It has been announced that the first episode of Frontier Works’s upcoming web anime series Tototsu Ni Egypt Kami (“Suddenly, Egyptian Gods”) will be posted on December 7, 2020 at 12:00pm (JST).

New promotional video released alongside air date announcement

Check out the newest PV release for the series which introduces each of the main characters.

Web Anime “Tototsu Ni Egypt Kami” PV Long Version

Get a free postcard in Japan

To promote the series, Japanese anime goods chain Animate is holding a campaign where for every ¥1,000 spent on Tototsu Ni Egypt Kami merchandise at Animate stores in Japan customers will receive one of 13 postcards.

Running: December 19, 2020 – January 17, 2021

Participating Stores: Animate / Animate Online / Shosen Grande / Horindo Takadanobaba

AMOCAFE Ikebukuro is also celebrating the release of the anime series by serving up a themed menu as well as selling exclusive merchandise.

Running: November 25, 2020 – December 9, 2020

Location: AMOCAFE Ikebukuro, 1-31-6 Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo

Opening Hours: 11:00-19:45 (Reservation Only)

Official Website: https://amocafe-reserve.jp/to_to2ni_cafe/

Who would have thought that the Egyptian gods could be kawaii? Well, that’s exactly what they’ve become in Tototsu Ni Egypt Kami, a series set in Ancient Egypt where the Egyptian deities, like Anubis, Thoth, Bastet, and Ra live laid-back and relaxed lives. The series is adapted from a popular line of character mascots of the same name.

©yuka/とーとつにエジプト神プロジェクト

Sanrio Puroland has announced the release of a new Sanrio character face mask and case collection on December 18, 2020.

Original Masks & Cases – Regular Sizes (6 Designs) | ¥1,650 Each (Tax Included)

The face masks and face mask cases feature cute designs of Sanrio characters including Dear Daniel, Badtz-Maru, Kuromi, My Sweet Piano, and Mocha.

Original Masks & Cases – Kids Sizes (3 Designs) | ¥1,320 Each (Tax Included)

There are also kids sizes with My Melody, Kuromi, and a character mix designs so parents and children can look cute together.

Mask Attachments (6 Designs) | ¥1,650 Each (Before Tax)

Sanrio also has a line-up of Hello Kitty, Dear Daniel, My Melody, Kuromi, Pompompurin, and Cinnamoroll attachments for the face masks.

©1976, 2009 SANRIO CO., LTD. ©1976, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1993, 1996, 2001, 2005, 2020 SANRIO CO., LTD.

SHISEIDO PARLOUR SALON DE CAFE in Ginza, Tokyo, is serving up Christmas cheer this year in the form of a delightful selection of desserts from December 1 to 29.

Christmas Angel Parfait | ¥2,300 (Tax Included)

Made with super sweet Le Lectier pears and combined with assorted berries, this parfait is like a gift from the heavens.

Present From The Heavens w/ Drink | ¥2,500 (Tax Included)

A super cute Christmas assortment with a Christmas present made from white chocolate and berry yam, a snowman made from yuzu citrus-laced milk ice cream, and more.

Shiseido Parlour Story w/ Drink | ¥2,600 (Tax Included) *Served weekdays only

Ensemble Chocolate w/ Drink | ¥2,200 (tax Included)

A brownie made from a combination of Belgian, French, and Swiss chocolate surrounded by ganache, ice cream, and more, served with a spread of berry sauce.

Strawberry Parfait | ¥2,000 (Tax Included)

A simple but deliciously sweet parfait made with koiminori strawberries from Nagasaki. It’s served with ice cream and sauce but only contains 10g sugar content.

Sanrio’s beloved character pair Kiki & Lala, also known as the Little Twin Stars, will feature as part of a special winter event titled “TWINKLE COLOR CHRISTMAS” in collaboration with Odakyu Electric Railway. It will take place at Shinjuku Southern Terrace from December 1 to 25, illuminating the area with beautiful Christmas lights.

Kiki & Lala’s Twinkling Christmas Tree

Shinjuku Southern Terrace will dazzle visitors with its pink and blue illuminations as will its towering 4-meter tall Christmas Tree which was made in collaboration with the installation art group MIRRORBOWLER. It will be decorated in countless mirror balls which will reflect beautifully both during the day from the sun and at night with Kiki & Lala’s illuminations. The tree will also be adorned with numerous Christmas decorations like clouds, moons, and stars—all very reminiscent of Sanrio’s pastel-coloured pair.

