdays, plus the mobile order service which allows customers to order their ramen in advance, meaning it’ll be ready when you arrive.

The students and workers shown in the commercial are so satisfied that their face morphs into Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s as she dons the Kourakuen logo on her cheek. Make sure to check out Kyary’s China themed hair and costume!

Streaming service dTVⓇ has announced its overall viewer ranking for the first half of 2021. Did your favorite shows make the cut?

Jujutsu Kaisen

Tokyo Revengers

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba

Attack on Titan The Final Season

Kimetsu Academy 

dTV First Half Viewer Ranking 2021

1. Jujutsu Kaisen (Anime) 
2. Detective Conan: The Scarlet Bullet (Anime Film)
3. Tokyo Revengers (Anime)
4. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba (Anime)
5. Attack on Titan The Final Season (Anime)
6. Furuhata Ninzaburo Season 1 (Drama)
7. Detective Conan (Anime)
8. Alita: Battle Angel (Western Film)
9. Kimetsu Academy (Anime)
10. BTS JAPAN OFFICIAL FANMEETING VOL.5 [MAGIC SHOP] (Special)

The first and second seasons of Tozaburo Furuhata are no longer available. Season 3 is out now. 

Pulling in the most views between January and July was Jujutsu Kaisen, the popular anime series following high-schooler Yuji Itadori and his struggle with curses and sorcery. The show took the top spot by a huge margin, sitting at number one for four consecutive months between January and April. What makes it so popular? It could be its blend of horror and comedy, making it an attractive watch for all kinds of anime fans. 

In second place, Detective Conan: The Scarlet Bullet. Who is Shuichi Akai, and what was his involvement in the disaster at the World Sports Games? This is the 24th Detective Conan film, and not one to miss, grossing over $20 million and holding the title of the third highest IMAX opening in Japanese history. 

Rounding out the top three, anime series Tokyo Revengers tells the story of a delinquent with the ability to travel back in time. When his lover is murdered, Takemichi Hanagaki goes back to his junior high school days, intent on saving her life. Airing on dTV beginning in April, viewership has steadily increased, reaching #3 in May and hitting the top spot in June. 

Unsurprisingly, two internationally beloved series also made the top ten. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba and Attack on Titan The Final Season sit in fourth and fifth place, making the top five an anime-only club. Kimetsu Academy, a junior and senior high-school spinoff of Demon Slayer sits at number nine, even though episodes are less than two minutes long on average. Never underestimate the power of animation!

The classic 1994 drama series Furuhata Ninzaburo began to climb the rankings after the death of Masakazu Tamura in April this year from heart failure. Though seasons one and two are no longer streaming on the service, season three was just added to the catalogue on August 1!

Hollywood epic Alita: Battle Angel, an adaptation of the sci-fi manga series, was the only western film to crack the top ten. BTS JAPAN OFFICIAL FANMEETING VOL.5 [MAGIC SHOP], which included footage of a special event with fans at the popular KPOP group’s last show at Kyocera Dome Osaka in 2019, finishes out the list. 

While these ten might have drawn the most views, there are plenty of other films, concerts, dramas and anime series available on dTV, so be sure to check them out!

ANYCOLOR, the management company behind the popular–and hectic– Vtuber group NIJISANJI, has begun sales of the second round of NIJISANJI x Sanrio Characters goods! Check out this adorable collection–which pieces are you hoping to get your hands on? 

Rubber Straps, 5 Designs (Tsukino Mito/Shizuka Rin/Higuchi Kaede Set, Kanae/Kuzuha/Honma Himawari Set, Kenmochi Toya/Saegusa Akina/Fushimi Gaku Set, Sister Cleaire/Joe Rikiichi/Debidebi Debiru Set, Izumo Kasumi/Uzuki Kou/Suzuki Masaru Set): ¥2,000 each (Tax Included)

Slide-out Pill Case, 5 Designs (Tsukino Mito/Shizuka Rin/Higuchi Kaede Set, Kanae/Kuzuha/Honma Himawari Set, Kenmochi Toya/Saegusa Akina/Fushimi Gaku Set, Sister Cleaire/Joe Rikiichi/Debidebi Debiru Set, Izumo Kasumi/Uzuki Kou/Suzuki Masaru Set): ¥1,200 each (Tax Included)

Lunch Tote, 5 Designs (Tsukino Mito/Shizuka Rin/Higuchi Kaede Set, Kanae/Kuzuha/Honma Himawari Set, Kenmochi Toya/Saegusa Akina/Fushimi Gaku Set, Sister Cleaire/Joe Rikiichi/Debidebi Debiru Set, Izumo Kasumi/Uzuki Kou/Suzuki Masaru Set): ¥1,500 each (Tax Included)

Die Cut Cushion, 15 Designs (Tsukino Mito, Shizuka Rin, Higuchi Kaede, Kanae, Kuzuha, Honma Himawari, Kenmochi Toya, Saegusa Akina, Fushimi Gaku, Sister Cleaire, Joe Rikiichi, Debidebi Debiru, Izumo Kasumi, Uzuki Kou, Suzuki Masaru): ¥3,200 each (Tax Included)

Random Can Badge, 15 Designs (Tsukino Mito, Shizuka Rin, Higuchi Kaede, Kanae, Kuzuha, Honma Himawari, Kenmochi Toya, Saegusa Akina, Fushimi Gaku, Sister Cleaire, Joe Rikiichi, Debidebi Debiru, Izumo Kasumi, Uzuki Kou, Suzuki Masaru): ¥1,00 each (Tax Included)

These five pieces of merch make up the new collection, and cover a wide range of the many members of the NIJISANJI family! From Cinnamoroll to Keroppi, these must-have goods are going fast. Who would have thought that blending our favorite Sanrio characters with Vtubers would be such a perfect match? 

