Hoshino Resort Aomoriya, an inn where visitors are invited to fully enjoy Aomori’s culture, will begin its Hanami Kotatsu event from April 1 until May 31, 2022. Guests can enjoy local sake while warming themselves beneath a cozy kotatsu. In the chilly Aomori spring, a kotatsu) will be set up beneath the blooming trees for visitors to comfortably view the cherry blossoms. Hot-water bottles will also be available for rent if guests can a little too cold!

 

April in Aomori is spring according to the calendar, but it’s still quite chilly. Nevertheless, the people of Aomori look forward to flower viewing to overcome the cold winter and enjoy the long-awaited arrival of spring.

 

Three Fun Additions to Make Cherry Blossom Viewing More Fun

1  A Traditional Umbrella with a Sakura Pattern

Next to each kotatsu is a row of Japanese umbrellas with cherry blossoms painted on them, spreading the pink cherry blossom imagery all around. When opened, the umbrellas are covered with cherry blossoms, making you feel as if you are under the cherry blossoms in full bloom.

 

2 Choose a Local Sake and Sake Cups for a Flower Viewing Sake Tower

Choose your favorite local sake and three sake cups to make a sake tower! Guests can choose from 10 Aomori sake brands, each with unique aromas and flavors. 

 

3 Cherry Blossom Patterned Cotton-Filled Hot Water Bottle for Extra Warmth

To keep extra warm beneath the kotatsu, a cotton blanket with a cherry blossom pattern and a hot-water bottle are available for rent. Doesn’t it sound heavenly?

The Ritz-Carlton, Okinawa will feature the works of contemporary artist Kohei Arikawa from March 15 until March 31, 2022. ‘Matthew’s Favorite Pancakes’ will be held at The Lobby Lounge at the hotel. 

 

The original pancakes, created in collaboration with the artist, will be served in limited quantities each day as part of the hotel’s anniversary plan, which marks its 10th anniversary in May of this year. The collaboration is inspired by one of Arikawa’s best-known series ‘BEST FRIENDS – Matthew.’ Each pancake feature apples sauteed in caramel and custard cream sandwiched between layers of fluffy dough. The toppings also include Italian meringue, whipped cream, and chocolate. Why not add maple syrup too?

 

The Ritz-Carlton, Okinawa plans to continue to collaborate with the artist in the future. As part of the company’s Community Footprint initiative, more than a dozen of his works will be on display. Proceeds will fund an orphanage in Nago, Okinawa.

Hoshino Resort Risonare Atami will open the Atami Plum Cafe from January 6 until March 11, 2022. Guests can experience the early arrival of spring beneath the plum blossoms, and at the cafe space on the top floor of the hotel, visitors can feast on a number of plum-inspired dishes. 

The Atami Plum Garden, located near the resort, is one of the most famous places in Japan to see plum blossoms early. The first blossoms usually open up in late November or early December, and this event will get people excited about welcoming the warmer spring months.

 

A false plum tree will welcome visitors to the cafe, and the ceiling will also be covered in lavender blossoms. The tables, chairs, and garlands are all themed to welcome spring, and the terrace will feature a plum-shaped kotatsu. Guests sitting beneath it can stay warm while gazing out at the vast ocean.

 

The Plum Gelato Plate features three varieties made with plum pulp, jam, and paste. Why not give it a try?

Plum Gelato Plate: ¥2,000 (Tax Included) *5 available per day

Located in wonderfully warm Okinawa, Hoshino Resort is the perfect getaway for those wanting a warmer winter. The Banta Cafe overlooks the ocean, and from December 1, 2021, until January 31, 2022, the cafe is putting on the ‘Illumi-Banta: Night Lights by the Sea’ event. Of course, Illumi-Banta is a portmanteau of the words ‘Illumination’ and ‘Banta,’ but the Okinawan word iyumibanta means ‘a cliff overlooking the fish.’ The entire location, from the top of the cliff all the way to the sea, will be bathed in otherworldly light. A special menu is available during the event period, serving up food perfect for eating as guests wander by the seaside. A number of Okinawan workshops have also brought local craftsmen to the site to show off their creations.

 

Okinawa is warm in the winter, and this event has been perfect for those wanting to avoid being chilled to the bone during the holidays. For those unable to attend, the video above was filmed using a drone and shows the incredible heart of this event. Who knew that water could be so blue?

