Creative and sustainable concept store Firsthand released a collection of items in collaboration on Wednesday (January 20) with the TV anime series Kingdom, which is set to begin airing its third season this April, and Japanese artist Kosuke Kawamura. The items are available to buy both online in Japan and at a pop-up store at OPEN STUDIO inside FREAK’S STORE Shibuya.

Firsthand is a Japanese brand centred on upcycling and sustainable production. Fans of the ongoing anime series can get their hands on a range of clothing items, phone cases, and more. If they head to OPEN STUDIO they’ll also find an illustration exhibit, a photo spot, and more. The gallery is also selling posters signed by Kosuke Kawamura.

Will you be watching Season 3 of Kingdom this spring?

RADWIMPS have announced the release of their first-ever non-fiction book Antoki no RADWIMPS “Jinsei Deai” Hen which will hit shelves in Japan on February 15, 2021.

The book’s author is Masatoshi Watanabe who has been in charge of RADWIMPS at their record company from their major debut to today. Their first major album released was Radwimps 3: Mujintō ni Motte Ikiwasureta Ichimai back in February 2006 which was followed shortly by Radwimps 4: Okazu no Gohan in December of the same year. These two records served to shoot RADWIMPS into the stratosphere where their countless new fans awaited. Since then, the band have gone on to release hit after hit, causing a blaze of excitement in the industry with each new record.

The band’s new book covers the band’s career, from their struggles to their achievements, along with plenty of photos including some never before seen. It also includes a special contribution by band lead vocalist and songwriter Yojiro Noda.

What is being dubbed as a new sightseeing spot in Shibuya, “KISS,TOKYO,” an artistic bench, appeared at Shibuya River Street on Christmas Day. The street runs from SHIBUYA STREAM towards Daikanyama.

About KISS,TOKYO

“KISS,TOKYO” is a project and nod towards those who love Tokyo, taking inspiration from the “I♡NY” slogan and logo. Japan isn’t a country where kisses are used as greetings like other places around the world, but the bold notion of “KISS,TOKYO” expresses the feeling of love wards the people and city. It’s a mark to welcome visitors to the capital of Japan.

The bench was made in cooperation with the Shibuya City Tourism Association and Tokyu and under a crowdfunder.

Pop-Up Store

A pop-up shop is now open at WIRED SHIBUYA selling merchandise with the KISS,TOKYO logo on it. It will run until January 31, 2021.

If you’re planning a trip to Shibuya, make sure you get a photo with the city’s new sightseeing and tourist spot.

RADWIMPS launched their free ‘SHIN SEKAI’ app on Wednesday (December 23) which will allow fans in 40 countries worldwide to watch the band perform live in a new and unique virtual experience.

‘SHIN SEKAI’ is a virtual live music experience that uses the virtual park system VARP which was developed by the Japanese creative collective PARTY. The concept of the project is “ROLE-PLAYING MUSIC” which will see RADWIMPS embarking to new territory in their career to deliver a unique experience to fans.

RADWIMPS fans across the globe will come together to enjoy the band’s music inside a virtual world. Check the info below to see if the app is available in your country.

Tower Records is promoting the upcoming release of the anime film Gintama The Final by turning two of its own Tower Records Cafe branches in Sapporo and Shibuya into Gintama-themed spaces serving inspired dishes and selling exclusive merchandise.

Merch Collab

Gintama x  Tower Records Trading Acrylic Key Rings (6 Designs) | ¥800 (Before Tax)

Gintama x  Tower Records Towel | ¥2,500 (Before Tax)

Get your hands on a Gintama x  Tower Records key ring or towel featuring the main cast wearing Tower Records aprons just like the real-life staff at the music store chain. These items are available to pick up at 41 Tower Records stores, three Tower Records Cafes, and their official website.

