Folk Kitchen, a restaurant on the second floor of Hilton Osaka, will hold the Sanrio Characters Sweets Buffet ~Joyful Summer Festival~ from May 20 until September 11, 2022. The event is being held to celebrate Cinnamoroll, Pompompurin, and Pochakko coming in first, second, and third in the Sanrio Character Awards. A lineup of 25 different sweets will be available, including those filled with summer fruits like mango, peach, and watermelon! In addition, a “Zero Leftovers Campaign” will be implemented–so be sure to clear your plate!

Happy Festival Heart Mousse

Joyful Pink Cake / Lime & Raspberry

Fluffy and Crunchy Mango Pavlova

Decorated with chocolate and adorable character designs, the Happy Festival Heart Mousse is a scrumptious dish blending the flavor of banana, caramel, and rum. The Joyful Pink Cake will be a smash-hit with Sanrio lovers, featuring the soft taste of white mousse and raspberry compote with a fresh lime flavor. Tons of other original sweets will be available, including everything from gingerbread to orange tarts.

Visitors can also find plenty of vegan sweets. Summer Blue Sky Jello features contrasting colors of pineapple pulp and soymilk cream that look like clouds floating against a summer sky. Be sure to try the Almond & Watermelon Jello and Grapefruit and Lychee Jello too!

TV Tokyo has revealed a flashy new visual for the Pokemon anime series! The visual features the eight trainers and their Pokemon who will be participating in the show’s Pokemon World Championships tournament, and notes that the “climax” of the show is about to begin. Pokemon airs every Friday at 6:55 PM on TV Tokyo.

Satoshi (or Ash, in the English dub) has been taking on plenty of tough trainers in Pokemon Journeys including Kibana from the Galar region. This means that he has earned his spot in the Masters Eight!

The new key visual features all eight trainers who will be participating in the upcoming tournament: Leon, the Champion of the Galar region; Cynthia, the Champion of the Sinnoh region; Steven, the Champion of the Hoenn region; Lance, the Champion of the Indigo Plateau; Diantha, the Champion of the Kalos region; Alain, another Champion of the Kalos region; and Iris, the Champion of the Unova region. Ash is currently the Champion of the Alola region.

The first 12 episodes of Pokemon Journeys premiered in the United States on Netflix in June 2020.

© Nintendo･Creatures･GAME FREAK･TV Tokyo･ShoPro･JR Kikaku　© Pokémon

Goldwin Inc. has announced a special event for both children and families to enjoy! The GOLDWIN PLAY EARTH PARK event, running until May 29, has taken over the lawn at Tokyo Midtown. Five architects have created playground equipment inspired by five elements: fire, earth, water, wind, and sky. The event wants to inspire children to be more curious about the world around them. What better way than to get Pokemon involved?

For the event, Goldwin, The North Face, Helly Hansen, Speedo, and Canterbury all collaborated with artists, designers, and of course, the Pokemon series.

Goldwin is known for providing incredible sports and outdoor apparel, and behind its sturdy technology lies a deep curiosity regarding nature. This new collaboration has brought new perspectives and ideas to the collection, and those visiting the venue won’t want to miss out.

Collaboration Items at a Glance

THE NORTH FACE ✕ Pokemon

YOUNG EXPLORERS Jacket: ¥10,890 (Tax Included)

YOUNG EXPLORERS Hat: ¥6,380 (Tax Included)

Just like everyone’s favorite Pokemon Pikachu, the event wants to inspire children to be filled with energy as they explore the world around them and take on new adventures. These new jackets come inside a pouch inspired by a Pokeball and are mde of environmentally friendly recycled nylon material.

*Products in The North Face x Pokemon collection will be sold by lottery starting April 22. Check the official website for details on how to enter.

©Pokémon.
©Nintendo/Creatures Inc./GAME FREAK inc.
TM, ®, and character names are trademarks of Nintendo.

HELLY HANSEN ✕ minä perhonen

Left: VINDKRAFT PEP Tote: ¥9,900 (Tax Included) / Middle: VINDKRAFT PEP Patch Tote: ¥19,800 (Tax Included) / Right: VINDKRAFT PEP Pochette: ¥3,300 (Tax Included)

Based on Helly Hansen’s ‘VINDKRAFT’ project to recover and upcycle sailboats’ sails, minä perhonen has designed a bag by combining scraps from its own production process. Nothing goes to waste, making this perfect for those aware of the current problems facing our environment.

*As this is an upcycled product, the number of pieces is limited and each piece is unique.

Collaboration items are available at a pop-up shop at the GOLDWIN PLAY EARTH PARK event. A number of workshops are also open for children to enjoy, with a focus on their relationship with nature while living in the city. Check out the special site for more information!

Japanese brand Graniph has started selling 22 new Pokemon-inspired apparel items on its official online store and in brick-and-mortar locations across Japan. 

Over 25 years have passed since the original Pokemon Red and Green games were released in 1996, and characters from the series continue to be popular around the world. It’s hard to imagine a world without the franchise!
 

Check out these new items featuring Pikachu, Eevee, and other popular characters. 

