The film Doraemon: Nobita’s Sky Utopia will be released on March 3, 2023. The 42nd Doraemon movie follows Doraemon, Nobita, and his friends as they venture off to find Utopia, a perfect land in the sky where everyone lines in joy and happiness. They do so using an airship with a time warp function on their adventure, and to commemorate the film’s release, the Flying Doraemon Project began on January 14. A real-life 17-meter-long Doraemon blimp will soon appear in the sky, and fans are being asked to decide on a name for the craft.

The blimp, inspired by the Doraemon movie, will feature popular characters including Nobita, Shizuka, Suneo, and Gian. The blimp is the largest unmanned airship in Japan.

The message of the Flying Doraemon Project is to convey the feeling that in this day and age, children and adults alike can once again look upward and move forward toward their hopes and dreams.

Fans are asked to contribute ideas for the blimps name during the application period. Check the website for more details!

Shogakukan’s online store has released a long-sleeve shirt inspired by Nobita’s room from the long-running Doraemon series. Released on December 15, the fashionable and fun item is sure to be a fan favorite.

Shirts Inspired by Nobita’s Room!

The shirt was developed in collaboration with Kawatani Shirt, a Tokyo-based brand dating back to 2011 specializing in casual shirts for adults. 

The green stripes were inspired by the tatami mats found in Nobita’s room, and the simple back is white with a slight checker pattern at the top.

Part of the inner lining is even decorated with Doraemon’s Take-copter!

The button at the neck is bright yellow, inspired by Doraemon’s signature bell.

The lining of the left breast pocket features an embroidered Doraemon as well. 

As expected, Nobita can also be seen lounging on the bottom right of the shirt. 

The shirt is available in four sizes from S to XL. Made from 100% cotton, this is a comfortable piece of clothing perfect for wearing all year round. Why not add this playful shirt to your rotation?

 ©Fujiko-Pro

Doraemon fans who also love the great outdoors will be able to grab some new goods for their winter outings. A Doraemon-inspired sleeping bag created by down maker NANGA and neckwear made by Spanish brand BUFF are now available at the Shogakukan online department store!

NANGA is one of Japan’s leading down manufacturers, beginning as Yokota Sewing in 1941 in Maibara, Shiga Prefecture, a famous production center for cotton futons. The down used in this new sleeping bag has been cleaned and refined using the newest technology, promising that this bedding will last for years to come.

Sleeping Bag

In addition to the blue, white, and red Doraemon-inspired coloring, the character’s famous collar also makes an appearance. Covered head to toe in motifs from the series, this bedding is also highly functional and warm.

Neckwear

The included storage bag is compact and able to fit in a backpack, measuring approximately 20cm x 40cm. Will you be adding these items to your camping pack this winter?

©Fujiko-Pro

Ukiyo-e paintings became popular during the Edo Period of Japanese history. For those weaning to see some of the most rad ukiyo-e paintings around, the new book Edo Punk! The Dynamic World of Ukiyo-e is now available at bookstores nationwide and online. Luckily, the book is also bilingual in English and Japanese!

Kuniyoshi Utagawa, popular in Japan and abroad and known for his unique perspective, and Yoshitoshi Tsukioka, the inspiration for many modern manga series, are both featured in this tome. The many pieces featured combine elements of fantastical beauty and harsh realities, and fans can read commentary by Shoko Haruki. Haruki worked at the Hokkaido Museum before becoming a curator at the Edo-Tokyo Museum in 2017. She specializes in Japanese art history.

The book is now available at bookstores nationwide and online.

Global creative agency monopo is teaming up with Shokuraku Asano, a 100-year-old obi maker from Kyoto! The company is working to create a digital experience for interested viewers, sharing each artisan’s personal story. Those who love Japanese culture are welcome to enjoy traditional Japanese crafts in an entirely new way!

Using a one-of-a-kind QR obi, a new storytelling method is showing off the hard work and love that goes into the company’s textiles. A special website and video allow interested viewers to experience the process of making an obi digitally, simply by using their smartphone. Even those unable to visit Japan to see these obi in person can dive into the history of the area’s textiles and become more acquainted with one part of Kyoto’s manufacturing culture. 

Kyoto was the ancient capital of Japan. The city is known for its history and preservation of Japanese culture, and prior to the pandemic, the city was constantly filled with visitors from around the world anxious to learn more about the country’s traditional culture. When the pandemic hit the world in 2020, it changed the city forever–tourists disappeared and the city became much quieter. Now that Japan has opened its borders, however, tourists are returning in droves.

While Shokuraku Asano upholds tradition, it also seeks to leave a mark on new generations by embracing new technology. This unique project is worth noting, so get your smartphone out and start learning!

