Japanese character goods and toy chain KIDDYLAND is collaborating with San-X, the creators of the iconic Rilakkuma and its friends, to open the Chairoikogumarché, a market themed on Chairoikoguma, at KIDDYLAND Osaka Umeda. It will be open for a limited time this spring from March 11 to 25.

Chairoikoguma is a popular honey-loving bear character created by San-X who lives in the Honey Forest. This year marks the 5th anniversary since its debut.

In 2018 and 2019, San-X opened the limited-time Korilakkuma Meets Chairoikoguma Store which was hugely popular amongst Rilakkuma fans, with repeat buyers returning multiple times. Chairoikogumarché was originally scheduled to open at KIDDYLAND Osaka Umeda in April 2020, but it was postponed and will now open next month. Once they book their attendance, fans can look forward to laying their eyes on original Chairoikoguma artwork coupled with phrases spoken in the Kansai dialect. There will be exclusive items to purchase, merch pre-sales, bonus goodies, and more.

Merchandise Line-Up Excerpt

Charm Set | ¥1,320 (Tax Included)

Mask Case | ¥660 (Tax Included)

Pre-Sale Merchandise

Pre-Sale Release: March 11, 2021

*This product will be released for general sale at Rilakkuma Stores in Japan, excluding the Osaka Umeda branch, on March 13.

Chairoikogumarché & Nakayoshi Plush Toy (Sakuranokorisu) | ¥3,080 (Tax Included)

*Not available at Rilakkuma Store Umeda Osaka. Pre-sale exclusive to Chairoikogumarché.

*Will also be released on San-X’s online shop.

Pre-Sale Release: March 11, 2021

*This product will be released for general sale at all Rilakkuma Stores in Japan on April 3, 2021.

Long Plush Pillow | ¥6,600 (Tax Included)

Mini Shoulder Bag | ¥5,500 (Tax Included)

*Will also be released on San-X’s online shop.

Bonus Items

1. Customers who spend over ¥3,000 (tax included) at Chairoikogumarché will receive a random free zipper case from a possible two designs. First-come, first-served.

*One per person, per transaction. Design chosen randomly.

*Available while supplies last.

*Will be released at all Rilakkuma Stores except the Osaka Umeda branch on March 13.

2. Customers who spend over ¥5,000 (tax included) at Chairoikogumarché will receive a free tote bag. First-come, first-served.

*One per person, per transaction. Design chosen randomly.

*Available while supplies last.

©2021 SAN-X CO., LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Starting this month, Laforet Harajuku is readying itself for Spring 2021 with the rollout of items by high-end brands and shops, all with an audience in mind who simply love culture regardless of their age or gender. This spring will see the opening of Lois CRAYON, a brand that emphasises individuality and will be celebrating its 50th anniversary next year, as well as “circle in circle,” a new spot that will serve as a gathering place for a variety of clothing brands like l’atelier du savon, CHILD WOMAN, and more.

Laforest will also welcome LOVE PIECE CLUB to Tokyo for the first time, a shop which opened as Japan’s first centring on Femtech. It offers a variety of items to help support women’s health through technology.

AIR will offer a diverse wardrobe of unisex items from popular street brands such as REVENGE STORM, STARWALK, THEATER8, and more. CHOA ONNI is exhibiting South Korean culture like wearing K-pop idol clothes to take photos, and ovgo B.A.K.E.R is serving up vegan food and gluten-free cookies.

Public toilets will display photos by photography unit Toki to Yamikaya and Alexander Julian.


March 6 | New Store Opening
《Floor 1F》Lois CRAYON

4.23| New Store Opening
《Floor 3.5F》circle in circle

March 26 | New Store Opening
《Floor B0.5F》LOVE PIECE CLUB

February 11 | New Store Opening

《Floor 3F》『　　　　』AIR

February 25 | New Store Opening
《Floor B0.5F》ME’VE the store
　

March 12 | New Store Opening
《Floor B0.5F》

February 25 | New Store Opening
《Floor 5F》SpRay/Libby&Rose

February 25 | New Store Opening
《Floor B1F》CHOA ONNI

March 6 – April 4 | New Store Opening
《Floor 2F》ovgo B.A.K.E.R

《Floor B1F》Women’s & Men’s Gallery Toilets

 Toki with Alexander Julian

Alexander Julian
Yamikaya / FLOWER PUSHER

■Laforet Harajuku 2021 SS Promo Visual

Laforet Harajuku’s Spring/Summer 2021 promo visual was created by Japanese art director Uenishi Yuri. Following the Autumn/Winter 2020 theme, Uenishi has conceived a new concept: ‘CHARGE.’ This theme focuses on the roots of plants that spread underground, with the yellow colour used in the visual reminiscent of electricity or lightning flashes.

Fans of Rilakumma are in for a real treat as San-X, the company behind the internationally-beloved bear, opened the “Rilakkuma Tomonokai Official Fan Club” on Wednesday (February 10).

Plush Toy Set

Folder

Acryluc Key Ring

Signing up to the fan club means getting your hands on a range of merchandise from exclusive goods to new member items, a new wallpaper every month, access to the Rilakkuma Community, birthday mail, and more. Those who do sign up will receive a Rilakkuma plush toy and folder for free as thanks.

