Tokyo Midtown in Roppongi is set to celebrate the New Year with a festival that will run from January 2 to 11 in 2021.

 

New Year’s Feast

From Left: Miyagawacho Suiren / SILIN Fuan Long Yuen / UNION SQUARE TOKYO／Kisentei

Restaurants in Tokyo Midtown will be serving up a feast for the New Year from Japanese wagyu beef to seafood and more, all to prepare everyone for a luck-filled and positive 2021.

 

Running: January 2, 2021 – January 11, 2021
Participating Restaurants: Miyagawacho Suiren / SILIN Fuan Long Yuen / UNION SQUARE TOKYO／Kisentei SILIN / Philippe Mille Tokyo / Le Pain Quotidien / RIO BREWING & CO. BISTRO AND GARDEN / Pizzeria-Trattoria Napule / HAL YAMASHITA Tokyo / NIRVANA New York / Maruya / THE COUNTER Roppongi

 

New Year’s Greeting Souvenirs

SAKE SHOP Fukumitsuya / Toraya

There will be no shortage of New Year’s greetings souvenirs at Tokyo Midtown, whether it be a set of sake with a special 2021 Year of the Ox label from SAKE SHOP Fukumitsuya or a fruity and colourful confection from Toraya. The pictured confection is made up of colourful layers to represent building up the fruits of one’s labour to achieve your dreams.

 

Shishimai Lion Dance

The traditional shishimai lion dance is an annual New Year’s-must in Japan. This year’s performance will see the return of taiko drumming and the fue flute, all carried out with proper social distancing measures.

Running: January 2, 2021 – January 3, 2021

Time: 4 times per day

Location: Tokyo Midtown Galleria

McDonald’s Japan is collaborating with the camping and outdoor brand Coleman to release fukubukuro lucky bags for the New Year in limited quantities.

McDonald’s Fukubukuro 2021 | ¥3,000 (Tax Included)

Those in Japan can sign up to enter a lottery to win one of the bags up until December 22, 2020 at 23:59 (JST).

Tote Bag / Square Pouch / Mug

 

Fries Clock / McDonald’s Voucher

The lucky bags include a variety of merchandise combining McDonald’s and Coleman designs as well as an alarm clock, a McDonald’s voucher priced at ¥3,160, and more.

Gold McCard | ¥500

One in every ten lucky bags also contains a Gold McCard voucher worth ¥500 too.

GOODGLAS Japan is releasing a new cow design double wall glass this month for the New Year as 2021 will mark the Year of the Ox. This is the third in the company’s Chinese zodiac design, following from their boar and rat designs, and like those will be available in a limited quantity of 500.

Zodiac Series – “Cow” | ¥3,200 (Before Tax)

Glass products at GOODGLAS are all handmade and use the traditional glass blowing method. Perfect for hot drinks and dessert, the cow design also makes as a great New Year’s decoration.

 

GOODGLAS has released many cute designs in the past such as Hello Kitty, a Shiba Inu, Miffy, and more.

Walt Disney Japan has announced the release of a new collection of merchandise to celebrate the New Year which will hit Disney Japan stores on December 1, 2020. Pre-sales items will also open at select stores and on ShopDisney on November 27.

 

The line-up includes a selection of traditional Japanese New Year decorations and more, all with Disney motifs, like daruma dolls, kadomatsu pine decorations, and more.

<Daruma Plush Toy Sets> Mickey Mouse & Minnie Mouse or Chip & Dale – ¥2,750 Each | <Mascot Figure> Donald Duck – ¥2,750 | Shimekazari – ¥2,860 | Kadomatsu – ¥1,980 (All Before Tax)

Welcome the year with good fortune with the red and white Mickey and Minnie or Chip & Dale daruma dolls. They are sure to brighten up any house entrance or room.

Winnie the Pooh Plush (Large) ¥3,300 | Roo or Piglet – ¥1,760 | Eeyore – ¥1,980 (All Before Tax)

The faces of the Hundred Acre Wood arrive dressed in cute cow outfits to represent the Year of the Ox in 2021. Each of them is holding a bottle of milk.

