The Iceborne expansion for Capcom’s Monster Hunter World, which is available on the PlayStation®4 and Xbox One, and PC, has shipped over 5 million copies worldwide, both disc and download sales combined.

Monster Hunter is a fantasy action RPG video game series that pits players against monsters in large open fields. The first game launched back in 2004 and established a completely new kind of co-op play style which allowed players to fight great beasts online with their friends. The series as a whole has sold over 62 million copies worldwide (as of March 13, 2020).

Monster Hunter World launched last year for PlayStation®4, Xbox One, and Microsoft Windows. Thanks to its continuous updates since release, free weapons and equipment useful for clearing stories, and more, the game has built up a dedicated playerbase resulting int he game having shipped over 15 million copies worldwide (as of January 2, 2020).

The Iceborne expansion dropped on consoles in September 2019 and on PC in January this year. It takes place after the events of World and continues the story. Players can discover new monsters as well as come across familiar favourites. The expansion received high praise from online reviewers upon its release, helping Monster Hunter to win three awards at the PlayStation® Awards 2019, including the PlayStation™ Network Award.

Monster Hunter Riders was revealed at the end of January this year and released in Japan on February 19, 2020 for iOS and Android devices as a free-to-play title. It has garnered over 3 million downloads so far.

A Hollywood live-action film for Monster Hunter will be released in the US on September 4, 2020.

Skincare brand ALFACE+ is teaming up with Detective Conan (Case Closed) to release a line of cosmetic products on April 1, 2020.

Face Mask Conan & Haibara “Diamond Moisture” (Moisture) –  ¥300 for 1 / ¥1,500 for Box of 5 (Tax not included in both prices)

This is the second face mask collaboration with ALFACE+. Four masks are available: the Conan and Haibara “Diamond Moisture (Moisture),” the Shinichi and Ran “Tropical Love (Firm Skin),” the Heiji and Kazuha “Botanical Amulet (Brightening Skin),” and the Bourbon and Vermouth “Golden Black (Clearing).”

Shinichi & Ran “Tropical Love” (Firm Skin) –  ¥300 for 1 / ¥1,500 for Box of 5 (Tax not included in both prices)

The Shinichi & Ran and Heiji & Kazuha face masks have cute marks of the characters on the cheeks. The Conan & Haibara face mask is black coloured while the Bourbon & Vermouth mask is black from the charcoal in it to represent the Black Organisation. All boxes of 5 face masks are coupled randomly with one of 8 possible stickers.

Hand Cream (Conan Model) – ¥580 (Before Tax)

Lipstick (Conan Model) – ¥580 (Before Tax)

The hand creams and lipsticks have simple and stylish designs with references to each respective character. All the items in this series aren’t just for showーthey are high quality and work as you would expect from a skincare brand.

Keep your face, hands and lips moisturised with the new Detective Conan cosmetic series by ALFACE+.

©Gosho Aoyama / Shogakukan・Yomiuri Telecasting Corporation・TMS 1996

SUPER NINTENDO WORLD is set to open at Universal Studios Japan (USJ) in 2020ーthe year of the Tokyo Olympicsーas the world’s first theme park area centred on the world, games and video game characters from Nintendo. A whopping 60 billion yen has been injected to make the park a reality.

In promotion of the park, the “SUPER NINTENDO WORLD CHALLENGE” was held in New York, US on February 19.

Fans dashed to Grand Central Terminalーa tourist hot spotーwhere the event was held to play a game involving the iconic Question Blocks from the Mario video game franchise. The set-up, which brought to mind a Bonus Stage from the game, had people hitting the question blocks just like Marioーsomething which we all must have imagined doing before.

1,000 people participated in the event which they signed up to prior. It was a day of fun for not only players but onlookers too. Grand prize winners won trips to SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, which is set to open before the Tokyo Olympic Games start, while all other participants got their hands on some exclusive SUPER NINTENDO WORLD merch early.

