Edomae sushi restaurant Tsukiji Tamasushi Sasashigure, which is known for its strict use of organic ingredients, just opened its second branch in Tokyo Plaza Shibuya following its first branch in Omotesando Hills.

Sasashigure is a type of sasanishiki rice grown completely organically without the use of any chemicals or fertilisers. It is grown by Akinori Kimura who is known for its “Miracle Apples,” the world’s first apples grown without pesticides.

Sasashigure rice yields 40% less rice quantity in one-tenth hectare than regular rice, but it has a natural sweetness and elevate flavour, with each and every grain savoured in a mouthful.

If you’re all for healthy eating and protecting the environment, and happen to be in Tokyo looking for some sushi, be sure to visit the new branch of Tsukiji Tamasushi Sasashigure in Shibuya.

Bandai Namco Amusement is opening a My Hero Academia pop-up shop at the new Namco Ikebukuro facility which itself is set to open this winter at Sunshine 60 Street. The pop-up shop will run for a limited time only from December 20, 2019 to January 19, 2020.

*The pop-up shop will be open before Namco Ikebukuro fully opens

To date, this pop-up shop has hit Shinjuku, Nagoya, Hakata and elsewhere across Japan since March 29 this year. The shop features official designs and illustrations drawn specifically for itself, themes of which include the cool Heroes laughing in the face of adversity, wearing festive headbands and happi coats, and more. These designs feature on exclusive merchandise, and there is even a raffle mini game where fans can win tapestries, pin badges, and other limited edition goodies.

Fans can also get involved in a digital roulette game which has been held at the other pop-up shops, which features a background image featuring the characters from the series, where they can win more items. New prizes will be included at both Nambo Ikebukuro and Namco Umeda.

And to promote the upcoming anime film My Hero Academia – Heroes: Rising, Namco Ikebukuro is holding a campaign for fans to win one of three possible postcard designs from the film.

©My Hero Academia Production Committee ©️2019 “My Hero Academia THE MOVIE” Production Committee ©️Kohei Horikoshi/Shueisha

*The information in this news release is up to date at the time of posting. Information regarding the event is subject to change without notice.

*Photos are for illustrative purposes only.

Akasaka is known as a warzone when it comes to gourmet restaurants, but a new contender has arrived. Akasaka Yuuga opened this month in Akasaka Ni-chome, Tokyo. This restaurant serves Japanese style cuisine featuring carefully selected flavours taken from across the country.

Yuuga gets most of their fish from Choshi Port, which boasts the best fish yield in Japan, as well as other carefully chosen seafood from across Japan in addition to seasonal vegetables. They bring out the full flavour of their ingredients, all of which are matched to the current season. They even serve Japanese black beef.

Their concept centres on how recognised and loved Japanese food is internationally. The restaurant makes full use of Japan’s traditional food culture and prepares food using a variety of cooking methods. Everything in the restaurant is carefully considered to ensure diners enjoy their meal experience with all five senses, from not only the food but the decor and hospitality too. There are also counter seats available for customers who want to watch their food being prepared while they talk, whether to their friends or with the skilled chefs, offering an unforgettable dining experience for Japanese people and foreigners alike. There are also private eating booths for those who want to eat with friends, family, or celebrate a special day.

Nijushisekki

Nijushisekki refers to the days that divide the solar year into twenty four equal sections and highlight the longest days of sun in summer, the shortest days in winter, and the days being the same in spring and autumn.

The dishes at the restaurant reflect these regular changes; the dishes are not bound strictly by Japanese cuisine, but make use of various cooking and preparation methods, with thought and consideration put into every dish.

Japanese Black Beef

Yuuga prides itself not only on seasonal vegetable and fish-filled menu, which is both a feast for the belly and eyes, but on the beef used in its course meals too.

Yuuga serves Japanese black beef which comes from a rare breed of cow which is difficult to rear. It has a distinct rich flavour and low melting point which gives it a melt-in-the-mouth texture.

Courses

There are three courses to choose from that cater to customers desires, costing ¥8,000, ¥12,000, and ¥20,000 respectively. This includes appetisers, and customers can choose from a range of wines from around the world select by sommeliers, as well as champagne, whisky, and of course sake and shochu.

