Ever dreamt of teaming up with the Mekakushi Dan from the Kagerou Project to complete a mission? Now you can and explore the wonders of Enoshima while you are at it. From September 14 to November 17, Enoshima will hold its biggest ever real life rescue game featuring Japanese mixed-media project The Kagerou Project. The event will be called Mekakucity Quest in Enoshima and will run over approximately two months.

From games and music to novels, anime and manga, The Kagerou Project characters have dominated the scene in a large range of media forms. The Mekakucity Quest in Enoshima was created in collaboration with SCRAP, who are famous countrywide for their real life escape games. 

This game can only be cleared by walking around Enoshima to find hints and answers to the challenges but don’t worryーThe Mekakushi Dan will be in contact with you via the messaging app LINE to help you solve the riddles. 

Upon accepting your mission, you will receive a mission guide full of information on the mouthwatering gourmet food and fascinating history of Enoshima. The guide will take you on a wonderful journey of discovery through locations popular among tourists and even romantic date spots. This is the perfect way to enhance your Enoshima experience. 

Multimedia creator Jin, who is the founder of the Kagerou Project, has teamed up with SCRAP to create this exciting real life game which is full of fun contents that anyone can enjoy. The original storyline takes advantage of the wonders of Enoshima, creating a unique experience that is not available anywhere else. It is a rare opportunity to get close to the Mekakushi Dan and simultaneously enjoy the exciting culture of Enoshima. 

Your journey will start at Subana Kaikan (スバナ会館) which will be selling lots of Kagerou Project collaboration merchandise that cannot be obtained from anywhere else. Make sure to check out the official website for more information. 

There is an exciting bonus in store for those who successfully clear the game: A surprise phone call from Ene and Shintaro! Just hearing the voice message of these two popular characters is enough to send some fans wild. Those who clear the game will also have the opportunity to take part in a special lottery for the chance to win a ticket to watch the debut screening of the anime Kagerou Daze No.9 before anyone else. This series is set to go live next spring. 

*The debut screening is a private event that you can only take part in by clearing the Mekakucity Quest in Enoshima. There is no general screening event for those who do not succeed. 

As the sweltering heat of summer has finally subsided, this is the perfect chance to explore the wonderful tourist spots and indulge in the delicious local food of Enoshima while facing challenges with your pals or even your partner.

Sanrio’s popular character Pompompurin is collaborating with Obaken, a horror experience creative company, to bring the brand new horror event known as Pompompurin Zombieland to Sanrio Puroland on November 16 and 30.

Tickets will go on pre-sale for official Pompompurin ambassadors, or Pombassadors, on September 14 at 10:00am (JST) and general sales will begin on September 28 at 10:00am (JST). To find out more about Pombassadors and how to become one click here.

Pompompurin Zombieland Promo Video

Horror experience planner Obaken is set to shake the cute world of Pompompurin into a terrifying zombie-infested one. In the story, Pompompurin was happily looking for some tasty mushrooms to pick when all of a sudden he eats a poisonous one by mistake. It is your mission to deliver him the antidote to stop him from becoming a zombie. Other unfortunate victims who also ate poisonous mushrooms have died and returned as the living dead and will roam around Puroland. The antidote to save Pompompurin, who is on the brinks of turning into a green zombie, lies in the non-poisonous mushrooms located in 6 areas of the park.

You must survive getting infected by the zombie virus and get your hands on mushrooms. If you succeed you’ll receive an exclusive Pompompurin Zombieland pin badge stating that you have cleared the mission.

You can even pick up an exclusive Zombie Purin t-shirt. These are limited in stock and can’t be bought anywhere else.

Additionally, if you wear a combination of yellow and brown-coloured clothing when attending the event―which are the colours of Pompompurin―you’ll get the above-pictured Zombie Purin sticker.

Full details can be found on the event’s website below. Don’t miss out on this creepy-cute experience this autumn.

©︎’96, ’19 SANRIO

TOKYO MYSTERY CIRCUS’s catalogue of games just keeps on growing. The puzzle and escape game theme park has just announced the return of its escape game Escape From Shin Godzilla which is being held in collaboration with the 2016 film Shin Godzilla.

