The animated character Rascal the Raccoon is a beloved figure in Japan. Based on the 1963 novel Rascal, A Memoir of a Better Era by Sterling North, Nippon Animation created the adorable character that fans know today. Now, a Rascal pop-up store will be open at Abeno Q’s Mall in Osaka from December 1 until December 14, 2021. 

Merchandise

Bonuses

Paper Bag for those who spend ¥2,000 or more (Including Tax)

Take-Out Tumblers for those who spend ¥6,000 or more (Including Tax)

More than ten new products featuring Rascal will be available at the pop-up store, as well as the above bonus gifts for those spending certain amounts. 

Prior to the event’s commencement on November 26, Universal Studios Japan released a press preview to highlight this year’s Christmas event, including images of the first Christmas tree in two years since the pandemic began. This year’s theme is ‘NO LIMIT!’ and will also celebrate the park’s 20th year of operation. 

The popular stage show NO LIMIT! will feature a special Christmas theme, with popular park characters like Elmo, Snoopy, Hello Kitty, and others clad in holiday costumes. The collaboration with popular girl’s band NiziU has been a major hit so far and will feature their original song FESTA! The goal of the event is to kick off a year filled with smiles. 

The 20th Anniversary NO LIMIT! Christmas tree stands at the center of Gramercy Park, offering guests an excellent view from all sides. Be sure to snap a photo with your friends and loved ones to start 2022 off right!

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.
© Nintendo
TM & © 2021 Sesame Workshop
© 2021 Peanuts Worldwide LLC
© 2021 SANRIO CO., LTD.　APPROVAL NO.  EJ1111901
TM & © Universal Studios & Amblin Entertainment
©吾峠呼世晴／集英社・アニプレックス・ufotable
© Sony Music Labels Inc./JYP Entertainment.
TM & © Universal Studios. All rights reserved.

The globally popular manga series Tokyo Revengers has been serialized in Weekly Shonen Magazine since 2017 and has sold over 40 million copies. An anime series began in April 2021, and a live-action film made its way to theaters in July. In 2022, a Tokyo Revengers art exhibition will be coming to Tokyo and Osaka for a limited time. The event will be coming to Tokyo in January and to Osaka in March.

Ticket + Merch Bonus: T-Shirt

Stickers for Visitors (6 varieties)

*One sticker will be given to visitors at random. Guests cannot choose the pattern. 

*Stickers cannot be exchanged unless they are defective. 

*Stickers will be available while supplies last. 

*Admission privileges will be distributed only to those with paid admission. 

Teaser images for the event have already been unveiled, and the first ticket lottery is now underway. 

(C)和久井健／講談社

On November 18 and November 25, national free broadcasting service BS12 will air ‘NEXT TRIP: A Luxury Resort Trip to Ise and Shima.’ The host for the excursion will be popular model Shibata Saki (nicknamed Shibasaki), who is a well-known figure to women of all ages.

NEXT TRIP is a new travel program that helps travelers figure out where to go next. The theme of the series is “Where should I go once the world settles down?” From visiting popular city spots to faraway resorts in Japan and abroad, the show aims to introduce people to locations they haven’t discovered yet, showcasing what the world has to offer. Those watching should keep a lookout for spectacular scenery, gourmet local food, outdoor activities, and so much more. 

[Part 1] November 18, 2021, 9:00 – ‘NEXT TRIP: A Journey to Ise’

In this episode, Saki Shibata travels to Ise, Mie Prefecture, first visiting Ise Shrine to pay her respects. The shrine is one of the holiest and important sites in the Shinto faith and was said to be established in the year 4 BCE. After visiting the Inner Shrine on a bright and sunny morning, Shibata travels to the ancient Okage Yokocho street to find some souvenirs and enjoy a local cafe to enjoy Ise’s famous rice cakes and traditional Japanese sweets. For lunch, she visits a very retro western-style building. At the nearby Ise Ninja Kingdom, guests can wear ninja costumes, and Shibata does just that! As the day comes to an end, Shibata opts to stay at a luxurious ryokan, Ikyuu, and highlights the incredible dinner and other services the lodging offers.

