IKEA Japan is set to open its first central Tokyo branch in Harajuku this week. Located inside WITH HARAJUKU, and just a 1-minute walk from Harajuku Station, the store will officially open its doors on June 8, 2020.

IKEA Harajuku’s features

Sales floors stocked with all your living needs

The sales floors are split into four different themes to cater to customers’ living needs: “Sleep” and “Organise” are on the first floor, while “Relax” and “Cook” can be found up on the second floor. IKEA Harajuku also caters to single person households and their lifestyles too, so takes into consideration limited spacing with its items.

Swedish Convenience Store

To support life in the busy city and create a convenient shopping experience, IKEA Harajuku will be home to the world’s first “Swedish Conbini,” or Swedish convenience store. Eco-friendly items can be bought speedily, including eco bags, ISTAD freezer bags made from plants, plant ramen, and so on—all at an affordable price.

IKEA Harajuku Exclusive Tunnbröd

The convenience store stand will also serve takeout food like cinnamon rolls, plant-based soft serve ice cream, sundaes, and more. There’s even the “Sweden Cafe” up on the second floor where they’ll sell Tunnbröd, a traditional Swedish-style flatbread topped with various ingredients. This will be exclusive to IKEA Harajuku. The cafe brings together Harajuku’s culture of crepes and foods to eat while walking with Swedish culture.

Due to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), and to limit people in the shop, a ticket system will be place. Employees will also be using masks, and staff will use face shields when serving customers. The shop will also be practicing social distancing and asking people to wear masks.

Sanrio is set to open the new SANRIO CAFE Ikebukuro in on floor B1F of Sunshine City in Ikebukuro, Tokyo on June 5, 2020.

Just a convenient 8-minutes on foot from Ikebukuro Station, SANRIO CAFE Ikebukuro will serve up a menu that captures the kawaii world of Sanrio’s roster of characters.

The cafe is divided into two areas: the main cafe space, and then the wagon corner for takeout. Enjoy dining surrounded by adorable Sanrio characters on the walls and ceiling, or take your character-inspired food and drink away with you.

The cafe is putting the health and safety of its customers and staff at the top of its list in response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and so will operate the cafe while taking all necessary safety measures.

If you’re in Tokyo, or the next time you’re in Tokyo, make sure you don’t pass up the chance to dine at SANRIO CAFE Ikebukuro.

animate cafe—a cafe chain which collaborates with popular anime series, games, and manga—is opening a new store called “DECOTTO by animate cafe” in Ikebukuro on June 24, 2020. For its first collaboration, it will collaborate with Hashigo Sakurabi’s popular yaoi manga Dakaretai Otoko 1-i ni Odosarete Imasu from June 24, 2020 to July 27, 2020.

CHOCOTTO DECOTTO Character Doughnuts (Tonyaka/Chunnya): ¥600 Each

animate cafe operates cafes both in Japan and overseas, and has seen countless collaborations with popular series. DECOTTO will open as a new brand of the company which will serve doughnuts inspired by anime, manga, and game characters.

DECOTTO GIFT Souvenir Doughnuts (Tonyaka/Chunnya): ¥400 Each

CHOCOTTO DECOTTO will be served as cute, decorative doughnuts based on characters. They are nothing short of Instagram-worthy.

Seasonal DECOTTO TEA: ¥600 Each (More flavours available)

Bonus Coasters (9 Designs) / Bonus Straw Markets (2 Designs) *Designs chosen randomly

DECOTTO will serve both regular doughnuts as well as seasonal flavours. When you order a doughnut or a drink, you’ll also receive a free coaster or straw marker.

Doughnut Squishies (2 Designs): ¥800 Each

Doughnut Shaped Towels (2 Designs): ¥1,000 Each

Get your hands on exclusive doughnut merchandise too.

Hashigo Sakurabi’s popular yaoi manga Dakaretai Otoko 1-i ni Odosarete Imasu has sold over 3.5 million copies. A 13-episode anime series aired in 2018.

©Hashigo Sakurabi/libre

Kagurazaka-based Japanese ‘clean’ beauty brand MAKANAI are set to open up a store in Kagurazaka, Tokyo on June 5, 2020.

The shop interior was designed by up-and-coming Japanese artists and is based around gold leaf.

The decor features gold leaf-incorporated wall and ceiling art, as well as fragments taken from Kutani ware that became damaged when it was being forged in Ishikawa Prefecture. MAKANAI is a place that prides itself on sustainability.

The main centre table, called the “Ritual Bar,” is made using the stump of a lime tree that is hundreds of years old. It is on this luxurious table that various beauty products are to be displayed. The interior designs, which makes use of wood grain, gives the shop a natural feel to it and feels nice to touch together with the products. It’s a simple yet relaxing and welcoming aesthetic that will have you staying in there for a long time without noticing.