We applaud monopo’s attempt to share this incredible traditional Japanese craftsmanship with people around the world. 

Doraemon’s Mirai Department Store, Doraemon’s official shop, has announced a limited edition black tea flavored with the character’s favorite food: dorayaki! The tea and four special themed plates will be available starting November 11, 2022. The tea itself is provided by the tea specialty shop LUPICIA. 

Doraemon’s Mirai Department Store Black Tea (Dorayaki Flavor)

Doraemon’s Mirai Department Store is now offering this special tea in an adorable themed tin.

The flavor of the tea is inspired by Doraemon’s favorite food, dorayaki, a sweet Japanese pastry filled with red bean paste. The gorgeous blue and red toppings blended into the tea leaves were inspired by Doraemon himself, and fans will want to enjoy a cup as they lose themselves in the classic manga or anime series.

Doraemon’s Mirai Department Store Tasty Plate (4 varieties)

These 14cm square plates are perfect for snacks with tea. Dishwasher-safe, fans can pick from four designs, each showing Doraemon enjoying some tasty treats. 

©Fujiko-Pro

From December 1, 2022 until May 28, 2023, Doraemon’s official shop will appear at Daimaru Umeda! Doraemon’s Mirai Department Store will offer a variety of limited-edition products for this brief period. 

Doraemon’s Mirai Department Store Exclusive Goods (Selection)

Chenille Embroidered Tote Bag (Doraemon and Mini Doraemon): ¥3,520 (Tax Included)

This tote bag is decorated with lasting embroidery and is sure to brighten any Doraemon fan’s day. The shoulder-length handles are practical and each bag has excellent storage capacity!

Doraemon Striped Socks (Red/Green): ¥2,420 each (Tax Included)

These thick socks are sure to keep your feet warm during the cold winter months. The simple lines and chic colors make these a great gift for any age.

Come check out these exclusive items that you can only find here!

©Fujiko-Pro

At the 5th annual Kyoto Ani-Monozukuri Awards 2022, a collection of Attack on Titan playing cards made in traditional Japanese style took the Gold Prize in the Craft Design category. In Japanese, monozukuri means ‘to make something by hand.’

The Kyoto Ani-Monozukuri Awards aims to revitalize business between the anime industry and local companies and organizations. It honors outstanding collaborative products, inviting those with a creative streak to try their luck at designing something uniquely anime-inspired. This year’s awards show saw 157 total entries, with one winning the grand prize, seven winning both gold and silver, and six winning bronze.

Charaditional Toys was launched this year, and the company aims to create items for adults who love anime characters. The Gold Award was granted to the company after judges were inspired by the traditional Japanese craftsmanship and high quality shown in the final product. Made by Oishi Tengudo, a company founded in Kyoto in 1800, the cards were made using classic methods. These 48 original playing cards are like nothing fans of Attack on Titan have seen before. 

A second project is scheduled for release in winter 2022, so stay tuned!

©諫山創・講談社／「進撃の巨人」The Final Season製作委員会

PREMICO is known for creating collaborations between popular anime characters and traditional Japanese crafts. Now, to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Sailor Moon, some special items are available from around Japan at the PREMICO online store.

Special anniversary items created by master craftsmen around Japan are now available to order, all inspired by the theatrical release Sailor Moon Eternal. These five items come from Fukushima Prefecture, Ishikawa Prefecture, Tokyo, Kagawa Prefecture, and Fukuoka Prefecture, and you can see details of each below!

Be sure to get your hands on some of these exclusive collaboration items!

Fukushima Prefecture – Aizu Lacquer Music Box

Aizu lacquer ware has a history of over 400 years in the Aizu region of Fukushima Prefecture. Sailor Moon’s Crisis Moon Compact has been painted on glossy black lacquer, and the symbols of the ten Sailor Soldiers surround it. By opening the lid, fans will hear the show’s theme song, Moonlight Densetsu. 

Ishikawa Prefecture – Kutani ware Dishes (Set of 3)

Kutani ware, a style of Japanese porcelain, is produced in the Kaga region of Ishikawa Prefecture. The vivid colors seen on these plates were inspired by the brightness of the Sailor Moon franchise. The set includes three plates: one inspired by the inner soldiers, one featuring both the inner and outer soldiers, and one displaying everyone’s favorite cats, Luna, Artemis, and Diana. 

Tokyo – Edo Faceted Glass

This Edo faceted glassware depicts the twinkling of the stars, each made with care by a dedicated craftsman. Two colors are available: a light crimson color with the symbols of the inner soldiers and Super Sailor Chibi Moon and a lapis lazuli color with the symbols of the outer soldiers.