*Images are for illustrative purposes only. Size, colour, and design may vary from actual products.

©2021 SAN-X CO., LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Japananese ice cream chain ROLL ICE CREAM FACTORY is collaborating with the TV anime series Mr. Osomatsu at seven of its branches from February 10 to March 14. It will include a selection of ice creams, hot drinks, and merchandise based on the characters from the popular comedy series.

ROLL ICE CREAM FACTORY x Mr. Osomatsu Collab Visual

Ice Cream Menu

Drinks Menu

Novelty Coasters (7 Designs)

Merchandise line-up

Campaign for 5 people to win prize

Coupon to receive novelties earlier

So what exactly is ‘roll ice cream’? Just as the name suggests, liquid ice cream is poured onto a freezing cold plate which is then rolled with a spatula to create cylindrical shapes. As expected, roll ice cream continues to make its way onto Instagram for its cute visual impact and unique design. Roll ice cream began in Thailand before becoming a boom over in New York. It’s now popular worldwide having spread across Europe and the rest of Asia too. The first branch opened in Harajuku, Tokyo, back in 2017.

Fans of Mr. Osomatsu can look forward to a special selection of berry, vanilla, chocolate mint, and other tasty ice cream scoops based on the Matsuno siblings. Each cup also comes with a toothpick featuring an illustration of the character. There are also three hot takeout beverages perfect for the cold inwter season.

Customers can get their hands on a novelty coaster at participating branches for every item they order from the Mr. Osomatsu menu. There are seven designs which includes a secret, unknown design.

ROLL ICE CREAM FACTORY is also hosting a campaign on their official Twitter and Instagram accounts for 5 lucky fans to win a free poster. Details below.

NewType Shinjuku, a subculture cafe and bar in Tokyo, is collaborating with Modomu Akagawara’s manga series Love Me Pom Poko! from February 6 to 28. The cute and charming world of the series arrives not only on the food and drinks menu but in the form of merchandise and decorations too. As is the case with collaboration cafes in Japan, there’s some free novelties for customers to enjoy when they purchase something from the menu too.

The Menu

©Modomu Akagawara/Hakusensha

©Modomu Akagawara/Hakusensha

Merchandise Line-Up

©Modomu Akagawara/Hakusensha

Novelty Coasters

©Modomu Akagawara/Hakusensha

Love Me Pom Poko! is not that known in the West yet, but if you happen to be in Tokyo this month, be sure to stop on by to experience the art of the series yourself.

The hugely popular Taiwan Melon Pan bread, which sells 10,000 units a month in Osaka, Kichijoji, and Nishiogikita, is now being served at Harajuku Food Factory until February 20.

Taiwan Melon Pan | ¥380 (Before Tax)

Taiwan Cheese Melon Pan | ¥450 (Before Tax)

The Taiwan Melon Pan bread is a combination of sweetness, rich butter, and salt for an irresistible flavour experience.

With just a small bit of ingenuity, turn everyday food into something cute using Kaori’s Easy Recipe! With a few simple ideas, an ordinary recipe magically transforms into a cute dish.

Today, I’ll be showing you a simple recipe for Valentine’s Day made with ingredients bought entirely from the 100 yen store Seria. I call it the “Rilakkuma Hot Chocolate Stick.”

Ingredients

Square mould from Seria (makes six sticks)
1 bag of milk chocolates

1 bag of white chocolates

1 bag of dark chocolates

Toppings of your choice (I used caramel chocolate chips and walnuts)

1

Melt all the chocolates separately over a bain-marie.

2

Create layers with each chocolate type. Pick your first choice and pour into the mould and wait for it to set lightly before adding the next chocolate. For this recipe, I went ahead and added the chocolate a little before layers had finished setting to create a marbling effect.

✩I also added some strawberry chocolate I had left over from my Rilakkuma chocolates.

3

Once all your chocolate is in the mould, stick in some lollipops and add toppings of your choice making sure they don’t overflow. This will ensure they set together with the chocolate.

4

Allow to set overnight and your chocolate stick is ready.

5

I made Rilakkuma chocolates from scratch and added those to the sticks to finish.

Kaori invites you into her world of character-themed food dishes in her recipe series. Be sure to check out her Instagram where she has uploaded many pictures of her character dishes!

CHAVATY, a cafe in Harajuku that serves tea lattes made with high quality tea leaves, is getting ready for Valentine’s Day early with the release of some tasty new desserts which they began serving up on Thursday (January 14).

Valentine’s Set | ¥1,100 (Before Tax)

Valentine’s Scone Set (6 Included) | ¥2,480 (Tax Included)

Raspberry Chocolate | ¥970 (Tax Included)

The Valentine’s Set comes with a cute scone as well as fondant chocolate made with rich, high-grade chocolate from the French chocolate brand Cacao Barry. It also comes with a tea latte of your choice. There’s also a scone set which comes with two each of three different scones for a total of six including the Berry & Cocoa Pink Chocolate, Orange & Chocolate Chip Double Chocolate, and Dried Fruits & Nuts White Chocolate. CHAVATY has also made their own seasonal homemade spread: the Raspberry Chocolate.

