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.

Lagunasia, a theme park managed by Laguna Ten Bosch, has announced an event in collaboration with the TV anime series Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba which will run from March 6 to June 5.

©Koyoharu Gotouge / Shueisha・Aniplex・ufotable

©Koyoharu Gotouge / Shueisha・Aniplex・ufotable

The event will feature an immersive attraction called “Trial of Recollection: Tanjiro’s Journey” as well as a rally event to hunt down all the stickers around the theme park, a Demon Slayer themed menu line-up, exclusive merchandise, and more.

Further details will be announced in the coming months.

An event centred on the TV anime series Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is now taking place in Kyoto at Toei Kyoto Studio Park, Kyoto Railway Museum, and Shijō-Ōmiya Station and Arashiyama Station on the The Keifuku Randen Tram Line until March 14, 2021. Fans of the series can participate in a ‘keyword rally’ where they’ll be walking around Kyoto trying to locate specific words to win prizes, enjoy unique Demon Slayer exhibits at each of the venues, gets their hands on original merch, tuck into themed food, and more.

Pins (17 Designs) | ¥440 Each (*Design chosen is random)

Long Chocolate Baumkuchen | ¥1,080

Merch includes pins of the anime series’s main characters, a special baumkuchen cake based on the Infinity Train from the Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Mugen Train film, and more. Online orders are also available in Japan at Chugaionline.

Fans still hyped over Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Mugen Train, which broke records in Japan to become the highest-grossing film of all time in the country, can expect to stock up even more of their favourites for their collection at the event.

©吾峠呼世晴／集英社・アニプレックス・ufotable

The city of Sado in Japan’s Niigata Prefecture is with the Nintendo Switch™ title Animal Crossing: New Horizons by making Sado Island an accessible location in-game from December 10, 2020. It is unconfirmed whether this is a Japan-only release.

The collaboration comes in response to the decrease in the number of people able to travel as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, players will be able to freely visit tourist spots and areas around Sado Island remotely and virtually in Animal Crossing: New Horizons.

There are 6 areas that players can visit, including the Paddy Field Art Area which has a design based on the Japanese Crested Ibis—a species listed by Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems as endangered—the Sado Kinzan area which is based on the real-life gold mine and World Heritage Site of the same name, the Sado Museum Area, Onogame Area, Lake Kamo Area, and Shukunegi Area. There’s plenty of virtual sightseeing to be done, and players can’t forget to take a photo next to the tarai-bune boats which are a popular part of Sado’s tourism.

Sado Island Original Custom Design

Sado Island have even made their own Custom Design cosmetics including the “I♡SADO” T-shirt, a Crested Ibis hat, and more.

Download Code: MA-5962-3753-4973

Museum Artwork by Local Artists

The virtual Sado Island is home to a hub where real artists of the real Sado Island can display their own custom artwork, allowing for people to come together with a sense of community and support for local artists. More artwork is set to roll out over the coming weeks, and players living in Sado will be able to display their own work in the future too.

Shueisha announced last month that JUMP magazine’s annual festival JUMP Festa is heading online for ‘Jump Festa 2021 ONLINE’ which will run from December 19, 2020 to December 20, 2020. The application needed to access the festival was finally made available on Wednesday (December 9), as was the timetable.

Concept Movie

Jump Festa 2021 ONLINE App

The festival can be attended either by download the Jump Festa 2021 ONLINE app (ジャンプフェスタ2021 ONLINE) or by going on the event’s official website. However, certain content is restricted on the website. The festival takes place on Jump Festa Island, a virtual space where visitors can access content related to Jump-related media from the free-to-access library to the theatre, an online shop, and more. There’s also a zoo area, photo spots, and mini games. If visitors use the ‘attend with a friend’ function or chat function, they can also take a special commemorative photo as well as watch the stage performances.

22 Original Art Pieces

Jump Festa is a celebration of five manga magazine publications by Shueisha: Weekly Shonen Jump, Shonen Jump+, V Jump, Jump SQ., and Saikyo Jump. Each of the five publications have had 22 of their own original characters drawn with original artwork for this online event which people can use as their avatar to roam around Jump Festa Island.

2-Day Stage Events

42 stage performances will take place on December 19 and 20. Content will include live streams from special guests at Makuhari Messe, videos, and more. There are three virtual stages to watch: the Jump Super Stage, Jump Studio, and Jump Amusement Tower.

Jump Super Stage

The Jump Super Stage is centred on anime and media adaptations of Jump manga. Performances will be streamed like from Makuhari Messe.