Tsum Tsum Plush Toys  – ¥990 Each (Before Tax)

Disney Japan is also releasing a collection of Tsum Tsum plush toys, each of which is also dressed in cow clothing.

nuiMOs Kimono Plush Toy Set – ¥2,530 Each | Year of the Ox Costumes – ¥1,980 Each | UniBEARsity Plush Toy Costume – ¥3,630 (Before Tax)

nuiMOs and UniBEARsity have created their own New Year’s plush toy outfits too in celebration of the Ox.

 

©Disney
©Disney. Based on the “Winnie the Pooh” works by A.A. Milne and E.H. Shepard.

Shiraito Highland Way has announced that this year’s Karuizawa Shiraito Falls Midwinter Light Up will run from December 19, 2020 to February 14, 2021.

 

The illumination event will take place at Karuizawa Shiraito Falls, a 3-meter tall waterfall that spans 70-meters in length. The lights will add a warmth to the cool evening and glow under a starry night sky.

 

The event creates a different atmosphere from the summer light-up, allowing visitors to enjoy the enveloping nature in a way that they normally can’t and see beauty they may not have noticed in the area before. The waterfall is located in Jōshin’etsu-kōgen National Park, a protected area which means the lights will be set up in a way that’s considerate to the park.

 

If you’re in Japan this winter then don’t miss out on this year’s Karuizawa Shiraito Falls Midwinter Light Up which will be split into three sessions: the Christmas Session, New Year Session, and St. Valentine Session. More details below.

Starbucks Coffee Japan has announced that it is opening orders for its 2021 fukubukuro on November 16, 2020. Recipients will be chosen randomly.

Fukubukuro is a Japanese New Year custom where customers can buy bags filled with unknown contents, usually at a discounted price. Starbucks is also joining in with the annual tradition to deliver luck to its customers.

2021 Starbucks Fukubukuro | ¥7,500 (Tax Included)

Starbucks’s fukubukuro are canvas tote bags made partly with recycled cotton. The contents are unknown but it is confirmed that there will be fukubukuro-exclusive items as well as original merchandise, drink tickets, and more. This year, they have also added a special coffee bean card which customers can exchange at Starbucks in Japan for a bag of coffee beans of their choice.

The 7th run of the popular BT21 Cafe is set to open in Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya starting from October 17, 2020.

BT21 are the LINE messenger app characters created by K-pop group BTS. The cafe has seen six runs in Japan until now, and has proven immensely popular amongst fans for the selection of original dishes and drinks as well as exclusive merchandise. The 6th run ran back in February and March with a spring theme.

 

The theme of the 7th edition is centred on having a pyjama party in the long autumn evenings. The cafe artwork as well as food and merchandise is all themed on the autumn season.

 

FOOD

The food menu is a choice of a main, such as pasta or paella, and a side like clam chowder which is served up a cute character mug of your choice.

Fish Ragu Fusilli Pasta Set Menu Example | ¥1,490

A fusilli pasta dish served with a seafood tomato sauce.

Eggplant & Zucchini Lasagne Set Menu Example | ¥1,490

A lasagne served with the summer vegetables eggplant and zucchini as the main ingredient.

Seafood Paella Set Menu Example | ¥1,490

A Spanish dish containing Paella made with a seafood stock and served with potato wedges covered in a bravas sauce.

Margherita Pizza Set Menu Example | ¥1,490

The staple takeout pizza topped with tomatoes, mushrooms, and basil.

 

DESSERT

A selection of cakes served in different mugs with BT21 character designs.

Shortcake / Chocolate Cake / Mont Blanc / Cheesecake  – ¥1,290 Each

 

DRINKS

Drinks are self-service and include carbonated water, milk, and other beverages all of which can be topped with a dollop of character ice cream. This is a new kind of drink to be introduced at BT21 Cafe.

Character Drinks: KOYA／RJ／SHOOKY／MANG／CHIMMY／TATA／COOKY  – ¥990 Each

Glass Drinks: KOYA／RJ／SHOOKY／MANG／CHIMMY／TATA／COOKY – ¥500 Each

TAKEOUT DRINK | 1,690

The takeout drink is a blueberry milk combination.

