Doraemon Future Department Store to Open Pop-Up Shop in Osaka and Nagoya
26.December.2020 | ANIME&GAME / SPOT
Doraemon’s official shop Doraemon Future Department Store, which is located in Odaiba, Tokyo, is celebrating its 1st anniversary of opening this December by opening two limited-time shops in Osaka and Nagoya this month and January respectively. Fans can get their hands on a selection of exclusive merchandise and more.
Customise Service
The pop-up shops will offer a customisation service which lets customers have different embroideries put into the T-shirts, tote bags, and other merch they buy. The work is done on the spot by hand so you can see the result of what will be a very special item of which only one exists in the world. Perfect for Doraemon fans and gifts to friends and family.
Post Office
The shop will offer a postal service for sending off Doraemon letters and postcards with original Doraemon stamps.
Bonus Items
1st Anniversary Postcard
Mini Tote Bag
Those who buy anything from the department stores will receive a free 1st anniversary postcard. And for every ¥5,000 spent (tax included) they’ll get a mini tote bag. These are all limited in stock so you’ll want to get them while they’re hot.
If you’re in Osaka or Nagoya over the New Year be sure to pay a visit to the Doraemon Future Department Store pop-up shops.
©Fujiko-Pro
Information
Doraemon Future Department Store in Abeno Harukas Kintetsu 2021
Location: Abeno Harukas Kintetsu, Wing Building Floor 4F
Running: December 30, 2020 – January 17, 2021
Opening Hours: 10:00-20:00 (until 18:00 on January 17)
Closed: January 1, 2021
Doraemon Future Department Store in Takashiyama Gate Tower Mall 2021
Location: Takashiyama Gate Tower Mall (Nagoya), Rose Terrace on Floor 7F
Running: January 8, 2021 – January 26, 2021
Opening Hours: 10:00-21:00
*Opening hours subject to change
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Valentine’s Day Treats Cooked Up at The St. Regis Osaka
26.January.2021 | FOOD
The St. Regis Osaka, a hotel located in Chuo, Osaka, is seducing couples with the reveal of its luxurious Valentine’s Day dessert line-up which will be sold at the hotel’s Italian restaurant La Veduta from February 1 to 14.
2021 Valentine’s Collection Line-Up
Valrhona Chocolate Bark | Single Bag: ¥1,200 (Before Tax)
A bag of irresistible chocolates made using chocolate by the French premium chocolate brand Valrhona. It’s available in three flavours: Milk (Hazelnut/Miso), Dark (Almond/Soy Sauce), and White (Macadamia/Sake Lees).
Extra Dark Chocolate Gateau Chocolat | ¥2,800 (Before Tax)
A truly full-bodied chocolate experience made with 61% chocolate that can be indulged chilled or warmed up.
Valentine’s Edition Valrhona Guanaja & Jivara Lactee Chocolate Éclairs | ¥750 (Before Tax)
A chocolate cake strip loaded with thick ganache and topped with chocolate-covered hazelnuts to create a bite-sized éclair.
St Regis Signature Brioche | Set of 3: ¥1,000 (Before Tax)
A set of three of St Regis’s signature brioches: the extra dark Valrhona chocolate “Danish,” the Valrhona Guanaja & Jivara Lactee chocolate “Ganache,” and the Valrhona “Passion Fruit Inspiration.”
La Veduta’s Italian Valentine’s Day Menu
Dinner For Two | ¥32,000 (Before Tax)
The menu line-up at La Veduta features a dinner for two which includes an amuse-bouche, marinated Japanese amberjack, heart-shaped ravioli capresi, Tournedos Rossini beef fillet with tai sea bream, a strawberry tiramisu, and tea snacks.
This is a real indulgence for couples looking for a romantic dining experience or treat.
Information
The St. Regis Osaka Valentine’s Day
Running: February 1, 2021 – February 14, 2021
Address: 3-6-12 Honmachi, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
Opening Hours: [Mon] 8:00-14:00 / [Tue-Sun] 8:00-18:00La Veduta
Running: February 10, 2021 – February 14, 2021
Opening Hours: 17:30-21:00 (Last Orders 19:30) *Closures at 20:00 until February 7
Enquiries: 06-6105-5659 (10:00-19:00)
The St. Regis Osaka Official Website: https://www.marriott.co.uk/hotels/travel/osaxr-the-st-regis-osaka -
Famous Doraemon Quotes Feature On Traditional Kiriko Cut Glasses
24.January.2021 | ANIME&GAME / FASHION
GLASS-LAB, a company in Japan that makes traditional Edo Kiriko cut glass products, has created a collection of drinking glasses featuring famous quotes from the popular Doraemon manga series . The glasses are available to buy in Japan via publisher Shogkaukan’s online site Waraku Web.
