Each month, a new themed café or menu is introduced in Japan in collaboration with popular characters. There's a whole list of kawaii ones that make an appearance every time.   Let's take a look at some character cafés you can look forward to in August 2018.   'Over Action Rabbit' x VANDALISM Shibuya Over Action Rabbit is a popular stamp series used on the LINE and Kakao Talk messenger apps that has gained much attention in Japan and particularly with young people in South Korea. The cute and lovable rabbit is getting his own themed café that will be open for a limited period between July 21 and August 26. This is the first time a café has collaborated with Over Action Rabbit in Japan. The kawaii café will take the form of his surreal world and be decorate in pastel-coloured decor. They also have a takeout menu. Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/118092       The Very Hungry Caterpillar x Marione Gate Ginza The internationally beloved children's picture book The Very Hungry Caterpillar has its own café in Japan, and they've introduced some eye-catching new menu items for the summer. Everything delicious thing on the menu recreates the wonderful world of the story down to the finest of details that are sure to leave you smiling! Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/107654       Gudetama x Dining Park Ikebukuro To celebrate Gudetama's 5th anniversary, he's launched into space to bring us a very special space-themed menu packed with dishes perfect for Instagram feeds, such as the Zero Gravity Gudetama Burger, Black Hole Jar Parfait, and much more. Drink and dine at the café to receive a limited edition Gudetama fan and coaster. Keep in mind these are limited in quantity, so you'll want to visit quick! Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/112954       Chiitan☆ x Harajuku Kawaii-ya Located down Takeshita Street, Harajuku's iconic shopping spot, is Harajuku Kawaii-ya, a café that has teamed up with the kawaii otter mascot Chiitan☆. Running until September 9, the menu is filled with dishes with very unique names in Japanese which translate to things like "I'm Chiitan, the One Who Destroyed the Trampoline Someone Bought For Me... Hot Pie." You don't need to make any reservations. It's first-come, first-served all day making it an easy place to get into if you're unsure how to book in Japanese. Experience the world of Chiitan☆ in Harajuku!       Cinnamoroll x Sapporo PARCO Sanrio’s popular character Cinnamoroll recently won the 33rd Sanrio 2018 Character Awards  so to celebrate, he received his very own themed café which is open at Sapporo PARCO until September 10. Enjoy the Soratobu Cinnamoroll Curry featuring Cinnamoroll flying through a green curry sky with his big ears. The dish is topped with cotton candy clouds which, when mixed with the curry, creates a unique flavour of sweet and spicy. There's a whole list of cute dishes on the menu. Cinnamoroll and his pals will also be there to greet you as staff. Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/116613       Cardcaptor Sakura x Sakura Fantasy Cafe The Sakura Fantasy Caf is a new collaborative café themed on the latest entry to the Cardcaptor series, Cardcaptor Sakura: Clear Card, now open for a limited time in Tokyo (Harajuku), Osaka (Abeno) and Saitama (Koshigaya). The cafés have a photogenic themed menu as well as a photo spot and more, all with original illustrations. There's even a line-up of original Cardcaptor merchandise you can’t get anywhere else. The menu includes a selection of cheese toast, roast beef, smoothies, pancakes and more.   Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/116035       Did you enjoy this list? Be sure you get a chance to visit a character café while you're in Japan.

