The popular character Rilakkuma was recently appointed as the tourism ambassador for Chiyoda City in Tokyo. To commemorate this lofty position, Tokyo Daijingu Shrine will begin offering Ema decorated with Rilakkuma starting December 1, 2021. Ema are small wooden plaques found at shrines, and visitors can write their wishes or prayers on them before hanging them up for the Gods to receive them. 

Tokyo Daijingu was built in the early Meiji period so that residents of Tokyo could worship the many deities enshrined at the Grand Shrine of Ise from afar. Originally built in Hibiya, the shrine was moved to Iidabashi in 1928 after the Kanto Earthquake. 

Rilakkuma became the tourism ambassador for Chiyoda in August and aims to convey the many charms of the area to as many people as possible. These Ema feature an original Rilakkuma design along with the crest of Tokyo Daijingu.

Tokyo’s favorite Christmas event has begun! Roppongi Hills is a popular destination for shopping, eating, and having a good time, and the Roppongi Hills Christmas 2021 celebration brings the complex to life with plenty of holiday spirit. The Keyakizaka Lights signal the beginning of the Christmas season in the area, and this winter tradition is not to be missed! 

Keyakizaka Lights

The 400-meter-long Keyakizaka street is covered in over 700,000 blue and white LED lights, and the scene has become a popular representation of what Christmas looks like in Tokyo. This year’s West Walk shopping arcade will also feature the special Bon-Bon Blossom installation, a Christmas tree made to look like bonbon chocolates.

Does this look like your ideal Christmas scene?

Sebastian Masuda, the Godfather of Kawaii, is bringing his ‘Yes, Kawaii is Art’ exhibition to Tokyo. If that isn’t cool enough, the event will be held from December 4 until December 12, 2021, at the 1,300-year-old Kanda Myojin Shrine, known as one of the most important shrines during the Edo period. 

Kanda Myojin, the Tokyo Venue

Work at ‘Yes, Kawaii is Art’ Venue in Osaka

Related Event, 6%DOKIDOKI Fashion Show

Originally scheduled to arrive in Tokyo in September, the exhibition was postponed due to the state of the COVID-19 pandemic. Kanda Myojin is known as the site of the Kanda Festival, one of the three major Shinto festivals in Tokyo started by Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1600. The shrine is very close to Akihabara, and has become a place for technophiles to pray for their electronics!

Sebastian Masuda is known as the Godfather of Kawaii, and his colorful and crazy art is known around the world. In 2020, Masuda asked a number of questions to fans of Japanese pop culture around the world–what is Kawaii? Why does Kawaii cross borders, generations, and gender? This new exhibition tries to find an answer to those questions while bringing some joy and excitement to the local community. 

Osaka’s City of Art Kitakagaya has hosted Masuda’s exhibition since October 30, with his works spread out across three different venues. These will be open until November 30, 2021. 

Additionally, on November 13, a street fashion show by Masuda’s popular Harajuku fashion brand 6%DOKIDOKI will be held at the third venue. The brand turns 26 this year. 

Anime series Code Geass is celebrating its 15th anniversary in 2021. To celebrate, a winter-themed Code Geass Cafe will open in Shinjuku for a limited time, from December 2, 2021, until January 23, 2022. The cafe will feature a lineup of luxurious and stylish food and drink items to celebrate Lelouch’s birthday. 

Bonuses

Menu

Food

[Lelouch] Chicken Steak

[Suzaku] Demi-glace Steak

Cream Pasta with Shrimp and Mushrooms

Dessert

Happy Birthday Plate

Student Council’s Afternoon Tea Set

[Nunnally] Black Tea Whipped Cream Millefeuille

Christmas Glass Parfait

New Year Glass Parfait

Drink

Lelouch, Suzaku, Nunnally

Student Council’s Tea Party (Black Tea, Coffee)

Original Goods

Pin (9 varieties, random)

Acrylic Keychain (9 varieties, random) 

Acrylic Stand (9 varieties, random) 

Clear Folder Set (2 included) 

Acrylic Stand (Lelouch, Suzaku, Nunnally) 

Acrylic Board

Muddler Spoon Set

Satin Pouch

Code Geass debuted in October 2006, and the series was recently re-aired in Japan with a new opening and ending theme. A new series, Code Geass: Z of the Recapture, is coming in the future. 

Lelouch’s birthday is on December 5, so there will be plenty of treats to celebrate. Be sure to come give your well wishes!

©SUNRISE／PROJECT L-GEASS　Character Design ©2006-2017 CLAMP・ST

Street culture is ever-evolving, and sneakers play a big part in street fashion. Combining sneakers and art, the artrA project is about to wrap up its first successful season. SNKRDUNK, Japan’s premier sneaker selling app and popular shoe shop atmos have teamed up for this exhibition, which will feature the famous AIR JORDAN 1. These exhibitions have taken place in seven cities across Japan since July. The final exhibitions will be held in Osaka in November and in Tokyo in December. 

A total of 26 up-and-coming illustrators, graphic designers, and even ukiyo-e artists have come together for this unique event. The artwork in this exhibition will incorporate the AIR JORDAN 1 brand, and merchandise featuring this street-styled artwork will be available at the venue.

