A powerful skincare collection is coming in January 2022 from cosmetic brand SHIRO. The Oil Collection will feature eight unique products with the company claiming that the life force of the Earth itself is put into each and every drop. 

Items in the collection utilize rich plant extracts and other healthy materials and offer something for each and every skin type. Depending on a user’s skin and the amount of water used, the oils may react differently. People’s skin changes as time goes on due to stress and things like temperature, and these may help reduce some of that damage. 

The eight oils come in three categories: FACE, FACE & BODY, and BODY. Choose the one that best suits your skin condition and daily needs!

FACE OIL

Calendula Oil

Tamanu Oil

St. John’s-wort Oil

Kalahari Melon Oil

These four oils each utilize a specific extraction method and essential oil depending on the plant used. With different textures and fragrances, they can be helpful for achieving the best possible skin. You can’t go wrong with this lineup, whether you’re new to beauty oil or are a regular user. 

FACE&BODY OIL

Japanese Mugwort Oil

Flax Oil

This is the first time SHIRO has released two types of oils that can be used on both the face and the body. Sold in a generous size, these are perfect for daily skin care and body massage. 

BODY OIL

Castor Oil

Arnica Oil

These two body oils soften and moisturize skin while giving off incredible fragrances tinged with essential oils. 

The popular character Rilakkuma was recently appointed as the tourism ambassador for Chiyoda City in Tokyo. To commemorate this lofty position, Tokyo Daijingu Shrine will begin offering Ema decorated with Rilakkuma starting December 1, 2021. Ema are small wooden plaques found at shrines, and visitors can write their wishes or prayers on them before hanging them up for the Gods to receive them. 

Tokyo Daijingu was built in the early Meiji period so that residents of Tokyo could worship the many deities enshrined at the Grand Shrine of Ise from afar. Originally built in Hibiya, the shrine was moved to Iidabashi in 1928 after the Kanto Earthquake. 

Rilakkuma became the tourism ambassador for Chiyoda in August and aims to convey the many charms of the area to as many people as possible. These Ema feature an original Rilakkuma design along with the crest of Tokyo Daijingu.

As a part of the brand’s 9BOX series, New Balance has released a new graphic T-shirt collection in collaboration with Ghost in the Shell SAC_2045. The items went on sale November 12, and to commemorate the release, a Tachikoma from the series has arrived at New Balance Harajuku! For those who may not have seen the series, a Tachikoma is an AI tank prominently featured in the Ghost in the Shell universe.

T-Shirt

Long Sleeve T-Shirt

Collaboration Sticker

Picture Frame

Motoko Kusanagi, the main character of the series, perfectly exemplifies the New Balance brand, which promotes ‘fearless independence.’ Five new t-shirt designs are now available, all drawn by Ilya Kuvshinov, the character designer for Ghost in the Shell SAC-2045. The collection is available at official New Balance stores nationwide, as well as the online store and participating ABC Marts. Those who purchase items from the collection will receive a collaboration sticker, and a special picture frame will be available on the New Balance official store app NB Shop. 

New Balance’s flagship store in Harajuku is celebrating its fifth anniversary this year and was the backdrop for the cover of Rolling Stone Japan to promote the collaboration. Fans of the anime series shouldn’t miss out on these stylish threads!

Casual footwear brand Crocs Japan has started a new campaign inspiring people to be themselves and to be comfortable in their own shoes. 

Crocs ‘Just the Way I Am’

Crocs Interview with Kyary Pamyu Pamyu

Yuni Akino

Riho Shamura

Fuyuki Shimazu

To promote the new campaign, the company has released a new campaign video, as well as four interviews with people who live larger-than-life lives. The princes of Kawaii Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, celebrating her 10th anniversary, expresses the new Crocs image in the best way, comfortable in her skin and true to herself in every way. 

Along with Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, the video interview features actress Yuni Akino, businesswoman, actress, and model Riho Shamura, and cardboard artist Fuyuki Shimazu. 

