Kobe is filled with famous sightseeing spots like the nostalgic Ijikan neighborhood and port. The city is packed with fashionable shops and restaurants and is highly regarded for its selection of tasty sweets!

The port city, with over 150 years of history, has fostered a unique and diverse culinary culture.

Recently, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu began starring in a series of promotional videos for the Gastropolis Kobe project. The artist traveled to the city to partake in plenty of delicious treats, and MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON went along for the ride! Here are some of the singer’s favorite spots around town.

Kobe, known as a city where East meets West, is lined with sweets shops that are unique to the area.

The tea salon TOOTH TOOTH Dekoboko Sabo opened in 2019 in the Kobe City Museum and offers a menu that mixes Western food and sweets with tea and ingredients from traditional Japanese cuisine. Kyary ordered the Dekoboko Sabo Afternoon Tea Set, a collection of western sweets blended with the essence of traditional Japanese flavors. Guests are invited to enjoy their tea and sweets in a one-of-a-kind space filled with Meiji period flare and retro Western furniture. Those interested will need to make a reservation, so be sure to remember the next time you’re in Kobe.

TOOTH TOOTH Decoboco Sabo

Address: 24 Kyomachi, Chuo Ward, Kobe (Inside the Kobe City Museum)

Hours: 9:30-17:30 (Last Order at 16:30) 

Closed Mondays

Official Site: https://toothtooth.com/restaurant/decoboco-sabo

The next stop was Kobe Nankin-machi, one of the three major Chinatowns in Japan. Kobe MILK is known nationwide for its Apricot Pudding, which is made with local ingredients. The raw apricot pudding is mixed with milk brought from the foot of Mt. Rokko and other ingredients from Hyogo Prefecture. Of course, Kyary ordered some, and was amazed by its fluffy texture. You can only enjoy it in Kobe–also, the shop sells other puddings mixed with seasonal fruits, so don’t miss those either!

Kobe MILK

Address: Shin-Motomachi Building 1F (1 Motomachi-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe)

Hours: Weekdays 9:30-19:00 / Weekends 9:30-19:30

Official Site: https://kobe-milk.com

For Kyary’s final stop, the singer visited the Moore House, a cafe located in a building with over 100 years of history. Guests are surrounded by greenery, and the Western-style building is incredibly elegant. The Strawberry Mille-feuille Kyary ordered was created by an expert patissier and based on the strawberry mille-feuille recipe from the legendary French restaurant Maxim’s de Paris in Ginza. A generous amount of custard cream complements the crispy pie crust and enhances the sweetness of the fresh strawberries. We’d recommend it with a glass of champagne–if you’re of age.

Kitano Ijin-kan Moore House

Address: 2-9-3 Kitanocho, Chuo-ku, Kobe

Hours: 11:00-17:00

Closed Tuesdays

Official Site: https://www.kitanomoore.com/cafe/

The streets of Kobe are packed with sweets that you can only enjoy if you visit. Why not come experience these incredible spots like Kyary did?

Kobe Sweets Trailer: https://youtu.be/Sx9B1ZdAvlI

Felissimo’s Museum Department has teamed up with Ad Museum Tokyo to release a collection of nail stickers inspired by famous works of art from the Edo Period. They also released an incense collection inspired by classic matchbooks on November 21, 2022. Nishiki-e is a type of Japanese multi-colored woodblock printing, and those interested in traditional art will love showing off their new style with these easy-to-apply stickers. 

Edo Trend Nishiki-e Gel Style Nail Stickers

One Hundred Beauties from Famous Places of Edo – Ninghocho

Sixteen Female Sennin

Keisei Oyodo – Ichikawa Masunojou

Showa Modern Incense with Matchbox Labels

These incense sets were inspired by classic matchboxes, each featuring ads from the time. Each stick burns for about 10 minutes, making them perfect for use in your spare time. After using the incense, these are perfect for using as boxes for jewelry or other small items!

On November 16, Felissimo unveiled a collection of original items inspired by Rumiko Takahashi’s popular manga series Ranma ½ on their official website. These items were made for adults to enjoy, and the collection includes plenty of apparel and items for the home. Whether you’re looking for pajamas, tote bags, or pillowcases, Felissimo’s got you covered!

Naruto Patterned Pajamas

These soft pajamas are perfect for the cold winter months and were inspired by the PJs Ranma wears in the series.

Fluffy P-chan Pouch

With his yellow bandana and fluffy body, this P-chan pouch is sure to brighten up your desk at school or work!

Pouch

This scene of Ranma walking along the fence while Akane follows on the ground is one of the most well-known moments in the series. Now, fans can relive it each time they reach for a pencil or pen.

Sweatshirt

This romantic moment from the series has been immortalized on a sweatshirt perfect for adults to wear with muted colors and a sleek design.

Pass Case

These pass cases are perfect for your Suica card and are each printed with popular battle poses from the series. 