Kagawa Prefecture – Wooden Kagawa Lacquerware Bowls (Set of 2)

Kagawa lacquerware is characterized by its use of colorful lacquer to create delicate and detailed patterns. This pair of bowls feature the symbols of Super Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Mask on bright vermilion and black backgrounds.

From the Crisis Moon Compact and the Silver Crystal to the famous Mask, these bowls are decorated with gorgeous gold and silver coloring and traditional maki-e finishing.

Fukuoka Prefecture – Hakata Woven Long Wallet

Hakata cloth is a silk fabric made by weaving a thin warp yarn and a thicker weft yarn together in a tightly-packed weave to create a stiff, ribbed appearance. This beautiful wallet features feminine colors and powerful symbols such as the legendary silver crystal and the inner soldier’s symbols, along with a golden crescent moon. 

(c)武内直子・PNP／劇場版「美少女戦士セーラームーンEternal」製作委員会

On August 5, McDonald’s Japan will begin selling some summer-only sweets! The McShake Doraemon Ramune and Doraemon Choco Banana Pie items are based on a summer festival, and the packaging will feature adorable Doraemon imagery. 

These treats will bring back memories of summer festivals, with popular flavors like chocolate banana and ramune. Each sweet will be available in a total of six newly-designed packages, so you might need to buy a few until you get your favorite character!

McShake Doraemon Ramune

The McShake Doraemon Ramune features the nostalgic flavor of ramune and a creamy texture. Two types of ramune flavors were used to create a taste that will keep you coming back for more, and citrus flavors were added to create a refreshing flavor perfect for summer. This tasty treat is available in three versions–Doraemon, Nobita, and Gian.

Doraemon Chocolate Banana Pie

The Doraemon Chocolate Banana Pie consists of a crispy pie crust packed with banana filling and a rich chocolate sauce. Fans of Doraemon can grab this pie in three different sleeves–Dorami, Shizuka, and Suneo.

※Product images for illustration purposes only. Actual products may vary.

Happy Meal

Round 1: August 5 – August 11

Round 2: August 12 – August 18

In addition, Doraemon-related items will be packed with every Happy Meal starting August 5.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like if cats could talk? Anthropomorphization is when a non-human creature is depicted in a way that imitates humans. 

The Moshimo Neko Exhibition, which focuses on anthropomorphic cat artworks by the ukiyo-e artist Utagawa Kuniyoshi, will be held at the Nagoya City Museum from July 2 to August 21, 2022.

Popular Cat’s Juggling Act – Utagawa Kuniyoshi (Private Collection)

New Cat’s Balancing Act – Utagawa Kuniyoshi (Private Collection)

Piece from Utagawa Kuniyoshi (Private Collection)

This exhibition presents 135 works featuring humanized cats, with a focus on the fun of Edo-era anthropomorphic expression centered on the works of Utagawa Kuniyoshi. Those who love cats and ukiyo-e will be in heaven here, and these charming cats are sure to make you giggle.

From around 1841, the ukiyo-e artist Utagawa Kuniyoshi released numerous works featuring anthropomorphized cats and portraying actors as cats.

The Hazy Moon Cat’s Writings – Kyozan Santo・Utagawa Kuniyoshi (Private Collection)

Popular Cats in a Noh Play – Utagawa Kuniyoshi (Private Collection)

Guests can also take part in a quiz to more deeply understand the works found in the exhibition and an AR component will make it seem like the cats are jumping out of the paintings. 

Behance, the world’s largest creative social media network, has started a new project to promote Japanese traditional culture and arts and crafts to the world. Works on Behance will be transformed into NFTs, with the goal to establish a new way for traditional craftsmen to profit from their work.

Japan’s traditional arts and crafts are well-known by many around the world. On the other hand, challenges still remain as many regions’ traditional manufacturing industries are digitized. Sharing more detailed information about these crafts with overseas markets has also been difficult.

According to the “Survey on the Revitalization of Local Traditional Manufacturing Industries” published by the Development Bank of Japan in 2018, Japan’s traditional arts and crafts industry peaked around 1980. Due to the recession caused by the burst of the bubble economy, the rise of inexpensive foreign products, and changes in lifestyle, the amount of production has been declining year by year. Compared with the peak period, current production has dropped to one-fifth or about 100 billion yen. The workers involved in traditional crafts are also aging, making it difficult to pass on their skills to younger creators.

On Behance, users can not only get inspiration from other people’s work but can also publish their own works and receive helpful feedback and comments. Marketing professionals also use Behance to find creators for campaigns and collaborations, and previously, a Japanese creator who had uploaded his work to the social media site was asked to illustrate the cover of the New York Times. 

This project is designed to promote traditional Japanese arts and crafts in the hopes of supporting their continued development in the face of many difficult conditions.