JR Kyushu has signed a promotional license agreement with Walt Disney Japan to launch the "GO! WAKU WAKU ADVENTURE with PIXAR" project, which will see the shinkansen bullet trains decorated in characters from the Pixar animated filmography starting on September 12, 2020.   The project comes at a time when Pixar celebrates the 25th anniversary of the original Toy Story film, which released back in 1995 as the first entirely computer-animated feature film.   New details have been released for the upcoming project, including the unveiling of the key visual, the content of the collaboration, campaigns that will be held, and limited-edition merchandise which will be sold.

Key Visual

The key visual is a colourful Pixar creation which is shaped to look like the seven prefectures that make up Kyushu—Japan's south-westernmost island where the JR Kyushu WAKU WAKU ADVENTURE Shinkanen bullet train will run.  

Character Visuals

Poster Design

All major stations along the JR Kyushu Line display the key visual along with the above-pictured poster featuring various Pixar characters. Each of Kyushu's seven major prefectural train stations listed below will also have additional posters for different Pixar films.   Hakata Station: Toy Story Saga Station: Up Nagasaki Station: Finding Nemo Oita Station: The Incredibles Kumamoto Station: Cars Kagoshima-Chūō Station: Monsters, Inc. Miyazaki Station: Wall-E  

Tabloid Distribution

For illustrative purposes only. Distribution from September 12, 2020.

At all major stations running the JR Kyushu Line, commuters can get their hands on a free tabloid inspired by the "My Adventure Book" from the Pixar film Up. The content of the tabloid features information related to the collaboration and where you can find Pixar characters at stations throughout Kyushu, so you too can have your own adventure.

 

Photo Spots

Cars photo spot

The seven JR Kyushu prefectural stations will also have their own photo spots where you can snap a picture. You'll also spot Woody and Buzz dolls and Hakata Station and Sully and Mike ones at Kagoshima-Chūō Station.   Participating Stations: Hakata Station, Saga Station, Nagasaki Station, Oita Station, Kumamoto Station, Kagoshima-Chūō Station, Miyazaki Station  

Special Site & Official Instagram

A special site opened which features the departure schedule for the JR Kyushu WAKU WAKU ADVENTURE Shinkansen, details on campaigns, the latest details on the collaboration, and more. Waku Waku ADVENTURE now also has its own Instagram page which includes reports on event, pictures of merchandise, and other details.  

Special Movie

A special collaborative movie will be released in September centred on the themes of Pixar's movies such as bonds between people, family, friends, and adventure. It will be shown at JR Kyushu stations and the special site.  

Campaign: Find the Pixar Ball

Original sticker designs

If you spot a station staff member at any of the JR Kyushu prefectural stations wearing a Pixar ball badge, call out to them and they'll give you one of seven possible Pixar stickers as pictured above. All seven can be put into your "My Adventure Book," so try collecting them all!   Participating Stations: Hakata Station, Saga Station, Nagasaki Station, Oita Station, Kumamoto Station, Kagoshima-Chūō Station, Miyazaki Station *Depending on the time, platform staff may not be wearing the badges *Stickers are available while supplies last  

GO! WAKU WAKU ADVENTURE Digital Stamp Rally

A digital stamp rally will be held on the official JR Kyushu app. Board the JR Kyushu WAKU WAKU ADVENTURE Shinkansen, visit JR Kyushu Stations, and get some original stamps.   1st Stamp Rally: September 12, 2020 - January 31, 2021  

Limited Edition Merchandise

Merchandise lineup

A special collection of merchandise has been created featuring designs of Kyushu and the Pixar characters. The items will be sold at shops around JR Kyushu stations and online in Japan.   Release Date: September 12, 20202 Merchandise List: https://www.jrkyushu.co.jp/train/wakuwaku-adventure/goods/   Those who ride the very first departing train will receive an original Pixar design train ticket. The Tsubame 363 train bound for Kagoshima-Chūō Station will depart from Hakata Station at 12:19 on September 12, 2020.   ©Disney/Pixar

My Neighbor Totoro is one of Studio Ghibi's most celebrated animated feature films, adored by people around the world. If you've visited Japan, you're bound to have run into something Totoro-related, but did you know there's actually several locations in Kyushu which takes it to the next level, bringing the world of the film to life?   Today, we are joined by Rie who posts her Kyushu travels on her Instagram page. She has provided us with photos of these amazing spots, which are must-visits for Totoro fans, along with her thoughts.  

