Shibuya 5G Entertainment Project launched its new digital platform “Virtual Shibuya” with an opening event on May 19. The event Virtual Shibuya helped promote release of Ghost in the Shell: SAC_2045 with talks and performances from SEKAI NO OWARI’s DJ LOVE, virtual YouTuber and member of Nijisanji Ange Katrina, Chinatsu Wakatsuki of Future Design Shibuya, and Naohiro Ukawa of S/U/P/E/R DOMMUNE—all of whom are fans of Ghost in the Shell.

Officially recognised by Shibuya City, Virtual Shibuya comes in response to the effects of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) which has brought tight restrictions to the economy and people’s way of life. It will enable people to continue enjoying entertainment from the comfort of their homes by participating in a whole host of virtual events and activities. The project aims to deliver content from Shibuya with live performances from artists, art exhibitions, talks, and more. The use of 5G and the latest cutting edge technology will connect the real Shibuya to a virtual space, combining the realms of the digital and real world.

The guests joined over 50,000 users for the first event which went down a storm. Chinatsu Wakatsuki said: “I was amazed how much it looked like Shibuya! I can’t go to Shibuya right now, so it felt like I got to visit home again after so long.”

Shibuya was fully recreated a virtual space for people to visit

Lots of Ghost in the Shell fans gathered in the city

Everybody in this virtual world jumped into their avatar skins, including the diverse range of guests who probably would never have come together had it not been for the Ghost in the Shell theme, as well as DJ LOVE, Katrina, Chinatsu Wakatsuki, and Naohiro Ukawa.

The real world and the world of Ghost in the Shell collide

The four performers, who were coming face to face with each other for the first time, talked to guests about what they love about Ghost in the Shell while strolling around Virtual Shibuya and having fun with fans on equal terms.

Comments from the performers

・Chinatsu Wakatsuki (Future Design Shibuya)
“I was amazed how much it looked like Shibuya! Shibuya is a place I hold near and dear to my heart. There were a lot of ‘firsts’ for me, like my first time using an avatar, and meeting new people for the first time, so I thought it was going to be difficult at first, but I found myself not nervous at all and had fun with everyone in there using this futuristic entertainment. Looking forward, au 5G will grow and the number of things we can do will as well. I hope to challenge myself as a tarento and a mum in many different things and have fun with this Virtual Shibuya!”

・“DJ LOVE” (SEKAI NO OWARI)
“It felt like I had dived right into the world of Ghost in the Shell, my favourite series. It was a wonderfully fun event which expanded on my dreams. I’m looking forward to seeing it evolve and I hope to perform live there at some point. I want to make stuff that people who haven’t been physically able to go to venues up to now can enjoy. I think it would be fun to communicate with people who participated.”

・Ange Katrina
“The streets of Shibuya I know were completely transformed into the world of Ghost in the Shell, and my favourite Tachikoma made an appearance too. For a Ghost in the Shell fan like myself it was a whale of a time! Right now we have to battle with staying indoors. Me having disappeared has caused a bit of trouble, but the thrill of this virtual event has lifted my nerves. I had a lot of fun.”

You can check out footage from the event in the video below which was posted on Shibuya 5G Entertainment Project’s official YouTube channel.

The world of Ghost in the ShellVirtual Shibuya in can be experienced until May 31, 2020, so sign up while you still can.

Shibuya 5G Entertainment Project is set to launch its new digital platform “Virtual Shibuya” on May 19, 2020. The platform is officially recognised by Shibuya City.

Virtual Shibuya comes in response to the effects of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) which has brought tight restrictions to the economy and people’s way of life. It will enable people to continue enjoying entertainment from the comfort of their homes by participating in a whole host of virtual events and activities.

The project aims to deliver content from Shibuya with live performances from artists, art exhibitions, talks, and more. The use of 5G and the latest cutting edge technology will connect the real Shibuya to a virtual space, combining the realms of the digital and real world.

1: Online Events

A variety of online events will be held inside the virtual event space. People tune into Virtual Shibuya while at home by connecting with their smartphones, PCs or VR devices. They will have their own avatar and be able to traverse the area together with other people who are connected while participating in different interactive online events. The events will also be streamed on video streaming services.

