THE STRINGS Omotesando will be offering a new and limited ‘Violet Halloween Afternoon Tea’ at the ‘Cafe & Dining ZelkovA’ 1F between October 5 and October 31 2021.

 

 

 

The Halloween themed afternoon tea offers a selection of cute sweets, including black monster themed Maritozzo and purple taro Mont Blanc cream puffs topped with witch hats.

The cool Autumnal menu is made up of sweet and savory violet snacks, with purple potatoes, cassis, blueberries and more. You’ll find yourself able to taste the season, with the rich fig cheesecake and sweet chestnut scones.

 

Enjoy bottomless drinks with a selection of 16 herbal and flavored teas, coffees and lattes. You can even enjoy a cup of tea from TWG, a luxury brand from Singapore.

This adult-aimed afternoon tea is full of luxurious ingredients, such as parfait-like organic vegetables and salmon micuy, roasted Angus beef, and violet desserts. Spend your afternoon relaxing on the French and Italian crafted sofas while you take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city.

 

  

 

Why not spend an elegant Autumn afternoon enjoying a luxurious afternoon tea, watching out over the iconic zelkova-lined streets of Omotesando?

 

Between October 1 and 31 2021, Sumida Aquarium will be hosting the ‘HALLOWEEN in Sumida Aquarium’ event, where you can enjoy an exciting Halloween alongside the Jellyfish. 

 

A workshop will be held at the event, teaching guests all about the floaty, mysterious and ghost-like jellyfish.

 

The aquarium’s famous 50m ‘Kaleidoscope Tunnel,’ which is formed of 5,000 mirrors, will be transformed into a Halloween wonderland for the ‘Jellyfish and Halloween’ event. Eight aquariums are embedded into the walls, with colorful background panels which feature Halloween motifs such as witches and pumpkins. The jellyfish look just like festive ghosts!

 

Moon Jellyfish Aquarium in the Kaleidoscope Tunnel 

 

Each aquarium introduces seven mysterious facts about jellyfish – For example, did you know that jellyfish have no heart, and have tons of eyes?

The mysterious tunnel wall is covered in images of cute jellyfish that transform into ghosts and jack-o-lanterns, while Halloween themed music plays in the background.

 

A jellyfish comparison workshop

 

A jellyfish comparison workshop will also be held at the aquarium’s Aqua Academy. Young children can participate in the workshop which explains the visual differences between different types of jellyfish, while crafting a cute jellyfish mobile under staff supervision.

 

Spend this Halloween at the incredible Sumida Aquarium!

 

Fall is in the air, which means seasonal treats are back at Starbucks! The Sweet Potato Frappuccino will be available at participating Starbucks locations beginning September 22, which also happens to be the first day of autumn. 

 

The 4th annual Artful Autumn @ Starbucks promotion is back for 2021! This year’s concept is ‘Made by Earth,’ and the lineup of new products features fall ingredients that highlight the bounty of the planet. 

 

 

Tall Sweet Potato Frappuccino To-Go: ¥638 / In-store: ¥650

 

 

The new drink is filled with the flavor of baked sweet potato, honey, and molasses. Each beverage is made with roasted sweet potatoes that have been cut into pieces, keeping some of their unique texture. Sweet potato flakes sprinkled on top add a bit of crunch!

 

If you’re in Japan, be sure to grab one before they’re gone!

Have a Nice TOKYO! (HanT), a new tourist communication center promoting both local and nationwide events and attractions, celebrated its grand opening on September 14, 2021. 

 

This new facility aims to provide assistance and guidance to both domestic and international visitors, helping with matters relating to sightseeing, culture, food, and technology. It’s three main functions are tourism assistance, providing useful and necessary information, and selling goods from around the country. As the COVID-19 pandemic has brought a major blow against the country’s tourism industry, this new venture was opened in a conveniently-located space, well-suited for the important task of helping the local and nationwide economies when the country opens to travel once again. The nearby Marunouchi Happ. Stand & Gallery, a cafe, will act as a partner facility and will offer a special menu linked to the project. 

 

 

Tourism Advice & Guidance

Information Counter

The information counter provides helpful information for tourists regarding events, stores, and facilities in the area. In the future, a variety of tours will be available to choose from, highlighting the attractions of the region, as well as providing ticket sales, luggage storage, and sightseeing vehicles such as buses and rentable bikes. 

 

Travel Information & Assistance

POP UP ZONE

In the POP UP ZONE, visitors can experience all sorts of unique things from around Japan using the five senses! See, hear, and taste different areas of the country using crafts, food, and technology, and get personalized recommendations regarding where to explore next!

