Chairoikoguma Market to Open at KIDDYLAND Osaka Umeda This Spring
27.February.2021 | ANIME&GAME / FASHION
Japanese character goods and toy chain KIDDYLAND is collaborating with San-X, the creators of the iconic Rilakkuma and its friends, to open the Chairoikogumarché, a market themed on Chairoikoguma, at KIDDYLAND Osaka Umeda. It will be open for a limited time this spring from March 11 to 25.
Chairoikoguma is a popular honey-loving bear character created by San-X who lives in the Honey Forest. This year marks the 5th anniversary since its debut.
In 2018 and 2019, San-X opened the limited-time Korilakkuma Meets Chairoikoguma Store which was hugely popular amongst Rilakkuma fans, with repeat buyers returning multiple times. Chairoikogumarché was originally scheduled to open at KIDDYLAND Osaka Umeda in April 2020, but it was postponed and will now open next month. Once they book their attendance, fans can look forward to laying their eyes on original Chairoikoguma artwork coupled with phrases spoken in the Kansai dialect. There will be exclusive items to purchase, merch pre-sales, bonus goodies, and more.
Merchandise Line-Up Excerpt
Charm Set | ¥1,320 (Tax Included)
Mask Case | ¥660 (Tax Included)
Pre-Sale Merchandise
Pre-Sale Release: March 11, 2021
*This product will be released for general sale at Rilakkuma Stores in Japan, excluding the Osaka Umeda branch, on March 13.
Chairoikogumarché & Nakayoshi Plush Toy (Sakuranokorisu) | ¥3,080 (Tax Included)
*Not available at Rilakkuma Store Umeda Osaka. Pre-sale exclusive to Chairoikogumarché.
*Will also be released on San-X’s online shop.
Pre-Sale Release: March 11, 2021
*This product will be released for general sale at all Rilakkuma Stores in Japan on April 3, 2021.
Long Plush Pillow | ¥6,600 (Tax Included)
Mini Shoulder Bag | ¥5,500 (Tax Included)
*Will also be released on San-X’s online shop.
Bonus Items
1. Customers who spend over ¥3,000 (tax included) at Chairoikogumarché will receive a random free zipper case from a possible two designs. First-come, first-served.
*One per person, per transaction. Design chosen randomly.
*Available while supplies last.
*Will be released at all Rilakkuma Stores except the Osaka Umeda branch on March 13.
2. Customers who spend over ¥5,000 (tax included) at Chairoikogumarché will receive a free tote bag. First-come, first-served.
*One per person, per transaction. Design chosen randomly.
*Available while supplies last.
©2021 SAN-X CO., LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Information
Chairoikogumarché
Running: March 11, 2021 – March 25, 2021
Where: KIDDYLAND Osaka Umeda
Address: Hankyu Sanbangai Floor B1F, 1-1-3 Shibata, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
Opening Hours: 10:00-20:00
*Opening hours subject to change
Event Page: https://www.kiddyland.co.jp/event/chairoikogumarche/
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Atarashii Gakko! to Perform Solo at Zepp Venues in Tokyo and Osaka in Spring 2023
16.January.2023 | MUSIC
Atarashii Gakko! will hold solo concerts at Zepp venues in Tokyo and Osaka in April and May of 2023.
These performances will be held almost a year after the girls held their solo concert at Zepp DiverCity in Tokyo last May. This year’s events will be held at Zepp Osaka Bayside on April 30 and Zepp Shinjuku in Tokyo on May 2.
ATARASHII GAKKO! – HANAKO (Official Music Video)
ATARASHII GAKKO! – Pineapple Kryptonite (Official Music Video)
Information
Atarashii Gakko! at Tokyo & Osaka Zepp
-We’re working on some amazing new songs and we’re dying for everyone to see our newest evolution (Tentative title)-
April 30, 2023 – Zepp Osaka Bayside
May 2, 2023 – Zepp Shinjuku (Tokyo)
Fan’s Presale Tickets (Starting January 1)
https://www.fansnet.jp/leaders -
Akiyoshido Cave in Yamaguchi to be Illuminated for Christmas & Valentine Theater Event
26.December.2022 | SPOT
The Mine City Tourism Association has announced a Christmas & Valentine’s Day event at Akiyoshido Cave, one of the largest limestone caves in Japan. The event will see the natural wonder illuminated by a number of colorful lights. The Christmas event will run from December 21 to 25, 2022, while the Valentine’s Day event will run from February 10 to 14, 2023.