 

A Fantastic World of Light and Ocean Life

Banta Cafe sits on a cliff above the water, and the waters beneath it hide gorgeous coral reefs. Watch the sea come to life, as the ocean, white sand beach, and rock formations are illuminated. The lights will change colors during the daily light show along with the tides, giving a different impression depending on the time of day. The pavilion on the seaside terrace is also illuminated with motifs inspired by traditional Okinawan textiles.

 

Playful Plant Shadows

On the large roof deck located at the entrance, large fern and palm leaves have been arranged to welcome guests along with other plants local to Okinawa. Using lights, the shadows from these plants reach massive heights on the 4-meter high Ryukyu limestone walls. This takes shadow puppets to a whole new level!

 

 

Enjoy a Lantern-Lit Night Picnic

The night cafe will be selling a special Strolling Soup Set menu, inviting guests to venture out onto the sandy shore with a lantern in hand to enjoy a meal beside the sea. Guests can choose two of the available four soups along with a crispy baguette and herb butter.

Hours: 18:00-20:30 (Last Order)
Price: Strolling Soup Set for Two, ¥2,600

 

 

The Night Light Market, a Gathering of Proud Okinawan Artists

On Saturday nights from January 8 to January 29, the Night Light Market will bring various artists and craftsmen from Okinawa to the Hoshino Resort. These artists will be excited to share the culture of Okinawa and will offer a range of products made of locally sourced materials. Guests can even try their hand at local crafts at the indoor Gorogoro Lounge!

Running: Every Saturday Night from January 8 – January 29, 2022

Hours: 18:00-21:00

Born in the year 2000 to an American father and American-Okinawan mother, Gen-Z pop singer Grace Ami released her 12-track debut album on November 26. The album is comprised of both new tracks and some previously available on streaming services and was produced by Chaki Zulu. Along with the release, a teaser for the Karaoke Queen music video was uploaded to YouTube, with the full video scheduled to be released on December 6. 

 

MV Teaser (Directed by Takuto Shinpo)

chttps://www.youtube.com/c/GraceAimiOfficial

 

 

Aimi began her career by starting a YouTube channel with her younger brother. As they began posting covers to popular songs, their popularity on social media grew, and in 2020 Grace Aimi released Eternal Sunshine. She is now signed to Capitol Records US and constantly experiments with new sounds and genres, jumping between gospel R&B to rock and rap and goth-pop. Her creativity and individuality are making her a unique addition to the Japanese music scene, and she’s definitely someone to keep an eye on!

 

Originally from Okinawa, Grace believes that her hometown has been essential to her sensibilities as an artist. “My home island was devastated during WWII, but the people there are beautiful and genuinely happy. I hope to share that Okinawan spirit with everyone,” she says. 

A stunning new film is coming to the Konica Minolta Planetarium in Tokyo Skytree Town and Planetaria Tokyo in Yurakucho Mullion starting November 19, 2021! Night Flower ~Blooming for One Night on a Starry Island~ will take guests on a journey to Iriomote Island in Okinawa, known for its beautiful starry sky. At night, this island is home to Sagaribana, a flower that only blooms at night and seems to glow in brilliant shades of white, pink, or red. The film is narrated by actor and model Taishi Nakagawa.

 

Journey to an Immersive Starry Island

Iriomote Island, a world heritage site, is filled with rich nature and a vast ecosystem of living things. From this island, 84 of the 88 constellations scattered across the sky can be seen, including the Crux. A number of these constellations have been captured in this film, with plenty of detail given by Taishi Nakagawa. It almost feels like a date with him–and who could resist that?

 

Feel as Though You’ve Been Transported to the Jungle

Using the SOUND DOME® stereoscopic sound system, even the tiniest sound of a bird chirping or leaves rustling will feel as close as can be. Along with the narrator, Manami Kakudo provides the theme song to the film which will leave audiences with goosebumps. 

 

Mysterious Flowers Blooming Beneath a Starry Sky

The Sagaribana is a whimsical flower, almost alien in its appearance. They bloom for only one night, closing up by morning. This can teach us a valuable lesson: that each day, and each night, is precious, and life can be more fragile than we realize. 

 

SAWA, a restaurant featuring both Japanese and traditional Ryukyu cuisine, will begin the third season of its delicious and artful Monogatari Kaiseki menu starting October 1, 2021. Each season featured a selection of dishes inspired by original stories created by the head chef, and with the new installment, guests will also be supporting the reconstruction of Shuri Castle which suffered damage after a 2019 fire. The restaurant is located at Okinawa’s Hotel Nikko Alivia, and the meal will be available until October 31. 

