Tsuboichi Seicha Honpo was first established 185 years ago as a tea wholesale store in Sakai, the birthplace of Sen no Rikyū, a historical figure considered to have had the most influence on the Japanese ‘Way of Tea.’
The company have several locations dotted around Osaka, and they’re set to add another to the list on October 17 when Saryou Tsuboichi Seicha Honpo opens at Namba SkyO.
The new shop will be split into three spaces: the café space, shop space and takeout space. The café space is based on the ‘house in a mountain town area’ concept advocated by Sen no Rikyū. Tea experts will make delicious cups of tea one by one in a relaxed environment which can be enjoyed with handmade sweets that elevate the flavour of the tea.
In the shop space you can get your hands on a range of Japanese teas carefully judged and selected by Tsuboichi’s tea connoisseurs in addition to Japanese sweets made using high quality tea, a range of products perfect as gifts, and more. The takeout area is also the first ever at any of Tsuboichi’s locations.
Shinise Honpo no Ocha Man (Matcha): ¥280 (Pre-Tax)
Matcha Smoothie (Rich): ¥280 (Pre-Tax)
For the takeout menu too, the beverages served are poured fresh after your order so you can get the full taste of Tsuboichi’s tea. Drinks include sencha, matcha, a rich-flavoured matcha latte, houjicha latte and more. The shop’s Ocha Man (Matcha) and the Matcha Smoothie and Houjicha Smoothe―both of which you can choose the richness of―are particular must-tries. All three are available at this new branch only.
There’s also a workshop taking place for foreign tourists on the 5th floor of Namba SkyO where people can experience tradition and culture hands on. In line with this, the new Tsuboichi Seicha Honpo shop will sell an original tea and coffee blend for the first time. Around 10 types of single origin tea leaves can be picked from.
If you’re looking to test of lots of different Japanese teas then look no further than Saryou Tsuboichi Seicha Honpo in Namba.
Information
Saryou Tsuboichi Seicha Honpo
Address: 5F Namba SkyO, 5-1-60 Namba, Chuo Ward, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture
Opening Hours:
Café 10:00-21:00 (Last Orders 20:30)
Takeout & Shop 10:00-22:00 (Last Orders 21:30)
Website: http://www.tsuboichi.co.jp/saryo/
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There is a Japanese phrase that says “fall is the best season for eating” (食欲の秋; shokuyoku no aki). When fall arrives in Japan with all of its beautiful red and yellow colours, so do all of the delicious drinks and desserts. We have compiled a list of 6 that we want to recommend to our readers.
“Tapioca Hōjicha Milk Tea” @ Chun Sui Tang (From September 26)
Taiwanese cafe Chun Sui Tang released their new original Japanese-style Tapioca Hōjicha Milk Tea on September 26. Hōjicha, a type of Japanese green tea that involves roasting the tea leaves in a specific way, is fused with tapioca milk tea. The new creation introduces a new way to enjoy flavours. As the tea leaves are sourced from Shizuoka, all the raw ingredients are free from additives and are 100% national produce. A master tea specialist carefully roasts the tea leaves using a far infrared roaster and continues the process until the stem is reached. At this point, the tea is turned into a fine powder and a wonderful aroma drifts through the air. The texture of the chewy tapioca combined with the mildly bitter Hōjicha milk and fluffy cream makes for a great combination. Enjoy a wonderful Japanese-style original tapioca drink which makes for a great dessert! Available this Autumn only!
■Information
Tapioca Hōjicha Milk Tea (Hot/ Iced)
Tapioca Adzuki Milk Tea (Hot/Iced)
Price: ¥600 + tax
Released: September 26, 2018
Available at all Chun Sui Tang stores. (Can also order to take away)
Chun Sui Tang (春水堂) Official Website: https://www.chunshuitang.jp/
Autumnal Japanese-Style Desserts @ Pie Holic (September 14 – October 31)
Pie Holic is a Japanese pie shop that specialises in making Californian style pies. They are now selling four new Japanese-style desserts this autumn only at their Roppongi and Yokohama branches. The list includes the crunchy Doraimo Pie on top of which sits a fluffy dorayaki topped with a light whipped cream and rich, naturally sweet purple sweet potato cream. There’s also the Soybean Mochi Pie, a luxurious dessert filled with chewy warabimochi.
■Information
Pie Holic Roppongi
Address: 6-2-31 Roppongi, Minato Ward, Tokyo
Opening Hours: 11:00am-8:00pm
No Fixed Holidays.
