The ‘Rilakkuma & Sumikko Gurashi Festival Commemorative Photo Event’ will be held between September 17 and November 28 2021 on the third floor of the Sapporo Factory San Jō-kan Building.

After enjoying yourself at the joint event, you can take some commemorative photos with Rilakkuma and the Sumikko’s, who will be wearing new costumes especially for this event! 

October 9: 11:00/ 13:00/ 15:00/ 17:00 (Approx. 30 slots) (Each session lasts approx. 30 minutes)
Featured Characters: Korilakkuma and Tokage

October 31: 11:00/ 13:00/ 15:00/ 17:00 (Approx. 30 slots) (Each session lasts approx. 30 minutes)
Featured Characters: Chairokoguma and Neko

Weekday Limited Admission Freebies: ‘RilaSumi Festival’ Original Bookmark (Selected from 8 random designs: Rilakkuma & Kiirotori, Korilakkuma, Chairokoguma, Shirokuma, Penguin?, Tonkatsu & Ebifurai no Shippo, Neko, Tokage)

Don’t miss out on this limited time opportunity! 

Popular Japanese accessories brand Maison de FLEUR is releasing a new collection of grown-up Rilakkuma-inspired goods, the second such collaboration for the brand. All goods will go on sale September 10 at Maison de FLEUR shops online, and at the STRIPE CLUB Online Store.

Goods

Square Tote Bag: ¥4,389 (Tax Included)

Rilakkuma & Kiiroitori Frilly Tote Bag: ¥5,489 (Tax Included)

Korilakkuma & Chairoikoguma Frilly Tote Bag: ¥5,489 (Tax Included)

Rilakkuma & Kiiroitori Tissue Case: ¥3,949 (Tax Included)

Korilakkuma & Chairoikoguma Tissue Case: ¥3,949 (Tax Included)

Rilakkuma Card Case: ¥4,059 (Tax Included)

Korilakkuma Card Case: ¥4,059 (Tax Included)

Kiiroitori Card Case: ¥4,059 (Tax Included)

Chairoikoguma Card Case: ¥4,059 (Tax Included)

Rilakkuma Bag Charm: ¥2,750 (Tax Included)

Korilakkuma Bag Charm: ¥2,750 (Tax Included)

Kiiroitori Bag Charm: ¥2,750 (Tax Included)

Chairoikoguma Bag Charm: ¥2,750 (Tax Included)

Lining Design

Maison de FLEUR released their first collection of Rilakkuma-inspired goods last year, focusing on the character Korilakkuma. Many of the goods sold out instantly, and restocks were necessary to keep up with demand for these adorable items. This new collection focuses not only on the popular Korilakkuma, but on Rilakkuma, Kiiroitori, and the honey-loving Chairoikoguma.

This limited-time collaboration features tote bags, tissue cases, card cases, and bag charms, for a total 0f 15 different products to collect. Each features these popular San-X characters adorned with the quintessential Maison de FLEUR ribbon. The tote bags are large and spacious, while the tote bags bring a more adult flair to those wanting a touch of playfulness in their wardrobe.

Which of these fluffy goods is on your wishlist?

On September 1, Baumkuchen specialty shop Katanukia opened its second location on the second floor of Tokyo Solamachi, beneath Tokyo Skytree. These traditionally German cakes are extremely popular in Japan, and using a cookie cutter can transform them into works of art! To commemorate the new shop, the Tokyo Solamachi location will sell a limited-edition Panda Baumkuchen that is almost too cute to eat.

Panda Baumkuchen

Starry Sky Panda Baumkuchen: ¥594 (Tax Included)

Starry Sky Panda Baumkuchen & Drawstring Bag Set: ¥1,815 (Tax Included)

The special Starry Sky Panda Baumkuchen is made from soft, moist cake, and depicts an adorable panda character ready to gaze at the night sky from Tokyo Skytree, the tallest tower in the world. Children and adults alike will enjoy its gentle milk flavoring.

The Starry Sky Panda Baumkuchen & Drawstring Bag Set includes the signature Baumkuchen, the Starry Sky Panda Baumkuchen, Panda shortbread, and an adorable bag. There will only be 100 of these sets available, so grab one before they’re gone!