 

Monogatari Kaiseki: Appetizer ‘Beneath the Moonlit Night’ 

Monogatari Kaiseki: Grilled Items ‘Vampire’s Dinner’ 

Monogatari Kaiseki: Dessert ‘Pumpkin Ghost/Tidings of Autumn’ 

 

 

In this imagining, a collection of ghosts and spirits gather at the Shuri Castle Festival on Halloween to compete in a cooking competition, and guests are invited to judge each dish. A drink pairing set will also be available. 

 

5% of all sales will be donated to the Okinawa Prefecture Shuri Castle Fire Restoration and Recover Fundraiser, to help rebuild the historical site. 

Up-and-coming 16-year-old singer Aoi Kubo has been selected to perform the theme song for the upcoming short anime series “Deji” Meets Girl, premiering October 1. The song, Otogibanashi no You na Kiseki (Fairy Tale-like Miracle) is now streaming, and a lyric video has also been uploaded to YouTube ahead of the show’s start. Two additional songs are available on the digital EP, each inspired by the two main characters in the show. Akane Malbeni, the original character designer, also provided the jacket art. 

 

“Deji” Meets Girl tells the story of Maise Higa, a high-school freshman who works part-time at the front desk of her family’s hotel in Okinawa. One day, she meets Ichiro Suzuki, a mysterious hotel guest from Tokyo traveling alone. Ever since he arrives, strange things begin happening, like fish swimming through the air, and Maise is desperate to get to the bottom of things. 

 

 

 

Comments from Aoi Kubo

 

Q1: Describe how you felt when you were chosen to perform the theme for “Deji” Meets Girl. 

I’ve always wanted to sing the theme song for an anime series, so when I got the offer, I was super surprised! This is a fantasy series, and it depicts a mysterious world that really captivated me, so I hope tons of people will watch and enjoy it.

I would be so happy if everyone would listen to the songs I created for these characters, and compare how they sound in context!

 

Q2: When singing these songs, what did you pay special attention to or emphasize? 

I was asked to write the theme, and to do that, I really surrounded myself with the show’s world. 

Otogibanashi no You na Kiseki is based on my own interpretation of the show’s worldview. 

For the other two songs I wrote based on the main characters, I tried to imagine what they were feeling, and what thoughts were running through their heads. 

 

A creator contest is also being held! Creators can submit illustrations or music videos based on one of Aoi Kubo’s three songs for “Deji” Meets Girl. The best illustrations will appear on TV, while the best music video will be streamed on Kubo’s official YouTube channel. Entries can be submitted starting October 1, so be sure to check out the special site if you’d like to participate!

 

The HOSHINOYA Taketomi Island Resort in Taketomi, Okinawa will be holding the Tanadui Program between September 1 and October 12 2021. The special program will be held to mark the Tanadui Festival, an event that has been listed as an event of cultural importance and allows visitors to experience the deep, historical culture of Taketomi Island.

 

Taketomi is an island with it’s own unique culture with a selection of festival rituals, including food offerings to pray for prosperity and abundant harvests. The Tanadui Festival is the largest on the island and has been designated an event of cultural importance, running for over 600 years. Every year, throughout the seventh and eighth days of the festival, a stage is assembled in Yomochi Utaki to host over 80 traditional performances, each dedicated to the Gods and deities. On Taketomi Island, the phrase “Kashikusaya Utsugumidu Masaru” is key to the local lifestyle, roughly translating to “cooperation over all.” Join in the ‘Spirit of Utsugumi (cooperation)’ as the whole island practices and prepares for the festival – even those who have moved further away will return home to join in.

 

Focus Points

 

Bountiful Harvest Lunch – Get to know, touch, and cherish the five grains harvested on Taketomi Island

Enjoy a lunch that has been made using millet, wheats, beans, potatoes, and rice, which are said to be the five grains of Taketomi Island. Before lunch, you can join in the harvesting of potatoes grown on-site. Taketomi Island has no mountains or rivers as it was formed through the raising of coral atolls, making it difficult to grow crops. As distribution was unpopular in the past, the lack of crop growth meant that there was no food to live off. It is because of this that festivals, including the Tanadui Festival, were first held. They are used to pray for plentiful harvests and the traditions are upheld to this very day. During this event, you can harvest potatoes while learning about the history and land.

