Sanrio Puroland opened a special new event last Friday (January 8) called “Sweets Puro” which is themed on strawberry picking.

Characters greet guests in their strawberry-designed outfits

Guests participate in an augmented reality strawberry stamp rally

New character videos play at the illuminations

A strawberry-packed dessert menu

Limited-edition merch

Tables in the food court receive makeovers

Guests can look forward to seeing sparkly new pink-coloured illuminations, snapping sweet photos at the entrance photo spot, getting involved in the AR strawberry picking stamp rally using their smartphones, and more. They can also pay to spend one minute with the park characters who will be dressed in their strawberry outfits, and if they arrive 30 minutes before the first floor character food court opens, they can get the limited-offer morning breakfast “Strawberry Morning Bread Set.” The park will even be serving up seasonal alcoholic drinks like the Sweets Puro Strawberry Peach Sour.

The first day of the event saw the characters come out to greet guests in their adorable strawberry and dessert themed costumes. This was followed by a new illumination show, Puro Sweets Party, which took place at Puro Village, and My Melody sang and danced to the music against the bright and beautiful lights. Guests enjoyed a selection of limited-time food like the Pompompurin’s Croissant Doughnut Strawberry Sandwich and Hello Kitty’s Sweet Strawberry Milk.

©1976, 2009 SANRIO CO., LTD.　©1975, 1976, 1990, 1996, 2001, 2004, 2005, 2010, 2017, 2021 SANRIO CO., LTD.

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

Isetan Shinjuku has announced a special one-week event titled “7 Days of Loving Strawberries” which is centred around cute and delicious strawberry desserts and will run this month from January 13-19. Ten cafes and restaurants are participating with a sweet and succulent line-up including strawberry daifuku, strawberry shortcake, special parfaits and crepes, and more.

Strawberry Candle Pavlova @ mihopan popcake | Two for ¥972 (Tax Included) *Limited quantities

MIGAKI-ICHIGO Strawberry Parfait @ Ichibiko | ¥1,980 (Tax Included)

Strawberry Shake @ Ichigo-ya Sunsunen | ¥721 (Tax Included)

Crispy Strawberry Mille-Feuille Crepe @ Sorairo Crepe | ¥935 (Tax Included) *Limited quantities

Strawberry Shortcake Parfait @ Shiseido Parlour | ¥1,045 (Tax Included)

Strawberry Daifuku @ Berry UP! | ¥432 (Tax Included)

Ripe Strawberry Milk Pudding @ Kanjyuku Ichigo Kashi Kekyusho | ¥486

Whole Strawberry Sandwich @ Sajisakon | From ¥864 (Tax Included)

MIGAKI-ICHIGO Strawberry Daifuku @ Seigetsudo Hoten | ¥432 (Tax Included)

discord Yohji Yamamoto, a luxury accessory brand spearheaded by Yohji Yamamoto, has launched a collaboration with German pet brand HUNTER to release a collection of dog collars, leads, and other accessories like bags and wallets.

HUNTER was established in 1980 and has gone on to mark its territory across the world as a provider of high quality pet goods, praised for for the design, functionality, and safety of its products.

Black Dog Collar & Lead

The dog collars are fitted with studs as part of the collaboration. Both the collar and lead feature the same colouring as discord Yohji Yamamoto’s products, arriving in the brand’s signature black as well as beige, the latter of which is often used for its bags and small leather products. They are also clipped with a signature charm which has a design symbolising the collaboration.

Beige Dog Collar & Lead

The accessories are made from elk leather which is soft and made extra durable with double layering. Having the collar and lead the same colours also adds a sophistication to the design when fitted on a dog.

The collection will be released at discord Yohji Yamamoto stores in GINZA SIX, Shibuya PARCO, and Isetain Shinjuku, as well online. More details can be found on the official website here.

discord Yohji Yamamoto Black / Beige Selection

Y BACKPACK Nylon Studs | ¥148,000

ORIGAMI Tote | ¥98,000

Triple Clutch | ¥58,000

Diagonal Bag | ¥45,000

Y SERIES Studs

Y BODYBAG Studs | ¥138,000

Y BACKPACK Studs | ¥158,000

Small Leather Goods

Card Mini Wallet | ¥17,000

Key Wallet | ¥20,000

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.