2: XR Art

Experience XR (cross reality) content which will connect both Virtual Shibuya to the real Shibuya. Those in either Shibuya will be able to experience the same content and entertainment.

The opening event for the grand opening of Virtual Shibuya will promote the release of Ghost in the Shell: SAC_2045 with talks and performances from SEKAI NO OWARI’s DJ LOVE, who is a fan of Ghost in the Shell, as well as virtual YouTuber and member of Nijisanji Ange Katrina, Chinatsu Wakatsuki of Future Design Shibuya, and Naohiro Ukawa of S/U/P/E/R DOMMUNE.

Japanese fashion label COMME des GARCONS OSAKA has moved to Midosuji in Shinsaibashi, Osaka and is set for its grand opening on April 3, 2020. 

The first floor will be occupied by BAPE STORE® (A BATHING APE®), making it the first ever COMME des GARCONS to house a BAPE STORE®. 

COMME des GARCONS was founded by world-famous fashion designer Rei Kawakubo in 1969. Besides developing a number of world famous brands such as COMME des GARCONS HOMME PLUS, she also founded the multi-brand retailer DOVER STREET MARKET GINZA, becoming a key figure in the world’s leading fashion. As the second largest city in Japan after Tokyo and the largest in west Japan, Osaka has remained the economic and cultural epicentre of the Kansai region for centuries. Kawakubo’s latest step in the world of fashion is the brand new opening of BAPE STORE® COMME des GARCONS OSAKA along Midosuji street, Shinsaibashi – a main street of central Osaka which is a hotspot of luxury designer shops. 

Last year, BAPE STORE® opened in Kyoto, marking a year since BAPE STORE® opened in the Kansai region. The interior of BAPE STORE® COMME des GARCONS OSAKA was done by Rei Kawakubo. This atmosphere and design is completely different to existing BAPE® stores and will also sell limited COMME des GARCONS and A BATHING APE® collaboration merchandise that are not available anywhere else.

If you’re in Osaka and love high-end fashion, the brand new BAPE STORE® COMME des GARCONS store and its limited merchandise is worth checking out. 

BAPE STORE®

“HARAJUKU AR BOX -table projection mapping cafe-,” a cafe in Harajuku whose name speaks for itself, has announced its second collaboration with Rilakkuma to bring the new Rilakkuma Fruits Cafe which will open for a limited time from April 3, 2020 to June 28, 2020.

The cafe’s first collaboration with Rilakkuma was in December last year. It was called “Korilakkuma Cafe: another me in the mirror” and earned itself many fans for its cute food and decor, but especially for its interactive tables which used projection mapping technology to have Rilakkuma and friends running around people’s tables.

Harajuku’s Korilakkuma Cafe: another me in the mirror | Food Review: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/284456

Fruit is the theme of the new Rilakkuma Fruits Cafe, which follows that Chairoikoguma and the other characters have gathered lots of nutritious fruit to fill up the belly of hungry Rilakkuma.

Food

Rilakkuma’s Fruit Salad – ¥1,590

Get your fill of refreshing fruit from this fruit salad plate which has Rilakkuma poking his cute face out from behind it all. When you order this dish, you’ll need to touch the fruits that appear on the table to give them to Rilakkuma.

Korilakkuma’s Apple Cheese Gratin – ¥1,690

A combination of hot apple and melted cheese, you’ll find yourself addicted to the sweet and sour mix of flavours. Pick lots of apples with Rilakkuma and company with the projection mapping game. (*Serving April 3, 2020 – May 17, 2020 only)

Chairoikoguma’s Orange Burger – ¥1,690

The bun of this hearty burger is branded with Chairokoguma’s cute bear face. But what happens when you squeeze Rilakkuma’s orange? (*Serving May 20, 2020 – June 28, 2020 only)

Desserts

Rilakkuma’s Maku Maku Fruit Tree Parfait – ¥1,590

Korilakkuma’s Maku Maku Strawberry Tree Parfait – ¥1,590 (Serving April 3, 2020 – May 17, 2020 only)

Kiiroitori’s Maku Maku Peach Tree Parfait – ¥1,590 (Serving May 20, 2020 – June 28, 2020 only)

For dessert, you have a selection of fruit-topped parfaits to choose from featuring Rilakkuma, Korilakkuma, and Kiiroitori.

