Last year, the HARAJUKU COLLECTIVE collaboration appeared at AF Gallery in Harajuku from August 10 until August 28, garnering massive acclaim from fans. The collection is now being sold at Shinsaibashi PARCO until March 12, 2023.

HARAJUKU COLLECTIVE is a Studio Ghibli-inspired apparel collection by the popular American counterculture chain Hot Topic. Bringing more Japanese culture to the ongoing Studio Ghibli collaboration launched in 2014, Hot Topic stores began selling original items produced by nine Japanese creators and brands, as well as some original American items produced by Hot Topic’s executive designers.

The lineup of Japan-original items includes T-shirts, tote bags, and other items featuring exclusive artwork by up-and-coming creators. These items depict beloved characters from Studio Ghibli’s works, as well as logos created for the collaboration. Fans won’t want to miss grabbing these unique items!

Details on the Previous HARAJUKU COLLECTIVE Pop-Up Store: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/ja/625747

To commemorate the 20th anniversary of Rilakkuma and his adorable friends, the Rilakkuma 20th Anniversary Cafe will open in Omotesando, Tokyo from March 9 until April 16, 2023. You’ll want to come and spend a peaceful time looking back at two decades of everyone’s favorite lazy bear!

The menu features colorful and festive dishes inspired by Rilakkuma, Korilakkuma, Kiiroitori, and Chairoikoguma. The characters express their thanks for 20 successful years, and fans can enjoy floats topped with Rilakkuma and friends wearing ribbons and topped with ice cream, a jelly soda inspired by Chairoikoguma and his friends in the honey forest, and a hot drink inspired by Rilakkuma’s favorite pudding.

Menu

Rilakkuma’s Honey Mustard Hamburger

コリラックマのクリームパスタ

Korilakkuma’s Cream Pasta

Kiiroitori’s Egg Burger

Chairoikoguma’s Cheese Curry　

Rilakkuma and Friend’s Celebratory Cake

Congratulatory Flower Parfait

You Can Choose♪ Rilakkuma and Friends Mini Ice Cream

You Can Choose♪ Rilakkuma and Friends Floats　

Honey Forest Jelly Soda

Relaxing Pudding Drink

Take-Out Drink Bottle

Original Merch

Acrylic Clip (7 varieties, random)

Acrylic Keychain (5 varieties, random)

Mini-Bottle / Muddler with Charm (4 varieties)

Lunch Tote / Drawstring Bag

Acrylic Stand with Clip / Cork Coaster

Stuffed Animal

In addition, the cafe will offer original goods, special offers, and a Twitter campaign to celebrate Rilakkuma’s 20th anniversary.

Come enjoy the elaborate original menu and goods while sharing memories at this limited time themed cafe!

©2023 San-X Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

The rookie vocal VTuber group ester eight released their fifth pre-release single BUZZ on all major streaming services on February 22.

Written, composed, and arranged by Hi-ra, the track is a highly danceable song blending J-pop and EDM, revealing a new side of the up-and-coming group.

ester eight will soon make its major label debut. The song is a means to increase their buzz before moving on to the next stage of their careers.

Original goods will be released to commemorate the new track, and a YouTube Live will be held on February 25.

Check out new comments from the members below!

Member Comments

Hiro Shirai

“I’m just so incredibly happy. At the same time, I know that our responsibilities and expectations will only continue to increase day by day. BUZZ has a bit of a hip-hop feel, which is super refreshing. Each member really shows off their personality and role, so we hope you can feel ester eight’s potential. Listen to it a ton, please!”

Teru Mikado

“ester eight’s fifth single is called BUZZ!! It’s a low-pitched, groovy song that really shows off how sexy the members can be. Listen to it as much as you can and make sure you generate some BUZZ for us!”

Shun Turigane

“Our fifth original song is finally here! Another complete change from the previous songs– just how much potential does ester eight have?! Please listen and have a ton of fun with it! Buzz it buzz it…buzz it buzz it…!!!”

