Keifuku Electric Railroad launched an event on Boxing Day last year in Japan in collaboration with the TV anime series Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba. The event is still taking place and is set to end on April 11.

 

At Arashiyama Station on the Randen Line, there is a temporary area draped with wisteria flowers that commuters are encouraged to participate in as part of the collaboration. Built to ward off demons, fans of the anime series can write their own messages to be strung up on the flowers. They can write their thoughts and feelings on the characters and series as well as wishes and prayers for COVID to soon be over for all. It’s been a popular photo spot amongst passengers. And if you head from this area up to the roof, you can gaze out at the incredible view of Arashiyama.

Kyoto City and Japanese company Shintsu are set to release their Disney/Kyoto Traditional Design Series after previously having to postpone the release due to the pandemic. It will be available from April 27 to May 10 and celebrates the skilled, dexterous hands of Kyoto’s expert craftsman and their industry which has been passed down for thousands of years. They have innovated to create something brand-new that captures both the craft and culture of Kyoto and the contemporary wonder of Disney.

 

Comments from the Creators

©Disney

Okazen | Comment

“We have existed inside our town in Kyoto for 200 years. We make a variety of items from garments for maiko apprentice geisha to our own company-originals products. For this Disney/Kyoto Traditional Design Series, we wondered how we could express the world of Disney using the kyoyuzen Kyoto-style method of dyeing. We made something with detailed consideration, looking at all the intricate things in the dyeing process. Our Fantasia furisode long-sleeved kimono features a truly treasured scene which enabled use to incorporate many different methods in order to capture the expression, clothing, and all the stars as much as possible. We believe this piece will suck everyone into Fantasia’s world.”

 

©Disney

©Disney

Asahido | Comment

“For producing something for the Disney/Kyoto Traditional Design Series, we asked gave one of our craftsmen free rein to put their own individual self into the work. At the time, they were primarily an illustrator, so we were worried if the judges would overlook them, but the end result was something that looks truly complete and finished. The traditional craftwork of Kiyomizu pottery is a process of hand making and hand drawing each and every little thing. I believe it’s this quality that gives the characters warmth and life. I’d love for people to take it in their hands themselves and take their time looking at it in a full 360°.”

 

©Disney

 

Tsujikura | Comment

Tsujikura is Japan’s oldest wagasa Japanese umbrella shop. We’ve been in Kyoto since 1690. In that small space underneath the washi Japanese paper and bamboo, one enters a rich world where they can feel the four seasons of Japan. Our umbrella for the Disney/Kyoto Traditional Design Series uses a very advanced technique known as kiritsugi, a type of cutting and patching. We displayed Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse on handmade washi paper which we dyed. You can feel an affinity with the umbrellas for their simple and minimal designs. Our aim was to incorporate Disney elements into a traditional Japanese umbrella pattern.”

 

Other Featured Works

©Disney

aiba

©DISNEY Based on the”Winnie the Pooh” works by A.A. Milne and E.H. Shepard .

Asahido

©Disney

Kamiya

©Disney

©Disney

EIRAKUYA

©Disney

Okazen

©Disney

Katoriya

©Disney

Kanbayashi Shunsho Honten

©Disney

KYUKYODO

©Disney

Shoyeido

©Disney

Tankosha

©Disney

Tsujikura

©Disney

Nakajima Zougan

©Disney

Nakamura Rosoku

©Disney

Miyawaki Baisen-an

Five new Pokémon manhole covers were laid in Kyoto on Tuesday as part of the Poké Lid  project to place Pokémon-design manhole covers across the country.

 

Kyoto Original Poké Lids

 

The five Poké Lids are located in Arashiyama, Okazaki Park, Maruyama Park, Umekoji Park, and Nishikyogoku Athletic Park.

 

All of the Poké Lids placed across Japan feature completely original Pokémon designs making each individual one the only one in the world. The Pokémon Company is also working to make each one of them PokéStops for Pokémon GO.

 

 ©2021 Pokémon. ©1995-2021 Nintendo/Creatures Inc./GAME FREAK inc.

Ginza Mitsukoshi is welcoming a limited-time vegan dessert shop by the name of ‘the vegan marshmallooow’ which is open from April 1 to June 30. This shop is known amongst the vegan community in Japan for its vegan cakes, and due to that positive response, is now opening its first long-term promotional pop-up shop in collaboration with Mitsukoshi Isetan Group.

