Shueisha is currently offering a ton of manga for free as part of Haruman!! 2022. The campaign is running until May 15 at participating locations and tons of digital manga series are available for download.

©Shueisha

During Haruman!! 2022, users can read over 305 digital titles for free. This year’s theme is ‘Manga Festival,’ and manga fans can find both recent and classic titles. Why not catch up on some manga history while you can?

A collaboration with the popular VTuber agency Hololive is also underway. One of the group’s manga-loving members will be chosen each day to serve as Editor-in-Chief of an original manga magazine.

Popular authors are also commemorating the occasion with new illustrations. Eleven artists from Shueisha’s manga department have drawn popular VTubers, and these awesome images are available exclusively on the Haruman!! website.

Stream Date: April 23, 2022

Participants: Shueisha x Hololive Traveling Editorial Department

Streaming Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJFZiqLMntJufDCHc6bQixg

©Shueisha

In collaboration with puzzle game creators RIDDLER, ‘The Search for the Great Manga King’s Treasure’ will be held. Pulling inspiration from One Piece, which is currently celebrating 25 years of serialization, fans will have to find clues to solve a massive mystery.

Find your new favorite manga series during Haruman!! 2022.

Internationally beloved hard rock band BAND-MAID has been invited to perform at AFTERSHOCK FESTIVAL in Sacramento, California!

The festival will take place across four days, from October 6 until October 9, 2022. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the festival, with headliners like KISS and Slipknot.

BAND-MAID has also announced US stops on their global tour during 2022. More information is scheduled to be released soon!

VTuber group NIJISANJI will hold their largest event ever in October 2022! NIJISANJI Festival 2022 will be held at Makuhari Messe in Chiba for two days only, on October 1 and October 2.

Last year’s NIJISANJI Festival was held in February 2021 but had no live audience due to the ongoing pandemic. This year’s event will be held in Halls 1-5 of Makuhari Messe, which is a massive space. Even more is planned for the 2022 event, so keep an eye out for more info!

This year’s theme is ‘Let’s Play!’ More than 100 members–both domestic and international–will take part in the festival, which will feature booths produced by the members, concerts, interviews, food and drinks, original merchandise, and more.

Pan-fried dumplings, or gyoza, can be found all over Japan from fine restaurants to convenience stores. They’re cheap, easy to consume, and incredibly tasty. Those able to make it to Nagoya PARCO by December 26 can experience this year’s Gyoza Festival, bringing together some of the best examples of creative and mouthwatering gyoza in the country. 

A number of participating restaurants within Nagoya PARCO have developed unique gyoza-centric menus, including Kimchi Gyoza from Yansando, Chicken Wing Gyoza with spicy tartar sauce from Kyoto Shijo Kuon, and Spicy Gyoza from ANDY CURRY, participating in the event for the first time. Yummy Hawaiian Barbeque is also offering nine new menu items only found at Nagoya PARCO, including Gyoza Pie. 

Participating Shops

Yansando Ueno Honten

ANDY CURRY

Nagoya Chicken Noodle Shop

Longhu Patio

Kyoto Shijo Kuon

FUJIYAMA55 RAMEN STAND​

Okuyama Yasuzou Himonoterasu

Yummy Hawaiian Barbeque

More details on the nominated works from the 8th Annual New Chitose Airport International Animation Festival 2021 have been released! Starting on November 5, this year’s hybrid event will take place both online and onsite at New Chitose Airport, with over 100 of Japan’s top-class animated films being screened. 

At the airport, the main venue will be the New Chitose Airport Theater. From November 5 until November 8, 92 films from around the world representing the Competition section will be screened. The four nominated films from this category will be shown for the first time in Japan, and only at the New Chitose Airport Theater. These were chosen from 39 works from 23 different countries. 

Limited to theaters, a special screening of ‘Eve Music Animation Special in NEW CHITOSE 2021’ will take place, produced by Eve, one of Japan’s leading music video artists. The program will include screenings of selected Fate/Grand Order commercials and videos that have captivated fans with their stylish and modern visuals, along with a live behind-the-scenes broadcast on the making of Fate/Grand Order with some of the show’s staff. The closing film will be a new documentary titled Satoshi Kon: The Dreamer, looking back on the artistic legacy of the late creator. 

Since her debut, Eve has meshed animation and music together in a way that few have been able to achieve in the past. Her cinematic-quality works have been made alongside fellow creators through various collaborations, so be sure not to miss out on her selections during the festival!

In July 2021, sprout unveiled details about a new 2D mixed-media franchise called Tokyo Color Sonic!! Featuring eight characters split into groups of two, each is played by a talented voice actor, and the story sees the boys promoting Japanese music to a global audience. On November 6 and November 7 at the Ikebukuro Sunshine City Animate location, the Animate Girls Festival will feature decorations from the series, and starting November 13 the ‘Tokyo Color Sonic!! Animate Fair ~Begin on buddy~’ event will begin, featuring tons of new goods! The winning team from Tokyo Color Sonic will be announced during a special vocal drama airing on the official series YouTube channel on November 7, 2021. 