Akiyoshido Cave is one of Yamaguchi Prefecture’s most popular tourist attractions. The interior will be decorated with colorful lights and unique soundscapes, creating a once-in-a-lifetime setting for visitors. These illuminations and sounds were directed by world-renowned lighting designer Motoko Ishii, known for her work on Tokyo Tower and the Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge.
Information
Christmas & Valentine Theater ~ Akiyoshido Cave ‘Fantasy of Light and Echoes’
Dates:
Christmas Theater: December 21 – December 25, 2022
Valentine Theater: February 10 – February 14, 2023
Times: (1) 10:00-11:00 (2) 12:00-13:00 (3) 14:00-15:00
3 events per dayVenue:
Akiyoshido Cave, Shuhocho Akiyoshi, Mine, YamaguchiTickets/Details: https://karusuto.com/event/christmas-valentine-theater-2022/
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Rilakkuma Celebrates 20th Birthday with Strawberry Buffet at the Keio Plaza Hotel
The Keio Plaza Hotel in Tokyo is celebrating Rilakkuma’s birthday in the sweetest way! The Strawberry Collection with Rilakkuma sweets buffet will be available from January 7 until March 31, 2023 at All-Day Dining Jurin on the hotel’s second floor.
The most popular strawberry buffet will be back and better than ever in 2023. Sweets featuring Rilakkuma and his friends will be on full display, including strawberry tarts, tiramisu, and other strawberry-filled sweets. The lazy bear’s favorite pudding and pancakes will also be available along with soothing hot tea for the cold winter months. This will mark the first time that Rilakkuma’s sweets buffet will appear at a hotel.
Small tartlets featuring Korilakkuma and Kiiroitori will be too cute to eat, and Chairoikoguma will appear on cookie sandwiches.
The dessert plate will include gorgeous fondant chocolate with images of Rilakkuma and each of his friends to set the mood for the opening of the event.
The location itself will also be decked out in sweet decorations, with guests being welcomed at the door. Taking pictures is encouraged, so make a reservation today if you’re looking to impress on Instagram!
©2022 San-X Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
Information
Strawberry Collection with Rilakkuma
*Reservations required
Running: January 7 – March 31, 2023
Venue: All-Day Dining Jurin / 2FTimes: (1) 15:00-17:00 (Last order at 16:30) / (2) 15:30-17:30 (Last order at 17:00)
Details/Reservations: https://www.keioplaza.co.jp/event/strawberry-sweets/
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Doraemon’s Official Shop Opens for a Limited Time at Daimaru Umeda
09.November.2022 | ANIME&GAME / FASHION / SPOT
From December 1, 2022 until May 28, 2023, Doraemon’s official shop will appear at Daimaru Umeda! Doraemon’s Mirai Department Store will offer a variety of limited-edition products for this brief period.
Doraemon’s Mirai Department Store Exclusive Goods (Selection)
Chenille Embroidered Tote Bag (Doraemon and Mini Doraemon): ¥3,520 (Tax Included)
This tote bag is decorated with lasting embroidery and is sure to brighten any Doraemon fan’s day. The shoulder-length handles are practical and each bag has excellent storage capacity!
Doraemon Striped Socks (Red/Green): ¥2,420 each (Tax Included)
These thick socks are sure to keep your feet warm during the cold winter months. The simple lines and chic colors make these a great gift for any age.
Come check out these exclusive items that you can only find here!
©Fujiko-Pro
Information
Doraemon’s Mirai Department Store in Daimaru Umeda 2022-2023
Running: December 1, 2022 – May 28, 2023
Venue: Daimaru Umeda 13F (3-1-1 Umeda, Kita-ku, Osaka)Hours: 10:00-20:00
Doraemon’s Mirai Department Store Official Site: https://mirai.dora-world.com/ -
13th BT21 Cafe to Open in Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, Osaka, and Sapporo
The 13th iteration of the BT21 Cafe will open at six venues in five cities around Japan. Fans in Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, Osaka, and Sapporo will want to visit this exclusive event titled ~MAGICAL TIME~. The first cafe opens in Shibuya on November 3. In celebration of BT21’s 5th anniversary, this special cafe is filled with joy and excitement and aims to give fans the best possible experience.