Unique fashionista duo Yuna Yabe and MIOCHIN embarked on their third trip around Harajuku together. In the first trip we saw them visit 6 second hand clothing shops recommended by them, and in the second they went around finding different places to take photos.   For their third entry they are showcasing places where you can buy inexpensive makeup and fashion accessories in Harajuku.   "STYLENANDA" - The Cute Pink Shop"There's actually I place I've always been curious about when walking around Harajuku. Please! I wanna go!" This was MIOCHIN's enthusiastic request, and so they headed there - to STYLENANDA, the Harajuku flagship store, located along Takeshita Street. The pink exterior is very stylish. STYLENANDA is a South Korea-based fashion brand. Japan's flagship store in Harajuku was the first branch to arrive and it attracted much attention. There are three floors decked out in cosmetic brands such as 3CE as well as a range of apparel. The cosmetic designs are of course flashy looking, but as cosmetic items they are also first-class quality. Additionally, because the store collaborates with so many times, you can always look forward to seeing something new no matter when you visit. Their hugely popular white milk cream is a must-check too. It's a moisturising cream that naturally turns your skin white wherever you put it as pictured above. It comes in cute milk carton packaging too! The product is synonymous with the 3CE brand. MIOCHIN and Yuna began searching for items that best suited them. Yuna is a frequent customer at this store but this was MIOCHIN's first time.   What did the both of them end up buying? Find out at the end of the article!     STYLENANDA's Must-See Photo Spots STYLENANDA has a number of places for great photo opportunities. The store has a cute appearance wherever you look. You can see that it's not only the cosmetic designs that look great, but every nook and cranny of the store has been tended to.   If you go to then you've got to check out STYLENANDA!       "WEGO1.3.5..." - Kawaii Bargains"Sorry! There's something I forgot to buy so can we go to Takeshita Street again?" asked MIOCHIN enthusiastically. Off they went to WEGO1.3.5..., a lifestyle store that sells cute and fun pop items in three prices: ¥100, ¥300 and ¥500. They have everything from apparel to fashion items and accessories, socks, travel goods, cosmetics, event and party goods, souvenirs and more all for the bargain prices of ¥100, ¥300 or ¥500. Some items cost a bit more but even those are super cheap! They stock plenty of items trending this summer like aurora and rainbow designs. The shelves are absolutely overflowing with things to choose from, and they're all so cheap! You might end up buying too much... The store also has the photo spot above which makes for a great Instagram post. Visit and try to find it yourself!       Showing Off the Items They Bought!MIOCHIN MIOCHIN bought the white milk cream from STYLENANDA, something she's always wanted. She also picked up the Sparkling Liquid Pigment which can be used to make up parts of your makeup. It's a liquid type so it's easy to spread but difficult to kink. Putting it just around your eyes leaves a gorgeous impression. It's fine to use on your body too of course. At WEGO1.3.5..., she bought a unicorn boots keeper, a piggy bag, a rainbow coloured heart earrings, and a flower photo frame. Despite it all being so cheap everything really stands out and is eye catching. Will she use the unicorn in a YouTube video...? Yuna At STYLENANDA, Yuna bought some cosmetics... or so we thought, she actually got a hat and a bag! The summery material brings out that fresh vibe. The fact you can enjoy makeup as well as apparel at STYLENANDA is part of its appeal. She bought a heart-shaped mini dresser from WEGO1.3.5... and a pen case. She also got some cute glittery wrapping paper to use as a backdrop in her YouTube videos. With just this she can elevate her home interior aesthetic that much more!   Did you enjoy their third trip to Harajuku? In this article the two of them visited two bargain stores that MIOCHIN wanted to go to. Harajuku has even more unique and appealing spots along its streets. Why not find them yourself this summer in Japan?   This series can be enjoyed on their YouTube channels too, so be sure to check them out!