Is Baumkuchen popular in your country? How would you like to try these cute sweets in Tokyo?

On August 18, 2021, an official inauguration ceremony was held in Chiyoda City, Tokyo, to appoint SAN-X’s lazy and loveable bear Rilakkuma as the new tourism ambassador for the locale. To celebrate the new partnership, some special merchandise will also be released.

Collaboration Merchandise

Clear Folder: ¥300 (Tax Included) Release Date: August 19

Labels (2 designs per pack): ¥350 (Tax Included) Release Date: September 16

Ballpoint Pen: ¥600 (Tax Included) Release Date: October 8

Chiyoda City contains many of Tokyo’s most visited attractions, such as the Imperial Palace, Hibiya Park, the National Museum of Modern Art, and beloved concert hall the Budokan. Many government agencies are also located within its borders, and anime fans will recognize Akihabara, an area specializing in Japanese popular culture.

SAN-X, the company behind Rilakkuma and his friends, is headquartered in Chiyoda City. The area hopes to use the globally-loved characters to convey the charm of Chiyoda to younger generations and families alike. The catchphrase for the campaign is “Let’s take a detour and relax in Chiyoda.”

How would you like to visit Chiyoda?

©2021 SAN-X CO., LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

A special shop will be opened in Ginza’s MITSUKOSHI mall between September 15 and 27 to celebrate the 95th anniversary of Disney’s Winnie The Pooh. There will be a variety of limited projects and free gifts to mark the occasion, including MITSUKOSHI ISETAN pre-sale products, daily presents, and even limited tumblers!

There will also be a photo corner set up for you to take photos with Winnie The Pooh himself.

Pre-Sale Products

MITSUKOSHI ISETAN Pre-Sale/ MITSUKOSHI ISETAN Limited Magnet: ¥495 (Tax Included)

MITSUKOSHI ISETAN Pre-Sale/ MITSUKOSHI ISETAN Limited Can Mirror: ¥495 (Tax Included)

MITSUKOSHI ISETAN Pre-Sale/ Event Limited Key Holder: ¥935 (Tax Included)

MITSUKOSHI ISETAN Pre-Sale/ Event Limited Mascot Ball Pen: ¥715 (Tax Included)

The first 500 customers spending over ¥2,200 will receive an original sticker that changes daily.

The first 500 customers spending over ¥11,000 will receive an original stainless tumbler.

Ginza MITSUKOSHI Limited Winnie The Pooh Photo Spot

Make sure to check out these adorable Winnie The Pooh items as he celebrates his 95th anniversary!

mc. ©DISNEY. Based on the “Winnie the Pooh”works by A.A. MiIne and E.H Shepard.

The Creative Center, the design division of the Sony Group, is collaborating with a number of science fiction authors to use sci-fi prototyping to find out what Tokyo will look like in the future. 

Inspired by the three keywords ‘2050,’ ‘Tokyo,’ and ‘love,’ Sony designers have created four design prototypes, each with a theme: wellbeing, Habitat, Sense and Life. Science fiction authors Taiyo Fujii, Miyuki Ono, Haruka Mugihara, and Itsuki Tsukui each created a sci-fi short story to accompany these creations.

These prototypes will be available to see at the Sony Park Exhibition at Ginza Sony Park starting on August 31. 

Sci-fi prototyping is a technique using science fiction to envision the future, then using it as a starting point to consider what society can do now to impact that possible future. 

The current global pandemic has made it more difficult than ever before to envision what the future will look like. Audiences around the globe are more interested than ever before in seeing what the world will be like in 30 years, and this technique might be able to put some minds at ease. 

Would you like to take a look at what the future might hold? 

Kiddyland is collaborating with San-X to open a Korilakkuma Store in the Yurakucho MARUI 1F Canlendarium between August 19th and August 9th.