Air Date: November 18, 2021 / 9:00-10:00

[Part 2] November 25, 2021, 9:00 – ‘NEXT TRIP: A Luxury Resort Trip to Ise and Shima’ 

The second part of the trip begins with cycling. Visiting the famous Married Couple Rocks on the coast of Futami, Shibata sets out for Shima. After enjoying the breathtaking view from the ‘Mailbox in the Sky’ on the Ise-Shima Skyline, she stays at a resort overlooking the Shima coast. Guests are welcome to take a leisurely stroll around the grounds and enjoy a luxury cruise or dinner. The sunset is something Saki Shibata will surely never forget.

Air Date: November 25, 2021 / 9:00-10:00

Where do you want to travel in Japan once the world settles down?

On November 10, 2021, four new Pokemon-themed manhole covers were unveiled in Katori City, Chiba prefecture. These will be the first appearance of the Poke Lids project in both the city and prefecture and each will feature landscapes specific to the area. Pokemon featured in these new covers include Galarian Farfetch’d, Falinks, Florges, and Lotad. 

The Poke Lids project features completely original art, and each serves as a PokeStop in the mobile game Pokemon GO. Many are located in smaller towns and areas, and this has brought more tourism and attention to some of Japan’s more charming hidden gems. Going on a pilgrimage to visit these locations has become a popular new fad, so be sure to try it out once Japan opens!

Poke Lid Locations in Katori

1. Galarian Farfetch’d Poke Lid: 109-14 Sawara, Katori, Chiba
2. Falinks Poke Lid: 1722-1 Sawara, Katori, Chiba
3. Florges Poke Lid: 4549-1 Sawara, Katori, Chiba
4. Lotad Poke Lid: 4053-3 Sawara, Katori, Chiba

©Pokémon. ©Nintendo/Creatures Inc./GAME FREAK inc.
ポケットモンスター・ポケモン・Pokémonは任天堂・クリーチャーズ・ゲームフリークの登録商標です。

Sebastian Masuda, the Godfather of Kawaii, is bringing his ‘Yes, Kawaii is Art’ exhibition to Tokyo. If that isn’t cool enough, the event will be held from December 4 until December 12, 2021, at the 1,300-year-old Kanda Myojin Shrine, known as one of the most important shrines during the Edo period. 

Kanda Myojin, the Tokyo Venue

Work at ‘Yes, Kawaii is Art’ Venue in Osaka

Related Event, 6%DOKIDOKI Fashion Show

Originally scheduled to arrive in Tokyo in September, the exhibition was postponed due to the state of the COVID-19 pandemic. Kanda Myojin is known as the site of the Kanda Festival, one of the three major Shinto festivals in Tokyo started by Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1600. The shrine is very close to Akihabara, and has become a place for technophiles to pray for their electronics!

Sebastian Masuda is known as the Godfather of Kawaii, and his colorful and crazy art is known around the world. In 2020, Masuda asked a number of questions to fans of Japanese pop culture around the world–what is Kawaii? Why does Kawaii cross borders, generations, and gender? This new exhibition tries to find an answer to those questions while bringing some joy and excitement to the local community. 

Osaka’s City of Art Kitakagaya has hosted Masuda’s exhibition since October 30, with his works spread out across three different venues. These will be open until November 30, 2021. 

Additionally, on November 13, a street fashion show by Masuda’s popular Harajuku fashion brand 6%DOKIDOKI will be held at the third venue. The brand turns 26 this year. 

Street culture is ever-evolving, and sneakers play a big part in street fashion. Combining sneakers and art, the artrA project is about to wrap up its first successful season. SNKRDUNK, Japan’s premier sneaker selling app and popular shoe shop atmos have teamed up for this exhibition, which will feature the famous AIR JORDAN 1. These exhibitions have taken place in seven cities across Japan since July. The final exhibitions will be held in Osaka in November and in Tokyo in December. 

A total of 26 up-and-coming illustrators, graphic designers, and even ukiyo-e artists have come together for this unique event. The artwork in this exhibition will incorporate the AIR JORDAN 1 brand, and merchandise featuring this street-styled artwork will be available at the venue.

Those who purchase a T-Shirt on-site will be entered into a raffle to win a pair of AIR JORDAN 1 sneakers. In addition, a special lottery will allow winners to purchase a pair of sneakers to take home. 

Be sure to keep an eye out for the second season of the artrA project brought to you by ASOBISYSTEM!