Kiki & Lala Food & Drink

Kiki & Lala Ruby Chocolate Latte ¥400 (Tax Included) | Kiki & lala Twinkle Crepe ¥600 (Tax Included)

On weekends, as well as from December 19 up to Christmas Day, a food wagon will make an appearance at the event serving Kiki & Lala food and drink like the pink and fruity Ruby Chocolate Latte and fruit-filled Twinkle Crepe.

Limited-Edition Design Clip

Customers who spend over ¥2,000 (tax included) at the wagon will get themselves a free limited-edition design clip.

Cafe Wagon Schedule
Running: December 5th-6th, 12th-13th, 19th-25th, 2020
Opening Hours: 10:00-19:00

AR Kiki & Lala Tree

Those unable to visit Shinjuku this Christmas can access the “TWINKLE COLOR CHRISTMAS AR TREE” digitally This will have Kiki & Lala’s Christmas tree appear on your phone when taking photos. You can access it here.

©‘76,’20 SANRIO　 著作(株)サンリオ

Marriott International has announced that W Osaka will have its grand opening on March 16, 2021. Room bookings opened via the hotel's official website on Wednesday (November 18).

W Osaka is a luxury lifestyle hotel that will open along Midosuji, the primary main street in central Osaka, positioning it within walking distance of Shinsaibashi which is home to world-leading luxury brand stores, Dotonbori which hails as one of the main tourist spots in Osaka where one can find an unending selection of restaurants and places for a great night out, and Minamisenba where you can find Osaka-based designer stores, coffee shops, and more. It's also conveniently situated near the business district of Honmachi.

The Hotel’s Theme: A fun place for Osaka’s merchants

The hotel’s design was overseen by Osaka-born international architect Tadao Ando. The 32- storey building is coloured a simple yet stylish black and is based around crystals.

The interior design was carried out by Concrete Architectural Associates from the Netherlands who have recreated the image of Osaka’s city lights with dazzling neon lights. Under the rule of the Tokugawa shogunate during the Edo period, extravagance was banned, but that was well over a century ago, so it is of course permitted now. But while W Osaka incorporates flashy design, its interior isn’t overly-sophisticated and maintains an air of light-hearted fun to it.

A single button caters to whatever, whenever when it comes to guests

The 337 guest rooms boast beautiful vivid colours and contemporary designs that are sure to leave an impression. Washrooms are spacious and are equipped with rainfall showers. The rooms’; windows also stand from the floor to the ceiling, allowing for a perfect view of Osaka’s beautiful streets. Best of all, all room telephones are fitted with a “Whatever/Whenever” button on them which enables hotel staff to cater to guests’ needs and wishes at all times no matter what it is.

A Michelin-star chef’s menu

In the lobby, guests will see a mic on a mic stand which is a nod to Osaka’s famous manzai culture of comedy duos. The hotel also plans to open a bar area. For now, however, guests can enjoy the all-dining restaurant which boasts a menu supervised by a Michelin-star-winning chef who has also ranked in Asia’s Best Restaurants 50. In the future, W Osaka plans to be host to unique wedding ceremonies too.

If you’e planning a trip to Osaka next year, be sure to check out W Osaka, opening March 16, 2021.

Pikachu Sweets by Pokémon Cafe in Ikebukuro, Tokyo, is adding the new “Caramel Pika Pika Frappe” to its menu this holiday season from December 5, 2020 to January 15, 2021.

Caramel Pika Pika Frappe | ¥700 (Before Tax)

The adorable beverage is based on the Japanese custard pudding known as purin. It’s laced with caramel sauce, closed off with a squirt of whipped cream, and finished with a sprinkling of chocolate chips for accent.

Pikachu Sleeves

The drink also comes with one of four possible Pikachu sleeves which feature designs in promotion of the upcoming animated film Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle (also known as Pokémon the Movie: Coco) which will be released in Japan on December 25, 2020 and in the US in 2021.

