Tatsuya Tanaka to showcase his miniature diorama worlds at his “Miniature Life Exhibition”
06.September.2017 | SPOT
Tatsuya Tanaka is a photographer and art director known for creating dioramas in which he sculpts creative and curious little worlds populated with miniature figurines. Tanaka is currently holding a photography exhibition in Shinjuku (Tokyo) and will also be taking it to Umeda (Osaka) later this month.
The exhibition will showcase photos of almost 100 miniature works including new projects as well as photos of miniature works that Tanaka plans to create someday.
From croissant clouds floating in the blue sky to broccoli forests and puddings turned into southern islands… Tatsuya Tanaka, photographer of miniature worlds, draws inspiration from everyday things to make them into works of art. He has posted his works online since 2011 and has not missed a single day of uploading new content.
Each and every little world Tanaka creates is playful and imaginative – some will make you laugh, some will have you saying “wow!” He has a large following on social media from people all over the world, a fan base made up of over 1 million people that is growing everyday.
Tanaka created the environments in the video of the opening theme song for the 2017 NHK TV drama series “Hiyokko” and is working as an artist to expand his field even further. The exhibition contains close to 100 of the best selections from Tanaka’s catalogue of work, from his most well known to newer pieces.
You are allowed to take photos at the exhibition (*but photos of four new pieces is prohibited). Head on over and take some photogenic photos of already photogenic photos!
“Miniature Life Exhibition – Tatsuya Tanaka – Mitate no Sekai”
・Tokyo
Running: Friday Sept. 1, 2017 to Tuesday Sept. 12, 2017
※Final entry is permitted 30 minutes before closing time on each day of the event. (The event will finish at 6pm on the final day).
Location: Takashimaya Shinjuku (11th floor)
Entry: General – ¥800 / University & High School Students – ¥600 / Middle School Students and below – Free (*all prices tax incl.)
Official Homepage: http://www.takashimaya.co.jp/shinjuku/event/index.html#os12121
・Osaka
Running: Wednesday Sept. 20, 2017 to Monday Oct. 2, 2017
Time: 10pm-6pm
※Final entry is permitted 30 minutes before closing time on each day of the event. (The event will finish at 6pm on the final day).
Location: Daimaru Museum, Daimaru Umeda (15th floor)
Entry: General – ¥800 / University & High School Students – ¥600 / Middle School Students and below – Free
Organising: NHK Service Centre
A panel exhibition for the NHK TV drama series “Hiyokko” is also running at the same time. (Free entry).
Organising: NHK Service Centre
Production: CoCo
Cooperation: MINIATURE LIFE
©Tatsuya Tanaka
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Chihayafuru Anime Gets Escape Game at TOKYO MYSTERY CIRCUS
23.January.2021 | ANIME&GAME / SPOT
TOKYO MYSTERY CIRCUS, Japan’s first and biggest puzzle-themed theme park, has announced the opening of a new escape game based on the popular manga anime series Chihayafuru which will begin at the site on March 4, 2021.
The immersive story-driven escape game has players take on the role of a member of the Fujiyama High School karuta club. While learning the essential points of competitive karuta from Chigaya Ayase and the gang, they must aim for victory to escape. No prior preparations are necessary – players can book their tickets and just turn up on the day.
This unique escape game takes place in a traditional tatami mat room and combines puzzle-solving skills with competitive karuta in which clues are written on the cards. Fans of the manga and anime series are sure to enjoy this immersive game.
Tickets will go on sale on January 23, 2021 at 12:00 (JST).
©末次由紀/講談社
Information
Chihayafuru Escape Game
Location: Tokyo Mystery CircusRunning: March 4, 2021 – May 5, 2021
Official Website: https://mysterycircus.jp/chihayafuru/ -
Kingdom Anime Collaborates With Firsthand On Exclusive Merchandise
23.January.2021 | ANIME&GAME / FASHION
Creative and sustainable concept store Firsthand released a collection of items in collaboration on Wednesday (January 20) with the TV anime series Kingdom, which is set to begin airing its third season this April, and Japanese artist Kosuke Kawamura. The items are available to buy both online in Japan and at a pop-up store at OPEN STUDIO inside FREAK’S STORE Shibuya.
