In response to the shortage of face masks in Japan, TAKUMIBA released its new “Fit Mask” in the country last Friday. TAKUMIBA is Japanese company that specialises in making pants. They have used the same stretchy material they use to make their pants for the Fit Mask.
The first lot of masks have sold out, but new batches are rolling out through the month for those who need them.
The Fit Mask is a “super elastic” face mask that fits snug and comfortable onto the face, leaving no gaps. around the edges. It’s made with tricot, a stretchy material that TAKUMIBA uses in the production of its pants.
The Fit Mask feels really smooth on the face, and doesn’t tire or make your ears hurt. It’s also not fluffy, so you can wash and reuse it multiple times. All of the masks are made in a single small factory in Fukuyama, Hiroshima.
Batch 1: Shipping from March 9, 2020 *SOLD OUT
Batch 2: Shipping from March 11, 2020 *SOLD OUT
Batch 3: Orders available from March 9, 2020 (Scheduled to roll out from March 17, 2020)
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Today, Japanese singer-songwriter, composer, and record producer YOSHIKI donated $100,000 to the COVID-19 Relief Fund through YOSHIKI FOUNDATION AMERICA, a non-profit public interest company managed by the artist himself.
The COVID-19 Relief Fund was created by The Recording Academy® and MusiCares© to help support struggling music artists who are having to postpone and cancel tours in response to the pandemic outbreak. YOSHIKI is a board member of The Recording Academy®, which is known for presenting the Grammy Awards.
YOSHIKI said: “In a time when we are being told to conduct self-control and restraint, I’m still called out by people on whether it’s best to put shows on holdーfor the benefit of fans included. The financial damage of that is of course substantial. Many different industriesーnot just the entertainment industryーare on the verge of danger, as are people of varying positions [across society]. As someone in the world of music, I would hope there would be some way of offering help to those involved in the music industry around the world, Japan included, during this difficult time, and so I have donated to the COVID-19 Relief Fund. The danger of COVID-19 is a global problem, not just Japan. I pray from the bottom of my heart that this will all be over much quicker by everyone cooperating to conduct self-restraint and wait this out to lessen the spread of the virus, and that the entertainment industry can once again return to its thriving self.”
Steve Boom, Chairman of the Board at MusiCares, also expressed his deep gratitude to the donations which go towards relieving the burden of musicians and those involved in music. He said that everyone’s cooperation will ensure that the necessary funds and resources are there for people to continue their careers.YOSHIKI continues to post information related to the coronavirus via his social media pages. On March 11, he interviewed Shinya Yamanaka, the director of the Center for iPS Cell Research and winner of the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. The interview can be seen below and has English subtitles.
Information
YOSHIKI Official Website: http://www.yoshiki.net/
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Coronavirus in Japan: Kaname Inn Tatemachi in Kanazawa Offers Free Accommodation to Foreigners Who Can’t Get Home
Kaname Inn Tatemachi, a hotel in Kanazawa, Ishikawa, has announced a project named “Room for rescue” which will offer free accommodation to foreigners unable to travel back to their home countries from Japan due to lockdowns and restrictions from going outside as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic
With flights cancelled around the world, there is no way for foreigners to return home from Japan, resulting in them being forced to change their plans and extend their stay. They are living their days in constant worry, both financially and mentally. To ensure that foreign travellers don’t feel like their trip to Japan was a bad experience, free accommodation is becoming available to those who meet certain prescribed conditions.
In response to the decreasing number of tourists, Kaname Inn Tatemachi opened its doors to Japanese citizens through Facebook for free accommodation to help support businesses like local restaurants that could no longer make a living. They received a lot of guests, as well as a request from a friend who asked if someone from the Netherlands could stay there because they couldn’t get back to their country. This sparked the “Room for rescue” project for stranded foreign tourists to stay at Kaname Inn Tatemachi for free too.