2-WAY Earrings with Tassels

These earrings feature designs of Ranma, Akane, Shampoo, and P-chan. The tassels can be removed for a more subtle look. 

Reversable Tote Bag

This tote bag features a mature black design with a print of Ranma and friends. It’s also reversible, with the opposite side a sleek white with flowers. This bag easily fits A4-size items.

Character Nail Stickers

Decorate your nails with Ranma, Akane, and Shampoo! These gel-like nail stickers are decorated with gold and silver foil. Tip: paint your nails different colors for unique effects!

Socks

These socks can be paired with a number of styles. While they were inspired by the classic manga series, there’s no reason you can’t wear them with a proper dress for a night out!

Pillowcase

These pillowcases will bring some fun to your bedroom! Whether you want something romantic or cute, snag one of these while you can.

Character-inspired Japanese confectionary series Tabemas has announced two new sweets inspired by Kirby and Waddle Dee from the popular game series! These will be available at select AEON and AEON Style locations starting November 18.

Kirby is celebrating his 30th anniversary in 2022, and the popular character has been seeing plenty of press time and special events to celebrate. Now, fans can snag these traditional sweets–though they might be too cute to eat!

The character’s round and puffy body have been recreated perfectly with mild sweetness and a smooth custard flavor.

While the bean paste inside the Kirby sweet is custard-flavored, Waddle Dee features a smooth chocolate flavor. Grab these while supplies last!

(C)Nintendo / HAL Laboratory, Inc. KB22-P4730」

Global creative agency monopo is teaming up with Shokuraku Asano, a 100-year-old obi maker from Kyoto! The company is working to create a digital experience for interested viewers, sharing each artisan’s personal story. Those who love Japanese culture are welcome to enjoy traditional Japanese crafts in an entirely new way!

Using a one-of-a-kind QR obi, a new storytelling method is showing off the hard work and love that goes into the company’s textiles. A special website and video allow interested viewers to experience the process of making an obi digitally, simply by using their smartphone. Even those unable to visit Japan to see these obi in person can dive into the history of the area’s textiles and become more acquainted with one part of Kyoto’s manufacturing culture. 

Kyoto was the ancient capital of Japan. The city is known for its history and preservation of Japanese culture, and prior to the pandemic, the city was constantly filled with visitors from around the world anxious to learn more about the country’s traditional culture. When the pandemic hit the world in 2020, it changed the city forever–tourists disappeared and the city became much quieter. Now that Japan has opened its borders, however, tourists are returning in droves.

While Shokuraku Asano upholds tradition, it also seeks to leave a mark on new generations by embracing new technology. This unique project is worth noting, so get your smartphone out and start learning!

We applaud monopo’s attempt to share this incredible traditional Japanese craftsmanship with people around the world. 

A collection of must-have goods featuring Chiikawa and Sanrio characters has been announced! The items will be available at the Sanrio Online Store on November 24  and Sanrio shops nationwide, including department stores, starting November 25. The popular character Chiikawa, created by illustrator nagano, has been invited into the world of Sanrio, and the results are perfectly adorable. The merch lineup includes 21 items from plush toys to acrylic keychains. Purchase bonuses will also be given to those snagging any of the items on offer.

Goods at a Glance

This marks the second collaboration between Sanrio characters and Chiikawa. Fans will want to grab these limited-edition goods, including fluffy plush toys, a mascot-style brooch set, pouches, tote bags, clear folders, and handy cases perfect for storing small items. These items feature completely original designs. Which one is your favorite?

Over the past few decades, Star Wars has become one of the most beloved properties with fans around the world.

Grogu, known by many fans as Baby Yoda, first appeared in The Mandalorian, a series on Disney+ currently celebrating its third anniversary. 

With his mysterious background and incredible use of the Force, the tiny and adorable character became a hit with fans around the world, quickly making him one of the most popular characters in the recent Star Wars series.

World-renowned Japanese animation studio Studio Ghibli recently produced a short animation starring Grogu and Makkuro Kurosuke, also known as the Wandering Soot or, in the title for the short, Dust Bunnies. The characters first appeared in the film My Neighbor Totoro.

Studio Ghibli director Hayao Miyazaki and producer Toshio Suzuki have long been friends with Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy, who readily agreed to produce the short as a symbol of their longstanding friendship. The short was directed by Katsuya Kondo.

Will you give this a watch on Disney+?

（C）2022 & TM Lucasfilm Ltd.（C）2022 Studio Ghibli.

Japanese family restaurant chain Coco’s has announced a new collaboration with Uta no Prince-sama: The Movie! The campaign will begin on November 15.

Coco’s Original Clear Folder

Phase 1: November 15 – November 28

Phase 2: November 29 – December 12

Phase 3: December 13 – December 26

*Sample images only. 
*Available while supplies last.