Firsthand is a Japanese brand centred on upcycling and sustainable production. Fans of the ongoing anime series can get their hands on a range of clothing items, phone cases, and more. If they head to OPEN STUDIO they’ll also find an illustration exhibit, a photo spot, and more. The gallery is also selling posters signed by Kosuke Kawamura.
Will you be watching Season 3 of Kingdom this spring?
Information
Kingdom x Firsthand x Kosuke Kawamura Pop-Up Shop
Running: January 20, 2021 – January 25, 2021
Location: OPEN STUDIO, 1-31-1 Jinnan, Shibuya, TokyoOpening Hours: 10:00-20:00
TEL : 03-6415-7728Where to buy the merchandise collection:
・OPEN STUDIO (Limited time January 20th-25th)
・Firsthand RAYARD MIYASHITA PARK (From January 26th)
・FREAK‘S STORE ONLINE (From January 24th) @ http://www.freaksstore.com/
・ZOZOTOWN (From January 28th) @ https://zozo.jp/shop/freaksstore/Event Details: https://firsthand.jp/news/3609/
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FANCL Ginza Square Opens Onsen Hot Spring That You Can Walk Into Wearing Your Clothes
22.January.2021 | SPOT
FANCL has brought the hot spring experience to its flagship site FANCL Ginza Square for a limited time with a variety of content that makes visitors feel like they’ve come to a Japanese onsen. The experience, named Tabi Suru Square Yu, is running until February 11, 2021.
Café au Lait / Fruit au Lait / Soy Milk Aojiru – ¥300 Each
Reiwa Honzen (FANCL Ginza Square Floor 9F)
Lunch Sana Winter Seafood Bento | ¥3,500
Winter Dinner Seafood Course | From ¥9,000
FANCL BROWN RICE MEALS (FANCL Ginza Square Floor B1F)
Hiroshima Oyster & Spinach Risotto Parmesan Cheese Galette Lunch Set | ¥1,850
Tomato Cream Pasta Lunch Set ¥1,850
Original Hand Towel
FANCL Ginza Square Onsen Essentials Set | ¥3,668
Breathing exercises at SUU-HAKU
At Tabi Suru Square Yu, visitors can enter a room that fully recreates the experience of being in a hot spring. The room is set at the same temperature, is filled with the same aromas, and is decorated in the same way. Visitors sit on one of the relaxation sheets to soak up the experience – effectively getting into a hot spring without having to change their clothes.
A variety of classic drinks and dishes sold at hot springs in Japan will also be sold, and visitors can get involved in the breathing exercises on offer.
Information
FANCL – “Tabi Suru Square Yu”
Running: January 15, 2021 – February 11, 2021
Location: FANCL Ginza Square
Address: 5 Chome-8-16 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo
FANCL Ginza Square Official Website: https://www.fancl.jp/ginza-square/index.html
FANCL Official Website: https://www.fancl.co.jp/ -
Valentine’s Dessert Sets Served Up at Harajuku’s Tea Latte Shop CHAVATY
22.January.2021 | FOOD
CHAVATY, a cafe in Harajuku that serves tea lattes made with high quality tea leaves, is getting ready for Valentine’s Day early with the release of some tasty new desserts which they began serving up on Thursday (January 14).
Valentine’s Set | ¥1,100 (Before Tax)
Valentine’s Scone Set (6 Included) | ¥2,480 (Tax Included)
Raspberry Chocolate | ¥970 (Tax Included)The Valentine’s Set comes with a cute scone as well as fondant chocolate made with rich, high-grade chocolate from the French chocolate brand Cacao Barry. It also comes with a tea latte of your choice. There’s also a scone set which comes with two each of three different scones for a total of six including the Berry & Cocoa Pink Chocolate, Orange & Chocolate Chip Double Chocolate, and Dried Fruits & Nuts White Chocolate. CHAVATY has also made their own seasonal homemade spread: the Raspberry Chocolate.