One participant said: “I love everything about Mario, so I knew I’d definitely be taking part today! I’ve loved Mario since I was a kid, I even had a plush toy of him. Mario really is exciting. I’ve always wanted to be Mario, so I’m really happy with how today turned out. I want to go to SUPER NINTENDO WORLD with my best friend and try out all the attractions. I’m sure it’s gonna be a lot of fun!” (Male, 20 / Staten Island, New York) *Translated from Japanese

One of the grand prize winners said: “I’ve been a huge fan of Nintendo’s games since I was 3-years-old. I was lucky to get to take part in the SUPER NINTENDO WORLD CHALLENGE today, but to go and win the grand prize is an amazing feeling! I’ll be going to Japan with my girlfriend who I love so much! I’m always paying attention to news about SUPER NINTENDO WORLD. The Mario Kart attraction will definitely be a ride, I’m looking forward to it so much I just can’t wait! I always thought it would be great if they made a Mario theme park, so the fact they’re doing it in both Japan and even the US is amazing!” (Male, 20 / The Bronx, US) *Translated from Japanese

The Question Blocks also made an appearance in Times Square. The event was covered on the morning news in the US with fans visible at the event, Rockefeller Plaza, and elsewhere.

If you’re a Mario and Nintendo fan planning a trip to Japan then be sure you get to experience SUPER NINTENDO WORLD when it opens this year.

To celebrate the release of the upcoming Detective Conan: The Scarlet Bullet movie on April 17, 2020, twelve official themed cafes will roll out in nine cities across Japan from March 25 in Tokyo, Osaka, Hokkaido, Saitama, Chiba, Nagoya, Hiroshima, Fukuoka, and Okinawa.

*Menu item names have been translated from Japanese

APTX4869 Beef Curry (Apoptoxin Curry) – ¥1,490

Young Detective’s Exciting Children’s Plate – ¥1,690

Ai Haibara’s Healthy Sweets Basket – ¥1,690

Conan’s Voice-Changing Butterfly Necktie Cream Soda – ¥890

An incredible line-up of 100 items will feature on the menu, from food to drinks, all inspired by the characters and actual dishes that appear in the franchise. The theme of the cafe is “A Home Party at Hiroshi Agasa’s House”ーhim being of course the next door neighbour of the titular protagonist.

Acrylic Badges (8 Designs/Randomly Chosen) – ¥520

Mugs – ¥1,800

Jump into the world of Detective Conan and uncover every secret of Detective Conan Cafe 2020.

©Gosho Aoyama/Shogakukan・Yomiuri Telecasting Corporation・TMS 1996

Last autumn, Universal Studios Japan released a video showcasing youngsters in enjoying their youth in the park, and it blew up on Japanese social media. The park released a new version of the video online on January, and it will hit television in the Kansai area on February 1.

The video’s theme is “Youth is a moment; youth is infinite.” We see five NMB48 membersーCocona Umeyama, Rei Jōnishi, Suzu Yamada, Ayaka Yamamoto, and Haasa Minamiーenjoying themselves in their private time at USJ. They play the part of five friends about to graduate from high school, and like them, the lighthearted nature of the video makes you want to make some memories at the park with your friends too.

The video is saying to all young people that they hope they can make special memories at USJ, deepen their bonds with their friends, and continue their friendships after graduating.

We get to see the five NMB48 members enjoying the park to the fullest, wearing park merchandise like their cute headbands and pouches, riding the attractions with smiles on the face, snapping photos, and eating food. The song that plays during the video is LILLY by Osaka-born three-piece rock band Hump Back.

USJ is set to hold numerous campaigns for students entering the park, beginning in February, including student discounts.

This year’s Universal Cool Japan finally opened at Universal Studios Japan on Tuesday, where it is set to run until June 28, bringing together the ‘cool’ aspects of Japan enjoyed by the rest of the world. Four internationally beloved franchises take the spotlight for 2020: Attack on Titan, Monster Hunter World, Detective Conan, and Lupin III.

