The colorfully painted street pianos seen around Japan are set to make an appearance in Kanagawa Prefecture! Two of Yamaha’s upright LovePianos will be installed at two stations along the Hakone Ropeway from September 12 until September 25. During this time, anyone can freely play these pianos at Sounzan Station and Togendai Station. From the five distinctly designed LovePiano designs, numbers 1 and 2 will be installed for this event.

LovePiano #1

LovePiano #2

The Hakone Ropeway connects Sounzan Station and Togendai Station, a distance of about 4 kilometers, in 25 minutes. Those travelling this unique cable car line can catch glimpses of Mount Fuji and Lake Ashinoko along the journey.

From March 18 until March 31, one of the LovePianos was installed at Sounzan Station to massive crowds and fanfare. Yamaha Music Japan has continued installing pianos in open spaces such as train stations, airports, and other facilities as part of the LovePiano project, which promotes activities to get the masses interested in piano playing. So far, LovePianos have popped up at over 60 locations, including Shinjuku Station, Shinagawa Station, Sapporo Station, and Osaka International Airport.

LovePiano will also be installed at Odawara Sannomaru Hall and Umemaru Square in the HaRuNe Odawara underground shopping mall from September 5 until the 17th.

Would you want to play one of these pianos in public?

Amazon is set to release the anime film Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time worldwide on August 13, offering it dubbed in 10 languages and subtitled in 28.

Originally released in Japan on March 8, 2021, Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time is the fourth and final instalment of the Rebuild of Evangelion film series. The film’s theatrical run ended on July 21 where it was revealed that it had received 10.22 billion yen in total, making it the highest-grossing film in the franchise and the first film distributed by Toei to reach this mark.

An online panel titled Comic-Con@Home was streamed on July 23 which was attended by the film’s director and writer Hideki Anno. The full video can be seen below.

“It’s been 16 years since this movie was remade,” explains Anno. “I was planning to finish it in about 8 years, but it took twice as long. So I’m relieved that it is finished.”

Asked about what he thinks attracts fans to the franchise, he says: “The story of the work, the drama, and the technical quality are kept as high as possible. We work hard to maintain high quality. And this is not possible without the efforts of our staff and cast. Aside from that, maybe there was something in Evangelion that people around the world emphasized with. It might be the emotions, or the structure that could be taken as their own stories. This is something that people all over the world feel for themselves, so it is hard to say what attracts them.”

Anno also discusses his enthusiasm towards seeking new goals. “Now that I’ve turned 61 this year, from now on, I plan on making some new live-action movies instead of Eva. For animation, it’d be great if I have a chance to do it again after I take some live-action shots.” He continues: “Making a live-action video is totally different from animation. Because I can do a lot of things that I can’t do with animation, that’s why I’m really looking forward to it.”

At the end of his talk, he comments: “Not only Evangelion, but my work basically deal with themes unique to Japan, aimed at people who grew up in Japan. I am really grateful and honoured that such works are seen and loved by people all over the world. Thank you so much for supporting Evangelion, and I hope you enjoy the film.”

Amazon Prime Video is currently streaming the first three films in the film series: Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone, Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance, and Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo. The final film, Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time, will be released on the service worldwide on August 13, 2021.

©khara

SCRAP’s Mr. Osomatsu themed escape game “Escape From the Black Market Empire,” which is currently taking place in Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka, has proven so popular that it’s set to open in Fukuoka on August 1.

Exclusive merchandise when buying select tickets: glass, coaster, business card, and card case

Sticker Set ¥300 / Folder ¥1,000 / Pins ¥500 / Acrylic Keyrings ¥800 / Mini Tote Bags ¥2,000 (Tax Included)

The escape game, which is called “Escape From the Black Market Empire,” features an original voiced story (recorded by the original voice actors) that has players using their smartphones to communicate with the six Matsuno siblings. They must work with them to help repay their debt.

The event also has its own exclusive merchandise. In Fukuoka, it will be held at SPACE on the Station on the 6th floor of SOLARIA STAGE which is located not even a minutes’ walk from Nishitetsu Fukuoka (Tenjin) Station.

In promotion of SCRAP’s new Detective Conan themed escape game Escape From the Scarlet Investigation (Blood Task Force), five of the company’s past escape games made in collaboration with the anime series are being revived for a temporary period.

Escape From the Orient Express

Escape From the Magical Castle

Escape From the Black Assassin

Escape From the Final Public Examination

Escape From the Navy Blue Art Museum

Here’s what it’s like to play..

SCRAP’s escape games are made in collaboration with many different series and see players become a character in the story where they must solve puzzles and riddles to find a way out. They have collaborated with Detective Conan since 2013 during which over 1.3 million people have played. The newest entry to the series is Escape From the Scarlet Investigation (Blood Task Force).

Five previous escape games make a return this year including Escape From the Orient Express (2014), Escape From the Magical Castle (2015), Escape From the Black Assassin (2016), Escape From the Final Public Examination (2018), and Escape From the Navy Blue Art Museum (2019). Each features a completely original story set in the world of Detective Conan.

