LINE MUSIC-Bu is LINE MUSIC’s research team that studies popular music trends among teen girls. LINE MUSIC-Bu teamed up with love song-writer FUKI, who is releasing one love per month for 12 months, in order to produce a new bubble tea drink and tapioca dessert especially for couples. The drink and dessert is being sold at Tai Parfait Cafe, Yokohama World Porters. FUKI will also perform at a free live gig at Yokohama World Porters on December 25, which is the last day of collaboration drink and tapioca dessert sales. 

The collaboration pair-tapi contains two different drinks in a twin split cup. One side of the cup is filled with cafe au lait and the other with a strawberry-flavoured drink. Both sides are stuffed with yummy tapioca pearls and are topped with a mountain of cream. This cute drink sees the perfect opportunity to get closer to your partner. 

The second collaboration treat is the Tai Parfait Tapi which is stuffed with strawberries and tapioca pearls. The adorable tai fish is made from sweet dough – and it has cute eyelashes too. The fish’s enormously wide mouth can be seen chomping down on the delicious dessert. 

Enjoy a romantic bubble tea and make sure to check out FUKI’s love song LOVE and CRY, which is based on a true story. The song is currently available on a number of digital music services. 

Teen girls full of love problems find FUKI’S songs highly relatable. As Yokohama World Porters will be lit up for Christmas, you just can’t miss FUKI’s performance on December 25.

Ginza Sony Park is set to display their #012 Affinity in Autonomy exhibition at the Ginza Sony Park buildingーwhich is a project for the renovation of the Sony Buildingーfrom December 14, 2019.

Affinity in Autonomy was first shown by Sony at Milan Design Week 2019 which was held back in April. It received huge praise from attendees, and so Ginza Sony Park are bringing it back home to showcase at the building, which has enjoyed over 5 million visitors since it opened, for more people to experience it. The exhibit looks at elevating the affinity between humans and robots so that they may co-exist.

Also as part of the exhibition, Sony will showcase five individual pieces entitled Awakening, Accordance, Autonomous, Affiliation, and Association, which make use of image sensors. As visitors experience each one in order, their affinity towards robots will grow. Sound and visuals will play in response to people’s movements.

The exhibition combines sound, colour and interaction, offering new insight into robots. What’s more is that the robots recognise humans and response in real time, further enhancing the realism offered by the experience.

If you’re in Tokyo this holiday season, and are looking for the robots, then be sure to pay a visit to Ginza Sony Park.

The Harajuku, Yokohama and Umeda branches of the Pompompurin Cafeーthe cafe chain centred on Sanrio’s popular character Pompompurinーis serving up two cute Christmas menu items this year from December 1 to 25.

*Food names below are translated from Japanese

Hurry Up Santa – Pompompurin Cheese Keema Curry – ¥1,290 (Before Tax)

This rich and spicy keema curry is made with Parmesan cheese, cheddar cheese, and natural cheese. The colourful stars are made from carrot and paprika, while the spiralled Christmas cheese is a combination of spinach and mashed potato. Purin is made of rice and is waiting in anticipation for Santa to deliver his present. You’ll see he’s holding a stocking which is a made from bread and walleye pollack mayo. A hearty dish that is both delicious and adorable

Snowman Pompompurin – Snow Covered Chocolate Tart ¥1,190 (Before Tax)

Pompompurin has turned into a vanilla ice cream snowman and is standing next to a pistachio cream Christmas tree. They are both atop a rich chocolate tart. This cute dessert is like a Christmas garden straight out of a children’s picture book.

If you decide you want to spend your Christmas with Pompompurin this year, then you’ll receive a free lunch mat when you order food and a free coaster when you get a drink. These are both limited in quantity, so don’t miss out!

©1996, 2019 SANRIO CO., LTD. APPROVAL NO.S603310

Mickey Mouse will be celebrating his birthday with a special event called HAPPY&MAGIC at Yokohama World Porters. The event will run for a limited period starting from November 18.

David Willardson《DREAMERS》(Original) ©Disney

The event will feature a range of artistic pictures, famous works and original images of Mickey Mouse which were created by officially licensed Disney artists.

Original Clear File（Not for Sale） ©Disney

There will also be a photo spot at the event venue where you can take a photo with Mickey Mouse. If you reserve a spot at the event online, you will receive an original clear file so don’t miss out.

*The clear file cannot be purchased.

The Pikachu army has returned again this year for Pikachu Outbreak 2019 which is running from August 6 to 12 in Minato Mirai, Yokohama. This year, the event also features an evening show which takes advantage of Minato Mirai’s gorgeous nightscape and couples it with exciting lighting technology.

We visited the first day of the event with Chinese talent Etsuna and 7-year-old Yuugo-kun. Here’s our report!