 

 

Sale of Goods

SHOP ZONE

See, smell, or taste something you liked in the POP UP ZONE? The SHOP ZONE will offer tons of different specialty products from all around Japan!

 

Be sure to stop by the next time you’re in Tokyo!

 

American music-themed restaurant Hard Rock Cafe has locations across Japan, and the Ueno location is now selling some very cute black-and-white goods. At the nearby Ueno Zoo, the oldest in Japan, two giant pandas were recently born, and that’s cause for celebration! Limited quantities of these goods will be on sale at the physical location and online starting September 18, 2021!

 

 

Twin Pandas Pin #1

 

Twin Pandas Pin #2 (Only available at Online Shop.) 

 

These two original pins depicting the two newly-born pandas with the Hard Rock’s signature guitar are available in gold (online only) and silver. 

 

Panda T-shirt

 

Grab one of these before they sell out–they’re going quick! This cute original design will look perfect as you walk through the zoo gates, ready to show your love for pandas and rock music. 

 

Guests presenting an Ueno Zoo ticket stub or annual pass at the Ueno Hard Rock Cafe location will receive 10% off. (Full details available on the Hard Rock Cafe website.)

Congrats to the happy family!

 

A new collaborative exhibition is coming to WHAT CAFE in Tokyo! The WHAT CAFE x DELTA EXHIBITION -EXPANSION- will run from September 25 until October 24, and will give guests some incredible pieces to ponder while sipping some warm coffee. 

 

WHAT CAFE is an art and culture facility opened with the goal of supporting artists with promising futures in the industry. Guests can wander the gallery while enjoying a meal or beverage, with some art being available for purchase.

Flash FINCH – Ji-hae Park

Combination-cut in 2 – Saki Matsumura

Galloping on a Free-floating Planet – Yui Suzuki

real screen – Takuro Sugiyama

 

 

This exhibition was inspired by WHAT CAFE’s interest in the activities of DELTA, an art project that helps plan and organize art fairs and exhibitions around Japan. It’s mission is to create a new place connecting galleries, artists, and collectors, while also breaking the norm and making a space that is more accessible. The WHAT CAFE x DELTA EXHIBITION -EXPANSION- will feature 60 works by 17 cutting-edge artists carefully selected from seven different galleries based in Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. The showing will ask visitors to expand their minds and become more flexible when pondering the meaning behind each of the pieces on display.

 

Does this art-gallery-meets-cafe sound like your kind of place? 

 

Museum-Hotel Gajoen Tokyo will be opening pre-orders for their Patisserie ‘Shiori Kyou 1928’ 2021 Christmas cake selection between October 1 and December 17.

The theme for this year’s Christmas cakes is “Art Temptation,” with seven unique, artistic cakes to choose from. The hotel is full of Japanese beauty and artistry, while the cake line-up features gorgeous cultural motifs and traditional crafts. 

 

Tamatebako *Limited to 10 cakes

First Layer

 

Second Layer

 

A shortcake with strawberries from Kayama Farm.

 

 

Pralines & Pistachio

 

Cassis & Fig

 

Coffee & Tonka

 

Fromage & Cru

 

Stollen

 

 

This year’s lineup, of course, features the standard seasonal products; First is the Tamate Box, a two-tiered box made of chocolate, filled with cakes, gateaux, pound cake, and more. The Kayama Farm Strawberry Shortcake is their most popular product and is covered in high quality brand strawberries. The Stollen, with its spicy accents, is perfect for adults.

Alongside them is a selection of four new products; The Praline & Pistachio cake, which is covered in poinsettia and pine-shaped chocolate, and the Cassis & Fig is formed of four delicate, paper-cutting inspired layers. The Coffee & Tonka has a mature, bitter flavor and is topped with a Christmas tree, while the Fromage & Cru is made of a refreshing combination of cheese and apples.

 

Enjoy a precious moment that can be enjoyed by both adults and children with these beautiful and artistic cakes!

BANDAI NAMCO Amusement is hosting a character pop-up store for anime ‘Kuroko’s Basketball,’ featuring new illustrations of the characters dressed in trad style. The shop will be open from September 16 2021 at the Atre Akihabara Store, stocking original goods using the new artwork.

 

Kuroko’s Basketball Acrylic Stand trad style ver. (7 types): ¥1,980 each (Tax Incl.)

Kuroko’s Basketball Can Badge trad style ver. (7 types): ¥540 each (Tax Incl.)

 

Kuroko’s Basketball A4 Acrylic File trad style ver.: ¥550 (Tax Incl.)