 

Shaved ice is one of the most popular desserts during summertime in Japan. It's made with ice shaved from an ice block and drizzled in different kinds of syrups.   Here's a list of 6 shaved ice desserts you should try in Japan this summer.   Strawberry Shaved Ice & Melon Shaved Ice Fruit Parlor Odawara is located in the city of Hachinohe in Aomori Prefecture and sells desserts mixed with fresh fruits. Their strawberry shaved ice is made with around 25 sachinoka strawberries farmed locally, while their melon shaved ice uses carefully selected ripe melons and is served inside a melon. Only 10 of each flavour are available to purchase each day. They're being sold until the end of August, so be sure to visit quick!       Kazuri Chocolate Mint Mario Gelateria is selling a range of chocolate mint shaved ice desserts for a limited period at three of its branches. Enjoy the fluffy Kezuri Chocolate Mint at the Shibuya Hikari branch, Chocolate Mint which turns pink at the Yokohama Bayside and Minato Mirai branches, and more. The Kezuri Chocolate Mint is most recommended, made with frozen mint milk and chocolate sauce. Enjoy topped with salted chocolate mint with salt from Uyuni Salt Lake.       Peanut & Homemade Condensed Milk Shaved Ice Taiyaki Tomoean is selling a shaved ice dessert that includes a paste made in-house with crushed peanuts and a homemade syrup made with condensed milk. It's also topped with extra peanuts, giving layers of different flavours and texture with the full-bodied taste of the peanuts and sweetness of the syrup. You won't have eaten shaved ice like this before.        Wicked Snow - Watermelon & Melon Shaved Ice Wicked Snow is a desserts cafe who are bringing back their three popular summer-only shaved ice flavours - pick from watermelon, melon, or a combination of both. The shaved ice is Wicked Snow’s own unique blend, made to look like powdered snow that melts in your mouth. Topped with plenty of watermelon and melon, this is the kind of dessert you’d expect to see on Instagram.   Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/113471       Yondaime Tokujiro Natural Ice In the Karuizawa Lakeside Shop of Hotel Green Plaza Karuizawa they are selling shaved ice made with natural ice from Nikko Yondaime Tokujiro, a brewery of which there are only a few located in Japan. Located in Nikko in Tochigi Prefecture, this natural ice warehouse has passed down traditional methods and techniques for 4 generations since the Meiji Period. The shaved ice is topped with tochiotome strawberry sauce, original plum sauce, matcha adzuki and more.       Tamba Spring Water Shaved Ice Nakajima Taishodo are selling shaved ice made with large-grained adzuki beans and spring water both from the city of Tamba. The high quality beans give the dessert a sweetness, while the shaved ice, made with famous spring water from the company's breweries, give a fluffy texture. People from Kyoto, Osaka and Kobe come all the way to see this shaved ice which stands 18cm tall!       Looking to cool yourself off while in Japan this summer? Then how about some refreshing shaved ice?

Anime is loved by people across the world. One big aspect that can make an anime memorable for people is the music used, whether it's an opening theme, ending theme, insert song or background music.   Let's take a look at some of the Japanese artists in charge of songs for ongoing and upcoming anime series this year. Perhaps you'll discover a new favourite band or singer.   Wagakki Band - "Kyoto Teramachi Sanjou no Holmes"Kyoto Teramachi Sanjou no Holmes is a popular mystery light novel series written by Mai Mochizuki. The series has sold over 700,000 copies and won the Kyoto Book Awards in 2016. The anime adaptation began airing on July 10, for which Wagakki Band's song Sasameyuki from their album Otonoe is used as the opening theme. The song is an intricate fusion of rock band power, traditional Japanese instruments, and orchestral instruments.        Yuzu - "Crayon Shin-chan" Folk rock duo Yuzu's new song Mascot will serve as the newest theme song to the popular ongoing anime series Crayon Shin-chan. The song will hit shelves in Japan on August 1. Described as a 'party song,' Yujin Kitagawa wrote and composed the pop number which has an electro sound and elements of ska and reggae.       Lenny code fiction - "My Hero Academia" Opening Theme Lenny code fiction's highly anticipated new song Make my story will be released on August 22. The song also features as the opening theme song to the third season of the hugely popular ongoing anime series My Hero Academia. It's a catchy, feel-good track that can be said to be the band showing their true value. Its positive and courageous message is the perfect match for a show like My Hero Academia.       Masaki Suda - "My Hero Academia" Ending Theme Masaki Suda will release his new single Long Hope Philia on August 1. A different arrangement of the song titled Long Hope Philia (TV Limited) is being used as the ending theme for season three of My Hero Academia. The song was released digitally on July 14.        Maaya Uchida - "SSSS.GRIDMAN" Voice actress and singer Maaya Uchida released her anticipated second album Magic Hour on April 25, 2018. She will provide the ending theme for the 2018 fall anime series SSSS.GRIDMAN. The song, titled youthful beautiful, will be released as her 8th single on October 17, 2018.     Be sure to check out each of these songs yourself and see how they match their respective anime series.