Kaname Inn Tatemachi is using its own funds to pay for the project and allow free stay. However, doing this long term will put strain on the business, so to help pay for hotel use and staff’s wages, the hotel has opened up a crowd funding page which you can find here.
Information
Room for rescue
Aimed at: Foreign travellers who cannot return home
How to Apply
Send the following details to the e-mail address r4r@kaname-japan.com
①Write “Room 4 Rescue” as the subject of your e-mail
②Include which country you are from
③Write the names of all the people who wish to stay at the hotel
④Write the number of adults
⑤Write the number of children
⑥Write your check-in time and date
⑦Write your check-out time and date
⑧Attach a screenshot or photo of your cancelled flight details
Application Deadline: March 28, 2020 at 23:59 (JST)
Free Accommodation Stay Time: Until April 15, 2020
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Bono, will.i.am, Jennifer Hudson, & YOSHIKI Collaborate On ‘#SING4LIFE’ to Spread Love During Coronavirus Pandemic
will.i.am posted a video on his official YouTube channel for a song entitled #SING4LIFE which features himself, U2’s Bono, and Jennifer Hudson on vocals and YOSHIKI on piano.
Bono wrote the song after being inspired by the people of Italy who, despite being isolated due to the COVID-19 pandemic, were singing from their rooftops and balconies.
As soon as Bono wrote the song he uploaded his solo version to his Instagram page. He subsequently collaborated with will.i.am who got his longtime friend YOSHIKI on board, and Jennifer Hudson joined thereafter.
YOSHIKI answered the call to arms and wrote the score immediately, recording the piano just two hours later.will.i.am described the song’s intention on Instagram: “When you see empty streets…The empty streets shouldn’t make you feel depressed or afraid…When you see empty streets during these times, try to feel love…The empty streets is a sign that humanity is doing the right thing.”
He continues: “There are a lot of people feeling anxiety and worry and stress…So we #SING4LIFE to lift up their spirits ..We #SING4LIFE to bring them some type of JOY during these times.”
He also thanked his collaborators: “thank you #BONO @U2 for kicking this off and writing a beautiful song…thank you @iamjhud and @yoshikiofficial for lending your talents and massive hearts.”
YOSHIKI added his own comment on Instagram: “I know you are trying hard to restrain yourself to fight against this virus. I believe that your effort… everyone’s effort, will affect the entire human race. We will overcome, we can do this together. I’m praying for your health and safety.”
YOSHIKI decided to stay in Los Angeles instead of returning home to Japan due to the coronavirus outbreak. He has continued to offer his support through his social media pages to fans around the world. -
Tokyo Tower’s indoor theme park “Tokyo One Piece Tower” is set to bring back its popular live show “MARIONETTE” in an all-new form when it opens this month on March 18.
What is Tokyo One Piece Tower?
Tokyo One Piece Tower is an indoor theme park located at Tokyo Tower Foot Town, an entertainment facility nestled under Tokyo Tower, where visitors can join the Luffy, the Straw Hat Pirates, and other characters from the titular hit series. It’s home to a range of exciting attractions and thrilling live shows, and guests can even get a photo with the characters. There’s also a restaurant and cafe which serves One Piece themed food and drink, and you can of course pick up some exclusive merchandise from the park’s One Piece store too.
ONE PIECE LIVE ATTRACTION “MARIONETTE”
ONE PIECE LIVE ATTRACTION “MARIONETTE,” as it is officially named, is a live entertainment show which makes full use of projection mapping and and lighting tech to take spectators on a journey with Luffy and his fellow pirates. The website describes the plot as follows: “The biggest pinch in the history of the series comes to Luffy by the evil scientist Caesar’s development of a venomous gas. In addition to the Straw Hat Pirates, the fierce battle scenes, in which the Revolutionary Sabo and another enemy Charlotte Cracker sing in a complex mix, are a moment to keep an eye on. What was Luffy’s decision when he faced his friends who were manipulated?“
Experience One Piece like never before during your visit to Japan’s capital at Tokyo One Piece Tower.*Please note that due to the ongoing situation surrounding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Japan, Tokyo One Piece Tower will be temporarily closed from February 28, 2020 to March 17, 2020. Please be aware that this date is subject to change depending on the subsequent state of the virus. You can get the latest information from Tokyo One Piece Tower’s official website and social media pages.