Those who purchase a T-Shirt on-site will be entered into a raffle to win a pair of AIR JORDAN 1 sneakers. In addition, a special lottery will allow winners to purchase a pair of sneakers to take home. 

Be sure to keep an eye out for the second season of the artrA project brought to you by ASOBISYSTEM!

While the Banana Fish anime series will make you cry, this new collaboration cafe will have guests smiling from ear to ear. This stylish New York-inspired cafe and bar will be open from November 25, 2021, until January 16, 2022, in Tokyo, and from December 2, 2021, until January 30, 2022 in Osaka. Guests can enjoy dishes and drinks inspired by the show’s characters and can grab some limited merchandise too. 

Banana Fish began as a manga series in 1985 and was created by Akio Yoshida. Set in New York City, the series follows the teenage gang leader Ash Lynx as he tries to overcome his painful past and solve the mystery of ‘banana fish,’ a strange drug that drove his brother mad during the war in Vietnam. He is joined by Eiji Okumura, a Japanese college student and photographer’s assistant who arrives in America to help with a story about gang violence. 

Menu

Tofu and Salmon Salad Bowl

His Main Dish for the Night

N.Y. Style Tacos

Grilled Banana Waffle

Chinese Sweets Plate

Chocolate Fondue

N.Y. Style Cheesecake with Caramel Nuts

Ash, Eiji, Shorter

Hot Cocoa, Hot Cafe Latte

Original Merchandise

Acrylic Pin (7 varieties, random)

Aurora Sticker (7 varieties, random)

Acrylic Stand (7 varieties, random) 

Acrylic Keychain (6 varieties, random)

Clear Folder Set (Includes two folders)

Acrylic Stand (Ash, Eiji, Shorter)

Acrylic Board

Cork Coaster (Ash, Eiji) / Cup Sleeve

Glass (Ash, Eiji) / Plate

Bonus for Advanced Reservation Holders: Paper Ornament (8 varieties, random)

How would you like to spend some time with these characters in a swanky New York-style cafe?

© 吉田秋生・小学館／Project BANANA FISH

How would you like to cruise around Tokyo on a ship decked out in Love Live swag? Tokai Kisen will hold a five-day event to promote Love Live! Superstar!! Starting November 13 on the Salvia Maru, an incredible passenger ship. 

Collaboration Design

November 13/ November 27 / November 28 / December Date to be Announced / December Date to be Announced

The cruise liner will ferry guests around the capital city, traveling between Yokohama and Takeshiba Ferry Terminal. Limited-edition collaboration merchandise will be sold at the ship’s store, so fans shouldn’t miss this unique opportunity!

Kuromi is taking over the fashion headquarters of Japan! The #WorldKuromificationProject x SHIBUYA109 Autumn Campaign featuring My Melody’s punk rival is currently underway until November 21, 2021!

Original Apparel

Novelties

Kuromi Pop-up Shop: Let the #WorldKuromification Process Begin!

Sticker

Mask Case

Decorations

Sculpture

Kuromi came up with the #WorldKuromificationProject to inspire people to become their best possible selves. It’s also a way to create more ‘Kuromies’: what Kuromi calls her fans. SHIBUYA109, a hotspot for trending fashion and new styles, is the perfect spot for the character to help people find themselves through fashion and pop culture. 

During the event period, the famous building will be decorated from top to bottom in Kuromi swag, and original collaboration goods with popular brands will be available for pre-sale. A pop-up store will be selling unique Kuromi items, so don’t miss out on these before they disappear! A campaign will also be held to give away tickets to Sanrio Puroland, and visitors will discover plenty of photo spots and other surprises as they explore SHIBUYA109. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted how many people live their lives, with fewer and fewer people venturing outdoors. Now, Japanese creative company NAKED has announced a Night Walk at the picturesque Katayamazu Hot Springs in Kaga, Ishikawa. While practicing social distancing, visitors can explore an illuminated wonderland from December 17, 2021, until January 16, 2022. 

Lights of the Dragon God: Ukimidou

Sunny Spot Baths: Katayamazu Hot Springs Sunahase Park, Aiai Plaza

NAKED Distanced Lanterns: Katayamazu Hot Springs Sunahase Park, Aiai Plaza

NAKED Flower Cleansing: Katayamazu Hot Springs Sunahase Park, Aiai Plaza

The Halo of Life: Aizenji Temple

Crystal-Dyed Paper Lanterns: Aizenji Temple

Guests will be invited to explore the grounds while carrying a NAKED Distanced Lantern–both an art piece, and a way to illuminate your steps. With safety in mind, there will be plenty of space between visitors, so people can enjoy the event with peace of mind. 

The location for the event, Katayamazu Onsen, was recently a runner-up in the Onsen General Election 2018 spectacular scenery category. Surrounded by crystal blue waters and with a beautiful view of Mt. Haku, the location will have guests feeling completely calm by the time their visit comes to an end. 