Shiseido has announced that it will open three new facilities in WITH HARAJUKU—a shopping complex currently in development by NTT URBAN DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION in front of Harajuku Stationーin April 2020. This includes the new beauty parlour Beauty Square, the hair & makeup academy and studio SABFA*, and the restaurant and lounge SHISEIDO PARLOUR THE HARAJUKU managed by Shiseido Parlour.

*SABFA is a school managed by Shiseido for training professional hair and makeup artists

Beauty Square will be located in the first floor as a place to discover beauty, have fun, and share experiences. As well as selling cosmetics, the facility will offer various beauty experiences using digital technology, and there will be a hair and makeup salon where customers can receive high quality service for a short period of time. By combining real experience with digital tech, Beauty Square hopes to bring in people of all ages and backgrounds from inside and outside Japan so that they can discover the fun of beauty and unlock their inner charm.

SABFA on the second floor will be home to an all-new lecture and training facility as well as a photo studio. It will train educate and support the next generation of hair and makeup artists who will challenge the ideas of beauty and revolutionise the industry.

SHISEIDO PARLOUR THE HARAJUKU is on the eighth floor where customers will be able to dine on French cuisine and indulge in line-up of wines carefully chosen by sommeliers. The restaurant overlooks Meiji Jingu, and its interior was designed by Kazuya Ura who designed the Twilight Express Mizukaze, a multiple unit sleeping-car excursion train operated by West Japan Railway Company.

Be sure to visit WITH HARAJUKU when it opens in April next year.

Tokyo Station’s GRANSTA and GRANSTA Marunouchi shopping complexes are holding a New Year’s from December 26, 2019 to January 5, 2019 where sweets and souvenirs will be sold to beckon the new year. The items are based on the Year of the Rat in the Chinese zodiac for 2020.

Sweets and Souvenirs

Baked New Year 2020 (Contains 5) – ¥1,600 @ Fairycake Fair (Available from December 26)

Tuck into these adorable baked cookies with various celebratory designs including rats, flowers and the year 2020. They are egg flavoured and are made with caramel to create a taste similar to Japanese purin (a type of custard pudding).

High Grade Fresh Japanese Confection Assortment (Contains 6) – ¥1,848 @ Ginza Kanra (Available Mid-December to Mid-January)

Ginza Kanra’s assortment of fancy confections are so pretty they almost seem a waste to eat, each with a variety of motifs such as a rat as well as “Gin no Suzu”ーa silver bell inside Tokyo Station that’s famous as a meeting spot.

Ginza Kikunoya Fukiyose Kaiune Shikan (200g) – ¥1,998 @ Jimbocho Ichi no Ichi (Now on sale until all sell out)

This tin of assorted small sweets includes around 30 types of baked wheat bran treats and more. There’s plenty to keep you going through the New Year celebrations.

Left: Eto Kokeshi Rat – ¥2,090 / Right: Mame Kokeshi Rat – ¥880 @ SHARED TOKYO (Now on sale)

Available in limited quantities only, these cute rat kokeshi dolls would look good even as decorations in small spaces. Their red and white colours add to the festive vibe as these are celebratory colours in Japan.

New Year’s Card Shrimp Senbei Rice Crackers (Contains 11) – ¥1,080 @ Keishindo (Now on sale until all sell out)

Forget regular Christmas cards, hand someone one of these rice crackers instead which feature messages like “Here’s to another great year” in Japanese as well as other New Year motifs.

Osechi and New Year’s Bento

Houjou – ¥8,000 @ Asakusa Imahan (Available January 1 only)

Osechi is food prepared for the New Year in Japan, and this bountiful harvest includes Asakusa Imahan’s famous wagyu black beef, red rice, rice with minced sea bream, and more. These are limited to 10 sets only.

Osechi Shoufuku Suzen – ¥1,800 @Sasahachi (Available January 1-3)

Another delicious mix of osechi like fish wrapped in kombu seaweed, hand-rolled sushi, and more—all of which goes down best with a cup of sake. Limited to 20 servings per day.

This is just a peek into what’s available this New Year at Tokyo Station, so if you’re using the station this year, be sure to stop by.