©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。

Pokemon and Original Inc. are back with some new Pokemon Shirts! The popular goods originally went on sale back in February 2019, and more and more patterns have been added over the years. 

Fans of Pokemon Diamond and Pearl can now find some designs to their liking, with new patterns on sale as of April 22, 2022. With 18 new patterns to choose from, the Pokemon Shirts collection now has a total of 404 designs to choose from. Customers can also choose to place these patterns on masks!

(From Left) Chimchar Pattern, Piplup Pattern, Turtwig Pattern

(From Left) Starly Pattern, Shinx Pattern, Bidoof Pattern

New patterns from Pokemon Diamond and Pearl will be added in four installments. Each installment will have a specific theme and will introduce Pokemon that fit that theme.

The first installment’s theme is “The Start of Adventure.” As expected, this installment features the three starter Pokemon from the games.

Installment #2 / End of July | Pokemon: Dialga, Lucario, Honchkrow, etc.

Installment #3 / End of October | Palkia, Garchomp, Mismagius, etc.

Installment #4 / End of January 2023 | Giratina, Rotom, Weavile, etc.

(From Left) Luxray Pattern, Mothim Pattern, Staraptor Pattern

The 18 new designs add some new flair to the ever-growing collection. Fans will want to head to the official Pokemon Shirts website to see the patterns up close!

*Masks are intended to be used for fashion, not to prevent illness. 

Beauty company uka has announced the new Pokemon Study series, a collection of original nail colors inspired by Pikachu and five other popular Pokemon. The items will be available on May 13, 2022 in limited quantities, and will come in a six-piece set. Three shades were made with vegan ingredients with adults in mind, while three can also be used by children and include a water-soluble solution. Preorders will open online starting May 6, 2022.

Lineup

For Adults

uka Pokémon Study: Meowth

uka Pokémon Study: Eevee

uka Pokémon Study: Piplup

For Children and Parents

uka Pokémon Study: Pikachu Aqua Base

uka Pokémon Study: Jigglypuff Aqua Base

uka Pokémon Study: Scorbunny Aqua Base

uka Pokémon Study Six Stars Collection

The company has spent time studying people’s hands to create the ‘uka Study Series,’ a color study to bring out the beauty of anyone’s skin using their unique nail colors. No matter what skin tone you have, these shades are sure to look perfect!

Adults can enjoy soothing and smoky shades inspired by Meowth, Eevee, and Piplup, with each nail polish created with a 60% plant-derived vegan formula. The children’s shades, featuring Pikachu, Jigglypuff, and Scorbunny, are all bright and perfect for spring. These water-soluble products can be wiped off easily with hot water.

Pearl Lady, a tapioca and crepe specialty shop, will begin selling a special crepe inspired by the Sanrio character Cogimyun starting April 8, 2022! These gorgeous treats will be available at participating Pearl Lady locations while supplies last.

Cogimyun’s Sparkling Strawberry Crepe

Cogimyun’s Sparkling Strawberry Crepe, topped with a Cogimyun cookie, includes sweet and sour strawberry cream. 

The dough, made with tapioca flour, offers a slightly chewy texture with a rich milk and butter flavor. Customers will also receive a special sticker as a purchase bonus. Be sure to enjoy the new Cinnamoroll drink available at Pearl Lady’s sister shop CHABAR!

CHABAR x Cinnamoroll Collaboration Drink

Hibiya Hayashiya Shinbei in Tokyo Midtown Hibiya is now offering a scrumptious Strawberry Matcha Parfait until April 24, 2022! If that’s not up your alley, four Kyo Hayashiya locations in Shinjuku, Omiya, Yokohama, and Ikebukuro will begin offering a Matcha and Berry Mascarpone Parfait from April 1 until May 8, 2022. 

Strawberry Matcha Parfait

The Strawberry Matcha Parfait is an eye-catching mix of green and pink, reminiscent of cherry blossoms and bright green grass. Green tea blends with rose jelly and lychee sorbet, offering a refreshing taste with a hint of bitterness. The sweet accent of crunchy chocolate feuillantine gives each bite a little kick.

Matcha and Berry Mascarpone Parfait

The Matcha and Berry Mascarpone Parfait mixes the deep, bitter taste of Uji matcha, the sweet and sour taste of berries, and the gentle sweetness of mascarpone cream. The berry sauce is blended with crunchy chocolate feuillantine, a layer of whipped cream, green tea jelly, green tea ice cream, and milk panna cotta. To finish, it’s garnished with refreshing raspberry sorbet, bittersweet matcha ice cream, and fresh strawberries.

McDonald’s Japan locations with ‘McCafe by Barista’ areas will begin selling special spring treats for a limited time starting April 6, 2022. Customers will be able to grab the ‘Strawberry Uji Matcha Frappe’ and the ‘Uji Matcha Mont Blanc Tart.’

McCafe by Barista invites guests to enjoy high-quality frappes and smoothies. The Uji Matcha Frappe was added to the regular product lineup in June 2021, and features a mellow matcha flavor. The Strawberry variant is coming back for the first time in three years. The Mont Blanc Tart is a new addition, and is a perfect treat to enjoy with this popular frappe! 