December 19, 2020

10:00-10:30 / Dr.STONE
11:30-12:00 / World Trigger
13:00-13:30 / Jujutsu Kaisen
14:30-15:00 / Boruto: Naruto Next Generations
16:20-16:50 / My Hero Academia

December 20, 2020

10:00-10:30 / World’s End Harem
11:30-12:00 / Black Clover
13:00-13:30 / The New Prince of Tennis
14:30-15:00 / Dragon Quest: The Adventure of Dai
16:10-16:50 / One Piece

Jump Amusement Tower

This stage is centred on V Jump and Saikyo Jump. It will give the latest information on Jump games live from Makuhari Messe.

December 19, 2020

9:30~ / Jump Festa 2021 ONLINE Introduction Stage – Presented by V Jump Play
11:00~ / One Piece Bounty Rush Jump Festa 2021 Battle Stage ONE PIECE
12:20~ / Naruto & Boruto Game New Information
14:00~ / Yu-Gi-Oh! New Information JF 2021 Stage
15:50~ / JUMP FORCE Special Stage

December 20, 2020

9:30~ / Jump Festa 2021 ONLINE Introduction Stage – Presented by V Jump Play
11:00~ / Dragon Ball App Stage
12:30~ / Dragon Quest: The Adventure of Dai Cross Blade Special Stage
14:00~ / Yu-Gi-Oh! New Information JF 2021 Stage
15:00~ / Super Dragon Ball Heroes Ultimate Stage

Jump Stage

This stage is centred on Weekly Shonen Jump, Shonen Jump+, and ,Jump SQ. It will feature video footage.

December 19, 2020

9:10~ / Digital DJ Special Program
9:45~ / Kemono Jihen
10:30~ / Hell’s Paradise: Jigokuraku
11:05~ / Haikyu!!
12:00~ / Super HxEros
12:35~ / Bōkyaku Battery
13:30~ / Blue Exorcist
14:05~ / Chainsaw Man
14:40~ / “Platinum End” Special
15:05~ / Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
15:50 / Gintama

December 20, 2020

9:10~ / Weekly Shonen Jump New Hero Stage
9:45~ / Hetalia World☆Stars
10:30~ / Rurouni Kenshin: The Hokkaido Arc
11:10~ / Moriarty the Patriot
12:00~ / 2.5D no Yuuwaku
12:35~ / Blood Blockade Battlefront Back 2 back
13:10~ /  SPY x FAMILY
13:45~ / Showa Otome Otogibanashi
14:30~ / 2nd Nationwide One Piece Knowledge King Battle Final Stage
15:05~ /  BLEACH/BURN THE WITCH
15:50~ / The Promised Neverland

JF Coins From 24 Jump Series

On Jump Festa Island, visitors can collect JF Coins from 24 different Jump series from across the five magazines which they can spend on mini games to earn limited-edition items, enjoy the Capsule Character Tower, and more. Some spots also give Rare Coins.

There and three original mini games to play. Gain a high score and earn one of twelve stamps.

Jump Photo Spots From 24 Series

Take a photo at one of the many photo spots that recreate famous scenes from 24 different Jump series. Have your character avatar look like they’re part of the scene.

TikTok x Jump Festa Special Collaboration

This year, Jump Festa is collaborating with TikTok with its own official account as well as original video effects. There will also be a special TikTok LIVE stream in collaboration with the festival before the start date on December 18 at 19:00 (JST).

© SHUEISHA Inc. All rights reserved.

The city of Sado in Japan’s Niigata Prefecture is collaborating with the Nintendo Switch™ title Animal Crossing: New Horizons by making Sado Island an accessible location in-game from December 10, 2020. It is unconfirmed whether this is a Japan-only release.

The collaboration comes in response to the decrease in the number of people able to travel as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, players will be able to freely visit tourist spots and areas around Sado Island remotely and virtually in Animal Crossing: New Horizons.

Players can visit various areas like rice and paddy fields based on the Japanese Crested Ibis, a species listed by Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems as endangered, a gold mine, woodland areas, and much more.

There will also be a Sado Island hub facility with related exhibits that players can visit. Now players can travel to Sado Island in Japan this Christmas and New Year from the comfort of their own homes.

The splendid Yuushien Garden in Matsue, Shimane, is now hosting a dazzling winter illumination event titled Kogane no Shima Zipang 2020 (Golden Island Zipang 2020) until January 11, 2021.

Golden Island Zipang 2020

Yuushien Garden is located on the eastern side of Matsue on Daikon Island, a volcanic island in Nakaumi. The garden has been called the most beautiful Japanese-style garden in all of Japan, which makes it the perfect setting for the illumination event. 50 projectors at the garden are using projection mapping to create a flurry of flashy illuminations.