While the Banana Fish anime series will make you cry, this new collaboration cafe will have guests smiling from ear to ear. This stylish New York-inspired cafe and bar will be open from November 25, 2021, until January 16, 2022, in Tokyo, and from December 2, 2021, until January 30, 2022 in Osaka. Guests can enjoy dishes and drinks inspired by the show’s characters and can grab some limited merchandise too. 

Banana Fish began as a manga series in 1985 and was created by Akio Yoshida. Set in New York City, the series follows the teenage gang leader Ash Lynx as he tries to overcome his painful past and solve the mystery of ‘banana fish,’ a strange drug that drove his brother mad during the war in Vietnam. He is joined by Eiji Okumura, a Japanese college student and photographer’s assistant who arrives in America to help with a story about gang violence. 

Menu

Tofu and Salmon Salad Bowl

His Main Dish for the Night

N.Y. Style Tacos

Grilled Banana Waffle

Chinese Sweets Plate

Chocolate Fondue

N.Y. Style Cheesecake with Caramel Nuts

Ash, Eiji, Shorter

Hot Cocoa, Hot Cafe Latte

Original Merchandise

Acrylic Pin (7 varieties, random)

Aurora Sticker (7 varieties, random)

Acrylic Stand (7 varieties, random) 

Acrylic Keychain (6 varieties, random)

Clear Folder Set (Includes two folders)

Acrylic Stand (Ash, Eiji, Shorter)

Acrylic Board

Cork Coaster (Ash, Eiji) / Cup Sleeve

Glass (Ash, Eiji) / Plate

Bonus for Advanced Reservation Holders: Paper Ornament (8 varieties, random)

How would you like to spend some time with these characters in a swanky New York-style cafe?

© 吉田秋生・小学館／Project BANANA FISH

For visitors to Tokyo who love Japanese pop culture, the KAWAII MONSTER CAFE was a rite of passage. Opened in Harajuku in 2015 and produced by the Godfather of Kawaii himself Sebastian Masuda, the restaurant was a love letter to all things cute. Starting in February 2021, ASOBISYSTEM has taken over the operation of this beloved property. 

Regrettably, due to the state of the world, KAWAII MONSTER CAFE HARAJUKU closed at the end of January 2021. However, the spirit of this colorful place isn’t dead, and a new concept and menu are now coming to fruition in Osaka!

Contents

Monster Cake and Choppy

Monster Burger

Colorful Tonkatsu Monster Burger (Red): ¥1,380 (Tax Included, Drink Included) 

This bright red monster burger will make a great subject for an Instagram photo and is filled with pork cutlet and bacon dipped in a special tomato sauce. 

Colorful Shrimp Fritter Monster Burger (Blue): ¥1,380 (Tax Included, Drink Included) 

This tasty shrimp fritter sandwich is best enjoyed with plenty of tartar sauce!

Colorful Blue and Red Mini Burgers: ¥1,280 (Tax Included) 

Can’t decide which burger you’d like to try? How about both! Guests can also design their own monster burgers with a special topping kit.

Monster Cooking

Cooking Class Fee: ¥700 (Tax Included) 

Cooking Class Fee with Cutlery: ¥1,000 (Tax Included) 

Length: 30 minutes

Ages 9+

Quiz Rally Card

Traverse the four floors of the Hug Museum for a special quiz rally! There will be one question on each floor, marked by Choppy! Those who answer all the questions correctly will receive an original mask case!

Monster Merchandise

The Hug Museum, sponsored by Osaka Gas, offers plenty of hands-on exhibitions related to food. The grand opening of the KAWAII MONSTER KITCHEN was held on November 2, and inspired children and adults alike to have fun with their food and embrace all th ings kawaii. A photo spot featuring a massive monster cake has also been installed, supervised by Sebastian Masuda. Come experience the spirit of kawaii culture in Osaka!

The past two years have been difficult, with events being canceled and people having to spend more time inside. Universal Studios Japan is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a new Christmas event, hoping to bring back guests’ smiles and offer a place to make new holiday memories. The event will run from November 26, 2021, until January 10, 2022. 

NO LIMIT! ~Happy Christmas!~

#USJ Amazing AR (Christmas ver.)

