Hotel New Otani Tokyo will offer special collaboration rooms inspired by illustrator Kanahei’s characters Piske & Usagi from May 1, 2022 to April 30, 2023.

 

Original Cushion / Acrylic Stand

 

The room is completely decorated with brand new illustrations of Piske and Usagi made exclusively for the collaboration. A total of five original amenities will be included with each room plan, including an original cushion and acrylic stand. Come surround yourself with complete cuteness!

The globally popular My Hero Academia anime series is being featured at the ‘My Hero Academia Hero’s Holiday Fair’ at Animate locations around Japan and online through March 13, 2022.

 

The My Hero Academia manga series by Kohei Horikoshi has been serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump since 2014, and over 65 million copies have been sold worldwide. The series tells the story of Izuku Midoriya, a boy without superpowers in a world where they have become commonplace. Still dreaming of being a hero, he is scouted by Japan’s greatest hero All Might, who chooses Midoriya as his successor. The series celebrated the fifth anniversary of the subsequent anime series last year, spanning five seasons and three films. The sixth season is scheduled to premiere in fall 2022. 

 

Illustration Card with AR Function

 

 

Those spending ¥1,100 or more (including tax) will receive one illustration card with AR functionality (5 varieties) randomly. Products available at the fair include DVDs, books, CDs, Blu-rays, and tons of character-related goods.

 

 

Three-sided Case with New Illustration by Character Designer Yoshihiko Umakoshi

Animate Exclusive Bonus Set

Animate Bonuses

 

New products with newly-drawn designs will be released during the fair, and the Blu-ray and DVD versions of the latest anime film are also on sale now!

 

©堀越耕平／集英社・僕のヒーローアカデミア製作委員会
©2021「僕のヒーローアカデミアTHE MOVIE」製作委員会　©堀越耕平／集英社

A number of Kiddyland stores, including those in Harajuku and Osaka Umeda, will hold a limited-time event featuring Kanahei’s popular character Ne-Ne-Neko from February 19 until March 27, 2022. 

 

Purchase Bonus

 

Kittyland Exclusive Goods

 

This will be the first time the event has been held in two years, and fans of the adorable characters can pick up some limited-time merch! Fan-favorites Piske and Usagi will make appearances as well. 

 

©kanahei / TXCOM

Anniversaire Cafe Minatomirai Yokohama is holding a scrumptious limited-time sweets fair, Sweet Strawberry Valentine, until March 14, 2022! If you’re looking for all things chocolate and strawberry, look no further.

Strawberry Chocolate Plate

Strawberry Chocolate Pain Perdu

Strawberry Mont Blanc

Strawberry Chocolat Ole (Hot/Iced) / Sparkling Berry Soda

Strawberry Chocolate Afternoon Tea Stand

Strawberry Chocolate Afternoon Tea Plate

Petit Fleur

The Sweet Strawberry Valentine lineup includes three desserts, three drinks, two afternoon tea plates, and one dish for takeout. If you could only choose one, which would it be?

Anniversaire Cafe Minatomirai Yokohama, a popular location for anniversary celebrations, is holding a limited-time Strawberry Garden fair for a limited time, from January 7 until February 6, 2022. Guests can enjoy a collection of strawberry sweets and pink drinks to start the new year in style.

 

Limited-Time Dessert Menu *Limited Quantities

Strawberry Plate: ¥1,870 (Tax Included)

Strawberry Caramel Pain Perdu: ¥1,870 (Tax Included)

Strawberry Mont Blanc: ¥1,980 (Tax Included)

 

 

Limited-Time Drink Menu

Strawberry Tiramisu Latte, Hot (Left)/Iced (Right): ¥1,100 (Tax Included)

Sparkle Berry Soda (Center): ¥990 (Tax Included)

 

 

Limited-Time Afternoon Tea Plan *Limited Quantities/By Reservation Only

 

Strawberry Stand Afternoon Tea: ¥3,800 (Tax Included)

Strawberry Plate Afternoon Tea: ¥3,300 (Tax Included)

 

Limited-Time Sweets for Takeout *Limited Quantities

Petit Fleur (5 pieces): ¥1,300 (Tax Included)

 

Gorogoro Nyansuke, a popular character featured on LINE stickers, will get his own cafe in Ikebukuro for a limited time! The nabe (hot-pot) party-themed location will be open from December 2, 2021 until January 23, 2022. In Japan, it’s popular to enjoy nabe with friends and family during the winter months to warm up!