AGF 2021 Buddy Set

Ironoha Music Academy Notebook

Ironoha Music Academy Ball-point Pen

Mask Case (Bromide included) 

AGF 2021 Special Purchase Gift at Venue: Non-Woven Bag

Tokyo Color Sonic!! Animate Fair ~Begin on buddy~

Bonus: Foil-stamped card featuring a message in each character’s handwriting

Acrylic Stand (Mini-Characters Vol. 1): ¥700 (Tax Included) 

Tabletop School Calender 2022: ¥1,320 (Tax Included) 

Motel Key Acrylic Keychain (8 varieties): ¥880 each (Tax Included) 

Tokyo Color Sonic is set in the near future, where a government mandate aims to promote and develop the Japanese music industry as means to spread it worldwide. The movement is called “Coloration,” but after developing the program for years, things need to change. The Ironoha Music Academy trains singer and composer duos, and the country decides to start an annual music festival called Tokyo Color Sonic to shake things up! Popular illustrator Ryo Fujiwara, who has also worked on A3! and GAKUGEIDAI JUNES, is responsible for the character designs. 

A number of goods featuring illustrations drawn by Ryo Fujiwara will be available at the Ikebukuro Sunshine City Animate location ahead of the AGF event starting November 6. 

During the ‘Tokyo Color Sonic!! Animate Fair ~Begin on buddy~’ event, for every ¥1,100 spent on Tokyo Color Sonic goods and CDs (including tax), guests will receive a random code (8 varieties) to listen to a piece of newly-recorded audio from one of the characters! These clips are messages from each character to their respective buddies. In addition, for every ¥2,200 spent (including tax), guests will receive a random foil-stamped message card featuring messages from the characters written in their own handwriting. 

Are you rooting for a particular team to win? Be sure to tune in on November 7 to see if your favorites walk away victorious!

（C）COLORATION

Creema YAMABIKO FES 2021 has announced the second round of participating musical acts! The event features live performances on an impressive outdoor stage with Mt. Fuji in the background, along with a number of craft markets, workshops, and a two-day ‘sauna village,’ where guests can enjoy outdoor saunas while sampling some fantastic local fare. 

Twelve live performances are scheduled during the event, with the full timetable scheduled to release in late October. The second announcement lists Hanaregumi, DENIMS, YONA YONA WEEKENDERS, Strange Reitaro, island echo, and Super VHS as participating acts. 

DAY 1 (November 6, 2021)

Clammbon, never young beach, Humbert Humbert, DENIMS, YONA YONA WEEKENDERS, island echo

DAY 2: (November 7, 2021)
SPECIAL OTHERS, TENDRE, D.W. Nicols, Hanaregumi, Strange Reitaro, Super VHS

This year’s event will have a new kid’s area, along with a new outdoor area featuring 15 stores selling a wide variety of camping gear. There will also be a place to custom order items and a hammock area. The kid’s area will offer workshops for children led by expert staff, a stamp rally, and other content to keep the little ones busy. 

The popular coffee roaster LEAVES COFFEE ROASTERS from Kuramae, Tokyo, will be participating in the event, serving up some delicious beverages. Japan’s champion barista Taka Ishitani will be participating in the coffee drinking competition, so don’t miss it!

Are any of your favorite bands playing at this year’s event? 

As part of the Tokyo Art & Live City project, the OMNIBUS music festival will take place on November 6 and 7 in Japan’s capital. Rather than being held at Shinjuku Central Park, the November 7 concert will now take place at Hulic Hall Tokyo. Originally, this concert was named The Park #Assembly, though this has now been changed to The Hall #Space. For those holding tickets with the original name, don’t worry–your ticket will still be valid at the new venue. 

Those who want a refund due to the venue change should head to the official website by October 9. The November 6 concert titled The Circuit #Excursion will be held as scheduled. 

Additional tickets for the festival went on sale on October 2, 2021. Schedules for the events will be released soon, so stay tuned for more details!

A celebration of light, sound, and food, the biennial Noseden Artline 2021 Festival will take place from October 30 until November 23, 2021. Set in one city and three towns along the Nose Electric Railway, the regional art event began in 2013 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the rail line, and brings local artists and residents together. 

The festival will be in Kawanishi and Inagawa in Hyogo Prefecture, as well as in Toyono and Nose in Osaka Prefecture, with Mt. Myoken marking the center point. Each part of the event will connect the history, industry, and tradition of the area with new and engaging creations. 