Upon arrival at Minato Mirai Station we were immediately met by lots of Pikachu decorations and event advertisements. And when you go through the ticket gate it plays Pikachu’s cry! If you’re visiting the event this year then be sure to listen out.

There are lots of Pikachu to spot after leaving the ticket gates, so be sure to try finding them all.

We alighted at Minato Mirai Station and headed straight to Rinko Park.

When we hit the park we were greeted by a huge balloon Pikachu!

There’s lots of other Pokémon to catch too, such as Lapras, Psyduck, and many other popular names.

This tiny Pikachu was so cute.

There are food trucks set up by the Pokémon Cafe for the event at Rinko Park so you can get your hands on some food, drinks, and ice pops.

The Pikachu designs on the trucks are super kawaii♡

Pikachu Pineapple Ice Bar – ¥500 (Tax Included)

The ice pops they sell comes with one of four possible Pikachu facial expressions. They’re given randomly.

They’re so cute they seem a waste to eat!

Pikachu Orange Lemonade Soda – ¥500 (Tax Included)

The drink cups have Pikachu designs too, even the lids.

Wherever you look there’s a Pikachu, so you can take pictures literally everywhere.

After we had strolled around Rinko Park, we headed to Nippon Maru Memorial Park. Usually when you visit this park they have huge boats on display but for Pikachu Outbreak, the Pikachu have swarmed the area.

There are lots of walls with various Pokémon illustrations on them around Nippon Maru Memorial Park, such as Ho-Oh’s wings and a Pikachu balloon. They are scattered here and there, so make sure to find all of these too!

Below is where you can watch the Pikachu march wearing illuminating LED costumes.

Even the Ferris wheel at Yokohama Cosmo World was lit up with Pokémon motifs―the Pikachu and Poké Ball ones in particular were beautiful.

After a little while, several Pikachu arrived on a boat to greet everyone. And then…

…out came the LED Pikachu! Their synchronised pattering walk was beyond adorable. They even danced.

But the fun doesn’t stop there. If you head to Queen’s Square Yokohama right next to Nippon Maru Memorial Park then you’ll catch the Eevee march too. Their cute pattering walks too are enough to heal your soul♡

What we’ve shown you is just a snippet of the fun happening this year―there are many other exciting events happening for Pikachu Outbreak 2019.

Photos: CHIHIRO (＠chiicd5)

These last photos were taken at the show in Grand Mall Park at Yokohama Art Museum which makes stunning use of projection mapping. The Pikachu don their LED costumes and perform an incredible light show for the crowd.

For more details on each event check out the official website. Pikachu Outbreak is a fun day out for kids and adults alike, so enjoy this year’s event and be careful not to catch heatstroke.

Those interested in Japanese art should most definitely visit the hotel and museum Hotel Gajoen Tokyo which is now holding the 5th Wa no Akari x Hyakudan Kaidan art exhibition until September 1.

It is taking place at its Hyakudan Kaidan, or ‘100 Steps Staircase’―which was registered by Tokyo Prefecture as a Tangible Cultural Property in 2009 for its exceptional architecture and artistic beauty. This year’s event has been made bigger and better with brand new exhibits.

Visitors will ride the exquisitely decorated elevator and first come to an Aomori Nebuta Festival-style float as pictured above with its bright colours and angry gaze. This piece was created specially for the event. It also gives off an original summery smell too.

As you follow the path deeper into the exhibition―having first taken off your shoes―you will come a line of cloth crafts. You can switch on the lights inside to light up each piece which radiate the natural colours of the material. There are many cloth work pieces on display to enjoy.

This is what it looks like when looking up the 100 Step Staircase from the bottom. You will come to several rooms when ascending the stairs with light displays in them.

This is the first room inside which is a display created by bamboo lighting artist NITTAKE from Nichinan, Miyazaki. The bamboo is beautiful on its own but even more so when the lights are turned on in a dark room as the entire room is turned into artwork itself.

Continuing on you come to the “Nagasaki Lantern Festival.” You can see the lights before you even enter the room and they plunge you into that Japanese festival atmosphere. It’s truly spectacular inside. It’s different from the previous room which was dark with lights hanging from it. It’s even more bright and colourful. It made me want to visit the real Nagasaki Lantern Festival which boasts 1 million visitors every year.

This room contains umbrella art using Japanese umbrellas from Yamaga, Kumamoto. The colours of the umbrellas turn the room into something magical. The room has a relaxing, soothing vibe to it that makes you want to gaze in silence.

Dangling further up the stairs are wind chimes which continue the summer vibes.

There are many unique art pieces too such as these goldfish from Yanai, Yamaguchi. There is artwork from around 40 individuals and groups so there is lots to be discovered. Take your time to admire each and every thing in there.

The stairs actually go up to 99. Once you have seen the final exhibition on the top floor it’s time to return to the bottom where you take your shoes off.

Whether you’re interested in art or Japanese culture, this exciting event is one not to be missed this summer.

More information has been released for this year’s Pikachu Outbreak event which is set to take place in Yokohama’s Minato Mirai area from August 6 to 12.

The event has been held every summer since 2014 and sees countless Pikachu come together and put on shows, parades, performances and more. Over 2,000 Pikachu are scheduled to be released into the wild in Minato Mirai this year.

The Streets of Minato Mirai x Pikachu

The army of Pikachu will be dressed in outfits equipped with LED lights to put on colourful illuminated show in front of Yokohama Art Museum using projection mapping.

Running: August 6, 2019 – August 12, 2019

Time: ①19:10~ / ②20:35~

*The show will run at 20:35 only on August 9 and 10

Location: Grand Mall Park (in front of  Yokohama Art Museum)

The Seas of Minato Mirai x Pikachu

Look forward to a magical evening performance of Pikachu and water fountains with Yokohama Bay and Bay Bridge providing the backdrop.

Running: August 6, 2019 – August 12, 2019

Time: ①18:55~ / ②19:50~ / ③20:45~

Location: Red Brick Warehouse Park

The Forests of Minato Mirai x Pikachu

Enjoy an incredible performance featuring the biggest number of Pikachu to date against the backdrop of Minato Mirai’s skyscraper nightscape inside a green space.

Running: August 6, 2019 – August 12, 2019

Time: ①18:55~ / ②19:50~ / ③20:45~

Location: Rinko Park

Pikachu Parade & Eevee Parade

Don’t miss the cute parades of Pikachu and Eevee as they march to the rhythm of the beat!

Pikachu Parade

Running: August 6, 2019 – August 12, 2019

Time: ①18:55~ / ②19:50~ / ③20:45~

Location: Nippon Maru Memorial Park

Eevee Parade

Running: August 6, 2019 – August 12, 2019

Time: ①18:55~ / ②19:50~ / ③20:45~

Location: Queen’s Square YOKOHAMA Queen’s Mall

POKÉGENIC

Dotted around the streets of Minato Mirai you will find hidden art and decorations. Catch ’em all and snap some photos!

Running: August 6, 2019 – August 12, 2019

Locations: Sail Training Ship Nippon Maru, MARK IS, Navios Yokohama, and elsewhere

*Please be aware of your surroundings when taking photographs.

Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield Digital Stamp Rally

The event is hosting a digital stamp rally on the streets of Minato Mirai. There are nine rally points in total. Those who collect three or more stamps will receive an original phone wallpaper and those who collect all nine can enter a lottery for a chance to win a Pokémon Centre gift set.

Running: August 6, 2019 – August 12, 2019

The menu for the Drink & Ice Shop by Pokémon Cafe has also been revealed where Pokémon Trainers can look forward to eating some ice candy and drinking lemonade amongst trying plenty of other summery treats.

Pikachu’s Pine Ice Bar – ¥500 (Tax Included) *4 designs available, all chosen randomly

Pikachu’s Orange Lemonade Soda – ¥500 (Tax Included)

Pikachu’s Mango & Pine Tapioca Drink – ¥600 (Tax Included)

If you return your cup after ordering a drink at the shop you’ll receive an original sticker.

There is lots to look forward to at this year’s Pikachu Outbreak. Be sure to check the official website for more details.

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

Pokémon, ポケットモンスター and ポケモン are registered trademarks of Nintendo and Creatures 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!

From July 25 to August 28, four Afternoon Tea shops will be collaborating with the French picture book Gaspard and Lisa to celebrate the book’s 20th anniversary. The collaboration will only be running at the following branches: AEON Lake Town kaze, Koshigaya, LaLaport Yokohama, Terrace Mall Shonan and Nagoya LACHIC.

Tomboy Lisa Katsu Curry Plate (Drink included): ￥1,491 (after tax)  

Lisa’s Tomato Chicken Curry (Kids Drink included) : ￥1,005 (after tax) 

The Tomboy Lisa Katsu Curry Plate consists of a European-style curry with a crispy chicken cutlet and carrot marinade. There is also a sweet apple and honey tomato chicken curry which is limited to kids only.

Peach Peach Clown Parfait Straight Out of the Picture Book: ￥1,404 (after tax)

Lisa and Gaspard Strawberry/ Melon Sundae Sodas: ￥864 (after tax)

The menu also includes desserts and drinks from the picture book. For example, the peach peach clown parfait and two flavours of Lisa and Gaspard Sundae Soda. Make sure you order one of these drinks to go with one of the five delicious collaboration meals. 

During the collaboration period, the tea shop will be decorated with a special Lisa and Gaspard theme. There will be photo spots and even a book corner with 20 Lisa and Gaspard books (limited to Nagoya LACHIC only).

This is the perfect place to enjoy a special summer meal with your family so please check it out!

©2019 Anne Gutman & Georg Hallensleben / Hachette Livre

An exhibition will be held at the Shibuya branch of shopping complex PARCO to celebrate the forthcoming second season of the popular anime adaptation of Teasing Master Takagi-san which will begin airing on July 7.

Teasing Master Takagi-san is an ongoing romantic comedy and slice of life manga series by Sōichirō Yamamoto serialised in Monthly Shōnen Sunday. The manga has sold over 7 million copies. The first season of the anime series aired from January to March last with an OVA in July.

The exhibition will plunge fans of the series into its world with original illustrations for the anime and manga and more on display. Fans can also get their hands on exclusive merchandise including capsule toys and canvas art.

A3 Poster – ¥1,000 (Tax Included)

Acrylic Key Rings (7 Designs) – ¥500 (Tax Included) *Capsule toy; design given is random

Folder Set: ¥1,200 (Tax Included)

Canvas Art: ¥2,500 (Tax Included)

Fans of Takagi and her antics with Nishikata won’t want to miss out on this special limited-run exhibition.

©2019 Sōichirō Yamamoto・Shogakukan/Teasing Master Takagi-san Season 2 Production Committee

This summer, all branches of the PEANUTS Cafe and PEANUTS DINER are holding a fair to celebrate Snoopy and his many disguises. The first theme is “Astronaut Snoopy.”

IT’S A BEAGLE’S LIFE “I DID IT!” is the official catchphrase tied to this first theme which will see lots of space themed merchandise sold. And from July 17, a very special drink will be sold inspired by the Milky Way shimmering in space.

Astronaut Lemonade: Have-In ¥730 (Before Tax) / Takeout ¥600 (Tax Included) *On sale July 17, comes with original coaster

A beautiful spacey gradation is achieved by combining Blue Curacao syrup to a purple Blue Mallow tea. You might even catch a glimpse of a moonbound Snoopy in there. If you order this to have in the drink will be served over refreshing soda flavoured marble ice. It also comes with a limited-edition coaster you can take home. This one’s sure to be an Instagram contender!

Participating Branches
PEANUTS Cafe Nakameguro: Have-In/Takeout
PEANUTS DINER Yokohama: Have-In/Takeout
PEANUTS Cafe Kobe: Takeout Only
PEANUTS DINER Kobe: Have-In Only

PEANUTS Cafe×Thermo Mug <Astronaut> ¥3,500 (Before Tax)

From the cafe’s popular tumbler collaboration series comes a new thermo mug. It’s bright red and features Astronaut Snoopy on the front. The mug keeps hot drinks hot and cold drinks cold so you can take out your beverage of choice during any season. It also comes with a lid to ensure it does not spill when tipped or knocked. Perfect for work or when you’re reading♡

POPSOCKETS GRIP Red/Blue <Astronaut> ¥2,400 (Before Tax)
PopSockets are a must-have item for your handheld device, and these ones come with the Astronaut Snoopy design. Until now the PopSockets sold at the cafes and diners have been monochrome but you can grab these ones in red or blue! The red one is sold at the Nakameguro, Yokohama and Kobe branches while blue can be bought on the online shop. Both are available while supplies last.

Original Sticker <Astronaut> ¥850 (Before Tax) *On sale from July 17
This set of four large stickers also come in red and blue colours with Snoopy in his astronaut disguise. Stick them on your PC or laptop, suitcase and anywhere else so you can be with Snoopy all the time.

© 2019 Peanuts Worldwide LLC

BABYMETAL performed their first shows of 2019 at Yokohama Arena on June 28 and 29 for their concert “BABYMETAL AWAKENS – THE SUN ALSO RISES -“.

At the end of the first night, BABYMETAL unveiled that their third studio album is titled METAL GALAXY and will release on October 11. They also announced that they will head on a world tour from with dates in Japan, Europe, US and Russia. It will begin in early September and run into March 2020.

Su-Metal and Moametal were greeted to riotous applause as they stepped onto the illuminated stage, outfits glistening, on the first night at Yokohama Arena. Three dancers then appeared, one of which was singled out to lead out the Kami Band.

During the show, F.HERO joined BABYMETAL on stage to perform their new song PA PA YA!! for the first time, a track which features the popular Thai rapper. The one-and-a-half-hour spread out a set list of 14 songs with songs taken from BABYMETAL’s forthcoming album  METAL GALAXY.

METAL GALAXY will be the first album from BABYMETAL in three-and-a-half years and the first to not feature former member Yuimetal. As the title suggests, its theme centres around journeying through the metal galaxy.

After their second Yokohama Arena show, BABYMETAL headed straight to the UK to perform at Glastonbury on June 30. Catch them on their upcoming world tour – details below.

Photos by Tsukasa Miyoshi (Showcase)