Sanrio Puroland is teaming up with Gekidan No Meets to host a 5-day Valentine’s day themed event titled ‘VIVA LA VALENTINE’ on February 6, 7, 11, 13, and 14. The event comes in response to COVID-19 so people can enjoy the park from the comfort of their own homes.

Join fan favourites Hello Kitty, Dear Daniel, Pompompurin, Cinnamoroll, and Kuromi who will live stream from Puroland after the park closes for a special song and dance show. Music will be performed by a multi-genre line-up consisting of Sayonara Ponytail, Zo Zhit (Dos Monos), Kroi, and Tomggg.

VIVA LA VALENTINE

The event will have its own story that follows Hello Kitty pouring her heart and soul into a new show ‘VIVA LA VALENTINE’ with Dear Daniel as the first on the list. Everyone is in high spirits as they prepare for the big day. However, the show’s sponsor Bias Seika, makes an abrupt and ruthless change to the show just three days before it’s scheduled to be performed. What will they do, and what will become of Valentine’s Day?

See the Sanrio characters preparing the show

Sanrio Puroland’s official Twitter account has been posting live streams of the Sanrio characters working hard in preparation for the show since December 22 with the hashtag #ビバラバ. The first clip was viewed over 50,000 times with supportive comments flying in from fans.

More clips and photos will continue to roll out starting on January 14, 2021 too, so be sure to give them a follow.
Sanrio Puroland Official Twitter: https://twitter.com/purolandjp

Puroland set to come to life on February 6, 2021 after turning the lights out on December 22

Dear Daniel and the gang in a merry circle at Furry Tale Theater on December 28

Dear Daniel exchanging business cards on January 6

Hello Kitty putting up posters on January 12

Catch all the fun at Sanrio Puroland live with a special 50-minute show online.

©1976, 1996, 1999, 2001, 2005, 2020 SANRIO CO., LTD.

Sanrio Puroland opened a special new event last Friday (January 8) called “Sweets Puro” which is themed on strawberry picking.

Characters greet guests in their strawberry-designed outfits

Guests participate in an augmented reality strawberry stamp rally

New character videos play at the illuminations

A strawberry-packed dessert menu

Limited-edition merch

Tables in the food court receive makeovers

Guests can look forward to seeing sparkly new pink-coloured illuminations, snapping sweet photos at the entrance photo spot, getting involved in the AR strawberry picking stamp rally using their smartphones, and more. They can also pay to spend one minute with the park characters who will be dressed in their strawberry outfits, and if they arrive 30 minutes before the first floor character food court opens, they can get the limited-offer morning breakfast “Strawberry Morning Bread Set.” The park will even be serving up seasonal alcoholic drinks like the Sweets Puro Strawberry Peach Sour.

The first day of the event saw the characters come out to greet guests in their adorable strawberry and dessert themed costumes. This was followed by a new illumination show, Puro Sweets Party, which took place at Puro Village, and My Melody sang and danced to the music against the bright and beautiful lights. Guests enjoyed a selection of limited-time food like the Pompompurin’s Croissant Doughnut Strawberry Sandwich and Hello Kitty’s Sweet Strawberry Milk.

©1976, 2009 SANRIO CO., LTD.　©1975, 1976, 1990, 1996, 2001, 2004, 2005, 2010, 2017, 2021 SANRIO CO., LTD.

Lagunasia, a theme park managed by Laguna Ten Bosch, has announced an event in collaboration with the TV anime series Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba which will run from March 6 to June 5.

©Koyoharu Gotouge / Shueisha・Aniplex・ufotable

©Koyoharu Gotouge / Shueisha・Aniplex・ufotable

The event will feature an immersive attraction called “Trial of Recollection: Tanjiro’s Journey” as well as a rally event to hunt down all the stickers around the theme park, a Demon Slayer themed menu line-up, exclusive merchandise, and more.

Further details will be announced in the coming months.

An event centred on the TV anime series Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is now taking place in Kyoto at Toei Kyoto Studio Park, Kyoto Railway Museum, and Shijō-Ōmiya Station and Arashiyama Station on the The Keifuku Randen Tram Line until March 14, 2021. Fans of the series can participate in a ‘keyword rally’ where they’ll be walking around Kyoto trying to locate specific words to win prizes, enjoy unique Demon Slayer exhibits at each of the venues, gets their hands on original merch, tuck into themed food, and more.

