Universal Studios Japan is set to spring into Easter starting on March 12 with the announcement of Universal Easter Celebration 2021. This year, which marks the 20th anniversary since USJ opened, will see the park’s cute and iconic characters once again lull guests into an unforgettable Easter dream at Universal Wonderland and Minion Park.

Universal Easter Celebration

USJ will see colourful pastel decorations cover the Universal Wonderland and Minion Park areas, and the characters too will be dressed in their seasonal Easter costumes. A special Easter rendition of the Wonderland Seasons Joy show will also take place to commemorate the park’s 20th anniversary with song and dance.

Wonderland Seasons Joy ~Easter Ver.~

Minion Park Easter

The park will also introduced a special egg hunt after Elmo and the Minions dropped some of their eggs. If you manage to find them all you get a limited-edition gold medal. USJ is also taking the Easter festivities online too with a special celebratory live stream called Let’s Cooking! Kawaii Easter Party

WIZARDING WORLD and all related trademarks, characters, names, and indicia are © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © JKR. (s21)
Minions and all related elements and indicia TM & © 2021 Universal Studios. All rights reserved.
TM & © 2021 Sesame Workshop
© 2021 Peanuts Worldwide LLC TM & © Universal Studios & Amblin Entertainment
Universal Studios Japan TM & © Universal Studios. All rights reserved.

© Nintendo

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.

Universal Studios Japan (USJ) announced last month that its highly-anticipated new Super Nintendo World area will open on February 4, 2021, which also happens to fall on the day of USJ’s 20th anniversary.

Super Nintendo World comes as the world’s first theme park area to be based around Nintendo’s characters and games, combining innovative ideas with cutting-edge technology.

With just one month left until the grand opening, USJ has launched a special website for Super Nintendo World which offers a virtual tour through each part of the new theme park area. Mario fanatics are sure to be delighted by the adornments from Bowser’s Castle to Pipes, Mushrooms, Question blocks, and more, as well as familiar faces like Goombas, Thwomps, Yoshi—the list goes on.

Accessing the site will bring you to an overview of the map. As you scroll down the website takes you on a virtual journey to each of its iconic attractions, all of which are designed to make you feel like you’re really in the world of Super Mario.

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

Doraemon’s official shop Doraemon Future Department Store, which is located in Odaiba, Tokyo, is celebrating its 1st anniversary of opening this December by opening two limited-time shops in Osaka and Nagoya this month and January respectively. Fans can get their hands on a selection of exclusive merchandise and more.

Customise Service

The pop-up shops will offer a customisation service which lets customers have different embroideries put into the T-shirts, tote bags, and other merch they buy. The work is done on the spot by hand so you can see the result of what will be a very special item of which only one exists in the world. Perfect for Doraemon fans and gifts to friends and family.

Post Office

The shop will offer a postal service for sending off Doraemon letters and postcards with original Doraemon stamps.

Bonus Items

1st Anniversary Postcard

Mini Tote Bag

Those who buy anything from the department stores will receive a free 1st anniversary postcard. And for every ¥5,000 spent (tax included) they’ll get a mini tote bag. These are all limited in stock so you’ll want to get them while they’re hot.

If you’re in Osaka or Nagoya over the New Year be sure to pay a visit to the Doraemon Future Department Store pop-up shops.

©Fujiko-Pro

Hirakata Park in Osaka has announced a special collaborative event with San-X’s popular characters Rilakkuma and Sumikko Gurashi which will begin on March 6, 2021.

Park entrance

Rilakkuma and friends as well as the characters of Sumikko Gurashi will both have their own special pavilions raised at the park entrance. At the Rilakkuma tent, the cute bear and his comrades where will be showcasing their three fundamental elements that go into having a leisurely and relaxing time. Over at the Sumikko Gurashi tent, you’ll get a peek into the lives of these cute characters which are known for their lifestyle of dwelling in the corner.

The event will welcome a range of original Rilakkuma and Sumikko Gurashi themed food and merchandise too.

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

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 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.

Japanese company LEGS has announced the opening of two limited-time cafes themed on the video game KINGDOM HEARTS Melody of Memory which will run from December 11, 2020 to January 31, 2021.

KINGDOM HEARTS Melody of Memory is a rhythm action game developed by Square Enix. Released on November 11 in Japan and November 13 everyone else, it is the latest instalment to Square Enix and Disney’s video game series Kingdom Hearts.

The cafe menu features a line-up of dishes, drinks, and desserts inspired by characters and worlds found throughout the internationally-beloved video game series. The items all adhere to Disney’s nutrient guidelines and so are low in salt and sugar, offering fans a healthier option. The cafe will also sell a range of original merchandise.

The Menu

Food (Excerpt)

<Sora> Power of Waking Tomato Pasta | ¥1,599

A red tomato pasta inspired by Sora that comes with a potato salad shaped like King Mickey.

<Riku> Daybreak Chicken Burger | ¥1,599

A black chicken burger based on Riku becoming enveloped by the Power of Darkness. This dish also comes with a potato salad shaped like King Mickey.

<King Mickey> King’s Tuna Sandwich | ¥1,399, with plate +¥2,000

A tuna sandwich branded with a King Mickey symbol that comes with a side of fruit.

<Neverland> Island Seafood Curry | ¥1,699

A squid and shrimp seafood curry inspired by Peter Pan’s Neverland which you can travel to in Kingdom Hearts.