Tataragi Bus Stop | Hita, Oita Prefecture

When you roll up to Tataragi Bus Stop (多々良木バス停) in Oita's city of Hita, you are welcomed by a giant piece of wall art made into the moss that grows on the wall. This bus stop is actually a stop used exclusively by school buses, so ordinary people can't actually catch a bus here. And unfortunately, you won't see any cat buses running down the street if you wait long enough in the rain, but it's still a must-visit for fans. Address: Amagasemachi Gota, Hita, Oita, Japan (In Japanese: 大分県日田市天瀬町合田)  

Totoro's Forest | Saiki, Oita Prefecture

This area is visited by many tourists and sightseers throughout the year because of how similar it looks to something from My Neighbor Totoro. There is a small park near the bus stop which is known as Totoro no Mori (Totoro's Forest). Being surrounded by nature, enveloped by the green trees and foliage, makes you feel like Mei and Satsuki from the movie. It's like being transported back to my childhood. It's a strange place that makes you feel nostalgic even if it's your first time visiting. Address: 1368 Ume Oaza Minamitabaru, Saiki-shi, Oita Prefecture (In Japanese: 大分県佐伯市宇目大字南田原轟1368)  

Takahara, Miyazaki Prefecture

The next spot I want to show you is where an ordinary person made their very own Totoro statue. If you hold up an umbrella in the rain you can take a photo that recreates that one scene from te movie. There is a sign nearby the statue with a caution written on it as the Totoro is actually inside a family garden. When visiting to take a photo, please make sure to follow the caution and not cause any trouble for people in the neighbouring area. Address: 7538-6 Kamamuta, Takaharu, Nishimorokata-gun, Miyazaki Prefecture (In Japanese: 宮崎県西諸島県群高原町大字蒲牟田7538-6)   Rie posts photos of all her visits around Kyushu on Instagram, so if you're thinking of ever visiting there, be sure to follow her for ideas on where to go.   Photos by Rie*The information listed in this article is correct at the time of publishing

Japanese tea shop Susumu Chaya started up a takeout service for shaved ice on Tuesday (July 7) at all of its branches including in Kagoshima as well as Jiyugaoka and Shibuya's DESCENTE TOKYO in Tokyo. The shaved iced takeout service was originally only available at the two Tokyo branches, but now customers in Kagoshima can enjoy the tea-flavoured desserts.

Matcha Shaved Ice: ¥750 (Before Tax)

Made using Susumu Chaya's "koicha," a rich and full-bodied matcha variety.

Houjicha Shaved Ice: ¥750 (Before Tax)

The houjicha shaved ice is made using only first-grade tea leaves picked by Susumu Chaya. It has a refreshing taste.   The shaved ice can be ordered for takeout or eaten inside the cafes. Enjoy the full flavour of Japanese tea coupled with a refreshing portion of shaved ice.