Tokyo’s favorite Christmas event has begun! Roppongi Hills is a popular destination for shopping, eating, and having a good time, and the Roppongi Hills Christmas 2021 celebration brings the complex to life with plenty of holiday spirit. The Keyakizaka Lights signal the beginning of the Christmas season in the area, and this winter tradition is not to be missed! 

Keyakizaka Lights

The 400-meter-long Keyakizaka street is covered in over 700,000 blue and white LED lights, and the scene has become a popular representation of what Christmas looks like in Tokyo. This year’s West Walk shopping arcade will also feature the special Bon-Bon Blossom installation, a Christmas tree made to look like bonbon chocolates.

Does this look like your ideal Christmas scene?

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. 

Anime series Code Geass is celebrating its 15th anniversary in 2021. To celebrate, a winter-themed Code Geass Cafe will open in Shinjuku for a limited time, from December 2, 2021, until January 23, 2022. The cafe will feature a lineup of luxurious and stylish food and drink items to celebrate Lelouch’s birthday. 

Bonuses

Menu

Food

[Lelouch] Chicken Steak

[Suzaku] Demi-glace Steak

Cream Pasta with Shrimp and Mushrooms

Dessert

Happy Birthday Plate

Student Council’s Afternoon Tea Set

[Nunnally] Black Tea Whipped Cream Millefeuille

Christmas Glass Parfait

New Year Glass Parfait

Drink

Lelouch, Suzaku, Nunnally

Student Council’s Tea Party (Black Tea, Coffee)

Original Goods

Pin (9 varieties, random)

Acrylic Keychain (9 varieties, random) 

Acrylic Stand (9 varieties, random) 

Clear Folder Set (2 included) 

Acrylic Stand (Lelouch, Suzaku, Nunnally) 

Acrylic Board

Muddler Spoon Set

Satin Pouch

Code Geass debuted in October 2006, and the series was recently re-aired in Japan with a new opening and ending theme. A new series, Code Geass: Z of the Recapture, is coming in the future. 

Lelouch’s birthday is on December 5, so there will be plenty of treats to celebrate. Be sure to come give your well wishes!

©SUNRISE／PROJECT L-GEASS　Character Design ©2006-2017 CLAMP・ST

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

How would you like to cruise around Tokyo on a ship decked out in Love Live swag? Tokai Kisen will hold a five-day event to promote Love Live! Superstar!! Starting November 13 on the Salvia Maru, an incredible passenger ship. 

Collaboration Design

November 13/ November 27 / November 28 / December Date to be Announced / December Date to be Announced

The cruise liner will ferry guests around the capital city, traveling between Yokohama and Takeshiba Ferry Terminal. Limited-edition collaboration merchandise will be sold at the ship’s store, so fans shouldn’t miss this unique opportunity!

Kuromi is taking over the fashion headquarters of Japan! The #WorldKuromificationProject x SHIBUYA109 Autumn Campaign featuring My Melody’s punk rival is currently underway until November 21, 2021!

Original Apparel

Novelties

Kuromi Pop-up Shop: Let the #WorldKuromification Process Begin!

Sticker

Mask Case

Decorations

Sculpture

Kuromi came up with the #WorldKuromificationProject to inspire people to become their best possible selves. It’s also a way to create more ‘Kuromies’: what Kuromi calls her fans. SHIBUYA109, a hotspot for trending fashion and new styles, is the perfect spot for the character to help people find themselves through fashion and pop culture. 

During the event period, the famous building will be decorated from top to bottom in Kuromi swag, and original collaboration goods with popular brands will be available for pre-sale. A pop-up store will be selling unique Kuromi items, so don’t miss out on these before they disappear! A campaign will also be held to give away tickets to Sanrio Puroland, and visitors will discover plenty of photo spots and other surprises as they explore SHIBUYA109. 

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!