Drinks

Rilakkuma & Friends Maku Maku Drinks – ¥790 / With Glass – ¥1,990

Warm & Fluffy With Everyone Cafe Latte – ¥890

Pick between one of the cold beverages, or if it’s a cold day, warm up with a hot drink. Feel warm and fluffy like Rilakkuma and his friends with a warm beverage after your parfait.

Exclusive Merchandise & Bonus Items

Pin Badges (9 Designs/Chosen Randomly) – ¥400

Acrylic Key Rings (8 Designs/Chosen Randomly) – ¥500

Get your hands on a selection of original merchandise too, including pin badges, acrylic key rings, and more.

Stickers (4 Designs/Chosen Randomly)

Coasters (4 Designs/Chosen Randomly)

Book a table online in advance and receive one of four possible stickers. Order a drink at the cafe and get one of the four coasters!

You’re sure to get your five-a-day when you dine at the Rilakkuma Fruits Cafe, opening for spring on April 3, 2020 in Harajuku.

©2020San-X Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

Sanrio’s popular character Pompompurin is celebrating his 24th anniversary at three branches of the Pompompurin Cafe in Harajuku, Yokohama, and Umeda with a special birthday menu that will be served for the whole month of April.

A special celebratory menu for the floppy-eared golden retriever

The official date for Pompompurin’s birthday is April 16. The birthday menu line-up includes two food items, a drink made in collaboration with popular Japanese picture book author Yukako Ohde, and some novelty gifts.

Birthday Menu

Happy Birthday Flower Bouquet Bisque – ¥1,590 (Before Tax)

This cute bisque soup has Pompompurin and Muffin holding a colourful boquet made from broccoli and mashed potatoes made to look like roses. It has a rich but mild flavour, and is both adorable and filling.

Happy Birthday Strawberry Mousse – ¥790 (Before Tax)

The strawberry mousse has a fluffy texture and refreshing, sweet taste. It can be eaten as it is or drizzled with the accompanying raspberry sauce.

Yukako Ohde x Pompompurin Lemonade – ¥550 (Before Tax)

Take a sip from this delicious lemonade from a straw adorned with a cute, warm illustration of Pompompurin by Yukako Ohde.

Exclusive Anniversary Novelty Gifts

Lunch Mat Design

Customers who dine at any of the three cafes during the anniversary celebration will receive a free lunch mat.

Coaster Designs

And those who order the lemonade will receive a coaster with designs illustrated by Yukako Ohde. The designs are different at each branch of the Pompompurin Cafe. You can also receive another special coaster if you spend over ¥1,000 each (tax included) at Pompompurin Cafe Umeda and KIDDY LAND Osaka Umeda. Simply show your receipts at the cafe.

©1996,2020 SANRIO CO., LTD. APPROVAL NO.S605291

If you’re looking to indulge yourself during your trip to Japan, and happen to be staying in Osaka, then Hotel New Otani Osaka’s pastry shop Patisserie SATSUKI has you covered with their new “Spring Truffle Toast” which is made with Bianchetto truffles. Only 5 servings are served per dayーand 10 on weekends and public holidays.

The arrival of Japan’s unprecedented bread boom

In recent years, Japan as a country has seen a boom in the baking and serving of bread. NOGAMI, a bread shop in Osaka, is credited with lighting the fire of the “shokupan” boom, a type of fluffy bread in Japan. This has resulted in many more shops opening selling shokupan. In spring 2017, Hotel New Otani Osaka decided it wanted the people of Kansai to buzz about high quality shokupan too, so it developed its French-inspired “Spring Truffle Toast.” Since releasing, the bread has continued to sell out, and if you don’t place an order for one you won’t be able to get your hands on it. Their tasty truffle toast has returned again this year.

Premium toast with loaded truffle

Spring Truffle Toast With Bianchetto Truffles – ¥1,500 Per Loaf (Before Tax)

The ambrosial Spring Truffle Toast lacks nothing when it comes to taste, texture, and smell. The ingredients used to make ordinary bread like eggs, milk, and butter aren’t used for the shop’s Spring Truffle Toast. Instead, strong flour, yeast, water, and finely chopped spring truffles are used. To bring out even more flavour, truffle butter, pure olive oil, and shortening is used.

