To promote the upcoming 3D CG anime film Stand By Me Doraemon 2, USJ is opening its second-ever Doraemon themed XR ride on August 4 which will run until January 6, 2021.

Doraemon fans will be able to get their hands on a whole range of exclusive merchandise as well as tuck into themed food.

STAND BY ME Doraemon 2 XR Ride

The Stand By Me Doraemon 2 XR Ride will be a high-speed sensory explosion that makes use of VR technology to send riders on a VR coaster time travel experience through the past, present, and future. The ride will feature a completely original story that ties into the upcoming movie. Park guests will board the Time Coaster to travel through time and chase after Nobita-kun.

Doraemon Plate Set | ¥2,100 (Tax Included)

A special food menu inspired by the new movie will be served from August 4 for a limited time. The “Doraemon Plate Set” will have you salivating for the roast chicken topped with a demi-glace sauce and mushroom sauce and surrounded with a bed of vegetables and potato wedges. The plate is also appropriately topped with characters from the movie.

Doraemon Kid’s Set | ¥1,200 (Tax Included)

Doraemon’s Pass Loop Cake | ¥800 (Tax Included)

The Doraemon Kid’s Set features nods to the robot cat’s secret gadgets, like the Take-copter and Time Cloth, while the adorable Pass Loop Cake is inspired by Doraemon’s Pass Loop.

Popcorn Bucket | ¥3,800 (Tax Included)

The Popcorn Bucket is fun to look at and even better to eat from, featuring a special Anywhere Door mechanic. Dorayaki is Doraemon’s favourite food, and guests can enjoy dorayaki flavoured popcorn.

Doraemon Dango | ¥650 (Tax Included)

Doraemon Frozen | ¥900 (Tax Included)

Guests can also get their hands on a range of drinks and desserts too.

T-Shirts (Navy/White) | Folder Set | Mug
Sold At: Space Fantasy Station

A range of Doraemon merchandise will also roll out from August 28, including ticket holders, key rings, plush toys, and more. Pre-orders are available at Space Fantasy Station from August 4 to 27.

Follow Doraemon on an exciting journey on the STAND BY ME Doraemon 2 XR Ride!

©Fujiko Pro/2020 STAND BY ME Doraemon 2 Film Partners

Hotel New Otani Osaka released introduced its new “NIGHT POOL & RESTAURANT PLAN ~SWEET or BITTER~” plan on July 18 which is set to run until September 13. The plan is a set that combines the hotel’s night pool with a dining experience at its restaurant.

The pool, named “The Water Terrace,” remains open into the night every summer at Hotel New Otani Osaka and has done so since 2015. This year, the number of people allowed in the pool is being limited as part of measures against the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

SWEET PLAN: Tuck into specially-made pancakes

Hotel New Otani Osaka’s all-day dining restaurant “SATSUKI” are serving up their famous fluffy pancakes for the “SWEET PLAN.” These fluffy delights are served with ricotta and are made with cascara powder, which is known as a superfood. Enjoy a ‘sweet’ night with a serving of pancakes and a dip in the night pool.

BITTER PLAN: Grown-up nighttime fun

For the “BITTER PLAN,” guests can head up to the rooftop sky lounge where they can order a drink from the bar, whether it be one of the 18 different kinds of beers, cocktails, high-balls, and more. They also serve food like roast pork and appetisers. Gaze out across and spot Osaka Castle sat beneath the starry night sky as you enjoy your meal.

The hotel’s poolside restaurant “LAGOON” will be joining the fun too, serving soy meat burgers, a soy chocolate parfait that can be shared amongst friends, and more.

Japanese food and confectionery company Bijuu is opening a new restaurant called Tsurigitsune inside Osaka International Airport’s North Terminal on August 5, 2020. The restaurant will specialise in inari sushi, a type of sushi packed into pouches of deep-fried tofu.

Bijuu is known for producing and selling such products as Kyoto’s famous coarse sweet red bean paste-filled yatsuhashi otabe crackers.

Tsurigitsune will serve “Kyo Dashi Oinari,” a type of inari sushi made with fried tofu Saga Tofu Morioka—a long-standing tofu shop in Sagano, Kyoto—soaked in lots of sumptuous Kyoto-style dashi. The restaurant will also serve a special type of sweet otabe cracker which cannot be eaten anywhere else.