Pins (17 Designs) | ¥440 Each (*Design chosen is random)

Long Chocolate Baumkuchen | ¥1,080

Merch includes pins of the anime series’s main characters, a special baumkuchen cake based on the Infinity Train from the Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Mugen Train film, and more. Online orders are also available in Japan at Chugaionline.

Fans still hyped over Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Mugen Train, which broke records in Japan to become the highest-grossing film of all time in the country, can expect to stock up even more of their favourites for their collection at the event.

©吾峠呼世晴／集英社・アニプレックス・ufotable

Lifestyle brand Maison de FLEUR and Sanrio have announced that preorders for the second collaboration in their “Maison de FLEUR×Sanrio characters” series will launch on Sanrio’s online shop on January 8, 2021.

Ribbon Tote Bags (5 Designs) | ¥6,050 Each (Tax Included)

The cute collection combines fancy frills and ribbons with items inspired by My Melody, Cinnamoroll, Kuromi, as well as two new additions for this second collaboration due to fan demand – Pompompurin and Pochacco.

Items include the Ribbon Tote Bag, Ribbon Backpack, Mobile Shoulder Bag, and Tissue Pouch. Pre-orders run in Japan from January 8 to February 7 with shipping to begin in early March. The collection will subsequently go on general sale at Sanrio stores in late May. Further information will be announced by Sanrio at the end of April.

Ribbon Backpacks (3 Designs) | ¥12,100 Each (Tax Included)

Mobile Shoulder Bags (3 Designs) | ¥5,390 (Tax Included)

The collection is inspired by a tea party which is captured in the fancy designs featured on each item with the five characters enjoying themselves a cup of tea each.

Tissue Pouches (3 Designs) | ¥3,630 (Tax Included)

Mascot Charms | ¥2,970 (Tax Included)

The mascot charms will also make a return this collaboration at select Sanrio shops and the company’s online store in late May 2021.

Alternate Colour Mascot Charms (5 Designs) | ¥2,970 (Tax Included)

Sanrio fans can also get their hands on another set of mascot charms with different colours. These will be sold exclusively at Maison de FLEUR stores in Japan and their online shop STRIPE CLUB.

ⓒ’76, ’89, ’96, ’01, ’05, ’20 SANRIO　著作（株）サンリオ

Sanrio Puroland has announced that its first-ever attraction using Magic Leap 1 technology will open for a limited time from January 15 to February 14 next year.

Magic Leap 1 is a wearable spatial computer that brings the physical and digital worlds together as one. Puroland guests can look forward to an immersive experience together with their favourite characters including Hello Kitty, Cinnamoroll, and more.

Hello Kitty inside the attraction

Cinnamoroll inside the attraction

Free pins for those who participate

Have a go at Hello Kitty’s Space Shooting, a digital shooting game which will earn you a free pin depending on the score you get.

Hello Kitty’s Space Shooting

Cinnamoroll’s Decoration Cafe lets you put up decorations together with Cinnamoroll using an original collection of stamps. Once you’ve finished decorating, you can take a photo and download it onto your phone.

Original photo frame

Cinnamoroll’s Decoration Cafe

If you get to visit Sanrio Puroland in the New Year, be sure to try out the park’s new limited-time attraction.

©1976, 1990, 2001, 2005, 2010, 2020 SANRIO CO., LTD.　©2013, 2020 SANRIO CO., LTD. S/D・G

*MAGIC LEAP is a trademark of Magic Leap, Inc.

Sanrio released pre-sales of its new Sanrio Characters Mask Bags for face masks via the online shop Asunarosha on Wednesday (December 9).

Following the success of the Hello Kitty and Cinnamoroll face mask bags released in September, all of which sold out, Sanrio is adding new designs into the mix. The bags are washable and allow you to carry your mask around conveniently and hygienically.

My Melody, Pompompurin, Little Twin Stars (Kiki & Lala) | ¥700 Each (Before Tax)

The new designs include the popular characters My Melody, Pompompurin, and Little Twin Stars (Kiki & Lala).

Hello Kitty, Cinnamoroll | ¥700 Each (Before Tax)

Hello Kitty and Cinnamoroll are also making a return so fans can pick from 5 different designs.

Sanrio Puroland is also releasing a cute collection of face mask and mask cases on December 18.

©1976, 1996, 2001, 2020 SANRIO CO., LTD.