TEL: 03-5776-7500
Official Website: http://www.tgn.co.jp/hall/yokohama/ph/66/
Pie Holic Yokohama
Address: 1-3-1 Shinko, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture
Opening Hours: 11:00am-11:00pm (Last Orders 9:30pm)
No Fixed Holidays.
TEL: 045-227-6777
Official Website: https://www.tgn.co.jp/hall/yokohama/ph/
“Purple Sweet Potato McShake” @ McDonald’s (September 26 – End of October)
McDonald’s Japan is currently selling its recently-released Purple Sweet Potato McShake for a limited time only. The drink retains the characteristic and familiar creamy texture of the classic McShake but combines it with purple sweet potatoes and regular sweet potatoes to create the perfect beverage for the autumn season.
◼︎Information
Autumn Purple Sweet Potato McShake
Running: September 26, 2018 – End of October 2018 (subject to change)
Available: Most McDonald’s branches in Japan
Serving Time: 10:30am – Closing Time (or until 1:00am the next day at 24-hour branches)
Price: Small ¥120 / Regular ¥200
McDonald’s Japan Website: http://www.mcdonalds.co.jp/
McDonald’s Matcha Drink Series (September 12 – End of November)
McDonald’s Japan is currently selling four matcha beverages at its McCafé by Barista chain for a limited period. The drinks include the Brown Sugar Syrup & Soybean Flour Matcha Frappe, Matcha Latte Frappe, Iced Matcha Latte and Matcha Latte. This year they have put in even more matcha powder sourced in Uji in each of the drinks to make the matcha flavour even richer!
■Information
McCafé by Barista Matcha Series
Location: All Mcdonald’s chains with a McCafé by Barista (89 branches as of September 2018)
Available: September 12, 2018 – End of November 2018 (subject to change)
McDonald’s Japan Official Website: http://www.mcdonalds.co.jp/menu/barista/
“Strawberry Matcha Frappe” @ McDonald’s (October 10 – Mid November)
This beverage is an addition the McDonald’s matcha series above, this time opting for a more western-style flavour by adding strawberries. It’s a luxurious combination of the full-bodied flavour of matcha together with sweet and sour strawberries. It includes both a strawberry paste made from whole strawberries and a strawberry whipped cream at the bottom. Sitting on top of these is a matcha latte frappe which uses slightly bitter Uji matcha from Kyoto and delicious milk farmed in Japan. Crowning the drink is more strawberry whipped cream and sprinkling of matcha powder.
Strawberry Matcha Frappe
Price: Regular ¥490 / Large ¥530 (Tax Included)
Running: October 10, 2018 – Mid November (Subject to Change)
Available: At McDonald’s branches across Japan with a McCafé by Barista (Approx. 89 branches as of October 2018)
*The branch list can be viewed on the official McDonald’s Japan homepage (Japanese).McDonald’s Official Homepage: http://www.mcdonalds.co.jp/menu/barista/
“Crème Brûlée Doughnut” @ Mister Donut (September 28 – End of December)
Mister Donut in Japan is now selling three different types of crème brûlée doughnuts. As the name suggests, it’s the popular crème brûlée turned into a doughnut. The doughnut is made with burnt cream, sprinkled with caramelised sugar and filled with custard cream before being scorched on top with a gas burner.
■Information
Crème Brûlée Doughnut (3 Types)
Running: September 28, 2018 – End of December 2018
Available: At most Mister Donut branches in Japan
Website: https://www.misterdonut.jp
Make sure to try all the goodies available in Japan during autumn!
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Two limited-time-offer collaboration cafés named “Nintama Rantaro Chaya” (cafés using the motif of the popular TV animation with the same name) will be opened in Osaka and Tokyo. The Osaka café will be opened in “contact” located in Shinsaibashi starting from October 12th (Fri.) and the Tokyo café will be opened in “OMOTESANDO BOX CAFÉ & SPACE” located in Omotesando starting from Octorber 25th (Thurs.).
In the animation story, the principal of the ninja school all of a sudden declares, “To be a full-fledged ninja, you must be able to cook!” So, it is decided that the 3 students, Rintaro, Kirimaru and Shinbei must go to different tea houses for training. Rintaro is to go to a “healthy tea house,” Kirimaru is to go to a “powerful tea house” and Shinbei is to go to a “modern tea house.”
