Photo by zakkubalan ©2022 Kab Inc.

On January 17, 2022, beloved composer Ryuichi Sakamoto celebrated his 70th birthday. The artist continues to battle cancer, and as a way to encourage and empower him, the commons label launched a special anniversary website titled 10 Favorites – Ryuichi Sakamoto. The site features appearances from major artists and creators who have cited Sakamoto as an inspiration, listing their ten favorite works by the composer alongside their unique perspectives and thoughts. The 25th and final installment features SUGA of the popular K-pop boy band BTS.

Comment from SUGA (BTS)

「어릴적 부모님 손에 이끌려 ‘마지막 황제’ 재개봉을 간 적이 있었습니다.
그 때 음악에 압도 되었다는 느낌을 처음 받았고 12살 음악을 만들기 시작하며 사카모토 류이치 선생님의 음악을 많이 듣고 샘플링을 하며 꿈을 키웠습니다.
저에게 수많은 영감을 준 뮤지션들은 많지만 사카모토 류이치 선생님은 더 많은 꿈을 꾸게 해주신 분입니다 (저는 참고로 코다 다큐멘터리의 재해대피소에서 연주한 Merry Chistmas Mr. Lawrence live 버전을 가장 좋아합니다)
부디 건강하세요 선생님.

“When I was young, my parents took me to see The Last Emperor. That was when I first experienced the feeling of being awed by music. I began composing music when I was twelve and dreamed about my future while listening to your music, even sampling some of it.

There are many musicians who have inspired me, but you are one of the people who has influenced me the most. (For reference, my favorite Sakamoto piece is the live performance version of Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence that was performed in the area impacted by the 2011 earthquake, which appears in the documentary CODA). Mr. Sakamoto, please stay healthy.”

Previous contributors to the project include Shinro Ohtake, Goro Inagaki, Banana Yoshimoto, Shiro Takatani, Yukihiro Takahashi, Akira Asada, Kiko Mizuhara, Haruomi Hosono, Yuima Nakazato, Ryu Murakami, LEO, UA, Shin’ichi Fukuoka, U-zhaan, Lee Sang-il, Ryoji Ikeda, Hiroshi Fujiwara, Kei Wakabayashi, Shinichiro Watanabe, Kiichi Fujiwara, Miki Nakatani, Daito Manabe, Taeko Ohnuki, and Hirokazu Koreeda.

Fans of Sakamoto’s works should feel free to peruse the site, which includes English translations of the guest’s selections and thoughts.

RootMe purikura machines around Japan have revealed some limited edition Spy x Family themes for a limited time! These will be available until March 5, 2023. 

Spy x Family has become a worldwide phenomenon, with the original manga series by Tatsuya Endo has sold over 27 million copies. Twilight, a world-class spy, is forced to act like a family man in order to complete a difficult mission. The family comedy has struck a chord with audiences everywhere, and the first season of the anime adaptation aired in April, returning in October for a second season.

Forger Family Set

Anya and Friends Set

Anya Expressions Set

Anya’s Famous Scenes Set

Four themed decorative frames are available at most RootMe machines nationwide. These designs range from the Forger family to Anya’s adorable facial expressions, to famous scenes from the series. 

These designs can, of course, be printed at the machines, and the photographs can also be downloaded to your smartphone. Fans won’t want to miss this!

*To use the filters, users must register (for free).

©遠藤達哉／集英社・SPY×FAMILY製作委員会

BTS fans will want to head to Nagoya! The TinyTAN Licensed Product Special Exhibition is now open at Nagoya Kintetsu Pass’e until October 2, 2022. Tons of new products inspired by Butter are available at an on-site pop-up shop!

The exhibition opened on September 17, and fans of the BTS song Butter are flocking to the event to snag some adorable new merch. In addition to new interior goods being unveiled for the first time, popular products have been released with entirely new designs. 

Many other world premiere products will also be available, including the 4 Season Blanket decorated with TinyTAN characters and inspired by spring, summer, fall, and winter. This will be available in limited quantities, so don’t miss out!

Two Sega purikura machines–ROMAPI and lalamee–will start a collaboration event with BE:FIRST on September 15! Until November 7, fans can get some snapshots with their favorite members at machines nationwide.