A host of lucky guests were able to experience the attractions before anyone else. Today, we hear their review and comments of the all-new rides, attractions, live shows and restaurants centred around the four big contenders which serve to fully immerse fans in their incredible worlds.

Attack on Titan’s first XR ride

The Attack on Titan manga series has celebrated its 10th anniversary last year. For this year’s Universal Cool Japan, the internationally-acclaimed series welcomes its first ever XR ride, as well as its own “Survey Corps Diner.”

Guests wear VR goggles that transport them into a 360° rendering of the world of Attack on Titan, with life-size Titans appearing before their very eyes. Guests ride a roller coaster and fly alongside the Survey Corps. If you’ve ever wanted to know what it’s like to soar up high with ODM maneuver gear, now’s your chance. The Attack on Titan XR Ride offers a thrill like no otherーone so tense you’ll be left wondering whether you will survive.

■Guest Comment

“It was so much fun! The visuals are breathtaking and connect superbly to the ride’s movements. I was completely immersed in the visuals; it really felt like I was riding a wagon. Eren and the Survey Corps members were so cool, and even the horses looked realistic. It was amazing!” (Woman, 20/Osaka Prefecture) *Translated from Japanese

The themed restaurant, “Attack on Titan Survey Corps Diner,” is so realistic to a quality you wouldn’t believe, with the Survey Corps members’ weapons and personal belongings left casually around the place. Guests can feel immersed as they listen to the conversations between the characters will chowing down on their meal, take a photo with life-sized versions of Levi and Hange, and more.

Detective Conan World’s two new attractions with Shuichi Akai have fans screaming

At Detective Conan World, fans can expect to see the appearance of the hugely popular character Shuichi Akai who is set to star in the upcoming animated film Detective Conan: The Scarlet Bullet (releasing April 17, 2020). Four rides and attractions can be enjoyed at Detective Conan World, including the manga series’ first-ever story-packed roller coaster named Detective Conan x Hollywood Dream: The Ride.

Guests can also look forward to joining Conan solve cases in Detective Conan: The Escape ~The Scarlet Bullet~, an escape game featuring an original story and a live performance by a real cast. Participants will make use of AR technology and solve the cases within the time limit to escape. Expect appearances from familiar faces too like Rachel Moore, Richard Moore, and others.

In Detective Conan x Hollywood Dream: The Ride, you’ll be placed in the passenger seat with Akai on the wheel who will use some extreme driving techniques to shake off the criminal. Look forward to plenty of thrills in this immersive experience.

■Guest Comment

“Not only do you solve cases, there’s also a gaming aspect to the challenges which require the use of the AR terminal. It’s also a team game where you work with others, so I enjoyed it with everyone else. A lot of characters make an appearance too, it was so cool.” (Female, 20/Osaka Prefecture) *Translated from Japanese

There’s also the Detective Conan Mystery Challenge in which guests take a hands-on approach to solve various incidents around the theme park. Harley Hartwell, Kazuha Toyama, and Tomoya’s love rival Momiji Ooka are also present in this game with in the form of a real-life cast.

Fans can also tuck into some mystery-themed food at the Detective Conan Mystery Restaurant which combines food and live entertainment. Fans reacted overwhelmingly to the appearance of Masumi Seraーthe sister of Akai. There’s also appearances from Amuro Tooru and Serena Sebastian too.

Lupin the Third: The Live

Witness a live cast playing the roles of the popular Lupin III, Daisuke Jigen, Goemon Ishikawa XIII, Fujiko Mine, and Koichi Zenigataーthe latter of which is trying to chase down Lupin. It features live entertainment by real cast members who will perform right before guests. The reaction to this live show has been overwhelming as guests feel like they are running through Delancey Street in New York with Lupin in this interactive story.

■Guest Comment

“I was amazed to have been able to see such an amazing show right in front of me. Lupin and the gang came from above, below, left, and right. There were too many good moments. I didn’t have enough eyes! <laughs>” (Female, 20/Hyogo Prefecture)

Last year’s Lupin III restaurant, Ristorante Amore, has received an upgrade for 2020. Experience being served by Lupin himself, with his gentle approach and know-how when it comes to getting with the ladies, and Goemon Ishikawa XIII, who is aloof and has terrible romance skills. They are serving up authentic Italian cuisine.