Seniors of these 3 students and some teachers decide that they will lend a helping hand in the training session, so they go along. Furthermore, the principal declares, “If your tea house does a booming business, I will give you a reward!” And so, a heated cooking competition unfolds.
All menu item prices are the before-tax price.
Green salad udon \1,590
Isaku and Kematome’s collaborative “vegetable-rich” healthy salad udon. By pouring a seseme sauce on the udon the taste becomes even better.
Stamina rich bowl ~hitsumabushi-style~ \1,390
A high-powered rice bowl made by Choji, Koheita and Monjiro. By scooping a small serving of the rice bowl into a small bowl and pouring the broth over it, you can have a hitsumabushi-style dish.
Takeya and Kukuchi’s collaborative tofu hamburg doria (casserole) \1,490
Kukuchi offers you a “modern-tasteing” tofu hamburg doria. The rice placed under the hamburg has a jazzy basil flavor. This comes with Takeya’s fresh salad set.
Collaborative dish of a star and an idol. Which character is the most popular? \1,590
A star and an idol dance on the stage! Don’t miss Takiya shamaru and Mikiemon’s collaborative dream collaboration!
Denko-san’s (Yamada teacher) ohagi parfait \1,090
Ms. Yamada, you put a whole ohagi on top of the parfait! Denko-san’s powerful parfait.
Doi teacher’s “paste” item? Mitarashi parfait \1,090
“Mr. Doi, can you eat paste products?” Actually, this is not a paste product! Here is a Japanese-style parfait with the motif of “oden.”
Relaxing matcha latte ~with Rantaro’s onigiri-shaped rice cookie \890
Have a relaxing matcha latte with Rantaro’s special onigiri-shaped rice cookie.
Enjoy the numerous other Nintama-style menu items of these 3 different tea houses.
You can also purchase original goods that can only be bought at these cafes. You can also purchase special post cards and egg-shaped key holders. Don’t miss this chance to get your very own Nintama Rantaro goods.
Reservations are required and all persons who make reservations will receive 1 original sticker (3 types given out at random).
In addition, special lunch mats (4 types given out at random) will be given to all customers of the café and customers ordering a drink will receive special coasters (22 types given out at random).
All Rintama Rantaro fans, why not come and enjoy these collaborative cafes!
Information
Nintama Rantaro Chaya (Cafes)
Tokyo café
Location: OMOTESANDO BOX CAFE＆SPACE
B1F Pine Under Flat, 5-13-2 Jingu-mae Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Open: October 25th (Thurs.) ~ December 2nd (Sun.) 10:00～21:00
Osaka café
Location: contact 1-6-24 Kitahorie, Nishi-ku, Osaka
Open: October 12th (Fri.) ~ November 25th (Sun.) 11:00 ~ 21:20
Reservations: 650 (tax excluded)
Official website: https://nintama-cafe.jp/
© Amako Sobei / NHK・NEP
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A one-hundred year old residence from the Taisho Period in Osaka’s Tennoji ward has been renovated and turned into a Japanese sake bar called Nanoan. This is the second store by Nanakura, which is located in the same area as the bar, Chausuyama.
The quiet residence is located in the middle of Tennoji about 2-minutes from the station. The neighbourhood of Tennoji has been undergoing development, and the house used to build Nanoan is said to be the last remaining residence from the Taisho Period.
Customers can look forward to enjoying meals made with exquisite ingredients as well as drinks in this historical, antique-looking building. It’s located just 1-minute on foot from the first store, Nanakura. Located right by is Tennoji Park, and from the second floor, you can see Keitakuen Garden.
The bar can be used for many situations, like enjoy yourself at a 1-2 person counter while looking out to the garden, or you can rent the bar for an 80-person banquet.
For lunch, enjoy a farmer’s meal for ¥1,000. It comes with side dishes stacked with plenty of homegrown vegetables and more.
Enjoy a great meal and some sake in a quaint residence of the past!
■Information
Nanoan – Sake Bar
Address: 2-23 Chausuyamachō, Tennōji-ku, Osaka
Opening Hours: Daytime 11:30-15:00 (Last Orders 14:00) / Evening 17:00-23:00 (Last Orders 22:00)
No Fixed Holidays.
TEL: 06-6770-5757
Website: http://www.nanoan.com/
Nanakura – Sake & Sansai
Address: 4-26 Chausuyamacho, Tennōji-ku, Osaka
Opening Hours: Evening 17:00-00:00 (Open from 15:00 on Sundays & Holidays)
No Fixed Holidays.