BOTANIST’s flagship shop BOTANIST Tokyo is set to begin serving up its spring season menu for the new year at its second floor BOTANIST Cafe from January 8 to March 31.

Quinoa Teapot Salad & Potage (Vegan-Friendly) | ¥1,500 (Tax Included)

A sophisticated salad of quinoa, crunchy carrot and red onion, tomato, and more, all served in a cute teapot.

Salmon Salad & Waffles | ¥1,500 (Tax Included)

Naturally sweet vegan waffles with lime-drizzled vegetables and served with slightly salted salmon and cream cheese. Pour over the maple syrup to make the cream cheese even richer and enjoy a completely different flavour.

Cherry Blossom Jelly & Fromage Mousse (Vegan-Friendly) | ¥50 (Tax Included)

Refreshing cherry blossom flavoured jelly made with rich and velvety soy cream. The cherry blossom petal topping and sparkly appearance of the jelly makes this a luxurious looking dessert.

Cherry Blossom Chiffon Cake | ¥800 (Tax Included)

A fluffy cherry blossom chiffon cake dusted with cherry blossom powder. It’s a sweet and subtly salty mix topped with fresh cream.

Left: Three Berry Smoothie, Right: Strawberry & Raspberry Sweet Sake Smoothie (Vegan-Friendly) | ¥850 Each (Before Tax)

The Three Berry Smoothie incorporates the chunky texture of strawberries, sweetness of blueberries, and tangy taste of raspberries, creating a rich but not overly-sweet beverage. The Strawberry & Raspberry Sweet Sake Smoothie is one to go for if you love amazake.

Strawberry Decoration Hot Chocolate (Collaboration Drink) | ¥800 (Tax Included)

This luxurious strawberry hot chocolate is made in collaboration with Dari K, a craft chocolate maker who uses high quality cacao beans from Indonesia.

Select items on the spring menu are available for takeout as well as via Uber Eats in Japan, perfect for enjoy an indoor hanami this year.

BOTANIST Tokyo’s first floor shop will also release its spring series of products, such as the limited edition Botanical Spring Hair Perfume.

What is being dubbed as a new sightseeing spot in Shibuya, “KISS,TOKYO,” an artistic bench, appeared at Shibuya River Street on Christmas Day. The street runs from SHIBUYA STREAM towards Daikanyama.

About KISS,TOKYO

“KISS,TOKYO” is a project and nod towards those who love Tokyo, taking inspiration from the “I♡NY” slogan and logo. Japan isn’t a country where kisses are used as greetings like other places around the world, but the bold notion of “KISS,TOKYO” expresses the feeling of love wards the people and city. It’s a mark to welcome visitors to the capital of Japan.

The bench was made in cooperation with the Shibuya City Tourism Association and Tokyu and under a crowdfunder.

Pop-Up Store

A pop-up shop is now open at WIRED SHIBUYA selling merchandise with the KISS,TOKYO logo on it. It will run until January 31, 2021.

If you’re planning a trip to Shibuya, make sure you get a photo with the city’s new sightseeing and tourist spot.

Fruits Salon, a cafe inside Beauty Connection Ginza that serves full courses of fruit, has introduced a new strawberry and herb course to its menu which is being served until February 1, 2021.

Fruits Salon opened in November last year and garnered much attention for its full course fruit dishes. In August, the cafe served up the “Peach Full Course” which proved super popular. Last month, they offered a menu centred on juicy and sweet grapes. For December and January, the course features four items that combine the taste of seasonal strawberries and fragrant herbs.

Strawberry & Herb Full Course | ¥4,400 (Tax Included)

1st Plate: Shortcake

The first plate is a strawberry herb shortcake which contrasts beautiful red strawberries with white cream. It contains a jam made with milk sauce and gin, resulting in a harmonious balance between sweet and sour.

2nd Plate: Soup

The second plate is a hot strawberry and elderflower soup, combined with a mix of creamy yogurt, pistachio salt, and red wine reduction.

3rd Plate: Parfait

The third plate is the main: a milk gelato parfait with sorbet and chamomile. It also contains granita and champagne. The glass is completely stuffed to the brim and overflowing with sweet treat delights.

This extravagant full course is booking-only and lasts 90 minutes. That’s 90 minutes of pure indulgence.

Tokyo Midtown in Roppongi is set to celebrate the New Year with a festival that will run from January 2 to 11 in 2021.