© 2020 Pokémon.©1995-2020 Nintendo/Creatures Inc./GAME FREAK inc.
Pokémon, ポケットモンスター, and ポケモン are registered trademarks of Nintendo, Creatures Inc., and GAME FREAK inc.
© Nintendo･Creatures･GAME FREAK･TV Tokyo･ShoPro･JR Kikaku
© Pokémon © 2020 Pikachu Project

To promote the upcoming anime film adaptation of mobile RPG Fate/Grand Order‘s popular episode “6th Singularity: Camelot,” an event will take place at SKY CIRCUS Sunshine 60 Observation Deck and Sunshine Aquarium in Ikebukuro, Tokyo from December 4, 2020 to January 31, 2021.

New artwork displayed for the event

A collection of new artwork has been drawn specially for the event. Fans will find life-sized cut-outs of Bedivere, Mashu Kyrielite, Lion King, Gawain, and Lancelot at the observation deck and Ozymandias, Nitocris, and Arash at the aquarium. There will also be voiced panels at the observation deck with newly-recorded lines by Mamoru Miyano (Bedivere) and Takehito Koyasu (Ozymandias). Different voice recordings will be rolled out throughout the duration of the event. This info can be found by following the venue on Twitter @skycircus60.

Anime photos and signed exhibits

The observation deck will also feature photos taken from scenes in the anime series as well as exhibits signed by the character voice actors.

Original Merchandise

Stickers

Pins

Both the observation deck and aquarium will sell their own original merchandise, so fans will want to visit both venues.

Keyword Rally

Keyword Rally answer sheet

Both venues will host a keyword rally where fans will have to fill out their answers of the correct words on the sheets in Japanese. Clearing each one will get them an original card with five different designs from the observation deck and three from the aquarium.

Answer sheets can be bought for ¥600 each from the 60th floor ticket counter at the observation deck and next to the annual passport counter at the aquarium.

Tully’s Coffee Collaboration

Tully’s Coffee coasters

Both venues have their own branches of Tully’s Coffee, a cafe chain. For every ¥800 spent on a transaction you will receive one of eight possible coasters chosen randomly.展

Movie ticket campaign

If you go to see the upcoming Fate/Grand Order movie in Japan and show your movie ticket at either the observation deck or aquarium you can get 20% off your entry to the event.劇

More original merchandise

Starting on December 4, the observation deck will begin selling merchandise tickets in addition to regular entry tickets which include both admission and a piece of merchandise.

©TYPE-MOON / FGO6 ANIME PROJECT

Tokyo Tower is set to host a special morning tea gathering on its 150-meter-high main deck, which overlooks central Tokyo, from November 21, 2020.

A peaceful morning cup of tea above Tokyo

Tokyo is a communications tower in the middle of Tokyo which has its own observation deck open to the public which offers an incredible view of the capital. During the day, the tower is very busy with visitors, and so this morning tea gathering aims to offer people a chance to enjoy the tower and its view in peace and quiet, before opening hours, with a cup of Japanese tea.

An open display showcasing Japanese crafts

The event is cooperating with the Japan-France Tea Ceremony Association who is providing specially-selected traditional Japanese tea-making and serving equipment, all of which were made by traditional Japanese artisans and have been passed down since the Edo Period for an authentic.

Open to foreigners even if you don’t know Japanese or the etiquette of the Japanese tea ceremony

Don’t worry if you can’t speak Japanese or don’t know the manners or proper etiquette when it comes to the Japanese tea ceremony – the event is open to all, and you can participate without sitting in the traditional seiza positioning. The staff can speak English, French, and Spanish, so foreign tourists won’t miss out on anything.

Japanese creative company BAKERU has opened bookings for the new entertainment restaurant and bar SOAK which is set to open on November 13, 2020 on the top floor of MIYASHITA PARK’s new brand hotel “sequence MIYASHITA PARK” in Shibuya, Tokyo. The restaurant will served up a ‘Japanese innovative’ menu made by Takeshi Nagashima of Nishiazabu 81 and Hideaki Nagaya of L’Effervescence.

An otherworldly restaurant and bar serving Japanese innovative cuisine

“BUILD NEO TOKYO” is the theme of SOAK. SOAK welcomes by Takeshi Nagashima of Nishiazabu 81 which delivers performance style-entertainment to customes, and Hideaki Nagaya of L’Effervescence, who was chosen for “JAPANESE CUSINE TOP 5 CHEF IN HONG KONG.” Bartending will be Takashi Goto who has worked as the main bartender at Sake Bar DECIBEL in New York and Shampoo in Shinjuku Golden Gai.