Monster Hunter World: Iceborne XR WALK

The Monster Hunter video game franchise is loved the world over, and is appearing once more at Universal Cool Japan after two years. Use interactive VR technology and go hunting in the world of Iceborne, the hit expansion to Monster Hunter World, in an experience so immersive you’ll forget about the real world.

©Hajime Isayama・Kodansha / “Attack on Titan” Production Committee

©2020 Gosho Aoyama / Detective Conan Production Committee

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Osaka-based theme park Universal Studios Japan (USJ) has announced special discounts on its “Universal Annual Pass” tickets for students which will be available from February 1, 2020 to March 31, 2020. All university students, graduate students, junior college students, vocational college students, high school students, and junior high school students can get their hands on the discount by simply showing their student ID when purchasing the pass.

The pass enables the guests to enjoy the host of exciting seasonal events and attractions throughout 2020 at USJ. The park will also offer exclusive campaigns for students during the graduation and spring break seasons.

Don’t miss this chance to experience USJ’s world-class entertainment at a discounted price. Reap all the benefits of student life!

SUPER NINTENDO WORLD is set to open at Universal Studios Japan (USJ) in 2020ーthe year of the Tokyo Olympicsーas the world’s first theme park area centred on the world, games and video game characters from Nintendo.

What is “SUPER NINTENDO WORLD”?

SUPER NINTENDO WORLD will be the first-ever multilevel Nintendo-themed area at USJ, and the first of its kind in the world. Fans of the internationally beloved games can expected to see a whole host of rides and attractions dedicated to their favourite characters, from Mario Kart to Yoshi and beyond, as well as themed restaurants, merchandise shops, and more.

Power Up Band

Guests at SUPER NINTENDO WORLD will be able to feel like they are in a Mario video game with the Power Up Band, a purchasable wristband which works in connection with the USJ app for smartphones., which enables them to collect digital coins and compete with their friends for the highest score on the scoreboards.

Hit question blocks to collect coins

Just like Mario does in his quest to save Princess Peach from Bowser, guests can collect coins by hitting Question Blocks with their Power Up Bands. They will feel like they are competing in a video game, in real time, with the other guests in the park. The Power Up Band has numerous features, including the ability to obtain collectable items like Mario character stamps by completing various conditions listed on the app.

Battle bosses with friends

Additionally, guests can collect ‘Keys’ in a new attraction called ‘Key Challenges’ with which they can unlock various gameplay opportunities including ‘Boss Battles.’ They will be able to battle bosses together with their friends.

Charli XCX & Galantis drop music video to promote the park’s grand opening

To promote the opening of SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, USJ dropped a music video entitled WE ARE BORN TO PLAY on their official YouTube channel on Tuesday in collaboration with Swedish electronic DJ duo Galantis and English singer-songwriter Charli XCX. The music video merges the real world with the world of Mario, with Charli hanging out with Toad on top of Peach’s castle and people stomping on digital Goombas. The song features original music mixed together iconic leitmotifs from the Mario games.

We look forward when SUPER NINTENDO WORLD finally opens and will most definitely cover it once it does.

Today, ytv media design and Yomiuri TV launched an official YouTube channel for the popular anime Detective Conan. The YouTube channel intends to cherish the series from the start of Conan to today. Starting from episode one, the episodes will be streamed in order. Two episodes will be streamed per day from 19:00 until the end of season 5 (episode 218), meaning that all episodes will have been streamed by around mid-2020. 

The YouTube channel has already released a dance video where Conan is seen dancing to the anime’s brand new opening theme song that was released in January 2020. The channel intends to continue periodically releasing exciting contents such as a trailer for the upcoming movie Detective Conan The Scarlet Bullet which is set to premiere this year on April 17. By subscribing to this channel, fans can access the latest Conan news. 

