Prior to the event’s commencement on November 26, Universal Studios Japan released a press preview to highlight this year’s Christmas event, including images of the first Christmas tree in two years since the pandemic began. This year’s theme is ‘NO LIMIT!’ and will also celebrate the park’s 20th year of operation. 

The popular stage show NO LIMIT! will feature a special Christmas theme, with popular park characters like Elmo, Snoopy, Hello Kitty, and others clad in holiday costumes. The collaboration with popular girl’s band NiziU has been a major hit so far and will feature their original song FESTA! The goal of the event is to kick off a year filled with smiles. 

The 20th Anniversary NO LIMIT! Christmas tree stands at the center of Gramercy Park, offering guests an excellent view from all sides. Be sure to snap a photo with your friends and loved ones to start 2022 off right!

WIZARDING WORLD and all related trademarks, characters, names, and indicia are © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © JKR. (s21)
Minions and all related elements and indicia TM & © 2021 Universal Studios. All rights reserved.
© Nintendo
TM & © 2021 Sesame Workshop
© 2021 Peanuts Worldwide LLC
© 2021 SANRIO CO., LTD.　APPROVAL NO.  EJ1111901
TM & © Universal Studios & Amblin Entertainment
©吾峠呼世晴／集英社・アニプレックス・ufotable
© Sony Music Labels Inc./JYP Entertainment.
TM & © Universal Studios. All rights reserved.

On Pokemon Day, February 27, 2021, the music program P25 Music was launched with ‘P25 Music Presents: Post Malone Virtual Concert Experience.’ Last month, ‘Pokemon 25: The Album’ was released featuring top musical artists from around the world celebrating the anniversary of the beloved series. Now, two songs produced by Yaffle, who represented Japan in the project, have been released as downloadable singles. 

The single ‘Reconnect/Grown’ features four tracks and includes ‘Reconnect,’ sung in English by Daichi Yamamoto and AAAMYYY, and ‘Grown,’ sung in Japanese by sorane and Yama, as well as instrumental tracks. The two songs sample sounds from Pokemon games, including the opening music for Pokemon Red and Green. The songs Reconnect and Grown were also named with Red and Green in mind.

The Japanese version of the Pokemon 25th-anniversary album comes with a poster-type booklet and original Pikachu sticker in first-edition releases. Those buying the album can also get postcards at participating CD shops and clear folders from the online Universal Music Store. 

Those buying the CD from a Pokemon Center in Japan can get an original pin (4 varieties, random) while supplies last.

Comment from Yaffle

I’m from the Red and Green generation. I remember borrowing my aunt’s Game Boy and the first game I ever played was Pokemon. When the game came out it was super popular at school, and I made so many friends bonding over it. We used link cables to battle each other, and people would line up to ask the skilled players what strategies they used.

I was so happy and deeply moved when this offer came in. There were times when I would trip myself up worrying about how best to express my feelings, but I think the end result is amazing. I wanted to sample sounds from the original Pokemon game soundtrack, so I just listened to it over and over and let myself follow wherever it led. This was the first time for me to create two tracks with the same theme in two different languages. It was tough, but I think these are two of my best works.

I’m not a singer, so I had to think about how best to convey my emotions through sounds using other artists. Reconnect and Grown both have the same starting point and the same goal, but different stories. I hope you can listen to both while thinking about that. 

On November 10, 2021, four new Pokemon-themed manhole covers were unveiled in Katori City, Chiba prefecture. These will be the first appearance of the Poke Lids project in both the city and prefecture and each will feature landscapes specific to the area. Pokemon featured in these new covers include Galarian Farfetch’d, Falinks, Florges, and Lotad. 

The Poke Lids project features completely original art, and each serves as a PokeStop in the mobile game Pokemon GO. Many are located in smaller towns and areas, and this has brought more tourism and attention to some of Japan’s more charming hidden gems. Going on a pilgrimage to visit these locations has become a popular new fad, so be sure to try it out once Japan opens!

Poke Lid Locations in Katori

1. Galarian Farfetch’d Poke Lid: 109-14 Sawara, Katori, Chiba
2. Falinks Poke Lid: 1722-1 Sawara, Katori, Chiba
3. Florges Poke Lid: 4549-1 Sawara, Katori, Chiba
4. Lotad Poke Lid: 4053-3 Sawara, Katori, Chiba

©Pokémon. ©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。

On November 5, 2021, Tokorozawa in Saitama prefecture received three Pokemon-themed manhole covers as part of the ongoing Poke Lids project. 