The lunch plate uses French techniques to propose a fun and new way of enjoying the five grains while retaining their simple sweetness; A sweet wheat risotto, shimadōfu soup, a harvest potato Dengaku (fried potatoes cut into cubes and sprinkled with sugar), plus desserts that can be enjoyed with peanuts. This delicious lunch allows you to get to know, touch, and cherish the five grains of Taketomi Island.  

 

Price: ¥7,260 (Per person, tax & service charge included)

Capacity: Two groups per day

Hours: 12:30 ~ 14:00

Location; Field, Dining Room

 

Traditional Iiyachi Making Tour in collaboration with the islanders and HOSHINOYA Taketomi Island

Iiyachi is a traditional rice cake-like food that is eaten during the Tanadui Festival. Originally the Iiyachi was made using only materials found on the island, but thanks to modern development and tourism, plus the decline of agriculture, it is now regularly made using materials cultivated on other islands. HOSHINOYA Taketomi Island has worked hard to inherit the traditional production method. This year they will be challenging themselves by making Iiyachi using both traditional methods and local agriculture, cultivating millet and azuki beans to use in the recipe. Iiyachi is made by combining the ingredients in a large Shinme Pot to boil and steam. The resulting food is then kneaded out by a group of people while it is turned with a spatula. 

This is an opportunity to get up and close with the island’s traditional culture which is only visible once a year during the festive period. Iiyachi making is an important job to the islanders, overflowing with enthusiasm and commitment to the Tanadui Festival.

 

Price: Free

Date: October 7

Location: Azumaya Garden

 

Teedun Dress-Up Experience

Here you can try on the outfits worn by the traditional performers who participate in the Tanadui Festival. The traditional costumes are only worn during the festival and have been passed through families for generations, usually unworn by anybody who isn’t native to the island. During the experience you will be offered a commemorative photo, perfect to take home as a memory of your trip to Taketomi Island. 

 

Price: ¥1,210 (Per group, tax & service charge included)

Hours: 10:30 ~ 12:30

Location: Yuntaku Lounge

 

 

Teedun-banashi

Here the staff will introduce you to the festivals roots, the culture that started it, and the history of the island, with photos to assist. You will be taught all about the 600 year history of the Tanadui Festival and the “Kashikusaya Utsugimi Domasaru” spirit. During the program, you can also learn about daily life on the island, full of festival excitement and traditional Okinawan scenery.

 

Price: Free

Hours: 20:45 ~ 21:15

Location: Yuntaku Lounge

 

One Moment on the Island ~Iiyacha~

A selection of traditional Okinawan snacks will be served in the Yuntaku Lounge, offering the visitors a special moment on the island. There are two seasonings available for the sweet and simple Iiyachi: Andansuu, a sweet oil miso that is popular in Yaeyama, and shrimp salt, made from Japanese Tiger Prawns found in the beautiful oceans surrounding the island.l

 

Price: Free

Hours: 14:00 ~ 16:00

Location: Yuntaku Lounge

 

Tanadui Festival Breakfast

Enjoy a unique Tanadui breakfast packed full of the fruits of the harvest, with millet mixed Juushii rice, Awa Miso Andansuu, and Pindako made using garlic and octopus from the island.  You’ll be wide awake with this vibrant breakfast and its auspicious menu. 

 

Price: ¥4,235 (Per person, tax & service charge included) 

Hours: 7:00 ~ 10:30

Location: Dining Room

 

Experience 600 years of history for yourself with this unique program! 

 

The 9th BT21 Cafe ~Relaxing Holiday~ will be open for a limited time in six venues across Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, Osaka, and Okinawa. If you’re a fan of these adorable LINE FRIENDS, just take a look at the menu items and goods on offer!

 

Main Visual

 

 

The Menu

 

Chicken and Orange Hot Sandwich: ¥1,760 (Tax Included) 

Grilled Vegetable Curry: ¥1,870 (Tax Included)

 

Tandoori Chicken Tacos: ¥1,870 (Tax Included)

Scrambled Eggs with Smoked Bacon: ¥1,870 (Tax Included)

Mug Collection

Combo Meals

Pistachio and Chocolate S’mores: ¥1,540 (Tax Included)

Cinnamon Apple Pie: ¥1,540 (Tax Included)

Maple Lemon German Pancake: ¥1,650 (Tax Included)

Mixed Berry German Pancake: ¥1,650 (Tax Included)

Strawberry Mojito/Kiwi Mojito/Peach Mojito: ¥990 each (Tax Included)

Coffee (Iced/Hot) / Black Tea (Iced/Hot): ¥550 (Tax Included)

 

 