Cafe Collab

Tower Records Cafe has collaborated with numerous anime series before, but this will be its first with Gintama. Two menus will be rolled out, the first being served from January 1, 2021 to January 14, 2021 and the second from January 15, 2021 to January 24, 2021. The first menu is themed on the series’s six main characters while the second menu will be based around Gintama The Final as well as the two-part anime special Gintama The Semi-Final.

Menu ① (Excerpt)

Kagura’s Tenshidon With Kombu Salad | ¥1,480 (Before Tax)

Inspired by the heroine of Gintama, Kagura, and served with her favourite vinegar kombu salad.

Toshiro Hijikata’s Mayo Chicken Nanban | ¥1,480 (Before Tax)

Hijikata is known for his love of mayo, so it was only right that this mayo chicken nanban be served with three types of mayonnaise.

Gintoki’s Week’s Worth Of Sugar Parfait | ¥1,380 (Before Tax)

A strawberry-loaded parfait with plenty of sugar content, just how Gitoki likes it.

Kotaro Katsura’s Elizabeth Dessert | ¥1,380 (Before Tax)

An Elizabeth crepe with something hidden inside…

Gintoki’s Perm Drink | ¥750 (Before Tax)

A cotton candy dessert drink inspired by Gintoki’s luscious natural perm.

Shinsuke Takasugi’s Blueberry Smoothie | ¥750 (Before Tax)

A cool blueberry smoothie whose delicious flavour comes from it being chilled in the refrigerator.

Menu ② (Excerpt)

Yorozuya’s Special Curry | ¥1,480 (Before Tax)

Inspired by the friendship between the three members of Yorozuya, with the white rice representing Gintoki, the pink (sakura denbu) Kagura, and the blue (powdered cheese) Shinpachi.

Sadaharu’s Pancakes | ¥1,280 (Before Tax)

Inspired by the pet of Yorozuya, served with three sides representing the three members.

Shinpachi’s Ramune | ¥750 (Before Tax)

A ramune based on Shinpachi, topped with a cherry to express his cherry boy-ness!

Takeout-Only Menu

Gintama Quote Omurice | ¥1,280 (Before Tax)

Classic Japanese omurice served with one of six famous quotes in Japanese from the series. Not available at the Nagoya Sakae SKYLE or Umeda NU Chayamachi branches.

Yorozuya Gin-chan’s Takeout Drink | ¥900 (Before Tax)

A takeout drink based on Yorozuya Gin-chan with two different coloured jellies at the bottom to represent Shinpachi and Kagura with the white Calpis drink being Gintoki.

Bonus Items

Coasters (6 Designs)

Those who reserve the bonus item ticket at Ticket Pia machines will receive one of six possible Tower Records x Gintama coasters.

Menu ① Postcards (6 Designs)

Menu ② Postcards (6 Designs)

For every item ordered on the menu, you’ll get a free postcard. This includes takeout items.

Set of 3 Bookmarkers (6 Designs)

Those who order a food item, dessert, and a drink all together will get a set of three bookmarkers.

Lunch Mat (During Menu ② Servings Only)

Those who dine at the cafe during the second menuy serving will receive a free lunch mat featuring the key visual for Gintama The Semi-Final.

©空知英秋／劇場版銀魂製作委員会
©空知英秋／集英社・テレビ東京・電通・BNP・アニプレックス

Asobi Factory no Asobiba is a new shop set to open on the 6th floor of Shibuya Marui on January 2, 2021 where visitors can get hands-on and immersed in puzzle-solving games.

Asobi Factory is a puzzles and goods brand that first began its journey into the puzzle industry in 2011. Since then, it has hosted many interactive puzzle events based on anime series, games, television shows, and more. Its new Asobiba shop will collaborate exclusively with anime and games, offering puzzle experiences as well as selling puzzle goods and merchandise in collaboration with anime series.

Visitors can walk around the shop to enjoy experiencing different puzzle content. And these puzzles aren’t bound to the shop – they will take visitors around the building and outside on the streets too. Puzzles can last anywhere from 1-3 hours, making for a fun day trip.