The new installations feature Dragonite, Dratini, Corviknight, Dragonair, and Skarmory. Each cover was designed to highlight Tokorozawa’s scenery, and these three are the first to be installed inside Saitama prefecture. 

The Poke Lids project features completely original art, and each serves as a PokeStop in the mobile game Pokemon GO. Many are located in smaller towns and areas, and this has brought more tourism and attention to some of Japan’s more charming hidden gems. 

The next time you’re in Japan, try to find ‘em all!

Poke Lid Locations in Tokorozawa

1. Dragonite Poke Lid: 1-13 Namiki, Tokorozawa, Saitama
2. Dratini and Corviknight Poke Lid: 143-3 Matsugo, Tokorozawa, Saitama
3. Dragonair and Skarmory Poke Lid: 1 Hiyoshicho, Tokorozawa, Saitama

©Pokémon. ©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。

Popular Japanese donut chain Mister Donut is teaming up with Pokemon for the fourth year in a row! Lots of new themed sweets and merchandise will be available for a limited time starting November 12. 

Together Again This Year Collection

Pikachu Donut

Eevee Donut

Turning-Back Pikachu Donut

Turning-Back Eevee Donut

Pokemon Turning-Back Donut

Christmas Donuts

Pon de Ring Chocolate

Pon de Ring Pudding Flavor

Pon de Ring White

Christmas Set

Donut Set

Drink Set

Merchandise

Mister Donut x Pokemon Blanket

Mister Donut x Pokemon Plate

Mister Donut x Pokemon Mug

This year, guests can enjoy not only Eevee and Pikachu themed donuts, but other adorable Pokemon too! The Pokemon Turning-Back Donuts show these cute characters looking over their shoulder. Adults will fondly look at these designs and remember their childhoods, while children are currently in the midst of becoming Pokemon masters. These are perfect to bring people together during the holiday season.

The Christmas Set comes with three pieces of merchandise: a blanket, a plate, and a mug, all featuring this year’s Mister Donut x Pokemon design. How would you like to have this as a gift this Christmas?

©2021 Pokémon. ©1995-2021 Nintendo/Creatures Inc./GAME FREAK inc.
『ポケットモンスター ブリリアントダイヤモンド』
『ポケットモンスター シャイニングパール』 are developed by ILCA,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。
Nintendo Switchは任天堂の商標です。

The past two years have been difficult, with events being canceled and people having to spend more time inside. Universal Studios Japan is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a new Christmas event, hoping to bring back guests’ smiles and offer a place to make new holiday memories. The event will run from November 26, 2021, until January 10, 2022. 

NO LIMIT! ~Happy Christmas!~

#USJ Amazing AR (Christmas ver.)

Winter Exclusive Food and Merchandise

Super Nintendo World

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba

The park will decorate Gramercy Park, found in the heart of the New York section, with a massive Christmas tree, the first to be erected in two years. Featuring different decorations than years past, the tree will be clad in 20th-anniversary colors and adornments and will be the perfect place to take a photo! Plenty of Christmastime entertainment and lights will illuminate the park, giving visitors plenty of hope for the upcoming new year. 

The singing show ‘Power of Pop – Christmas Edition’ will be held at Mel’s stage, and guests can hear popular Christmas tunes sung live. The popular Super Nintendo World area of the park will be welcoming winter for the first time since its opening, with a new lineup of food and merchandise. 

A Demon Slayer: Kimestu no Yaiba collaboration event will also be going on until February 13, 2022. In addition, the Demon Slayer XR ride, the series’ first VR roller coaster, themed restaurants featuring character meet-and-greets will also be open, as well as shops selling original Demon Slayer merchandise. 

For the park’s 20th anniversary, the popular stage show NO LIMIT! will feature a special Christmas theme, with popular park characters clad in holiday costumes. The collaboration with popular girl’s band NiziU has been a major hit so far and will feature their original song FESTA. This new revival is sure to have visitors dancing to the music!

A new Christmas-exclusive AR filter has been added to the park’s official Instagram, so don’t miss your chance to use it during your visit!