New Year’s Feast

From Left: Miyagawacho Suiren / SILIN Fuan Long Yuen / UNION SQUARE TOKYO／Kisentei

Restaurants in Tokyo Midtown will be serving up a feast for the New Year from Japanese wagyu beef to seafood and more, all to prepare everyone for a luck-filled and positive 2021.

Running: January 2, 2021 – January 11, 2021
Participating Restaurants: Miyagawacho Suiren / SILIN Fuan Long Yuen / UNION SQUARE TOKYO／Kisentei SILIN / Philippe Mille Tokyo / Le Pain Quotidien / RIO BREWING & CO. BISTRO AND GARDEN / Pizzeria-Trattoria Napule / HAL YAMASHITA Tokyo / NIRVANA New York / Maruya / THE COUNTER Roppongi

New Year’s Greeting Souvenirs

SAKE SHOP Fukumitsuya / Toraya

There will be no shortage of New Year’s greetings souvenirs at Tokyo Midtown, whether it be a set of sake with a special 2021 Year of the Ox label from SAKE SHOP Fukumitsuya or a fruity and colourful confection from Toraya. The pictured confection is made up of colourful layers to represent building up the fruits of one’s labour to achieve your dreams.

Shishimai Lion Dance

The traditional shishimai lion dance is an annual New Year’s-must in Japan. This year’s performance will see the return of taiko drumming and the fue flute, all carried out with proper social distancing measures.

Running: January 2, 2021 – January 3, 2021

Time: 4 times per day

Location: Tokyo Midtown Galleria

The Kirby Cafe in Tokyo has announced a seasonal dish for the new year as part of the cafe’s “Sweet NEW YEAR 2021” celebration which it will begin serving from January 1, 2021.

Kirby Burger & New Year Dessert | ¥1,980 (Before Tax)

The dish comes with a miniature version of Kirby Cafe’s popular burger on a teeny-tiny plate measured at just 10cm in circumference.

The mini dish looks super cute lined up next to the cafe’s plush toys.

The plate that the food is served on comes as a free souvenir which you can take home with you after eating. These will be limited in stock so will be available while supplies last for the New Year.

Following her Winter 2020 look for Shiseido Beauty Square, Japanese pop icon Kyary Pamyu Pamyu is serving something different with the unveiling of her look for Spring 2021.

The theme of this look is “2021: A Beauty Odyssey” with her hair, makeup, and outfit fusing together space and Harajuku-style beauty. It serves a romantic future full of hopes and dreams for the present.

The look was once again made in collaboration with top Shiseido hair and makeup artist Tadashi Harada.

If you’re in need of makeup ideas for the New Year, and are in Tokyo this winter, be sure to pay a visit to Shieido Beauty Square where you’re sure to discover a new you.

Tokyo National Museum has announced that it will reopen after for the New Year closure on February 2021 when it was host its 2021 New Year’s Celebration.

This marks the 18th run of the museum’s annual New Year’s event based on the Chinese zodiac. 2021 is the Year of the Ox, and so the museum will see a special collection of exhibits based around oxen. There will also be traditional Japanese celebrations for the new year such as ikebana flower arrangement, taiko drumming, shishimai lion dance, and more.

A Special Collection of Oxen Artwork

Honkan Special Gallery Rooms 1 & 2

Excellent ox, Important Culture Property of Japan

Tebako Cosmetic Box, National Treasure of Japan

Visitors will be able to learn about the history and culture surrounding ox in Japan. The exhibition is based on the Japanese proverb ushi ni hikarete zenkouji mairi which translates literally to “being pulled to the Zenkoji temple by a cow.” It refers to doing or receiving something good by accident or through the invitation of somebody else.

New Year’s Lucky Omen Works

Shōrin-zu byōbu, Hasegawa Tōhaku (16th Century), National Treasure of Japan

Kokin Wakashū Sheets, National Treasure of Japan

The museum will also welcome a selection of Japanese National Treasures to bring luck to the New Year.

New Year’s Events

January 2, 2021

10:00／11:30　Taiko Performance
13:00／14:30　Shishimai Lion Dance

January 3, 2021
10:00／11:30　Shishimai Lion Dance
13:00／14:30　Taiko Performance

January 2, 2021 – January 11, 2021
Ikebana around the museum