The same goes for the crustーeggs and milk aren’t used like in ordinary bread. And to prevent the bread from drying out, more time and labour is put into kneading the dough. A lava pot is used to bake the dough. By using far infrared to heat it, it makes the finished bread nice and chewy.

The shop’s head chef wanted to ensure that the bread’s fragrant smell is preserved when you take the lid off, and so the entire loaf is lathered in truffle oil, which also gives it a moist taste.

The bread can be toasted and enjoyed on its own, and you’re guaranteed great flavour and smell, but you can take it to the next level by topping it with a fried egg or scrambled egg to create an extraordinary and filling meal.

These truffles can only be harvested in spring

Truffles are a delicacy in kitchens around the world. The types used for the Spring Truffle Toast are Bianchetto. They are a very popular traditional truffle of Italy and can only be harvested from mid-March to April. As a result, they are extremely rare in Japan, making the toast that much more special.

In Vietnamese cuisine, a Bánh mi is a baguette stuffed with various ingredients and served as a sandwich. It’s a popular meal in Vietnam, and in recent years has seen an appearance in Japan.

Bánh mi Tokyo opened in Gaiemmae, Tokyo on March 16, 2020. They serve bánh mi with a Japanese taste, and their bread is made from 100% rice flour with no artificial flavourings or purified sugar.

Bánh mi are generally made with lard or margarine, but at Bánh mi Tokyo, they are made with with ingredients with good-quality oil content like rice koji sweet sake and nuts, which give them a richness and creaminess and remove things like trans-fats that are a burden on the body. This also greatly cuts calories and other fats too.

Mackerel Curry Bánh Mi

All bánh mi overflow with original flavours, from the chicken-filled “Standard Bánh Mi” to the “Mackerel Curry Bánh Mi” which is made with curry flavoured grilled mackerel, “Five Spice Char Siu Bánh Mi” stuffed with juicy pork belly, and more.

Bánh mi Tokyo also serves high-quality original coffees which are a must-try together with your bánh mi

Banpaku BEAST is set to open as the largest athletic tower in the world at Expo ’70 Commemorative Park on March 15, 2020, standing 24 meters tall.

The hexagonal tower was created by German-based amusement park attraction developers KristallTurm. It has four floors, each of which is its own “athletic area,” as well as an observation deck. It is a comprehensive workout tower, offering 120 different kinds of athletic activities such as climbing and slacklining, meaning the fun will never end in a single day, and will have you wanting to go back for more.

The tower makes use of its full height; expect to use your entire body during your ascension, ride barrels, bikes, and more. Safety is guaranteed while still offering a heart-racing experience for those thrill-seekers. The facility can be used by both kids and adults alike who want to test themselves and feel refreshed after a good workout.

See Banpaku BEAST in action in the official video above.

The Tokyo (Nihonbashi) and Osaka (Shinsaibashi) branches of the Pokémon Cafe are releasing their third line-up of menu items in collaboration with Pokémon Sword and Shield which will be served between March 20 and May 29 this year. The second line-up is still available and will be served until March 19.

Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield are the latest games in the Pokémon video game franchise and were released for the Nintendo Switch on November 15, 2019. The new menu line-up sees appearances from familiar faces including Pikachu, Eevee, Yamper, Zigzagoon (Galar form), and Eiscue.

*Dish names are translated from Japanese

Gigantamax Pikachu’s Naughty Octopous Rice Plate – ¥2,178 (Tax Included)

This hearty portion of octopus rice is made in the image of Pikachu in his Gigantamax form.

Gigantamax Eevee’s Smiley Hamburger Stew Plate – ¥2,178 (Tax Included)

A hearty stew made in the image of Eevee in its Gigantamax form.

Yamper’s Happy Sandwich Picnic Plate – ¥1,848 (Tax Included)

This picnic-on-a-plate meal features the adorable Yamper, who is served with a tasty salad.

Galar Zigzagoon’s Crunchy Cookie Tiramisu – ¥1,738 (Tax Included)

This crunchy cookie tiramisu features a cute recreation of Zigzagoon in its Galar form.

Ice Face Eiscue’s Shivering Panna Cotta – ¥1,628 (Tax Included)

As you fork through this cute Eiscue panna cotta, you’ll discover a special and delicious treat inside.

