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

Kawagoe Prince Hotel, located in an Edo-period castle town in northwest Tokyo, will begin offering a special afternoon tea set starting July 1, 2022. Inspired by the Japanese folktale Momotaro, the summer fruit-filled tower of treats will be available until August 31, 2022.

Top Plate

Middle Plate

Bottom Plate

Savory

The top plate of the three-tiered set features tasty peach and cheese mousse, peach meringue, macadamia nut chocolate, and Kibi Dango put together to resemble the hero of the story, Momotaro. On the middle tier, visitors will find sweets inspired by the many animals found in the story, from the monkey and dog to the pheasants. Guests can enjoy many summer fruits including mango and kiwi. 

Those who come to the store in a yukata (summer kimono) and follow the official Kawagoe Prince Hotel Instagram will receive a special fruit platter.

Come enjoy the world of Momotaro as you wander around this historical Japanese town!

Ryusenji Temple in Saitama is offering some exclusive summer goshuin! Goshuin are stamps or seals given to worshippers at shrines and temples around Japan, where somebody will stamp your goshuin-cho (stamp book) with the site’s unique seal along with the temple’s name and the day you visited handwritten in ink.

The two new goshuin feature summer fireworks and a cooling fan design. These will be available from June 1 until August. They might sell out, though, so be quick!

Summer Exclusive Paper-Cut Overlaid Goshuin: Fireworks and a Wish for Peace

The Fireworks and a Wish for Peace goshuin use five kinds of paper to depict fireworks in the summer night sky.

Fireworks are a popular summer tradition in Japan. It’s said that fireworks were born following the discovery of gunpowder and its use in guns when some decided to use the substance to make something beautiful rather than use it as a weapon. 

Because of this, many see fireworks as a symbol of peace. The current war between Russia and Ukraine has seen gunpowder used as a horrific weapon used to end the lives of many innocent people, and this special goshuin was made in the hopes that the war will come to an end as soon as possible. Gunpowder should be used in fireworks to bring people happiness instead.

Summer Exclusive Paper-Cut Overlaid Goshuin: Refreshing Good Luck Charm

The Refreshing Good Luck Charm shows a traditional Japanese summer scene with a fan and goldfish swimming in clear blue water.

Fans are used by many Japanese to keep cool during the summer months, and some are even said to have the power to ward off illness and evil spirits. Goldfish are often seen during summer festivals, where visitors try to scoop them up using an easily-breakable net in a fun game with family and friends.

Goldfish became popular during the Edo period and were considered to be lucky creatures capable of bringing happiness into one’s home and bringing financial fortune. 

If you’re heading to Saitama, why not add these intricate goshuin to your book?

Sumiya Kihoan, a cozy inn at Yunohana Onsen in Kameoka City in Kyoto, opened a unique new guest room on April 28, 2022. The room’s concept is “where guests can stay in the middle of contemporary art,” and was inspired by the works of internationally-acclaimed contemporary artist Yukinori Yanagi. The new room, created as part of the Art Room Project, has been named ‘Kofuu.’

The Icarus Corridor Connecting Heaven and Earth

Heavenly Bath Welcoming a Rainbow at Dusk

In-Ground Bath Featuring Oribe Glazed Ceramic

Concept Drawing of the Art Room Project by Yukinori Yanagi

The new room includes an open-air bath where guests can be transported into the world of Yanagi’s contemporary art while gazing at the gorgeous Kyoto landscape. Upon entering the inn, guests are greeted by a long corridor leading to the bedrooms, dining room, and two creative open-air baths. The space was created in collaboration with Yanagi and local artists and craftsmen, such as potter Ishii Naoto, obi craftsman Yamaguchi Genbei X, plasterer Kusumi Akira, and Japanese paper craftsman Hatano Wakaru. A delicious menu is prepared by chef Hosoi Kunihiko.

Since January 2022, EJ Anime Hotel, an experimental hotel offering rooms in collaboration with various works of anime, comics, and games, has offered a Shirokuma Cafe room at participating Hotel Monterey locations around Japan. The collab is to celebrate the anime series’ 10th anniversary and is also available at Kurumayama Kogen Skypark Hotel in Nagano Prefecture. Due to popularity, the room will be available to book until May 31, 2022. This is the first collaboration room produced by EJ Anime Hotel to be developed for a resort hotel.

Guest Room (Hotel Monterey Sapporo)

Exclusive Take-home Goods – Shironuma Cafe Luncheon Towel

Original Picnic Basket Dinner (Hotel Monterey Only)

Bonus: Original Pin

In the collaboration room, guests can enjoy newly-drawn character panels, special voiceover messages for guests only, and collaboration goods that they can be taken home. Hotel Monterey locations will offer an optional picnic-themed dinner that can be brought to the room!