©青山剛昌／小学館・読売テレビ・TMS 1996
©青山剛昌／小学館

Japanese real-life escape game creative company SCRAP is set to open a new game in collaboration with the anime series The Promised Neverland. Titled “Escape from the Demons’ Forest,” the game will open in seven cities across Japan on July 8.

Escape game bring people together in a themed space where they have to solve puzzles in order to escape. Players of this new game take on the role of one of the special children to be eaten like Emma, Ray, and Norman. They must work alongside the characters while avoiding the demons guarding the area. If you’ve always wanted to feel like you’re in the world of The Promised Neverland, this immersive experience is on way of getting there.

SCRAP has collaborated with The Promised Neverland before, with their 2019 game receiving the Best Event Award for its original story and level of immersion. The new game is sure to be a similar experience, with newly-recorded voice lines for Emma, Norman, and Ray who players will interact with.

Players who book a ticket in advance can also receive a special message in a bottle.

©白井カイウ・出水ぽすか／集英社・約束のネバーランド製作委員会
*「リアル脱出ゲーム」は株式会社SCRAPの登録商標です。

Real-life escape game creative company SCRAP launched a new escape game on Monday in collaboration with the anime series Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Escape From the Demon Infested Natagumo Mountain | ¥3,400 (Tax Included)

‘Escape From the Demon Infested Natagumo Mountain’ is a collaboration between SCRAP’s immensely popular ‘Real Dasshutsu Game’ escape game series which has been experienced by over 8.2 million people and Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, the anime series that has taken the world by storm when it aired in 2019. Its popularity surged once again with the release of the anime film Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Mugen Train last year, and the hype is set to continue when the second season of the anime begins airing this year.

This escape game is available to buy online at SCRAP GOODS SHOP as well as their stores. It’s an easy to use kit which only requires the use of a smartphone, PC, or tablet. Players can play with as many people as they like from the comfort of their own home.

The game is inspired by the battle between Tanjiro and the Lower Rank 5 Demon Rui on Natagumo Mountain. Players form part of the Demon Slayer Corps and must use the documents provided to solve riddles in order to defeat the demons.

The escape game features many characters from the series including completely new recordings by the actual voice cast for Tanjiro, Zenitsu, Inosuke, Tomioka, Shinobu, Kagaya, Rui, and the Kasugai Crows.

Merchandise Line-Up

SCRAP has also released a collection of original merch illustrated by ufotable, the studio that animates the series.

Sticker Set ¥300 / Folder ¥1,000 / Folder Set ¥4,000 / Pins ¥500 Each / Key Rings ¥800 Each / Wooden Stands ¥1,500 Each / Memo Pad ¥800 / Bath Towel ¥3,000 (Tax Included)

Bonus Item

Nezuko Wooden Box

A bonus wooden Nezuko box with a puzzle inside is also available which comes with a limited-edition Nezuko pin. Available for an extra ¥3,000.

The game is available in Japanese only. Do you have what it takes to escape from Natagumo Mountain?

©吾峠呼世晴／集英社・アニプレックス・ufotable

©SCRAP

Hoshino Resorts KAI Hakone has announced a special hydrangea-themed hotel plan for Japan’s rainy season which will run from June 12 to July 4.

Hydrangeas bloom before guest room benches

At KAI Hakone, there is a special guest room with an outdoor bench seating area which looks out into the green forest. Hydrangeas will bloom, providing a gorgeous backdrop as guests enjoy the sounds of the Sukumogawa River.

Hydrangea accessory kit

Guests will be given an accessory kit in their rooms to make their own flower accessories from hydrangea leaves and wooden mosaics. These accessories can be fitted to yukata, used as piercings, and more to serve a Japanese summer vibe.

Enjoy hydrangea sweets and shaved iced

Guests can turn their rooms into a little tearoom with the wooden mosaic plaques provided on which they can tuck into a range of hydrangea-flavoured sweets and desserts along with a cup of matcha. The shaved ice is a KAI Hakone-original made with jelly and syrup coloured purple with hydrangea.

The hydrangea is perhaps the most celebrated flower in all of Hakone, arriving in early summer. It’s hailed in a variety of ways, one of the most popular being the Hydrangea Train, a nickname given to the train that runs from Odawara Station to Gora Station. Passangers are treated to an incredible view out the train window as their vision is filled with vivid hydrangea flowers.

This year marks the second that KAI Hakone is offering its seasonal hydrangea plan. If you’re able to visit during this time, don’t miss out.

Japanese escape game creative company SCRAP has announced a brand new game in collaboration with Summer Time Rendering, a manga series written and illustrated by Yasuki Tanaka which concluded in February this year. An anime adaptation for the series has been green-lit.