 

Kuroko’s Basketball Cloth Poster trad style ver.: ¥1,800 (Tax Incl.)

 

Kuroko’s Basketball Spoon trad style ver. (7 types): ¥1,200 each (Tax Incl.)

 

Kuroko’s Basketball Fork trad style ver. (7 types): ¥1,200 each (Tax Incl.)

 

Kuroko’s Basketball Acrylic Board trad style ver. (7 types): ¥530 per lottery ticket, A Prize

 

Kuroko’s Basketball Jacket Style Acrylic Keychain trad style ver. (7 types): ¥530 per lottery ticket, B Prize

Kuroko’s Basketball Can Badge trad style ver. (7 types): ¥530 per lottery ticket, C Prize

 

Kuroko’s Basketball Die-cut Illustration Sheet trad style ver. (7 types): ¥530 per lottery ticket, D Prize (random)

 

 

 

Be sure to check out this limited shop to immerse yourself in the world of Kuroko’s Basketball!

 

 

 

©Fujimaki Tadatoshi / Shueisha, Kuroko’s Basketball Production Committee 

Hotel New Otani Tokyo has collaborated with PAUL & JOE for the second time to offer a new accomodation plan, which will be available for one-night stays between December 1 2021 and January 4 2022.  The rooms will not be available between December 31 and January 2.

 

This collaboration room will allow you to surround yourself in the world of PAUL & JOE, a Parisian brand PAUL & JOE that is extremely popular with young women in their 20s and 30s. The initial collaboration was so popular that within just 10 days, all of the available dates within three months were sold out. This Christmas edition will only be available for one month, so be sure to book while you can.

 

The pink and ivory room features the brand’s icon; Designer Sophie’s beloved cats, Nunet and Gypsy. The decorations also feature Crisantemo flower motifs.

Not only is the wallpaper covered in PAUL & JOE motifs, but even the smaller pieces such as cushions, curling irons, and brushes are themed too. In addition, to celebrate the festive season, the room will include a special Christmas tree, allowing you to enjoy a special Christmas with somebody special, sharing a view of Tokyo Tower.

 

 

The second round of cosmetics is focused on the 2021 CHRISTMAS COLLECTION. The ‘Lipstick Treatment’ features adorable cats wearing Santa hats, while the ‘Lipstick Limited’ comes in a luxurious Christmas red – and also features cats in hats! Plus, the new ‘Wrapping Hand Cream’ will wrap your hands in a fresh moisturising texture. In addition, the best-selling ‘Moisturizing Foundation Primer,’ which was renewed on September 1, and the P&J skincare selection (oil, lotion, cleansing), each must-haves for the upcoming dry season, have been miniaturized into take-home samples in a limited edition pouch, especially for hotel customers.

 

 

 

Alongside the limited cosmetic samples, there will be matching pajamas and slippers available for purchase and take home, with a that will take you even deeper into the PAUL & JOE world. While these cat-and-floral print PJs are perfect for a girls-only gathering, a men’s line has also been released due to popular demand, ideal for spending a romantic Christmas in matching pajamas.

 

 

Why not spend a wonderful Christmas in this PAUL & JOE room?

The Hot Toys flagship store, TOY SAPIENS Tokyo, will begin hosting a free Back to the Future event titled RETRO SAPIENS starting September 18, and running until October 31, 2021. 

 

Along with the opening of this exciting event, the TOY SAPIENS Tokyo store is also unveiling its new location. The much larger shop is now an easy walk from Shibuya Station and Harajuku Station!

 

After the event at the Tokyo location concludes, the event will travel to three more TOY SAPIENS stores nationwide, to allow more fans to see these legendary props in person. RETRO SAPIENS will open in Osaka in November 2021, and in Nagoya in February 2022. 

 

One-of-a-kind props, clothing items, and set pieces from the Back to the Future film will be on display for the first time ever in Japan during this event. If you’re a fan, be sure to come and enjoy–admission is free! A number of Back to the Future related merchandise will also be on sale, including figures, apparel, and items only available at the RETRO SAPIENS event. These limited-edition products will also be available online at the TOY SAPIENS Official Online Store starting September 21. 

 

A special Cosbaby Keychain will also be handed out to guests who clear certain conditions while enjoying the event. Those who purchase Back to the Future merchandise will receive a RETRO SAPIENS-themed shopping bag on a first-come, first-served basis. 

 

The Nihonbashi ART AQUARIUM will be closed on September 26 2021 to make way for new exhibits and works. The museum is scheduled to be relocated in the first half of 2022.