Shueisha announced last month that JUMP magazine’s annual festival JUMP Festa is heading online for ‘Jump Festa 2021 ONLINE’ which will run from December 19, 2020 to December 20, 2020. The application needed to access the festival was finally made available on Wednesday (December 9), as was the timetable.

Concept Movie

Jump Festa 2021 ONLINE App

The festival can be attended either by download the Jump Festa 2021 ONLINE app (ジャンプフェスタ2021 ONLINE) or by going on the event’s official website. However, certain content is restricted on the website. The festival takes place on Jump Festa Island, a virtual space where visitors can access content related to Jump-related media from the free-to-access library to the theatre, an online shop, and more. There’s also a zoo area, photo spots, and mini games. If visitors use the ‘attend with a friend’ function or chat function, they can also take a special commemorative photo as well as watch the stage performances.

22 Original Art Pieces

Jump Festa is a celebration of five manga magazine publications by Shueisha: Weekly Shonen Jump, Shonen Jump+, V Jump, Jump SQ., and Saikyo Jump. Each of the five publications have had 22 of their own original characters drawn with original artwork for this online event which people can use as their avatar to roam around Jump Festa Island.

2-Day Stage Events

42 stage performances will take place on December 19 and 20. Content will include live streams from special guests at Makuhari Messe, videos, and more. There are three virtual stages to watch: the Jump Super Stage, Jump Studio, and Jump Amusement Tower.

Jump Super Stage

The Jump Super Stage is centred on anime and media adaptations of Jump manga. Performances will be streamed like from Makuhari Messe.

December 19, 2020

10:00-10:30 / Dr.STONE
11:30-12:00 / World Trigger
13:00-13:30 / Jujutsu Kaisen
14:30-15:00 / Boruto: Naruto Next Generations
16:20-16:50 / My Hero Academia

December 20, 2020

10:00-10:30 / World’s End Harem
11:30-12:00 / Black Clover
13:00-13:30 / The New Prince of Tennis
14:30-15:00 / Dragon Quest: The Adventure of Dai
16:10-16:50 / One Piece

Jump Amusement Tower

This stage is centred on V Jump and Saikyo Jump. It will give the latest information on Jump games live from Makuhari Messe.

December 19, 2020

9:30~ / Jump Festa 2021 ONLINE Introduction Stage – Presented by V Jump Play
11:00~ / One Piece Bounty Rush Jump Festa 2021 Battle Stage ONE PIECE
12:20~ / Naruto & Boruto Game New Information
14:00~ / Yu-Gi-Oh! New Information JF 2021 Stage
15:50~ / JUMP FORCE Special Stage

December 20, 2020

9:30~ / Jump Festa 2021 ONLINE Introduction Stage – Presented by V Jump Play
11:00~ / Dragon Ball App Stage
12:30~ / Dragon Quest: The Adventure of Dai Cross Blade Special Stage
14:00~ / Yu-Gi-Oh! New Information JF 2021 Stage
15:00~ / Super Dragon Ball Heroes Ultimate Stage

Jump Stage

This stage is centred on Weekly Shonen Jump, Shonen Jump+, and ,Jump SQ. It will feature video footage.

December 19, 2020

9:10~ / Digital DJ Special Program
9:45~ / Kemono Jihen
10:30~ / Hell’s Paradise: Jigokuraku
11:05~ / Haikyu!!
12:00~ / Super HxEros
12:35~ / Bōkyaku Battery
13:30~ / Blue Exorcist
14:05~ / Chainsaw Man
14:40~ / “Platinum End” Special
15:05~ / Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
15:50 / Gintama

December 20, 2020

9:10~ / Weekly Shonen Jump New Hero Stage
9:45~ / Hetalia World☆Stars
10:30~ / Rurouni Kenshin: The Hokkaido Arc
11:10~ / Moriarty the Patriot
12:00~ / 2.5D no Yuuwaku
12:35~ / Blood Blockade Battlefront Back 2 back
13:10~ /  SPY x FAMILY
13:45~ / Showa Otome Otogibanashi
14:30~ / 2nd Nationwide One Piece Knowledge King Battle Final Stage
15:05~ /  BLEACH/BURN THE WITCH
15:50~ / The Promised Neverland

JF Coins From 24 Jump Series

On Jump Festa Island, visitors can collect JF Coins from 24 different Jump series from across the five magazines which they can spend on mini games to earn limited-edition items, enjoy the Capsule Character Tower, and more. Some spots also give Rare Coins.