Cafe Menu
Magical Tea Time Set
Food Plate
Food Plate (7 varieties)
Dessert Plate
Dessert Plate (7 varieties)
Drinks
Magical Milk Tea
Black Tea
Iced Coffee / Hot Coffee
Original Goods
Acrylic Keychain (7 varieties, Random)
Acrylic Clip (7 varieties, Random)
Satin Sticker (7 varieties)
Clear Folder (2 varieties)
Handkerchief (7 varieties)
Tote Bag
Mug
Masking Tape / Balloon on a Stick
Dolomite Coaster (2 varieties) / Mirror (2 varieties)
[Online Store Exclusive] Acrylic Keychain (7 varieties, Random)
The cafe’s new menu includes afternoon tea, perfect for warming the body and soul during the cold winter months. The colorful food items and desserts are sure to be a hit on social media, and fans will enjoy the Magical Milk Tea and other dishes inspired by the popular BT21 characters.
In addition to new merchandise and bonuses featuring newly-drawn art, a photo spot will welcome guests to the cafe and invite them to celebrate this five-year milestone.
Why not take a break from everyday life to enjoy a magical time with these cute characters?©BT21
Information
BT21 Cafe #13 ~MAGICAL TIME~
Venue/Dates
■Shibuya, Tokyo:BOX cafe&space SHIBUYA109
Running: November 3 – December 10, 2022
Address: SHIBUYA109 B2F (2-29-1 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo)
■Oshiage, Tokyo:BOX cafe&space Tokyo Solamachi
Running: January 13 – February 19, 2023
Address: Tokyo Skytree Town, Solamachi 1F (1-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida-ku, Tokyo)
■Yokohama, Kanagawa:Collabo_Index Lumine Yokohama
Running: January 13 – February 5, 2023
Address: Lumine Yokohama 6F (2-16-1 Takashima, Nishi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa)
■Nagoya, Aichi:BOX cafe&space Nagoya LACHIC #1
Running: December 2, 2022 – February 5, 2023
Address: LACHIC B1F (3-6-1 Sakae, Naka-ku, Nagoya, Aichi)
■Shinsaibashi, Osaka:
Shinsaibashi contact
Running: November 11 – December 18, 2022
Address: 1-6-24 Kitahorie, Nishi-ku, Osaka
■Sapporo, Hokkaido:
Cafe Interlude, Coach & Four Shinakawa
Running: November 3 – December 29, 2022
Address: 18-chome 3-jo, Kita-ku, Sapporo
Reservations: https://box-cafe.jp/
Online Shop
Open: November 3, 11:00 – December 4, 23:59
https://box-cafe.jp/online_store/ -
Grand Front Osaka to Hold Harry Potter Christmas Event
The Grand Front Osaka mall has announced an incredible Christmas celebration in collaboration with the magical world of Harry Potter! Fans will want to visit the massive shopping center between November 10 and December 25 to take part in the festivities.
Standard Decorations
Showtime Decorations
Harry Potter-Inspired Decorations
The highlight of the event is the 13-meter-tall Christmas Tree, which will be set up on the first floor of the mall’s North Building. The tree will be decorated with Harry Potter-inspired ornaments like moving staircases and window frames, which will look as though they are floating in the air. At night, a light show will take place around the tree, complete with projections inspired by the four houses of Hogwarts.
Decorated Ted E. Bear
Stamp Rally Card
House Flag Decorations
Tully’s Coffee and Harry Potter Collaboration Goods and Menu
Special Harry Potter-themed decorations will be attached to many trees in the area around the nearby Umekita Plaza, and fans can also find a Harry Potter panel exhibition. An Instagram photo campaign will be held in which visitors can enter to win collab merch, so don’t miss out!
Come make some magical memories at this Harry Potter event in Osaka this winter.
Information
Grand Wish Christmas 2022
Harry Potter: An Invitation to the Wizarding World of Christmas
Running: November 10 – December 25, 2022 *Excluding certain contents
Venue: Grand Front Osaka North & South Wings, Umekita Plaza, etc.
Details: https://www.grandfront-osaka.jp/xmas2022/ -
Chainsaw Man Tokyo Special Division 4 Event and Pop-Up Shop to Open in Tokyo
27.October.2022 | ANIME&GAME / SPOT
A story-based digital GPS rally inspired by Chainsaw Man will be held within Tokyo’s subway system from November 1 until November 28. Fans of the anime series won’t want to miss it!
Participants will be tasked with one vital mission: to find five senior devil hunters who are currently undercover at subway stations around the city.
Participants will download an app from the special website and follow the instructions within to find stamp locations at stations throughout Tokyo. When they reach the designated location, they’ll find a special poster, and they’ll just need to press a button in the app to earn a stamp. By collecting stamps in all six locations, fans will receive a unique key visual which can only be obtained through this event.