Reservation Bonus

 

 

 

Menu

Refreshing Lemon Nabe

Tomato Nabe

Soy Milk Nabe

Black Sesame Parfait

Dorayaki Pancakes with Japanese Sweets

Red Bean Paste Covered in Snow

Warm and Cozy Kotatsu Cake

Nyansuke Float (Melon Soda)

Nyansuke Float (Anzu Soda)

Nyansuke Float (Roasted Green Tea and Milk)

Nyansuke Sake

Cafe Latte: ¥660 (Tax Included)

 

 

Original Merchandise

Acrylic Keychain (Random, 10 varieties)

A4-size Clear Folder (Set of 2)

Mug

 

The adorable kitty-cat has become popular on LINE and social media and was designed by Tsumugi Murasato. Her first manga was published in October 2020 with merchandise following, and she has become more and more popular since!

 

© MIND WAVE INC. / GORO GORO Nyansuke ®

 

Kyary Pamyu Pamyu will release her first full-length album in three years Candy Racer on October 27, 2021. Ahead of the release, one new track, Jumping Up, will be shared early! This light and fun EDM track will, as promised, make you want to jump up and down along with the bass, and will be streaming starting September 29, 2021. 

 

In conjunction with this pre-release, a LINE MUSIC playback campaign will begin on September 29, with the top 10 listeners receiving a prize exclusive to the event. Be sure to listen to the song as many times as possible for your chance to snag this premium prize, the design of which will be revealed soon!

 

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

As part of the LINE FRIENDS 10th anniversary celebrations, Illumination Entertainment and Universal Brand Development released the MINIONS X BROWN & FRIENDS collection at the LINE FRIENDS Harajuku store and the online store on July 22. A collection of digital accessories, camping items, and golf goods will also roll out in August. This includes a release at 17 branches of KIDDYLAND on August 7 as part of PLAY LINE FRIENDS.

BROWN & FRIENDS began as a stamp series on the Japanese messaging app LINE. The characters are now featured just about everywhere including as merchandise. See Brown and Sally meet Kevin, Bob, and Stuart from the hit animated films Despicable Me and Minions in the form of digital accessories aimed at tech lovers such as AirPods cases and smartphone clips as well as eco bags, golfing equipment, camping necessities, and more.

 

As part of the collaboration, Brown & Friends and Minions LINE stickers and Instagram filters will also be released in August. Check out the official LINE FRIENDS social media pages for related promotional videos too.

 

And for Japanese fans of both franchises, they get some Japan-exclusive merchandise too including a mini towel, hand towel, face towel, bath towel, denim tote bag, denim pouch, eco bag, hat, stationery, bottle, mug, neck pillow, and more.

©LINE/©UCS LLC

The BT21 Cafe is set to see its 9th run in Japan when six of them begin opening in Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, Osaka, and Okinawa from July 22. The theme this time around is “MY LITTLE BUDDY.”

Main Visual

Uchiwa Fans (7 Designs) / Coasters (8 Designs)

Customers who book a table in advance will receive a free fan, and if they buy a drink, a free coaster.