 

Original Merchandise 

 

Pins (Random, 7 designs): ¥660 (Tax Included)

Acrylic Keyrings (7 designs): ¥770 (Tax Included) / Clear Folder: ¥440 (Tax Included)

Stickers (7 designs): ¥770 each (Tax Included) / Placemat (2 designs): ¥1,000 each (Tax Included)

 

Swizzle Stick (7 designs): ¥990 each (Tax Included) / Tote Bag: ¥1,650 (Tax Included)

Canvas Pouch: ¥1,980 (Tax Included) / Mini-towel (7 designs): ¥990 each (Tax Included)

Bandana (2 designs): ¥1,320 each (Tax Included) / Marshmallows: ¥972 (Tax Included)

 

 

Customers who book a table in advance will receive a randomly selected A5-size clear folder and a random clear coaster for each drink ordered.

 

 

 

The first installment of the 9th BT21 Cafe run, ~MY LITTLE BUDDY~, began in July 2021. The menu and goods, based on cute babies and their friends, received rave reviews. 

 

~Relaxing Holiday~ is inspired by summer and being outside with friends. Menu items look like what people may eat while camping, and the original character art features your favorite BT21 characters eating their favorite foods. Various soups and desserts are available in cute souvenir cups, and anything ordered is perfect for posting on social media!

Which menu item looks the most delicious to you? 

 

*Images for reference only. 

 

©BT21

One of the largest resorts in Hokkaido, Hoshino Resort Tomamu will be offering a ‘Family Salmon Trip’ package starting on September 4, 2021. This two-day, one-night plan will be available until October 31, 2021, and features a salmon-themed room complete with salmon pajamas! The accompanying meal plan includes dishes made from different parts of salmon, complete with a challenge: try your hand at making salmon roe, and enjoy your creation at breakfast the next day! Who knew that a salmon-themed getaway was even possible? 

 

 

Salmon Room

Bath inspired by a salmon roe bowl

 

Salmon Roe making experience

 

Children’s Salmon Plate

Salmon Dinner

Breakfast ‘Salmon and Roe Oyako-don’

 

 

Why the salmon theme? The source of the Mukawa River is located near the resort, and where salmon are said to migrate, leaping upstream. Starting in September 2017, the salmon travel plan was introduced to inspire visitors to enjoy this fish at peak season. During the two-day, one-night stay, guests can surround themselves with all things salmon, going so far as to feel like one themselves! This ‘Family Salmon Trip’ was launched to give children a chance to experience the fun, based on one of Hokkaido’s most beloved dishes. 

 

The plan includes a room decorated from floor to ceiling in fishy furnishings, including salmon curtains, mugs, figures, and cushions. The bedroom is inspired by the salmon’s difficult trek up the river, with a bed frame depicting father and son bears attempting to make a catch. Children will have a blast transforming into a salmon in their special pajamas, complete with a nightcap. The whirlpool tub offers stunning views, but that’s not all–with the help of bath salts, the bathtub transforms into a bowl of salmon roe, with a new salmon fillet float to make the experience even more memorable!

 

Families can change into a cook’s coat and try their hand at preparing salmon roe, which will then be used in next day’s ‘Salmon and Roe Oyako-don’ breakfast. The ‘Children’s Salmon Plate’ features a collection of unique salmon dishes on a fish-shaped plate, while adults can enjoy the featured Salmon Dinner, which uses every part of the salmon, from the nose to the tip of the tail!

 

How do you feel about a salmon-themed family vacation? 

 

The lifestyle hotel chain ESTINATE HOTEL’s Okinawa Naha branch will turn 6-years-old on August 7, and to celebrate, it will hold a special event in collaboration with the character designer Ryu Ambe from August 6-15. This will be Ambe’s first-ever exhibition where his work will be sold in-person.

Pottery in Shujiro Castle Park

 

“Shima Map” design by Ryu Ambe to be used on posters and t-shirts

ESTINATE HOTEL has welcomed people from all regions of Japan over the years. It has held many events including one two years ago with the theme “Meet Local” and another last year themed on “Feel Global.” This year, the catchphrase is “Hello New World” which hopes to encourage people to discover new things by meeting the locals of Okinawa through the medium of art.

Ryu Ambe has a unique designer reminiscent of American comics. For this event, he has created the “Shima Map” which will be used on a variety of merchandise such as 30 limited-edition silk screen posters. There are also pottery pieces inspired by the sea life found in Okinawa’s oceans, amongst other art works.