Winter Exclusive Food and Merchandise

Super Nintendo World

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba

The park will decorate Gramercy Park, found in the heart of the New York section, with a massive Christmas tree, the first to be erected in two years. Featuring different decorations than years past, the tree will be clad in 20th-anniversary colors and adornments and will be the perfect place to take a photo! Plenty of Christmastime entertainment and lights will illuminate the park, giving visitors plenty of hope for the upcoming new year. 

The singing show ‘Power of Pop – Christmas Edition’ will be held at Mel’s stage, and guests can hear popular Christmas tunes sung live. The popular Super Nintendo World area of the park will be welcoming winter for the first time since its opening, with a new lineup of food and merchandise. 

A Demon Slayer: Kimestu no Yaiba collaboration event will also be going on until February 13, 2022. In addition, the Demon Slayer XR ride, the series’ first VR roller coaster, themed restaurants featuring character meet-and-greets will also be open, as well as shops selling original Demon Slayer merchandise. 

For the park’s 20th anniversary, the popular stage show NO LIMIT! will feature a special Christmas theme, with popular park characters clad in holiday costumes. The collaboration with popular girl’s band NiziU has been a major hit so far and will feature their original song FESTA. This new revival is sure to have visitors dancing to the music!

A new Christmas-exclusive AR filter has been added to the park’s official Instagram, so don’t miss your chance to use it during your visit!

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.
© Nintendo
TM & © 2021 Sesame Workshop
© 2021 Peanuts Worldwide LLC
© 2021 SANRIO CO., LTD.　APPROVAL NO.  EJ1102001
TM & © Universal Studios & Amblin Entertainment
©吾峠呼世晴／集英社・アニプレックス・ufotable
© Sony Music Labels Inc./JYP Entertainment.
TM & © Universal Studios. All rights reserved.

Artist Sebastian Masuda is a leading figure in Japan’s culture of KAWAII. The creator of the popular Harajuku brand 6%DOKIDOKI, the creator has worked with Kyary Pamyu Pamyu and a number of other kawaii personalities in the past. Now, his exhibition titled ‘Yes, Kawaii is Art’ is coming to Osaka from October 30 to November 21, 2021. The event will take place in Kitakagaya, an art district located in an old factory area, with three distinct venues opening each week. Each will exhibit a different work. 

Fantastic Voyage Digest Video

Presale tickets for Fantastic Voyage, Prototype II, a performance taking place at the second venue, went on sale on October 21. The prototype was created as a device for ‘imagining the isolated future,’ and shows a transparent capsule traveling through space. The thirty-minute performance will surround viewers with sounds and images and is sure to dig deep into the psyche. 

An exclusive VIP plan will be available on October 30 and 31 and is reserved for only two groups per day. Those who can afford the ¥80,000 per person ticket price can enjoy a luxurious Halloween buffet at the Conrad Osaka hotel. Each scrumptious sweet was designed by Masuda himself, and VIP guests can also tour rooms where his works are displayed. Masuda will accompany visitors to directly explain his works, so the cost might be worth it!

After a year on hiatus, Universal Studios Japan will be bringing back the daytime parade with the  ‘NO LIMIT! PARADE,’ scheduled to be held for a year starting in Spring 2022.

The ‘NO LIMIT! PARADE’ is like a dance party, unifying each guest as one with the power of dance. The energetic entertainment turns everybody into “the protagonist.”

In addition to well-known 

park characters like the Minions and Hello Kitty, Mario and his Nintendo friends will also be joining the parade from their home in the super popular Super Nintendo World™, bringing some Pokémon buddies along for the ride. The various worlds will collide to a range of party tracks, from 60’s rock to modern EDM, with each character performing a representative dance.

By dancing with these iconic characters and entertainers, everybody can become “The Protagonist” – young or old! The grand finale of each parade truly pushes the meaning of NO LIMITS, with production exceeding all expectations. Each visitor will feel their mind and body growing “Super Energetic” from all the fun with this all-new entertainment experience!

Become one with the all-star cast at the ‘NO LIMIT! PARADE!’

 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.
© Nintendo
TM & © 2021 Sesame Workshop
© 2021 Peanuts Worldwide LLC
© 2021 SANRIO CO., LTD.　APPROVAL NO. EJ1100402
TM & © Universal Studios & Amblin Entertainment
© 2021 UNIVERSAL STUDIOS
©2021 Pokémon. ©1995-2021 Nintendo/Creatures Inc. /GAME FREAK inc.
TM & © Universal Studios. All rights reserved.