An event and party space which can hold up to 100 people

Located just a 3-minute walk from Shibuya Station, SOAK can be used as a party and event space with a maximum capacity of 100 people whether it be a wedding reception or a gathering of friends, family, or business, as well as for events, catering to any and every need. The space was designed by Noiz, a leading interior designer in Japan. The monuments were designed by contemporary artist Akira Yoshida, while the audio design is by Acoustic Engineering and the music is selected by Hirokazu Yamasaki from the post-rock and instrumental band Toe.

OYU: The rooftop terrace offering a panoramic view of Shibuya

Take in a panoramic view of Shibuya atop the rooftop terrace, and enjoy the pool either in the sunlight or shrouded luxuriously in the night with gorgeous illuminations and a glass in hand.

The pre-opening is set for November 13, 2020, but this is subject to change depending on the state of the pandemic.

Christmas cheer is here at Fuji-Q Highland, the popular amusement park in Yamanashi, where a special Christmas event is taking place at Gaspard and Lisa Town in the park.

Christmas gift set with original tote bag

Hot Coffee Set | ¥2,000 (Tax Included)

Up until Christmas Day, the Gaspard and Lisa Town shop is selling a special hot coffee set to warm visitors this holiday season which comes with coffee, cookies, and a coffee cup sleeve.

The set comes in a festive tote bag with Gaspard and Lisa celebrating Christmas 2020 around a Christmas tree.

Hot Coffee Set Contents
①Drip Coffee (Gaspard or Lisa version)
②5 Fujiyama Cookies
③Sleeve (Gaspard or Lisa version)
*Tote bags are available while supplies las

Treats for Christmastime

Gaspard and Lisa Christmas Jar Sweets | ¥500 (Tax Included)

At the Les Rêves Salon de thé tea salon, visitors can pick up a jar dessert which contains a sweet and sour tart topped with Gaspard and Lisa shaped cookies. Cafe Brioche is also selling a selection of freshly-made Christmas pastries.

When visitors spend over ¥2,000 in a single transaction at shops in the town they will receive a limited-edition Gaspard and Lisa Christmas coaster.

Send Christmas post to the Gaspard and Lisa creators

When buying something in the town, customers will be handed a Christmas card that they can send a message in to post in the town’s Christmas postbox. The post will be sent to wife and husband Anne Gutman and Georg Hallensleben, the creators of Gaspard and Lisa, in Paris, France. Up on the second floor of the town’s shop are also drawings and messages by the two creators delivered for this year’s Christmas event.

Post Collection: November 14, 2020 – December 13, 2020

Location: Gaspard and Lisa Town Shop

*1 card per transaction, available while supplies last

Meet Gaspard and Lisa

Gaspard and Lisa donning Christmas cloaks will make an appearance on Christmas cloaks to light up the Towatomo Tree. Visitors can also enjoy a soup with a cute Gaspard or Lisa sleeve.

Date: December 25, 2020
Time: From 16:30
Location: Gasprd and Lisa Town’s Towatomo Tree
Prices:
Soup Only – ¥300 (Tax Included)

Soup & Sleeve – ¥720 (Tax Included)

Wine bottle shaped chocolate

～Le Premier～Le chocolate au vin | ¥2,980 (Tax Included)

The bakers at Highland Resort Hotel & Spa have crafted a new wine bottle-shaped chocolate for the Christmas event. Its sweetness makes it perfect for pairing with wine.

Available: Les Rêves Salon de thé in Gaspard and Lisa Town

©2020　Hachette　Livre

Hoshino Resorts Tomamu, Hokkaido’s top snow resort where you can stay, has announced that this year’s Ice Village will open from December 10, 2020 to March 14, 2021.

Ice Village opens up at Tomamu in wintertime only and has done so every year since 1998. It boasts 3.2 hectares of land and houses 10 enormous igloos to create a little village of ice. At its lowest, the temperature there can drop to -30°C which is what works the magic behind the Ice Village.