The shop has a smart mirror which uses AI to diagnose your skin type, and there are also workshops too such as “Pure Beauty Rituals” where MAKANAI will teach you how to care for your skin. MAKANAI plans to introduce other exciting things too.

Grand Opening Commemoration Set w/ Tote Bag: ¥10,000 (Before Tax)

To commemorate the store’s opening, customers can purchase a set which comes with face lotion, moisturising oil, and face cream. Normally, all of this would cost ¥13,000 (before tax), but for the opening it will be offered at the special price of ¥10,000. It’s a great MAKANAI starter kit.

Experience MAKANAI’s brand concept of clean Japanese cosmetics for yourself at the official store when it opens on June 5.

MAXPLAN Co. is set to open MAXPLAN AZABU10 on October 22, 2020 which is set to become the new symbol and a landmark of Tokyo’s Azabu Juban District. The building will offer many unique and extraordinary experiences.

Nakamura Suzuko (CEO, MAXPLAN Co.) | Comment

“This project borrows the strength of internationally-active architect Kengo Kuma. I am overjoyed to have the opportunity to be a driving force together with him once again. This building, which is the ‘Azabu Juban Development Project,’ will be a place that creates and discovers new collective value between companies and individuals. A place of creative symbiosis. It aims to offer well being for companies that brings about a sense of cultural values. It will be a creative space for companies and individuals to resonate, bounce ideas off, and flow with one another. I pray from the bottom of my heart that these things will serve as a connection to how we want to live in the future.”

Kengo Kuma (Architect) | Comment

“Azabu Juban is Tokyo’s intersection between tradition and the future. I wanted to create a symbol for this district of ‘fluctuations’ around its crossroads. Combining panels of varying sizes with different heights, thicknesses, and textures expresses the district’s diversity and energy. I wanted the building to blend in as part of the ‘fluctuations,’ as well as create a small 3D city which itself has ‘fluctuations’ […]”

We look forward to seeing how this new landmark and symbol of Azabu Juban brings together the traditional and the futuristic.

Beauty Connection Ginza and its second floor fruit course cafe Fruits Salon have been closed since April 8, 2020 as a result of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. But that hasn’t stopped Fruits Corner wanting to deliver its tasty treats to customers as it reveals its new mango themed menu which is set to run for the whole month of June. It will be taking online orders.

Following the pear, citrus fruits, and strawberry line-ups, the new mango course is made up of four different vitamin-packed and refreshing accompaniments, all made with fresh mangoes from Miyazaki Prefecture.

Mango Full Course: ¥4,400 (Tax Included)

1st. plate “Terrine”

2nd. plate “Airy Tart”

Each of the four plates, packed full of rich and sweet mangoes, offers refreshing taste to give you that early summertime vibe.

3rd. plate “Parfait”

4th. plate “Dried Fruits/Mignardises/After-Meal Drink)

The third plate is a gorgeous, eye-catching parfait centred on mango gelato and made up of delicious ingredients that all come together harmoniously. Mix everything together to create new flavours. The full course is 90 minutes, and beckons you to use all five of your senses to enjoy it.

Since the launch of the manga back in 1970, Doraemon has brought smiles on people’s faces in the form of books, anime, live-action films, collaborations with artists, and more, for the past 50 years.

To celebrate the franchise’s 50th anniversary, TSUTAYA Ginza has opened an online fair on its website. TSUTAYA Ginza is a place where people of all ages and nationalities come from around the world, and the number one book the store can recommend as part of Japan’s culture continues to be the first volume of Doraemon. For the entirety of 2019—that’s January to December—the first volume of Doraemon was the number one best selling book at TSUTAYA Ginza.

Doraemon 50th Anniversary Fair

Doraemon Volume 1 (Tentoumushi Comics)

Doraemon has come to be a symbol of Japan and has been passed down generations, but there probably a lot of people who don’t know how the story started. To find out, pick up a copy of volume one at TSUTAYA Ginza.

Doraemon Volume 0 (Tentoumushi Comics)

As part of the anniversary celebrations, a special volume 0 has been published. This full-colour book features 6 versions of the first Doraemon story as well as comments  by the author and more.

Doraemon Mizuhiki Accessories (Pins, Earrings, Piercings)

Mizuhiki are decorative Japanese cords which are used for important ceremonial occasions such as weddings, births, and funerals. These special Doraemon mizuhiki have been turned into beautiful accessories featuring Doraemon and Dorami’s iconic blue and yellow colours respectively. They can be used for decorating clothes with and more.