Pop-Up Shop
During the event period, fans will also find a limited-time pop-up shop inside Ikebukuro Sunshine City. Original collaboration items will be on sale, and a game will be set up with winners able to walk away with unique prizes. From November 1 to November 20, admission to the shop will be by advance reservation only on a first-come, first-served basis to reduce crowding. Reservations can be made through the official website.
©藤本タツキ/集英社・MAPPA
Information
Chainsaw Man Tokyo Special Division 4 Event and Pop-Up Shop
Running: November 1 – November 28, 2022
Location: Various locations in Tokyo
Participation Fee: Free
Special Website: https://www.edith.co.jp/lp/CHAINSAWMAN-GPSRALLY/
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Hello Kitty Autumn Event ‘Apple Halloween 2022’ Running Until October 31
HELLO KITTY SHOW BOX, a theater and restaurant offering Hello Kitty-themed shows and meals on Awaji Island, and HELLO KITTY APPLE HOUSE, an apple-shaped observation theater based on the popular character’s home, are both currently holding the Apple Halloween 2022 event until October 31!
Guests can enjoy a mystery-solving event and some adorable photo spots inspired by apples and the Halloween season. By solving certain riddles, visitors will be rewarded with candy!
Come have fun this Halloween with Hello Kitty, friends, and family!
Started in October, the New Show ‘HELLO KITTY THE PARTIES’ Gets Rave Reviews
HELLO KITTY THE PARTIES, a new show at the theater and restaurant HELLO KITTY SHOW BOX, will run until December 30, 2022. The show features a new theme each month and currently features a jazz band.
October’s theme is Happy Halloween Party, and visitors can listen to a number of famous songs while enjoying tasty and healthy dishes packed with autumn flavors. At the end of the performance, a meet and greet with Hello Kitty will be held. November’s theme will be Hello Kitty’s Birthday Party, while December will focus on a Christmas Party!
Information
Apple Halloween 2022
Running until October 31, 2022
Hours: 11:00-17:00
Venue: Awaji Hello Kitty Apple Land ( 177-5 Nojimahirabayashi, Awaji, Hyogo)
Official Website: https://awaji-resort.com/hellokittyshowbox/
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Luxury Brand Montblanc Announces Naruto Collaboration Collection
15.October.2022 | ANIME&GAME / FASHION
Today, luxury brand Montblanc launched a new collaboration collection with the popular anime and manga series Naruto. Items from the collection are available to purchase worldwide.
Since its release 20 years ago, Naruto has captured the hearts of fans around the world with its inspiring story and beloved characters. The designs featured in the new collection feature illustrations of the character printed in dynamic poses. The collection features everything from leather goods to writing instruments.
The new items highlight Naruto’s relationship with his mentor Jiraiya, stressing the importance of mentors and knowledge. The brushstroke-like curves on each piece emphasize the anime style, and all bags come in a refined black color with orange accents.
To celebrate the launch of this collaboration, a special short anime was created to highlight the power of writing and communication. The brief animation shows Jiraiya reflecting on Naruto’s journey and the ample advice he passed down while focusing on what’s important in life. Meanwhile, Naruto uses a fountain pen to write down what it really means to be a ninja.
The collection also features a new edition of Montblanc’s iconic Meisterstück. The special-edition fountain pen features a Hidden Leaf Village motif in gold with a matching nib and a ruthenium-coated embellishment.
A special pop-up store is open on the first floor of Hankyu Men’s Osaka until October 18. By snapping a photo of the collaboration products and posting it on social media with the hashtag #MontblancXNaruto, fans can snag an original Montblanc x Naruto memory card game. Additionally, those making a purchase will get an original furoshiki!
Whether you’re a fan of Naruto or a fan of Montblanc’s goods, this collaboration might be impossible to pass up.
Information
Montblanc x Naruto
Release Date: October 12, 2022
Pop-up Store
Venue: Hankyu Mens Osaka 1F
Running: October 12 – October 18, 2022
Details: https://bit.ly/3rtWGAn
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The #KuromifyTheWorld Project Celebrates First Anniversary with Special Week of Events
06.October.2022 | FASHION
The #KuromifyTheWorld campaign is already one year old! Created to share the adorable Sanrio character Kuromi with the world, fans will be invited to celebrate this milestone from October 20 until October 31 with special events in Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya.
Kuromi’s Drink Stand will be open for a limited time in Tokyo and Osaka. Customers will be invited to choose the color of their drink according to their mood, and will also be able to customize it with tags, acrylic stands, and stickers! An original photo spot will also be set up beside each drink stand, and those wanting to attend can enter the lottery to win tickets now.