 

GOODS

Fans can get their hands on a selection of original and exclusive miscellaneous merchandise all with the stay-at-home pyjama party theme.

Heart Pins | ¥600 Each (Design Chosen Randomly)

Card File | ¥1,300

 

Bonus Items

Cafe Original Cards

Cafe Original Coasters

Customers who book a table in advance will receive a free cafe original card, and those who order a drink a free coaster.

 

©BT21

The 6th run of the popular BT21 Cafe is here. The cafes will open at TOKYO BOX cafe&space Tokyo Solamachi on February 28, 2020, and at TOKYO BOX cafe&space Omotesando and UMEDA BOX cafe&space on March 5, 2020.

BT21 are the LINE messenger app characters created by K-pop group BTS. The cafe has seen five runs in Japan, and has proven immensely popular amongst fans for the selection of original dishes and drinks as well as exclusive merchandise.

 

TOKYO BOX cafe&space Omotesando & UMEDA BOX cafe&space

Kobu Salad & Baguettes – ¥1,690

Chef’s Crepe – ¥1,690

Drinks – ¥990 Each

“Springtime” is the theme this time around. TOKYO BOX cafe&space Omotesando and UMEDA BOX cafe&space will be based around a spring party, and customers will be able to order a set menu with food or dessert.

 

TOKYO BOX cafe&space Tokyo Solamachi

SHOOKY’s Brown Burger — ¥1,690

TATA’s Very! Berry! Sandwich – ¥1,690

Drinks – ¥990 Each

TOKYO BOX cafe&space Solamachi’s menu will be centred on the BT21 Baby Series, where all the characters have been turned into babies.

TOKYO BOX cafe&space Omotesando & UMEDA BOX cafe&space – “Let’s Party With You” Original Stickers and Coasters

TOKYO BOX cafe&space Tokyo Solamachi – “BABY” Original Stickers and Coasters

Customers can also get their hands on some original merchandise and bonus items too. Book a table and receive one of seven stickers, and order a drink to receive one of seven coasters.

Every month, Japan sees numerous collaboration cafés opening all over the country featuring the world’s most favourite characters, artists and much more. We’ve summed up the ones to look out for in January 2020.

 

Cafe de Perochi with Seven Days War, Shinjuku

To celebrate the anime film Seven Days War which premiered on December 13, a themed café opened at EJ Anime Theater in Shinjuku, Tokyo. The café opened in collaboration with popular creator Pantovisco who has over 680,000 followers across his social media.

 The cute menu line-up features Seven Days War-inspired food and desserts with Perochi and his friends joining in with the fun. There’s also a drinks menu with a line-up of colourful beverages and lattes which you can get various latte art drawings on.

 

Cafe de Perochi with Seven Days War

Running: December 13, 2019 – January 12, 2020

Location: EJ Anime Theater Shinjuku Floor 5F (Shinjuku Bunka Bldg., 3-13-3 Shinjuku, Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo)

Official Website: http://7dayswar.jp/

More Information: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/280643

 

BT21 Café, Shibuya, Tokyo and Abeno, Osaka

The BT21 collaboration café is currently running for the fifth time. The café opened in Shibuya, Tokyo and Abeno, Osaka on November 21, 2019 and will close on January 13, 2020. This there are more BT21 family members and friends featuring in the foods and drinks as part of the BT21 UNIVERSE series’ first-ever menu. There is lots of menu and café-limited merchandise to get your hands on too. 

Korean Burger: ¥1,490

Double Yangnyeom Chicken Rice: ¥1,490

 

BT21  Café, Shibuya, Tokyo Abeno, Osaka

Location: Shibuya BOX CAFE＆SPACE (Shibuya BOX109)

Running: November 21, 2019 to January 13, 2020
*Closed January 1

 

BT21  Café, Abeno, Osaka

Location: Abeno, Abeno contact

Running: November 21, 2019 – January 13, 2020
Official Website: https://www.bt21.com/relations

 

Devil May Cry 5 x Capcom Cafe Ikebukuro

The Capcom Cafe is collaborating with the action-adventure hack and slash video game Devil May Cry 5 once again at the Ikebukuro, Tokyo branch from December 5, 2019 to January 15, 2020.