WIZARDING WORLD and all related trademarks, characters, names, and indicia are © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © JKR. (s21)
Minions and all related elements and indicia TM & © 2021 Universal Studios. All rights reserved.
© Nintendo
TM & © 2021 Sesame Workshop
© 2021 Peanuts Worldwide LLC
© 2021 SANRIO CO., LTD.　APPROVAL NO.  EJ1102001
TM & © Universal Studios & Amblin Entertainment
©吾峠呼世晴／集英社・アニプレックス・ufotable
© Sony Music Labels Inc./JYP Entertainment.
TM & © Universal Studios. All rights reserved.

Fashion brand JEANASIS is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, and the company has begun a number of exciting new projects under the theme of ‘togetherness.’ The SYNERGY PROJECT was recently launched as a way to collaborate with popular companies, services, and cultural ventures around Japan. The popular Pikachu collection has made a comeback after becoming hugely popular the first time around and is currently available at the official web store and participating shops around Japan. 

The new collection was based around the concept of wearing what you like and shedding everything ‘normal.’ Each piece is made from material perfect for fall and winter, with Pikachu making both bold and secretive appearances on the garment’s lining. The poncho features Pikachu’s signature lightning bolts, while the bead bag will let the world know that you’re a master trainer. A total of 14 items appear in the new collection. 

Pokemon fans will find something to love here, so don’t miss out!

This year has been filled with events and releases to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Pokemon franchise. Now, Pokemon 25: The Album is available to stream worldwide! The album is the culmination of P25 Music, a global music program to celebrate the series. Big artists from around the world who love Pokemon have contributed original songs and cover songs, including Katy Perry and Post Malone from the United States, J Balvin from Columbia, and Louane from France. From Japan, popular producer Yaffle teamed up with Daichi Yamamoto and AAAMYYY for the track Reconnect.

The music video for J Balvin’s song Ten Cuidado has also been released. Shot in New York, the singer plays with Pikachu, Charizard, and some of his other favorite Pokemon. 

Ten Cuidado Music Video

Details regarding the Japan-exclusive CD have also been unveiled. The physical album will be released on November 17, 2021, and will include another Yaffle-produced track Grown ft. sorane & yama. Sorane is an up-and-coming hip-hop artist, and yama is known as one of the leading artists of his generation. This song will be included as a bonus track and features samples from Pokemon Red/Green for the Gameboy.

The CD will also come with a poster-type booklet, with an original Pikachu sticker included with early copies. 

Japanese cosmetics brand Shu Uemura is releasing two new holiday collections in collaboration with beloved Sanrio character Hello Kitty! The first collection, featuring twelve items, will go on sale on November 1, 2021, and the second collection, featuring four items, will be available on November 15, 2021. Only limited quantities will be available. Preorders are now available on the official online store. Certain products will also be available at Sanrioworld GINZA 1F starting October 30 to celebrate the new collaboration. 

Bold, edgy, and chic makeup looks

Rich Collection Lineup

1st Collection Lineup

Rock the Party Palette (6 limited-time colors/ 4 existing colors): ¥9,900 (Tax Included) 

Discogram Eye Palette (6 limited-time colors): ¥7,150 (Tax Included) 

Unlimited Disco Glitz Lipstick (2 limited-time colors): ¥4,070 (Tax Included) 

Unlimited Satin Lipstick (2 limited-time colors): ¥4,070 (Tax Included) 

Unlimited Lacquer Shine Lipstick (1 limited-time color/1 existing color): ¥3,740 (Tax Included)

Unlimited Cream Lipstick (2 limited-time colors): ¥4,180 (Tax Included) 

Ulim8∞Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil (Limited-time packaging) 450ml: ¥12,650 (Tax Included) / 150ml: ¥5,060 (Tax Included)

Limited-Time Channel Goods

*Available only at the official online store and Global Flagship Beauty Boutiques

Unlimited Satin Lipstick VIP Auburn: ¥4,070 (Tax Included) 

Hard Formula 9 Seal Brown: ¥2,860 (Tax Included) 

Rock the Party Premium Makeup Box: ¥35,200 (Tax Included) 

Rock the Party Mini Lipstick Set: ¥7,150 (Tax Included) 

*Available only at the official online store and Global Flagship Beauty Boutiques

The new collaborative collection is inspired by Tokyo nightlife and is perfect for creating both a glamorous rock ‘n roll look or something more soft and sweet. A number of new shades of eyeshadow and lipstick appear in this holiday collection, so why not snag some of these high-quality goods before they’re gone? 

