To celebrate 40 years of Yuji Kaida’s illustration artwork for the Gundam series, an exhibition entitled Yuji Kaida Gundam Gallery will take place on the fifth floor LOFT Forum of Umeda LOFT in Osaka from August 23 to September 8.

Yuji Kaida is known for his longtime work on box art for Gunpla model kits. The exhibition will feature a gorgeous collection of his iconic Gundam artwork, covering traditional art from Mobile Suit Gundam to Mobile Suit Gundam Wing to digital art in Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans.

Over 70 pieces illustrated by Kaida will be displayed, each categorised into one of four themes. Many of these will include artworks being shown to the public for the first time such as the Gwazine-class battleship.

There will also be enormous towers of piled-up Gunpla boxes, a showcasing titled “Maiking of Hi-νGUNDAM” the process of digital art, and more.

The exhibition is an absolute must-visit for all fans of the Gundam franchise.

©Sotsu Co., Ltd.・Sunrise Inc.

28 artist groups and individuals have created artistic pieces to represent Japan’s favourite animated character Doraemon. From July 12 to September 23, 2019, you can see these magnificent creations at the Doraemon Exhibition Osaka 2019 which will take place at Osaka Culturarium at Tempozan.

The Doraemon Exhibition Osaka 2019 features a range of artists who exhibit their works in Japan and even in foreign countries. This is a fantastic chance to meet a range of new Doraemon that the world has never seen. This event covers a range of genres through modern art that is overflowing with creativity and dedication for the anime character that has grasped the nation. 

On July 11, the day before the opening of the exhibition, there was a special opening ceremony and private viewing event held exclusively for staff and the press, which was a massive success. 

Press releases of the event reveal that artists Yasumasa Morimura and Sebastian Masuda were present at the ceremony for photos and greetings. 

Yasumasa Morimura commented with deep emotion: “I am so happy to have finally taken part in the Doraemon Exhibition. For this creation, I used lots of paper to make the costumes. I collaborated with Junko Koike, collecting lots of Doraemon manga as raw materials for the dress. As Doraemon has the power to manipulate time and space, and has the ability to create a door that leads to anywhere he desires, I thought a grey dress would be appropriate. In fact, the entire exhibition venue is just like the inside of Doraemon’s pocket ー it is packed with the work of 28 solo artists and groups. What a fun experience it is. I hope that many people in the Kansai region come see this,” he explained.

Sebastian Masuda commented: “I’m actually the same age as Doraemon and I share the same birthday as Noby; the main character from the series. I was born with a love for Doraemon.”

He then commented on his art piece: “I actually wanted to make it as big as the Budha statue at Todaiji Temple in Nara, but we wouldn’t be able to fit it in the venue so I made it two metres tall instead”, he laughed. “I collected materials from markets from all around the world, so the final piece is literally made up of the colours of the world,” he continued. 

His message to the people of Osaka is: “I would love it if lots of children came to see this. It would really make my day to hear reactions from them like “whoa, it’s huge” or “that’s so cool!””

Please come stop by to visit your favourite Doraemon!

Did you catch Toy Story 4 at the cinema yet? If you’re in Japan this summer then you won’t want to miss the official Toy Story 4-themed cafes opening in Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya on July 20 and in Hokkaido on July 21 for a limited time.

The film was released just last month but is only set to hit Japanese theatres on July 12. It serves as the fourth and final film in the Toy Story series, wrapping up the story that first warmed the hearts of the public when the first movie dropped back in 1995.

The cafe will be a toy box of fun for all fans of the films, featuring a Toy Story inspired menu and decorations laced with trivia.

It costs ¥500 (before tax) per person to book a seat at the cafe. Customers who order from the menu will receive one of 13 possible stickers pictured above in the style of theatre tickets.

Everyone who enters the cafe will also receive one of these 13 possible entry bands.

<Woody & Bo Peep> Fateful Reunion Plate (¥1,890)

Fans of Woody and Bo Peep should look at ordering the Fateful Reunion Plate, a chicken sandwich and vichyssoise set based on both characters’ outfits. Find the sheep hidden amongst the dish!

<Duke Caboom> High in the Sky! Stunt Burger (¥1,890)

Duke Caboom’s chicken burger is served with mint sauce and a heap of assorted vegetables. Fly high in the sky with the dish’s delicious combination of flavours.