Souma Musumi

“BUZZ is ester eight’s fifth original song. It’s a sexy song with a little bit of a dark vibe, so please be sure to check it out!”

Kanade Hiumi

“Our fifth original song is BUZZ. It has a totally different atmosphere from the previous four songs we’ve released and it really highlights the cool and dark side of our group. Be sure to listen!”

De Miera

“BUZZ, our fifth original song, has been released! This is your chance to see an entirely different side of us, so be sure to listen to this super cool track!”

Mao Roen

Our fifth pre-debut song, BUZZ, is here!! It’s a drastic change from our past songs, and I think you’ll finally see how cool we can really be! This track really pushes the limit, so I hope everyone will give it a listen!”

moca

“Our fifth single BUZZ is a fast and furious gung-ho, boom-boom, flashy track that you won’t want to stop listening to! By the way, I performed the sexy, cute, and cool role again this time. Huh? You don’t know what I mean? Listen and you’ll find out!”

ShowMinorSavage, a new unit formed by BMSG’s Aile The Shota along with SOTA and MANATO from BE:FIRST, have released their first EP! ShowMinorSavage was added to all major streaming services on February 22, 2023.

The three artists met at a BMSG audition and immediately hit it off, sharing similar musical backgrounds and interests. Unsurprisingly, they formed ShowMinorSavage soon after.

Their unit name comes from their intention to transform minor acts in the music scene into major acts, showing how savage they can be. Their first EP was created with this idea very much in mind.

ShowMinorSavage / SUPER ICY (Prod. Chaki Zulu) -Music Video-

The EP features the first songs produced under the group name ShowMinorSavage, including No Cap Navy, a song sampled from SKY-HI’s Nanairo Holiday created by the three members, and Thinkin’ bout you, a dope hip-hop track expressing the member’s love and featuring a vocal loop by TRILL DYNASTY. The groovy and extremely danceable song SUPER ICY was produced by Chaki Zulu.

The major debut of ShowMinorSavage is sure to create waves in the music scene, and you won’t want to miss it!

BALLISTIK BOYZ, currently busy training in Thailand, released a new track titled Drop Dead feat. TRINITY on February 16. This marks the group’s first time collaborating with a popular Thai artist, and to commemorate the occasion, the music video has also been released on the High Cloud Entertainment YouTube channel.

In September 2022, BALLISTIK BOYZ moved their base of operations to Thailand to realilze the group’s motto of “music has no borders.” The group has since appeared at a number of live events, including the OCTO POP FEST in October 2022 and the BIG MOUNTAIN MUSIC FES 12, one of the largest festivals in Southeast Asia.

Drop Dead feat.TRINITY – BALLISTIK BOYZ from EXILE TRIBE (Music Video)

Drop Dead feat. TRINITY was created following an encounter with TRINITY, a popular T-pop group that shares the same aspirations as the BALLISTIK BOYZ. The group is known for blending pop and rap with addictive Trap and EDM beats, and this new track shares the feelings many experience while chasing their dreams. Designed to give listeners a bit more fighting spirit, it’s perfect for blaring when you need a pick-me-up.

The music video tells the story of how BALLISTIK BOYZ and TRINITY met in a foreign land, taking on the world stage and trying to make it where many challengers have lost their dreams and given up. Filmed in spectacular locations across Thailand, the video has plenty of cinematic flair.

Footage from the song’s recording sessions can be seen on the New School Breakin’, a brand-new reality show on High Cloud Entertainment’s YouTube channel. Fans can also see the first collaboration performance between the two groups during the BIG MOUNTAIN MUSIC FESTIVAL 12.

Comment from BALLISTIK BOYZ

“We’re proud to announce the release of our first international production, Drop Dead!!

