THE RAMPAGE from EXILE TRIBE have shared a new visual for their upcoming third album REBOOT which is set for release on February 24, 2021.

The J-pop vocal and dance group’s record covers have always follow east coast 90’s hip-hop visuals, right up until their last album THE RIOT, but they have changed things up for REBOOT, instead opting for more classical elements while still keeping an air of the streets on it.

The album’s lead track is SILVER RAIN which explores themes of hope. The group have also confirmed that they have wrapped up the filming of a music video. In December last year, THE RAMPAGE released a music video for MY PRAYER which came as the group’s first ever where they don’t dance. We look forward to seeing what their first video of 2021 will be like.

The album also includes the new songs SHOW YOU THE WAY and BOND OF TRUST, the latter of which is the final song of the record.

The incredible beachside Hoshino Resorts BANTA CAFE, which offers guests a breathtaking ocean view along the Okinawan coast, released a video on the official Hoshino Resorts YouTube page showcasing the cafe’s ongoing illumination event, “Illumi Banta,” which is running until February 28, 2021. Guests can enjoy some limited-time menu options and then take a romantic stroll along the beach with a warm lantern in hand.

Okinawa is known for its warm climate, rarely dipping below 15°C in the chilly season of winter. There are many celebratory days enjoyed every year around Christmas and New Years, and so BANTA CAFE decided to get in on the action with Illumi Banta, which has been running since December 1 last year—while following the necessary precautions against COVID-19 to ensure everyone stays safe. The spacious cafe is mostly outdoors so visitors can enjoy their time without worry.

A seat at the cafe in on a clear evening guarantees a front row seat to a beautiful orange sunset that sinks into the horizon. Normally, the cafe closes as sunset arrives, but for this event, opening hour have been extended into the night.

BANTA CAFE is located in the village of Yomitan where the beautiful ocean is surrounded by coral reef, enormous rocks, and a rich natural environment. It’s a must-visit if travelling to Okinawa.

The 112-year-old Hotel Nampuro in Nagasaki is set to open the new Sky Terrace and Ocean Terrace this month. These vistas offer breathtaking, unbroken views of the sea and sky that make it feel as if you’re floating on the ocean with rolling skies ahead that stretch to the horizon.

Observation Terrace (1)

Observation Terrace (2)

Infinity Pool-Style Open-Air Bath

Silky Bath

Beautifying Bubble Baths

Jacuzzi Bath (Male Only)

Children’s Bath

Hinoki Sauna & Steam Sauna

Iyashi Onsen Cafe

Rental Open-Air Bath

The observation terrace offers an incredible panoramic view of the great Ariake Sea that offers a picturesque spectacle at all times of the day. Guests can enjoy seeing the morning, noon, and night skies which merge together with the ocean for an unbeatable result. There’s also a “no talking” rule on the terrace so guests can fully soak up what’s in front of them as they take a luxirous soak in the warm baths.

The infinity pool-style open-air bath offers a refreshing view while making it seem as if you are part of the ocean. The silky bath uses delicate micro bubbles which become an air cushion and promote good blood circulation using massage. The jacuzzi bath relaxes the entire body with stimulating bubbles, while the children’s bath allows kids to get in on the fun too. Both saunas are a change to unwind fatigue and the tired body. The steam sauna is set at a lower temperature than your usual high-temperature dry sauna which ensures it doesn’t have as much strain on the body so guests can sweat it out comfortably. The freshly-brewed coffee available at the hot spring is also exclusive to the hotel’s Onsen Cafe.

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.

Japan’s online dTV service posted a trailer for the upcoming second episode of the net anime special Gintama The Semi-Final which is set to air on January 1, 2021. The first episode was released on January 15, 2021.

The long-awaited prequel airs its first episode

Gintama The Semi-Final is a two-part net anime special exclusive to dTV. It serves as a prequel to the Gintama: The Final anime film which itself was released on January 8, 2021. Although the prequel ironically is being released after Gintama: The Final, which the trailer for the first episode of the two-part special actually made fun of, fans can still enjoy a new adventure with the characters with a story that leads into the final film.

Kondo gets involved in some gorilla rivalry in Episode 2

The second episode sees the Shinsengumi pitching in to help bring the members of Yorozuya back together again after having drifted apart. Hijikata departs Edo to search for Gintoki while Okita maneuvers secretly with the new government. While all this is happening, Kondo is looking after a large number of gorillas, and its involved with a gorilla princess and a gorilla love rival.
The episode will hit dTV on January 20, 2021.