Many events around Hokkaido have been cancelled this year as a result of the pandemic, and so Tomamu has decided to remain open to both guests and non-guests while operating under strict countermeasures against COVID-19. This way, people can still enjoy the wonderful winter season of Hokkaido. This year sees the opening of the Ice Milk Cafe and Ice Fruit shop in the Ice Village where they can order a variety of food and drink to take out onto the Ice Terrace. There’s even the Ice Hotel and Ice Chapel.

Draw fresh milk from the Ice Milk Cafe

The one-meter tall Ice Milk Bottle lets visitors who order a glass of Ice Milk at the Milk Cafe draw fresh Tomamu Milk which has a distinctly deep flavour during winter. You can also mix the milk on an ice sheet to create gelato.

Ice Milk Cafe

Opening Hours: 17:00-22:00 (Last Orders 21:30)

Enjoy chilled fruits at the Ice Fruit Shop

Visitors can enjoy a range of whole frozen fruits that have been shaved into smaller pieces as well as frozen fruit beverages. They also serve fruits on skewers you can pick which fruit combinations you like to enjoy out on the Ice Terrace.

Ice Fruit Shop
Opening Hours: 17:00-22:00 (Last Orders 21:30)

Enter a magical frozen world at the Ice Terrace

Once you’ve ordered your takeout drink or dessert, you can go out onto the terrace to sit at the tables and chairs, which are also made of ice, and enjoy the frozen world around you, like the giant snowflakes.

Ice Terrace
Opening Hours: 17:00-22:00

Order a crisp drink at the Ice Bar

The ice bar serves over 50 different alcoholic beverages at the ice counter, with drinks like colourful cocktails served chilled in ice cubes.

Ice Bar

Opening Hours: 17:00-22:00 (Last Orders 21:45)

Dogs are allowed at the Ice Hotel

Everything at the Ice Hotel, from the ceiling to the walls, is made from ice. It’s available to one group per day and has its own ice bath and hot springs. Dogs are also allowed and get their own pup igloo.

Running: January 18, 2021 – February 28, 2020
*Reservations required 7 days in advance

The Ice Chapel made entirely of ice

A chapel made entirely of ice which represents “the unbreakable love between two pure souls which shall last forever.” From the altar and crucifix, to the wedding aisle and benches, everything is made of ice and snow. Firework displays will take place to congratulate newly-wed couples.

Running: January 18, 2020 – February 14, 2020

Visiting Times: 17:45 / 19:45 / 21:45 (10 minutes each)
Ceremony Times: 14:00 / 17:00 / 19:00 / 21:00

Crafts at the Ice Atelier and shopping at the Ice General Store

Visitors can craft things made from ice at the Ice Atelier as well as buy a selection of ice and snow-themed items like crafts, accessories, mugs, and more at the shop.

Ice Atelier / Ice General Shop
Opening Hours: 17:00-22:00

Kids and adults can have fun at the Ice Slide and Ice Rink

The Ice Slide is the most popular part of the Ice Village where kids and adults alike can slide down and overlook the bustling village. Right next to the slide is the Ice Rink, another bustling spot popular with visitors.

Ice Slide Opening Hours: 17:00-22:00
Ice Rink Opening Hours: 17:00-21:45 (Last Entries 21:30)

Solare Hotels & Resorts has announced that the new Hotel & Rooms Kyoto Shichijo will open in Spring 2021. It will be located just a 7-minute walk from the JR side of Kyoto Station’s Central Exit, making it a convenient hub for tourists looking to sightsee in the city.

The casual yet stylish hotel caters to couples, families, and groups travelling together.

“Verical Garden” in the Elevator Hall

Enjoy the open central garden at the hotel cafe

The hotel takes advantage of the building’s old Kyoto-style townhouse design and incorporates a contemporary feel to its interior. The décor is a merging of traditional and contemporary Japan. Guest rooms are centred on groups 2-3 people with double and twin rooms available, allowing for comfort and relaxation.

Spacious washroom with wooden décor

A traditional and modern fusion of stylish mirrors and warm wood

The washrooms offer a relaxing respite from the day’s travels, incorporating the beauty of traditional Kyoto with the modern. The hotel also has its own cafe on the first floor which serves breakfast and lunch and even turns into a bar in the evenings. It’s open to both guests and non-guests to serve as a hub for travellers and locals to enjoy the fruits of Kyoto together.

If you’re planning a trip to Kyoto next spring or beyond, be sure to check out