 This time around, we collaborated with TRINITY, an incredible group from Thailand. Fusing together J-pop and T-pop, we’re aiming to bring Japanese music to the rest of Asia, and from Asia, we want to spread to the rest of the world. This song really shows off our determination in the music, lyrics, and choreography!

This is our first attempt at completely English lyrics, and I think it gives a brand new feel to the BALLISTIK BOYZ. I hope you’ll listen to it and check out the music video!

We’ll continue to work hard to take this song to the next level, so please continue to support us!”

VERSEⁿ is a VTuber project that travels through various stories. Through cross-media content such as live streaming, anime, music, illustrations, novels, and manga, the project aims to weave a story of the past, present, and future of the VERSEⁿ world together for fans.

Late last year, VTuber Kashi Otoha announced during a live broadcast that a new song was in production to commemorate her 100,000th subscriber.

Otoha’s new single Signal will be released digitally on February 15. The track was composed and written by Uztama, an up-and-coming singer-songwriter and composer.

An iTunes download campaign is also underway to commemorate the song’s release. Those who preorder Signal on iTunes between February 8 and February 14 will receive an original standby screen image with a comment from Kashi Otoha herself.

Jimmy Choo has announced a new collection to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the internationally beloved Sailor Moon series.

Feminine style and power are important themes in Sailor Moon, and these inspiring elements are incorporated into Jimmy Choo’s beautiful shoes and accessories. The collection will include items inspired by Sailor Moon, Sailor Mercury, Sailor Mars, Sailor Jupiter, Sailor Venus, and Luna. These superheroines created by Naoko Takeuchi are ready to take the main stage, and there’s no doubt that fans around the world will be clamoring to get their hands on these items next week.

Sailor Moon boots/ VARENNE QUAD XS

Sailor Mercury ankle boots

Sailor Mars patent pumps

Sailor Jupiter boots

 Sailor Venus platform pumps

Each pair of shoes comes in a specific color inspired by one main character, instantly recognizable to fans. This collection was inspired by the limited-edition custom-made Sailor Moon boots released last year, with a pair shown off at the Sailor Moon Museum in Roppongi. With Jimmy Choo’s signature kick heel, Sailor Moon’s iconic crescent moon jewel, and bright pink all-over crystal embellishment, the boots unite the worlds of Sailor Moon and Jimmy Choo and give off some serious feminine energy.

Items in this exclusive collection will be available to purchase worldwide on Valentine’s Day, February 14. Major Jimmy Choo flagship stores will also be decorated in Sailor Moon style, and the collection’s limited-edition packaging will shimmer in the colors of the rainbow. In addition to fashion, Jimmy Choo has also collaborated with DJ Honey Dijon to create two remix tracks inspired by Sailor Moon.

If you grew up with Sailor Moon, you’ll want at least one pair of these stylish shoes!

Hoshimachi Suisei, a popular member of the Hololive VTuber group, released her long-awaited second album Specter on January 25, 2023. The album is available for purchase on CD and digitally.

On January 20, Suisei performed her song Stellar Stellar on the YouTube channel THE FIRST TAKE, making her the first VTuber to do so. The video trended worldwide, pulling in over 160,000 views during its premiere and over 5 million views within three days.

Suisei’s first album, Still Still Stellar, was released in September 2021. It reached the top spot on numerous charts including the Oricon Weekly Digital Album Ranking and the Billboard JAPAN Downloaded Albums Ranking.

This second album contains 11 songs written by several incredible creators including Ayase, Jin, Tomoya Tabuchi, Nanahoshi Orchestra, and more!

Hoshimachi Suisei

A forever 18 VTuber who deeply loves singing and idols. Her dream is to one day hold a live concert at Nippon Budokan.