Strawberry Uji Matcha Frappe: ¥490

The Strawberry Matcha Frappe mixes together the full-bodied flavor of matcha together with sweet and sour strawberries. It includes both a strawberry paste made from whole strawberries and a strawberry whipped cream at the bottom. The drink is topped with more strawberry whipped cream and a sprinkling of matcha powder. The refreshing taste of the strawberry sauce coupled with the whipped cream serves to elevate the great flavor of the Uji Matcha even more.

Uji Matcha Mont Blanc Tart: ¥390

The Uji Matcha Mont Blanc Tart is made with Uji Matcha batter, Uji Matcha whipped cream, white bean paste, and green tea cream. The refined sweetness is complemented by the mellow aroma and slight bitterness of Uji Matcha.

How would you like to enjoy these treats beneath the cherry trees?

Mister Donut is teaming up with Gion Tsujiri, a traditional green tea maker in Uji, Kyoto, for some tasty new treats starting March 25 for a limited time. Four new items will be available until the end of April. To celebrate the new collaboration, a new TV commercial starring actor Masaki Suda has started airing nationwide.

Fresh Pon de Uji Green Tea

Fresh Pon de Uji Green Tea with Brown Sugar Syrup

Uji Hojicha Warabimochi

Uji Hojicha Mochi with Whipped Cream

In the new ad, Suga is seen in a manly kimono with one of the new products in hand. Remaking on the soft and chewy texture of the new items–which are kneaded with Gion Tsujiri’s Uji Green Tea–Suda slowly falls in love with Mister Donut and commands viewers to do the same. How could you not?

Which of these new items look the best? 

Interview

――How do you feel about the Fresh Pon de Uji Green Tea and the Fresh Pon de Uji Green Tea with Brown Sugar Syrup?

“They’re so crazy delicious. Each of them are so moist and smell so yummy, and the topping…I mean, that’s everyone’s favorite, right?”

――Speaking of toppings, what are some of your favorites?

“I love garlic and green onion on just about everything. Cheese is also my go-to. Condiments are everything.”

――How about the Warabimochi and the Whipped Cream Mochi? 

“I can’t get enough of them. I’d definitely buy them myself. They aren’t too bitter, and I could really enjoy the rich aroma of the hojicha. It’s honestly amazing that Mister Donut can come out with these creative new items so often. This isn’t like memorizing lines in a play or following a formula. It must take so much work.”

――Do you prefer matcha or hojicha?

“That’s really tough. (laugh) I like both. I love the flavor of matcha but I think hojicha has flavors that aren’t as common. I find myself eating a lot of chocolate, drinking lattes, or grabbing hojicha more often.”

――How did it feel to shoot the Mister Donut commercial in a kimono?

“It was so lightweight, it felt great. The stylist told me that it was entirely made of silk. I typically only wear kimono during rehearsals or things like that, but I’d love to wear something like this during a festival. Someday.”

――The new commercial will begin airing during graduation season. Is there anything you’d like to ‘graduate’ this year since it’s the last year in your 20s? 

“That’s true, I am almost 30. I hadn’t thought about it! In my job, everyone is so polite to me, and I have the habit of leaving things up to other people. I need to be more personally responsible. For example, if I have to be somewhere for a meeting in the morning, I always get up at the last minute. Why don’t I get up 10 minutes earlier, you know? I need to be better.”

――What would you like to tell those who are coming of age this year? Do you have anything to say to students and working adults who will start new grades and jobs in the spring? 

“As you grow older, you have less and less to do outside of work. I’m really impressed by people who do something consistently during their free time. I thought I should have done something like that back when I was a teenager, so I tried saving ¥500 coins last year. It was hard to do, even though it was something so small. After a year, I had saved up about ¥40,000 and I felt satisfied, so I stopped. But doing something each day outside of work is important.”

The Pokemon baby brand Monpoke has revealed their newest products in a new 2022 Spring/Summer Lookbook! The images are available on the official brand website. 

Piplup has become one of the most popular Pokemon, and the blue water bird is featured prominently on the new apparel and items. All new products began rolling out in February, and all details are available on the Monpoke website. 

Items perfect for summer, like floaties and pool toys, will also be available! Kids bikes and other items to get kids active will also make appearances in the new collection. 

Parents can also grab themed diaper changing s heets and nap kits, so be sure to add some fun to your days with these new Pokemon-inspired items!

©Pokémon. ©Nintendo/Creatures Inc./GAME FREAK inc.

The sweets shop Patisserie Pinede will be offering the Yummy Kitty Cat Mille-feuille from March 18 until March 22, 2022!

The store holds a special ‘Meow Meow’ event on the 22nd of each month. In Japanese, the word for two, ni, sounds similar to nyan, the Japanese word for meow.

The event means tons of cat-themed sweets and decorations, including a tasty strawberry mille-feuille. This includes layers of puff pastry, cream, icing, and plenty of fruit. 

While it’s hard to cut into something so cute, the sweet and sour taste is the perfect way to enjoy this meow-gical holiday!