There and three original mini games to play. Gain a high score and earn one of twelve stamps.

Jump Photo Spots From 24 Series

Take a photo at one of the many photo spots that recreate famous scenes from 24 different Jump series. Have your character avatar look like they’re part of the scene.

TikTok x Jump Festa Special Collaboration

This year, Jump Festa is collaborating with TikTok with its own official account as well as original video effects. There will also be a special TikTok LIVE stream in collaboration with the festival before the start date on December 18 at 19:00 (JST).

© SHUEISHA Inc. All rights reserved.

The splendid Yuushien Garden in Matsue, Shimane, is now hosting a dazzling winter illumination event titled Kogane no Shima Zipang 2020 (Golden Island Zipang 2020) until January 11, 2021.

Golden Island Zipang 2020

Yuushien Garden is located on the eastern side of Matsue on Daikon Island, a volcanic island in Nakaumi. The garden has been called the most beautiful Japanese-style garden in all of Japan, which makes it the perfect setting for the illumination event. 50 projectors at the garden are using projection mapping to create a flurry of flashy illuminations.

It’s a full pixel illumination display coupled with music that’s sure to dazzle all who visit. this winter.

Shiraito Highland Way has announced that this year’s Karuizawa Shiraito Falls Midwinter Light Up will run from December 19, 2020 to February 14, 2021.

The illumination event will take place at Karuizawa Shiraito Falls, a 3-meter tall waterfall that spans 70-meters in length. The lights will add a warmth to the cool evening and glow under a starry night sky.

The event creates a different atmosphere from the summer light-up, allowing visitors to enjoy the enveloping nature in a way that they normally can’t and see beauty they may not have noticed in the area before. The waterfall is located in Jōshin’etsu-kōgen National Park, a protected area which means the lights will be set up in a way that’s considerate to the park.

If you’re in Japan this winter then don’t miss out on this year’s Karuizawa Shiraito Falls Midwinter Light Up which will be split into three sessions: the Christmas Session, New Year Session, and St. Valentine Session. More details below.

Isetan Shinjuku has announced a special event dedicated to promoting the beautiful taste of Tokyo. Set to begin on December 2, the event will see both traditional and newer restaurants from Kyoto come together to serve up Kyoto-style cuisine to the people of Tokyo from oldies like sushi to dango to more modern dishes like okonomiyaki and katsu sandwiches. Visitors will also be able to watch real chefs from Kyoto at work.

Hi-Lite Shokudo’s “Hi-Lite Katsu Sandwich” | ¥850

Since first opening in 1960, Hi-Lite Shokudo has continued to treasure the taste of home cooking and has continued to evolve that taste over the years to cater to each generation. Its famous katsu sandwich is made with a secret sauce that has kept it unbeaten against other popular eateries in Kyoto, and they’ve upped the taste for this event.

Kotoka’s “Mitarashi-dango” | ¥864 (6 Sticks) 

These dango are made fresh in front of customers and are doused in a rich secret sauce. Their chewy texture is irresistible.

Izuu’s Mackerel and Tilefish Assortment | ¥4,455 (3 of each per person)

Izuu is an iconic sushi restaurant in Kyoto that was first established in 1781. This assortment is made with chub mackerel from coastal waters, esumai rice from Shiga Prefecture, and kombu from Hokkaido.。

Yumeya’s Fuwafuwa Okonomiyaki | ¥801 (1 portion)

Many people living outside of Kyoto search for the okonomiyaki flavour served by Yumeya. It’s made fresh, fluffy, and is topped with lots of ingredients.

Daitokuji Saiki-ya’s “Dashimaki Tamago” | ¥648 (1 portion)

Daitokuji Saiki-ya is a specialty store in Kyoto catered food in business for 1933 years. It serves Kyoto-style dashimaki tamago as well as lots of other delicious food that captures the taste of Kyoto.

Christmas has sleighed into Roppongi Hills again this year, beginning with the Keyakizaka-dori Illuminations on November 13. The Christmas Market is also set to return to Oyane Plaza on November 28.

2020 marks the 14th run of the Roppongi Hills Christmas market which is inspired by the the famous Stuttgart Christmas Market in Germany. Visitors can sift through around 1,500 miscellaneous Christmas goods, enjoy German mulled wine and sausages, and more.

At the West Walk, visitors will also find an enormous 6.5m tall Christmas tree to complement the warm, cosy, festive atmosphere of the holiday season event.