Devil Breaker “Overture” Potato – ¥880 (Before Tax)

Demon World Mont Blanc – ¥980 (Before Tax)

The cafe will feature various menu items and merchandise that was sold at the Laketown branch of Capcom Cafe, as well as new meals, drinks and even more merchandise.

 

 Devil May Cry 5 x Capcom Cafe Ikebukuro

Running: December 5, 2019 – January 15, 2020

Address: Capcom Cafe Ikebukuro, 1-30-3 Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima Ward, Tokyo

Opening Hours: 10:00-22:00 (Last Orders: 21:00)

Official Website: http://www.capcom.co.jp/amusement/capcomcafe/ikebukuro/

More Information: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/276074

 

Pokémon Sword and Shield: Nihombashi, Tokyo and Shinsaibashi, Osaka

The Tokyo (Nihonbashi) and Osaka (Shinsaibashi) branches of the Pokémon Cafe are releasing their second batch of menu items in collaboration with Pokémon Sword and Shield which will be served between January 18 and March 19 next year.

Weezing’s Chemical Change Gas Pancakes – ¥1,628

Morpeko’s Hungry W Sauce Omurice – ¥1,628

Pokémon Sword and Shield was released on Nintendo Switch on November 15 so if you’re a Pokémon fan in Japan, this is the perfect way to celebrate.

 

 Pokémon Sword and Shield

 Pokémon Cafe (Nihombashi, Tokyo)

Address: Nihombashi Takashimaya SC East Bldg. 5F, 2-1-2 Nihombashi, Chuo Ward, Tokyo

Business Hours: 10:00-22:00

No Fixed Holidays (Except when Nihombashi Takashimaya SC is closed)

Reservations: https://www.pokemoncenter-online.com/cafe/reservation.html

 

Pokémon Cafe (Shinsaibashi, Osaka)

Address: Daimaru Shinsaibashi Honkan 9F, 1-7-1 Shinsaibashisuji, Chuo Ward, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture

Business Hours: 10:00-21:30

No Fixed Holidays (Except when Daimaru Shinsaibashi is closed)

Reservations: https://www.pokemoncenter-online.com/cafe/reservation.html

More Information: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/283263

 

Korilakkuma Cafe: another me in the mirror, Harajuku

“Korilakkuma Cafe: another me in the mirror” opened in Japan’s hub of kawaii culture Harajuku on December 21 and will run until March 22 next year. The cafe is the perfect spot to relax with Korilakkuma and be entertained by projection mapping.

Table Projection Mapping Seats: ¥2,500 per person (Before Tax)

Twin Korilakkuma Strawberry Milk – ¥990

The cafe incorporates “interactive tabletop projection mapping” technology developed by Sony, which allows customers to enjoy their meals while playing together with the characters as they walk around their plates and tables.

 

Korilakkuma Cafe: another me in the mirror

Running: December 21, 2019 – March 22, 2020 (Not running December 30, 2019 to January 3, 2020)

Location: HARAJUKU AR BOX -table projection mapping cafe- (4-28-28 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo)

Official Website: https://korilakkumacafe.jp/

More Information: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/284456

 

MARUKO&COJICOJI CAFE, Ginza

 The MARUKO & COJICOJI CAFE is set to open in Marronnier Gate Ginza, Tokyo on January 31, 2020 where it will run until July 31. It is a collaboration between the manga series Chibi Maruko-chan and Coji-Coji, both by Momoko Sakura. The cafe is opening to promote the release of the Chibi-Maruko-chan and Coji-Coji dream collaboration picture book. Customers can look forward to joining the two characters on their adventures as they are vividly recreated on their plates.

