In 2018, the film Penguin Highway won the Satoshi Kon Award for Excellence in Animation and Best Animated Feature at the 42nd Japan Academy Awards. In 2020, A Whisker Away was released globally on Netflix and ranked in the Top 10 most viewed films in over 30 countries. Understandably, Studio Colorido has been receiving acclaim from international audiences, and the company will release its next film Drifting Home on September 16. The anime movie will be available on Netflix and will be screened in select theaters around Japan on the same day.

To celebrate the film’s release, a project will be held between the film and Otaku Culture Studio, a Web3.0 NFT project.

Otaku Culture Studio, which promotes Japanese anime culture through NFTs, supports talented creators and aims to create a world where fans and creators collaborate to make Japanese anime, manga, and game content together. The project creates opportunities for fans to be involved in the production of things they love. NFT collaborations with numerous Japanese creators have already been decided, and the appeal of the country’s pop culture is being shared with audiences around the world through this ambitious project.

NFTs sold at Otaku Culture Studio will come with an original AR figure that can be displayed on AR applications, an invitation to an NFT-holder-only community, and other benefits. The production and sale of NFT-holder-only merchandise may also be coming in the future. For more details, check out the official project website.

©コロリド・ツインエンジンパートナーズ

Burberry has announced a collaboration with the popular art manga Blue Period! The unlikely pair will team up on an original story featuring a new character Lola, who is an anthropomorphic version of Burberry’s iconic Lola bag designed by Riccardo Tisci. This original story booklet will be gifted exclusively to visitors to Burberry stores nationwide starting August 20, 2022. Fans can also enjoy the digital version on Burberry.com.

This story depicts the emotional journey of Yatoria Yaguchi and Ryuji Ayukawa as they meet and are progressively more influenced by Lola. Hachitaro is inspired by Lola’s boldness, inner strength, purity, and free self-expression, and is inspired to free himself from everything external and internal holding him back.

To commemorate this partnership, a special wallpaper featuring an illustration by Tsubasa Yamaguchi, the author of Blue Period, will be available exclusively from Burberry’s official LINE account starting on the first day of the collab. The Burberry Omotesando takeover event will also run through September 5, so come enjoy a fashionable manga world!

©Tsubasa Yamaguchi／Kodansha

Fashion brand CUNE has launched a limited-time collaboration collection inspired by Fist of the North Star! The manga series was a major hit for Shonen Jump in the 1980s, and Buronson and Tetsuo Hara’s magnum opus lives on in fashion form. However, this time around, the available apparel focuses entirely on the popular character Jagi. 

Collection

The key visual for the collection features Taiji Ishimori, a professional wrestler active in New Japan Pro-Wrestling and the current IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion.

The unisex collection includes over 30 items, from T-shirts and hoodies to dresses and accessories. These items will be available at CUNE stores nationwide starting August 11 and on the CUNE Official Online Store starting August 12.

Don’t miss out on these special collaboration items!

Street Fighter 6, the next installment of the classic Capcom fighting series, is teaming up with Japanese shoe company Onitsuka Tiger.

This marks the second collaboration between Capcom and Onitsuka Tiger, following the release of the Street Fighter V Arcade Edition collab shoes in 2019. The two are committed to impacting culture and feel strong ties to their Japanese roots, honoring the classic ways while being inspired by modern style.

New visuals of Chun-Li and Kimberly, a new character scheduled to appear in Street Fighter 6, have been created for the collaboration. In this tag team featuring an old and new character, Chun-Li wears Onitsuka Tiger’s iconic MEXICO 66 model shoes, while Kimberly wears the DELECITY model, combining the essence of classic kicks with the spirit of the here and now. A special T-shirt has also been created featuring these new visuals, so check out the Capcom online store eCAPCOM or visit the Capcom stores in Tokyo or Osaka to snag one.

In addition, Onitsuka Tiger plans to sell collaborative items in the first half of 2023, featuring original visuals of Chun-Li and Kimberly drawn by Thai cartoonist Wisut Ponnimit. Ponnimit is known as the creator of Mamuang, a popular character around the world.

Expect to see more exciting collaborations between Capcom and Onitsuka Tiger in the future!

BAPE’s iconic BABY MILO, Medicom Toy’s BE@RBRICK figure, and upscale furniture shop Karimoku are coming together for a unique collaboration. On August 6, a 400% size wood figure will be available at the BAPE.com Web Store, the Toy Medicom online store, and select retailers.

Karimoku x BABY MILO® x BE@RBRICK 400% (Height: 280mm）

Overlapping wood tones make this a must-have for BE@RBRICK collectors.

From August 18 until September 19, 20 Gokurakuyu and Raku Spa locations will hold a special collaboration to celebrate the release of ONE PIECE FILM RED. 

Goods

Menu

During the event, a new bath will be available each weekend. Guests can enjoy fragrant baths inspired by Luffy, Zoro, Nami, Usopp, Sanji, Shanks, and Uta. Check the website to see which baths will be available at which locations!