Limited Goods

Stuffed Toy / Rilakkuma & Strawberry Cat: ¥2420 (Tax Included)

Stuffed Toy / Korilakkuma & Chococat: ¥2420 (Tax Included)

Stuffed Toy /Chairokoguma &Vanillacat: ¥2420 (Tax Included)

Stuffed Toy / Vanillacat, Chococat: Each ¥1790 (Tax Included)

Left) Hair Iron Pouch ¥2200 (Tax Included) / Lingerie Pouch ¥3080 (Tax Included)

Cosmetics Basket ¥3080 (Tax Included) / Rucksack ¥6390 (Tax Included)

Korilakkuma Hoodie: ¥7480 (Tax Included)

Limited Purchase Benefits

August 19~21: Stainless Steel Tumbler

August 20~22: Cat Mini Pouch

September 4th onwards: 2-piece Magnet Set

Tokyo Station Store: Tote Bag/Nagoya Station Store: Cat Mini Pouch

Korilakkuma is a small, white young bear who appeared suddenly alongside the popular character Rilakkuma.

Kiddyland has been hosting the Korilakkuma pop-up stores in Yurakucho MARUI since 2016,  with the store proving a hit with San-X fans. 

The pop-up will be hosted again in 2021, previously theming the store around Korilakkuma and their small rabbit friends in 2020.

The main art features Korilakkuma’s beloved strawberries, along with Korilakkuma surrounded by three adorable cats. The cat-ear wearing Korilakkuma artwork is a must-see!

The wonderful daily freebies are only available in limited quantities, with the Tokyo Station and Nagoya Station stores taking part to commemorate the opening of their very first Korilakkuma stores. 

Don’t miss out on these precious limited Korilakkuma goodies! 

©2021 SAN-X CO., LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Matsuya Ginza opened its POKÉMON COLORS exhibition on July 22 which is set to run until August 11. The event is a kaleidoscope of bright colours and shapes of Pokémon and Pokémon motifs, with four activities and one installation to enjoy, as well as 160 original pieces of merchandise for fans to buy.

Logo mark

Art Deli Key Visual | ¥4,400

Pikachu Design Pouches – Assorted Pokémon Design Pouches | Small: ¥1,650 Each, Large ¥3,300 Each

Get your hands on a range of vivid and stylish Pokémon items, take photos at the many different photo spots dotted around the event, and learn the latest news about the Pokémon franchise.

Indigo dye art piece

Dangling from the first floor atrium is a 20-meter Pokémon art piece made by the dye group BUAISOU who used the traditional Japanese art of indigo dyeing to create it.

©2021 Pokémon. ©1995-2021 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。

Tower Records has announced Rilakkuma x Tower Records Campaign 2021, an event set to run from August 4 to August 29. The retail music chain is joining paws with Rilakkuma and company for a campaign with the theme “Wow, what a surprise!” at Tower Records stores, their online shop, and Tower Records Cafe.

Merch collab line-up

Tower Records has collaborated with Rilakkuma every year since 2009. This year sees the arrival of brand new original merchandise, a CD, and themed cafe.

The merchandise will be available at 27 Tower Records stores, Tower Records Cafe Omotesando, and online. Enjoy adorable original artwork of Rilakkuma, Korilakkuma, Chairokoguma, and Kiiroitori. There’s lots of freebies to get your hands on too – check out the line-up below.

Available at 27 Tower Records stores, Tower Records Cafe Omotesando, and the online shop

Available at Tower Records Shibuya, Tower Records Cafe Omotesando, and the online shop

Free character cards with every purchase

Red Rilakkuma zabuton floor cushion

For this year’s campaign, Rilakkuma fans can win themselves a zabuton floor cushion too. For a chance to win, you need to sign up online.

Tower Records x Rilakkuma CD cover

Postcard included with CD

The eighth Tower Records x Rilakkuma CD includes background music for doing yoga. There are 15 popular J-pop tracks in total which can be enjoyed for just chilling out to as w2ell.

Themed cafe menu

The cafe collaboration at Tower Records Cafe Omotesando takes on an American diner theme. Takeout drinks will also be available at the Nagoya Sakae SKYLE and Umeda NU Chayamachi branches too.