It’s a full pixel illumination display coupled with music that’s sure to dazzle all who visit. this winter.

Shiraito Highland Way has announced that this year’s Karuizawa Shiraito Falls Midwinter Light Up will run from December 19, 2020 to February 14, 2021.

The illumination event will take place at Karuizawa Shiraito Falls, a 3-meter tall waterfall that spans 70-meters in length. The lights will add a warmth to the cool evening and glow under a starry night sky.

The event creates a different atmosphere from the summer light-up, allowing visitors to enjoy the enveloping nature in a way that they normally can’t and see beauty they may not have noticed in the area before. The waterfall is located in Jōshin’etsu-kōgen National Park, a protected area which means the lights will be set up in a way that’s considerate to the park.

If you’re in Japan this winter then don’t miss out on this year’s Karuizawa Shiraito Falls Midwinter Light Up which will be split into three sessions: the Christmas Session, New Year Session, and St. Valentine Session. More details below.

Isetan Shinjuku has announced a special event dedicated to promoting the beautiful taste of Tokyo. Set to begin on December 2, the event will see both traditional and newer restaurants from Kyoto come together to serve up Kyoto-style cuisine to the people of Tokyo from oldies like sushi to dango to more modern dishes like okonomiyaki and katsu sandwiches. Visitors will also be able to watch real chefs from Kyoto at work.

Hi-Lite Shokudo’s “Hi-Lite Katsu Sandwich” | ¥850

Since first opening in 1960, Hi-Lite Shokudo has continued to treasure the taste of home cooking and has continued to evolve that taste over the years to cater to each generation. Its famous katsu sandwich is made with a secret sauce that has kept it unbeaten against other popular eateries in Kyoto, and they’ve upped the taste for this event.

Kotoka’s “Mitarashi-dango” | ¥864 (6 Sticks) 

These dango are made fresh in front of customers and are doused in a rich secret sauce. Their chewy texture is irresistible.

Izuu’s Mackerel and Tilefish Assortment | ¥4,455 (3 of each per person)

Izuu is an iconic sushi restaurant in Kyoto that was first established in 1781. This assortment is made with chub mackerel from coastal waters, esumai rice from Shiga Prefecture, and kombu from Hokkaido.。

Yumeya’s Fuwafuwa Okonomiyaki | ¥801 (1 portion)

Many people living outside of Kyoto search for the okonomiyaki flavour served by Yumeya. It’s made fresh, fluffy, and is topped with lots of ingredients.

Daitokuji Saiki-ya’s “Dashimaki Tamago” | ¥648 (1 portion)

Daitokuji Saiki-ya is a specialty store in Kyoto catered food in business for 1933 years. It serves Kyoto-style dashimaki tamago as well as lots of other delicious food that captures the taste of Kyoto.

Christmas has sleighed into Roppongi Hills again this year, beginning with the Keyakizaka-dori Illuminations on November 13. The Christmas Market is also set to return to Oyane Plaza on November 28.

2020 marks the 14th run of the Roppongi Hills Christmas market which is inspired by the the famous Stuttgart Christmas Market in Germany. Visitors can sift through around 1,500 miscellaneous Christmas goods, enjoy German mulled wine and sausages, and more.

At the West Walk, visitors will also find an enormous 6.5m tall Christmas tree to complement the warm, cosy, festive atmosphere of the holiday season event.

Shueisha has announced that JUMP magazine’s annual festival JUMP Festa is heading online for ‘JUMP Festa 2021 ONLINE’ which will run from December 19, 2020 to December 20, 2020.

JUMP Festa is a celebration of five manga publications by Shueisha: Weekly Shonen Jump, Shonen Jump+, V Jump, Jump SQ., and Saikyo Jump. This year marks its 22nd run, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event is unable to be held in real life and so will be held online for the first time. To enter, you can download the JUMP Festa app or head on over to the event’s official website.

JUMP Festa Island – A Virtual Venue

JUMP Festa Island is where JUMP Festa 2021 ONLINE will take place, a virtual space where visitors can access content related to JUMP-related media from the free-to-access library to the theatre, an online shop, and more. There’s also a zoo area, photo spots, and mini games.

Original characters created for JUMP Festa Island

Each of the five magazine publications have had their own original characters drawn for this online event. More details will be revealed about these characters in the coming weeks, but they can run around, pose, and more.

© SHUEISHA Inc. All rights reserved.