The event was previously held last April where it ran until October, enjoying huge popularity with over 40,000 escape game-goers. Players took the role of a member of the Kyosaitai―the anti-Godzilla task force―based in Kabukicho, Shinjuku where you will be tasked with solving puzzles to defeat the colossal giant.

The thrilling event returns once more with original visuals created to make it look like Godzilla has really invaded Kabukicho. Tickets are now on sale, and you can pick up exclusive merchandise and themed food at the venue too. Can you defeat Godzilla?

TM&©TOHO CO., LTD.　©SCRAP

Osaka’s landmark shopping centre HEP in Umeda is just a short 3-minute walk from Umeda Station, meaning you don’t have to worry so much about looking over your shoulder to see if Michael Myers or Dracula is following this Halloween as you make your way to “HEP FIVE HORROR×HORROR AUTUMN.”

This bone-chilling event is set to deliver horror, beauty and fashion all in one place.

Junji Inagawa’s Horror Ferris Wheel

The Horror Ferris Wheel was such a hit last year that it’s set to return again this Halloween, better and scarier than ever. There will be two Ferris wheels, each inspired by two of ghost story writer Junji Inagawa’s masterpieces. Incorporating an all-new horror system, the Ferris wheels will take riders up 106 meters high for a hair-raising experience they cannot escape. Once you’re in, you’re in until the end.

Monster Food

Of course, no Halloween party is complete without some fang-tastic food. HEP FIVE’s restaurants have each whipped up their own unique dishes for the holiday.

Lulu Hashimoto’s Doll World

Lulu Hashimoto has garnered attention both in Japan and overseas as the “living doll” for her doll costume. She will be present at HEP FIVE where you can get a photo with her at the first floor entrance atrium.

Date: October 12, 2019

Time: Slot ① 13:00 (Floors 5F-6F), Photos at 13:30 / Slot ② 15:00 (Floors 3F-4F), Photos at 15:30 /  Slot ③ 17:00 (Floors B1F & 2F), Photos at 17:30

Locations: The initial fan greeting will take place at various places across the shopping centre, and photos will take place on the first floor atrium

Getting a Photo: Tickets will be handed out from 11:00 on the day. 15 people per slot on a first-come, first-served basis.

Horror Show Time

Ghost performed Sadawo is set to take on the form of Japan’s most famous horror icon Sadako from Ringu while riding a Segway. Look forward to a whole host of terrifying performances.

Date: October 19, 2019

Times: ①12:00 (Floots 6F-7F) / ②14:00 (Floors 4F-5F) / ③16:00 (Floors 2F-3F) / ④18:00 (Floors B1F-1F)

Locations: Various places across the shopping centre

Guillotine Photo Spot

Get your photo taken at the guillotine photo spot at the first floor atrium and look like something straight out of a slasher movie. Make it even better by dressing up in cosplay or Halloween outfits with friends!

Enjoy a horror experience like no other this Halloween at HEP in Umeda, Osaka.

Hills Marche is a market held every Saturday at ARK Hills in Tokyo, and on September 28, it is set to hold the Hills Marche 10th Anniversary “Great Harvest Festival.”

Hills Marche began in September 2009 as the first project of Marche Japon which is run by the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. It has become one of Tokyo’s representative markets, with more than 740,000 people having attended since its establishment.

The 10th Anniversary Great Harvest Festival brings together farmers from all across Japan, with fresh fruit and vegetables harvested from that morning. There will also be various events including a grape-picking session. Lots of lunch options will also be served using fresh vegetables used as the market.

Farmers Band Together

A total of 44 sellers from both Japan and overseas will set up shop for the Marche. The first 100 people to shop at over 5 stalls and collect the stamps will also receive a festival tote bag.

Taste and Compare 10 Varieties Of Grape

From popular varieties such as Shine Muscats to rarer, hard-to-find varieties, choose from 10 different types of grapes to enjoy. You’ll be surprised at how different their sweetness and sourness is!

Go Grape Picking

Have even more fun by picking your own grapes at Karayan Square. Kids and adults alike will enjoy this experience. Bring friends and family and relish in the flavours of the autumn harvest.

Time: From 11:00

Price: ¥500
Anyone can join, but the grapes are limited in stock, so it’s first-come, first-served!

Bistro Marche with Ark Hills Cafe

The Ark Hills Cafe is also celebrating its 10th anniversary alongside Hills Marche and will collaborate with the market for the occasion. Tuck into a healthy buffet made with ingredients from Hills Marche and enjoy a saxophone performance by Japanese musician Shunosuke Ishikawa. There will also be discount lunches using the ingredients from the market from September 24 to 27.

Price: General – ¥1,000 (Tax Included) / Elementary School Children & Younger – ¥500 (Tax Included)
Time: 10:00-15:00 (Last Entries 14:00)

Jazz Performances: ①11:15 / ②12:15 (subject to change)

There’s plenty more to look forward to as well, including lots for parents and children to enjoy together such as workshops.

This holiday season, Hoshino Resorts is set to hold a Christmas event at HOSHINO Karuizawa Area, a place managed by the company which brings together people who love culture and nature. It will run from November 16 to December 25.

The event’s theme is “A Town Where Happiness Shines.” From mistletoe illuminations to xmas desserts and more, you’re sure to have the cockles of your heart warmed this year at this happiness-filled festival.

Mistletoe Illuminations

At Harunire Terrace, where 16 shops line the cosy wooden terrace, the columns and overhangs will be adorned in Christmas garlands, and mistletoe-shaped illuminations will dangle from tree branches.

You can spot a lot of mistletoe in Karuizawa Wild Bird Sanctuary. Even in wintertime the plant does not wither, instead keeping its green leaves, which in folklore has led it to be viewed as a symbol of immortality.

Mistletoe is known in many cultures as a symbol of happiness. In the Western world, lovers who stand under mistletoe are expected to kiss. The warm illuminations are set to light a warm and romantic atmosphere to all those who attend.

Mistletoe Lanterns

As well as the illuminations, there will also be mistletoe lanterns hiding in the trees to celebrate romantic love this Christmas. Get ready to count down with everybody at the event as when you reach zero, all of the lanterns will turn on at the same time. There will even be mini live performances where you can sing along to Christmas songs.

Christmas Sweets at Hoshino Resorts Karuizawa Hotel Bleston Court

Order the “Episode de Noel” at Hoshino Resorts Karuizawa Hotel Bleston Court for a delicious Christmas sweets dessert course of 4 treats.

This is just a peek inside the stocking of what’s to come at the festival. There will be a hot chocolate bar, fresh s’mores, kids events, photo spots, a Christmas market, and more. Ride your sleigh into HOSHINO Karuizawa Area this winter.

The TOKYO GAME SHOW is in a league of its own. It is a mecca for gamers who cannot get enough of Japanese games and entertainment. This is where Japan’s major game publishers from all kinds of platforms unite to put on an enormous exhibition. 

This includes the opportunity to explore games that are yet to be released as well as hear new announcements about the direction developers are steering the future of gaming. There’s no lagging behind. This is a major event for the gaming industry, raking in leagues of heroes every year. 

On August 28, a total of 2,417 game booths were announced, which is the largest number the event has ever seen in its history. This event is home to games on a range of platforms including for console, smartphone and PC. The enormous variety of genres includes the most cutting-edge and latest trends including Esports, VR and much more.

For those of you who love cosplay, this event is your chance to finally meet your fantasy. The outside area of Hall 9 will have a Cosplaying Area Stage where two events will take place: a cosplay fashion show and a gathering. 

On Saturday 14th, Hall 1 event stage will hold the Cosplay Collection Night@2019 event where participants and event staff will take over the stage in game character cosplay. Spectating is free, so feel free to watch as each cosplayer dominates the entire stage, showing off their excellent craftsmanship and skills as they walk the runway and strike a pose definitely worth saving in your highlights! 

On Sunday 15th at 2:30 pm, cosplayers will take to the stage in units of two or more to put on a dance or combat show that you just cannot critically miss out on. 

Schedule:

September 14 (Sat)  From 12:00 ー Cosplay Runway  From 15:30 ー Cosplay Runway

September 15 (Sun) From 13:30 ー Cosplay Runway From 14:30 ー Cosplay Dance and Combat Shows From 15:30 ー Cosplay Runway

The Gathering is where cosplayers can interact with one another and have photos taken ー the perfect opportunity to send those friend requests. On September 14, a gathering dedicated to the Final Fantasy Tales Series will take place on the Cosplay Area Stage. On September 15, there will be gatherings for the Dynasty Warriors and Samurai Warriors series.

Schedule:

September 14  13:00-13:30 Final Fantasy Series Gathering  14:00-15:00 Final Fantasy Tales Series Gathering 

September 15 12:30-13:00 Dynasty Warriors and Samurai Warriors Series Gathering

More information on the exhibitions, booths and events will be announced on the morning of September 12 so please check it out. 

There is no better way to multi kill your time than to spend the entire day at TOKYO GAME SHOW 2019 ー get your tickets and GLHF!

An exhibition centred around Andy Warhol, the American artist who was at the forefront of the pop art movement, is set to roll up to the Kyocera Museum of Art in Kyoto on September 19, 2020.

The exhibition will showcase pieces available only at the The Andy Warhol Museum in Pennsylvania, US. It will be the first Andy Warhol exhibition of its kind to hit Japan and will also touch on his deep knowledge of Kyoto.

The exhibition will be the first to take place in the museum’s new Toyama Cube building which is currently under construction.

More details will be announced on the exhibition’s website and social media accounts below.

Tobu Zoo will be extending their opening hours on September 14, 15, 21 and 22 to 8pm to hold a special Autumn Night event.

Animal Dinner (A chance to feed the animals)

This is a wonderful opportunity to feed the penguins and elephants. 

Running: September 14, 15, 21 and 22

Penguin Dinner Time: From 5pm

Elephant Dinner Time: From 5:30pm 

Price: ￥500 per group  (maximum of 25 groups)

For both events above, the feeding time will end once 25 groups have participated. 

Animal Night Guide

This is a chance to learn about the lifestyles and fascinating features of each species directly from the team of zookeepers that raise them.

Running: September 14, 15, 21, 22 

Monkey World Jungle Night: From 6:10pm (lasts approx. 20 mins)

Lion Night: 7:20pm (lasts approx 10 mins) 

White Tiger Night: 7:30pm (lasts approx 10 mins) 

* The nighttime lion and white tiger guides will replace the daytime guides running from 2:30pm and 2:40pm respectively.

Traditional Theatre Performance of an Animal Ghost Story

The team of zookeepers has prepared and handmade a traditional Japanese Kamishibai theatre performance. Kamishibai is a form of Japanese street theatre and storytelling which was particularly popular during the 90s. Join the zookeepers on a quiet evening as they tell an old yet terrifying ghost story. Make sure to check out the zookeeper’s interesting costumes too. 

Running: September 15, 22

Times: From 7:00pm (approx. 20 mins long)

Location: Japanese Animal House (日本産動物舎)

Autumn Night ZOO Special Event: Penguin Bar

This bar is the perfect place to sip on your favourite spirits whilst enjoying the graceful view of penguins. You can also purchase merchandise here. Some of the merchandise has been designed with the inspiration of the penguins’ names and even their food. 

Open: September 14, 21

Opening Hours: 5:30pm ー 8:00pm (last orders: 7:30pm)

Location: Penguin Land 

There are so many exhibits and fun attractions running until 8pm. Enjoy a refreshing Autumn night at Tobu Zoo with your family and friends.

Tokyo Disney Resort has announced this year’s Disney Christmas which will take place at Tokyo Disneyland® and Tokyo DisneySea® from November 8 to December 25. This is the Tokyo DisneySea® event line-up. For the Tokyo Disneyland® schedule, click here.

‘Tis the season to be jolly this year at Tokyo DisneySea, where the Christmas spirit is set to fall and settle like December snow across the park with a fantastic line-up of festive entertainment programs, magical decorations and more. Guests are invited to join the Disney cast in welcoming a very merry Christmas at this year for Disney Christmas 2019.

It’s Christmas Time!

The “It’s Christmas Time!” show returns again this year to Mediterranean Harbor to wrap guests in the Christmas spirit, featuring Mickey Mouse and friends along with singers and dancers who will perform to classic Christmas tunes.

Colour Of Christmas

This magical performance takes place at nighttime on the water at Mediterranean Harbor, featuring a huge 15-meter tall shimmering Christmas tree. Held annually, this will mark the show’s eighth and final run. Disney characters including Mickey will also be present for the performance.

The whole of Mediterranean Harbor will be wrapped in the Christmas spirit, with the huge tree in the centre and little trees all around, and onlookers all with their own wishes for the holiday season. Snow will also fall during the performance to create a romantic atmosphere.

Special Christmas Merchandise

Pouch – ¥2,000 (Tax Included)

Around 65 very special pieces of merchandise will be available for guests to pick up, many themed on the It’s Christmas Time! show. The pouch features the cute scene of Mickey and Minnie line dancing which you will see in the show. The available plush toys also have a Christmas-y gold bell on them. All of these items will be available from November 1.

There will also be adorable Duffy and Friends merchandise to pick up. Some of these items are themed on Cape Cod Village in winter, an area in the park which serves as a greeting spot for Duffy and his friends. These Christmas items will be available from November 6.

Christmas Food & Drink

A festive feast of 15 drinks and dishes will be served for Disney Christmas, from seafood pasta to roast beef sandwiches and more. There will also be a reindeer-inspired dessert as well as alcoholic cocktails and much, much more.

Enjoy a very merry Christmas this year at Tokyo DisneySea.♡

It’s been a while since our last date with Yutaro. He’s been very busy with film shoots. He had some spare time today so we paid a visit to Nihonbashi for our next date. “ECO EDO Nihonbashi: Enjoy Cool Edo With All Five Senses” is an event held every year in the Nihonbashi area which takes the Edo period cultural idea of “coolness”―an in, to enjoy being cool during the summer－and puts a modern spin on it. There are many exciting things to look forward to, including the art aquarium which proves massively popular every year.

We gave ourselves more time to arrive at the meeting place to be in the safe side, but it seems Yutaro-kun was already there waiting for us!

Nihonbashi Information Center | IPPIN CAFÉ “Sparkling Herb Tea” – ¥518 (Tax Included)

“Here, you must be boiling.” Yutaro-kun kindly offers a cup of IPPIN CAFE’s limited-edition sparkling herb tea. It’s a delicious mix of fizzy soda and lemon, a perfect refreshment for the summer. Since he ordered takeout the drink came with a goldfish straw. Goldfish are a staple sight during Japanese summer festivals so it’s very fitting for the occasion! 

With our drinks in hand, it’s time to head to Nihonbashi for our Edo summer date!

Wind-Chime Forest Path

Lining the path between Fukutoku Shrine and Fukutoku Garden is the Wind-Chime Forest Path where around 200 Edo-style wind chimes dangled. This year, during the evenings, the path is illuminated with beautiful lighting. 

When the breeze rolls past the wind chimes ring one by one－a cool and refreshing sound.

“I hear each one of these Edo wind chimes are individually handmade by craftsmen.”

When you hear the sound of the wind chimes it makes you feel cool like a gentle breeze of the wind.

After strolling along the Wind-Chime Forest Path we make our way towards this year’s ECO EDO Art Aquarium event.

The moment we step instead Yutaro is already dazzled by all the goldfish: “Wow! I knew about this place from what I’d seen online, but this my first time here! This art aquarium really is something!”

The full title of the event is “ECO EDO Nihonbashi ART AQUARIUM 2019 ~Edo, Coolness of Kingyo~ & Night Aquarium.”  Goldfish were a huge part of the common culture in Nihonbashi during the Edo period. This event recreates that and brings that “coolness” aspect while combining it with contemporary art by having people observe the fish in lots of different artistic environments.

Super Oiran

“This is the biggest fish tank, apparently it has 3,000 fish swimming inside!”

“Seeing the light reflect on the water from the illuminations lets you see the fish in a different light, doesn’t it?”

Looks like Yutaro-kun is having a lot of fun taking photos.

He’s equally interested in just about every fish tank!

These other fish tanks have a different aesthetic to them. Their Japanese-style designs make for great photos.

Kaleidorium 3D

“This one’s beautiful, it’s like a kaleidoscope.”

It really does look like one. When you take a peek instead you can glimpse all kinds of colourful fish gently swimming around.

Ceiling Kingyo

“There’re goldfish swimming on the ceiling too. So cool! This aquarium is incredible. It brings together the great culture of Edo and contemporary art.”

The Art Aquarium bustles every single year with visitors, but this year will mark its last run. It’s being held at Nihonbashi Mitsui Hall, so if you have the chance to go then please do.

We of course checked out some local Nihonbashi treats too! We stopped by morozoff for some cheesecake after the aquarium.

morozoff Kamadashi Cheesecake (Goldfish) – ¥270 Each (Tax Included)

These cute cheesecakes with their goldfish designs are available for a limited time only. They’re filled with sweet red bean paste. They perfect with iced tea.

“Got some! Let’s eat them while we head back.”

Goldfish Lantern Walkway

Our first date in Nihonbashi was so much fun. While on the date Yutaro-kun spoke about the new live-action film he’s in, Kaguya-sama: Love Is War.

“It’s a romance film with mind games to try and make the other person confess their love. I play the character Tsubasa. His number one highlight scene is the kabedon scene. That was my first day shooting, so I was super nervous, but I got along well with the other actors, and the atmosphere on set was harmonious, so I was able to relax for the shoots. Tsubasa is a genuine guy who will believe things that have been said to him in earnest. You’ve definitely gotta check out all his scenes throughout the film!”

“A lot of the cast are the same age as me, so we were all energetic together in the waiting room. There’s a scene at the end where all the cast get together. It took 3 days to shoot so we ended up getting along really well.”

“This film has made me realise that love comes in many shapes, and that mind games happen in a variety of ways between guys and girls. There’s cute scenes that express that small bit of pride that teenagers have, the embarassment they feel, when they get butterflies, scenes that will warm your heart. The film has various elements to it so I thoroughly enjoyed watching it myself. I hope that couples in love in their teens and twenties watch it, and I also hope that married couples watch it and crack up laughing too.”

“In the film it’s summer break, and they go and see fireworks and stuff. It’s definitely one to watch durnig the summer. You’re gonna come watch it too, right? Shall we go?”

An offer we cannot refuse! We’ll definitely go and see it with you, Yutaro-kun! 

Model: Yutaro

Writer: Yuki Yokoo

Photographer: Kayo Sekiguchi

GLOBAL PRODUCE, a Japanese event organiser, is set to sponsor Harajuku Summer Festival 2019 which will be held at Togo Shrine in Harajuku, Tokyo on August 23. Bringing together professional event producers, the festival will combine elements of traditional Japanese culture with the latest trends.

Food trucks and stalls will open in the dozens, including appearances from the shaved ice shop Kooriya bebe which makes its fluffy shaved ice from the natural spring waters of Mount Fuji―perfect for the hot weather―as well as Ichika, a cafe known for its tapioca Japanese tea lattes made with high quality tea leaves from Kagoshima. Current popular restaurants will also serve up delicious summertime food. There will even be the Harajuku Bon Odori 2019 dance event, and the marchers for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics will also be present.

Tokyo Bijin Project will make their first ever live appearance, a group of shining Japanese women with “wisdom, dignity and compassion” who are set to speak out for other strong women. They will talk leadership, interpretation, attending to people, the spread of Japanese culture, and more.

If you are in Japan for the summer then make sure you attend all of the different summer festivals you can.