This collaboration event will feature moving photo frames, with lalamee offering 24 varieties and ROMAPI offering 28 varieties. Fans will also find 25 exclusive stickers featuring the members’ names, mini-characters, and logos! Fans can also take 3-second video moments with the members, giving them the feeling that they’re taking pictures side by side with the popular idols.

lalamee: 24 varities / ROMAPI: 28 varieties

Original Collaboration Effects

Original Collaboration Stamps

Limited Edition Original BE:FIRST Stickers

In addition, a total of five songs will appear as background music, including the group’s newest song Scream featured on their first album BE:1. Photos can be downloaded to smartphones using the Purikura ON app, which will also feature voice messages from the members!

Select stores will also be holding a gift campaign where customers can get a limited original BE:FIRST sticker by showing off their purikura creations. 30 machines nationwide will also be decorated to celebrate the campaign. 

BE:FIRST fans won’t want to miss this exclusive opportunity to get a snapshot with their favorite member!

©SEGA

Noritake, a fine china maker, has opened preorders for cup & saucer sets inspired by popular BTS songs! The DNA, MIC Drop, and Dynamite sets are currently available to order, while the Boy With Luv and Butter sets will be available on September 21. If you want one of these gorgeous sets, be quick–preorders will end once all items sell out.

The cups and saucers are made of bone china, a type of porcelain, and are decorated in bright and vivid colors inspired by some of the Korean boy band’s biggest hits. The backs of the cups and saucers are decorated with the BTS logo, so fans will want to add this to their kitchen. 

(C) BIGHIT MUSIC. All Rights Reserved.

Lifestyle brand BAYFLOW has launched a triple collaboration collection! Stores nationwide are now selling items created by the popular South Korean idol group BTS, headwear and fashion brand New Era, and the MLB, the world’s premier professional baseball league.

Dynamite 

Butter

Black Swan 

The designs in this collection incorporate the coloring and artwork found on the covers of the BTS singles Black Swan, Dynamite, and Butter, with the MLB logo. Fans can grab baseball caps, bucket hats, and t-shirts inspired by each song.

BAYFLOW began selling these new items in stores nationwide starting May 13, 2022. In addition, two New Era pop-up shops are open for a limited time at BAYFLOW Kichijoji and AEON Mall Kawaguchi!

NAMJATOWN, a theme park located in Ikebukuro, Tokyo, will be holding a special BT21 event from May 14 until June 12, 2022! The ‘BT21 MerryLand ~Welcome to our Dreamy World!~’ event celebrates the popular LINE FRIENDS characters, and guests can enjoy lots of games and treats!

The event recreates MerryLand, an amusement park in the BT21 member’s dreams. Guests can participate in three unique mini-games inspired by amusement park attractions, along with a stamp rally and riddle-solving game! Original merchandise and menu items will also be available.

Original Mini-Games

BT21 MerryLand Spinning Ferris Wheel / BT21’s  Whirling Teacups ♪ / The Full Stomach Yum-yum Wagon

Mini-Game Prizes

A Prize: Relaxing Cushion (7 varieties)

B Prize: Bandana (7 varieties)

C Prize: Mini Acrylic Stand (7 varieties, random)

D Prize: Character Pin (7 varieties, random)

*The design for A Prize and B Prize will differ depending on the mini-game.
(Guests can choose the design for each game.)
*For C Prize and D Prize, the design is the same for all mini-games.

Venue Exclusive Project! Rally Game

Rally Game Prizes

Participation Prize: Mascot Rubber Charm (7 varieties, random)
*Prizes are the same for each Rally Game.

Original Merchandise

Original Food & Drinks

Soft Drink with Acrylic Coaster / Fortune Latte (14 varieties) / Icing Cookie (7 varieties)

Those unable to attend the event can head to the Namco Parks Online Store to play some web-based mini-games offering the same prizes! Certain pieces of merchandise will also be available for purchase online.

Following Tokyo, the event will head to HEP FIVE in Osaka from July 2 until July 24 and Canal City Hakata in Fukuoka from August 5 until August 28.

©Bandai Namco Amusement Inc.

The popular BTS chibi characters TinyTAN will be featured at TinyTAN Cafe locations in five cities for a limited time! Nine locations will be open across Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka, Nagoya, and Miyagi starting April 21, 2022.

The TinyTAN characters were designed by the seven members of BTS to embody their “second selves.”