TEL: 06-6777-4373
Website: http://www.nana-kura.com/
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HARAJUKU COLLECTIVE, a Collaboration Between Hot Topic & Studio Ghibli, Gets Pop-Up Store at Shinsaibashi PARCO
Last year, the HARAJUKU COLLECTIVE collaboration appeared at AF Gallery in Harajuku from August 10 until August 28, garnering massive acclaim from fans. The collection is now being sold at Shinsaibashi PARCO until March 12, 2023.
HARAJUKU COLLECTIVE is a Studio Ghibli-inspired apparel collection by the popular American counterculture chain Hot Topic. Bringing more Japanese culture to the ongoing Studio Ghibli collaboration launched in 2014, Hot Topic stores began selling original items produced by nine Japanese creators and brands, as well as some original American items produced by Hot Topic’s executive designers.
The lineup of Japan-original items includes T-shirts, tote bags, and other items featuring exclusive artwork by up-and-coming creators. These items depict beloved characters from Studio Ghibli’s works, as well as logos created for the collaboration. Fans won’t want to miss grabbing these unique items!
Details on the Previous HARAJUKU COLLECTIVE Pop-Up Store: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/ja/625747
Information
HARAJUKU COLLECTIVE
Running: February 23 – March 12, 2023
Hours: 10:00-20:00
Venue: Shinsaibashi PARCO B1F Pop-Up Space (1-8-3 Shinsaibashisuji, Chuo-ku, Osaka)
Official Site: https://ghibli-harajukucollective-ec.com
Online Store (Open until March 31, 2023): https://ec.ghibli-harajukucollective-ec.com
HARAJUKU COLLECTIVE Official SNS:
Instagram: @harajuku_collective
(https://www.instagram.com/harajuku_collective）
Twitter: @harajuku_collect (https://twitter.com/harajukucollect)
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Atarashii Gakko! will hold solo concerts at Zepp venues in Tokyo and Osaka in April and May of 2023.
These performances will be held almost a year after the girls held their solo concert at Zepp DiverCity in Tokyo last May. This year’s events will be held at Zepp Osaka Bayside on April 30 and Zepp Shinjuku in Tokyo on May 2.
ATARASHII GAKKO! – HANAKO (Official Music Video)
ATARASHII GAKKO! – Pineapple Kryptonite (Official Music Video)
Information
Atarashii Gakko! at Tokyo & Osaka Zepp
-We’re working on some amazing new songs and we’re dying for everyone to see our newest evolution (Tentative title)-
April 30, 2023 – Zepp Osaka Bayside
May 2, 2023 – Zepp Shinjuku (Tokyo)
Fan’s Presale Tickets (Starting January 1)
https://www.fansnet.jp/leaders -
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
Information
Doraemon’s Mirai Department Store
Venue: Diver City Tokyo Plaza 2F (1-1-10 Aomi, Koto-ku, Tokyo)
Hours: 11:00-20:00 (Weekdays) / 10:00-21:00 (Weekends/Holidays)
*Hours are subject to change.
Online Store: https://mirai-dora-world-online.com/
Official Site: https://mirai.dora-world.com/ -
Since its start in 2007, the Snoopy tea brand SNOOTEA has remained popular with Peanuts fans and tea fans alike. Typically, the brand has sold black tea in cute tins featuring Snoopy and his friends.
Starting November 7, fans can purchase a special Chocola tea made by tea blender Shuntarou Kumazaki. Blended to suit Japanese water and inspired by the world of Peanuts, it promises to be the perfect flavor for the holidays.
Made with cacao nibs, the flavor of standard black tea is punctuated with a chocolate aroma. The tea leaves themselves come from India, Sri Lanka, and Kenya, and are blended together in a balanced way to create an appealing taste that will have tea lovers coming back again and again. This blend is also perfect for making milk tea, and fans can even add whipped cream and marshmallows. This tea also goes well with strawberries, oranges, bananas, and other fruits, as well as nuts!
Snoopy and his friends dressed in winter attire will appear on each tin, adding to the festive holiday spirit. On the online store, customers can also find Darjeeling, Earl Grey, Apple Tea, and other varieties.