Jump into the video game world of Pokémon Sword and Shield at the hugely popular Pokémon Cafes in Tokyo and Osaka.

© 2020 Pokémon.©1995-2020 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, Creatures Inc., and GAME FREAK inc..

The DIOR FROM PARIS TO JAPAN exhibition at HANKYU Umeda Store in Osaka began on March 1 where it is set to run until March 22.

The collection features a complete line-up inspired by Japan’s rich culture, from dresses serving haute couture to exquisite Lady Dior bags re-interpreted by various artists. This exhibition is a coming-together of DIOR and Japan and expresses savoir faire the way a maison should.

The exhibition is also home to a gift shop selling a range of different items. It also has an audio guide presented by Japanese actress and fashion model Yuko Araki and actor and model Ryusei Yokohama, both of whom were selected as Japan Fashion Ambassadors for this exhibition.

See the worlds of DIOR and Japan collide at DIOR FROM PARIS TO JAPAN.

A cafe themed on Eric Carle’s internationally beloved children’s picture book The Very Hungry Caterpillar Cafe is set to open at Sunday Branch in Kichijoji PARCO in Tokyo on April 1, 2020 where it’s set to run for an entire year, ending on March 31, 2021. Today, we finally get a look at the cafe’s menu line-up.

The picture book has seen its fair share of themed cafes, with the first having taken place in Ginza back in 2018, which was so popular that customers had to book a month in advance to dine there. The cafe was always fully booked.

The franchise also collaborated with multiple branches of J.S. Pancakes from October 2018 to January 2019, and again at Cafe Cucina in Shibuya from March to April last year.

The concept for the new cafe opening in Tokyo’s Kichijouji district is “Fruit Parlour.” Look forward to munching your way through an assortment of fruit-filled sandwiches, pudding
à la mode, and moreーall of which are packed full of The Very Hungry Caterpillar’s favourite fruits.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar’s Fruit Curry (*Price TBA)

Very Hungry Plate (*Price TBA)

Meals on the menu are inspired by the fruits the caterpillar ate each dayーwhich have been recreated using rice! The fruit curry is made with lots of apple, mango, and tomato. It’s a pork curry that has a fruity flavour and a subtle sweetness. If you don’t like spicy curries, then this dish is the one for you.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar’s Kid’s Plate (w/Drink) (*Price TBA)

The menu is also packed with food for kids, like this kid’s plate which comes with a chicken and broccoli tomato pasta, mini pancakes, and a side of fruit. There’s also baby food, like a thin rice porridge made with soft rice and vegetables.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar’s Fruit Sandwich (*Price TBA)

The Very Hungry Caterpillar’s Cheesecake (*Price TBA)

Of course, this tasty menu wouldn’t be complete without a long list of drinks and desserts. There’s the adorable fruit sandwich which recreates the caterpillar’s body, and a New York-style cheesecake topped with artistic cookies made with vegetables and spicesーand all with natural colourings.

This is just a small teaser of what’s to come at The Very Hungry Caterpillar Cafe in Kichijouji; they have promised there will be even more. Their website will go live on March 18, but you can follow them at their social media with the links below.

Hirakata Park’s “Hikari no Yuenchi” illumination event, which has been running for the autumn and winter season and is set to finish on March 1, 2020, is being extended into the spring season due to its huge popularity. The spring period will run from March 20 to April 7.

The theme of this year’s Hikari no Yuenchi is “Time Travel Fantasy.” Dazzle your eyes with a bright selection of breathtaking illuminations inside the event’s four areas, such as the lights along Time Travel Fantasy Street where the symbol of the parkーa 10-meter tall treeーstands gloriously, or the Illumination Flower Garden. The blue and purple winter colours of the lights will change into springtime pinks, greens, and yellows.

Illumination Flower Garden

Flowering illuminations will twinkle atop the hill in spring pastel colours like cherry blossom pinks, fresh verdure green, and rape blossom yellows.

The dazzling delights of the winter season will continue into the spring period, like the 24 different night attractions, and the illumination food too like the “shining bubble tea.” We also recommend taking advantage of the “Night Fee,” which sees a special entry price open from 16:00.

Enjoy the cool spring breeze and gorgeous Japanese illuminations at Hirakata Park this March.