Episode 2 Trailer:

©Hideaki Sorachi/Shueisha･TV Tokyo･Dentsu･BNP･Aniplex

Four-member Japanese rock band sumika have announced that their third album AMUSIC will be released on March 3, 2021. The record arrives almost two years since their previous album Chime.

sumika have enjoyed much success since forming in 2013, having featured anime series Wotakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku and the anime film I Want to Eat Your Pancreas as well as having their songs featured in commercials and the band even having written a song for the 99th All Japan High School Soccer Tournament.

The 16-track album features a new song entitled Shukusai which is being used in a new commercial for Japan’s top jelly brand “in Jelly” as pictured above. The commercial stars Japanese actress Mizuki Yoshida and promotes the energy-boosting properties. The commercial is aimed at Japanese students during the exam season and those feeling anxious or nervous needing a push.

“I think if I’d searched up ‘Is it possible to making a living just doing music?’ on the internet before starting a career writing music, I probably wouldn’t have walked the path I’ve walked to get here today,” comments Kenta Kataoka, the vocalist and guitarist of sumika, speaking about the new song. “There are a lot of risks involved. The success rate is low. If you go to a list of recommended jobs, it’s probably ranked fairly low. I believe that if you really love something, and you put that first before the pain and struggle, everything that’s possibile will follow, and I feel that’s how I have the life I have now.”

Kataoka continues: “What you feel with your heart and what you see with your eyes is the most honest thing you have, no matter what it’s in relation to. You chose something you love, so there’s value in making mistakes in it. You’ll get hurt. You’ll get anxious and have times of worry. But what’s waiting for you at the end of that road you conquer if you form a bond with someone, one that’ll last a lifetime, with that same energy, I believe, is true happiness. And that’s that this song ‘Shukusai’ [Festival] is all about. It’s that lead up to the celebration. So let us march on and fight together.”

Asakusa-based ‘aromatic raw chocolate’ brand MAISON CACAO created a new gin-flavoured white chocolate for Dean & DeLuca which was released in Japan on January 15, 2021.

The “Aroma Raw Chocolate (Gin)” keeps the original flavour of the white chocolate and infuses with a craft gin known as “COMMON” by Toranomon Joryusho.

Aroma Raw Chocolate GIN FOR DEAN & DELUCA | ¥2,592 (Tax Included)

​One bite into a piece of this artisanal chocolate fills the mouth with a tang of subtly fruity chocolate. Then comes the refreshing taste of the gin which complements the sweetness and adds sophistication to the chocolate in an exquisite balance of flavours.

 COMMON gin is fruity and clear

COMMON craft gin has a ‘botanical’ flavour. Its base is a shochu made on the islands of Hachijō-jima and Nii-jima. It also contains soft water taken from Okutama Sawai.

“It has a faint fruity taste that combines with the flavour of the cacao, and he used really delicious white chocolate,” explains Shingo Ishihara of MAISON CACAO who helped in the chocolate’s development. “I hope people indulge in its enjoyable melt-in-the-mouth texture.”

PARCO has teamed up with Kaji Kaji H, Koichi Igarashi—who is known for his work with BEAMS JAPAN’s brand projects—and a certain chief editor at a popular Kansai fashion magazine to open Zi-tempo, a limited-time food spot aimed at foodies that will run for 20-days at PARCO Shinaibashi in Osaka.

Zi-tempo brings together designers from popular fashion brands working in Kansai, editors from fashion magazines, stylists, writers, more to serve up a creative menu by a line-up of individuals not involved in anyway in the food industry. As well as food, visitors can get their hands of a selection of related merchandise, clothing, and more.

The First Serving

Running: January 13, 2021 – January 19, 2021
Curry Mala: Enjoy the unique spices of both curry and mala

Spicy curry has recently become something of a soul food in Osaka. For the first serving, foodies can enjoy discovering a wonderful combination of spices in a selection of curries, as well as a numbing line-up of mala made with mapo tofu. This menu is the creation of ‘R,’ a designer at a fashion brand, and ‘T,’ a former chief editor of a Japanese fashion magazine. R is actually the owner of a popular curry house called COBACHI CURRY in Nakazakicho, while T has tasted countless mapo tofu dishes. This makes them the perfect curry-mala combo for this experiment.