Sakura, Chiba is home to important cultural heritage and even what is also known as the "Samurai Town". Now you can stroll around the beautiful old streets of Sakura dressed as a Samurai, attend a relaxing zen session and even take part in a tea ceremony as part of a limited period tourist plan. The Samurai tour is mainly aimed at foreigners, however Japanese people who are curious about samurai culture are also more than welcome to join.    Sakura Castle Samurai Stroll In 2016, Sakura became one of the four cities of the Hokuso region to be designated as a Heritage site under the title “An Edo Travelogue through Four Hokuso Cities" for its preservation of the old Edo culture. Old buildings full of secrets can be spotted all over the town, creating the old atmosphere of the Edo period. Embrace the elegant remnants of the Edo period with a relaxing stroll in Samurai clothing. Who knows what you might discover.Your relaxing stroll will be led by a tour guide who knows a lot about the history of Sakura. This is a wonderful opportunity to take beautiful pictures of the historical Samurai house (Bukeyashiki). Your tour guide will also show you Hiyodorizaka, which is a natural path lined with a dense forest of tall bamboo trees where Samurai are said to have often pass by. Every year, the bamboo and wooden sword martial arts sessions in the program are also very popular.    ◇ Running:October 26 November 9, 23 December 14, 21January 11, 25 February 8, 22March 12, 28April 9, 25May 9, 16   ◇ Times: 9:30 ー 12:30 *The program will still run in bad weather excluding stormy or severe weather.◇ Prices:¥6,500 per person (Includes lunch voucher and entry to the samurai house)* ¥6,000 per person when you purchase tickets as a group of 3 or more.◇ TicketsReservation Website: https://www.govoyagin.com/jaApply Directly to Sakura City Tourism AssociationTEL: 043-486-6000Email: sakurashi-kankou@catv296.ne.jp* Phone calls will be answered in Japanese only.   Zen Meditation and Tea Ceremony in the House of a Feudal LordThere are also guided zen meditation and tea ceremony sessions which are available for a limited period only. These guided zen meditation and tea ceremonies will take place in the Kyuhottatei ー one of Japan's most preserved traditional-style feudal lord residences. This luxurious Edo-style mansion was built 130 years ago and is classified as an Important Cultural Property.     ◇ Running:October 16, November 7, 19December 6, 18   ◇ Times: 9:00 ー 12:30 *The program will still run in bad weather excluding stormy or severe weather.   ◇ Prices:¥10,000 per person (Includes lunch voucher, entry to the Kyuhottatei and tea ceremony participation fee.)   ◇ TicketsPlease enquire directly to the Sakura City Tourism AssociationTEL:  043-486-6000Email Address: sakurashi-kankou@catv296.ne.jp* Phone calls will be answered in Japanese only.   If you are curious about Edo Samurai culture, you won't be disappointed by this program.

Both Sengan-en, Shoko Shuseikan Museum and Satsuma Kiriko Glassworks have been nominated for "Best Attraction" in the 2019 Travel & Tourism Awards, which are held in London every year as part of World Travel Market London (WTM). This year marks the 40th run of WTM London, which brings together over 50,000 travel and tourism professionals from 186 countries to spread the latest tourism trends and must-visit locations around the world. The Travel & Tourism Awards is a universally recognised stamp of approval, held in front of over 500 seniors in the travel industry. Sengan-en, Shoko Shuseikan Museum, and Satsuma Kiriko Glassworks have been recognised and nominated for their renovation efforts which have increased tourism. They are up against six other facilities in the same category, including Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter by Warner Bros Studios.   With only one entry from Japan, which location will take home the award? Japan will be watching intently for the reveal on November 5.

SAMURAI ROCK ORCHESTRA opened its all-new Samurai Rock Restaurant at Pasela Resorts Akiba Multi Entertainment in July and went into full throttle on August 5. This 'show restaurant' offers a dining experience like no other, serving not only food but thrilling entertainment from world class artists from a wide range of backgrounds including samurai, ninja, acrobats, and many more, all of whom are rallied and ready to put on a show you will never forget.   Children and adults from around the world can look forward to experiencing what Samurai Rock Restaurant has to offer as their performances transcend language barriers, needing only to be seen to be appreciated. The restaurant has also cooked up one delicious menu with many options to pick from, including some meals inspired by something specific such as samurai. Expect to see acrobatics from the vaulting box to baton performance, rhythmic gymnastics, ropes and more, all sure to make you go "wow!" You can even meet and speak to the performers, and maybe ask them how on earth they were able to do what they did!   Experience a new form of nightlife in Akihabara at the Samurai Rock Restaurant.