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.

Saki Ashizawa, a member of the virtual music production company RIOT MUSIC, will perform at Sanrio’s first-ever event in the metaverse ‘SANRIO Virtual Fes in Sanrio Puroland.’ The music and entertainment festival will take place on December 11 and 12, with Ashizawa taking the stage on December 12. 

Chosen as the second artist to perform on the 12th, Ashizawa will appear during the B3: FUTURE STAGE, which will blend both kawaii and futuristic space elements. Fans can also look forward to the Saki Ashizawa x Badtz-Maru collaboration figures for sale at the event’s digital store. 

Saki Ashizawa

With a sharp and aggressive voice filled with passion, Ashizawa’s performances are one-of-a-kind. Singing since before she can remember, she’s said that singing is now the only way she knows how to live. Initially singing for fun, after meeting her current producer, she realized that even if she wasn’t perfect she could still connect with people through her music. In 2020, she decided to go pro and joined RIOT MUSIC. She continues to perform to connect with the audience’s heart.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/saki_ashizawa
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPZgBtMYoFKypEG2SCvBN9A

©‘21 SANRIO　著作（株）サンリオ

A new collection of goods featuring Sakura Kinomoto and popular Sanrio characters is here! The collection features everyone’s favorite magical girl combined with beloved characters such as Hello Kitty, My Melody Pompompurin, Cinnamoroll, and Kuromi. 

The Cardcaptor Sakura manga series was serialized from 1996 until 2000 in the monthly girls’ manga magazine Nakayoshi. In 2016, a new version of the series was released titled Cardcaptor Sakura: Clear Card and the magical girl series is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2021. An anime series aired from 1998 to 2000, with a Clear Card adaptation airing in 2018. 

Costume Design

This is the second collaboration between Sanrio and Cardcaptor Sakura, with the first coming in 2018 with Little Twin Stars. In these collaboration designs, each Sanrio character wears costumes made by Sakura’s best friend Tomoyo, and Sakura wears a special costume with Hello Kitty and My Melody ears. One of these designs is only available at official Sanrio stores. 

Sanrio Store Designs

The Sanrio Characters x Cardcaptor Sakura series will be available starting November 26 at Sanrio stores and November 25 at the Sanrio online shop. 

Drawstring Bag Set: ¥1,980

Secret Acrylic Keychains (6 varieties): ¥715 each

Acrylic keychains and charms will come in blind packaging. Five of the designs have been revealed, but there is a sixth secret one to find!

Fluffy Designs

Square Tags (5 varieties): ¥660 each / A5 Clear Folder (6 varieties): ¥385 each

Special Rubber Mascot Keychains

These keychains will be available in capsule machines nationwide, and in March 2022, Cardcaptor Sakura x Sanrio plushies will also be available!

©️C,ST/K,EP,N ©️’21 SANRIO 著作(株)サンリオ

Sanrio has started an ambitious new manga project. ‘Maimaimaigoen’ is currently being serialized on the Young Ace UP website, and a special music video by Vocaloid producer Kairiki Bear has been released to celebrate the series start. A free game is also under development and is scheduled to be released during 2021. 

Nursery School Students: (From the Top Row, Left) Maria, Hikaru, Shinta, Kanata, Daigorou, Lion, Lime, Zoya (From the Bottom Row, Left) Madoka, Yuzuriha, Hayate, Mamoru, Rinrin, Wataru, Daiya, Aki

Teachers: (From the Left) Yuu Okada, Rumi

The Mysterious Lifeform, ‘Froggy Egg’ 

(c)Yakan Nabeya

(c)Yakan Nabeya

‘Maimaimaigoen’ is an ensemble drama series focusing on emotional growing pains. In an age where many people feel uncomfortable in their own skin, this story is sure to hit close to home, affirming that it’s perfectly okay to be just the way you are. The story invites readers into the world of many diverse characters, each with incredible individuality. ‘Maimaimaigoen’ aims to team up with unique creators in the future, and with that in mind, Sanrio has released some guidelines for fan content. This is the first time Sanrio has ever directly offered support to fan creators. 

To commemorate the manga’s release, a collaborative music video with popular Vocaloid creator Kairiki Bear is now available to watch on YouTube. The artist has over 560,000 subscribers. 

The latest information about the project will be released on pixivFANBOX, along with new creator content and behind-the-scenes stories. Don’t miss it!

Synopsis

One day, a group of nursery school students and their teacher, Yuu, go on a field trip to Sanrio Puroland. Suddenly, they are swept away into a deserted amusement park called ‘Yuuropia.’ 

Froggy Egg, a mysterious creature from this strange world, explains that by completing the attractions in the park, the children can return to their world…

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. 

Get ready for your trip to Virtual Sanrio Puroland! For the first time ever, Sanrio is teaming up with U.S. company VRChat for an entirely virtual music festival, SANRIO Virtual Fes in Sanrio Puroland on December 11 and December 12, 2021. Guests will be able to enjoy the event using a VR Headset, a PC, or a smartphone. 

The concert space will feature both live and virtual artists (VTubers), as well as popular Sanrio characters in a massive five-story underground space beneath Virtual Sanrio Puroland. Participants will also be able to transform their avatar into the Sanrio character of their choice during the event! High-fiving other concert-goers will result in an explosion of Hello Kitty bows, and there will be plenty of surprises during the music performances, so don’t miss it!

The lineup for the event includes Kizuna AI, Hatsune Miku+PinocchioP, AKB48(Team8), CHiCO with HoneyWorks, Haneru Inaba, Kaede Higuchi, KMNZ, VALSHE, Hakushi Hasegawa, YuNi, Pasocom Music Club, Mom, Megu Shinonome, AMOKA, Yukichi Kasaku/men, LAUSBUB, and Kinu. Plenty of Sanrio characters will also make appearances, including Hello Kitty, Cinnomoroll, Kuromi, Cogimyun, and Hapidanbui. 

Who are you looking forward to seeing perform in this adorable virtual space?

©‘21 SANRIO　©’21 SANRIO　SP-M　© ‘21 SANRIO S/F・G 著作(株)サンリオ
©AKB48　©Kizuna AI　©BANDAI NAMCO Arts Inc.　 ©ANYCOLOR, Inc. Art by KEI　©Crypton Future Media, INC.