Information
CHAVATY Valentine’s Set
Running: January 14, 2021 – February 14, 2021Address: Minami-Harajuku Bldg. 1F, 4-6-9 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo
Official Website: https://chavaty.shop-pro.jp/
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YOKOHAMA AIR CABIN: Japan’s First Permanent Inner-City Cable Car Opens in April
20.January.2021 | SPOT
Japan is set to get its first ever permanent city cable car in Yokohama on April 22 called the YOKOHAMA AIR CABIN.
The YOKOHAMA AIR CABIN is a cable car system that will offer locals and tourists a chance to enjoy Yokohama from a new perspective whether during the hot summers or during the cool evenings when the city lights wake up.
The system will be connected directly to Sakuragichō Station and Shinko Pier for easy, quick access to enjoy Yokohama Minato Mirai from up high.
If you’re planning a trip to Yokohama at some point, be sure to take a ride on YOKOHAMA AIR CABIN, officially opening on April 22, 2021.
Information
YOKOHAMA AIR CABIN
Opening: April 22, 2021
Operating Hours: 10:00-22:00
Duration: 5-minutes
Price: General ¥1,000 / Children ¥500 -
Foodies Make Their Way to Zi-tempo’s Pop-Up Eatery in Osaka’s Shinsaibashi PARCO
PARCO has teamed up with Kaji Kaji H, Koichi Igarashi—who is known for his work with BEAMS JAPAN’s brand projects—and a certain chief editor at a popular Kansai fashion magazine to open Zi-tempo, a limited-time food spot aimed at foodies that will run for 20-days at PARCO Shinaibashi in Osaka.
Zi-tempo brings together designers from popular fashion brands working in Kansai, editors from fashion magazines, stylists, writers, more to serve up a creative menu by a line-up of individuals not involved in anyway in the food industry. As well as food, visitors can get their hands of a selection of related merchandise, clothing, and more.
The First Serving
Running: January 13, 2021 – January 19, 2021
Curry Mala: Enjoy the unique spices of both curry and malaSpicy curry has recently become something of a soul food in Osaka. For the first serving, foodies can enjoy discovering a wonderful combination of spices in a selection of curries, as well as a numbing line-up of mala made with mapo tofu. This menu is the creation of ‘R,’ a designer at a fashion brand, and ‘T,’ a former chief editor of a Japanese fashion magazine. R is actually the owner of a popular curry house called COBACHI CURRY in Nakazakicho, while T has tasted countless mapo tofu dishes. This makes them the perfect curry-mala combo for this experiment.
Menu
・Curry Mala Shokuhako – ¥1,200 (Before Tax)
・Curry Mala 1 (Spice Chai) – ¥500 (Before Tax)
・Curry Mala 2 (Spice Highball) – ¥500 (Before Tax)
・Curry Mala Hoodie – ¥7,800 (Before Tax)
・Curry Mala Long T-Shirt – ¥5,800 (Before Tax)The Second Serving
Running: January 20, 2021 – January 26, 2021
Tacos Variar x Berbers Ya!: Traditional Mexian and Moroccan dishes
The second serving sees a coming-together of tacos and couscous by two creators working in Kansai: nahonic who works at Tacos Variar at an underground spot in Kansai selling tacos, and stylist Sunny, both of whom enjoy homecooked couscous from their Moroccan mothers growing up. Foodies will get to enjoy both Mexican and Moroccan food at the same time, a perfect opportunity during the current climate when travelling is difficult. There will also be a variety of apparel and goods from creators like the mystery creative group “the golden dawn.”
Menu
・1P ¥350 (Before Tax)
・2P ¥700(Before Tax)
・3P~ ¥300 / 1P(Before Tax)The Third Serving
Running: January 27, 2021 – February 1, 2021
Natouya: Taste and compare an array of natto rice bowls
Eateries serving gyudon, or beef rice bowls, never fail to bring in repeat customers for their cheap prices, quick service, and delicious taste. But our heal is the most important thing, so why not change it up once in a while with a natto rice bowl? At the event, foodies get to tuck into a selection of dishes using 5 different kinds of natto beans that vary in size and colour, served sticky, yummy, and in generous portions. These natto rice bowls were conceived by Murakami, a researcher of natto and editor of a certain fashion magazine. There will also be goods from natto apparel brand NNBean, natto crockery, and plenty of other things for lovers of natto to enjoy.