© 2021 SANRIO CO., LTD. APPROVAL NO. L614617

The limited-time ‘BEAUTY EXPANSION’ exhibition is being held at ‘Shiseido Global Innovation Center S/Park’ between October 15 and 20 2021. 

For the event, Shiseido’s beauty artists have collaborated with ‘Pokémon Shirt,’ the personalized Pokémon shirt service. The special exhibition relives the visual collaboration between Shiseido’s top hair and makeup artist Harada Tadashi and ‘Pokémon Shirt,’ with behind the scenes footage and more.

From the inspiration for the Harada Tadashi and ‘Pokémon Shirts’ collaboration to the three key visuals,  the exhibition has been split into sections to show how the visuals were created. With drawings, crocheted hair parts, and more, you’ll learn about the order of production, how visuals are created, and even how new ideas about beauty are formed. 

Not only can you relive the creation process of a top creator, but you will also experience the ever-changing and evolving expression of “beauty.” The music used for the promotional video was inspired by the key visuals and produced by Conisch, a music writer and producer who has worked for many animated TV shows and has even previously written the theme song for Pokémon. The hair and makeup fashion show held on October 20 will be broadcast on YouTube, with guest appearances from Harada Tadashi and Conisch themselves. The incredible show will combine the world of Pokémon, the key visuals, and all kinds of motifs to match the space, so be sure to check it out! 

©Pokémon. ©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。

Everyone’s favorite cartoon cat Hello Kitty is about to celebrate her birthday! To celebrate, Sanrio is releasing a collection of limited-time goods in collaboration with world-famous patisserie Pierre Hermé starting October 20, 2021. These items will be on sale at Sanrio stores nationwide, in specific department stores, and on the official Sanrio online store. 

Collaboration with Hello Kitty’s favorite sweet, Ispahan

Ispahan, a raspberry cake, is Hermé’s signature dessert. For Hello Kitty’s birthday celebration the creator drew the character in an elegant rose-inspired dress inspired by the sweet. This design was made with the hope that Hello Kitty will continue to bring different people and cultures together for years to come. 

Mascot Keychain  Hello Kitty/Mimmy: ¥2,530

Accessory Case: ¥3,080

Inspired by Pierre Hermé’s Ispahan and Satine sweets, fans will love these colorful goods perfect for a birthday celebration. 

Hello Kitty Birthday Doll: ¥15,400 (Tax Included)

Each year a Hello Kitty Birthday Doll is released, and 2021 is no different! This year, the doll is wearing an elegant dress designed exclusively for the collaboration. Each one has an embroidered serial number on the left leg, and quantities will be limited. 

Gâteau Anniversaire Hello Kitty: ¥2,640 (Tax Included)

This special birthday dessert will be available at Pierre Hermé Paris Aoyama from November 1 to November 15. It includes a special Hello Kitty Ispahan along with a scoop of rose ice cream and a dusting of raspberry powder!

©’21 SANRIO　著作（株）サンリオ

Since opening in March, Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan has caught the world’s attention, leading global game fans to pray even harder for Japan to reopen for tourism. Now, the park is scheduled to level up with a new Donkey Kong-themed area scheduled to open in 2024. 

Currently, Super Nintendo World is filled with Mario-inspired attractions, dining options, and shops, recreating some of the most memorable parts of the franchise in a larger-than-life way. The new Donkey Kong area will feature a roller coaster and more interactive experiences, as well as themed merchandise and food options. Guests will be able to walk through lush jungles, where Donkey Kong and his friends live. The creation of the new area will more than double the size of Super Nintendo World. 

Launched as an arcade game by Nintendo in 1981, Donkey Kong quickly took the world by storm, with games continuing to be released on Nintendo systems from the SNES to the Nintendo Switch. As of March 2021, the series has sold over 65 million units worldwide.

Comment from Nintendo’s Shigeru Miyamoto

“I am very happy to be able to make the world of Donkey Kong a reality following the world of Mario. I am looking forward to creating a thrilling Donkey Kong experience with the amazing team at Universal. It will take some time until it is completed, but it will be a unique area for not only people who are familiar with Donkey Kong games but for all guests.”

WIZARDING WORLD and all related trademarks, characters, names, and indicia are © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © JKR. (s21)
Minions and all related elements and indicia TM & © 2021 Universal Studios. All rights reserved. TM & © Universal Studios & Amblin Entertainment. TM & © Universal Studios. All rights reserved.　© Nintendo