During the collaboration period, Hotel Monterey Ginza, Hotel Monterey Osaka, and Hotel Monterey La Soeur Osaka will be holding a giveaway event to celebrate the 10th-anniversary of Shirokuma Cafe, so don’t miss it!

©ヒガアロハ／しろくまカフェ製作委員会 2012
*Actual products may differ from the above images.

Seibuen Amusement Park in Saitama Prefecture is ready to open an attraction based on the popular anime and novel series Fushigi Dagashiya Zenitendo! The incredible experience will open on April 27, 2022. 

Fushigi Dagashiya Zenitendo is a children’s novel series written by Reiko Hiroshima and illustrated by Jyajya. With 16 volumes currently in circulation, an anime series was adapted by Toei Animation in 2020. The story centers on the mysterious candy shop Zenitendo, which only lucky people can find. The shop’s owner is an old woman named Beniko who can recommend the perfect candy for each person’s troubles. But things might turn out as hoped if people eat the sweets in the wrong way…whether Beniko’s sweets bring fortune or misfortune is up to the people who receive them. 

Guests visiting the park will be able to visit Zenitendo, which is located somewhere on Sunset Hill Shopping Street–but the exact location will not be revealed. Only lucky guests will be able to find its location, but once you do, it will feel as though you’ve been transported into the story!

Beniko will be handing out mysterious candy that has never appeared at the park before, so don’t miss out on this unique experience!

Mysterious Candy ‘Possibly Lucky Cookie’

Baku Baku Wafer / Dou-dou Donut

Along with this new attraction, visitors will be able to experience Zenitendo in plenty of other ways! Plenty of merchandise inspired by the series will be on sale, including apparel and sweets.

*The attraction is currently under development. The final product may differ from the above images.

Popular Rilakkuma and Sumikko Gurashi characters will be taking over Tokorozawa Sakura Town in Saitama from April 16 until May 22 during the Rilakkuma & Sumikko Gurashi Festival! Guests will be greeted by the characters themselves, and will be able to participate in tons of fun activities, photo spots, and more!

The festival will have a full lineup of exclusive merchandise only available at Tokorozawa Sakura Town, from cute and useful items like clear folders to fans to use during the summer heat.

A limited collaboration menu with Kadokawa Shokudou will also be available during the event. The ‘Rilakkuma & Sumikko Gurashi Festival Picnic Plate’ is full of fun finger foods that are easy for both adults and children to eat and includes a special lunch mat. Guests can also participate in a commemorative photo session with the characters dressed in new costumes!

©2022 San-X Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

The Ryokan Tokyo Yugawara, a traditional-style Japanese inn and hot spring located in Kanagawa Prefecture, will open on March 18, 2022. The hot springs in the area have a storied history, appearing in the oldest collection of Japanese poems from the year 759 AD and loved by great writers such as Natsume Souseki and Ryunosuke Akutagawa. There is also a cafe inviting visitors to enjoy delicious meals as they relax in the springs.

Onsen Dojo operates and plans hot spring facilities, including the ‘Ofuro Cafe’ brand, resort facilities, and more. The company also provides support for local business investments. 

The Wakura Onsen Tourist Association is sponsoring a new project to illuminate Seirinji Temple, a nationally registered cultural property. Along with this light show, guests can enjoy a luxurious tea time starting on January 8, 2022. This year, the pavilion and garden will be lit up again, and the entrance will be decorated with traditional local paper lanterns. 

The historic property was built in 1909 as a resting place for Emperor Taisho. Only two such buildings exist in Japan: one in Hamada City, Shimane Prefecture, and the other at Wakura Onsen. Both were registered as Tangible Cultural Properties of Japan in 2017. 

Last year, the area was photographed for posters and pamphlets as part of the ‘Japanese Beauty Hokuriku’ campaign organized by JR East, JR West, and the Central JR Railway.

Each Saturday evening through February 26, guests will be invited to enjoy a different kind of atmosphere while enjoying a very fancy tea time. The program has been very well received by visitors, so it shouldn’t be missed!

The light-up of the temple and garden, with its slowly changing colors, will transport guests to another world. The entrance to Seirinji Temple will be redecorated and lit up, and a pathway of lights will be created from the gate to the entrance of the pavilion using paper lanterns.