Those visiting can find some new merchandise featuring exclusive illustrations made for the campaign and a tasty menu inspired by One Piece characters, so don’t miss it!

Q-pot, an accessory brand whose products are made to look like tasty desserts, will be collaborating with Sailor Moon for the eighth time! To celebrate Sailor Moon’s 30th anniversary, new items will be available at select Q-pot locations and the Q-pot Online Shop starting August 5, 2022.

Accessory Lineup

Sailor Moon is part of our history. These meltingly sweet accessories will bring back plenty of beautiful childhood memories. 

Cosmic Heart Ganache Cupcake: ¥13,860 / Bag Charm: ¥12,760 (Tax Included)

This seemingly melt-in-your-mouth sweet and sour strawberry chocolate is topped with a clear and juicy jelly. The Cosmic Heart Ganache Cupcake represents the classic Cosmic Heart Compact and is perfect for any fan.

Prism Heart Macaron Necklace: ¥17,600 / Bag Charm: ¥16,500

The long-awaited Prism Heart Macaron is here! Sailor Chibi Moon’s transformation item, the Prism Heart Compact, has been reborn as a tasty macaron, perfect to pair with any outfit!

Makeup Whipped Cream Charm Necklace: ¥30,800 / Ring, Earrings, Charm: ¥6,050 each (5 varieties / 1 piece)

Sailor Moon’s transformation items from past generations have been reimagined alongside some tasty whipped cream! This nostalgic set will bring back tons of happy childhood memories. Each of the five whipped cream charms is removable, and these items can also be purchased as charms, rings, or earrings.

Sailor Moon Melty Memories Toy Box Necklace: ¥27,500 / Earrings: ¥12,100 (3 varieties)

The Sailor Moon Melty Memories Toy Box looks like a toy box turned upside down, and is filled with the Transformation Brooch, Moon Stick, Crystal Star Compact, Cosmic Heart Compact, and Spiral Heart Moon Rod.

Each of these pieces are perfect for longtime Sailor Moon fans, or as gifts for someone special in your life. The necklace also features a star and heart-shaped design with asymmetrical left and right chains.

To celebrate this eighth collaboration, customers will also be able to snag some special bonuses. Those spending ¥44,000 or more (including tax) will receive a light-up accessory stand. To celebrate Sailor Moon’s 30th anniversary, fans will receive their purchases in a special box decorated to look like a cake.

Come celebrate the 30th anniversary of Sailor Moon with some gorgeous accessories and sweets!

Matsuzaki Shoten will hold a special collaboration event between Ginza’s Matsuzaki Senbei and Cat’s ISSUE starting on August 6, 2022. The Cat’s Festival 2022 will be an incredible event for cat lovers, and guests will be able to grab some special hand towels and bowls produced exclusively for the festival. In addition, there will be an exhibition of works by Ayako Ishiguro, a picture book artist associated with Cat’s ISSUE.

Ginza’s Matsuzaki Senbei x Cat’s ISSUE

This Japanese-style hand towel features illustrations of unique cats based on the concept color of Matsuzaki Shoten, the main Matsuzaki Senbei shop in Ginza.

Ginza’s Matsuzaki Senbei x Cat’s ISSUE

Matsuzaki Senbei’s flagship product has been decorated with cat illustrations, each painted by hand. During the event, customers can choose four of their favorite pieces from a total of nine different patterns and pack them in a box wrapped with beautiful paper with a special design.  Guests can also purchase these goods separately. 

Collaboration with Ayako Ishiguro, a Picture Book Artist Specializing in Monster Art

This comical cat scroll created by Ayako Ishiguro will be on display during the exhibition. Hand towels made in collaboration with Ishiguro will also be on sale. These have previously been sold to huge fanfare.

If you love cats and classic Japanese art, this is the event for you!

On July 29, AMBUSH® will launch some special collaboration items inspired by the legendary series Astro Boy! These items are available in extremely limited quantities. 

Astro Boy is a sci-fi hero manga set in the future starring the titular 100,000 horsepower character Astro Boy. A kindhearted robot, Astro Boy uses his strength to save people from danger, and the character’s more human-like qualities highlight the relationship between people and technology. AMBUSH® is looking to the future, using Astro Boy to highlight what they think the days ahead will bring.

Astro Boy x AMBUSH Figure(Produced by Bait Inc)
Only 50 Pieces Available

©︎TEZUKA PRODUCTIONS     

Astro Boy x AMBUSH Necklace (Produced by Bait Inc)
Only 300 Pieces Available

©︎TEZUKA PRODUCTIONS

This collection features an all-black Astro Boy figure by Bait and a necklace perfect for daily wear. Both show the character in his iconic pose and emphasize the heart detail carved into his chest, symbolizing his humanity. 

Don’t miss these exclusive items before they’re gone!