My Hero Academia features as the first collaboration

The popular anime series My Hero Academia hails as the first collaboration. The story begins at a hero office where word of an explosion reaches. You take the role of a pro hero take the call to figure out this mystery and head straight to the scene of the crime only to find mysteriously that the first reported explosion goes off in the instant you arrive. People are in a panic, and it’s up to you, Deku, Ochako, and Todoroki to prevent the second blast from going off.

©堀越耕平／集英社・僕のヒーローアカデミア製作委員会

RADWIMPS have announced that they are launching a virtual live music experience by the name of ‘SHIN SEKAI’ on the virtual park system VARP which was developed by the Japanese creative collective PARTY. The concept of the project is “ROLE-PLAYING MUSIC” which will see RADWIMPS embarking to new territory in their career to deliver a unique experience to fans.

RADWIMPS made the difficult decision to cancel and postpone their Japan tour and world tour as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The SHIN SEKAI project comes not because of tour cancellations and therefore to replace real live shows with virtual ones, but to instead embrace and explore what is possible for the band in terms of a virtual concert either way. It will offer fans a new way to enjoy RADWIMPS music.

“SHIN SEKAI” RADWIMPS ROLE-PLAYING MUSIC teaser

Message from RADWIMPS

I had a tremendous dream a little before we went into discussions about VARP. There was a huge waterfall, and I saw buildings in ruin. I went through it all and saw groups of thousands of people. I’ve never had a dream like that before, and it left a real impression on me, and then I got the call [for this project]. I felt like it was far from a coincidence. I thought all of us going into this virtual space would give us a hint as to our futures, and so we set out on this journey together with everyone at PARTY.

We still don’t know what lies ahead of us for the future, but I pray that by coming together closer than before by being inside the world of VARP we can share each others’ feelings. I would be happy to embark on this journey with all of you.

ー Yojiro Noda, RADWIMPS

(Translated from Japanese by MMN)

To celebrate one year since opening, the Shibuya PARCO branch of Gucci in Tokyo is collaborating with the Nakameguro-based cassette tape shop waltz from November 20 to December 6.

waltz is a vintage-style boutique with shelves lined with old music and VHS tapes, cassette players, books, vinyl records, fashion and design magazines, stereo equipment, and more. Self-described as the “ultimate destination for retro multi media,” the shop is a real nostalgia trip nostalgia, and is one of 13 Gucci Places alongside places like Chatsworth House in the UK and LACMA in Los Angeles.

Gucci Shibuya PARCO features its own booth where people can listen to old cassette tapes from waltz’s Secret Room. The song selection includes tracks from the 1970’s, which Gucci’s Epilogue collection is inspired by, a playlist created by Gucci creative director Alessandro Michele, and more.

Gucci Shibuya PARCO incorporates Shibuya’s creative and innovative spirit while lacing it with Gucci’s contemporary and eclectic perspective.

Japanese creative company BAKERU has opened bookings for the new entertainment restaurant and bar SOAK which is set to open on November 13, 2020 on the top floor of MIYASHITA PARK’s new brand hotel “sequence MIYASHITA PARK” in Shibuya, Tokyo. The restaurant will served up a ‘Japanese innovative’ menu made by Takeshi Nagashima of Nishiazabu 81 and Hideaki Nagaya of L’Effervescence.

An otherworldly restaurant and bar serving Japanese innovative cuisine

“BUILD NEO TOKYO” is the theme of SOAK. SOAK welcomes by Takeshi Nagashima of Nishiazabu 81 which delivers performance style-entertainment to customes, and Hideaki Nagaya of L’Effervescence, who was chosen for “JAPANESE CUSINE TOP 5 CHEF IN HONG KONG.” Bartending will be Takashi Goto who has worked as the main bartender at Sake Bar DECIBEL in New York and Shampoo in Shinjuku Golden Gai.

