Popular Japanese LINE Character Raccos Second Plushie Collection Revealed

01.May.2021 | FASHION

Following the popularity of the first Raccos plushie which released earlier this month, a second collection is being released featuring Penguin, Mage, and Onemu, at the end of May at entertainment facilities in Japan.

 

Raccos is a character series created by planner and animator Takada Bear of CHOCOLATE Inc.

The characters are popular stamps on the Japanese messaging service LINE. The new plush toys size in at 16cm and are super cute.

 

©CHOCOLATE Inc.

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  • Mecha-Ude Animation Project Gets Full Anime and Manga Series

    18.September.2022 | ANIME&GAME

    Sae Okamoto’s Mecha-Ude project has attracted worldwide attention, and now, a full anime and manga series have been announced! Okamoto’s up-and-coming anime production company TriF Studio, located in Fukuoka, will work on the series, which follows Hikaru, a normal student, and Alma, a Mecha-Ude wielder who can be activated when he bonds with a human. 

     

    Yoshino Koyoka has also started publishing a manga adaptation of the series on LINE Manga and other ebookjapan services. Three free chapters were published on September 15, and the series will run bi-weekly. TriF Studio will supervise and provide the story.

     

    A documentary video teasing the anime series and giving more information about TriF Studio has also been uploaded to YouTube. The video shows that the pilot’s theme song was written by Eve with a music video produced by Masayoshi Oishi. Hiroshi Matsuyama, the CEO of CyberConnect2, serves as the general supervisor of the series. Terumi Nishii, the chief animation director for the popular series Jujutsu Kaisen, worked on character designs for Mecha-Ude

     

    The average staff age at TriF is 25, which is incredibly young for an animation studio. What can we expect from such a unique collection of creators? 

     

    Be sure to keep an eye on this new anime and manga project!

    (C)TriF/「メカウデ」製作委員会

  • Pancake Shop Butter Collaborates with LINE’s ‘Honesty Series’ Sticker Set

    29.August.2022 | FASHION / FOOD

    The pancake specialty cafe Butter is collaborating with illustrator Yuu Itsuki from August 19 until September 4, 2022. Fans of Itsuki’s adorable LINE Sticker series will recognize a few characters appearing in the many dishes popping up during the event. Along with a lineup of sweets, main dishes, and beverages available to enjoy at the store, some special collaboration macarons will be sold as a takeout-only item.

    Friendly Fruit Buttermilk Pancakes

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    Come enjoy this sweet collaboration menu featuring Kuma-chan and his two best friends!

  • Popular LINE Sticker Character Opanchuusagi Inspires Cafes in Tokyo and Osaka

    28.June.2022 | FASHION / FOOD / SPOT

    The popular character Opanchuusagi, created by illustrator Kawaisoni, has inspired two collaboration cafes! Fans of the adorable rabbit will be able to grab themed dishes and goods in both Tokyo and Osaka from July 7 until August 21. Does the character look familiar? You’ve probably seen her on social media or on LINE!

     

    Opanchuusagi does her best for everyone but tends to fail in hilarious ways. The melancholy character has been getting increasingly popular lately, leaving comments like “poor thing,” or “so cute!”

     

    Cafe Visitor Bonus / Menu Order Bonus

     

     

    Menu

    Opanchu Curry

    Opanchu Omurice

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    Opanchu Pancake

    Opanchu Parfait

    Opanchu Missing-Underpants Soda

    Opanchu Pink Soda

    Opanchu Strawberry Milk

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    Goods

    The Opanchuusagi Cafe will offer a lineup of cute menu items perfect for posting on social media, from the curry and burger to the shaved ice and latte. The cafe will also sell original merchandise, so don’t miss your chance to snag some!

     

    Why not come relax at this unique cafe on a hot summer day? 

     

    ©KAWAISOUNI!

  • Popular Illustrator Kanahei Announces Piske & Usagi Berry Berry Festival, Limited-Edition Merch

    04.March.2022 | FASHION

    Kanahei is one of the most popular illustrators on the web today, with many of the artist’s adorable characters featured on LINE as stickers. The creator’s characters will be featured on tons of new merch during two new events–the Piske & Usagi Berry Berry Festival from February 19 until March 31, and the Cat Festival with Kanahei’s Small Animals from February 19 until March 27, 2022.