Doraemon Kiriko Cut Glasses (5 Designs) | Limited to 20 glasses per design | ¥44,000 Each (Tax Included)
The inside of the glasses are made use a glass flattening technique called hei-kiriko while the base is sandblasted with a technique called suna-kiriko that was invented by GLASS-LAB to print on the manga strip design. The finishing result makes the manga panel reflect on all sides of the glass.
©Fujiko-Pro,Shogakukan
Information
Waraku – Doraemon Quote Kiriko Glasses
Released: December 25, 2020)
Buy Here: https://intojapanwaraku.com/ -
FANCL Ginza Square Opens Onsen Hot Spring That You Can Walk Into Wearing Your Clothes
22.January.2021 | SPOT
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.
Information
FANCL – “Tabi Suru Square Yu”
Running: January 15, 2021 – February 11, 2021
Location: FANCL Ginza Square
Address: 5 Chome-8-16 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo
FANCL Ginza Square Official Website: https://www.fancl.jp/ginza-square/index.html
FANCL Official Website: https://www.fancl.co.jp/ -
YOKOHAMA AIR CABIN: Japan’s First Permanent Inner-City Cable Car Opens in April
20.January.2021 | SPOT
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.
Information
YOKOHAMA AIR CABIN
Opening: April 22, 2021
Operating Hours: 10:00-22:00
Duration: 5-minutes
Price: General ¥1,000 / Children ¥500 -
Hoshino Resorts BANTA CAFE Releases Video of Magical Beachside Illuminations
19.January.2021 | SPOT
The incredible beachside Hoshino Resorts BANTA CAFE, which offers guests a breathtaking ocean view along the Okinawan coast, released a video on the official Hoshino Resorts YouTube page showcasing the cafe’s ongoing illumination event, “Illumi Banta,” which is running until February 28, 2021. Guests can enjoy some limited-time menu options and then take a romantic stroll along the beach with a warm lantern in hand.
Okinawa is known for its warm climate, rarely dipping below 15°C in the chilly season of winter. There are many celebratory days enjoyed every year around Christmas and New Years, and so BANTA CAFE decided to get in on the action with Illumi Banta, which has been running since December 1 last year—while following the necessary precautions against COVID-19 to ensure everyone stays safe. The spacious cafe is mostly outdoors so visitors can enjoy their time without worry.
A seat at the cafe in on a clear evening guarantees a front row seat to a beautiful orange sunset that sinks into the horizon. Normally, the cafe closes as sunset arrives, but for this event, opening hour have been extended into the night.
BANTA CAFE is located in the village of Yomitan where the beautiful ocean is surrounded by coral reef, enormous rocks, and a rich natural environment. It’s a must-visit if travelling to Okinawa.
Information
Illumi Banta
Running: December 1, 2020 – February 28, 2021 (Except February 1st-5th)
Time: 18:00-22:00 (Last Orders 21:00)BANTA CAFE
Address: 560 Gima, Yomitan, Nakagami District, Okinawa
TEL: 098-921-6810
Opening Hours: 10:00 to one hour after sunset (from 08:00 on weekends and holidays)
Official Website: https://banta-cafe.com/en/ -
Nagasaki’s 112 Year Old Hotel Nampuro Opens Terraces With Panoramic Ocean and Sky Views
19.January.2021 | SPOT
The 112-year-old Hotel Nampuro in Nagasaki is set to open the new Sky Terrace and Ocean Terrace this month. These vistas offer breathtaking, unbroken views of the sea and sky that make it feel as if you’re floating on the ocean with rolling skies ahead that stretch to the horizon.
Observation Terrace (1)
Observation Terrace (2)
Infinity Pool-Style Open-Air Bath
Silky Bath
Beautifying Bubble Baths
Jacuzzi Bath (Male Only)
Children’s Bath
Hinoki Sauna & Steam Sauna
Iyashi Onsen Cafe
Rental Open-Air Bath
The observation terrace offers an incredible panoramic view of the great Ariake Sea that offers a picturesque spectacle at all times of the day. Guests can enjoy seeing the morning, noon, and night skies which merge together with the ocean for an unbeatable result. There’s also a “no talking” rule on the terrace so guests can fully soak up what’s in front of them as they take a luxirous soak in the warm baths.