Drinks (Excerpt)

<Sora, Riku & Kairi> Fate’s Pineapple Herb Soda | ¥899, with acrylic coaster +¥1,000

A pineapple herb soda based on the Paopu Fruit from the series.

<Roxas, Xion, Axel> Sea Salt Ice Cream & Milk | ¥1,199, with acrylic coaster +¥1,000

Based on the sea salt ice cream that Roxas, Xion, and Axel all eat together. It’s served with hot milk that can be poured over the ice cream for a tasty treat.

<Hundred Acre Wood> Honey Latte | ¥799, with mug +¥1,650

A latte sweetened with Winnie the Pooh’s favourite thing in the world: honey.

Merchandise (Excerpt)

Folder ¥500 / Acrylic Magnet ¥700

Tote Bags (3 Designs) | ¥3,500 Each (Timeless River/Keyblade A/Keyblade B)

Bonus Items

Customers who book a table in advance (¥650 before tax) and order from the menu will receive one of two folders, and if they order a drink, one of four coasters. Available while supplies last.

© Disney. © Disney/Pixar.

*All prices listed are pre-tax

Universal Studios Japan (USJ) has announced that its highly-anticipated new Super Nintendo World area will open on February 4, 2021, which also happens to fall on the day of USJ’s 20th anniversary.

Super Nintendo World comes as the world’s first theme park area to be based around Nintendo’s characters and games, combining innovative ideas with cutting-edge technology.

While the grand opening is still a couple of months away, USJ is teasing fans by unveiling a portion of the park’s Mario Kart-themed ride which takes place inside of a reconstructed Bowser’s Castle.

Bowser’s Castle

Bowser’s Castle stands as one of the main symbols of Super Nintendo World. It’s a faithful recreation with towering stone walls, thick and heavy steel doors, pointed iron fencing, and more, not to mention the enormous stone Bowser statue that adorns the middle of the winding staircase ready to greet guests. There are plenty of thrills and chills to look forward to inside the castle of the King Koopa himself.

Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge will open as the world’s first theme park ride centred on the popular video game series Mario Kart.

Thomas Garrity (Universal Creative, Executive Producer) | Comment

“Deep inside Bowser’s Castle lies Mario Kart: Bowser’s Castle, a collaborative effort between Nintendo and Universal Studio’s Creative Team to recreate the world of the hugely popular Mario Kart series which has sold over 150 million copies. Guests will put on their headsets and experience limitless excitement and thrills as they speed around courses.” (Translated from Japanese by MMN)

Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge

Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge is an XR ride that lets people feel like they are inside the world of Mario Kart while in the real world. The ride will feature all the details fans of the video game series are familiar with as they drift and spin around exciting courses alongside the game’s characters while collecting items from boxes to use on their opponents.

The attraction makes use of AR and projection mapping technology to make the game as immersive as possible. Fans are sure to love driving through their favourite courses and scenes recreated using leading-edge technology. The attraction is six years in the making and the results of efforts between Nintendo’s Creative Team, USJ, and the legendary Shigeru Miyamoto himself.

Endless fun for fans of Mario

SUPER NINTENDO WORLD will be the first-ever multilevel Nintendo-themed area at USJ, and the first of its kind in the world. Fans of the internationally beloved games can expected to see a whole host of rides and attractions dedicated to their favourite characters, from Mario Kart to Yoshi and beyond, as well as a themed cafe, merchandise shops—the list goes on. There is endless amount of fun for fans to feel a part of the Nintendo world as they take up the role of Mario and hit blocks to receive coins, collect items, and much more.

Guests will be able to purchase the Power Up Band, a wristband that works together with a smartphone app that allows you to collect virtual coins by punching Questions Blocks like Mario which are scattered around the park. Scores can be seen on the leaderboard so you can see how you stack up against other players.

Sanrio’s popular characters Kiki & Lala, also known as the Little Twin Stars, are getting their own themed cafe which will open for a limited time at the Fruits Parlor & Bakery Season & Co. in LINKS UMEDA in Osaka From December 3, 2020 to January 24, 2021.

The cafe will serve up a variety of menu items inspired by the Little Twin Stars as well as sell related merchandise. There will also be a photo spot for taking cute pictures, and a special dessert assortment made in collaboration with the popular artist Dream Ami which includes a parfait made up of their favourite sweet treats.

Cafe Menu (Prices Listed Before Tax)

Menu ①: December 3, 2020 – December 25, 2020

Little Twin Stars Shortcake (X’mas Ver.) | ¥1,900

Kiki’s Shooting Star Sweets Parfait | ¥1,600

Menu ②: December 26, 2020 – January 24, 2021

Little Twin Stars Tart | ¥1,700

Lala’s Shooting Stat Sweets Parfait | ¥1,700

Drinks Menu (Excerpt) (Available Throughout Collaboration)

Little Twin Stars Strawberry Tea Latte | ¥1,000

Dream Ami’s Special Collaborative Menu (Available Throughout Collaboration)

Dream Ami×Little Twin Stars Star Sweets 2020 2,100円

Customers who spend more than ¥1,000 (before tax) on merchandise at the cafe will also receive a free A4 folder. These are available while supplies last.

Dream Ami’s collaborative dessert looks both cute and delicious and definitely worthy of being on a Little Twin Stars menu!

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.