Kyo Dashi Oinari (Includes 15) | ¥3,240 (Tax Included)

The dashi that the Kyo Dashi Oinari are soaked in take up all the delicious flavour of kombu, sababushi smoked mackerel, iwashibushi pilchard, and katsuobushi dried bonito, all of which serve to add that authentic Kyoto flavour.

Tanto Otabeyasu | ¥930 (Tax Included) *Served 6:30-10:00

As well as Kyo Dashi Oinari, Tsurigitsune’s menu includes a line-up of dishes that celebrate the flavour of dashi, including soba, dashimaki tamago omelette, and more.

If you’re travelling to Osaka, why not get an authentic Kyoto experience too by dining at Tsurigitsune?

Everybody’s favourite sister quintuplet is set to roll up to an all-new, revamped exhibition this summer. The Quintessential Quintuplets Exhibition MAKEOVER will take place at Tokyo’s Sunshine City World Import Mart Bulding in Ikebukuro from August 15 to 30 and subsequently Osaka’s Nanko ATC Museum from November 26 to December 6.

The exhibition is taking place to promote the upcoming season season of The Quintessential Quintuplets and will feature a whole new merchandise line-up, new displays, and more. Series creator Negi Haruba has also illustrated a new visual for the exhibition.

The Quintessential Quintuplets is a manga series written and illustrated by Negi Haruba. The story follows high school student Futaro Uesugi who becomes a private tutor for the sisters of the wealthy Nakano family, all of whom have no interest in study or grades. It’s up to Futaro to change their minds.

A second season of the anime series is set to air in January 2021. A mobile game is also in the works. The game is a romance comedy puzzle game whereby the player deepens their bonds with the five sisters. Players take the role of the series protagonist Futaro through an original story with new voice acting recorded for the game.

©Negi Haruba・Kodansha

Japan’s popular confectionery souvenir shop Tokyo Banana is collaborating with Disney for one week from July 29 to August 7 at the Hankyu Umeda branch of Tokyo Banana in Osaka.

Officially named the “Disney SWEETS COLLECTION by Tokyo Banana,” the line-up brings together the iconic Disney characters and centres them around the company’s brand concept which is to bring happiness to all who see and taste their products.

Mickey Mouse Pancake Sandwich: ¥1,080 for 4 / ¥1,382 for 6 (Tax Inclusive)

A box of “Mickey Mouse Pancake Sandwiches” contains baked, deliciously fluffy treats filled with soft cream. They come in two shapes: Mickey’s face and the iconic Tokyo Banana. The Mickey ones contain caramel cream and roasted almonds while the Tokyo Banana designs are filled with banana milk cream and chocolate chips.

Mickey Mouse Chocolate Sandwich: ¥1,080 for 12 / ¥2,160 for 24

The “Mickey Mouse Chocolate Sandwich” are crunchy cat tongue biscuits which have Tokyo Banana’s distinct milky flavour. They are made to be like a delicious banana milkshake you can eat and contain rich chocolate.

 © Disney

The Tokyo and Osaka branches of Pokémon Café have revealed a new limited-time menu they are introducing which is inspired by the free-to-play puzzle video game Pokémon Café. It will be served from August 8 to November 23.

Vulpix’s Burnt Caramel Sundae: ¥1,298 (Tax Included)

This gateau chocolate, vanilla ice cream, and fruit-filled sundae is drizzled in burnt caramel that has been scorched by Vulpix’s Ember.

Gossifleur’s Salad Plate: ¥1,848 (Tax Included)

Salad, soup, and plenty of veg fill this healthy late.

Sneasel’s Pickle Burger: ¥1,848 (Tax Included)

The combination of the tartar sauce, teriyaki chicken, and cheddar cheese is pure perfection. Served with pickles and a side of salad, this makes for a healthy and filling meal.

Additionally, if customers own the Pokémon Café Mix and show their in-game meal list on their console screen to the staff, they can receive the following special menu items.

Buneary’s Nutty Frappe: ¥1,188 (Tax Included)

Exclusive to those who have cleared up to Order 21.

Yamper’s Hide & Seek Bolognese: ¥1,848 (Tax Included)

Exclusive to those who have cleared up to Order 31.

The more orders you clear in-game, the more special and exclusive menu items you can receive.

Japanese tea shop Susumu Chaya started up a takeout service for shaved ice on Tuesday (July 7) at all of its branches including in Kagoshima as well as Jiyugaoka and Shibuya’s DESCENTE TOKYO in Tokyo.