Menu

・Curry Mala Shokuhako – ¥1,200 (Before Tax)
・Curry Mala 1 (Spice Chai) – ¥500 (Before Tax)
・Curry Mala 2 (Spice Highball) – ¥500 (Before Tax)
・Curry Mala Hoodie – ¥7,800 (Before Tax)
・Curry Mala Long T-Shirt – ¥5,800 (Before Tax)

The Second Serving

Running: January 20, 2021 – January 26, 2021
Tacos Variar x Berbers Ya!: Traditional Mexian and Moroccan dishes

The second serving sees a coming-together of tacos and couscous by two creators working in Kansai: nahonic who works at Tacos Variar at an underground spot in Kansai selling tacos, and stylist Sunny, both of whom enjoy homecooked couscous from their Moroccan mothers growing up. Foodies will get to enjoy both Mexican and Moroccan food at the same time, a perfect opportunity during the current climate when travelling is difficult. There will also be a variety of apparel and goods from creators like the mystery creative group “the golden dawn.”

Menu
・1P ¥350 (Before Tax)
・2P ¥700(Before Tax)
・3P~ ¥300 / 1P(Before Tax)

The Third Serving

Running: January 27, 2021 – February 1, 2021
Natouya: Taste and compare an array of natto rice bowls

Eateries serving gyudon, or beef rice bowls, never fail to bring in repeat customers for their cheap prices, quick service, and delicious taste. But our heal is the most important thing, so why not change it up once in a while with a natto rice bowl? At the event, foodies get to tuck into a selection of dishes using 5 different kinds of natto beans that vary in size and colour, served sticky, yummy, and in generous portions. These natto rice bowls were conceived by Murakami, a researcher of natto and editor of a certain fashion magazine. There will also be goods from natto apparel brand NNBean, natto crockery, and plenty of other things for lovers of natto to enjoy.
 

Menu

・Five Bean Natto Rice Bowl – ¥900 (Before Tax)
・NNBean Sweater – ¥7,100 (Before Tax)
・NNBean Long T-Shirt – ¥5,800 (Before Tax)
・Natto Plate – ¥4,200 (Before Tax)

If you’re in Osaka throughout January, and love food, don’t miss out on a unique eating experience over at Zi-tempo.

Q-pot., a Japanese accessory brand which makes jewellery that looks like real sweets and desserts, has announced a second accessory collaboration with the Evangelion series titled “2nd Melty Impact” which will hit Q-pot. stores, select Evangelion stores, and the IKSPIARI pop-up shop on January 20, 2021.

Evangelion x Q-pot. Accessory Collection

A.T. Field Gummy Candy Necklace | ¥10,500 (Before Tax)

The delicious-looking Gummy Candy Necklace inspired by the Absolute Terror Field, the protective barrier that Angels and Evangelions can create to protect themselves. The reverse side of the necklace pedestal also features an engraving of the Tree of Life.

Red Sea & Blue Sea Metal Rings | ¥9,000 Each

Two rings representing the blue sea and red sea, the former being before the Second Impact when the world was teeming with life and the latter after the Second Impact when life is destroyed.

L.C.L. Metal Rings | ¥9,000 Each

These rings are based on LCL, the amber-coloured liquid which enables the piloting of an Evangelion Unit. In the series we see the Entry Plug of an Eva Unit flooded with this translucent liquid.

Cassius’s Fork Necklace | ¥16,000

Inspired by the Spear of Cassius that the mysterious boy Kaworu retrieves when he’s piloting Mark.06. The spear is fitted as a necklace through a heart which is embedded between an Angel-like halo.

The 4th Angel’s Macaron Necklace ¥9,000 / Bag Charm ¥8,000

A necklace and bag charm made to look like sweet macarons. The design is based on the 4th Angel with white faces and a black body. Inside is a bright-red Swarovski crystal to represent the Angel’s Core.

Asuka’s Puppet Sugar Cookie Necklace ¥9,500 / Bag Charm ¥8,000

A necklace and bag charm inspired b the cute hand puppet of Asuka Langley, the pilot of Unit-02. Made to look like a sugar cookie, the accessories capture the bright-red outfit and blue eyes of the adorable puppet. It looks like it’s just come freshly baked out of the oven.