<Buzz, Ducky & Bunny> Night Carnival Pasta (¥1,790)

This meat pasta dish is topped with colourful vegetables. Keep the fun going at the moving carnival at night!

<Gabby Gabby & The Bensons> Afternoon Tea Set (¥1,790)

Paying tribute to Gabby Gabby and the dummies, the afternoon tea set comes with a tuna sandwich and a fruit and yogurt sandwich. To drink you can enjoy a decaff Earl Grey tea.

<Jessie> Pomegranate Water (¥890 or w/coaster ¥1,790)

Feel refreshed with Jessie’s satisfyingly sour pomegranate water.

<Slinky> Orange Yogurt Smoothie (¥890 or w/coaster ¥1,790)

Or order Slinky’s orange flavoured yogurt smoothie with kiwi sauce.

Ordering from the food menu will also get each person a specially-made paper apron.

There are lots of other items on the menu to look forward to as well. And don’t miss out on the range of exclusive merchandise they have either.

Acrylic Key Ring (13 Designs): ¥500 Each

A5 Folder (10 Designs): ¥350 Each

Mini Duralex Glass (5 Designs): ¥800 Each

The Toy Story hype doesn’t seem to show any signs of stopping just yet. Be sure to visit the official Toy Story 4 cafe in Japan.

©Disney/Pixar

© POOF-Slinky, LLC

*All prices include tax. Photos are for illustrative purposes only and so designs are subject to change.

Hirakata Park in Osaka is set to host its scary nighttime horror event “Hide And Seek at Hiraka Park” again this year from August 26 to September 1. Tickets are now on sale via Lawson Tickets. The event is being held in collaboration with MBS, Yami and ICT of NTT West.

The park will take a turn for the worse as soon as evening settles and night envelops the sky, bringing a spooky shift to the usual mirthful atmosphere during the day. Something terrible will lurk in the dark after the park closes.

Participants of this event will need to use their electronic devices, such as a tablet or smartphone, to help them reach the goal within an hour while keeping hidden from any spirits that may be lying in wait in the shadows. We also recommend taking a spare pair of pants.

But that’s not all, as guests at the park can now get involved in another frightening experience using VR technology. This VR game, which is called “The Vengeful Sleep Paralysis Ghost’s Mansion,” was introduced to the park on July 6 and is available for a limited time only.

If you’re down for some hair-raising spooks but can’t wait until Halloween, then you know where you need to go this summer.

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of TV anime series Ojamajo Doremi, two themed cafes named Ojamajo Doremi Cafe&Kitchen will open in Tokyo and Osaka from July 12 and August 29 respectively.

Ojamajo Doremi is an original magical girl created by Toei Animation that ran from February 1999 to January 2003. The series was a huge hit with young girls in Japan when it was released, sending them into a magical daze and further spreading the love for magical girl series. The Cafe&Kitchen is aimed at today’s young girls and the girls from back then who have now turned into women. The cafe promises to be kawaii through and through.

Doremi’s Adoration! Steak Sandwich Plate: ¥1,490と

Steak is Doremi’s favourite so there was no way the cafe was going to leave it off the menu. This steak sandwich is served in a baguette and is served with cheese sauce to make the steak even more delicious.と

Momoko’s New York Memories… Meat Ball Pasta Salad: ¥1,290

This dish is inspired by Momoko’s memories of how New York tasted back when she lived there as a young girl. The salad pasta bowl is colourful and filled to the brim, representing Momoko’s overflowing energy and liveliness. Pour the saffron flavoured cream cheese over to make it look and taste even more American.

Ojamajo Doremi’s 20th Birthday Cake: ¥1,190

The Cafe&Kitchen is a celebration of the series’s 20th anniversary, so they whipped up a birthday cake fitting for a magical girl. It’s a combination of roll cake and sponge cake so you’re sure to never tire of the flavour. Help celebrate Doremi’s 20th by tucking into this whipped cream covered birthday cake!

Magical Girl Apprentice’s Rainbow Pancakes: ¥1,190

Based on the iconic colours of the magical girls, this stack of cute pancakes are shaped like hearts. Scoop up the anglaise sauce and eat together with the pancakes for an even sweeter flavour.