BOTANIST’s flagship shop BOTANIST Tokyo is set to begin serving up its spring season menu for the new year at its second floor BOTANIST Cafe from January 8 to March 31.

Quinoa Teapot Salad & Potage (Vegan-Friendly) | ¥1,500 (Tax Included)

A sophisticated salad of quinoa, crunchy carrot and red onion, tomato, and more, all served in a cute teapot.

Salmon Salad & Waffles | ¥1,500 (Tax Included)

Naturally sweet vegan waffles with lime-drizzled vegetables and served with slightly salted salmon and cream cheese. Pour over the maple syrup to make the cream cheese even richer and enjoy a completely different flavour.

Cherry Blossom Jelly & Fromage Mousse (Vegan-Friendly) | ¥50 (Tax Included)

Refreshing cherry blossom flavoured jelly made with rich and velvety soy cream. The cherry blossom petal topping and sparkly appearance of the jelly makes this a luxurious looking dessert.

Cherry Blossom Chiffon Cake | ¥800 (Tax Included)

A fluffy cherry blossom chiffon cake dusted with cherry blossom powder. It’s a sweet and subtly salty mix topped with fresh cream.

Left: Three Berry Smoothie, Right: Strawberry & Raspberry Sweet Sake Smoothie (Vegan-Friendly) | ¥850 Each (Before Tax)

The Three Berry Smoothie incorporates the chunky texture of strawberries, sweetness of blueberries, and tangy taste of raspberries, creating a rich but not overly-sweet beverage. The Strawberry & Raspberry Sweet Sake Smoothie is one to go for if you love amazake.

Strawberry Decoration Hot Chocolate (Collaboration Drink) | ¥800 (Tax Included)

This luxurious strawberry hot chocolate is made in collaboration with Dari K, a craft chocolate maker who uses high quality cacao beans from Indonesia.

Select items on the spring menu are available for takeout as well as via Uber Eats in Japan, perfect for enjoy an indoor hanami this year.

BOTANIST Tokyo’s first floor shop will also release its spring series of products, such as the limited edition Botanical Spring Hair Perfume.

Japanese company Mizuno released a new series of Rilakkuma dumbbell balls, the “Ballretch Rilakkuma,” on its official online store and San-X’s online shop last week.

About Ballretch

The Ballretch is part of Mizuno’s series of at-home training equipment. First released in June 2019, the Ballretch is a ball weighted at 500g which can be used for easy weight training. The balls are all made from soft material so do not cause calluses often associated with weightlifting.

Ballretch Rilakkuma

Rilakkuma & Kiiroitori Set | ¥3,960

Chairoikoguma & Korilakkuma Set | ¥3,960

Pick between the Rilakkuma & Kiiroitori Set or Chairoikoguma & Korilakkuma Set for helping to encourage and cheer you on during training. They also double as cute room decorations.

If your New Year’s Resolution for 2021 is to exercise and train more, then why not let Rilakkuma and co help you along?

©2020 San-X Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

Following her Winter 2020 look for Shiseido Beauty Square, Japanese pop icon Kyary Pamyu Pamyu is serving something different with the unveiling of her look for Spring 2021.

The theme of this look is “2021: A Beauty Odyssey” with her hair, makeup, and outfit fusing together space and Harajuku-style beauty. It serves a romantic future full of hopes and dreams for the present.

The look was once again made in collaboration with top Shiseido hair and makeup artist Tadashi Harada.

If you’re in need of makeup ideas for the New Year, and are in Tokyo this winter, be sure to pay a visit to Shieido Beauty Square where you’re sure to discover a new you.

An exhibition for the popular stop-motion animation Netflix series Rilakkuma and Kaoru will run at SEIBU Ikebukuro in Tokyo from December 27, 2020 to January 5, 2021. Fans of the series can look forward to plunging themselves into its adorable world with recreated sets, statues, photo spots, limited-edition merchandise, and more.

Stop-motion sets and figures used in the animated series

The actual sets and set pieces used for the stop-motion animation will be exhibited at the event including Kaoru’s apartment, Rilakkuma who looks like he’s about to pop to life, and more.

Stop-motion animation behind-the-scenes

Catch a behind-the-scene glimpse of the efforts put into creating the series including early sketches, character reference, designs, and more.

Take a photo at Kaoru’s apartment

Fans of the series won’t want to miss out on a special photo spot recreating Kaoru’s apartment with Rilakkuma and co waiting to greet you inside.

Over 500 pieces of limited-edition merchandise

Special Replica Plush Toy Korilakkuma With Serial Number | ¥25,300 (300 available in Japan / 200 elsewhere)

Kaoru’s Album Post Card Set | ¥1,650

Plush Pouch | ¥2,200 Each

Fans can get their hands on a selection of exclusive limited-edition merchandise, including a replica Korilakkuma plush toy of which only 200 are available, each with its own unique serial number on the foot.

Bonus Items

Designs given randomly

For every ¥5,000 spent in one transaction (tax included), visitors can receive a free original bag. These are available to the first 200 people per day of the exhibition.

© 2020 San-X Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved.