Last year, the HARAJUKU COLLECTIVE collaboration appeared at AF Gallery in Harajuku from August 10 until August 28, garnering massive acclaim from fans. The collection is now being sold at Shinsaibashi PARCO until March 12, 2023.

 

HARAJUKU COLLECTIVE is a Studio Ghibli-inspired apparel collection by the popular American counterculture chain Hot Topic. Bringing more Japanese culture to the ongoing Studio Ghibli collaboration launched in 2014, Hot Topic stores began selling original items produced by nine Japanese creators and brands, as well as some original American items produced by Hot Topic’s executive designers.

 

The lineup of Japan-original items includes T-shirts, tote bags, and other items featuring exclusive artwork by up-and-coming creators. These items depict beloved characters from Studio Ghibli’s works, as well as logos created for the collaboration. Fans won’t want to miss grabbing these unique items!

 

 

Details on the Previous HARAJUKU COLLECTIVE Pop-Up Store: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/ja/625747

A new commercial for Pokemon GO’s second ‘Let’s GO to the Hills’ campaign is now airing nationwide, calling on all players of the smartphone game to work up a sweat while exploring new scenery around Japan. Set in the Fukiya district of Takahashi, Okayama, the ad stars the popular actress Mitsuki Takahata. The ‘Let’s GO to the Hills’ campaign focuses on hills and slopes, and players might find some fun new Pokemon on their travels.   The new commercial began airing nationwide on January 20, and its setting–the Fukiya district of Takahashi, Okayama–has flourished since the Edo period as a leading copper and red ocher producer. Red ocher is a byproduct of copper production and is used in many traditional Japanese crafts, even called Japan Red by some.  

 

Several popular Pokemon appear alongside Takahata in the ad, including Chimchar, Fletchling, Hisuian Voltorb, Nyabby, Darumaka, and Charizard. Be sure to listen out for Takahata’s Okayama accent!

From January 20 until July 19, a 4-meter-high real-world PokeStop will appear at the former Fukiya Elementary School in Fukiya Furusato Village. Yes, it will be linked to the game as well!

Curtains and tapestries featuring Pokemon silhouettes and dyed Japan Red will also appear in the village, and each will point the way to real PokeStops. While it might be a little off the beaten path, come enjoy Fukiya and see what kinds of Pokemon you can find!

  ©2023 Niantic, Inc.©2023 Pokémon. ©1995-2023 Nintendo/Creatures Inc. /GAME FREAK inc.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。

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)

U-Treasure, a company offering proper jewelry inspired by pop culture, has announced a Pikachu engagement ring! The item was made available on December 13 and can hold large diamonds from 1-1.999 carats. Each ring features a male and female Pikachu, perfect for the Pokemon master in your life. Along with this, a silver version made from cubic zirconia featuring the same design is available to pre-order until January 31, 2023.   [Pokemon] Pikachu Carat Solitaire Ring

On December 9, Original Japan released 32 new patterns for the popular Pokemon Shirts line, this time from Pokemon Diamond & Pearl.   With the addition of these new designs, customers can choose from a total of 493 patterns. These patterns can also be used in masks and bandanas.   32 New Patterns from Pokemon Diamond & Pearl!The new patterns were inspired by ‘Evolution and Legends.’ Fans can find popular Pokemon like Giratina, Rotom, and Weavile, so be sure to check out the website for more details.    Dark Ball and Quick Ball Buttons are Now Available!To celebrate these new patterns, new buttons inspired by the Dark Ball and Quick Ball are now available. Fans can also choose from the traditional Pokeball, Great Ball, Hyper Ball, Premier Ball, Moon Ball, and Dive Ball. 

Puma and Pokemon are joining forces for the first time. The Puma x Pokemon collection officially went on sale on November 12, offering fans a collection of sneakers, bags, apparel, and more.   The playful new collection incorporates iconic images of popular Pokemon like Pikachu, Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle. The shoe lineup includes popular models like the Slipstream, Suede Classics, and Rider FV. Pokemon can be found hiding on the shoe’s tongue, insole, and heel, and fans are sure to love these stylish kicks. For apparel, customers can grab cotton T-shirts, crew-neck sweatshirts, hoodies, sweatpants, and more. Complete your look with a beanie or messenger bag. The Puma x Pokemon collection is on sale at Puma Store Harajuku Cat Street, Puma Store Osaka, Puma Store Odaiba, Puma Store Fujimi, Puma Store Kyoto, Puma Sapporo Factory, Puma Store Fukuoka, and the official Puma online store.