*All listed prices include tax

To celebrate the December 13th release of the upcoming anime film Seven Days War, a themed cafe will open at EJ Anime Theater in Shinjuku, Tokyo. The cafe will collaborate with popular creator Pantovisco who has over 680,000 followers across his social media.

The collaboration was born from Pantovisco’s being able to relate to the theme of Seven Days War which focuses on the heart of today’s youth.

The cute menu line-up features Seven Days War-inspired food and desserts with Perochi and his friends joining in with the fun.

There’s also a drinks menu with a line-up of colourful beverages and lattes which you can get various latte art drawings on.

And for every food item ordered on the collaboration menu, you’ll receive an original sticker selected randomly from several designs.

And if you order a drink, you’ll get a special card introducing various characters from both Seven Days War and the world of Pantovisco.

©2019 Osamu Souda・KADOKAWA / Seven Days War Production Committee

©Pantovisco

It has been announced that the ongoing construction work at Tokyo Disneyland is set to complete next year, with the fully overhauled areas and facilities reopening on April 15, 2020. The park has revealed details on the works as well as provided news and information on the new shows, merchandise and food menus.

Fantasyland

Beauty and the Beast Area

The highly-anticipated Beauty and the Beast area is finally set to open. The site recreates various memorable locations from the Disney film, including the town where Belle lives to the forest where Beast’s castle lies.

As guests pass through the village and into the forest they will arrive at the grand castle, inside which they can experience the new attraction “Beauty and the Beast: A Tale of Magic.”

Upper Left: Glass Set ¥2,600 / Upper Centre: Mug ¥1,500 / Lower Middle: Plate Set – ¥2,900 / Right: Pouch ¥3,000

Upper Left: Stainless Mug ¥2,600 / Lower Left: Toothbrush Set ¥1,700 / Right: Cushion ¥2,300

In the village shops, guests will find themselves spoiled for choice with around 100 pieces of exclusive merchandise to get their hands on. This includes a mug and plate set featuring a romantic scene of Belle and Beast dancing with the castle in the background, a glasses stand inspired by the handsome Gaston, and more.

Roll up to La Taverne de Gaston, a restaurant with counter service that’s based on Gaston’s bar and seats around 200.

Big Bite Croissant Set – ¥1,140 (¥750 on its own)

French Toast Sandwich Set – ¥1,140 (¥750 on its own)

Berry Cheers – ¥450

The restaurant boasts a lavish and sophisticated line-up that meets Gaston’s standards, including a croissant stuffed with a sausage on the bone, sweet and salty cheese French toast, a soft drink inspired by beer―Gaston’s favourite―and more.

Fantasyland Forest Theatre

At the heart of Fantasyland, hidden away in the middle of a fairy tale-like forest, is Tokyo Disneyland’s first proper indoor theatre.

The outside of theatre features a warm and welcoming appearance, and the inside features forest-like design with pillars that look like they are made of trees and a chandelier lit by candlelight. The theatre is also decorated with beautiful tapestries and wall art of the many forest animals that appear throughout Disney’s filmography.

It will also see the showing of the all-new show “Mickey’s Magical Music World.” Disney fans can pick up plush toys, pin badges and more featuring designs taken from the show.

Tomorrowland

Baymax’s Happy Ride

Tomorrowland will see the opening of the world’s first Big Hero 6 themed ride.

Big Pop

Just next to Baymax’s Happy Ride will be Tokyo Disneyland’s first-ever popcorn shop, Big Pop, which has a space-themed design fitting for Tomorrowland. Gaze up at the ceiling and see a starry night sky, as well as a chandelier that looks like giant popcorn and is based on the Big Bang.

Enjoy three flavours of popcorn or a mix of flavours. Pick up a popcorn basket and serve yourself. Flavours include Cookie Cream (the first time the park has sold this flavour), Caramel & Cheese, and Strawberry Milk. All of them are deliciously rich in flavour and smell, and they’re all mushroom-shaped.

Toontown

Minnie’s Style Studio

Minnie’s Style Studio will be Tokyo Disneyland’s first facility built specifically for meeting Minnie Mouse. Minnie, who is a fashion designer working internationally, will greet guests wearing different outfits coordinated to the current season. As the name suggests, it’s a studio, and will be decked out with costume designs and more. You’ll know it when you see the ribbon decorated with giant polka dots.