Even though it feels like 2021 just started, winter is already approaching! Though the weather is turning cold and the leaves are falling from the trees, there are plenty of colorful events taking place throughout the Kanto region sure to warm your body and soul. Holiday lights can transform even the darkest and most frigid evenings into magical memories. Here at Moshi Moshi Nippon, we’ve compiled the four best winter illumination locations for 2021, perfect for dates, family outings, or even solo reflection!

[Ashikaga, Tochigi Prefecture] 20th Anniversary Garden of Light ~Flower Fantasy 2021~

In October 2017, Ashikaga Flower Park was recognized as having one of the three best illumination events in Japan, along with the Sapporo White Illumination in Hokkaido and the Huis Ten Bosch Kingdom of Lights in Nagasaki. It has also ranked number one in the Night View Convention and Visitors Bureau Illumination Awards for five consecutive years from 2016 until 2020. Be sure to visit the popular and newly-renovated Flower Castle!

Location: Ashikaga Flower Park

Running: Until February 14, 2022

Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/515578

[Shinagawa, Tokyo] Tokyo Mega Illumination 2021-2022 x NAKED

Tokyo’s Oi Racecourse will be decorated with over eight million lights until April 2022! The location is complete with a water fountain show and a 100-meter tunnel bathed in light, while creative production company NAKED has teamed up with the event to offer AR illuminations guests can only experience here!

Location: Oi Racecourse

Running: Until April 10, 2022

Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/512032

[Inagi, Tokyo] Yomiuriland Jewellumination The Light of Hope! ~A Diverse Symphony of Color~

Yomiuriland’s newest illuminations were produced by Ishii Motoko, and the park is home to the world’s first light display to use LED lights made to glitter like jewels. These lights have a low environmental impact, and are perfectly suited for the event’s theme of “Hope.” 

Location: Yomiuriland

Running: Until April 3, 2022

Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/503875

[Hibiya, Tokyo] HIBIYA Magic Time Illumination 2021

Locations throughout Hibiya in Tokyo will be transformed into magical Christmas scenes, with trees lit up in a gradient of colors. This year’s lights were designed to be sustainable, with the LED lights used utilizing 40% less power compared to regular bulbs.

Location: Tokyo Midtown Hibiya, Hibiya Nakadoori, Hibiya Chanter locations

Running: Until February 14, 2022

Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/508516

Hoshinoya hotels each offer a unique experience with their own theme. The Otemachi-based Yoshinoya Tokyo has announced the new “Tokyo Lantern Dinner,” which has been proposed to suit the ‘New Normal’ of the Covid-19 generation. The new dining option was opened to customers from October 13 2021 and blends the new rules of restaurant partitions and mask wearing with Japanese culture, using lantern partitions to allow customers to enjoy their food with peace of mind. Customers can remove their mask as they sit under the lantern partition, which lights up your face and meal with a soft glow, meaning you can safely enjoy conversation and see your partner’s face as you talk and eat. Conveniently, the lantern also prevents splashing, making eating out in the Covid-19 era even easier! 

The Lantern Partition was Developed with a Long-Established Lantern Company

Nippon Cuisine ~Fermented~

The partition lanterns were created by Kojima Shoten, a long-established lantern shop based in Kyoto which was founded in the Kansei-Edo period. The original lantern-shape was crafted by the professionals, from the structure all the way to the painting. The unique shape of this elastic lantern allows customers to enter and exit freely, and part of the lantern has been made using a 0.15mm transparent vinyl meaning that face-to-face conversations can be held with ease. In addition, the lantern is equipped with a light that gently illuminates the face and food of the person seated beneath it.

Yoshinoya Tokyo usually only accepts dining reservations from those staying at the hotel, but customers can now invite non-guests specifically to enjoy the main meal together.  They have prepared a variety of options for meetings and events that previously couldn’t meet up due to the Covid situation, such as meetings between families before marriage, anniversaries, birthdays, business dinners, and more. 

Hoshinoya Tokyo is a Japanese Inn that respectfully combines the comforts of the modern day with traditional Japanese culture. The dining room, located on the first basement floor, offers ‘Nippon Cuisine’ made using a combination of Japan’s historical fermentation culture and French cooking techniques.  The menu includes a wide variety of ever-popular fermented foods and seasonings, such as soy sauce and miso, along with preserved foods such as pickles and salted fish. The lactic acidosis bacteria found in these foods is referred to as a “Good Bacteria,” known for its positive effects on the body and its ability to regulate gut bacteria. 

The taste and nutritional value of each meal has increased due to fermentation and aging, using seasonal ingredients from around Japan and French cooking techniques to bring out the flavor, resulting in a new and original taste. 

Why not check out Hoshinoya Tokyo and experience this new-era Japanese dining experience for yourself?

DMM.com will sponsor a projection mapping project titled Yamashiro Night Promenade Fall 2021 on Yamashiro Onsen Street in Kaga, Ishikawa prefecture from October 30 until November 28, 2021. 

The limited-time project is being organized by the Yamashiro Onsen Tourist Association with support from DMM. Under the themes of harmony and local tradition, brilliant images of flowers, water, and geometric patterns will illuminate the hot spring resort while accompanied by music. There will also be traditional Taiko performances during the event.