JR Tokai Tours has released a new travel plan for fans of Laid-Back Camp Season 2, which aired from January to March 2021. The tour will take place in the Izu area, which was heavily featured in episodes 10, 11, and 12. Guests can enjoy a travel plan with single lodging and original goods starting May 23 until June 29, 2022.

Original Stickers

The slice-of-life series Laid-Back Camp is currently serialized in COMIC FUZ.

Set in Yamanashi and Shizuoka Prefectures, Laid-Back Camp is a relaxing series following a group of high school girls going camping and enjoying their daily lives. The series is based on the author Afro’s personal experiences and interviews, and since serialization in 2015, the series has attracted fans from around the world. The original comic has sold over 7 million copies. In 2018, the first anime series premiered, inspiring a spin-off Room Camp in 2020 and a second season in 2021.

Four years after it was announced in 2018, a Laid-Back Camp animated film will arrive in theaters this summer.

Last year, Hatsukame Sake Brewery, a staple in Shizuoka Prefecture, released a collaborative special edition sake featuring Papa Hiroshi from the anime series Chibi Maruko-chan. The collab makes sense, as the anime series takes place in Shizuoka Prefecture. Bottles sold out incredibly fast, so it’s no wonder that the brewery has now opened orders for the 2022 batch! The special products will be available on June 4, just in time for Father’s Day. Customers can choose from the Junmai Ginjo or Junmai Daiginjo varieties.

Junmai Ginjo Papa Hiroshi Vintage 2022

Junmai Daiginjo Papa Hiroshi Vintage 2022

The Junmai Ginjo Papa Hiroshi Vintage 2022 was made with water, rice, and yeast from Shizuoka, where the series takes place. With a refreshing aroma and a gentle sweetness derived from the Homarefuji rice, the flavor is sure to arouse your palate!

The original label featured on the bottle shows Papa Hiroshi enjoying local sake with tuna sashimi from Shizuoka with Mt. Fuji in the background. All bottles will come with a paper box featuring a similar design. The turtle on the label is the symbol of Hatsukame Brewing! It’s recommended that customers drink their sake with local tuna–it’s the perfect combination.

The Daiginjo variety is made from rare Aiyama rice, known as the ‘Diamond of Sake Rice.’ Polished and carefully prepared by hand, the aroma of the sake is reminiscent of tropical fruits. The final product has a rich sweetness.

Last year’s label showed Papa Hiroshi in a Kimono watching the first sunrise over Mt. Fuji. Be sure to grab a bottle to experience the taste of Shizuoka! Only 223 bottles will be available, so be quick!

©さくらプロダクション/日本アニメーション ©Hatsukame Sake Brewery Co., Ltd. ©Nexus Co., Ltd.

Shizuoka PARCO will open a pop-up shop inspired by the popular stop-motion series Pui Pui Molcar from March 30 until April 10! The shop has opened at seven PARCO locations nationwide so far, attracting over 45,000 fans.

Pui Pui Molcar aired for 12 episodes from January to March 2021. The series was directed by Tomoki Misato, and has attracted a worldwide fandom with its cute and fuzzy characters.

Extra-large Photo Spot

Merchandise

Pins (21 varieties)

Acrylic Keychain

Mini Canvas

Diorama Acrylic Stand

Blanket

Acrylic Signboard Stands

The venue will feature an oversized photo spot where visitors can take commemorative photos in a full-size Molcar, as well as a collection of commemorative merchandise featuring illustrations drawn exclusively for the shop. Since the first pop-up shop opened at Shibuya PARCO in July 2021, it has traveled to Urawa, Nagoya, Fukuoka, Sendai, Hiroshima, and Shinsaibashi. Why not check it out?

Shizuoka-based egg specialty store TAMAGOYA is currently running a BERRY BERRY Strawberry Fair for a limited time.

TAMAGO Pudding Parfait

ICHIGP Pudding Parfait

Gigantic ICHIGO Shortcake Parfait

Strawberry-filled Pancakes

The cafe offers pancakes and parfaits made with strawberries from Shizuoka Prefecture. The menu includes the “TAMAGO Pudding Parfait” that looks like a fried egg with fluffy pancakes and pudding as a specialty of egg stores, and the seasonal “ICHIGO Pudding Parfait”. The “ICHIGO’s Giant Shortcake Parfait,” which weighs over 5 kg, is available by reservation only.

Enjoy the harmony of eggs and strawberries to your heart’s content.