This is just a peek at some of the celebratory merchandise on offer for the online fair. For the full list, check out the website below.

BOTANIST Tokyo, the flagship shop of BOTANIST in Omotesando, has announced a new collection of limited-edition drinks will be served on the second floor BOTANIST Cafe from July 12, 2020. BOTANIST Tokyo is currently closed but it scheduled to reopen on June 1.

There are three new refreshing drinks to choose from, all of which can be ordered for takeout. From apple mint to grapefruit, each beverage us the perfect accompaniment for cooling you down in Japan this summer.

REFRESH MENU

Refresh Soda: ¥600 (Tax Included)

A combination of grapefruit jelly and fizzy soda water make this one of those drinks that you go “Ahh!” afterwards on a hot summer’s day. There’s also a hint of sweet green apple.

Botanical Melon Soda: ¥800 (Tax Included)

This is a smoothie which blends together two types of melon soda and adds melon jelly and a dollop of ice cream. It’s like a dessert in a cup!

Banana & Avocado Refresh Smoothie: ¥720 (Tax Included)

Enjoy the sweetness of banana and sugar beet together with the smoothness texture of the avocado in this smoothie which has apple and mint mixed into it for that refreshing summertime kick.

The cafe’s regular menu has also been revised to add three new desserts.

REGULAR MENU

Vegan Waffles w/Drink: ¥800 (Tax Included)

These vegan waffles are healthier for the body if you’re looking for some guilt-free indulgence. It’s topped with soy whipped cream, maple syrup, and fruits of your choice.

Lemon Cheesecake w/Drink: ¥1,000 (Tax Included)

A crunchy cookie base, a creamy cheese top, and a lemon to top it all off. The combination of the salty flavour with the sour hit is a match made in heaven.

Homemade Rich Pudding: ¥500 (Tax Included)

An in-house made purin, which is a type of Japanese custard pudding. It’s a delightful mix of rich egg and subtly sweet soy whipped cream.

Customers who spend over ¥4,000 (tax included) on items in the Refresh Series will also be entered in for a chance to win a “Refresh Soda.” The soda is available while supplies last.

Shibuya 5G Entertainment Project launched its new digital platform “Virtual Shibuya” with an opening event on May 19. The event Virtual Shibuya helped promote release of Ghost in the Shell: SAC_2045 with talks and performances from SEKAI NO OWARI’s DJ LOVE, virtual YouTuber and member of Nijisanji Ange Katrina, Chinatsu Wakatsuki of Future Design Shibuya, and Naohiro Ukawa of S/U/P/E/R DOMMUNE—all of whom are fans of Ghost in the Shell.

Officially recognised by Shibuya City, Virtual Shibuya comes in response to the effects of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) which has brought tight restrictions to the economy and people’s way of life. It will enable people to continue enjoying entertainment from the comfort of their homes by participating in a whole host of virtual events and activities. The project aims to deliver content from Shibuya with live performances from artists, art exhibitions, talks, and more. The use of 5G and the latest cutting edge technology will connect the real Shibuya to a virtual space, combining the realms of the digital and real world.

The guests joined over 50,000 users for the first event which went down a storm. Chinatsu Wakatsuki said: “I was amazed how much it looked like Shibuya! I can’t go to Shibuya right now, so it felt like I got to visit home again after so long.”

Shibuya was fully recreated a virtual space for people to visit

Lots of Ghost in the Shell fans gathered in the city

Everybody in this virtual world jumped into their avatar skins, including the diverse range of guests who probably would never have come together had it not been for the Ghost in the Shell theme, as well as DJ LOVE, Katrina, Chinatsu Wakatsuki, and Naohiro Ukawa.

The real world and the world of Ghost in the Shell collide

The four performers, who were coming face to face with each other for the first time, talked to guests about what they love about Ghost in the Shell while strolling around Virtual Shibuya and having fun with fans on equal terms.

Comments from the performers

・Chinatsu Wakatsuki (Future Design Shibuya)
“I was amazed how much it looked like Shibuya! Shibuya is a place I hold near and dear to my heart. There were a lot of ‘firsts’ for me, like my first time using an avatar, and meeting new people for the first time, so I thought it was going to be difficult at first, but I found myself not nervous at all and had fun with everyone in there using this futuristic entertainment. Looking forward, au 5G will grow and the number of things we can do will as well. I hope to challenge myself as a tarento and a mum in many different things and have fun with this Virtual Shibuya!”

・“DJ LOVE” (SEKAI NO OWARI)
“It felt like I had dived right into the world of Ghost in the Shell, my favourite series. It was a wonderfully fun event which expanded on my dreams. I’m looking forward to seeing it evolve and I hope to perform live there at some point. I want to make stuff that people who haven’t been physically able to go to venues up to now can enjoy. I think it would be fun to communicate with people who participated.”

