As part of the ‘hide The 23rd Memorial’ project being held to commemorate the last X Japan guitarist hide, an exhibition titled PSYCHOVISION hide MUSEUM Since 2000 is set to be held at Seibu Ikebukuro from May 11 to May 25.

hide was born in 1964, the year of the Tokyo Olympics. He was sometimes known as the Ugly Pink Machine, a name used in a phrase from some of his own artwork, the titles of his works, and more which read “Who’s this ugly pink machine?” And for 2021, also the year of the Tokyo Olympics, this phrase is making a return as part of the PSYCHOVISION hide MUSEUM Since 2000 exhibition.

hide passed away on May 2, 1998. On July 20, 200, the ‘hide MUSEUM’ was built in his hometown of Yokosuka in Kanagawa, where fans could go and enjoy all things related to the musician. The museum unfortunately closed in 2005, but not before 500,000 fans visited the site. Fans can now look forward to an all-new hide MUSEUM experience.

The museum exhibition will be themed on the future that hide looked to. It will be split into five zones that explore everything from his childhood to setting his eyes on the rock world, forming Saver Tiger, joining X Japan which was originally just called X, embarking on his solo career, and more.

Fans will also get to see a collection of outfits actually worn by hide, his beloved guitars, lyrics of his famous songs actually penned by him on paper, and much more, all of which has been under lock and key by his official management group HEADWAX ORGANIZATION CO.,LTD.

Fans of X Japan and fans of hide won’t want to miss out on this incredible intimate and detailed account of the life of one of Japan’s most revered musicians.

Japanese rainwear brand Wpc. released a special new commercial featuring actors Hio Miyazawa and Suzu Yamanouchi. The collaborative video is entitled “What’s Changed, What Hasn’t Changed.”

The Rainwear Items

Basic Jump Umbrella – Off Paint

Big Silhouette Rain Poncho – Unisex Caramel

Floral Pink Gradation

Colour Mesh Coat – Beige

Free Lookbook

The message of the commercial is one of positivity: that though somethings might change, others do not. It refers to the state of the world during the COVID-19 pandemic, that despite being unable to see our loved ones, and that we’re unable to lead the lives we once did, our feelings towards those special to us, and those around us, is eternal.

To commemorate her exhibition “EGO” exhibition currently taking place at Anicoremix Gallery in Harajuku, Japanese illustrator Mai Yoneyama has released a collection of limited-edition t-shirts in collaboration with the sneaker brand atmos. The exhibition, which is showcasing many of Yoneyama’s works, is running until April 14.

Wear Mai Yoneyama’s iconic pop style wherever you go with these limited-edition tees.

Japanese artist Shun Nakao is set to hold their GENKOUHAN exhibition at SkiiMa Gallery in Shinsaibashi PARCO from April 9.

A look at some of the merchandise to be sold

Lithographs | ¥4,200 Each (Tax Included)

Lithographs | ¥4,200 Each (Tax Included)

T-Shirts | ¥4,200 (Tax Included)

Sodagirl Acrylic Key Ring | ¥1,100 (Tax Included)

Nakao’s colourful and laid-back art is a pleasant sight for the eyes during these dark times. Fans of their work can also get their hands on a range of merch from lithographs to t-shirts, acrylic key rings, and more – all created for this exclusive exhibition.

Nostalgia Syndrome opened pre-orders for its new Lily & Jasmine series of fragrances on March 31. The products will be released on April 22.

Nostalgia Syndrome is a fragrance brand produced by Kyary Pamyu Pamyu which launched last year. The new Lily & Jasmine series will be available to purchase online and will also be sold at two brand pop-up shops in Tokyo and Osaka. Those who spend over ¥10,000 online or at either of the stores (tax included) will receive a free Nostalgia Syndrome novelty – these are available in limited supply.

Online Store Novelty: Original Thermal Bottle

Pop-Up Store Novelty: Original Big Eco-Bag

Lily & Jasmine Series

Eau de Toilette | ¥8,250 (Tax Included)

Room & Fragrance Spray | ¥3,300 (Tax Included)

Aroma Diffuser | ¥7,150 (Tax Included)

Bath Salts | ¥3,410 (Tax Included)

Hand Soap | ¥3,520 (Tax Included)

Scented Candle | ¥8,140 (Tax Included)

Eau de Toilette Two-Set (9mL)

Kyary Pamyu Pamyu | Comment

“This is Nostalgia Syndrome’s second fragrance release. After mixing together various ingredients, I was finally able to catch the right scent. The theme for this one is ‘travel fragrance.’ Because of COVID, our time spent outdoors has gone down dramatically, but smells tied to our memories make up part of us all. And smelling them brings back those memories. This is a blend of sweet, sophisticated lily and refreshing jasmine, so it’s a really easy one to use that can be enjoyed by both guys and girls. We’re also opening our first pop-up shop so please be sure to drop by to try out!”

Lily and jasmine are vibrant fragrances and perfect for the spring season. Order yours today!

After one year since their first collaboration, A BATHING APE® and COMME des GARCONS released their second collection at BAPE STORE® and COMME des GARCONS OSAKA on April 3 featuring a new line-up that emphasises everything quintessential about both brands.

The collection includes full-zip hoodies, sweat shorts, tapered pants, and more, all branded with BAPE and GARCONS’ logos and serving hard, casual vibes. The brands released a look-book as pictured below with a simple yet aesthetic style.

The Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya branches of OH MY CAFE are set to pay host to cafe experiences themed on Disney’s Zootopia in celebration of the movie’s 5th anniversary which hit last month. The cafes will transform into a Zootopia extravaganza from April 23.

Customers who book a table in advance receive one of six possible lunch mats

The Menu

Vegetable Curry ¥1,890 (Before Tax)

Sandwich Plate ¥1,990 (Before Tax)

Corn Cream Pie ¥1,590 (Before Tax)

Salsa Burger ¥2,390 (Before Tax)

Carrot Doria ¥1,490 (Before Tax)

Acrylic Coasters +¥900 (Before Tax)

Iced Milk ¥990 (Before Tax) / With Mug +¥1,600 (Before Tax)

Iced Coffee ¥690 (Before Tax) / With Mug ¥1,600 (Before Tax)

Iced Drink ¥990 (Before Tax)

Exclusive Merchandise

Movie Stills Series

Acrylic Key Rings

Square Magnet ¥550 (Before Tax) / Acryluc Key Ring ¥650 (Before Tax) / A4 Folder ¥350 (Before Tax)

Mask Cases ¥500 (Before Tax) / Masking Tapes ¥800 (Before Tax)

Tiny Animals Series

Acrylic Charms ¥450 (Before Tax) / Mini Notebook Set ¥850 (Before Tax)

A5 Folder Set ¥800 (Before Tax) / Mini Pouch Set ¥1,800 (Before Tax)

Mini Towels ¥1,000 (Before Tax) / Eco Bag ¥1,850 (Before Tax)

Zootopia fans won’t be able to resist the tasty and healthy themed menu featuring Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps, as well as getting their hands on a range of merchandise from stationery to fashion.

©Disney

Matsuya Ginza is set to host the “Animage & Ghibli Exhibition” which will run from April 15 to May 5. The event will pay homage to Hayao Miyazaki’s Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind manga which was serialised in Animage by showcasing a range of never-before-seen cell artwork, as well Mamoru Oshii’s OVA art film Angel’s Egg, and much more.

With two weeks until it begins, the exhibition has revealed some of the exciting original and exclusive merchandise anime fans can expect to get their hands on. Tickets for the event were released on Saturday.

Teto Plush Toy ¥11,000 (Tax Included) / Ohmu Plush Toy ¥14,300 (Tax Included)

Bath Towel ¥8.800 (Tax Included)

Tapestry ¥16,500 (Tax Included)

Multipurpose Cases ¥3,300 Each (Tax Included)

Notebook ¥495 (Tax Included)

Square Pins ¥440 Each (Tax Included)

Animage Logo Pins ¥330 Each (Tax Included)

Wooden Brooches ¥1,320 Each (Tax Included)

Stainless Steel Bottles ¥3,520 Each (Tax Included)

Handkerchiefs ¥1,650 Each (Tax Included)

The exhibition is a nostalgia fest and celebration of animation during the 70’s and 80’s, a time when ‘anime’ was yet to be widespread in the vocabulary of ordinary Japanese people. It wills how how the anime boom really set off after the release of Mobile Suit Gundam in 1979 which was lauded for its animation quality, as well as how Toshio Suzuki, a producer at Studio Ghibli, approached Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata during his time as an editor at Animage. The exhibition will also feature the works produced by Suzuki and much more. Over 200 materials will be showcased for the duration of the exhibition.

Around 150 pieces of original merchandise will also be sold at the event, including gorgeous must-grabs for fans of Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind that capture its wonderful world, such as a tapestry featuring the design taken from the film’s opening credits.

A special exhibit will also take place entitled ALL ABOUT TOSHIO SUZUKI which covers everything about Studio Ghibli’s famous producer. Other things to look forward to include books and merch for the upcoming animated film Earwig and the Witch directed by Hayao Miyazaki’s son Goro Miyazaki, merch for the internationally beloved animated hit Spirited Away which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, and more.

© 1984 Studio Ghibli – H© 1986 Studio Ghibli© 1988 Studio Ghibli© 1989 Eiko Kadono – Studio Ghibli – N

Walt Disney Japan will celebrate both the 30th anniversary of its Disney Fan monthly magazine and the 10th anniversary of its Disney Store original character UniBEARsity with a special event titled “Disney FAN 30th anniversary FAN!FAN!FAN!” which will run at the Shibuya Koen-dori branch of the Disney Store from April 2 and the Shinsaibashi branch from May 14.

©Disney

The event will pay homage to the 30-year history of the much-loved Disney Fan magazine as well as feature a special art exhibition of past front covers. This artwork will be included on new and exclusive merchandise sold at the store. UniBEARsity will also see the spotlight as its history is also covered along with a range of 10th anniversary items.

Disney Fan 30th Anniversary Celebrations: Art Exhibition, History, and Merch

©Disney

The Disney Fan exhibit will include a silhouette of Mickey Mouse made from a collage of old-time magazine covers. It will also feature an exhibit of back numbers, statues and papercrafts made from past magazine covers, commentary on certain issues, and more.

Fans can also get their hands on a collection of merchandise made with exclusive artwork from the magazine covers, from folders and face mask cases to magnets, frames and more – check out an excerpt of what’s on offer below.

UniBEARsity: 10th Anniversary Exhibition

©Disney

UniBEARsity is a line-up of Disney teddy bear characters which came to life after Minnie taught Mickey and friends how to sew them. In celebration of its 10th anniversary, a special exhibition will take place including a special feature taken from Disney Fan when it first debuted, as well as a showcase of 89 teddy bears.an original story that bear characters. Check out what merchandise you can get here.

HIRUME, a company in Japan that provides creative idea using Japanese traditional techniques and material, has launched an exclusive collection in collaboration with Osamu Tezuka, a Japanese manga legend, from March 24 to April 13 at HIRUME Hankyu Umeda in Osaka.

Silk Scarf “Phoenix” | ¥42,000 (tax not included)

Modal Cashmere Scarf | ¥52,000 (tax not included)

3 set of Mamezara small plates | ¥3,800 (tax not included) / single Mamezara ¥1,500 (tax not included)

2 set of Mamezara small plates | ¥2,800 (tax not included) / single Mamezara ¥1,500 (tax not included)

Osamu Tezuka changed the concept of Japanese manga and established the ways to express manga with stories that led it into the realm of art. Tezuka’s characters continue influencing all genres, including literature and movies from generations to generations. His eternal theme of life and its preciousness was pierced in all his works which continue sending powerful messages.

The collection has inspired by Tezuka’s manga series Phoenix, his life work that he continued to work passionately until his late years, and Black Jack, which is still popular overwhelmingly among the doctors. The silk scarf embellishes prints of Black Jack. Mamezara the small plates come with 2 designs of Phoenix and Black Jacks gorgeously.

The collection with Osamu Tezuka’s manga that you can enjoy in your daily life is unmissable.

The city of Daito in Osaka teamed up with the Nintendo Switch title Animal Crossing: New Horizons to release the city as an accessible island, Daito Island, on March 10.

Every March, Daito hosts a PR event to promote the city. Due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, however, the event has seen strict restrictions that do not allow social gatherings. In order that the event not be cancelled entirely, Daito is collaborating with Animal Crossing: New Horizons to promote the city in-game with stalls, historical content like traditional armour and Iimoriyama Castle, and more.

Visitors to the island will receive three kinds of Miyoshi Nagayoshi armour, a family crest, and a hat and outfit of Daito’s city mascot Daiton. These are available until April 30.

The access code is: DA-1888-0815-5276

Japanese boy band JO1 released their first photo book Progress on January 27 this year. Fans who were unable to get a copy, or those who just want more JO1, will be excited to hear that a photo exhibition will take place at Shibuya PARCO from March 19 to 29 and Fukuoka PARCO from March 19 to April 4.

JO1 1st Photo Collection “Progress”

Shibuya exhibition’s main visual

Fukuoka exhibition’s main visual

Exhibition-exclusive merchandise

“Progress” Mugs | ¥1,500

“Progress” Tote Bags | ¥1,800

“Progress” Folders | ¥500 Each

The exhibition will feature not only photos that are included in the photo book, but exclusive, never-before-seen ones too. A collection of merchandise will also be available for fans to buy, and all who attend the exhibition will receive a free solo photo of one of the members.