Menu
・Five Bean Natto Rice Bowl – ¥900 (Before Tax)
・NNBean Sweater – ¥7,100 (Before Tax)
・NNBean Long T-Shirt – ¥5,800 (Before Tax)
・Natto Plate – ¥4,200 (Before Tax)If you’re in Osaka throughout January, and love food, don’t miss out on a unique eating experience over at Zi-tempo.
Information
Zi-tempo
Running: January 13, 2021 – February 1, 2021
Location: Shinsaibashi PARCO B1F “THE KITCHEN”
Address: 1-8-3 Shinsaibashisuji, Chuo-ku, Osaka
Opening Hours: 10:00-20:00 (Subject to change depending on COVID-19 and weather)
Shinsai PARCO Official Website: https://shinsaibashi.parco.jp/ -
Go Strawberry Picking With Hello Kitty and Friends at Sanrio Puroland
Sanrio Puroland opened a special new event last Friday (January 8) called “Sweets Puro” which is themed on strawberry picking.
Characters greet guests in their strawberry-designed outfits
Guests participate in an augmented reality strawberry stamp rally
New character videos play at the illuminations
A strawberry-packed dessert menu
Limited-edition merch
Tables in the food court receive makeovers
Guests can look forward to seeing sparkly new pink-coloured illuminations, snapping sweet photos at the entrance photo spot, getting involved in the AR strawberry picking stamp rally using their smartphones, and more. They can also pay to spend one minute with the park characters who will be dressed in their strawberry outfits, and if they arrive 30 minutes before the first floor character food court opens, they can get the limited-offer morning breakfast “Strawberry Morning Bread Set.” The park will even be serving up seasonal alcoholic drinks like the Sweets Puro Strawberry Peach Sour.
The first day of the event saw the characters come out to greet guests in their adorable strawberry and dessert themed costumes. This was followed by a new illumination show, Puro Sweets Party, which took place at Puro Village, and My Melody sang and danced to the music against the bright and beautiful lights. Guests enjoyed a selection of limited-time food like the Pompompurin’s Croissant Doughnut Strawberry Sandwich and Hello Kitty’s Sweet Strawberry Milk.
©1976, 2009 SANRIO CO., LTD. ©1975, 1976, 1990, 1996, 2001, 2004, 2005, 2010, 2017, 2021 SANRIO CO., LTD.
Information
Sanrio Puroland – “Sweet Puro”
Running: January 8, 2021 – March 9, 2021
Official Website: https://www.puroland.jp -
Universal Studios Japan Announces Easter Universal Celebration 2021
13.January.2021 | SPOT
Universal Studios Japan is set to spring into Easter starting on March 12 with the announcement of Universal Easter Celebration 2021. This year, which marks the 20th anniversary since USJ opened, will see the park’s cute and iconic characters once again lull guests into an unforgettable Easter dream at Universal Wonderland and Minion Park.
Universal Easter Celebration
USJ will see colourful pastel decorations cover the Universal Wonderland and Minion Park areas, and the characters too will be dressed in their seasonal Easter costumes. A special Easter rendition of the Wonderland Seasons Joy show will also take place to commemorate the park’s 20th anniversary with song and dance.
Wonderland Seasons Joy ~Easter Ver.~
Minion Park Easter
The park will also introduced a special egg hunt after Elmo and the Minions dropped some of their eggs. If you manage to find them all you get a limited-edition gold medal. USJ is also taking the Easter festivities online too with a special celebratory live stream called Let’s Cooking! Kawaii Easter Party
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 & © 2021 Sesame Workshop © 2021 Peanuts Worldwide LLC TM & © Universal Studios & Amblin Entertainment Universal Studios Japan TM & © Universal Studios. All rights reserved.