Sanrio’s first and largest Kuromi ad truck will also be driving through the streets of Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka during the event week.
Kuromi will also be teaming up with (G)I-DLE, a popular five-member global idol group from South Korea. Campaigns are planned to appear in Hangzhou, Suzhou, Taiwan, Korea, North America, and Europe.
Kuromi ranked in the top three in this year’s Sanrio Character Awards, and her popularity is steadily growing with Gen-Z. Keep an eye out for more Kuromi-inspired events in the future!
Information
#KuromifyTheWorld Week
・Kuromi’s Drink Stand:
Running:
Shinjuku, Tokyo: October 20 – October 24, 2022
Shinsaibashi, Osaka: October 29 – October 31, 2022
・#KuromifyTheWorld Ad Truck:
Running:
Tokyo: October 20 – October 24Nagoya: October 26 – October 27
Osaka: October 29 – October 31
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Popular Swimming Anime Free! to Hold 10th Anniversary Event at Saitama Super Arena in Summer 2023
05.October.2022 | ANIME&GAME / SPOT
The popular anime series Free! will celebrate its 10th anniversary with a special event at Saitama Super Arena on August 13, 2023. Cast members from the series, including Nobunaga Shimazaki, Tatsuhisa Suzuki, Mamoru Miyano, Tsubasa Yonaga, and Daisuke Hirakawa, will be in attendance. Free! -the Final Stroke- The Second Volume will be released on Blu-ray and DVD on April 5, 2023, and will include a priority purchase application ticket for the special event. Check out the official website for details!
The Free! anime franchise, which is loosely based on the High Speed! light novels by Kouji Ooji, began in 2013 and includes three TV series and multiple films produced by Kyoto Animation. The three anime series–Free!, Free! Eternal Summer, and Free! Dive to the Future–have been incredibly popular around the world. The first part of Free! The Final Stroke was released in theaters last year, with the second part hitting theaters in April 2022. Fans won’t want to miss out on the exciting 10th-anniversary activities in 2023!
©おおじこうじ・京都アニメーション/岩鳶町後援会2021
Information
Free! 10th Anniversary Special Event
Date: August 13, 2023
Venue: Saitama Super Arena (8 Shintoshin, Chuo-ku, Saitama)
Cast: Nobunaga Shimazaki, Tatsuhisa Suzuki, Mamoru Miyano, Tsubasa Yonaga, Daisuke Hirakawa, more
Free! -the Final Stroke- The Second Volume Blu-ray&DVD
Release Date: April 5, 2023
Price: ¥11,000 (Tax Included)
Official Site: http://fs.iwatobi-sc.com/
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Japan’s Largest Fireworks Show Opens with 800 Drones and 45,000 Fireworks
01.October.2022 | SPOT
To promote the 2025 Osaka Expo, hundreds of drones and thousands of fireworks lit up the sky at the planned site for the event. SKYMAGIC LIVE PTE. LTD., known for creating original shows using drones, put on the show on Yumeshima, a man-made island in Osaka’s Konohana Ward on September 25, 2022. The event was the first large-scale outdoor drone show in the Kansai region, with 800 LED-equipped drones flying through the night sky.
Nearly 15,000 visitors were in attendance at this spectacular event. The event aims to promote a hopeful future in which Japan thrives after the impact of the pandemic, and also aims to promote the upcoming Expo to people around the world. 45,000 fireworks were set off, marking one of the largest fireworks displays in Japan. Launched to rid the area of bad luck, guests will likely never forget the unique display of futuristic technology and traditional fireworks.
As the fireworks show began, countless drones took off one after another into the sky. As many would expect, Myak Myak, the official character of the Osaka/Kansai Expo, appeared above the crowd, standing 135 meters tall and 80 meters wide. A countdown to the Expo appeared after, with the Let’s Go Expo 2025 logo shining in the sky, made entirely by synchronized drones.
Archived live footage of the event is also available.
Ryota Shirahama, chairman of the event’s organizing committee, made a comment regarding the impressive event. “Japan’s resurgence is about to begin,” he said. “The world has been looking down, and we want it to look up. We want people to look towards the future–that’s the goal of this project. Yes, there was a pandemic. But like the phoenix seen during the drone show, we can start over. I hope that those who saw the show will be inspired to take a new step forward.”
Information
Let’s Go Expo 2025 Countdown 3 ~Yumeshima Fireworks~