Adrian Zecha, the founder of Aman, together with Naru Developments, has announced the launch of their new ryokan hotel brand Azumi. The first Azumi property is set to open in the Seto Inland Sea area of Japan in Spring 2021.

Azumi: A New Ryokan Brand

Adrian Zecha came across his first ryokan in Japan about 60 years ago and subsequently went on to launch multiple hotel brands, including Aman. Azumi is his latest project to take the hospitable nature of the Japanese-style inn, known as a ryokan, and its traditions while ensuring to pay respect to the region and people in the community in which each property will open.

During the 1950s, Zecha, who was a correspondent and reporter of Asia at the time, encountered ryokan for the very first time while in Japan. He was impressed by the hospitality bestowed to guests staying at the inn which for him felt homely. With that in mind, Azumi maintains an exclusive and sophisticated appearance while at the same time is adamant in understanding that the guest is what makes a ryokan as a person, and so offers a warm welcome and interaction that connects to the local community.

Azumi’s approach aims to respect the traditions and community of each region while at the same time building something that will be passed down through the generations. Shiro Miura of Rokukaku-ya, a shop which values living materials such as wood and stone through Sukiya architecture, has been on the Azumi team since the brand’s inception to create a space that can be enjoyed as a marvel of Japanese architecture while satisfying those travelling from abroad.

The brand’s name comes from the Azumi people, an ancient seafaring tribe who crossed the ocean and settled in Japan.

The first Azumi property will open on an island in the Seto Inland Sea which boasts clear blue waters and is known for its abundant natural environment which has made it a big player in Japan’s citrus fruit production as well as the fishing industry.

Azumi will open its doors in Spring 2021, filled with the ideas conceived by the one and only Adrian Zecha.

Koala’s March is one of the many tasty treats made by Japanese confectionery company Lotte. They are bite-sized cookies with sweet fillings. Lotte is teaming up with Pokémon to release 48 Koala’s March products with Pokémon prints on them.

Koala’s March With Pokémon – Cheesecake Moomoo Milk Flavour

The crunchy biscuits feature a variety of Pokémon prints on them along with the Pokémon’s names’ in Japanese. They are filled with sweet cheesecake-flavoured chocolate. The collaboration is inspired by Moomoo Milk, an HP-restoring medicine seen in Pokémon. Together with the original Koala’s March prints, there are a total of 96 individual designs to find.

A proper tasty snack for any Pokémon Trainer out there!

©LOTTE/Koala’s March Project

©Nintendo･Creatures･GAME FREAK･TV Tokyo･ShoPro･JR Kikaku ©Pokémon

Seiko is teaming up with Pokémon to release four limited-edition watches on December 11, 2020. Each model will be available to buy from Seiko in Japan.

Pikachu Icon Design Model SCXP175 | ¥30,800 (Tax Included)

The Pikachu Icon Design Model SCXP175 features a modern design with a yellow dial and black Pikachu silhouette. Pikachu’s tail is used as the watch hands, underneath which is a nod to Pikachu’s effectiveness as a lighting-type Pokémon against water-types. The watch has a leather strap with Pikachu’s paw prints running down it.

Pikachu Green Model SCXP177 | ¥30,800 (Tax Included)

The Pikachu Green Model SCXP177 features a green dial inspired by Pikachu running through Viridian Forest. The second hand also has Pikachu’s tail and the leather strap has Pikachu’s paw prints.

Eevee Model SCXP179 | ¥30,800 (Tax Included)

The cute Eevee Model SCXP179 has coloured dots for the hours which represent Eevee’s nine different evolutions. The leather strap has Eevee’s paw prints.

Mewtwo Model SCXP181 | ¥30,800 (Tax Included)

The Mewtwo Model SCXP181 is purple to represent the Psychic-type Legendary Pokémon Mewtwo. The leather strap reads “Pokémon” on it.

There are three different underside designs featuring a closed Poké Ball, an open Poké Ball, and a closed Great Ball.

Each watch comes in a special box and with an additional nylon strap, which you can swap out with the leather one, as well as a Poké Ball design cloth.

©Nintendo･Creatures･GAME FREAK･TV Tokyo･ShoPro･JR Kikaku　©Pokémon

Major real estate developer Mitsui Fudosan and Mitsui Fudosan Hotel Management will open “sequence SUIDOBASHI,” the third branch of their “sequence” hotel chain, in Chiyoda, Tokyo, on November 25, 2020.

A convenient stay in Tokyo

sequence SUIDOBASHI is just a 1-minute walk from Suidōbashi Station’s JR Line and a 6-minute walk from its Toei Subway-Mita Line. Its convenient location puts it near the Tokyo Dome City entertainment complex where you can enjoy sports events, concerts, an amusement park, and more. It also means easy access to other places like Akihabara, Kagurazaka, and Otemachi.

Suidobashi is home to many office buildings, and so to blend in with its environment, sequence SUIDOBASHI features monotone colouring with chic and sophisticated design.

An easy check-in with facial recognition technology

At the hotel entrance is the facial recognition check-in counter. Guests use an app to register in advance and can use facial recognition or a QR code to self check-in easily. The hotel lobby also has a counter table and DJ booth as well as a cafe counter.

One checked-in, guests can enter the hotel to find their rooms or other facilities throughout the building. sequence SUIDOBASHI is the second branch to incorporate facial recognition, which lets the hotel do everything for you from checking-in to entering your room, following sequence KYOTO GOJO. The hotel chain is also the first in Tokyo to incorporate it.

The concept of “MOMENT”

The hotel is built around the concept of a moment, offering a range of spaces for guests to enjoy different moments like the theatre and the lounge, all of which can be experienced with proper COVID-19 precautionary measures in place.