     

    Piske & Usagi Berry Berry Festival – Merchandise at a Glance

    Goods featuring newly-created art of Piske and Usagi will be available at participating stores during the event. Those purchasing ¥2,000 or more on select products will receive a bonus sticker. Get one before they’re gone!

     

     

    Cat Festival with Kanahei’s Small Animals – New Goods

    February 22 is Cat Day in Japan, and this is the second time that Kanahei has held a Cat Festival event to celebrate. Those who purchase select Cat Festival products during the event period will be gifted a bonus postcard while supplies last!


    The amount of available postcards is limited.
    ※Some items may not be available at all stores.
    ※Stickers are available in limited quantities.
    ※The following stores will not offer bonuses:
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  • Hot-Pot Party-Themed Gorogoro Nyansuke Cafe Opens in Ikebukuro

    02.December.2021 | FASHION / FOOD

    Gorogoro Nyansuke, a popular character featured on LINE stickers, will get his own cafe in Ikebukuro for a limited time! The nabe (hot-pot) party-themed location will be open from December 2, 2021 until January 23, 2022. In Japan, it’s popular to enjoy nabe with friends and family during the winter months to warm up!

    Reservation Bonus

     

     

     

    Menu

    Refreshing Lemon Nabe

    Tomato Nabe

    Soy Milk Nabe

    Black Sesame Parfait

    Dorayaki Pancakes with Japanese Sweets

    Red Bean Paste Covered in Snow

    Warm and Cozy Kotatsu Cake

    Nyansuke Float (Melon Soda)

    Nyansuke Float (Anzu Soda)

    Nyansuke Float (Roasted Green Tea and Milk)

    Nyansuke Sake

    Cafe Latte: ¥660 (Tax Included)

     

     

    Original Merchandise

    Acrylic Keychain (Random, 10 varieties)

    A4-size Clear Folder (Set of 2)

    Mug

     

    The adorable kitty-cat has become popular on LINE and social media and was designed by Tsumugi Murasato. Her first manga was published in October 2020 with merchandise following, and she has become more and more popular since!

     

    © MIND WAVE INC. / GORO GORO Nyansuke ®

     

  • New Track from Kyary Pamyu Pamyu Inspires LINE MUSIC Campaign

    29.September.2021 | MUSIC

    Kyary Pamyu Pamyu will release her first full-length album in three years Candy Racer on October 27, 2021. Ahead of the release, one new track, Jumping Up, will be shared early! This light and fun EDM track will, as promised, make you want to jump up and down along with the bass, and will be streaming starting September 29, 2021. 

     

    In conjunction with this pre-release, a LINE MUSIC playback campaign will begin on September 29, with the top 10 listeners receiving a prize exclusive to the event. Be sure to listen to the song as many times as possible for your chance to snag this premium prize, the design of which will be revealed soon!

     

  • New BT21 Cafe Coming to Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, Osaka, and Okinawa

    23.August.2021 | FASHION / FOOD

    The 9th BT21 Cafe ~Relaxing Holiday~ will be open for a limited time in six venues across Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, Osaka, and Okinawa. If you’re a fan of these adorable LINE FRIENDS, just take a look at the menu items and goods on offer!

     

    Main Visual

     

     

    The Menu

     

    Chicken and Orange Hot Sandwich: ¥1,760 (Tax Included) 

    Grilled Vegetable Curry: ¥1,870 (Tax Included)

     

    Tandoori Chicken Tacos: ¥1,870 (Tax Included)

    Scrambled Eggs with Smoked Bacon: ¥1,870 (Tax Included)

    Mug Collection

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    Cinnamon Apple Pie: ¥1,540 (Tax Included)

    Maple Lemon German Pancake: ¥1,650 (Tax Included)

    Mixed Berry German Pancake: ¥1,650 (Tax Included)

    Strawberry Mojito/Kiwi Mojito/Peach Mojito: ¥990 each (Tax Included)

    Coffee (Iced/Hot) / Black Tea (Iced/Hot): ¥550 (Tax Included)

     

     

     

    Original Merchandise 

     

    Pins (Random, 7 designs): ¥660 (Tax Included)

    Acrylic Keyrings (7 designs): ¥770 (Tax Included) / Clear Folder: ¥440 (Tax Included)

    Stickers (7 designs): ¥770 each (Tax Included) / Placemat (2 designs): ¥1,000 each (Tax Included)

     

    Swizzle Stick (7 designs): ¥990 each (Tax Included) / Tote Bag: ¥1,650 (Tax Included)

    Canvas Pouch: ¥1,980 (Tax Included) / Mini-towel (7 designs): ¥990 each (Tax Included)

    Bandana (2 designs): ¥1,320 each (Tax Included) / Marshmallows: ¥972 (Tax Included)

     

     

    Customers who book a table in advance will receive a randomly selected A5-size clear folder and a random clear coaster for each drink ordered.