Matsuzakaya Nagoya will hold a special collaboration pop-up between the popular manga Chainsaw Man and the fine jewelry brand Tasaki from July 27 to August 2, 2022. Fans of the series won’t want to miss seeing these exquisite pieces in person! The event is also celebrating the launch of ‘danger,’ one of Tasaki’s new iconic items. 

At the venue, guests can peruse a selection of Tasaki’s fine jewelry, including the new ‘danger’ collection which was inspired by the beauty of insectivorous plants. This is a perfect mix with Chainsaw Man, which has captivated audiences around the world with its unique plot, savage content, and one-of-a-kind characters. Fans won’t want to miss out on these manga-inspired pieces perfect for everyday wear. A special visual for the pop-up was drawn by the original author of the series Tatsuki Fujimoto. 

Also on display at the venue will be a special Pochita figure, whose chainsaw will be lavishly set with pearls.

Chainsaw Pendant & Ear Cuff (One Ear)

Chainsaw Man Pendant

Pochita Pendant

Pochita Pendant

Power Necklace

These collaboration jewelry pieces inspired by characters and motifs from Chainsaw Man will be available in limited quantities at the venue, so don’t miss it!

©TASAKI

Sailor Moon is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, and Sanrio is paying homage to the recent Sailor Moon Eternal film series with a cute new collection! The Sailor Moon Eternal x Sanrio Characters series will be released sequentially starting August 18, with items available at Sanrio stores nationwide, department store Sanrio corners, and the Sanrio online shop.

Sailor Moon Eternal was a two-part film released in early 2021. A sequel two-part film, Sailor Moon Cosmos, will release in Japan in the summer of 2023. 

The new merchandise features newly-drawn designs of six Sailor Scots, Hello Kitty, My Melody, Cinnamoroll, Kuromi, Marroncream, and Pompompurin. 

Sailor Moon Eternal x Hello Kitty Super Sailor Moon Mascot Keychain: ¥3,300

Sailor Moon Eternal x My Melody Super Sailor Chibi Moon Mascot Keychain: ¥3,300

The new items will combine popular Sailor Moon characters with beloved Sanrio characters. This collab was originally announced back in January. Super Sailor Moon teams up with Hello Kitty, Super Sailor Chibi Moon is topped with a My Melody ribbon, and fans can find goods featuring more adorable pairings!

Sailor Moon Eternal x Sanrio Characters Mascot Keychain (6 varieties): ¥2,750 each

Sailor Moon Eternal x Sanrio Characters Flat Pouch: ¥1,485

The merch lineup includes keychains, pouches, and more goods that will be both functional and fashionable in your daily life, especially if you’re a long-time Sailor Moon fan.

Sailor Moon Eternal x Sanrio Characters Secret Acrylic Stand (11 varieties): ¥693 each

Four secret acrylic stands will be available, featuring the four outer Sailor Soldiers. These will include Super Sailor Uranus and Little Twin Stars (Kiki), Super Sailor Neptune and Little Twin Stars (Lala), Super Sailor Pluto and Pochakko, and Super Sailor Saturn and My Sweet Piano. These will be sold randomly, so you might need to grab a few before you get the characters you want!

Starting on July 20, the Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi store will be celebrating illustrator Macoto Takahashi’s 88th birthday with a special exhibition. The event will display many of Takahashi’s works, featuring beautiful girls and festive flowers. 

For over six decades, Takahashi has been drawing princesses and girls to turn heads, each of them full of life and captivating coquettish energy. With fans around the world, the artist dominated the Showa period with his pieces which were frequently on the covers of girls’ manga magazines. With the artist’s 88th birthday coming up next month, this exhibition will focus on many of Takahashi’s original paintings, as well as his recent collaborations with apparel brands such as COMME des GARCONS and Anna Sui. 

Original Illustration – Elaine’s Flowers

Flowery Mademoiselle II

Original Illustration – Sunflower Prayer

“I want people to feel warm and healed when they see my works. I want them to feel euphoric. Euphoria brings peace, and it cultivates mutual respect for each other,” Takahashi said about his works. His recent work Sunflower Prayer, on display at the exhibition, shows a Ukrainian girl in a traditional costume wishing for peace.

“I’m an artist, so I was able to convey my hope for peace through my work. I hope that you’ll also express your desire for peace in any way that you can,” Takahashi said. This work painted by the 87-year-old is a major highlight of the event.

Original Illustration – The Prince and His Dog

Original Illustration – Fairy-Tale Wedding

Takahashi’s original paintings often sell out quickly due to their popularity. During this massive event, the largest number and widest variety of the artist’s works will be displayed and sold. The lineup is packed with highlights, ranging from works made during the 1990s to the creator’s latest works from 2022.

Goods

To commemorate the event, new goods featuring nostalgic illustrations seen on girls’ magazine covers in the 1970s will be available, including stationery, buttons, and more.

ⒸMacoto Takahashi