The shaved iced takeout service was originally only available at the two Tokyo branches, but now customers in Kagoshima can enjoy the tea-flavoured desserts.

Matcha Shaved Ice: ¥750 (Before Tax)

Made using Susumu Chaya’s “koicha,” a rich and full-bodied matcha variety.

Houjicha Shaved Ice: ¥750 (Before Tax)

The houjicha shaved ice is made using only first-grade tea leaves picked by Susumu Chaya. It has a refreshing taste.

The shaved ice can be ordered for takeout or eaten inside the cafes. Enjoy the full flavour of Japanese tea coupled with a refreshing portion of shaved ice.

Hirakata Park has announced the horror-themed event “Yamibiraki no Yoru” which will be held at the Osaka amusement park during the night from August 26 to September 13.

Two Japanese horror entertainment companies are coming together to set up spooky spots around the park for the event. For the event, visitors will need to clear a mission to reach the goal which will involve the use of a smartphone or tablet.

Yamibiraki no Yoru – Synopsis

“There is a rumour that once a year, Hirakata Park opens up during the middle of the night. And though it’s open in the middle of the night, the only staff that can be spotted around are those with vacant looks in their eyes. What’s more is that there aren’t any visitors around. At some point, this rumour came to be called Yamibiraki no Yoru, ‘Open in Darkness.’ And this summer, an event is being held, on the same day that rumour was named, and with the same name…”

Scary School Stories VR x Real Scary Experience

Hirakata Park is also holding a haunted house event during the daytime from July 17, 2020. Themed on Kokkuri-san, a Japanese supernatural game, the event will combine the use of VR technology and real interactive scares.

Japanese black tea brand Lipton is opening two pop-up tea stands this summer called “Lipton TEA STAND Fruits in Tea.” They will open in Daikanyama and Osaka from July 10 and Kichijoji from September 13.

Lipton opened its two permanent tea stands “Lipton TEA STAND” in Nagoya and Hakata in winter 2018 in an effort to make black tea more accessible to people. The drinks menus at these stands are diverse, ranging from simple black tea to their “Fruits in Tea” range which are teas filled with fresh fruits, royal milk tea, desserts, and more.

Iced Parfaits

Passion Fruits: ¥1,200 (Tax Included) (+¥150 for honey milk) / Strawberry: ¥1,200 (Tax Included) (+¥150 for condensed milk)

Lipton’s “Fruits in Tea” opened as a new way for people to enjoy black tea in summertime. With the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Lipton has decided to whip up some refreshing “Happy!” new iced parfaits for beating the hot weather. Their popular custom menu lets you a variety of vitamin-packed fruits, herbs, and more to your iced tea.

Frozen tea is the base of the iced parfait and retains the original flavour of the black tea. Added to that is ice and fruits inside a tumbler, all of which is layered to look like a parfait with a shaved iced quality to it. The “Passion Fruits” flavour is topped with passion fruit syrup and frozen lemon, orange, and kiwi, while the sweet and sour “Strawberry” is a mix of strawberry syrup and frozen strawberries, oranges, and limes. Both options are sure to keep you cool during the hot Japanese summer.

Original Iced Tea “Fruits in Tea”: Tumbler ¥1,000 (Tax Included) / Cup ¥600 (Tax Included)

Lipton’s popular custom menu lets you choose from four tea bases, like Earl Grey and green tea. You can then pick your base fruits, like pineapple or strawberry, topping fruits such  as kiwi and mango, and then a special flavour like mint. Finally, choose your syrup, such as lemon, and you’v got your own custom beverage for the summertime.

LEGS COMPANY has announced that it will open three cafes based on the popular Japanese character Hamtaro in Tokyo and Saitama on July 30 and Osaka on July 31.

Hamtaro is a manga and storybook series created and illustrated by Ritsuko Kawai. The series began serialisation in 1997 and an anime adaptation first broadcast back in 2000. More than 20 years later, Hamtaro continues to enjoy much popularity in Japan.

Hamtaro Cafe 2020 will be themed around sunflowers and the sea, and will serve up a fun experience perfect for the hot summer. The Ham-Hams have come out of their Clubhouse to pay a visit to the seaside and enjoy the sun. There will be sunflower and ocean themed food, drinks, and desserts for everyone to munch on.