Information
ONE PIECE LIVE ATTRACTION – “MARIONETTE”
Address: Tokyo Tower Foot Town, 4-2-8 Shibakoen, Minato Ward, Tokyo
Opening Hours: 10:00-22:00 (Last Entries 21:00)
*Closed February 28, 2020 – March 17, 2020
Official Website: https://onepiecetower.tokyo/ticket/
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Japanese company ALL YOURS CO.,LTD. is tackling the shortage of face masks in Japan with the release of its new face masks that can be washed up to 50 times and still be effective against germs and bacteria. The masks were released on the company’s online store on March 4, 2020.
Kiteteco Mask – ¥2,200 (Tax Included)
The reusable Kiteteco Mask is made from a traditional Japanese fabric called ‘Takashima Chijimi’ which comes from the city of Takashima in Shiga Prefecture. The mask sits comfortably on the face and allows for good breathability. It also keeps your skin from drying out, and so can be used for protecting your throat when sleeping too.
The mask is also made from plant-based components which are both antibacterial and deodorising. It offers over protection for over 99% of airborne viruses including flu. Official tests have been carried out to ensure the durability and effectiveness of the masks. However, tests have yet to be carried out against the coronavirus.
The newly-developed masks are being rolled out in batches. Check the dates for the releases below.
Batch 1: March 23, 2020 *SOLD OUT
Batch 2: March 30, 2020 *SOLD OUT
Batch 3: April 6, 2020 *SOLD OUTBatch 4: April 13, 2020
Batch 5: April 20, 2020
Batch 6: April 27, 2020
*Dates subject to change
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Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea will be temporarily closed until March 15 to reduce the spread of the new coronavirus. Japan’s Coronavirus Countermeasures Taskforce has advised that there is a high risk of spreading the infection at large-scale sports and culture events and facilities where large numbers of people travel from across the country and congregate in one area. As many facilities and events in Tokyo are being restricted, postponed and even cancelled over the next two weeks, Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea announced that both parks will close temporarily from February 29 – March 15, 2020.
The parks plan to reopen on March 16, 2020, however this will be decided following consultation with concerned administrative agencies and will be announced on their official website. If you have already purchased tickets which are valid during the parks’ closing dates, please refer to the links below.
Information
Tokyo Disney Resort Official Website: https://www.tokyodisneyresort.jp/en/index.html
Tokyo Disney Resort Online Tickets and Reservations: https://reserve.tokyodisneyresort.jp/en/top/?language=en
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A number of facilities in Japan have announced temporary closures to help stop any possible spreading of the coronavirus. Please check the following closures if you’re planning a trip to Japan in February or March. New information is rolling out all the time, so for the latest updates, please check the official websites for each establishment listed below.
Last Updated: February 28, 2020 at 00:51 (JST)
Tokyo Disneyland® and Tokyo DisneySea®
Closed: February 29 – March 15, 2020
The parks plan to reopen on March 16, 2020, however this will be decided following consultation with concerned administrative agencies and will be announced on their official website. If you have purchased tickets valid during the parks’ closing dates, please refer to the links below.
Tokyo Disney Resort Official Website: https://www.tokyodisneyresort.jp/en/index.html
Tokyo Disney Resort Online Tickets and Reservations: https://reserve.tokyodisneyresort.jp/en/top/?language=en
Snoopy Museum
Closed: February 29 – March 13, 2020
Information on ticket refunds is provided on the museum’s official website.
Snoopy Museum Official Website:https://snoopymuseum.tokyo/s/smt/page/english?ima=0000
Sony Music Roppongi Museum
Closed: February 29 – March 13, 2020
Information on ticket refunds will soon be provided on the museum’s official website. The TYPE-MOON Fate / stay night-15 years of history Exhibition will be extended until April 19, 2020.
