TOKYO MYSTERY CIRCUS, Japan’s first and biggest puzzle-themed theme park, has announced the opening of a new escape game based on the popular manga anime series Chihayafuru which will begin at the site on March 4, 2021.

The immersive story-driven escape game has players take on the role of a member of the Fujiyama High School karuta club. While learning the essential points of competitive karuta from Chigaya Ayase and the gang, they must aim for victory to escape. No prior preparations are necessary – players can book their tickets and just turn up on the day.

This unique escape game takes place in a traditional tatami mat room and combines puzzle-solving skills with competitive karuta in which clues are written on the cards. Fans of the manga and anime series are sure to enjoy this immersive game.

Tickets will go on sale on January 23, 2021 at 12:00 (JST).

©末次由紀／講談社

Creative and sustainable concept store Firsthand released a collection of items in collaboration on Wednesday (January 20) with the TV anime series Kingdom, which is set to begin airing its third season this April, and Japanese artist Kosuke Kawamura. The items are available to buy both online in Japan and at a pop-up store at OPEN STUDIO inside FREAK’S STORE Shibuya.

Firsthand is a Japanese brand centred on upcycling and sustainable production. Fans of the ongoing anime series can get their hands on a range of clothing items, phone cases, and more. If they head to OPEN STUDIO they’ll also find an illustration exhibit, a photo spot, and more. The gallery is also selling posters signed by Kosuke Kawamura.

Will you be watching Season 3 of Kingdom this spring?

FANCL has brought the hot spring experience to its flagship site FANCL Ginza Square for a limited time with a variety of content that makes visitors feel like they’ve come to a Japanese onsen. The experience, named Tabi Suru Square Yu, is running until February 11, 2021.

Café au Lait / Fruit au Lait / Soy Milk Aojiru – ¥300 Each

Reiwa Honzen (FANCL Ginza Square Floor 9F)

Lunch Sana Winter Seafood Bento | ¥3,500

Winter Dinner Seafood Course | From ¥9,000

FANCL BROWN RICE MEALS (FANCL Ginza Square Floor B1F)

Hiroshima Oyster & Spinach Risotto Parmesan Cheese Galette Lunch Set | ¥1,850

Tomato Cream Pasta Lunch Set ¥1,850

Original Hand Towel

FANCL Ginza Square Onsen Essentials Set | ¥3,668

Breathing exercises at SUU-HAKU

At Tabi Suru Square Yu, visitors can enter a room that fully recreates the experience of being in a hot spring. The room is set at the same temperature, is filled with the same aromas, and is decorated in the same way. Visitors sit on one of the relaxation sheets to soak up the experience – effectively getting into a hot spring without having to change their clothes.

A variety of classic drinks and dishes sold at hot springs in Japan will also be sold, and visitors can get involved in the breathing exercises on offer.

CHAVATY, a cafe in Harajuku that serves tea lattes made with high quality tea leaves, is getting ready for Valentine’s Day early with the release of some tasty new desserts which they began serving up on Thursday (January 14).

Valentine’s Set | ¥1,100 (Before Tax)

Valentine’s Scone Set (6 Included) | ¥2,480 (Tax Included)

Raspberry Chocolate | ¥970 (Tax Included)

The Valentine’s Set comes with a cute scone as well as fondant chocolate made with rich, high-grade chocolate from the French chocolate brand Cacao Barry. It also comes with a tea latte of your choice. There’s also a scone set which comes with two each of three different scones for a total of six including the Berry & Cocoa Pink Chocolate, Orange & Chocolate Chip Double Chocolate, and Dried Fruits & Nuts White Chocolate. CHAVATY has also made their own seasonal homemade spread: the Raspberry Chocolate.

Japan is set to get its first ever permanent city cable car in Yokohama on April 22 called the YOKOHAMA AIR CABIN.

The YOKOHAMA AIR CABIN is a cable car system that will offer locals and tourists a chance to enjoy Yokohama from a new perspective whether during the hot summers or during the cool evenings when the city lights wake up.

The system will be connected directly to Sakuragichō Station and Shinko Pier for easy, quick access to enjoy Yokohama Minato Mirai from up high.

If you’re planning a trip to Yokohama at some point, be sure to take a ride on YOKOHAMA AIR CABIN, officially opening on April 22, 2021.

PARCO has teamed up with Kaji Kaji H, Koichi Igarashi—who is known for his work with BEAMS JAPAN’s brand projects—and a certain chief editor at a popular Kansai fashion magazine to open Zi-tempo, a limited-time food spot aimed at foodies that will run for 20-days at PARCO Shinaibashi in Osaka.

Zi-tempo brings together designers from popular fashion brands working in Kansai, editors from fashion magazines, stylists, writers, more to serve up a creative menu by a line-up of individuals not involved in anyway in the food industry. As well as food, visitors can get their hands of a selection of related merchandise, clothing, and more.