From January 7 until February 24, 2022, two Capcom Cafe locations will hold a special collaboration event featuring menu items and goods from the popular anime and manga series Haikyu!! The menu items have been announced, and the Capcom Cafe Aeon Lake Town in Saitama and the Capcom Cafe Ikebukuro locations will be posting more information on their official sites, so fans should be sure to check them out!

Collaboration Menu

① Hinata’s Tamago Kake Gohan-Style Fruit Daifuku Parfait: ¥1,408 (Tax Included) 

Sprinkle this dish with brown sugar syrup to give it a sweet kick!

② Kageyama’s Stamina Up! Indian Curry: ¥1,738 (Tax Included)
This Indian curry with banana chutney and yogurt sauce was inspired by Tobio Kageyama’s favorite dish, Poached Egg Curry.

③ Bokuto’s Owl Cake: ¥1,738 (Tax Included)
Baked with the image of Koutarou Bokuto in mind, this dome-shaped cheesecake is almost too adorable to eat. 

④ Akaashi’s Original Galette: ¥1,738 (Tax Included)

This galette is covered in buckwheat flour dough and goes perfectly with a side salad. 

⑤ Kuroo’s Strawberry Coke: ¥880 (Tax Included)
A drink made in Kuroo’s image. It was inspired by his school colors!

⑥ Kenma’s Pudding Parfait:  ¥1,408 (Tax Included)
Inspired by the character’s hair color, this parfait is served with apple pie topping and cat cookies.

⑦ Atsumu’s Hot Caramel Cafe Latte: ¥880 (Tax Included)

This piping hot beverage was made with caramel sauce the color of Atsumu’s hair.

⑧ Atsumu’s Black Sugar Syrup and Black Sesame Seed Iced Latte: ¥880 (Tax Included)

This rich drink is perfect for those wanting something a little stronger!

Menu Order Bonus: 1 Original Placemat

Original Drink Order Bonus Coaster (1 selected randomly, 10 varieties) 

For every ¥3,000 yen spent on the cafe menu (including tax), guests will receive one randomly-selected bromide-style postcard. (13 varieties)

©古舘春一／集英社・「ハイキュー!!」製作委員会・ＭＢＳ
©CAPCOM CO., LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

On November 5, 2021, Tokorozawa in Saitama prefecture received three Pokemon-themed manhole covers as part of the ongoing Poke Lids project. 

The new installations feature Dragonite, Dratini, Corviknight, Dragonair, and Skarmory. Each cover was designed to highlight Tokorozawa’s scenery, and these three are the first to be installed inside Saitama prefecture. 

The Poke Lids project features completely original art, and each serves as a PokeStop in the mobile game Pokemon GO. Many are located in smaller towns and areas, and this has brought more tourism and attention to some of Japan’s more charming hidden gems. 

The next time you’re in Japan, try to find ‘em all!

Poke Lid Locations in Tokorozawa

1. Dragonite Poke Lid: 1-13 Namiki, Tokorozawa, Saitama
2. Dratini and Corviknight Poke Lid: 143-3 Matsugo, Tokorozawa, Saitama
3. Dragonair and Skarmory Poke Lid: 1 Hiyoshicho, Tokorozawa, Saitama

©Pokémon. ©Nintendo/Creatures Inc./GAME FREAK inc.
ポケットモンスター・ポケモン・Pokémonは任天堂・クリーチャーズ・ゲームフリークの登録商標です。

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted how many people live their lives, with fewer and fewer people venturing outdoors. Now, Japanese creative company NAKED has announced a Night Walk at the picturesque Katayamazu Hot Springs in Kaga, Ishikawa. While practicing social distancing, visitors can explore an illuminated wonderland from December 17, 2021, until January 16, 2022. 

Lights of the Dragon God: Ukimidou

Sunny Spot Baths: Katayamazu Hot Springs Sunahase Park, Aiai Plaza

NAKED Distanced Lanterns: Katayamazu Hot Springs Sunahase Park, Aiai Plaza

NAKED Flower Cleansing: Katayamazu Hot Springs Sunahase Park, Aiai Plaza

The Halo of Life: Aizenji Temple

Crystal-Dyed Paper Lanterns: Aizenji Temple

Guests will be invited to explore the grounds while carrying a NAKED Distanced Lantern–both an art piece, and a way to illuminate your steps. With safety in mind, there will be plenty of space between visitors, so people can enjoy the event with peace of mind. 

The location for the event, Katayamazu Onsen, was recently a runner-up in the Onsen General Election 2018 spectacular scenery category. Surrounded by crystal blue waters and with a beautiful view of Mt. Haku, the location will have guests feeling completely calm by the time their visit comes to an end.