TYPE-MOON Fate / stay night-15 years of history Exhibition Official Website: https://type-moon-museum.com/
Sony Music Roppongi Museum Official Website: https://smrm.jp/
Sanrio Puroland
Closed: February 22, 2020 – March 12, 2020
The park is scheduled to reopen on March 13, 2020, but this is subject to change depending on the circumstances of the coronavirus and news published by the government.
▶Refunds
・Pre-booked Tickets
Tickets valid between the dates February 22, 2020 – March 12, 2020 will have their validity period extended to September 30, 2020.
・Original Passports
Passport tickets valid between the dates February 22, 2020 – September 29, 2020 will have their validity period extended to September 30, 2020.
・Pre-booked PUROPASS
Payments for PUROPASSES bought between the dates February 22, 2020 – March 10, 2020 will be cancelled.
・Anniversary Time
Payments for Anniversary Time tickets for the dates February 22, 2020 – March 10, 2020 will be cancelled. Those who paid with cash will be refunded via registered mail.
Official Website (English): https://en.puroland.jp/
Official Website (Japanese): https://www.puroland.jp/
Ghibli Museum
Closed: February 25, 2020 – March 17, 2020
▶Refunds
Refunds are applicable for tickets dated between January 22, 2020 – March 30, 2020.
Refunds will be paid in full between February 15, 2020 – March 31, 2020.
Official Website (English): http://www.ghibli-museum.jp/en/
Official Website (Japanese): http://www.ghibli-museum.jp/
Toei Animation Museum
Closed: February 26, 2020 – March 18, 2020
The museum’s reopening is subject to consideration depending on the circumstances of the coronavirus. It will be announced via the museum’s official Twitter page and website.
Official Website: https://museum.toei-anim.co.jp/
Asahi Beer Oyamazaki Villa Museum
Closed: February 22, 2020 until further notice
Official Website (English): https://www.asahibeer-oyamazaki.com/english/
Official Website (Japanese): https://www.asahibeer-oyamazaki.com/
Kyoto National Museum
Closed: February 22, 2020 until further notice
All events, the museum shop Benrido, and the museum cafe Maeda Coffee, have also closed temporarily.
Official Website (English): https://www.kyohaku.go.jp/eng/index.html
Official Website (Japanese): https://www.kyohaku.go.jp/jp/index.html
ARASHI EXHIBITION “JOURNEY”
Closed: February 22, 2020 – March 9, 2020
Location: Osaka Culturarium at Tempozan
Official Website: https://arashiexhibition.jp/
Sanrio Harmony Land
Closed: February 22, 2020 – March 12, 2020
Official Website (English): https://www.harmonyland.jp/english/harmony/harmony.html
Official Website (Japanese): https://www.harmonyland.jp/welcome.html
Universal Studios Japan
Closed: February 29, 2020 – March 15, 2020
The park’s reopening will be determined after serious consideration of the current condition of the coronavirus situation. The announcement of the park’s reopening will be made on the USJ’s official website and social media. Information on handling of tickets during the break period will be posted on the official website on February 28, 2020 at 21:00 (JST).Official Website (English): https://www.usj.co.jp/e/
Official Website (Japanese): https://www.usj.co.jp/
Hirakata Park
Closed: February 29, 2020 – March 18, 2020
All planned events during the park’s closure have been cancelled and/or postponed until further notice. The park plans to reopen on March 19, 2020 subject to the current condition of the coronavirus situation. Updates will be posted on the official website. Refunds for winter season tickets will be announced at a later date.Official Website (English): http://www.hirakatapark.co.jp/en/
Official Website (Japanese): http://www.hirakatapark.co.jp/
Numerous other sports and cultural events will also close for two weeks commencing February 26, 2020. If you’re travelling to Japan in February and March, please check the websites of any places you plan to visit during your trip to see if they are open.