Bar and dining at KANPAI TERRACE

The hotel’s bar and dining restaurant KANPAI TERRACE has a spacious open terrace where guests can enjoy a selection of sandwiches, French toast, mains and sides for breakfast and lunch. During bar time, pick from a range of alcohols and pair them with various Japanese, Western, and Chinese foods.

SHUNKAN LOUNGE

Up on the 2nd floor is the guest-only “SHUNKAN LOUNGE,” a 40m² mini theatres with an enormous 120-inch screen where guests can enjoy sports, entertainment, and more. They can also take food and drink they bought from KANPAI TERRACE in there.

SHUNKAN LOUNGE also has its own art gallery showcasing art themed on the concept of “MOMENT” from young, up-and-coming artists.

Guest Rooms

There are eight types of rooms to choose from, all of which can accommodate 2+ people. Rooms are compact and functional whether it be for guests’ morning routines or for desk work. The hotel has selected black as the base colour for the backstage area while the bed area uses white which softly illuminates with the light to create a chic contrast in the room design. There are also speckles of orange throughout the room which is the brand’s colour and adds accent to the overall design.

Floors 3-6 and 12 feature bunk bed rooms perfect for friends and families travelling together. The rooms are compact with everything guests need in there including the washrooms with showers and toilets. There’s also a concept room called “Bunk Bed 4 LIVE” which features a projector and BOSE speakers for guests looking for more of a party room.

If you’re looking for a place to stay in Tokyo, why not check out the “next-generation” lifestyle hotel sequence SUIDOBASHI?

Monosense has announced the release of a new Pokémon Gift Set which will hit Lovisia shops and variety stores in Japan as well as online on November 26, 2020.

The Pokémon cosmetic series has been a huge success in Japan since it launched, spanning face masks, hand cream, lip cream, lip gloss, point packs, mirrors, and body gel. The face masks however have proven the most popular, having sold over 600,000 of them (as of June 2020).

Ditto gets added to the series

Pokémon Face Mask Set (Includes 5) | ¥2,150 (Before Tax)

Pokémon Trainers can keep their faces moisturised while out in the wild with this set of five face masks. The collection includes the familiar Pikachu, Mew, Eevee, and Mew masks, and adds an all-new Ditto version. Skin can get pretty dry during the cold autumn and winter months, so these made-in-Japan face masks will keep Trainers’ skin moisturised thanks to the collagen, hyaluronic acid, and shea butter in them.

Pokémon Gift Set

Pokémon Gift Set (4 Versions) | ¥1,200 (Before Tax)

The Pokémon Gift Set is a single box containing hand cream as well as a hand towel which comes with an emblem of the Pokémon you decide to choose. The hand cream is made with collagen and hyaluronic acid which keeps hand soft—super effective for throwing all of those Poké Balls. The Pikachu cream is “Pure Soap” scented, Eevee is “Pink Bouquet,” Psyduck is “Sweet Peony,” and Mew is “Floral Shampoo.”

The gift sets come in cute packaging branded in pastel colours. Who will you choose?

Select stores in Japan will bag customers’ Pokémon cosmetic products in a limited-edition bag too. The perfect Pika-gift for any lover of Pokémon!

Japanese confectionery company Lotte is launching a new version of its popular Choco Pie dessert in collaboration with Pokémon.

Pokémon Trainers out there with sweet tooths are given an ordinary blank Choco Pie which they can decorate with the accompanying assorted chocolates, nuts, and sweets to create their favourite Pokémon. They can create their own from their mind or follow the recipe provided.

Choco Pie Art with Pokémon will be released by Lotte in Japan on November 24, 2020.

©Nintendo･Creatures･GAME FREAK･TV Tokyo･ShoPro･JR Kikaku ©Pokémon

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

Retail company Hamee recently released a new collection of Pokémon silicone ring phone straps in Japan.

Pokémon Silicone Ring Straps | ¥990 Each (Before Tax)

 These cute straps are sure to keep Trainers out there company while their Pokémon sleep in their Poké Balls.

Designs include Pikachu and Ditto which not only look adorable but will keep your phone safe from falling while you’re using it too.

The rings are made from soft silicone which won’t damage the phone or its screen if it touches them and also doesn’t case discomfort when worn on the finger. They weigh in at just 3g. Use them not only on your phone case but digital camera, pass case, and more as a convenient hook.

They match perfectly with the Pokémon iFace First Class phone case series too.

©2020 Pokémon.
©1995-2020 Nintendo/Creatures Inc./GAME FREAK inc.

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)

Japanese clothing retailer UNIQLO has announced a loungewear collection for the holiday season in collaboration with Pokémon and Sumikko Gurashi—the latter being a set of fictional characters created by San-X. Set to roll out in Japan from November 19, the fleece line-up is the perfect gift for the coming winter months.

Pokémon Line-Up

Everybody’s favourite Pokémon are coming together for this cosy collaboration. The fleece set’s theme is “Night Explorer” which imagines the wearer exploring the night together with their Pokémon. The designs feature moon and star motifs with neon colouring.

When the collection launches, those who purchase one of the Pokémon fleece sets in Japan will receive a set of two clear-coloured Pokémon figurines. And if they order online via UNIQLO’s website, their order will be shipped in a special Pokémon box.

Buyers will also receive a card with a code on it to participate in a special campaign.

Sumikko Gurashi Line-Up

The corner-dwelling Sumikko Gurashi character merchandise is themed on a sleepover with items made warm, fluffy, and cosy.

The three Sumikko Gurashi sets will launch online only on December 18.

Picking up either of the fleece sets or poncho blanket sets from December 18 will land you one of the above-pictured plush toys.

UNIQLO will also be selling limited-edition Sumikko Gurashi gift cards too both online and in-store when the sets are released.

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