 

The Menu

KOYA Gapao Rice | ¥1,870 (Tax Included)

RJ Omelette Stew | ¥1,870 (Tax Included)

SHOOKY Loco Moco Don | ¥1,870 (Tax Included)

MANG Coconut Green Curry | ¥1,870 (Tax Included)

CHIMMY Chicken Over Rice | ¥1,870 (Tax Included)

TATA Bibimbap | ¥1,870 (Tax Included)

COOKY Sushi Bowl | ¥1,870 (Tax Included)

Parfaits (Mango/Melon/Grapefruit) | ¥1,540 (Tax Included)

Mini Parfaits | ¥550 (Tax Included)

Milk Drinks (Strawberry/Mango/Blueberry) | ¥990 (Tax Included)

Shuwa Shuwa Fruit Tea | ¥990 (Tax Included)

Fuwamoko Latte | ¥990 (Tax Included)

 

Original Merchandise

Pins | ¥660 (Tax Included)

Acrylic Keyrings | ¥770 (Tax Included)

Folders ¥440 (Tax Included) / Clear Pouches ¥1,320 (Tax Included)

Pin Case | ¥1,320 (Tax Included)

Stickers ¥770 (Tax Included) / Acrylic Coasters ¥1,320 (Tax Included)

Milk Caramels | ¥1,080 (Tax Included)

The menu line-up is based on Asian cuisine and features cute dishes, drinks, and dessert combined with the BT21 characters. There’s also a collection of exclusive merchandise for fans to get their hands on.

 

©BT21

The YOSISTAMP Premium Shop, a pop-up shop themed on the popular sticker series YOSISTAMP from the LINE messenger app, has been making its way around Japan since 2019. It recently opened inside Abeno Harukas Kintetsu in Osaka.

The store’s merch line-up

The pop-up shop is themed on travel, and fans of the series can get their hands on a cute selection of exclusive merchandise. The shop even has a special photo spot for snapping pictures.

 

©YOSISTAMP

Sanrio has announced that the announcement ceremony for the winner of the 2021 Sanrio Character Ranking will take place in collaboration with Tokyo Girls Collection (TGC), a semi-annual fashion festival in Tokyo, on June 8. The event will be streamed live on Hello Kitty and TCG’s respective LINE accounts, as well as Sanrio’s official YouTube account, so that more people can tune in to this year’s announcement and see which of Sanrio’s characters will take the crown.

80 characters are participating in this year’s Sanrio Character Ranking which will be announced in order from 80 to 1. This year also sees the return of the sub-award categories including Collaboration. Hosting the event as MC is tarento and actress Nao Asahi and the Japanese comedy duo Wagyu ga Tsutome.

 

But the winner announcement is not the only event scheduled for 2021’s ranking. Since this time is a collaboration with TGC, there will be a fashion runway where popular models will show off their looks, a live performance with JO1 and the Sanrio characters, a rap battle, and more.

 

Fashion Runway: Famous models display the Sanrio character aesthetic

On the fashion stage, a line-up of well-known Japanese models will serve fashion inspired by Sanrio’s most famous characters including My Melody, Kuromi, Little Twin Stars, and Pompompurin.

 

Marie Iitoyo and Maika Yamamoto will use a real-time composite photography system as they dress up as the adorable My Melody and her rival Kuromi. Serving the dreamy star-filled world of Kiki and Lala are Kaane and Sakura Saiga, Yoshiaki & Michi, and Rikariko. For the Pompompurin section, which is themed on the golden retriever’s daily life, we have Nana Kato, Ami Komuro, Natsuki Deguchi, Sachi Fujii, and Roy. But that’s not all as Sakachin, Yuki Higashihara, and Reina, who won the LINE LIVE auditions to appear on this year’s fashion runway, will also appear.

 

A heated rap battle between the Sanrio characters

In the rap battle, KIRIMI-chan, Kuromi, Kogimyun, and Pompompurin will go head to head against special guests Tsukasa Saito of comedy duo Trendy Angel and Yuriyan Retriever. 

 

The Sanrio cast join music artists for a concert

The adorable Cinnamoroll, who is also expanding his work as an idol, will perform alongside JO1, while Hello Kitty will sing with singer-songwriter Sonoko Inoue.

 

A new virtual experience using the latest technology

Japanese digital advertising company CyberAgent, who produced virtual events and 3DCG content, will be using the latest in 3DCG and XR tech to blur the lines between reality and the virtual space with an interactive experience, such as people’s comments on social media and the video displaying in real time, and more.