© 2022 Peanuts Worldwide LLC
Information
SNOOTEA Chocola Tea
Release Date: November 7, 2022
Price: ¥999 (Tax Included)
Details/Purchase: https://feuillesbleues.com/onlineshop/snootea
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The 13th iteration of the BT21 Cafe will open at six venues in five cities around Japan. Fans in Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, Osaka, and Sapporo will want to visit this exclusive event titled ~MAGICAL TIME~. The first cafe opens in Shibuya on November 3. In celebration of BT21’s 5th anniversary, this special cafe is filled with joy and excitement and aims to give fans the best possible experience.
Cafe Menu
Magical Tea Time Set
Food Plate
Food Plate (7 varieties)
Dessert Plate
Dessert Plate (7 varieties)
Drinks
Magical Milk Tea
Black Tea
Iced Coffee / Hot Coffee
Original Goods
Acrylic Keychain (7 varieties, Random)
Acrylic Clip (7 varieties, Random)
Satin Sticker (7 varieties)
Clear Folder (2 varieties)
Handkerchief (7 varieties)
Tote Bag
Mug
Masking Tape / Balloon on a Stick
Dolomite Coaster (2 varieties) / Mirror (2 varieties)
[Online Store Exclusive] Acrylic Keychain (7 varieties, Random)
The cafe’s new menu includes afternoon tea, perfect for warming the body and soul during the cold winter months. The colorful food items and desserts are sure to be a hit on social media, and fans will enjoy the Magical Milk Tea and other dishes inspired by the popular BT21 characters.
In addition to new merchandise and bonuses featuring newly-drawn art, a photo spot will welcome guests to the cafe and invite them to celebrate this five-year milestone.
Why not take a break from everyday life to enjoy a magical time with these cute characters?©BT21
Information
BT21 Cafe #13 ~MAGICAL TIME~
Venue/Dates
■Shibuya, Tokyo:BOX cafe&space SHIBUYA109
Running: November 3 – December 10, 2022
Address: SHIBUYA109 B2F (2-29-1 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo)
■Oshiage, Tokyo:BOX cafe&space Tokyo Solamachi
Running: January 13 – February 19, 2023
Address: Tokyo Skytree Town, Solamachi 1F (1-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida-ku, Tokyo)
■Yokohama, Kanagawa:Collabo_Index Lumine Yokohama
Running: January 13 – February 5, 2023
Address: Lumine Yokohama 6F (2-16-1 Takashima, Nishi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa)
■Nagoya, Aichi:BOX cafe&space Nagoya LACHIC #1
Running: December 2, 2022 – February 5, 2023
Address: LACHIC B1F (3-6-1 Sakae, Naka-ku, Nagoya, Aichi)
■Shinsaibashi, Osaka:
Shinsaibashi contact
Running: November 11 – December 18, 2022
Address: 1-6-24 Kitahorie, Nishi-ku, Osaka
■Sapporo, Hokkaido:
Cafe Interlude, Coach & Four Shinakawa
Running: November 3 – December 29, 2022
Address: 18-chome 3-jo, Kita-ku, Sapporo
Reservations: https://box-cafe.jp/
Online Shop
Open: November 3, 11:00 – December 4, 23:59
https://box-cafe.jp/online_store/ -
The Grand Front Osaka mall has announced an incredible Christmas celebration in collaboration with the magical world of Harry Potter! Fans will want to visit the massive shopping center between November 10 and December 25 to take part in the festivities.
Standard Decorations
Showtime Decorations
Harry Potter-Inspired Decorations
The highlight of the event is the 13-meter-tall Christmas Tree, which will be set up on the first floor of the mall’s North Building. The tree will be decorated with Harry Potter-inspired ornaments like moving staircases and window frames, which will look as though they are floating in the air. At night, a light show will take place around the tree, complete with projections inspired by the four houses of Hogwarts.
Decorated Ted E. Bear
Stamp Rally Card
House Flag Decorations
Tully’s Coffee and Harry Potter Collaboration Goods and Menu
Special Harry Potter-themed decorations will be attached to many trees in the area around the nearby Umekita Plaza, and fans can also find a Harry Potter panel exhibition. An Instagram photo campaign will be held in which visitors can enter to win collab merch, so don’t miss out!
Come make some magical memories at this Harry Potter event in Osaka this winter.
Information
Grand Wish Christmas 2022
Harry Potter: An Invitation to the Wizarding World of Christmas
Running: November 10 – December 25, 2022 *Excluding certain contents
Venue: Grand Front Osaka North & South Wings, Umekita Plaza, etc.
