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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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-Pro

The 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-Pro

Every 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.

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

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 quantities

Plum 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 day

Plum 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: 9:00-17:00

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

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.