Special merchandise will also be sold based on the four costumes for each of the four seasons. In spring, there’ll also be headbands, badges, and more.

Special Merchandise

Around 130 pieces of new merchandise with two different designs will be sold, most of which are centred around the four new facilities opening.

Greeting Card ¥1,000 / Pocket Tissues ¥2,200 / Key Chains ¥1300 Each

The first design, making up around 90 of the items, feature a jolly Mickey Mouse excited about the four new places.

The other design, making up the remaining 40 or so pieces of merchandise, features logos of each facility and includes items such as t-shirts, caps, and other wearable goods.

The Disney Hotel and Disney Resort Line also have some special things planned too. Check out the official website for more details.

*Images are for illustrative purposes only　©Disney

LEGS is opening a Kirby-themed pop-up shop named ‘PLAYFUL KIRBY’ for a limited time in Laforet Harajuku, a landmark of Tokyo’s fashion hub Harajuku.

The shop has invited popular Japanese illustrator Shogo Sekine on board, who is known for its distinct typography work which mixes fashion with messages written in English, to create an original line of Kirby apparel and miscellaneous fashion items.

PLAYFUL KIRBY is also teaming up with Converse. Kirby has inhaled a few too many Converse Stars and has turned into a truly fashionable pink blob. The line-up is unisex so can be enjoyed by anyone and everyone. It will include items also available to purchase at Converse Stars branches as well as Laforet Harajuku exclusives.

Witness Nintendo’s Dream Land hero in an all-new light as he becomes a fashion icon at Laforet Harajuku this month from December 16 to 26.

©Nintendo / HAL Laboratory, Inc.

*Photos are for illustrative purposes only

Starbucks Reserve® Roastery Tokyo released six new products on December 5 in collaboration with Shimada Koen Ningyo Kobo, a long-standing traditional maker of Japanese gosho-ningyo dolls.

Golden Cup, Shimada Koen Ningyo Kobo – ¥50,000 (Before Tax)

The relationship between Starbucks and Shimada Koen Ningyo Kobo began when Starbucks opened its branch at Kyoto Ninenzaka Yasaka Chaya in Kyoto, which is known for having tatami flooring, as the dollmaker’s studio is located near it. There is a waving cat wearing a green apron at that Starbucks which was designed by the 5th generation of Shimada Koen.

Waving Cat, Shimada Koen Ningyo Kobo – ¥30,000 (Before Tax)

Shimada Koen specialises in making gosho-ningyo, dolls with distinct features such as stout forms, pure white skin, tiny legs and hands, a big face, and an overall cute appearance reminiscent of a child. In the Edo Period they were developed as gifts associated with the Court.

Bell Rat, Shimada Koen Ningyo Kobo – ¥3,500 (Before Tax)

The line-up of six dolls feature Starbucks Reserve® Roastery Tokyo motifs and are made with considered thought in mind, including the bonds between people and enjoying happiness throughout the yearーdesires upheld by Starbucks.

The KIRBY CAFÉ is set to open on the 4th floor of Toyko Solamachiーthe shopping, dining and entertainment complex under Tokyo Skytreeーon December 12, 2019 as the world’s first permanent Kirby-themed café.

Though we still have a week to wait until Kirby inhales us whole into his café, the official website is already live, showcasing a new line-up of food and merchandise different from that held at the pop-up Kirby cafés (which we have covered extensively in Fukuoka and even Tokyo Solamachi, the latter of which has seen the most pop-ups).

Some of the menu items are served in a Kirby lunch box, on a Kirby plate, and more. Let’s take a look. Menu items below are translated from Japanese.

KIRBY CAFÉ’s Stone Baked Pizza ~Maximum Tomato Margherita~ – ¥1,380 (Before Tax)

KIRBY CAFÉ’s Stone Baked Pizza ~Greedy Half ‘n’ Half~ – ¥3,980 (Before Tax)

Served on an original plate, the half ‘n’ half comes served with two pizza flavours of your choice. Perfect for those times when you can’t decide because all the options are too good!