© Nintendo
Information
Universal Easter Celebration
Running: March 12, 2021 – June 27, 2021
Location: Universal Studios Japan
Official Website: https://www.usj.co.jp/web/en/us -
7 Days of Strawberry Dessert Love at Isetan Shinjuku This January
10.January.2021 | FOOD
Isetan Shinjuku has announced a special one-week event titled “7 Days of Loving Strawberries” which is centred around cute and delicious strawberry desserts and will run this month from January 13-19. Ten cafes and restaurants are participating with a sweet and succulent line-up including strawberry daifuku, strawberry shortcake, special parfaits and crepes, and more.
Strawberry Candle Pavlova @ mihopan popcake | Two for ¥972 (Tax Included) *Limited quantities
MIGAKI-ICHIGO Strawberry Parfait @ Ichibiko | ¥1,980 (Tax Included)
Strawberry Shake @ Ichigo-ya Sunsunen | ¥721 (Tax Included)
Crispy Strawberry Mille-Feuille Crepe @ Sorairo Crepe | ¥935 (Tax Included) *Limited quantities
Strawberry Shortcake Parfait @ Shiseido Parlour | ¥1,045 (Tax Included)
Strawberry Daifuku @ Berry UP! | ¥432 (Tax Included)
Ripe Strawberry Milk Pudding @ Kanjyuku Ichigo Kashi Kekyusho | ¥486
Whole Strawberry Sandwich @ Sajisakon | From ¥864 (Tax Included)
MIGAKI-ICHIGO Strawberry Daifuku @ Seigetsudo Hoten | ¥432 (Tax Included)
Information
7 Days of Loving Strawberries (Japanese Name: いちごに恋する七日間)
Running: January 13, 2021 – January 19, 2021
Location: Isetan Shinjuku Floor B1F
Official Website: https://mi-journey.jp/foodie/66251/ -
discord Yohji Yamamoto x HUNTER Pet Accessories Drop in Tokyo
08.January.2021 | FASHION
discord Yohji Yamamoto, a luxury accessory brand spearheaded by Yohji Yamamoto, has launched a collaboration with German pet brand HUNTER to release a collection of dog collars, leads, and other accessories like bags and wallets.
HUNTER was established in 1980 and has gone on to mark its territory across the world as a provider of high quality pet goods, praised for for the design, functionality, and safety of its products.
Black Dog Collar & LeadThe dog collars are fitted with studs as part of the collaboration. Both the collar and lead feature the same colouring as discord Yohji Yamamoto’s products, arriving in the brand’s signature black as well as beige, the latter of which is often used for its bags and small leather products. They are also clipped with a signature charm which has a design symbolising the collaboration.
Beige Dog Collar & Lead
The accessories are made from elk leather which is soft and made extra durable with double layering. Having the collar and lead the same colours also adds a sophistication to the design when fitted on a dog.
The collection will be released at discord Yohji Yamamoto stores in GINZA SIX, Shibuya PARCO, and Isetain Shinjuku, as well online. More details can be found on the official website here.
discord Yohji Yamamoto Black / Beige Selection
Y BACKPACK Nylon Studs | ¥148,000
ORIGAMI Tote | ¥98,000
Triple Clutch | ¥58,000
Diagonal Bag | ¥45,000Y SERIES Studs
Y BODYBAG Studs | ¥138,000
Y BACKPACK Studs | ¥158,000Small Leather Goods
Card Mini Wallet | ¥17,000
Key Wallet | ¥20,000
Information
discord Yohji Yamamoto x HUNTER
discord Yohji Yamamoto GINZA SIX
Address: GINZA SIX Floor 2F, 6-10-1 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
TEL: 03-6264-5418
Product Page: https://www.yohjiyamamoto.co.jp/shopinfo-detail/?id=6545discord Yohji Yamamoto Shibuya PARCO
Address: Shibuya PARCO Floor 1F, 15-1 Udagawacho, Shibuya, Tokyo
TEL: 03-6416-5418
Product Page: https://www.yohjiyamamoto.co.jp/shopinfo-detail/?id=6545discord Yohji Yamamoto Isetan Shinjuku
Address: Isetan Shinjuku Main Building Floor 1F (Handbags), 3-14-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
TEL: 03-3352-1111
Product Page: https://www.yohjiyamamoto.co.jp/shopinfo-detail/?id=6523discord Yohji Yamamoto Official Website: https://theshopyohjiyamamoto.jp/shop/c/c50/
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Super Nintendo World Releases Virtual Tour of Entire Theme Park Area
07.January.2021 | ANIME&GAME / SPOT
Universal Studios Japan (USJ) announced last month that its highly-anticipated new Super Nintendo World area will open on February 4, 2021, which also happens to fall on the day of USJ’s 20th anniversary.