Details: https://www.grandfront-osaka.jp/xmas2022/ -
Today, luxury brand Montblanc launched a new collaboration collection with the popular anime and manga series Naruto. Items from the collection are available to purchase worldwide.
Since its release 20 years ago, Naruto has captured the hearts of fans around the world with its inspiring story and beloved characters. The designs featured in the new collection feature illustrations of the character printed in dynamic poses. The collection features everything from leather goods to writing instruments.
The new items highlight Naruto’s relationship with his mentor Jiraiya, stressing the importance of mentors and knowledge. The brushstroke-like curves on each piece emphasize the anime style, and all bags come in a refined black color with orange accents.
To celebrate the launch of this collaboration, a special short anime was created to highlight the power of writing and communication. The brief animation shows Jiraiya reflecting on Naruto’s journey and the ample advice he passed down while focusing on what’s important in life. Meanwhile, Naruto uses a fountain pen to write down what it really means to be a ninja.
The collection also features a new edition of Montblanc’s iconic Meisterstück. The special-edition fountain pen features a Hidden Leaf Village motif in gold with a matching nib and a ruthenium-coated embellishment.
A special pop-up store is open on the first floor of Hankyu Men’s Osaka until October 18. By snapping a photo of the collaboration products and posting it on social media with the hashtag #MontblancXNaruto, fans can snag an original Montblanc x Naruto memory card game. Additionally, those making a purchase will get an original furoshiki!
Whether you’re a fan of Naruto or a fan of Montblanc’s goods, this collaboration might be impossible to pass up.
Information
Montblanc x Naruto
Release Date: October 12, 2022
Pop-up Store
Venue: Hankyu Mens Osaka 1F
Running: October 12 – October 18, 2022
Details: https://bit.ly/3rtWGAn
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The #KuromifyTheWorld campaign is already one year old! Created to share the adorable Sanrio character Kuromi with the world, fans will be invited to celebrate this milestone from October 20 until October 31 with special events in Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya.
Kuromi’s Drink Stand will be open for a limited time in Tokyo and Osaka. Customers will be invited to choose the color of their drink according to their mood, and will also be able to customize it with tags, acrylic stands, and stickers! An original photo spot will also be set up beside each drink stand, and those wanting to attend can enter the lottery to win tickets now.
Sanrio’s first and largest Kuromi ad truck will also be driving through the streets of Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka during the event week.
Kuromi will also be teaming up with (G)I-DLE, a popular five-member global idol group from South Korea. Campaigns are planned to appear in Hangzhou, Suzhou, Taiwan, Korea, North America, and Europe.
Kuromi ranked in the top three in this year’s Sanrio Character Awards, and her popularity is steadily growing with Gen-Z. Keep an eye out for more Kuromi-inspired events in the future!
Information
#KuromifyTheWorld Week
・Kuromi’s Drink Stand:
Running:
Shinjuku, Tokyo: October 20 – October 24, 2022
Shinsaibashi, Osaka: October 29 – October 31, 2022
・#KuromifyTheWorld Ad Truck:
Running:
Tokyo: October 20 – October 24Nagoya: October 26 – October 27
Osaka: October 29 – October 31
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To promote the 2025 Osaka Expo, hundreds of drones and thousands of fireworks lit up the sky at the planned site for the event. SKYMAGIC LIVE PTE. LTD., known for creating original shows using drones, put on the show on Yumeshima, a man-made island in Osaka’s Konohana Ward on September 25, 2022. The event was the first large-scale outdoor drone show in the Kansai region, with 800 LED-equipped drones flying through the night sky.
Nearly 15,000 visitors were in attendance at this spectacular event. The event aims to promote a hopeful future in which Japan thrives after the impact of the pandemic, and also aims to promote the upcoming Expo to people around the world. 45,000 fireworks were set off, marking one of the largest fireworks displays in Japan. Launched to rid the area of bad luck, guests will likely never forget the unique display of futuristic technology and traditional fireworks.
As the fireworks show began, countless drones took off one after another into the sky. As many would expect, Myak Myak, the official character of the Osaka/Kansai Expo, appeared above the crowd, standing 135 meters tall and 80 meters wide. A countdown to the Expo appeared after, with the Let’s Go Expo 2025 logo shining in the sky, made entirely by synchronized drones.
Archived live footage of the event is also available.