 

MARUKO & COJICOJI CAFE

Location: Sunday Brunch, Marronnier Gate Ginza 1 Floor 4F (2-2-14 Ginza, Chuo Ward, Tokyo)

Running: January 31, 2020 – July 31, 2020 (Subject to change)

Opening Hours: 11:00-21:00

Reservations: Opening on the official website from mid-January 2020

More Information: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/284763

 

 

How about kicking off New Year in Japan at a cute collaboration café?

Happy New Year everyone!

Thank you for reading our news and supporting MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON.

With the 2020 games on the horizon, the world is starting to focus its attention on Japan more than ever before. That means that we’re going to pull out all the stops to provide you with even more Japan news.

We hope you stay with us for 2020 and beyond!

 

This year, we’re celebrating New Year with Otoshidama. Otoshidama is the Japanese custom which celebrates New Year with gift-giving. This traditionally involves adults giving money to children in their family. To thank all our readers who have been continuously supporting us throughout the years, here are a few otoshidama just for you so don’t hold back!

 

How to apply

Follow us on Instagram, Twitter or Weibo and like our otoshidama New Year’s gift campaign post for a chance to get your hands on a gift. If you particularly like one of the gifts, you can directly apply on our social media. *You are not guaranteed to receive which gift you get. 

 

Otoshidama 1

A Free Stay at MOSHI MOSHI ROOMS For One Person

Enjoy a stay at our private accommodation MOSHI MOSHI ROOMS. Choose between staying in the ORIGAMI room on the fourth floor or at SAKURA on the fifth floor. Located in Harajuku, our themed rooms have become a sensation on social media and this is your chance to stay at one for free! 

*You have to cover your own transport fees

MOSHI MOSHI ROOMS：https://rooms.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/

 

Otoshidama 2

Autographed SILENT SIREN Towel (Two Available)

Each member of the all-female band SILENT SIREN, who feature on our series Sai Sai Jaran Jaran, have signed two merchandise towels – what an irresistible gift for a Sai Sai fan!

SILENT SIREN：https://silent-siren.com/

 

Otoshidama 3

Yutaro Polaroid Photograph with Message (Two Available)

If you’re a fan of actor and model Yutaro, who features in our Date with Yutaro series, then this is the perfect gift for you. The lucky winners will each receive a polaroid photo of Yutaro with a message written on them. Yutaro has recently been busy featuring in a number of dramas and movies so keep an eye on him in 2020 and beyond!

Yutaro’s  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aaaoe__/

 

Otoshidama 4

Sanrio Hello Kitty Set: Fringe Clip and HI-TEC-C-COLETO 4-Colour Ballpoint Pens (Two Available)

Hello Kitty fans won’t be able to resist this popular Sanrio character’s gift set. The fringe clip is a hit product for being both functional and adorable. This is the perfect way to completely tidy away each strand of hair in a quick ad easy way. Now you can wash your face or get on with your desk work with ease and in style. The HI-TEC-C-COLETO 4-colour ballpoint pen is very high quality – typical of Japanese stationery. It is easy to use and precise with no smudging. You will love the way it glides smoothly across the page.

Fringe Clip: https://shop.sanrio.co.jp/products/detail.php?product_id=29723

HI-TEC-C-COLETO 4-Colour Ballpoint Pen: https://shop.sanrio.co.jp/products/detail.php?product_id=63153

©’76, ’20 SANRIO　著作（株）サンリオ

 

Otoshidama 5

Kyoto Black Thunder (Three Boxes Available)

Japan’s popular chocolate Black Thunder collaborated with Kyoto matcha to create the popular Kyoto souvenir ‘Kyoto Black Thunder’. Bitter matcha is combined with chocolate and chocolate biscuit pieces for the perfect crunchy treat filled with delicious Kyoto matcha.

Official Website: https://www.yurakuseika.co.jp/kanko/kbt/

 

Otoshidama 6

LEGOLAND JAPAN Ballpoint Pen and Notebook (Three Available)

After our adventure to LEGOLAND JAPAN in Nagoya, we brought back some LEGOLAND souvenirs for our readers. There was just so much to discover at LEGOLAND in Nagoya. You just have to check out LEGOLAND JAPAN because there is so much to discover. 