The First Serving

Running: January 13, 2021 – January 19, 2021
Curry Mala: Enjoy the unique spices of both curry and mala

Spicy curry has recently become something of a soul food in Osaka. For the first serving, foodies can enjoy discovering a wonderful combination of spices in a selection of curries, as well as a numbing line-up of mala made with mapo tofu. This menu is the creation of ‘R,’ a designer at a fashion brand, and ‘T,’ a former chief editor of a Japanese fashion magazine. R is actually the owner of a popular curry house called COBACHI CURRY in Nakazakicho, while T has tasted countless mapo tofu dishes. This makes them the perfect curry-mala combo for this experiment.

Menu

・Curry Mala Shokuhako – ¥1,200 (Before Tax)
・Curry Mala 1 (Spice Chai) – ¥500 (Before Tax)
・Curry Mala 2 (Spice Highball) – ¥500 (Before Tax)
・Curry Mala Hoodie – ¥7,800 (Before Tax)
・Curry Mala Long T-Shirt – ¥5,800 (Before Tax)

The Second Serving

Running: January 20, 2021 – January 26, 2021
Tacos Variar x Berbers Ya!: Traditional Mexian and Moroccan dishes

The second serving sees a coming-together of tacos and couscous by two creators working in Kansai: nahonic who works at Tacos Variar at an underground spot in Kansai selling tacos, and stylist Sunny, both of whom enjoy homecooked couscous from their Moroccan mothers growing up. Foodies will get to enjoy both Mexican and Moroccan food at the same time, a perfect opportunity during the current climate when travelling is difficult. There will also be a variety of apparel and goods from creators like the mystery creative group “the golden dawn.”

Menu
・1P ¥350 (Before Tax)
・2P ¥700(Before Tax)
・3P~ ¥300 / 1P(Before Tax)

The Third Serving

Running: January 27, 2021 – February 1, 2021
Natouya: Taste and compare an array of natto rice bowls

Eateries serving gyudon, or beef rice bowls, never fail to bring in repeat customers for their cheap prices, quick service, and delicious taste. But our heal is the most important thing, so why not change it up once in a while with a natto rice bowl? At the event, foodies get to tuck into a selection of dishes using 5 different kinds of natto beans that vary in size and colour, served sticky, yummy, and in generous portions. These natto rice bowls were conceived by Murakami, a researcher of natto and editor of a certain fashion magazine. There will also be goods from natto apparel brand NNBean, natto crockery, and plenty of other things for lovers of natto to enjoy.
 

Menu

・Five Bean Natto Rice Bowl – ¥900 (Before Tax)
・NNBean Sweater – ¥7,100 (Before Tax)
・NNBean Long T-Shirt – ¥5,800 (Before Tax)
・Natto Plate – ¥4,200 (Before Tax)

If you’re in Osaka throughout January, and love food, don’t miss out on a unique eating experience over at Zi-tempo.

The PEANUTS Cafe at SNOOPY MUSEUM TOKYO rolled out new menu items on Saturday (January 16) as part of a new exhibition called “Snoopy to Kyoudai” (Snoopy and Siblings) featuring a sandwich and desserts inspired by scenes from the beloved Peanuts comics.

The New Menu Line-Up

Snoopy Flower Basket Sandwich | ¥1,400 (Before Tax)

This flower basket is based on a scene when Snoopy meets with his siblings who pay him a visit after he recovers from being unwell and they eat sandwiches together. The tasty sandwiches are stuffed with pastrami beef and veg so you too can get your fill like Snoopy. The basket also comes with mini corn dogs and crispy fries. This is one to share (or hog all to yourself!)

Olaf’s Pancakes | ¥1,200 (Before Tax)

These pancakes are inspired by Olaf, who was first introduced in the ocmics as the winner of the Ugly Dog Contest. They are loaded with ice cream, fruit, a whole Japanese custard pudding, fresh cream, and a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Belle’s Raspberry Milkshake | ¥900

A doughnut-topped raspberry milkshake like the one that appears in the comics. It’s a nod to Belle, Snoopy’s only sister.

©2021 Peanuts Worldwide LLC　(短縮形 ©2021 Peanuts)

The Kirby Café in Tokyo, which is based entirely around the popular Kirby video game series, will release a new limited-time menu on January 15 called ‘Chocolate de PUPUPU’ which will be served until February 28. The fruit and chocolate-packed line-up features three items. Item names are translated from Japanese by MMN.

The ‘Chocolate de PUPUPU’ Menu

Kirby Café’s Stovetop Dessert Pizza ~Looking Out the Chocolate Train Window~ | ¥1,380 (Before Tax)

Waddle Dee Also Loves Chef’s Chocolate Pan Stew! | ¥1,480 (Before Tax)

Old Odyssey | ¥780 (Before Tax)

Which of these delightfully cute treats do you want to inhale?

Sanrio Puroland opened a special new event last Friday (January 8) called “Sweets Puro” which is themed on strawberry picking.