Shueisha describes the manga’s story: “Upon hearing of Ushio’s death, Shinpei returns to his hometown of Wakayama City on Hitogashima and reunites with his childhood friend’s family. The funeral goes smoothly, but under the surface something strange is brewing on the island. What mysteries await him on this secluded summer island?”

SCRAP’s escape game will take place on Tomogashima, an island located in Wakayama which inspired the setting of Summer Time Rendering. Taking place for one day only on July 22, the game will have players solving puzzles and mysterious around the real-life island in order to escape. The game is limited to just 50 groups and a maximum of 100 people. Applications are open now until April 26 and players will be selected randomly.

©田中靖規／集英社

When it comes to character-themed jewellery for adults, U-TREASURE pulls out all the stops. Fans of the Evangelion series are sure to love the Rei Ayanami-inspired design of this gorgeous new pocket watch which was released on Monday (March 29).

Ayanami Rei Pocket Watch | ¥363,000

The silver case features a 3D metal design of Rei with the second hand and clip being based on the Spear of Longinus and the chain based on the Spear of Cassius.

This luxury watch is a must-have for hardcore collectors of Evangelion merchandise.

Japanese T-shirt brand OJICO released a new collection of T-shirts in collaboration with the popular anime franchise Neon Genesis Evangelion on Sunday (March 7).

Evangelion x OJICO T-Shirts | 12 Designs | ¥3,600-¥5,200 (Before Tax)

The collection features 12 designs with references to the popular anime series that fans are sure to recognise. The stylish designs make them a perfect way to express your love for the series while looking good at the same time.

（ｃ）カラー

Evangelion took over Tokyo Skytree in December last year in promotion of the new anime film Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time which was released on March 8, 2021. The ongoing event has been extended from March 31 to May 31.

 ©カラー　©TOKYO-SKYTREE

Special Tokyo Skytree Lighting

©カラー　©TOKYO-SKYTREE

Tokyo Skytree is being lit up in five different special illuminations on select days representing Eva Unit-01, Eva Unit-00, Eva Unit-02, Eva Mark.06, and Eva Unit-08.

Dates: March 8, 2021 / March 19-21, 2021

Times: 18:45-20:00

“Soul’s Refrain” Video Added to the Screens

©カラー／Project Eva. ©TOKYO-SKYTREE

©カラー／Project Eva. ©TOKYO-SKYTREE

The SKYTREE ROUND THEATER® has been showcasing a special HD music video on the Floor 350 windows edited by the episode director for Neon Genesis Evangelion Masayuki. It features the classing opening theme A Cruel Angel’s Thesis. The video and music, coupled with nighttime Tokyo in the background, makes for an unforgettable spectacle.

Now, a second music video is being added for the song Soul’s Refrain which served as the main theme for the 1997 anime film Neon Genesis Evangelion: Death & Rebirth.

Where: Tokyo Skytree Tembo Deck (Floor 350F)

Price: Free

*The video runs approx. 9 mins

About the SKYTREE ROUND THEATER®

The SKYTREE ROUND THEATER surrounds and envelops you with a Panoramic screen (110m length x 2m height) screen which encircles 255 °of the Tembo Deck.
With 34 projectors, the images and visuals projected onto the night view are the pinnacle of artistry and fantasy.

©カラー／Project Eva. ©TOKYO-SKYTREE

The Spear of Longinus Pierces the Sky Arena

©カラー ©TOKYO-SKYTREE

The Sky Arena, which is located on Floor 4F of Tokyo Skytree Town, is now home to a giant recreation of the Spear of Longinus which makes for a great photo op.

In promotion of the new anime film Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time, which was released in Japan today on March 8, 2021, the Evangelion franchise has launched a collaboration with five of Japan’s top food chains including Sukiya, Nakau, Hamazushi, Coco’s, and Big Boy.

Key Visual

Sukiya

Evangelion Unit-01 Beef Omelette Curry w/ Onion Soup | ¥890 (Tax Included)

Onion Soup Evangelion Unit-01 Mayo Potato Salad | ¥300 (Tax Included)

Nakau

Evangelion Unit-01 Roast Beef Plate | ¥990 (Tax Included)

Evangelion Unit-00 Oyako Don | ¥890 (Tax Included)

Hamazushi

Evangelion Unit-01 Berserk Mode Roll | ¥649 (Tax Included)

Evangelion Unit-02 Beast Roll | ¥649 (Tax Included)

Coco’s

Pierced Core Hamburger | ¥1,859 (Tax Included)

Big Boy

First Impact | ¥1,518 (Tax Included)

Matcha Blanc Manger Blueberry | ¥240 (Tax Included)

Matcha Blanc Manger Mango | ¥240 (Tax Included)

Matcha Blanc Manger Strawberry | ¥240 (Tax Included)

Lid Designs

36 folder designs, one for every menu item ordered excluding desserts

Original plate artwork

Eva-01 Mug (Front)

Eva-01 Mug (Back)

Acrylic Stands (10 Designs)

The collaboration is taking place at 3,700 branches of the participating restaurants across Japan.