Onpu’s Purple Tapioca Milk: ¥790

The famous idol Onpu gets her very own brown sugar bubble tea with tapioca pearls. Served in her image colour, the drink is whipped with whipped cream and showered with rainbow sprinkles♡

Aiko’s Blue Lemonade Float: ¥890

You’re sure to cool yourself down in the summer heat with Aiko’s blue lemonade topped with deliciously refreshing ice cream, lime and mint.

Acrylic Key Ring (6 Designs): ¥600

Clear Pouch (1 Design): ¥1,500

With art director by popular creators Etoile et Griotte, who are popular with lovers of kawaii things, the Cafe&Kitchen will also sell a selection of cute and exclusive merchandise.

Customers who book a table in advance (¥500 per person, excluding tax) and order from the menu will receive one of the six above-pictured original clear stickers chosen randomly.

Those who dine at the cafe will also receive one of these two possible original lunch mats.

Finally, customers who order a drink will receive one of six possible character coasters.

Visit the Ojamajo Doremi Cafe&Kitchen this summer to celebrate 20 years since the series first aired.

*All prices listed are pre-tax prices. Photos are for illustrative purposes only

©Toei Animation

Onsen theme park Ooedo-Onsen Monogatari in Odaiba, Tokyo launched its biggest event of the year Kingyo Matsuri Art Exhibition on June 24. The festival feature a range of exciting exhibits including Japan’s biggest terrarium developed by aquarium creator Masanori Miyazawa.

Aquarium ①: Japan’s biggest Japanese-style Terrarium

A terrarium is a sealable glass container inside which soil is placed to grow plants. Aquarium creator Masanori Miyazawa, who goes by the artist name GA☆KYO, has built Japan’s biggest Japanese-style terrarium which represents the change from the old generation into the new. Standing at 5-meters tall and stretching 1.5-meters wide, the terrarium makes use of bonsai, moss and driftwood.

Aquarium ②: Yukata x Aquarium x Photo Spot

Inspired by the ladies of Edo Castle, beautiful cylindrical fish tanks with kimonos wrapped around them act as a great photo opportunity together with the goldfishes.

Aquarium ③: Meet the 1 Million Yen Ryukin Goldfish

This innovative art installation pairs the Ryukin, a type of Japanese goldfish that has been sold in long-standing fish shops for more than 200 years, with onigawara decorative tiles that have been used to ward off spirits since ancient times, bonsai and more. Also in the exhibit is the “Pre-Edo Goldfish Tearoom” and “Large Round Fish Tanks.”

Summer Festival Drinks & Desserts

From Left: Blue Goldfish Shaved Ice: ¥550 @ Kuranoe / Goldfish Blue Hawaii Soda: ¥580 @ Yumeakari / Blue Mojito: ¥850 @ Ooedo Cafe

Feel the festive spirit with these summery drinks and desserts.

Goldfish Goodies

The souvenir store Ryokokuya is selling a range of goldfish themed merchandise perfect as gifts and souvenirs or for taking on summer trips with you.

It has been announced that Attack on Titan Exhibition FINAL will be on exhibit at Hirakata Park in Osaka from September 21 to December 1.

It was announced earlier this month that the exhibition is also to take place at the MORI Arts Center Gallery on the 52nd floor of Roppongi Hills MORI Tower from July 5 to September 8. The exhibition serves to plunge fans into the world of Attack on Titan in a number of different ways, from art displays to diorama reconstructions of the world and more.

Advance tickets for the Hirakata Park event will be released on July 1.

Japanese fashion brand jouetie is running a pop-up souvenir shop called POSTOKYO By jouetie on the first floor atrium of HEP in Umeda, Osaka from June 21 – June 30.

POSTOKYO By jouetie will serve original fashion items in a new an original style from the lens of jouetie, who fuse the many cultures of Japan, in the form of a souvenir shop from Tokyo where various cultures and subcultures and fashion mix together. Following the success of the first pop-up shop in Tokyo, demand for the store to open across other parts of Japan has been made clear, and it is now moving to Osaka for the first time.

Yuka Furukawa

Japanese model duo AMIAYA who conceived jouetie will be at the sop on Saturday June 22 from 11:00am to welcome customers. Popular Japanese YouTuber Yuka Furukawa, who is a big fan of the brand, will also make an appearance on June 21.