The infinity pool-style open-air bath offers a refreshing view while making it seem as if you are part of the ocean. The silky bath uses delicate micro bubbles which become an air cushion and promote good blood circulation using massage. The jacuzzi bath relaxes the entire body with stimulating bubbles, while the children’s bath allows kids to get in on the fun too. Both saunas are a change to unwind fatigue and the tired body. The steam sauna is set at a lower temperature than your usual high-temperature dry sauna which ensures it doesn’t have as much strain on the body so guests can sweat it out comfortably. The freshly-brewed coffee available at the hot spring is also exclusive to the hotel’s Onsen Cafe.
Information
Hotel Nampuro Observation Terraces – Sky Terrace & Ocean Terrace
Address: 2-7331-1 Bentenmachi, Shimabara, Nagasaki
Official Website: https://www.nampuro.com/world/english/ -
Foodies Make Their Way to Zi-tempo’s Pop-Up Eatery in Osaka’s Shinsaibashi PARCO
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 malaSpicy 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.
Information
Zi-tempo
Running: January 13, 2021 – February 1, 2021
Location: Shinsaibashi PARCO B1F “THE KITCHEN”
Address: 1-8-3 Shinsaibashisuji, Chuo-ku, Osaka
Opening Hours: 10:00-20:00 (Subject to change depending on COVID-19 and weather)
Shinsai PARCO Official Website: https://shinsaibashi.parco.jp/ -
In celebration of Chinese New Year, GUCCI launched a new collection in collaboration with the famous Japanese manga series Doraemon as selected by the brand’s Creative Director Alessandro Michele.
©Fujiko-Pro
GUCCI recruited photographer Angelo Pennetta to create playful photoshoot for the collection which features smiling models accompanied by Doraemon inside a retro house.
©Fujiko-Pro
©Fujiko-ProThe exclusive collection features over 50 items from T-shirts to hoodies, shoes, bags, headwear, a suitcase, and more. Each item combines the stylish design of GUCCI and the colourful blue and white colour of the iconic manga character.
©Fujiko-Pro
©Fujiko-ProEvery item in the line-up arrives in sustainable packaging made from 100% recycled materials. GUCCI stores in Japan, Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam will also welcome figures and prints inspired by the cities in these countries. The Shanghai and Hong Kong GUCCI art walls will also feature Doraemon against a GG backdrop.
The collection was released on GUCCI’s official website worldwide and will drop in-store in Japan on January 20. The GUCCI store in Shibuya PARCO will plaster up promo posters and the Ginza, Aoyama, Shinjuku, and Nagoya branches will feature recreation’s of the iconic Anywhere Door from the manga series.
Information
Doraemon X GUCCI Collection
GUCCI Official Website: https://www.gucci.com/ -
Universal Studios Japan Announces Easter Universal Celebration 2021
13.January.2021 | SPOT
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
Information
Universal Easter Celebration
Running: March 12, 2021 – June 27, 2021
Location: Universal Studios Japan
Official Website: https://www.usj.co.jp/web/en/us -
200 Varieties of Japanese Iris to Bloom at Odawara Flower Garden
10.January.2021 | SPOT
The plum blossoms of Odawara Flower Garden, which is located in Odawara, Kanagawa, are at the height of their blossom right now. The park’s Keiryu no Baien (“Mountain Stream Plum Garden”) area boasts the largest collection of plum blossoms in Japan’s Kanto region, with 480 trees spanning 200 species.
480 individual Japanese ayame plum blossoms of 200 varieties will adorn the garden once again this year. The event has a different theme each year, with this year’s focusing on the interweaving of red and white coloured flowers on each tree branch.
Visitors will be able to see the beautiful colour combination from many different iris varieties such as the murui-shibori which sometimes sees red safflowers come to life, the wachigai which witnesses wonderful variegated flowering, the impeccably beautiful maki-tateyama, and more.
2021 Keiryu no Baien
Running: January 23, 2021 – March 7, 2021
Location: Odawara Flower Garden
Address: 3798-5 Kuno, Odawara, Kanagawa
Entry: Free
Parking: Free
Opening Hours: 9:00-17:00*No holidays for the duration of the event – open every day
Keiryu no Baien Guide Tour
Takayuki Otsubo, the president of the garden, is also an advisor on the management of its plants. He will be offering a detailed tour for the event.
Date: February 21, 2021
Times: 10:30 / 13:30 (1 hour each)
Participation: Free
Capacity: 30 per slot (first-come, first-served)*Tour will be held seated indoors if it rains
Keiryu no Baien Flowers and Kimono Girls
A kimono rental and fitting service will be available at the event so visitors can take photo next to the gorgeous flowers while adorned in traditional Japanese dress.