An event and party space which can hold up to 100 people

Located just a 3-minute walk from Shibuya Station, SOAK can be used as a party and event space with a maximum capacity of 100 people whether it be a wedding reception or a gathering of friends, family, or business, as well as for events, catering to any and every need. The space was designed by Noiz, a leading interior designer in Japan. The monuments were designed by contemporary artist Akira Yoshida, while the audio design is by Acoustic Engineering and the music is selected by Hirokazu Yamasaki from the post-rock and instrumental band Toe.

OYU: The rooftop terrace offering a panoramic view of Shibuya

Take in a panoramic view of Shibuya atop the rooftop terrace, and enjoy the pool either in the sunlight or shrouded luxuriously in the night with gorgeous illuminations and a glass in hand.

The pre-opening is set for November 13, 2020, but this is subject to change depending on the state of the pandemic.

Sai Sai Jaran Jaran is a featured series here on MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON from the members of the all-female band SILEN SIREN (aka Sai Sai) who visit various hot spots in Japan and experience different things, the Sai Sai way.

In Episode #10, SILENT SIREN drummer Hinanchu wanted to go and stay at a hotel in Tokyo, so she decided to take a trip to sequence MIYASHITA PARK, a new hotel inside Shibuya’s new landmark shopping complex MIYASHITA PARK which itself opened in August 2020.

The newly-reborn MIYASHITA PARK is a four-storey shopping complex with stores located on the first three floors and the top floor being home to the park. The park houses a range of exercise and sports sites like a skate park and bouldering wall as well as the green area and even a Starbucks. This park is so spacious that it’s easy to forget it’s right next to busy Shibuya Station. It has been open for three months now and is already adored by the community.

sequence MIYASHITA PARK is an 18-storey hotel that stands on the north side of MIYASHITA PARK. It can even be accessed from the complex’s fourth floor park which leads visitors to the lobby lounge. The park side of the hotel is also home to a cafe called VALLEY PARK STAND.

VALLEY PARK STAND can be used by non-guests at the hotel too and is open from morning to night time. The windows tower from the floor to the ceiling, allowing plenty of natural light into the cafe. There’s plenty of seating areas with table seats, sofas, and benches.

MIYA PITA CHICKEN SHAWARMA ¥900 | FRENCH FRIES & COCKTAIL COMBO ¥800 (Tax Included)

VALLEY PARK STAND is a cafe themed on a fictitious valley park, acting as one big park situated in the middle of bustling Shibuya. Adventuring through the valley park is best done with one of the cafe’s signature “MIYA PITA” pita sandwiches in hand.

The cafe offers a selection of coffees, pastries, and pitas for lunch and breakfast. In the evenings, customers can switch to the bar to enjoy something alcoholic. Their original craft cocktails are very popular and are made by a bartender who honed their craft while working in New York.

Hinanchu ordered the “Park & Pomegranate Bellini.” Normally hotel cocktails are small, but the ones served at VALLEY PARK STAND are much more generous.

The cafe even sell their own merchandise, from mugs to tumblers and even picnic blankets so you can have a picnic in MIYASHITA PARK if the weather calls for it!

For more information about VALLEY PARK STAND, check out our full breakdown here.

VALLEY PARK STAND
Address: sequence MIYASHITA PARK 4F, 6-20-10 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo
Opening Hours: 7:30-23:00 (Last Orders 22:30)
TEL: 03-6712-5442

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valleyparkstand/

The hotel check-in lounge can be found on fourth floor, the same as VALLEY PARK STAND. Check-in uses a new unmanned self-service system so all you need to do is follow the instructions.

Guest rooms are simple but the furniture and fixtures are of high quality. Hinanchu stayed in the 4-person “BUNK BED 4” room. Prices vary depending on the season, but it can cost less than ¥5,000 for one person to stay in a 4-person room which is a bargain!

The wide windows in guest rooms look out across MIYASHITA PARK. Depending on the hotel room you’re in, you’ll also be able to see landmarks like Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Skytree. The windows also read “Hi, TOKYO!” on them which makes for the perfect photo opportunity.