Let’s take a look at some of the items you can expect to get your hands on at the souvenir store.

POSTOKYO Mix Flower Open Colour Shirts: ¥6,000 (Before Tax)

These colourful open shirts are a mix of colour variation and camellias. They are made of super soft and comfortable satin.

NANCY SNAKE POSTOKYO T-Shirts: ¥5,000 (Before Tax)

jouetie has collaborated with paint artist NANCY SNAKE for the first time to release thiese manga-esque t-shirts with unique touches and coloured trims. The main print designs are beautifully coloured with careful detail embroidered by jouetie.

MASAKO.Y POSTOKYO T-Shirts: ¥5,000 (Before Tax)

Another debut collaboration, this time with artist MASAKO.Y. These t-shirt designs are inspired by Japanese izakaya and can be worn and enjoyed by any lover of Japanese cuisine. It also includes Japanese and English letter embroidery.

POSTOKYO Tokyo Bi-Colour No-Sleeve Knit: ¥4,500 (Before Tax)

These summery dresses are perfect for the coming warm season. The back is embroidered with a gorgeously eye catching crane while the front features the word “Tokyo” written in Japanese (東京) in the same colours.

Head to the shop to see even more must-get items from jouetie.

Disney’s new live-action adaptation of Aladdin opened was released in Japan on June 7. To celebrate its release, two themed cafes were by OH MY CAFE in Tokyo and Osaka.

The Tokyo cafe opened at Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku on June 14 and the Osaka one at kawara CAFE & DINING on June 15. Both will run until July 15.

The MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON editorial team visited the Omotesando cafe with Japanese model Kanako to report on the cafe’s decor and design and food.

The first thing to catch your eye when you enter is Jasmine’s gorgeous and intricate dress. Photos with the dress are permitted.

Hanging from the cafe ceiling is an assortment of magic lamps while carpets are draped across the wall. Kanako went dressed up like Jasmine to enter this Aladdin-inspired world.

There are plenty of places to take great photos throughout the cafe, such as these Jasmine silhouettes illustrated on pillars.

Jasmine & Dalia’s Colorful Pasta: ¥1,790 (Before Tax)

Magic Carpet’s Special Sandwich Wrap: ¥1,790 (Before Tax)

The food of course is also based on the film. The menu includes a delicious and faithful line-up from the curry inspired by the magic lamp to Carpet’s sandwich wrap and a colourful pasta dish decorated with Jasmine and Dalia. It’s safe to say everything on the menu is Instagram-worthy.

Kanako ordered the pasta dish. She gave it a rave review, saying, “It’s colourful and cute. It’s cute it has Jasmine and Dalia too♡” We recommend this dish for those who want to eat something light.

Rajah’s Orange Smoothie: With Coaster ¥1,690 (Before Tax), Without Coaster ¥750 (Before Tax) / Genie’s Yogurt Smoothie: With Coaster ¥1,690 (Before Tax), Without Coaster ¥750 (Before Tax)

For drinks, enjoy the tiger-striped Rajah orange smoothie or the blue Genie yogurt smoothie. Both are super refreshing and perfect for the summer heat.

The cafe also sells exclusive original merchandise including key rings, an iPhone case and much more. Visit the cafe to see the full line-up.

There are also two lunch mats you can get your hands on by booking a table in advance. The design is chosen for you randomly. So if you’re planning a trip, don’t forget to reserve in advance.

How did you enjoy your visit, Kanako-chan?

“They had Jasmine’s dress on display. I felt like I had been sucked into the world of Aladdin. If you love Aladdin or you love Disney, please be sure to pay a visit.”

Whether you have seen or have yet to see Disney’s new Aladdin movie, if you’re in Tokyo or Osaka this summer, don’t miss a chance to enter its romantic and oriental world at the official themed cafes.

©Disney

Model: Kanako

Writer: Sayuri Mizuno (MMN Editorial Team)

Translator: Joshua Kitosi-Isanga

The BT21 Cafe is set to open on floor BF2 of SHIBUYA109 in Tokyo for a limited time from June 28 to August 19. The cafe will subsequently open in Abeno (Osaka) from July 20 to August 25 and Nagoya from July 25 to September 1.

The concept of the cafe is “a resort in the southern countries.” An original summertime menu inspired by the blue sky, beach and sand will be whipped up and based on each of the characters: KOYA, RJ, SHOOKY, MANG, CHIMMY, TATA, COOKY, and VAN. A line-up of original merchandise will also be sold.

The menu is serve as a meal and dessert set with seven of each to choose from.

MANG Garlic Shrimp: ¥1,990 (Before Tax)

BYTATA Loco Moco Don: ¥1,990 (Before Tax)

With your set you will also receive a character card depending on the meal you choose.

Drinks (8 Options): ¥890 Each (Before Tax)

Clear Coasters (12 Designs)

If you order one of the eight Instagram-worthy drinks at the cafe you’ll also get one of 12 possible clear coasters chosen randomly.

Those who book a table in advance will receive one of seven possible mini fans too.

Dine with a refreshing menu on the first summer of the Reiwa period and enjoy a resort vibe at the BT21 Cafe.

©BT21

A new official Pokémon Centre DX and a new Pokémon Café will open in Osaka on September 20, 2019 in Daimaru Shinsaibashi’s Main Building.

This will be the second Pokémon Centre to open in Osaka. The Pokémon café will adjoined to the shop and will be the first ever branch of the Pokémon café to have ever opened in West Japan. This is also the second permanent Pokémon café to open in Japan besides the Pokémon café in Nihombashi.

The new Pokémon Centre DX and Pokémon Café will be situated in a bustling tourist hotspot. On your visit, you can also take a gander around the Shinsaibashi shopping district or  the American Village (America-mura) which is full of entertainment. This area is thriving with department stores, special shops, big brands and so much more. Tourists from other parts of Japan and all over the world are constantly flocking to this giant marketplace.

As the worldwide exhibition event Expo 2025 will be held in Konohana Ward, Osaka, there is no doubt that Osaka is becoming more and more of a Tourist hotspot!

Osaka is a wonderful tourist destination. If you decide to visit, don’t forget to include the Pokémon Centre DX and Pokémon Café on your itinerary!♪

©2019 Pokémon ©1995-2019 Nintendo/Creatures Inc./GAME FREAK inc.

Pocket Monsters, ポケットモンスター/ポケモン/Pokémon are registered trademarks of Nintendo/ Creatures Inc./GAME FREAK inc.

Disney’s new live-action Aladdin film is set to be released in Japan on June 7. To celebrate, two branches of OH MY CAFE in Tokyo and Osaka are set to collaborate with the movie from June 14 and 15 respectively.

“LOVE” is the concept of this collaboration, with everything from the cafe decor to the menu line-up steeped in the essence of romance.

Customers who book a table in advance will randomly receive one of the two above-pictured original Aladdin lunch mats.

Aladdin’s Magic Lamp Curry: ¥1,790 (Before Tax)

Receive a magical lamp of your own with this black curry which is accompanied with a fluffy meringue salad topped with your own Genie.

Magic Carpet’s Special Wrap Salad: ¥1,790 (Before Tax)

One of many Instagrammable choices on the menu, this plate comes with fried bread made in the image of Carpet and an assortment of ingredients to wrap in the bread.

Jafar’s Evil Chicken Cream Plate: ¥1,790 (Before Tax)

This chicken cream plate is inspired by Jafar and is served with a generous portion of delicate saffron rice.

Aladdin & Jasmine’s Fruit Drink (Yoghurt Flavour): With Bottle – ¥1,750 (Before Tax) / Without Bottle – ¥750 (Before Tax)

Enjoy this refreshing yoghurt drink poured on top of an assortment of delicious fresh fruits.

A Whole New World Grape Flavoured Starry Sky Drink: ¥1,290 (Before Tax)

Experience a whole new world in the starry night sky with this cloud-inspired shaved ice drink.

The cafes will also sell a range of exclusive merchandise.

Acrylic Key Ring (Aladdin & Jasmine): ¥1,200 (Before Tax)
Acrylic Key Ring (Genie): ¥950(Before Tax)

Charm Set (3 Charms): ¥1,200 (Before Tax)

Enter the world of Disney’s Aladdin in Tokyo and Osaka this summer.

©Disney