Select Cakes: ¥990

Fruits Deco Style: Strawberry, Fruits Deco Style: Mango, Fruits Deco Style: White Grape: ¥1,760

The menu is packed with desserts, including seven different types of cakes each inspired by a member of TinyTAN.

American Sundae Style Chocolate Cookie, American Sundae Style Caramel Nuts, American Sundae Style Pistachio Honey: ¥1,870

Afternoon Style Tea: ¥3,190

The Afternoon Style Tea includes a base plate that can be customized with guest’s favorite fruits and chocolates. Two types of TinyTAN Select Cakes will also be included to share!

Ham (2 types) & Scrambled Egg Peanut Butter Sandwich: ¥1,760

Cafe Style Drink & Cake Set *Prices vary based on drink selection.

Guests can choose from colorful bagel sandwiches, pancakes, and open sandwiches, along with a selection of sweet drinks to match each meal.

Bonuses

Acrylic Stand (7 varieties, random): ¥1,320

Sticky Note Roll: ¥880, Acrylic Nameplate (7 varieties): ¥990 each

Original cafe merchandise and special offers will make visiting the TinyTAN Cafe even more exciting!

© BIGHIT MUSIC. All Rights Reserved

BTS LICENSED PRODUCTS SHOW, an event where fans of the Korean pop group BTS can snag officially licensed products, will be held at Takashimaya Kyoto Store from March 30 to April 12, 2022.

Items at a Glance

Face Cushion (7 varieties)　

Mug (7 varieties)

TinyTAN, the adorable characters created by the band members, will appear on the merchandise inspired by some of BTS’s biggest hits like Dynamite, MIC Drop, DNA, and IDOL. Fans can grab plush toys, cushions, cell phone cases, towels, keychains, acrylic stands, umbrellas, gloves, hats, and more! Those spending ¥3,300 or more (including tax) will receive an original shopping bag.

TinyTAN, the adorable characters created by massively popular Korean boy band BTS, are getting an exhibition in Nagoya from February 18 until March 13, 2022!

The TinyTAN Exhibition is being held in Nagoya for the second time in six months. Fans in attendance will be able to buy the popular Dynamite acrylic stand and MICDrop face cushion and keychain, which is popular at the current exhibition being held in Yokohama! Acrylic stands featuring the new ‘Sweet Time’ and ‘TinyMart’ concepts will also be on sale, and the exhibition will be adding a new photo spot!

The 10th B121 Cafe, titled ~A LITTLE FESTA~, will open in Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka for a limited time. The theme this time is a fancy and cute world of illusions and fans of BTS won’t want to miss it!

Bonus 1

Bonus 2

Menu

Shooky’s Beef Stew

Koya’s Cream Pasta

Chimmy’s Keema Curry

Cooky’s Protein Bowl

RJ’s Banana Split

Mang’s Cotton Candy Pancake

Tata’s Chocolate Fondue

Drinks

Balloon Soda

FESTA☆Cafe Latte / Milk Tea (Iced)

FESTA☆ Cafe Latte / Milk Tea (Hot)

Coffee Set (Iced/Hot) / Tea Set (Iced/Hot)

Original Merchandise

Pins (7 designs, random) / Acrylic Keychain (3 varieties)

Masking Tape / Letter Set with Case

Clear Sticker (7 varieties) / Clear Folder (2 varieties)

Paper Napkins / Mug (2 varieties)

Mini Towel (7 varieties) / Balloon Set

Garland / Tote Bag

The menu fea tures a variety of food and drinks based on the popular characters, which are a collaboration between LINE and the boy band BTS. There will also be a shop selling original products at the cafe, so grab them before they’re gone!

©BT21

Fans of the massively popular K-pop group BTS will recognize TinyTAN. Formerly known as ‘BTS Characters,’ these animated characters are based on the group’s members and were created by Big Hit Entertainment. Now, a TinyTAN pop-up store is coming to Shibuya from October 30, 2021, until January 23, 2022!

TinyTAN characters were based on the idea that the members of BTS have a ‘second self’ inside of them. These personalities have been brought to life as adorable chibi characters, used by the group to spread positivity and happiness to fans all around the world. 

The TinyTAN LAND Pop-up store will feature a number of new TinyTAN items, store decorations, and photo spots, so fans able to make it to Shibuya won’t want to miss it!