The theme of the 2021 Noseden Artline Festival is ‘Enlarged Mentality.’ By taking things that are subjective, like an artist’s thoughts and senses, and applying them to the objective world that can be shared, it creates a one-of-a-kind way to connect fully with others. The event will feature local cuisine and music, as well as art focused on light, inspired by the North Star. After a year of solitude due to the pandemic, the festival hopes to remind people to cultivate, nourish, and preserve local relationships. 

Art can make life more enjoyable, so why not come and see what the area has to offer?

 (C)Kousei Ikeda(SPEKTRA)

BANDAI NAMCO AMUSEMENT has announced Namco de Halloween 2021 -Skulls Festival!- coming September 10. The campaign will take place at over 200 Namco amusement centers nationwide, and at the online crane game site Torumo. Those participating can snag some spooky and super adorable Sanrio goodies!

Namco Limited Edition Prizes

Sanrio Characters Big Plushies

Cinnamoroll / My Melody / Kuromi (In stock second week of September)

Sanrio Characters Skull Festival! Plushies

Pom Pom Pudding / Cinnamoroll / Pochacco / My Melody / Kuromi (In stock second week of September)

Sanrio Characters Skull Festival! Cushions

All characters (Back side: Blue) / My Melody & Kuromi (Back side: Pink) / Cinnamoroll, Pom Pom Pudding & Pochacco (Back side: Orange) (In stock second week of September)

Sanrio Characters Jiangshi Night Plushies 2021

Pom Pom Pudding / Cinnamoroll / Pochacco / My Melody / Kuromi (In stock second week of September)

Sanrio Characters Spooky Night 2021 Plushies

Pom Pom Pudding / Cinnamoroll / Pochacco / Hello Kitty / My Melody / Kuromi (In stock third week of September)

Sanrio Characters Dreamy Dark Halloween 2021 Plushies

Pom Pom Pudding / Cinnamoroll / My Melody / Kuromi (In stock fourth week of September)

Sanrio Characters Exciting Halloween 2021 Plushies

Pom Pom Pudding / Cinnamoroll / Hello Kitty / My Melody / Kuromi (In stock first week of October) 

Use the Namco Point App to get one limited-edition shopping bag each day. 

Exclusive Presents

Clear cards

Colorful bag

During the Torumo gift campaign, 100 winners will be randomly selected to win a special Halloween blanket. 

The prizes available during the campaign were designed for the event. Also, limited-edition plushies to appear in the past have returned in brand new colors! Those who use the Namco Point App and place ¥500 into one of the crane machines will receive one of five clear cards and a colorful bag. (Not available using Torumo.)

© 2021 SANRIO CO., LTD. APPROVAL NO. S620926

The Hello Kitty media art facility and restaurant HELLO KITTY SMILE on Awaji Island kicked off a summer event on July 1. Titled “HELLO KITTY SMILE Oto-hime Ryugu-jo Beach Summer Festival,” the event is set to run until the end of August.

Digital fireworks set the summer vibe

Catch your own Sanrio figure

Decorate your own Sanrio character ceramic

Children’s meal at the Party Terrace

Hello Kitty afternoon tea at the Party Balcony

Spicy tortilla at the Garden Terrace

The event is themed on Oto-hime, the princess of the underwater palace Ryugu-jo which features in the Japanese folktake of Urashima Taro. It focuses on Hello Kitty and is a celebration of Bon odori, a type of dance that takes place during the Japanese summertime Bon Festival. Hello Kitty performs the dance on stage, and the audience can join in with handclapping, dancing, and waving the free fan they receive upon entering the venue. Visitors can also buy a ticket to meet Hello Kitty, and those who do receive a free plush toy along with a photo with the Sanrio queen herself.

At the event, visitors can enjoy Sanrio versions of all the fun things Japanese summer festivals, or natsumarui, have to offer like catching a Sanrio figure instead of a goldfish, painting ceramics, making vinyl prints, squirting water pistols, jumping on a giant trampoline, and so much more.

Other things to look out for include special screenings at the HELLO KITTY SMILE theatre and the firework projection mapping show. The event also has four different restaurants which are serving limited-time, seasonal summer treats: the Party Terrace, Party Balcony, Restaurant Tamatebako, and Garden Terrace.

Ⓒ2021 SANRIO CO., LTD. APPROVAL NO. L627610

Rilakkuma and Sumikko Gurashi are set to collaborate at a special festival centred entirely around the characters which will run at Sapporo Factory from September 17 to November 28.

Rilakkuma, Sumikko Gurashi, and you are invited to the festival which will be split into two areas: the Rilakkuma Pavilion and Sumikko Gurashi Pavilion where the characters will be present to greet guests. The event is taking on a magical theme which imagines the spirits of San-X, the company who created Rilakkuma and Sumikko Gurashi, casting a mysterious magic on the festival to bring happiness to all.

There’s plenty for fans of the characters to enjoy including fun photo spots, exclusive merchandise, and much more.

If you’re in Sapporo this autumn, don’t miss the Rilakkuma & Sumikko Gurashi Festival.