Official Website: https://www.legoland.jp/

 

Otoshidama 7

Samurai Keyrings (Three Available) 

Three of Japan’s historically famous samurai have been turned into Keyrings. If you’re interested in Japanese samurai history, then this gift is perfect for you. The three samurai now in keyring form are: Katakura Kagetsuna, Yamamoto Kansuke and Naoe Kanetsugu. With a bit of research, you’ll fall in love with these keyrings even more! If you’re the lucky winner, anticipating which one you will get will be very exciting.

 

Follow us on Instagram, Twitter or Weibo and like our otoshidama New Year’s gift campaign post for a chance to get your hands on a New Year’s gift!

Laforet Harajuku has finally dropped details on its 2020 fukubukuro. Fukubukuro is a New Year custom in Japan where stores make up grab bags full of random items for people to purchase at a discounted price. Around 50 stores in Laforet are set to participate, with pre-orders now running until December 31, 2019.

 

As always, the line-up this year is diverse, from the unique fukubukuro you can actually look inside to see what they have—which is a popular one every year—to the Laforet Gentei Fukubukuro which contains items exclusive to Laforet Harajuku, and more.

Those who pre-order a lucky bag will receive one of two things: either a coupon to get a random free item at one of the eateries at the GOOD MEAL MARKET on the second floor, or a ¥200 discount voucher to spend at Laforet Harajuku.

On New Year’s Day and January 2, a taiko performance by Yushima Tenjin Shiraume Taiko will take place at the first floor entrance to drum in the New Year.

Around 70 stores in the shopping complex will also sell items at a special price between January 1 and 7 to celebrate 2020. Select stores will be handing out bag hooks in collaboration with the popular South Korean boy band SEVENTEEN.

 

The “Look and Choose” Fukubukuro

OLIVE des OLIVE (Floor 5F) – Set of up to 6 items priced at ¥7,700 (Tax Included) (Original Price: ¥25,000)

Cosme Kitchen (Floor 1.5F) – Set of 7 items priced at ¥5,500 (Tax Included) (Original Price: ¥14,000)

 

Laforet Harajuku Exclusives-Filled Fukubukuro

POU DOU DOU (Floor 4F) – Set of 7 items priced at ¥13,200 (Tax Included) (Original Price: ¥56,000)

la belle Etude (Floor B0.5F) – Set of 6 items priced at ¥11,000 (Tax Included) (Original Price: ¥70,000~¥80,000)

 

Other Fukubukuro

Ank Rouge (Floor 4F) – Set of 6 items priced at ¥16,500 (Tax Included) (Original Price: ¥50,000)

jouetie (Floor 4F) – Set of 5 items priced at ¥11,000 (Tax Included) (Original Price: ¥39,600)

This is just a small look at just some of the fukubukuro set to be sold, there are so many more to get your hands on. Start your 2020 year with some delicious discounts from Laforet Harajuku.

 

*Contents subject to change without notice

*Listed photos are select look only – more fukubukuro to be sold

Walt Disney Japan is celebrating the New Year by rolling out a new batch of celebratory character merchandise at Disney Stores across Japan as well as the online website on December 3.

 

From the quintessential Japanese daruma to pine decorations and more, take home some of Japan with you for friends and family in the form of classic Japanese New Year items made into Disney souvenirs.

Plush Toys: Mickey/Minnie Mouse ¥2,000 Each, Winnie the Pooh ¥2,800, Piglet/Roo ¥1,500, Eeyore ¥1,600, Chip/Dale ¥1,200 Each Mascots: All ¥1,000 Each Memo Pad: ¥650 Pine Decoration: ¥1,500

The line-up includes a selection of daruma-dressed Disney character plush toys, plush toys of Winnie the Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore and Roo in rat costumes for the 2020 Year of the Rat, and more. Perfect as gifts, souvenirs, and for decorating your room and desk.

 

Celebrate the New Year with your favourite Disney characters.

 

©Disney ©Disney. Based on the “Winnie the Pooh” works by A.A. Milne and E.H. Shepard. ©Disney/Pixar