Ryota Shirahama, chairman of the event’s organizing committee, made a comment regarding the impressive event. “Japan’s resurgence is about to begin,” he said. “The world has been looking down, and we want it to look up. We want people to look towards the future–that’s the goal of this project. Yes, there was a pandemic. But like the phoenix seen during the drone show, we can start over. I hope that those who saw the show will be inspired to take a new step forward.”
Information
Let’s Go Expo 2025 Countdown 3 ~Yumeshima Fireworks~
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NAKED and Ryotaro Muramatsu’s interactive art installation, the DANDELION PROJECT, is coming to Umeda, Osaka. The project aims to connect people around the world, stressing the importance of world peace. Those wanting to participate may do so from October 7 until October 9 at Umekita Sotoniwa Square.
In July 2020, Umekita Sotoniwa SQUARE opened under a unique premise–it would be open for 1,000 days only. The outdoor area was inspired by cities of the future, featuring plenty of green space. The DANDELION PROJECT fits in perfectly with this concept, using modern technology and networking to create art that also serves as a universal prayer for peace. This is the second time the work has been exhibited in Osaka–it was shown in Nakanoshima during the Osaka Hikari no Renaissance 2021 event last December.
The DANDELION PROJECT is inspired by the idea of world peace and hopes to help transcend barriers and connect people in an increasingly divided world. So far, it has appeared in 25 locations–19 in Japan and six abroad. In Japan, it has popped up at Tokyo Tower, Nijo Castle, and other historical sites. Abroad, it has been shown in Paris, Singapore, San Francisco, and Shanghai. The piece aims to bring about change by planting (or installing) dandelion-inspired art around the world, while it invites people visiting these dandelion exhibits to send their prayers for peace as a digital flower in real-time.
The exhibition will also be a satellite venue for NAKED GARDEN ONE KYOTO, a next-gen art project allowing guests to experience Kyoto virtually from September 15 until December 25, 2022.
Information
NAKED – DANDELION
Running: October 7 – October 9, 2022
Venue: Umekita Sotoniwa Square
*Open daily during event period
Hours: 18:00-21:00
Entry: Free
Official Site: https://sotoniwa-uk.com/ -
Street Fighter II will collaborate with a commercial facility for the first time in history! The beloved fighting game will take over Abeno Q’s Mall in Osaka from October 1 until October 31, 2022. Popular characters from the game will appear all over the premises, and visitors will be able to take part in unique games to win exclusive prizes.
There are also a number of interesting challenges that will pop up around Abeno Q’s Mall. At the entrance, visitors will be greeted by Ryu and Ken, the main characters from Street Fighter II, as they unleash their Hadouken. Guests will be able to take pictures with Ryu with a special AR Photo Spot, and characters and stages from the title will appear around the mall. A participatory game event, Street Fighter Challenge, will be available for customers spending ¥3,000 or more (including tax). These customers will actually be able to test their Street Fighter skills, with winners winning a ¥500 yen mall gift card if they are victorious. Fans of the fighting game won’t want to miss this unique event!
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Information
Abeno Q’s Mall/Street Fighter II Collaboration
Running: October 1 – October 31, 2022
Address: 1-6-1 Abenosuji, Abeno-ku, Osaka
Official Site: https://qs-mall.jp/abeno -
A special exhibition commemorating the 90th birthday of Rune Naito will be held at the Hanshin department store in Osaka from October 19 until October 31. Titled ‘Roots of Kawaii,’ the event will look back at the life of the esteemed artist, illustrator, writer, and designer. Known for his illustrations of large-headed baby-faced girls, he first became interested in art after discovering the works of Jun’ichi Nakahara, joining Nakahara’s company after graduating high school. In 1959, Naito got his big break, designing the cover of the girls’ magazine Junior Soleil. Following this, Naito would become active as an illustrator for a number of magazines, and from the 1960s on, he began other activities, even producing a line of commercial goods from glassware to stickers.
The exhibition’s theme is ‘Life’s fantastic dreams,’ and over 300 items will be on display, including rare original drawings, goods, personal sketches, and more. The event will be held in celebration of Rune Naito’s birthday on November 20, and will also feature a special shop. Admission is ¥1,000 for adults, ¥700 for high school and college students, and free for junior high school students and younger. Discounts are available by preordering tickets. For details and tickets, check out the official website.
Information
Rune Naito’s 90th Birthday Exhibition
Running: October 19 – October 31, 2022
Venue: Hanshin Department Store, Umeda Main Store 8F
(1-13-13 Umeda, Kita-ku, Osaka)Details/Tickets: https://www.naitou-rune.jp