Yukata are a traditional type of Japanese clothing originally used before and after entering a steam bath. Today, they are used as summer dress when going to events such as summer festivals and firework festivals.   They come in many different colours and designs. Here's a list of ones we recommend for summer 2018.   Sailor Moon Yukata These Sailor Moon themed yukata have been made in collaboration with Kyoto Marubeni. Choose from five yukata sets inspired by each sailor as well a range of other chic and modern yukata. They have all the accessories you need to including obi and folding fans so you can enjoy the full dress-up experience. How about becoming a sailor this summer?   Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/88541       Yukata Fukubukuro Kyoto based traditional Japanese clothing brand KIMONOMACHI are selling yukata fukubukuro, or 'lucky bags.' There are several lucky bags to choose from, including one containing a single yukata, a 2-set which includes a yukata and obi, and 4, 5 and 6-sets which include that plus accessories. Part of the reason for the popularity of these bags is that you can pick from four sizes: Small (S), Free, (F), Tall (TL), and 2L. Choose from a variety of kawaii infused yukata!   Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/108656       Disney Princess Yukata Disney have released a range of yukata and accessories at five of their stores and online. The Ariel and Rapunzel are original designs that were specially illustrated for these yukata. No matter which you choose, all of them embrace the characters’ stories down to the tiniest of details. Pick one of these yukata and become a Disney princess this summer!   Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/113122       Tokyo 2020 Emblem Yukata Summer 2018 marks two years until the Tokyo Olympics. Gear yourself up for the excitement this summer with these official Tokyo 2020 yukata, jinbei and accessories. Cloisonne design yukata with the Tokyo 2020 emblem on them were released on July 3, and the above indigo design will be available from early August. Both are stylish and come in a gentleman's version and a lady's version.       SCANDINAVIAN PATTERN COLLECTION This collection is a Northern Europe design project developed by Andfika for children. There are yukata for girls and jinbei for both boys and girls. The collection incorporates designs from three designers in Sweden and Finland. The clothes are a unique mix of Northern Europe designs and traditional Japan clothing.       Did you like this list? There's a lot of variation when it comes to yukata, so be sure to pick the right one for yourself this summer in Japan.

Japan is noted for is distinct season changes. Every time a new season rolls in, people change their outfit colours, and stores sell products related to the season.   Summertime in Japan runs through July and August. We’ve compiled a list of things you should get involved in during the summer season when you arrive in the land of the rising sun.   Natsumatsuri The natsumatsuri, or ‘summer festival’ is an important part of the summer experience in Japan. Throughout July and August many exciting festivals take place up and down the country. Most take place annually and are a time to celebrate shrine deities, the four seasons, and history. There are even festivals that take place across several days. Summer festivals mean the yatai start rolling out, or food stalls, where they sell freshly made hot takoyaki, sweet desserts and more. Buying something from a yatai and strolling around while eating is one of the best parts of a Japanese summer festival. It’s also fun to see the food being prepared on hot iron plates right in front of you. There are other yatai beside food carts too. There’s lots of game stalls where you can try scooping a goldfish or have a hand at yo-yo fishing. For these two games you use a poi which has a thin piece of paper attached, or a fish hook, to try and catch your own gold fish or water balloon respectively. Whatever you can scoop up you get to take home. These games are enjoyed by both kids and adults alike.   Summer festivals are held all around the country and all have their own unique charms, so make sure to look up if the city or town you’re visiting is holding any. It’s an opportunity to experience a Japanese tradition, so if you’re going to Japan in summer then don’t miss out.   Firework Festivals During firework festivals people dress up in yukata and go to watch the sky light up beautifully with their friends, families or lovers. These are another special part of Japanese summers. Firework festivals are held all around Japan and each have their own unique themes and captivating fireworks. Feel part of the fun by getting yourself a yukata and heading to one!     Beer Gardens You can’t have a summer without a cold refreshing beer! When you think of places to drink in Japan, izakaya tend to be the standard option, but why don’t you try something a little different? Beer gardens in Japan are often held on rooftops during the summer where people drink and eat great food with friends and family.   MMN Shaved IceKakigori, or ‘shaved ice’ is a summer pastime in Japan which sees ice shaven thinly and topped with sweet syrup or honey. They’re the perfect combatant to the hot weather. More recently you often see shaved ice in Japan topped with fruit, and the number of strange and unique flavours has been on the rise.   We hope you enjoyed our list. Be sure to make use of it and have the best summer in Japan!