Super Nintendo World comes as the world’s first theme park area to be based around Nintendo’s characters and games, combining innovative ideas with cutting-edge technology.
With just one month left until the grand opening, USJ has launched a special website for Super Nintendo World which offers a virtual tour through each part of the new theme park area. Mario fanatics are sure to be delighted by the adornments from Bowser’s Castle to Pipes, Mushrooms, Question blocks, and more, as well as familiar faces like Goombas, Thwomps, Yoshi—the list goes on.
Accessing the site will bring you to an overview of the map. As you scroll down the website takes you on a virtual journey to each of its iconic attractions, all of which are designed to make you feel like you’re really in the world of Super Mario.
Information
Universal Studios Japan – Super Nintendo World
Grand Opening: February 4, 2021
Virtual Tour: https://super-nintendo-world.usj.co.jp/
Official Website: https://www.usj.co.jp/web/en/us/super-nintendo-world -
Harajuku’s BOTANIST Tokyo Reveals its Spring 2021 Menu
06.January.2021 | FOOD
BOTANIST’s flagship shop BOTANIST Tokyo is set to begin serving up its spring season menu for the new year at its second floor BOTANIST Cafe from January 8 to March 31.
Quinoa Teapot Salad & Potage (Vegan-Friendly) | ¥1,500 (Tax Included)
A sophisticated salad of quinoa, crunchy carrot and red onion, tomato, and more, all served in a cute teapot.
Salmon Salad & Waffles | ¥1,500 (Tax Included)
Naturally sweet vegan waffles with lime-drizzled vegetables and served with slightly salted salmon and cream cheese. Pour over the maple syrup to make the cream cheese even richer and enjoy a completely different flavour.
Cherry Blossom Jelly & Fromage Mousse (Vegan-Friendly) | ¥50 (Tax Included)
Refreshing cherry blossom flavoured jelly made with rich and velvety soy cream. The cherry blossom petal topping and sparkly appearance of the jelly makes this a luxurious looking dessert.
Cherry Blossom Chiffon Cake | ¥800 (Tax Included)
A fluffy cherry blossom chiffon cake dusted with cherry blossom powder. It’s a sweet and subtly salty mix topped with fresh cream.
Left: Three Berry Smoothie, Right: Strawberry & Raspberry Sweet Sake Smoothie (Vegan-Friendly) | ¥850 Each (Before Tax)
The Three Berry Smoothie incorporates the chunky texture of strawberries, sweetness of blueberries, and tangy taste of raspberries, creating a rich but not overly-sweet beverage. The Strawberry & Raspberry Sweet Sake Smoothie is one to go for if you love amazake.
Strawberry Decoration Hot Chocolate (Collaboration Drink) | ¥800 (Tax Included)
This luxurious strawberry hot chocolate is made in collaboration with Dari K, a craft chocolate maker who uses high quality cacao beans from Indonesia.
Select items on the spring menu are available for takeout as well as via Uber Eats in Japan, perfect for enjoy an indoor hanami this year.
BOTANIST Tokyo’s first floor shop will also release its spring series of products, such as the limited edition Botanical Spring Hair Perfume.
Information
BOTANIST Tokyo
Address: 6-29-2 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo
TEL: Floor 1F Shop: 03-5766-3777 / Floor 2F Cafe: 03-5766-3778
Opening Hours: 11:00-19:30 (Currently operating on decreased hours)
Official Website: https://shop.botanistofficial.com/