Kirby’s Munching Loco Moco Bowl – ¥1,980 (Before Tax)

Munch and chew on this tasty serving of loco moco just like Kirby is adorably doing on the lunch box it comes in.

Whole Egg Plant & Meat Pasta: Say Your Wish to the Galaxy – ¥1,380 (Before Tax)

Meta Knight’s Precious Matcha Mousse – ¥780 (Before Tax)

Doctor Kirby’s Secret Lab Soda – ¥1,280 (Before Tax)

As well as these incredible-looking dishes, there’s lots of other cute ones you can order for takeout too.

If you visit the KIRBY CAFÉ, you’ll have to pay a visit to KIRBY CAFÉ THE STORE as well which is located on the 2nd floor of Solamachi. There’s around 200 pieces of Kirby merchandise including exclusives as well as KIRBY CAFÉ-themed items.

The KIRBY CAFÉ has its own soundtrack which you can actually buy at the store too. It will be released on December 12. We did an article about it here.

Customers can received a specially-made sticker with the CD design when they buy something at the café or store.

The KIRBY CAFÉ gives priority to reservations, so if you’re hoping to get sucked into the world of Kirby, be sure to book in advance.

Ginza Sony Park is set to display their #012 Affinity in Autonomy exhibition at the Ginza Sony Park buildingーwhich is a project for the renovation of the Sony Buildingーfrom December 14, 2019.

Affinity in Autonomy was first shown by Sony at Milan Design Week 2019 which was held back in April. It received huge praise from attendees, and so Ginza Sony Park are bringing it back home to showcase at the building, which has enjoyed over 5 million visitors since it opened, for more people to experience it. The exhibit looks at elevating the affinity between humans and robots so that they may co-exist.

Also as part of the exhibition, Sony will showcase five individual pieces entitled Awakening, Accordance, Autonomous, Affiliation, and Association, which make use of image sensors. As visitors experience each one in order, their affinity towards robots will grow. Sound and visuals will play in response to people’s movements.

The exhibition combines sound, colour and interaction, offering new insight into robots. What’s more is that the robots recognise humans and response in real time, further enhancing the realism offered by the experience.

If you’re in Tokyo this holiday season, and are looking for the robots, then be sure to pay a visit to Ginza Sony Park.

An event is set to take place at Tokyo Tower from December 7 in promotion of the upcoming anime film My Hero Academia: Heroes: Rising, which is set to release on December 20.

If you pick up a Tokyo Tower Main Deck ticket, which takes you up 150 meters in the tower, you’ll receive a ticket with a limited-edition design, a folder, and one of six possible stickers as pictured above.

The Main Deck will be decorated with all things My Hero Academia, including original illustrations as well as key visuals for the upcoming movie. There will also be photo panels featuring classic lines said by characters where you can take photos.

A stamp rally will also be held throughout the tower at the event Collect all six stamps and receive one of six possible desk mats.

Stamp Rally

Price: ¥600

Running: Weekdays 10:00-18:00 (Reception Closes 17:30) / Weekends 10:00-20:00 (Reception Closes 19:30)

Available: Stamp Rally counter on the first floor of Tokyo Tower

*Please note that you will also have to pay the entrance fee to the Main Deck to participate

Test your My Hero Academia knowledge with the official quiz taking place on weekends up the outer staircase. Those who take part will be able to take a photo together with Midoriya and Bakugo and will receive a certificate.

Running: Weekends & Public Holidays 10:00-16:00 (Not running during rainy weather)

*A Main Deck entry ticket is required to access the outer staircase. A ticket to the event is also required to receive the certificate

Choose a beverage inspired by your favourite character. Every drink ordered comes with a My Hero Academia coaster.

Location: Cafe La Tour, Main Deck Floor 1F

Opening Hours: 9:30-22:45 (Last Orders 22:00)

Price: ¥600 Each

Don’t miss out on the chance to grab some Tokyo Tower-exclusive My Hero Academia merchandise either.

Location: Merchandise Counter, Tokyo Tower Floor 1F

Opening Hours: 10:00-18:00 (Until 20:00 on weekends)

©2019 “My Hero Academia THE MOVIE” Production Committee　©Kohei Horikoshi / Shueisha