Date: February 13, 2021
Time: 9:30-16:00 (Bookable slots)
Price: ¥3,000 (Tax/Rental/Fitting included)
No. of People: 15 (Booking required)
Bookings: By phone call by February 7, 2021
TEL: 0465-34-2814*Must be at least 140m tall
*Visitors are asked to do their own makeup
*Male kimono are available in limited quantitiesPlum Menu
The Odawara Flower Garden cafe, Cafe Hibiscus, is serving a selection of plum blossom themed meals and drinks for the festival. This includes the above-pictured new soba noodle dish, which is topped with plum pulp grown in Odawara as well as kamaboko fish cake, shrimp fritters, and spring onion. The broth in particular is worth of note which the staff went to great lengths to create. There’s also plum blossom ice cream too made with nanko plums, as well as other delicious bites.
Plum Blossom Festival Soba Noodles – ¥600 (Tax Included) / With Drink ¥700 (Tax Included)
Plum Ice Cream – ¥380 (Tax Included)
Location: Cafe Hibiscus
Opening Hours: 10:00-16:00 (Last Orders 15:30)
*No holidays for the duration of the event – open every dayPlum Blossom Souvenirs
A selection of plum blossom-themed souvenirs will be available like umeboshi dried plum, plum jelly, and more.Available: From early January 2021
Location: Entrance souvenir corner
Opening Hours: 9:00-17:00Information
Odawara Flower Garden
Address: 3798-5 Kuno, Odawara-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture
Entry: FreeOfficial Website: https://www.seibu-la.co.jp/odawarafg/
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Official HIGE DANdism Release Music Video Teaser For Doraemon Film Theme ‘Universe’
09.January.2021 | ANIME&GAME / MUSIC
Official HIGE DANdism dropped a teaser for their new Universe single on Wednesday, the newest single from the pop band which is set for release on February 24, 2021.
The new song features as the main theme for the upcoming anime film Doraemon: Nobita’s Little Star Wars 2021 which is hitting Japanese theatres on March 5, 2021. The song is an ode to the little alien Papi and the grand adventures of Doraemon and co in the film.
Official HIGE DANdism – “Universe” Music Video Teaser
The full music video, directed by Takuto Shimpo who has directed numerous of the band’s videos, will premiere on YouTube on January 9, 2021 at 18:00 (JST). Save the premiere video link below.
Official HIGE DANdism – “Universe” Music Video Premiere Link
Universe will be released in three editions: the CD-Only Edition, CD+Live Blu-ray Edition, and CD+Live DVD Edition. The DVD and Blu-ray editions come with the full footage of Official HIGE DANdism’s online concert “Official HIGE DANdism ONLINE LIVE 2020 – Arena Travelers -” which was watched by 120,000 fans on September 26, 2020.Universe will hit major music streaming and download services earlier than the physical release on January 9, 2021.
©藤子プロ・小学館・テレビ朝日・シンエイ・ADK 2021
Information
Universe
Release Date: February 24, 2021
CD-Only Edition: ¥700 (Before Tax) [PCCA. 70553]
CD+Live DVD Edition: ¥4,500 (Before Tax) [PCCA-06011]
CD+Live Blu-ray Edition: ¥4,500 (Before Tax) [PCCA-06010]
Official HIGE DANdism “Universe” Special Site: https://universe.ponycanyon.co.jpDoraemon: Nobita’s Little Star Wars 2021
Release Date: March 5, 2021
Official Website: https://doraeiga.com/2021/ -
Super Nintendo World Releases Virtual Tour of Entire Theme Park Area
07.January.2021 | ANIME&GAME / SPOT
Universal Studios Japan (USJ) announced last month that its highly-anticipated new Super Nintendo World area will open on February 4, 2021, which also happens to fall on the day of USJ’s 20th anniversary.
Super Nintendo World comes as the world’s first theme park area to be based around Nintendo’s characters and games, combining innovative ideas with cutting-edge technology.
With just one month left until the grand opening, USJ has launched a special website for Super Nintendo World which offers a virtual tour through each part of the new theme park area. Mario fanatics are sure to be delighted by the adornments from Bowser’s Castle to Pipes, Mushrooms, Question blocks, and more, as well as familiar faces like Goombas, Thwomps, Yoshi—the list goes on.
Accessing the site will bring you to an overview of the map. As you scroll down the website takes you on a virtual journey to each of its iconic attractions, all of which are designed to make you feel like you’re really in the world of Super Mario.
Information
Universal Studios Japan – Super Nintendo World
Grand Opening: February 4, 2021
Virtual Tour: https://super-nintendo-world.usj.co.jp/
Official Website: https://www.usj.co.jp/web/en/us/super-nintendo-world