With the new movie over the horizon, get closer to Detective Conan by subscribing to the Detective Conan Official YouTube Channel. 

Tokyo Otaku Mode Inc. has revealed a new line of Attack on Titan with illustrations by WIT STUDIO that will drop on the website on December 7, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. (JST).

T-Shirt: Eren

T-Shirt: Levi

Fans have gotten three seasons so far, and fall 2020 will see the arrival of the final season of the internationally-acclaimed anime series Attack on Titan. To celebrate, fans can get their hands on a variety t-shirt and sachoche bag featuring fan-favourite Levi, as well as a line-up of t-shirts and hoodies decorated with members of the Survey Corps and the Titans.

Hoodie (Front)

Hoodie (Back)

Made with 100% cotton, fans can dress nice and comfy while showing off their favourite series.

Sacoche Bag: Levi

These products will be sold at Tokyo Otaku Mode TOKYO on the 6th floor of Shibuya PARCO as well as via the Tokyo Otaku Mode online shop. They will also roll out at select anime merchandise stores.

The apparel is also scheduled to roll out on the global Tokyo Otaku Mode Shop for fans outside Japan too, so be sure to keep up to date via their website and social media below.

©Hajime Isayama・Kodansha/ “Attack on Titan” Production Committee

The Iceborne expansion for Capcom’s Monster Hunter World, which is available on the PlayStation®4 and Xbox One and soon PC, has shipped over 2.5 million copies worldwide, both disc and download sales combined.

Monster Hunter is a fantasy action RPG video game series that pits players against monsters in large open fields. The first game launched back in 2004 and established a completely new kind of co-op play style which allowed players to fight great beasts online with their friends. It was lauded as a social phenomenon which was called in Japanese Monhan Genshou, or “The Monster Hunter Phenomenon.”

Monster Hunter World launched in January last year and has shipped over 13.1 million copies worldwide (as of June 30, 2019). The series as a whole has shipped over 58 million (as of September 13, 2019).

The Iceborne expansion takes place after the events of World, continuing the story. Players can discover new monsters as well as come across familiar favourites. They also have access the new Master Rank quest rank, can obtain the new fixed item Clutch Claw, and more.

The game was awarded Best Ongoing Game for is expansions and downloadable content at Gamescom 2019 in Germany last month. New players to the game can purchase the Monster Hunter World: Iceborne Master Edition which contains both the World and Iceborne expansions. If you’ve yet to enter the incredible world of Monster Hunter, what are you waiting for?

Universal Studios Japan (USJ) has dropped some details on this year’s New Year’s celebrations. The event, titled Universal Studios Japan Countdown Party 2020, will wrap up 2019, celebrating one year of the theme park in a single night. It will begin at 7pm on December 31 and run until 2am on New Year’s Day. Pre-sale tickets to the event, called “Party Passes,” went on sale on Thursday (September 12).

The park has over 3,500 colourful fireworks in its arsenal ready to launch into the sky after the countdown, beckoning the New Year and the start of USJ in 2020. During the event, all the most popular attractions will be all-you-can-ride for a total of 26 hours. Last year’s countdown party was so popular that all of the tickets sold out. According to a survey carried out by the park, 95% of people were highly satisfied with the experience.

USJ has another incredible line-up of exciting things planned for 2019, including the special “one-night-only season events” which have been revamped this year. This consists of a variety of incredible shows and entertainment themed on each season.

The World Street Festival, which thrilled guests back in spring, will make an exciting return, as well the Extra Cool Summer event which cooled down the park with water and snow this summer.

And it doesn’t end there, because the Halloween Horror Night, which is currently running at the park, will creep its way to the New Year’s countdown party as well with the likes of the zombie dance event, in addition to the Universal Crystal Christmas event which has received a new theme this year.

There are only a limited number of tickets and no more will be released once they’re all gone, so if you’re in Japan for the New Year then make sure you’ve got yours booked!

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