At Tower Records Omotesando

Table mats at Tower Records Omotesando

Rilakkuma, Korilakkuma, Chairokoguma, and Kiiroitori themed dishes, drinks, and desserts

Receive a free fan when you book a table in advance

Receive a free postcard when you order from the collab menu

Set of 3 original stickers

Free postcard when ordering from the Special Menu

Free postcard when you order a takeout bottle

Collect all six stamps in the stamp rally to win a poster

During the campaign, for every piece of merchandise ordered, you’ll receive one of four possible character cards. 20 people who also scan the QR codes included on the cards by September 12 will be randomly chosen to win either a white Rilakkuma zabuton cushion or a ¥3,000 Tower Records gift card.

©2021 San-X Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

renacnatta has teamed up with Shiki Theatre Company to release a collection of banshu-ori skirts and neckties, all of which will arrive on August 3.

renacnatta is a brand which weaves clothes using deadstock fabric from Japan and Italy and by using traditional Japanese weaving techniques.

Skirts

Banshu Mermaid Wrap Skirt – Matinee｜Collaboration with Shiki Theatre Company | ¥35,200 (Tax Included)

Banshu Mermaid Wrap Skirt – Soiree｜Collaboration with Shiki Theatre Company | ¥35,200 (Tax Included)

Neckties

Banshu Tie – Matinee｜Collaboration with Shiki Theatre Company | ¥9,350 (Tax Included)

Banshu Tie – Soiree｜Collaboration with Shiki Theatre Company | ¥9,350 (Tax Included)

Shows at the Shiki Theatre Company have been cancelled or postponed due to COVID-19. The collaboration comes to reignite the fire and excitement towards the theatre in these restrictive times. This August, the theatre is release a new and original musical which will see actors wearing clothing made using banshu-ori weave. This collection uses the same weaving technique.

Banshuori is a yarn-dyed textile made using a special production method which sees yarn dyed in advance and patterns woven by the dyed yarn. The items in the collection come in two colours: Matinee and Soiree, named after afternoon and evening theatre performances respectively. The Matinee line-up is beige and yellow while the Soiree picks are a mix of navy and black.

The one-size-fits-all skirts feature a comfy mermaid style with a fashionable silhouette perfect for going to the theatre with. They are made in such a way that they do not wrinkle when sitting down for long periods of time. The neckties too are made using banshu-ori weave for a smooth, sleek look.

With just a small bit of ingenuity, turn everyday food into something cute using Kaori’s Easy Recipe! With a few simple ideas, an ordinary recipe magically transforms into a cute dish.

In this recipe, I’ll show you how to make a delicious banana cake that is tasty even if refrigerated!

Ingredients

Makes a 18cm pound cake

2 ripe bananas

100g unsalted butter

50g granulated sugar

2 eggs

100g weak flour

1

Bring the butter to room temperature and mix it with the sugar until it becomes white. I used unsalted margarine for this.

2

Gradually add both the egg whites and yolks and pour slowly into the mixture while mixing. Mash the banana with a fork, add to the bowl, and mix.

3

Sieve in the flour and mix lightly.

4

Bake at 160℃ for 40-45 minutes and it’s ready! I used a 15cm pound cake tin and muffin tin to make mine. If using a muffin tin, bake for 30 minutes.

Leave to cool and use the edge of the pound cake tin to cut ears. Finish by using a chocolate pen to draw on Rilakkuma’s face.

Kaori invites you into her world of character-themed food dishes in her recipe series. Be sure to check out her Instagram where she has uploaded many pictures of her character dishes!

Japanese art collective teamLab is teaming up with KDDI at GINZA 456 Created by KDDI in Ginza, Tokyo this summer where they have opened their new art installation Catching and Collecting Flutter of Butterflies Beyond Borders. The installation is running until August and makes use of a dedicated smartphone app.

Catching and Collecting Flutter of Butterflies Beyond Borders | teamLab, 2021

The world brought about by 5G will be a borderless world. The boundaries between the real world and the digital world will disappear, as will the boundaries between the world and language. KDDI and teamLab started this project in order to let you experience such a future.

“Catch, Study, Release” is the theme of this interactive art experience in which people explore the world with their bodies, discovering, catching, and broadening their interests based on what they catch. Visitors explore using the app to capture various butterflies, study them, and create their very own collection book.

The art installation is the newest to arrive following Walk, Walk, Walk Home which ran until June 27.