Camping anime series Laid-Back Camp has taken the world by storm. The slice-of-life series is perfect for when you need to relax and daydream of time spent in the Japanese countryside. Shizuoka Prefecture has announced a special stamp rally featuring locations seen in the series from November 12, 2021 until January 10, 2022. 

Even if you’re unable to visit during the event period, fans can find some incredible maps on the official website highlighting locations seen in the anime and manga series. These maps will be physically available at stamp rally locations. If you’re planning a trip to Japan in the future, it would be neat to try to visit these locales!

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? 

‘NEXT TRIP ~Izu Peninsula, Sea and Beautiful Sights~’ will be broadcast on nationwide freeview channel BS12 on September 9 2021 from 21:00.

‘NEXT TRIP’ is a travel guide program based around the concept of “where would you like to visit once things calm down?” From walking around popular local spots to visiting overseas holiday resorts, the show introduces viewers to “destinations you don’t know yet.” The show has a sense of realism, with beautiful scenes that will make you feel as if you’re already there! Introducing spectacular views that can only be found in certain towns, gourmet foods that are beloved by locals, and exciting outdoor activities, you’ll be raring to go on your next adventure! 

In this episode, model NANAMI will be having fun at the seaside on the Izu Peninsula. You’ll be amazed by the view from the suspension bridge in Komuroyama’s Jōgasaki coast, where you can see the horizon beyond the hills and crystal clear sea, stretching as far as the eye can see. NANAMI goes snorkelling in a hot-spot to those in the know, followed by a delicious lunch with locally produced white wine. After enjoying some horseback riding, she returns to the HOSHINO Resort’s ‘Kai Anjin’ hot spring and inn,  located in Ito. You’ll be fascinated by the extraordinary location, offering scenic ocean views, hot beer, and luxurious dinners. 

The show recreates a three-day-two-night itinerary for the Izu Peninsula, where you can partake in activities, take in the superb views, and relish in gourmet food, all found in a spot just a few hours away from the city center.

Join NANAMI as she goes on a journey to discover the charms of the Izu Peninsula on BS12’s ‘NEXT TRIP.’

Twitter-famous character Chiikawa is coming to Shizuoka PARCO starting September 16! Guests can enjoy a cafe on the first floor of the facility serving specially-crafted treats, and can head to the fourth floor for a shop selling original Chiikawa cafe goods.

Menu

Hachiware Cream Soda / Chiikawa Cream Soda / Usagi Cream Soda: ¥990 each (Tax Included)

Fluffy Cloud Latte with Character Sugar: ¥1,100 (Tax Included)

Yoroi-san’s Strawberry Milk: ¥990 (Tax Included)

Best Friends Cookie Set (3 cookies): ¥880 (Tax Included, takeout only)

Each drink order will come with a random coaster (15 designs total). 

Merchandise

Mug: ¥1,540 (Tax Included)

Cafe Chef Plushies: ¥1,430 (Tax Included)

Cafe Employee Plushies: ¥1,430 (Tax Included)

Bowl: ¥2,200 (Tax Included)

Random Acrylic Keychain (8 designs): ¥660 (Tax Included)

*Limit 2 items per person per type of merchandise. For random items, the limit is 10 items per person per type.
*Images are for reference only. Not all products are shown.
*Contents are subject to change. 

4th Floor Shop Special Goods

Special Gift

Guests spending ¥4,400 or more (including tax) will receive an original cork coaster!

The Chiikawa manga, created by Japanese illustrator nagano, is extremely popular on Twitter for its cute illustrations and heartwarming stories. In August, the second Chiikawa book was released.

Who is your favorite Chiikawa character?

©nagano

Japanese outdoor brand NANGA released a collection of items last week in collaboration with the anime series Laid-Back Camp, including the jackets worn by the two main characters in the series as well as their sleeping bags. If you’re a camper yourself, you won’t want to miss out on this.

Get a free 185mm acrylic stand when you buy a jacket

Get a free pin when you buy the sleeping bag

The items include TAKIBI-original down jackets as well as original 450DX sleeping bags as used by Nadeshiko and Rin in the anime series. Now fans can stay warm and cosy like those two when they’re out camping.

©あfろ・芳文社／野外活動委員会

The all-new PROJECT ATAMI has been launched by AKAO ART RESIDENCE and artist support group ATAMI (ASIAN) ART GRANT.」

PROJECT ATAMI comes as a way to shine the light on the art of creators in Atami, a city in Shizuoka. It’s a chance to learn about the city and experience it using all five senses so people walk away never forgetting their Atami experience.