     

     

     

    The first installment of the 9th BT21 Cafe run, ~MY LITTLE BUDDY~, began in July 2021. The menu and goods, based on cute babies and their friends, received rave reviews. 

     

    ~Relaxing Holiday~ is inspired by summer and being outside with friends. Menu items look like what people may eat while camping, and the original character art features your favorite BT21 characters eating their favorite foods. Various soups and desserts are available in cute souvenir cups, and anything ordered is perfect for posting on social media!

    Which menu item looks the most delicious to you? 

     

    *Images for reference only. 

     

    ©BT21

  • LINE FRIENDS Collaborates With Minions For 10th Anniversary

    28.July.2021 | FASHION / MOVIE

    As part of the LINE FRIENDS 10th anniversary celebrations, Illumination Entertainment and Universal Brand Development released the MINIONS X BROWN & FRIENDS collection at the LINE FRIENDS Harajuku store and the online store on July 22. A collection of digital accessories, camping items, and golf goods will also roll out in August. This includes a release at 17 branches of KIDDYLAND on August 7 as part of PLAY LINE FRIENDS.



    BROWN & FRIENDS began as a stamp series on the Japanese messaging app LINE. The characters are now featured just about everywhere including as merchandise. See Brown and Sally meet Kevin, Bob, and Stuart from the hit animated films Despicable Me and Minions in the form of digital accessories aimed at tech lovers such as AirPods cases and smartphone clips as well as eco bags, golfing equipment, camping necessities, and more.

     

    As part of the collaboration, Brown & Friends and Minions LINE stickers and Instagram filters will also be released in August. Check out the official LINE FRIENDS social media pages for related promotional videos too.

     

    And for Japanese fans of both franchises, they get some Japan-exclusive merchandise too including a mini towel, hand towel, face towel, bath towel, denim tote bag, denim pouch, eco bag, hat, stationery, bottle, mug, neck pillow, and more.



    ©LINE/©UCS LLC

  • BT21 Cafe to Open in Five Japanese Cities For Summer 2021

    17.July.2021 | FOOD / SPOT

    The BT21 Cafe is set to see its 9th run in Japan when six of them begin opening in Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, Osaka, and Okinawa from July 22. The theme this time around is “MY LITTLE BUDDY.”

    Main Visual

    Uchiwa Fans (7 Designs) / Coasters (8 Designs)

    Customers who book a table in advance will receive a free fan, and if they buy a drink, a free coaster.

     

    The Menu

    KOYA Gapao Rice | ¥1,870 (Tax Included)

    RJ Omelette Stew | ¥1,870 (Tax Included)

    SHOOKY Loco Moco Don | ¥1,870 (Tax Included)

    MANG Coconut Green Curry | ¥1,870 (Tax Included)

    CHIMMY Chicken Over Rice | ¥1,870 (Tax Included)

    TATA Bibimbap | ¥1,870 (Tax Included)

    COOKY Sushi Bowl | ¥1,870 (Tax Included)

    Parfaits (Mango/Melon/Grapefruit) | ¥1,540 (Tax Included)

    Mini Parfaits | ¥550 (Tax Included)

    Milk Drinks (Strawberry/Mango/Blueberry) | ¥990 (Tax Included)

    Shuwa Shuwa Fruit Tea | ¥990 (Tax Included)

    Fuwamoko Latte | ¥990 (Tax Included)

     

    Original Merchandise

    Pins | ¥660 (Tax Included)

    Acrylic Keyrings | ¥770 (Tax Included)

    Folders ¥440 (Tax Included) / Clear Pouches ¥1,320 (Tax Included)

    Pin Case | ¥1,320 (Tax Included)

    Stickers ¥770 (Tax Included) / Acrylic Coasters ¥1,320 (Tax Included)

    Milk Caramels | ¥1,080 (Tax Included)

    The menu line-up is based on Asian cuisine and features cute dishes, drinks, and dessert combined with the BT21 characters. There’s also a collection of exclusive merchandise for fans to get their hands on.