 

The ART AQUARIUM Museum opened in Nihonbashi, Tokyo on August 28 202 with the concept of “a museum where life dwells.” This will be the largest renewal in the history of the museum Museum, opened by writer and general producer Hidetomo Kimura, with the addition of more exhibits and new and improved interactive areas.

 

The Nihonbashi Art AQUARIUM Museum opened alongside the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympic, with the expectations that visitors would come from both within Japan and overseas, thanks to the exhibitions which easily explain and represent Japan’s proud traditional culture and performing arts, but due to Covid restrictions, foreign tourists are still unable to enter the country. Despite this, the Museum saw many customers and with the closing of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the museum will be closed in preparation to relocate to the new ART AQUARIUM. If you want to see the Nihonbashi location for yourself then this is your last chance!

 

In addition, the “ART AQUARIUM” digital tour is being held from September 12, allowing you to appreciate the Museum in a digital format until the reopening.

Make sure to check out the Nihonbashi ART AQUARIUM while you have the chance!

 

Last year’s Shibuya PARCO Art Week was met with incredible fanfare, and the 2021 event is now set to begin on September 17! This year, acclaimed French artist Jean Jullien is in charge of the main visual for the showing.

 

The exhibition will be held at NANZUKA 2G, located on the 2nd floor of Shibuya PARCO, as well as within the PARCO MUSEUM TOKYO on the 4th floor.

 

 

Shibuya PARCO Art Week 2021 Features

 

Martin Margiela: In His Own Words

© 2019 Reiner Holzemer Film – RTBF – Aminata Productions

 

 

#HotelKawashima

 

 

Kensaku Kakimoto Exhibition ‘Devoting Time’ Collaboration with Luke Bubb, Piotr Stopniak

 

mono100 x Natsuki Kurachi POP UP

 

 

Nori Okawa Solo Exhibition ‘Good Boy, More Drunk’

 

 

Hikaru Ichijo Exhibition ‘CHIDORI ASHI,’ with a motif of ‘people who are carried away by alcohol’

 

 

Mariko Enomoto Solo Exhibition ‘Moments,’ depicting the fluctuations of daily life

 

 

Emi Ozaku Solo Exhibition ‘Good something for you’

 

 

Exhibition of Tetsuji Aoyama’s works, ‘21XX A Future Odyssey ~Someday in a Hundred Years~

 

 

Exclusive collaboration products by VOILLD x FACE on sale

 

 

Shun Komiyama Photo Exhibition ‘The Wind Responds,’ by MIDORI.so Gallery

 

 

A group exhibition ‘’ DONOKO? ‘’ Portrait series Curated by TOKYO URBAN ART

 

 

“Welcome back to your “Home Position” – Selecting art for the interior based on ‘likes’

At ‘WHITE CINE QUINTO’ on the 8th floor of Shibuya PARCO, visitors can see a powerful documentary film about Martin Margiela, Martin Margiela: In His Own Words. Also on the 8th floor, a hands-on exhibition titled #HotelKawashima will feature Akira Kawashima of the comedy duo Kirin becoming the manager of a hotel. The comedian’s voice will also be used for the in-house announcements throughout Shibuya PARCO.

 

An ART PASSPORT, distributed by the gallery and other stores throughout the complex, contains plenty of information about the events throughout the museum, as well as exclusive special offers. Be sure not to miss the interview with Jean Jullien!

 

 

 

 

Jean Jullien Exhibition「PAPER PEOPLE」/「POCKET PARENTS」

©Jean Jullien Courtesy of NANZUKA

©Jean Jullien Photo by Shigeru Tanaka Courtesy of NANZUKA

©Jean Jullien Photo by Shigeru Tanaka Courtesy of NANZUKA

 

 

Jean Jullien’s solo exhibition “PAPER PEOPLE,” curated by NANZUKA, will be held at the PARCO MUSEUM TOKYO on the 4th floor, and will depict the creative process of the artist through the medium of paper. Jullien, who has a deep knowledge and love of Japanese manga culture, is sure to bring some charm and comedy to the showing, as is typical of his style. The artist, from Brittany in France, has always been inspired by Japan, and also by the natural beauty of his homeland. Each of the nearly 50 works in the exhibition were created during the Coronavirus pandemic, and 25 special screen prints will be on sale via lottery, both at the event and online.

 

In the “POCKET PARENTS” exhibition at NANZUKA 2G on the 2nd floor of the complex, Jullien’s upbringing and experiences as a parent are expressed in a hilarious story about aging and responsibility. Compared to “PAPER PEOPLE,” this offers a different perspective from the artist, which visitors can learn more about in his interview.