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

Capsule hotel Anshin-Oyado Premiere Kyoto Shijo Karasuma introduced a new plan on September 6 which gives guests the chance to go and see sacred places across Kyoto associated with Japanese swords.

October 4th is known as “Japanese Sword Day” in Japan. In Kyoto alone, the number of people visiting from distant places to see sacred sword places, as well as collect goshuin stamps from shrines and temples, is on the increase－as is the number of people staying at Anshin-Oyado Premiere Kyoto Shijo Karasuma. That’s where this new guest plan comes into play.

The plan will take guests around different parts of Kyoto, so the hotel as prepared three options to cater to all guests’ needs: one that offers a rental bicycle, a ticket to use the subway or bus, or the normal plan. You will receive a map which shows you the most efficient way to get around all the locations. There is also a QR code on the map which not only shows where you can park your bicycle if you go for that option, but also where to collect goshuin stamps.

Moreover, to really slash home those sword memories, guests will be lent a free selfie-stick which also acts as a tripod. There is also a separate powder room for guests wanting to dress up in full sword cosplay gear too which can be used until checkout.

Guests can also rent a portable power bank for their phone so they don’t have to worry about their battery running out when snapping photos amongst other amenities, and have free use of the massage chairs, foot baths, open-air baths, and more to rest up after their long pilgrimage around Kyoto seeing the different swords.

At MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON, we have introduced a lot of kawaii bubble tea drinks you can in enjoy in Kyoto. However, we have much more to offer you than just bubble tea news! Today we have summarised the top soda drinks you can enjoy in Kyoto which both look and taste amazing. With the help of kyoto cafe life tiara ‘s phenomenal photos, we will be introducing you our top six picks.

SHIN-SETSU /Nakagyō-ku

Blood Orange (left)  Blue Curaçao (right): ￥690

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!

The history of Yamashina dates back over 1,400 years when Kyoto, then known as “Heian-kyō,” was the official capital of Japan. Located in the southeastern part of Kyoto, Yamashina is rich in history, abound with nature, and has maintained a traditional industry that has gone unbroken since ancient times.

This year, with the arrival of Japan’s new emperor and the opening of a brand new era, five of Yamashina’s great temples are set to unveil several cultural assets, which until now have never been shown to the public.

They are as follows.

Anshoji Temple’s Wooden Jūichimen Kannon Statue (Important National Treasure)

Kajū-ji Temple’s Sliding Door Panel Artwork  – “Eight Views of Ōmi” & “Tatsuta River Autumn Leaves” (Important National Treasures)

Zuishinin Temple’s Gold Lacquered Fan Inkstone Case & 4-Panel Folding Screen

Bishamon-do Temple’s Imperial Prince Flag & Tortoise Shell Doors

Honkokuji Temple’s Kyōzō (Important National Treasure)

Get away from the hustle and bustle of central Kyoto and steep yourself in its history with this very special once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

The poop-themed exhibition Unko Museum is set to roll into Shanghai on October 19 where it will run until January 3 next year.

The museum first appeared at the entertainment facility ASOBUILD, which is connected to Yokohama Station, where it is still running as Unko Museum YOKOHAMA. It was then followed by Unko Museum TOKYO where it is still open at DiverCity Tokyo Plaza. This will mark the museum’s first trip overseas.

Just 4 months after opening in in Yokohama, the museum had amassed over 200,000 visitors. The subsequent Tokyo museum served to promote the new Japanese concept of “kawaii poop” to tourists both Japanese and foreign. It was a huge success and enjoyed substantially more visitors than predicted.

With the museum receiving huge attention from both Japan and overseas, Shanghai was chosen as the next destination as a means to develop the concept outside Japan since Shanghai is one of the main global cities of the Asian region. There is also the fact that mainland China has a population of over 1.4 billion. The Unko Museum aims to promote and establish itself as a new entertainment experience.

The museum will be set up at Joy City Shopping Mall, which is home to a whole host of experience entertainment, as well as restaurants, shops, and even a Ferris wheel. It will have the same content as the museum in Japan, including giant poop statues, the “Unstagenic Area,” a combination of the Japanese word for “poop” (unko) and the words “Instagram” and “photogenic” with cute and stylish poops, and more.

If you’re looking for must-buy souvenirs while in Kyoto then look no further. Heso Production are set to begin releasing Doraemon cookies and a cookie tin early this month at that are exclusive to souvenir shops and variety stores in Kyoto.

The cute printed cookies feature not only familiar faces from the Doraemon series, including the adorable cat robot himself, but illustrations of sights that are quintessential to traditional Kyoto culture including the five-story pagoda and the Daimonji bonfire.

Another must-grab is this shiny Doraemon tin. Also exclusive to Kyoto, the tin features a way-too-cute shiny design of Doraemon who is holding some dango.

The tin is filled with lemon flavoured ramune candy, a perfect nibble to have while travelling.

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