Each of these accessories arrives packaged in an original tin featuring the Evangelion x Q-pot. logos. The A.T. Field Gummy Candy, 4th Angel Macaron, and Asuka’s Hand Puppet also feature unique serial numbers.

Other Merchandise

The collaborative collection also feature a selection of original merchandise too.

Asuka’s Puppet Pop Socket | ¥2,200

Melty Impact Mug | ¥2,800

Evangelion x Q-pot. 1st Collaboration Restock

The popular macaron and Melty Melt series from Q-pots.’s first collaboration with Evangelion is also being restocked at select Q-pot. stores.

1st Collaboration Restock – Macaron Series

1st Collaboration Restock – Melty Melt Series

Evangelion x Q-pot. Novelty

Fans who spend over ¥30,000 on any of these items at Q-pot. stores or the IKSPIRIA pop-up shop will receive a set of 6 postcards featuring designs of each Eva pilot.

Bandai’s character-inspired Japanese confectionery series Tabemas is releasing two new traditional Japanese wagashi confections inspired by the Peanuts comic series. Snoopy and Charlie Brown will arrive at Lawson convenience stores across Japan on January 19, 2021.

Tabemas Snoopy | ¥264 Each (Before Tax)

The cute confections capture the little details of the iconic characters, from Snoopy’s doggo features and collar to Charlie Brown’s hair and shirt. The Snoopy confection is filled with chocolate bean paste—a nod to his favourite chocolate chip cookies—while Charlie Brown is filled with custard bean paste as a nod to his trademark shirt. The packaging features exclusive art drawn for the Peanuts comic’s 70th anniversary with Snoopy atop his dog house.

© 2021 Peanuts Worldwide LLC

The PEANUTS Cafe at SNOOPY MUSEUM TOKYO rolled out new menu items on Saturday (January 16) as part of a new exhibition called “Snoopy to Kyoudai” (Snoopy and Siblings) featuring a sandwich and desserts inspired by scenes from the beloved Peanuts comics.

The New Menu Line-Up

Snoopy Flower Basket Sandwich | ¥1,400 (Before Tax)

This flower basket is based on a scene when Snoopy meets with his siblings who pay him a visit after he recovers from being unwell and they eat sandwiches together. The tasty sandwiches are stuffed with pastrami beef and veg so you too can get your fill like Snoopy. The basket also comes with mini corn dogs and crispy fries. This is one to share (or hog all to yourself!)

Olaf’s Pancakes | ¥1,200 (Before Tax)

These pancakes are inspired by Olaf, who was first introduced in the ocmics as the winner of the Ugly Dog Contest. They are loaded with ice cream, fruit, a whole Japanese custard pudding, fresh cream, and a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Belle’s Raspberry Milkshake | ¥900

A doughnut-topped raspberry milkshake like the one that appears in the comics. It’s a nod to Belle, Snoopy’s only sister.

©2021 Peanuts Worldwide LLC　(短縮形 ©2021 Peanuts)

Japanese fashion brand Onitsuka Tiger has revealed its 2021 Spring/Summer Collection which combines fashion with sports, heritage, and innovation.日

Look Book (Excerpt)

Shoes

The concept for the 2021 Spring & Summer Collection is “The Onitsuka Tiger Attitude” which incorporates the brand’s attitude not only into the product details and branding but each and every collection piece. The collection is divided into four themes: “THE SAILING KITE,” “THE CLEAN LINES,” “THE VINTAGE IS NOW,” and “THE WORKING PROGRESS.” The line-up is inspired by the blowing winds and the sails of a boat on the ocean.

The shoes fuse elements from Onitsuka Tiger’s footwear archive with contemporary designs to create all-new models. The “ACROMOUNT” takes inspiration from the brand’s 1970’s array combining fabric and leather for a vintage feel. The “DENITGRE,” a popular long-selling model which also appeared in the 2020 Autumn & Winter Collection, arrives as a hybrid model in the new “DENITIGRE MX.” The “TAI-CHI-REB™️ SOCK MT” features a slim form with embroidered uppers.

The collection’s colour palette is a mix of highlight colours like orange and saxe blue as well as black, green, burgundy, and more, capturing that Onitsuka Tiger spirit while infusing into contemporary pieces for a fresh result.