TZEN, a company dedicated to promoting traditional Japanese culture around the world, has teamed up with Yamamasa Koyamaen, a tea wholesaler in business since the Edo period, to open a new matcha cafe in Tokyo!

ATELIER MATCHA, a quick walk from Ningyocho station, is harnessing the concept of ‘the third wave of matcha,’ serving up premium matcha in a cozy atmosphere. 

MATCHA Cookies & Cream Shake: ¥748 (Tax Included) 

MATCHA with Warabimochi and Red Bean Topping: ¥748 (Tax Included)

MATCHA Jelly Cider: ¥660 (Tax Included)

MATCHA Granola and Yogurt Latte: ¥715 (Tax Included)

MATCHA Cotton Candy Milkshake: ¥748 (Tax Included)

MATCHA Affogato: ¥660 (Tax Included)

MATCHA Shot (Espresso Style): ¥220 (Tax Included) / MATCHA Water: ¥275 (Tax Included) / MATCHA Green Tea: ¥330 (Tax Included)

Supreme MATCHA Terrine: ¥660 (Tax Included)

(This is a partial menu, all prices are for those dining in.)

Matcha is becoming popular around the world. ATELIER MATCHA was created to offer customers a unique experience which showcases the true taste and culture of this beloved tea grown in Japan. 

Yamamasa Koyamaen is a Kyoto institution, cultivating and grinding matcha tea leaves for 160 years. Over 1,000 tea retailers, department stores, domestic and international trading companies and hotels stock their high-grade matcha, gyokuro, sencha, and other specialty teas, making them one of the most recognized and respected names in this traditional Japanese art. The company even prefers to call themselves a ‘studio’ rather than a ‘factory’, using the 800-year history of tea cultivation in Uji, Kyoto as a starting point to create their masterpieces. 

ATELIER MATCHA is Yamamasa Koyamaen’s first cafe, and also the company’s first experience selling directly to consumers. 

Blending the highest-grade matcha with locally made sweets, the cafe hopes customers will enjoy these original creations while surrounded by the relaxing aroma of tea. 

The matcha used in the cafe includes signature Yamamasa Koyamaen blends, including Ogurayama and Tennozan, both varieties often used in tea ceremonies. For a limited time, the cafe is offering a single-origin blend with one rare variety of matcha, as well as a beverage made with tencha, which are the leaves used to make matcha before being ground down in a stone mortar. Visitors can also enjoy gyokuro and hojicha teas, made from carefully selected leaves. 

Pulling recipes from Yamamasa Koyamaen’s book ‘Kyoto Uji-Koyamaen: Simple Matcha Drinks to Enjoy at Home,’ the menu features refreshing drinks blending the traditional with the modern, with unexpected combinations of soda, fruit and yogurt. Seasonal drinks will also be making an appearance, including shaved ice in summer and chocolate drinks in winter. 

The name MATCHA SHOT packs a punch, using matcha instead of espresso for a needed pick-me-up. MATCHA WATER, a refreshing cup of watered-down tea, offers a way to fully enjoy the fullness and more hidden flavors of this popular Japanese tea. 

As expected, ATELIER MATCHA also has a sweets menu set to impress: these sweet treats feature only the best, created with the top 0.03% of total national matcha production. This insanely high-quality matcha is a part of Yamamasa Koyamaen’s ultimate matcha experience project, titled “ALL FOR ONE,” which provides these rare leaves to some of the country’s top professionals in various fields. 

At opening, only limited qualities of the Supreme MATCHA Terrine, made by well-known pâtissier Toshi Yoroizuka, will be available. 

These authentic matcha creations are perfect for a hot summer’s day, or as a gift for a friend. When in Tokyo, don’t miss it!

ASOBISYSTEM, ParadeALL, and Fracton Ventures will be working together and utilizing NFT technology to create Global City of Culture Tokyo, a next-generation Metaverse connecting creators and companies in Japan and overseas. The project, titled MetaTokyo, is the first of its kind.

MetaTokyo uses the new NFT technology and blockchains to distribute new culture and entertainment from around the world, aiming to realize the ideals of the Web 3.0 movement in order to create a new society where culture and cities are connected.
Decentraland will be the center of this next-generation Metaverse, with land purchased and construction preparations already in full swing.

● Creating a digital city of culture and area development
● Using NFT technology to share Japan’s digital culture with the world
● Boosting the global creator economy from Tokyo and fulfilling Web 3.0 ideals

This is just the beginning, so make sure to check out the various upcoming projects planned for MetaTokyo.