Characters greet guests in their strawberry-designed outfits

Guests participate in an augmented reality strawberry stamp rally

New character videos play at the illuminations

A strawberry-packed dessert menu

Limited-edition merch

Tables in the food court receive makeovers

Guests can look forward to seeing sparkly new pink-coloured illuminations, snapping sweet photos at the entrance photo spot, getting involved in the AR strawberry picking stamp rally using their smartphones, and more. They can also pay to spend one minute with the park characters who will be dressed in their strawberry outfits, and if they arrive 30 minutes before the first floor character food court opens, they can get the limited-offer morning breakfast “Strawberry Morning Bread Set.” The park will even be serving up seasonal alcoholic drinks like the Sweets Puro Strawberry Peach Sour.

The first day of the event saw the characters come out to greet guests in their adorable strawberry and dessert themed costumes. This was followed by a new illumination show, Puro Sweets Party, which took place at Puro Village, and My Melody sang and danced to the music against the bright and beautiful lights. Guests enjoyed a selection of limited-time food like the Pompompurin’s Croissant Doughnut Strawberry Sandwich and Hello Kitty’s Sweet Strawberry Milk.

©1976, 2009 SANRIO CO., LTD.　©1975, 1976, 1990, 1996, 2001, 2004, 2005, 2010, 2017, 2021 SANRIO CO., LTD.

Universal Studios Japan is set to spring into Easter starting on March 12 with the announcement of Universal Easter Celebration 2021. This year, which marks the 20th anniversary since USJ opened, will see the park’s cute and iconic characters once again lull guests into an unforgettable Easter dream at Universal Wonderland and Minion Park.

Universal Easter Celebration

USJ will see colourful pastel decorations cover the Universal Wonderland and Minion Park areas, and the characters too will be dressed in their seasonal Easter costumes. A special Easter rendition of the Wonderland Seasons Joy show will also take place to commemorate the park’s 20th anniversary with song and dance.

Wonderland Seasons Joy ~Easter Ver.~

Minion Park Easter

The park will also introduced a special egg hunt after Elmo and the Minions dropped some of their eggs. If you manage to find them all you get a limited-edition gold medal. USJ is also taking the Easter festivities online too with a special celebratory live stream called Let’s Cooking! Kawaii Easter Party

WIZARDING WORLD and all related trademarks, characters, names, and indicia are © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © JKR. (s21)
Minions and all related elements and indicia TM & © 2021 Universal Studios. All rights reserved.
TM & © 2021 Sesame Workshop
© 2021 Peanuts Worldwide LLC TM & © Universal Studios & Amblin Entertainment
Universal Studios Japan TM & © Universal Studios. All rights reserved.

© Nintendo

Isetan Shinjuku has announced a special one-week event titled “7 Days of Loving Strawberries” which is centred around cute and delicious strawberry desserts and will run this month from January 13-19. Ten cafes and restaurants are participating with a sweet and succulent line-up including strawberry daifuku, strawberry shortcake, special parfaits and crepes, and more.

Strawberry Candle Pavlova @ mihopan popcake | Two for ¥972 (Tax Included) *Limited quantities

MIGAKI-ICHIGO Strawberry Parfait @ Ichibiko | ¥1,980 (Tax Included)

Strawberry Shake @ Ichigo-ya Sunsunen | ¥721 (Tax Included)

Crispy Strawberry Mille-Feuille Crepe @ Sorairo Crepe | ¥935 (Tax Included) *Limited quantities

Strawberry Shortcake Parfait @ Shiseido Parlour | ¥1,045 (Tax Included)

Strawberry Daifuku @ Berry UP! | ¥432 (Tax Included)

Ripe Strawberry Milk Pudding @ Kanjyuku Ichigo Kashi Kekyusho | ¥486

Whole Strawberry Sandwich @ Sajisakon | From ¥864 (Tax Included)

MIGAKI-ICHIGO Strawberry Daifuku @ Seigetsudo Hoten | ¥432 (Tax Included)

discord Yohji Yamamoto, a luxury accessory brand spearheaded by Yohji Yamamoto, has launched a collaboration with German pet brand HUNTER to release a collection of dog collars, leads, and other accessories like bags and wallets.

HUNTER was established in 1980 and has gone on to mark its territory across the world as a provider of high quality pet goods, praised for for the design, functionality, and safety of its products.

Black Dog Collar & Lead

The dog collars are fitted with studs as part of the collaboration. Both the collar and lead feature the same colouring as discord Yohji Yamamoto’s products, arriving in the brand’s signature black as well as beige, the latter of which is often used for its bags and small leather products. They are also clipped with a signature charm which has a design symbolising the collaboration.

Beige Dog Collar & Lead

The accessories are made from elk leather which is soft and made extra durable with double layering. Having the collar and lead the same colours also adds a sophistication to the design when fitted on a dog.

The collection will be released at discord Yohji Yamamoto stores in GINZA SIX, Shibuya PARCO, and Isetain Shinjuku, as well online. More details can be found on the official website here.

discord Yohji Yamamoto Black / Beige Selection

Y BACKPACK Nylon Studs | ¥148,000

ORIGAMI Tote | ¥98,000

Triple Clutch | ¥58,000

Diagonal Bag | ¥45,000

Y SERIES Studs

Y BODYBAG Studs | ¥138,000

Y BACKPACK Studs | ¥158,000

Small Leather Goods

Card Mini Wallet | ¥17,000

Key Wallet | ¥20,000