Menu

ST☆RISH Dream Cocotte Hamburger Steak

UUUU Wild Mud Pie

SAMURAIZM Sweet Anmitsu

Lottery Prize: Coco’s Original Big Towel

Collab Menu Purchase Bonus: Original Postcard with QR Code including Special Christmas Voice Message

Life-size Panels

Exclusive In-Store Goods

Coco’s Original Acrylic Stand (7 varieties, Random)

Coco’s Original Pin (7 varieties, Random)

Goods Available Online

180cm Banner / B2 Tapestry

The campaign will feature a collaboration menu inspired by the idol group ST☆RISH, which appears heavily in Uta no Prince-sama: The Movie, along with collaboration desserts inspired by the songs UUUU and SAMURAIZM  that appear in the film. Those ordering any item from the campaign menu will receive an original Coco’s clear folder.

Shinomiya Natsuki (Taniyama Kishow), Ichinose Tokiya (Miyano Mamoru), Ajima Cecil (Toriumi Kousuke), Jinguji Ren (Suwabe Junichi), Ittoki Otoya (Terashima Takuma), Kurusu Sho (Shimono Hiro), and Hijirikawa Masato (Suzumura Kenichi). Fans will want to keep an eye out for life-size panels at select locations and exclusive merchandise!

 ©UTA☆PRI-MOVIE ST PROJECT

Cake.jp, a website specializing in cakes and sweets, is installing special vending machines in AEON MALL locations! These machines are part of a collaboration with ONE PIECE FILM RED.

The collaboration vending machines will offer canned cakes inspired by Luffy, Uta, and Shanks from the popular film. Each cake tin features original designs by Cake.jp and each character’s cake has a unique flavor. 

Flavors

Luffy: A refreshing cake with orange cream, jelly, blueberry cream, and more.

Uta: A colorful cake with a variety of flavors including melon, lemon, orange, and blueberry cream.

Shanks: A chocolate-based cake with berry cream and a perfect balance of richness and acidity.

Collaboration Vending Machine

While the Cake.jp official website sells these cakes exclusively in a set of three, the collaborative vending machine allows customers to purchase them separately. Fans of all ages will love these tasty treats, so after seeing the film why not pick up some of these sweets for yourself or a friend?

(C)尾田栄一郎／2022「ワンピース」製作委員会

On November 19, Nijigen no Mori, an amusement park located on Awaji Island in Hyogo, will begin its fifth collaboration with the popular anime series Demon Slayer. New merchandise, such as acrylic keychains and long-sleeve t-shirts, and menu items will be available, so fans shouldn’t miss their chance to visit!

A limited number of hand warmers with an original illustration of Kyojuro will be given to guests who participate in the Natagumo Mountain Night Walk event after November 19. Don’t let the cold weather stop you from taking part in the festivities!

New Merchandise

Rectangular Pin

Acrylic Keychain

Acrylic Stand

Long-sleeve T-shirt (White/Black)

The new lineup of original goods includes pins, keychains, acrylic stands, and long-sleeve T-shirts featuring beloved characters from the series. All illustrations were provided by ufotable exclusively for this collaboration event.

New Menu

Tanjiro’s White Dashi Udon

Kyojuro’s Spicy Korean Soup with Shredded Beef

Drinks: Original Clear Bottle (8 varieties)

Exclusive Lunch Mat

Hand Warmer with Original Design

The Demon Slayer food truck will offer warm food and drinks for the winter season. The White Dashi Udon features tasty noodles and yams, while Kyojuro’s collaboration dish is filled with spiciness. Hot drinks will be served in a special way–just pick a clear bottle featuring your favorite character!

Those who purchase items from the collaboration menu will receive a coaster with an exclusive design, and those who want to purchase a special lunch mat can do so for only ¥650. Come enjoy the cold months with your favorite characters!

©吾峠呼世晴／集英社・アニプレックス・ufotable

Through a partnership with Warner Bros. Consumer Products, loungewear brand Snidel Home has announced a limited-edition Harry Potter collection. Items will go on sale starting November 11 and will be available at participating stores nationwide and online at USAGI ONLINE and the Snidel Home official website. 

Collection

Each piece features embroidery inspired by the four Hogwarts houses and the beloved Golden Snitch. Enjoy the magical Harry Potter Collection with its college-style, vintage-inspired designs, and magical touches.

WIZARDING WORLD characters, names, and related indicia are © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © JKR. (s22)

Headquartered in Los Angeles and Tokyo, 1SEC operates the web3 creative studio 1BLOCK. For a limited time, the shoe brand atmos and the wildly popular manga series Space Brothers, which has sold over 28 million copies, will collaborate with the 3D NFT project MetaSamurai and the AIR SMOKE ZERO (NFT) virtual sneakers.

MetaSamurai will incorporate the sensibility and style of atmos sneakers with the beloved characters from Space Brothers. The collaborative AIR SMOKE ZERO sneakers show off the iconic elephant pattern from atmos along with the moon, the main setting for the Space Brothers story.

Don’t miss out on this unique and one-of-a-kind NFT!

©小山宙哉／講談社