All rooms are also fitted with reading material by young authors. If you scan the QR code next to their piece, you can learn more about them and even make a donation.

Check-in is at 17:00 and check-out is 14:00 so guests can enjoy their stay leading into the early afternoon of the next day. The MIYASHITA PARK shops open at 11:00, so after checking-out, guests can go straight to shopping or lunch.

So, how did you find MIYASHITA PARK, Hinanchu?

“I’ve always lived in Tokyo, so I never imagined I’d stay in Shibuya, but you can really feel like a queen staying here! Despite it being smack bang in the middle of Tokyo, it’s right next to the park which feels good. I definitely recommend it to those who live in rural areas that want to come and play in Tokyo since places like Shibuya and Harajuku are close by. The hotel is littered with art and stylish design, so it’s not simply a stay but a creative experience too which I think will be popular with foreigners. I want to come here again on my own for a relaxing time!”

On the fifth floor of the hotel is the restaurant and bar Dōngxī Restaurant & Sakaba which offers both breakfast, and dinner. The new entertainment restaurant and bar SOAK is also opening on November 13.

If you’re thinking of staying in Tokyo or Shibuya, be sure to look up sequence MIYASHITA PARK.

Photo: Kayo Sekiguchi
Text: Sayoko Ishii

Translation: Joshua Kitosi-Isanga

Pinkoi, the company that runs Asia’s biggest global e-commerce site of the same name, has announced a collaboration with Dick Bruna’s popular character Miffy, who is celebrating her 65th anniversary this year. A special pop-up store that will open up at Hotel Koe Tokyo from November 19 to December 6.

Miffy fans can look forward to getting their hands on 180 different exclusive items made in collaboration with designers from Taiwan, Hong Kong, Thailand, China, and Japan

Pinkoi x Miffy 〜TRAVEL with Miffy〜

“TRAVEL with Miffy” is the name of the collaboration which features a collection of travel-themed Miffy goods.

Merchandise (Sample)

Re-Mask (Hong Kong) | Face Masks

Face masks have become a normal part of everybody’s life this year as a result of the pandemic, so why not go for a cute design? These cotton masks were made by a face mask company in Hong Kong and come in a variety of colours such s white, pink, and navy.

agooday (Taiwan) | Food Eco Bag

An eco-bag perfect for taking to the supermarket when grocery shopping. The inside of the bag is made from vinyl so can be washed. Its small size also makes it conveniently compact for carrying around.

一帆布包 (Taiwan) | Drink Holder

This drink sleeve has a strap on it so you can carry around your hot or cold beverage like a handbag. These are made by a Taiwanese bag brand which has been going for over 30 years.

pupupu (Japan) | Bags

Cute bags with minimalist designs and made from warm and fluffy material perfect for the winter season. Miffy’s ears are actually the handles.

寺沼麻美 (Japan) | Mobiles

These cute Miffy mobiles are all handmade, with swaying stars and clouds to help you drift you off to sleep.

Limited Edition Presents

Stickers / Tote Bag / Handkerchief

There’s also a selection of goodies visitors can get their hands on. If they post on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook using the hashtag #pinkoixmiffy while at the pop-up store they can get some Miffy stickers. If they spend over ¥8,000 they’ll get the tote bag. Pinkoi members will get one of four possible Miffy handkerchiefs.

Special Website

A special page for the pop-up store will open on Pinkoi’s official website on November 12 less than a week before the pop-up store opens so Miffy fans can order items online early.

IKEA Japan has announced that it will open a new branch in Shibuya, Tokyo, on November 30, 2020.

IKEA Shibuya comes soon after IKEA Harajuku which opened in June of this year. The new branch will boast seven floors: the first six will offer lifestyle products and open on November 30 while the 7th floor will house the restaurant which is set to open in Spring 2021.

A special pre-opening will be available to IKEA Family members on November 27 and 28 who can get their hands on products before anyone else at a special price. Members must book their place by November 10.