©️HIRO TANAKA

Kujira no Me by Maki Ohkojima, France,  2019 (Photo by Serge Koutchinsky)

©️Koichi Mitsuoka

©️Taira Ichikawa

©️Ichiro Endo, Wall Art Festival

little hong kong; a little rooftop, 2020

©️Akio Suzuki

Hiromi Miyakita ©️Yusuke Suzuki

1. AKAO ART RESIDENCE

At AKAO ART RESIDENCE, 20 artists get to stay at Hotel New Akao each year and have free reigns to create. Artists communicate with coordinators and hotel staff about their work from beginning to end throughout a period of a month. The program sees artists leaving their work bit by bit in the hopes that the hotel guests will be able to enjoy it.

Participating Artists

HIRO TANAKA, Maki Ohkojima, Mitsuoka Koichi, Taira Ichikawa (Term 1: March-April)

Ichiro Endo, Akio Suzuki, Hiromi Miyakata, 花坊 (Term 2: May-June)

2. ATAMI (ASIAN) ART GRANT

ATAMI (ASIAN) ART GRANT is providing 30 artists with funds raised through sponsorship, donations, and crowdfunding, and will invite them to Atami in November. There, they will be asked to draw murals which will be installed around the city.

Ofuro Cafe Bijinyu is now hosting its “Air Hanami” event where customers can enjoy a safe and socially-distanced Hanami flower viewing experience this spring.

Ofuro Cafe is a relaxing space that feels like you’ve been invited to a friend’s house. You can enjoy coffee, magazines, the massage chair, rent a PC, and more, all for free.

In the middle of the cafe is a 3-meter tall cherry blossom tree to recreate that Japanese springtime feel. There are also some cherry blossom-themed souvenirs available for purchase.

With social gatherings and outdoor picnics being restricted in Japan for this year’s Hanami season, Ofuro Cafe offers a space where people can do it safely. They can chat, read a book, play board games, and more beside the cherry tree for a tranquil flower-viewing experience.

A Japan-original Pixar exhibition by the name of PIXAR! PIXAR! PIXAR! is set to run from April 8-19 at Seibu Ikebukuro in Tokyo. The exhibition is a celebration of all things Pixar Animation Studio and Walt Disney Japan where fans will have the opportunity to glimpse never-before-seen concept art, learn about the secrets of the studio’s office building, hear interviews with Japanese staff who work at the animation studio, and much more.

Pixar fanatics can expect to see all their favourite characters from the filmography such as Monsters Inc., Toy Story, Wall-E, Coco, Finding Nemo, and more. There will be plenty of merchandise to add to the collection too—around 200 pieces in fact—including items with official artwork that has never been made into merch before.

New official artwork illustrated by Pixar Animation Studios for ‘PIXAR! PIXAR! PIXAR!’

The artists at Pixar Animation Studios have created an original collection of artwork for the exhibition which will be displayed around the site itself as well as on merchandise sold there. There will also be a behind-the-scenes video showing at the exhibition where you can see the staff drawing the pieces.

A historical lookback at Pixar’s filmography

The exhibition will pay homage to everything Pixar has to offer, from their roots of animation shorts to their critically acclaimed full length animated features. If you have a favourite from any of these, you’re sure to find merchandise of it at the exhibition.

Feel like you’ve been invited to Pixar Animation Studios

The exhibition will have an area decorated with a gallery of posters, the famous Pixar lamp and ball, Woody and Buzz statues made from Lego, and more, as well as a photo gallery from pictures taken inside the studio.

Learn all there is to know about Pixar

Learn all the trivia about Pixar from what kind of Japanese people work at the studio, what characters are hidden throughout their films, and more.

Original Merchandise　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

Fans can sift through around 200 pieces of original merchandise.

Movie Poster Collection

The posters released for each of Pixar’s films have been shrunk down into a collection of postcards.

Final frame merchandise

A line-up of merchandise featuring the final frames taken from all 23 of Pixar’s feature length animations.

Early concept art

The exhibition will sell an array of merchandise featuring artwork that has never been turned into merch before, such as early concept art.

Easter eggs

There will also be merchandise featuring fun Easter eggs hidden throughout Pixar’s films.

Pixar Animation Studios

A line-up of merchandise that makes you feel like you’re part of the Pixar office.

Bonus Items　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

Visitors that spend over ¥3,000 (tax included) on merchandise at the exhibition will receive one of 8 possible pins. These are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Additionally, spending over ¥6,000 will get fans an original bottle too.

The exhibition will also be moving around Japan after its Tokyo run. Check the locations below.

©DISNEY/PIXAR All rights reserved. No reproduction or republication without written permission.