With 1.7 million subscribers on YouTube and over 1.1 million followers on Twitter, she’s a true star on the rise.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5CwaMl1eIgY8h02uZw7u8A
Twitter: https://twitter.com/suisei_hosimati

In May 2021, the NIJISANJI EN project appeared as a part of the overall umbrella of NIJISANJI VTubers. This April, these English-speaking talents will hold their first live event titled COLORS. A total of 19 performers will appear on April 8 and 9, with the Pastel Stage being held on the 8th and the Vivid Stage being held on the 9th. Don’t miss these fully 3D AR performances!

Online tickets are on sale now, and fans can buy tickets for either a single day or the full two days. The performances can be watched as many times as you like during the viewing period, and the first part of the event will be broadcast for free on YouTube and Nico Nico Live.

On January 13, McDonald’s Japan released a colorful music video on YouTube featuring two of the biggest J-pop mega-hits of the last year! The remix combines Ado’s Odo and asmi’s PAKU with the familiar sound of the French Fry buzzer. A rhythm game using this song will also be available on TikTok starting on January 30!

In March 2019, the McDonald’s French Fry buzzer became a popular theme on TikTok with over 150 million views.

This remix may not be what most people expected, but it’s incredibly catchy and might make you hungry at the same time. Check out the McDonald’s Fry Buzzer Remix at the link below!

The neon-drenched music video features 3D models of both Odo-chan and PAKU-chan along with the three French Fry Brothers hanging out at an incredibly colorful and futuristic McDonald’s restaurant.

Be sure to check out the rhythm game coming to TikTok for a limited time starting January 30!

Musical artist Licaxxx can be seen in KINGS with BEAMS SPORTS, a special concept movie made to promote the collaboration between BEAMS SPORTS and the Ryukyu Golden Kings, a B. League professional basketball team.

This project aims to expand the community surrounding both collaborators. BEAMS SPORTS creates opportunities for people to become more familiar with the positive energy generated by modern sports culture while the Ryukyu Golden Kings is known for celebrating the people and culture of Okinawa.

The concept video was planned and supervised by 92, a member of the artist collective GReeeeN. The star-studded cast includes Kabuki actor Matsuya Onoe and other basketball enthusiasts.

KINGS with BEAMS SPORTS

<Comment from Planner and Supervising Director GReeeeN’s 92>
“I want to share my home of Okinawa with both Japan and the world.
The concept of this video is one of hope. I want the appeal of basketball to merge with tons of other cultures.
I’m thrilled to be able to show my own take on historical backgrounds and culture in this new way!”

<Comment from Licaxxx>
“There are so many musical artists who love basketball! But when compared to overseas fans, they’re much quieter and less open about it. I’m sure they blend in pretty well courtside. (Laugh)
I hope everyone enjoys wearing these fashionable original items while cheering as hard as you can!”

For four days only starting in February 2023, fans of Hatsune Miku will want to take an incredible night cruise around Tokyo Bay. The virtual singer will collaborate with the popular Tokyo Bay Night Cruise which travels between Yokohama and Tokyo. The event will include special tickets, exclusive bonuses for guests, collaborative goods, and onboard decorations. Collaborative goods will be available to purchase on the ship or from the Shimapochi online store.

Outline

Dates: February 19, February 26, March 5, March 12

Night Cruise Itinerary:

Osanbashi, Yokohama / Check-in 16:00-18:00

Osanbashi, Yokohama / Departure 18:10, Enjoy the night view from the ship

Takeshiba Wharf, Tokyo / Arrival 19:45

*Guests will be led by a special MC narrating the night scenery. Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase.

Special Ticket Fare:

Adults ¥2,000 / Children ¥1,500 (Includes consumption tax and fuel price adjusted for inflation)

[Includes Hatsune Miku Collaboration Sticker and Postcard (6 varieties, random)]

Special tickets featuring Hatsune Miku will only be available to those reserving their spot online. Reservations can be made two months prior to the boarding date. Space is extremely limited, so grab a spot while you can!

Those not interested in bonuses can also enjoy a night cruise during this period, with adult tickets costing ¥1,000 and children’s tickets costing ¥500. More details will be released at a later date.