     

    ©BT21

  • Popular LINE Sticker Series YOSISTAMP Opens Travel Themed Pop-Up Shop

    08.June.2021 | FASHION / SPOT

    The YOSISTAMP Premium Shop, a pop-up shop themed on the popular sticker series YOSISTAMP from the LINE messenger app, has been making its way around Japan since 2019. It recently opened inside Abeno Harukas Kintetsu in Osaka.

    The store’s merch line-up

    The pop-up shop is themed on travel, and fans of the series can get their hands on a cute selection of exclusive merchandise. The shop even has a special photo spot for snapping pictures.

     

    ©YOSISTAMP

  • Sanrio has announced that the announcement ceremony for the winner of the 2021 Sanrio Character Ranking will take place in collaboration with Tokyo Girls Collection (TGC), a semi-annual fashion festival in Tokyo, on June 8. The event will be streamed live on Hello Kitty and TCG’s respective LINE accounts, as well as Sanrio’s official YouTube account, so that more people can tune in to this year’s announcement and see which of Sanrio’s characters will take the crown.

    80 characters are participating in this year’s Sanrio Character Ranking which will be announced in order from 80 to 1. This year also sees the return of the sub-award categories including Collaboration. Hosting the event as MC is tarento and actress Nao Asahi and the Japanese comedy duo Wagyu ga Tsutome.

     

    But the winner announcement is not the only event scheduled for 2021’s ranking. Since this time is a collaboration with TGC, there will be a fashion runway where popular models will show off their looks, a live performance with JO1 and the Sanrio characters, a rap battle, and more.

     

    Fashion Runway: Famous models display the Sanrio character aesthetic

    On the fashion stage, a line-up of well-known Japanese models will serve fashion inspired by Sanrio’s most famous characters including My Melody, Kuromi, Little Twin Stars, and Pompompurin.

     

    Marie Iitoyo and Maika Yamamoto will use a real-time composite photography system as they dress up as the adorable My Melody and her rival Kuromi. Serving the dreamy star-filled world of Kiki and Lala are Kaane and Sakura Saiga, Yoshiaki & Michi, and Rikariko. For the Pompompurin section, which is themed on the golden retriever’s daily life, we have Nana Kato, Ami Komuro, Natsuki Deguchi, Sachi Fujii, and Roy. But that’s not all as Sakachin, Yuki Higashihara, and Reina, who won the LINE LIVE auditions to appear on this year’s fashion runway, will also appear.

     

    A heated rap battle between the Sanrio characters

    In the rap battle, KIRIMI-chan, Kuromi, Kogimyun, and Pompompurin will go head to head against special guests Tsukasa Saito of comedy duo Trendy Angel and Yuriyan Retriever. 

     

    The Sanrio cast join music artists for a concert

    The adorable Cinnamoroll, who is also expanding his work as an idol, will perform alongside JO1, while Hello Kitty will sing with singer-songwriter Sonoko Inoue.

     

    A new virtual experience using the latest technology

    Japanese digital advertising company CyberAgent, who produced virtual events and 3DCG content, will be using the latest in 3DCG and XR tech to blur the lines between reality and the virtual space with an interactive experience, such as people’s comments on social media and the video displaying in real time, and more.

  • LINE Disney Tsum Tsum Puzzle Game Breaks 90 Million Downloads

    07.May.2021 | ANIME&GAME

    Japanese messaging app LINE announced that their casual puzzle game LINE: Disney Tsum Tsum has broken 90 million views. The popular game launched a collaboration with the Star Wars franchise on Tuesday which is set to run until May 31.

    LINE: Disney Tsum Tsum is based off Disney’s collectable stuffed toy series. The game launched first in Japan on January 29, 2014, before rolling out to the US, UK, Europe, Asia, and elsewhere on July 1 of the same year. Tsum Tsum and 400-or-so characters are popular around the world with the toys having appeared in Disney films, commercials, at events, and more.

     

    In celebration of the puzzle game reaching 90 million downloads, the Today’s Mission feature is offering a 10x bonus. The game is also collaborating with Star Wars until the end of May where Darth Vader and a Stormtrooper are making an appearance. And for the duration of May, the game’s title logo and background music has been changed into traditional Japanese styles.

     

     

    Tsum Tsum Tenka Touitsu Event

    Another in-game event is also ongoing where players can receive pins and a Princess Minnie by clearing the mission.

     

    ©Disney 

    ©Disney/Pixar 

    ©& TM Lucasfilm Ltd.

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