Yakisoba On Beach Hut Sunflower Bread: ¥1,499

A plate of yakisoba and egg arranged to look like a sunflower, with Hamtaro sat right in the middle.

Cone Cappy Hide and Seek Ice Cream Parfait: ¥1,399

Cappy is wearing a cone on his head and is hiding amongst the ice cream, chocolate banana, and fresh mint.

Ham Ham Glass Drinks: Drink Only – ¥789 Each / With Glass – ¥1,789 Each

There are two drinks to choose from: the orange flavoured Hamtaro and the yogurt flavoured Bijou.

Vinyl Pouch: ¥1,300

Mascot Keyring Hamtaro: ¥1,550

The cafe will also sell a range of exclusive merchandise too, which is scheduled to be available for online purchase as well in Japan.

Ham-Ham Fans (14 Designs)

Original Coasters (15 Designs)

Those who dine at the cafe will receive a free Ham-Ham fan, and if you order a drink you’ll get a coaster too.

©Ritsuko Kawai / Shogakukan

Kyoto-based chocolate bar BEL AMER Kyoto Villa is serving up the perfect line of new chocolatey bites for summer 2020.

The entire line-up is a delight to look at, from a mountain of chocolate piled on top of shaved ice, a summertime mango and melon dessert, and more.

Chocolate Noir Shaved Ice x Matcha: ¥1,540 (Tax Included)

Shaved ice is the quintessential summertime dessert in Japan, and since this one is being served at a shop specialising in chocolate, what better way to serve it than drizzled in a mountain of the stuff? The shaved ice is covered in rich chocolate cream and chocolate sauce and is topped with chocolate nibs. It’s also served with a side of matcha sauce which you can pour over yourself, creating a delicious harmony of flavours.

Mille-Feuille au Chocolat Exotic With 196℃ Chocolate Ice Cream: ¥1,650 (Tax Included)

This summertime dessert is made with lots of mango and melon. In the centre of it all is even more mango, as well as pineapple and coconuts, for a flavourful layered experience. Served on the side is ice cream made from BEL AMER Kyoto Villa’s own original couverture chocolate.

Summer Pavlova: ¥1,320 (Tax Included)

This piece of art of a dessert is a must for lovers of matcha and melon. It’s made from fluffy meringue topped with white chocolate, matcha mousse, and chocolate cream, which itself is then topped with refreshing melon and grapes for a refreshing kick.

Chocolate Croquette Sandwich: ¥990 (Tax Included)

BEL AMER Kyoto Villa is also serving up a very unique dish indeed which mixes together chocolate and croquette—a flavour that actually works, combining sweetness and bitterness. The croquette is made from potatoes. The brioche sandwich also contains cheese and bacon.

These are just some of the delights on show at BEL AMER Kyoto Villa this summer. If ever you’re in Kyoto, be sure to stop by, especially in the summer.

For this summer only, a limited-time gourmet shaved ice shop called “VERMICULAR PREMIUM SHAVED ICE SALON” is opening up inside VERMICULAR VILLAGE in Nagoya from July 2 to September 13.

The exquisite shaved ice options are topped with fruit confitures which are made without any water involved, allowing for the original flavour of the fruits to come through, as well as adzuki beans cooked with Vermicular cookware, and more. The shaved ice is served inside Vermicular’s high quality mini pots, which have been kept cool, meaning the ice doesn’t melt when it’s put inside, meaning it stays nice and fluffy until the end.

There are three to pick from, and underneath each the shaved ice is a blancmange which goes hand in hand with the shaved ice flavours.

Strawberry, Pistachio, & Condensed Milk: ¥1,300 (Before Tax)

This ice pot is topped with a strawberry jam which was made using no water, and pistachios—which go really well with the fruity confiture. At the very bottom is a condensed milk blancmange, making it delicious down to the last spoonful.

Nishio Matcha, Adzuki Beans, Brown Cane Sugar Warabimochi, & Houjicha: ¥1,500 (Before Tax)

Next is a matcha flavoured shaved ice pot made with adzuki beans and matcha grown in Nishio, Aichi. Sat at the bottom of the pile is a houjicha tea blancmange and brown cane sugar warabimochi.

Mango, Passion Fruit, & Coconut: ¥1,300 (Before Tax)

Lastly is a mango and passion fruit sauce covered shaved ice with coconut milk and a topping of fresh mango. At the bottom is a coconut blancmange.