・Ange Katrina
“The streets of Shibuya I know were completely transformed into the world of Ghost in the Shell, and my favourite Tachikoma made an appearance too. For a Ghost in the Shell fan like myself it was a whale of a time! Right now we have to battle with staying indoors. Me having disappeared has caused a bit of trouble, but the thrill of this virtual event has lifted my nerves. I had a lot of fun.”

You can check out footage from the event in the video below which was posted on Shibuya 5G Entertainment Project’s official YouTube channel.

The world of Ghost in the ShellVirtual Shibuya in can be experienced until May 31, 2020, so sign up while you still can.

Shibuya 5G Entertainment Project is set to launch its new digital platform “Virtual Shibuya” on May 19, 2020. The platform is officially recognised by Shibuya City.

Virtual Shibuya comes in response to the effects of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) which has brought tight restrictions to the economy and people’s way of life. It will enable people to continue enjoying entertainment from the comfort of their homes by participating in a whole host of virtual events and activities.

The project aims to deliver content from Shibuya with live performances from artists, art exhibitions, talks, and more. The use of 5G and the latest cutting edge technology will connect the real Shibuya to a virtual space, combining the realms of the digital and real world.

1: Online Events

A variety of online events will be held inside the virtual event space. People tune into Virtual Shibuya while at home by connecting with their smartphones, PCs or VR devices. They will have their own avatar and be able to traverse the area together with other people who are connected while participating in different interactive online events. The events will also be streamed on video streaming services.

2: XR Art

Experience XR (cross reality) content which will connect both Virtual Shibuya to the real Shibuya. Those in either Shibuya will be able to experience the same content and entertainment.

The opening event for the grand opening of Virtual Shibuya will promote the release of Ghost in the Shell: SAC_2045 with talks and performances from SEKAI NO OWARI’s DJ LOVE, who is a fan of Ghost in the Shell, as well as virtual YouTuber and member of Nijisanji Ange Katrina, Chinatsu Wakatsuki of Future Design Shibuya, and Naohiro Ukawa of S/U/P/E/R DOMMUNE.

A new series of Rilakkuma hanko stamps was released by Hankos on April 21 featuring an adorable collection of stamp pattern designs of Rilakkuma and his friends.

Hanko stamps are often used in Japan in place of signatures where you have your name printed onto the stamp itself. These Rilakkuma hanko are made to order and you can have Japanese characters written onto them.

There are 20 different illustrations featuring the cute faces of Rilakkuma, Kiiroitori, Korilakkuma, and Chairoikoguma.

There are also three fonts to choose from the orthodox, easy to read style to a cuter style. You can use them in Japan for sending deliveries, at home, and more. There’s the classic type where you can dip into ink and stamp as well as two wooden types.

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

SAKEICE is an ice cream shop that offers a new kind of ice cream experience, combining Japanese sake and alcohol together with the frozen treat. The shop opened in Akusaka, Tokyo in March this year.

However, due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the store has had to close temporarily. SAKEICE wants to cheer people up during these turbulent times with their ice cream, and has therefore announced the launch of a crowdfunding campaign so they can set up a website where people can order ice cream in Japan and have it delivered to them.

I tried out their ice cream

Otokoyama / Nihonshu Ice

SAKEICE’s ice cream is laced with lots of Japanese alcohol. I tried the Otokoyama and the Nihonshu Ice, the latter of which is an original ice cream flavour exclusive to SAKEICE. They both contains around 4% alcohol. I were curious exactly how they would taste.

I started with the Nihonshu Ice. The moment the ice cream hits your tongue, your taste buds are met with its smooth texture, and your nose is filled with the full bodied flavour of nihonshu. The velvety texture on your tongue as it melts is to die for. The Otokoyama has a refreshing kick to it when compared to the Nihonshu Ice. It’s creamy, but the aftertaste is refreshing, so we recommend it for people who aren’t a fan of sweet treats. Both are sure to leave you feeling satisfied, and maybe a little flushed afterwards.

These ice creams contain alcohol, so keep that in mind when coming here with minors, kids, pregnant women, or if you’re driving.

They have non-alcoholic flavours too!

Matcha / Cherry Blossom

Of course, they have non-alcoholic options too. I tried out the matcha and cherry blossom flavours.

The matcha one has an irresistible bitterness layered inside the sweetness. You get that real rich matcha taste too. The cherry blossom ice cream is a cute light pink colour and has a subtle sweetness to it. If you don’t like alcohol then you’ll definitely want to try one of delights.