 

Online orders opened at Mitsukoshi Isetan on March 27 with a delicious line-up that includes their signature vegan chocolate cake.

 

A look at just some of the mouth-watering line-up

Chocolate Cake

Their number one most popular order: a gorgeously gluten-free mirror cake made with rich chocolate.

 

<NEW> Whole Fruit Cake

For those who like something a little more fruity and refreshing, this juicy cake is topped with assorted fruits like setoka orange, peach, kiwi, blueberry, strawberry, and more. The gluten-free sponge and soy cream give it a light texture that’s also rich.

 

<NEW> Special Chocolate Cake Slice

An exquisite three-layered version of the shop’s iconic chocolate make made with plant-based ingredients. Its triple tier is formed harmoniously of sponge, chocolate mousse, and cream. A single serving for a single sweet tooth.

 

Strawberry Shortcake

Two moist layers of gluten-free strawberry sponge with a soy milk base. Smooth, creamy, light, and delicious.

 

 

Mont Blanc

This mont blanc is specially made with Japanese chestnuts. The addition of soy cream elevates the nutty flavour throughout. A crunchy tart and fluffy sponge also makes for a textural sensation.

 

the vegan marshmallooow’s vegan cake now available online at Mitsukoshi Isetan

Vegan Chocolate Cake Set (3 Pieces)

Kyoto Tower is set to be host to the upcoming Godzilla vs. Kyoto event which is running from April 16 to June 30. 

Key visual illustrated by Yusuke Nakamura

Stamp design

Stamp design

Stamp rally postcard

 

Godzilla vs. Kyoto Official Merchandise

 

Novelty illustrated by Yusuke Nakamura – available for the first 50 people each day

Kyoto Tower will hold a stamp rally event as part of Godzilla vs. Kyoto which will have people trying to find stamps in six locations in the tower as well as at Toji Temple and elsewhere. There is also a selection of official merchandise, a Godzilla exhibition, and much more planned.

 

If you’re in Japan this spring, don’t miss Godzilla taking over Kyoto.

 

TM & (C) TOHO CO., LTD.

イラスト/中村 佑介　TM & (C) TOHO CO., LTD.

Kyoto makeup brand Yojiya is now selling its own collection of snacks and drinks which it released via its website last week.

Yojiya Matcha Sandwich Cookies | ¥1,400 (Tax Included)

 

Yojiya Cafe Latte Chocolate Cookies | ¥1,350 (Tax Included)

 

Yojiya Matcha Milk | ¥950 (Tax Included)

Yojiya’s snack line-up is made with the idea of being able to enjoy high-quality food products at home. Their collection includes crunchy matcha and cafe latte cookies along with matcha milk, the latter of which is made with famous Uji matcha from Uji, Kyoto. Perfect for a tea/coffee break or as a souvenir.

Japanese aromatic raw chocolate brand MAISON CACAO is launching a new Kamakura-based brand called Shiki to Maison (“Four Seasons & Maison”) which will feature chocolates that capture the events and culture found throughout the four seasons in Japan.

 

The first entries to the series are cherry blossom chocolates which are available from March 26 to April 4, as well as cherry blossom drink which can be enjoyed on March 27 and 28.

 

Aroma Raw Chocolate SAKURA ¥2,200 / Cacao Vinegar Soda SAKURA ¥550 (Before Tax)

 

Aroma Raw Chocolate SAKURA

Indulge in a box of these luxury cherry blossom chocolates which are made with 100% cacao powder which have a refreshing white chocolate aftertaste. The chocolates are made with cherry blossom as well as a fresh cream laced with salt-pickled cherry blossom. They also include a paste made from liquid drawn from cherry blossom petals. It’s a taste of Japanese spring with every bite.

 

Cacao Vinegar Soda SAKURA

This springtime beverage includes a cacao vinegar made from cacao pulp and is coupled with fragrant cherry blossom. This one is available at the Komachi and Cacao Hanare branches as well as at CHOCOLATE BANK.

Häagen-Dazs Japan released two new ice cream flavours as part of its Decorations mini cup series on March 23: the Matcha Chocolate Cookie and Almond Caramel Cookie.

 

The visually-striking Häagen-Dazs Decorations series is a smooth, rich-flavoured ice cream with delicious toppings to compliment the ice cream.

 

For the third entry to Decorations, Häagen-Dazs welcomes back the Almond Caramel Cookie from 2019 and adds the all-new matcha and chocolate combo Matcha Chocolate Cookie.

Matcha Chocolate Cookie / Almond Caramel Cookie – ¥295 Each (Before Tax)

 

Even more delicious after stirring

The best way to enjoy Decorations is to first spoon the ice cream as it is to taste the flavours. After that, you’ll want to stir it all together to all the flavours and textures fuse, creating a delightful contrast between the soft ice cream and crunchy toppings.

 

Almond Caramel Cookie

Almond Caramel Cookie takes inspiration from the Florentine biscuit which is a sweet pastry topped with nuts and fruits. The cup contains delicious caramel butterscotch ice cream laced with caramel sauce, all of which is topped off with crumbly sliced almonds and crunchy butter cookie pieces.

 

Matcha Chocolate Cookie

The Matcha Chocolate Cookie is exactly what it says on the cup: a fragrant matcha ice cream infused with chocolate sauce and topped with sweet chocolate and matcha cookies.

HOSHINOYA Kyoto has announced that this summer it will hold its Kyo no Ohayashibune boat-riding service which allows one group of guests to rent a boat on which they will ride down the Ōi River and enjoy a traditional musical performance while tucking into some chimaki bamboo-wrapped cake, a confection seen only during the run of Kyoto’s Gion Matsuri festival.

 

Experience 1: Traditional hayashi orchestra aboard a Heian aristocratic boat

One group of guests will board their rented boat at Togetsu Bridge and be taken down the river where they can enjoy the verdant expanse of the valley while listening to a traditional Japanese Gion hayashi musical performance. The Ōi River was formerly a river boated down by Heian nobles who would have waka poetry and orchestral music performed to them on board. HOSHINOYA Kyoto guests will also be able to feel like a Heian aristocrat with this exclusive experience.

 

Experience 2: The sounds of Konchi Kichin

Konchi kichin is another Japanese term to express Gion hayashi musical performance. These performances are composed of Japanese gongs, flutes, and taiko drums, which are played on yamaboko floats by several dozen people during processions at the Gion Festival. The boat ride will recreate this experience so guests can enjoy the performance more up close as well as learn how to play the gong.

 

Experience 3: A taste of chimaki

Guests will be able to feel like they are at the Gion Festival by kicking back and enjoying a cup of green tea together with a chimaki, a traditional bamboo-wrapped cake that’s only served at the festival. These cakes are often used to decorate the entrances of people’s houses in Kyoto to ward off illness and disasters.

 

Gion Matsuri is one of Japan’s three biggest festivals. It has been around for over 1,000 years and last a month. When July hits, the Japanese Gion hayashi orchestras begin popping up around the city signalling the start of the festival. It’s a summer tradition of Kyoto and one which can now be enjoyed on board a special boat experience.

Japanese company Maruhisa has released a new collection of Mother’s Day gift items which will make for perfect relaxation presents to well-deserving mothers, whether you live with them or have been unable to meet with them for a long time.

 

 

 

A collection of four items from Kyoto

The set includes three sweet treats from Kyoto as well as a premium face mask made by a Fushimi-based brewery.

 

The Set at a Glance

 

Strawberry Flower Chocolate Cookies (Contains 6)

These chocolate cookies are a staple Kyoto souvenir. They’re made by buckwheat producer Marutamachi Kawamichiya and are shaped to look like cute flowers.

 

Matcha Strawberry Chocolate (3 Bags)

These matcha strawberry chocolates are made using authentic matcha from a tea shop in Kyoto. They’re stuffed with whole freeze-dried strawberries which add a fruity tang.

 

Chocolate Senbei Rice Cracker Bouquets (Contains 5)

A tasty delight made by Sekiseika, a maker of Japanese senbei rice crackers that has been around since 1922. This perfect bouquet is made with chocolate cream and topped with crushed almonds.

 

Fushimi Bijin Premium Face Mask (Contains 1)

This face mask contains a range of plant-based ingredients such as junmaishu sake made without added alcohol or sugar and coconut water. The junmaishu is provided by Tsukinokatsura, one of the oldest Japanese breweries that was first established in 1675.

 

Have you bought your Mother’s Day gift yet?

A Japan-original Pixar exhibition by the name of PIXAR! PIXAR! PIXAR! is set to run from April 8-19 at Seibu Ikebukuro in Tokyo. The exhibition is a celebration of all things Pixar Animation Studio and Walt Disney Japan where fans will have the opportunity to glimpse never-before-seen concept art, learn about the secrets of the studio’s office building, hear interviews with Japanese staff who work at the animation studio, and much more.

 

Pixar fanatics can expect to see all their favourite characters from the filmography such as Monsters Inc., Toy Story, Wall-E, Coco, Finding Nemo, and more. There will be plenty of merchandise to add to the collection too—around 200 pieces in fact—including items with official artwork that has never been made into merch before.

 

New official artwork illustrated by Pixar Animation Studios for ‘PIXAR! PIXAR! PIXAR!’

 

The artists at Pixar Animation Studios have created an original collection of artwork for the exhibition which will be displayed around the site itself as well as on merchandise sold there. There will also be a behind-the-scenes video showing at the exhibition where you can see the staff drawing the pieces.

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

A historical lookback at Pixar’s filmography

The exhibition will pay homage to everything Pixar has to offer, from their roots of animation shorts to their critically acclaimed full length animated features. If you have a favourite from any of these, you’re sure to find merchandise of it at the exhibition.

 

Feel like you’ve been invited to Pixar Animation Studios

The exhibition will have an area decorated with a gallery of posters, the famous Pixar lamp and ball, Woody and Buzz statues made from Lego, and more, as well as a photo gallery from pictures taken inside the studio.

 

Learn all there is to know about Pixar

Learn all the trivia about Pixar from what kind of Japanese people work at the studio, what characters are hidden throughout their films, and more.

 

Original Merchandise　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

Fans can sift through around 200 pieces of original merchandise.

 

Movie Poster Collection

The posters released for each of Pixar’s films have been shrunk down into a collection of postcards.

Final frame merchandise

A line-up of merchandise featuring the final frames taken from all 23 of Pixar’s feature length animations.

Early concept art

The exhibition will sell an array of merchandise featuring artwork that has never been turned into merch before, such as early concept art.

Easter eggs

There will also be merchandise featuring fun Easter eggs hidden throughout Pixar’s films.

 

Pixar Animation Studios

A line-up of merchandise that makes you feel like you’re part of the Pixar office.

Bonus Items　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

Visitors that spend over ¥3,000 (tax included) on merchandise at the exhibition will receive one of 8 possible pins. These are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Additionally, spending over ¥6,000 will get fans an original bottle too.

The exhibition will also be moving around Japan after its Tokyo run. Check the locations below.

 

©DISNEY/PIXAR All rights reserved. No reproduction or republication without written permission.

Japanese chocolate and baked goods bakery LIFE IS PÂTISSIER is now selling a collection of luxurious treats for White Day, the sequel to Valentine’s Day in Japan, via their online store until March 14.

 

 LIFE IS PÂTISSIER is a takeout chocolate bakery that specialises in chocolate and baked confections. Some of their signature items include their pound cake and chocolate bonbons. They also serve sable biscuits, madeleines, and much more. They are based in Jiyugaoka, a neighbourhood in Meguro, Tokyo, where they enjoy plenty of customers both local and tourists. Due to the pandemic, they are currently operating entirely online.

 

LIFE IS PÂTISSIER White Day Gifts 2021

Leaf Caramel | ¥1,800 (Before Tax)

Crunchy chocolate caramel bites drizzled in even more sweet, melty caramel.

Macarons | ¥2,300 (Before Tax)

A rainbow-coloured collection of raspberry, pistachio, caramel, lemon, and chocolate macarons.

 

Madeleines (Contains 6) | ¥2,800 (Before Tax)

Refreshing madeleines made with a mix of Japanese and Italian lemons. Refrigerating them gives the outer icing a delicious crunchy texture.

Strawberry Milk Crunch | ¥900

Smashed cookies and caramel combined with strawberry chocolate and milk chocolate.

Special Box | ¥4,500 (Before Tax)

A very special collection of raspberry chocolate treats coated in dark chocolate.

Flower Swag | ¥3,200

A fragrant flower swag composed of an assortment of fresh flowers. Perfect for decorating walls and doors and overtime become dried flowers.

 

White Day Cards

LIFE IS PÂTISSIER is also offering White Day cards which people can couple with their gifts.