The popular female rock band BAND-MAID will perform for the first time at KNOTFEST JAPAN 2023, scheduled for April 1 and April 2 at Makuhari Messe in Chiba.

 

KNOTFEST was begun by the American heavy metal band Slipknot, and the festival has been held yearly since 2012. BAND-MAID will perform on Day 1 along with headliners Slipknot, Trivium, and MAN WITH A MISSION.

 

Tickets for the May shows to be held in the United States as part of the BAND-MAID 10TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR are none on sale. The group managed to bring in over 20,000 fans during their solo U.S. tour in 2022. In addition to performing at Pointfest 2023, Welcome to Rockville 2023, and the Sonic Temple Art & Music Festival, BAND-MAID will also perform six solo shows. With some venues selling out instantly last year, you’ll want to snag tickets while you can!

 

Chibi Maruko-chan and Miffy are collaborating for the second time! This follows the first miffy meets maruko series released last year.   This time, Miffy will visit the world of Chibi Maruko-chan. Fans of either series won’t want to miss out on these sweet items.  

Goods

Mirror

Reuseable Bag

Water-absorbent Coaster

Acrylic Keychain

Frame Magnet

Mousepad

Glasses Case

Wall Canvas / Oil Brush

3P Drawstring Bag

Clear Case (Clear/Orange/Gray)

Clear Case S (Pram Pattern / Logo Pattern)

Tote Bag / A4 Tote Bag

3 Pocket Pouch

Glass / Glass Accessory Case

Bitatto

Drawstring Pouch with Can

Block Calendar / Clear Cup

  These unique and fun designs are exclusive to this collaboration. A total of 36 items in 21 categories are available, from reusable bags and tote bags to coasters, keychains, and other useful accessories. Don't miss out!   ©さくらプロダクション © Mercis bv

Momoko Sakura’s popular series Chibi Maruko-chan is filled with beloved characters, and Coji-Coji has remained a fan favorite for decades. Starting in October 2022, fans will be able to grab goods from the new COJI-COJI BABY brand. The made-for-babies merchandise line will feature new artwork. The first theme is ‘outer space,’ and little ones will love the pastel colors and playful illustrations. A promo video has also been posted to the official Coji-Coji YouTube channel.  

About COJI-COJI BABY

“A snooze on the moon…From childhood to the faraway future, Coji-Coji is always cozy-cozy.Such a valuable life.Grow together with your baby.Snuggle up with your family. Be there to relax with those you love. Spend irreplaceable time together.After all of these desires and thoughts came together,COJI-COJI BABY was born.”  

Product Release Information

Sales of COJI-COJI BABY products began on October 12, 2022 on the official Eightex Japan online store.

Coji-Coji Costume Romper: ¥9,900

 

COJI-COJI BABY Fair Now Open!

Starting on October 15, the COJI-COJI BABY Fair is being held at Kiddy Land Harajuku and Kiddy Land Osaka Umeda.   During the event period, those who purchase over ¥4,000 (including tax) on COJI-COJI BABY products will receive an original mini shikishi. This is a perfect frame for your baby’s handprint or footprint!

The Chibi Maruko-chan Exhibition, celebrating the 30th anniversary of the anime adaptation, will be held from September 13, 2022 until January 15, 2023 at the SKIP City Sai-no-Kuni Visual Plaza at the Visual Museum in Saitama. Chibi Maruko-chan began serialization in the shoujo manga magazine Ribon in 1986. The anime adaptation began on January 7, 1990. In May 2022, the series reached 1,500 episodes, and the series continues to be popular with men, women, and children alike. This exhibition will showcase the charm of the anime series, which depicts the daily life of the cheerful and funny Maruko and her friends. Something interesting to note is the transition from the analog era to the digital age. The exhibition will also include character materials and items detailing the personal life of the original author, Momoko Sakura, as well as her thoughts and feelings.  

30 Years of Chibi Maruko-chan Shown in Chronological Order

From the moment guests enter the venue, they are surrounded by all things Chibi Maruko-chan. The entrance welcomes guests with a special video and an impressive 21-character movie along with profiles and signboards. Continuing on, visitors will be able to view a wide variety of over 320 valuable materials, ranging from production items like cels and settings to theme songs, movies, and merchandise.

Momoko Sakura's Memories

Momoko Sakura has always loved creating things. In addition to her busy schedule, she created a number of other works in her private life. Many of the things she created were made from everyday items, so come and see the source of her boundless creativity!  

Diorama Photo Spot

Come rediscover the charm of Chibi Maruko-chan at this impressive exhibition!

Starting on August 11, Chibi Maruko-chan Land in Shizuoka will begin a series of events in collaboration with Rascal the Raccoon! Exclusive merchandise will be on sale during the event period, so fans of either franchise won’t want to miss out.     Rascal has come to play in the world of Chibi Maruko-chan! Nakano-san is a little afraid of the animal, but Rascal tries to calm him down. This adorable imagery is everywhere, and everyone’s favorite raccoon meets a ton of popular characters from the Maruko-chan anime and manga series, so be sure to take a look!   On opening day, Maruko and Rascal will greet guests at the entrance. A photo session will be available for guests with admission tickets on a first-come, first-served basis.   For a limited time only, the projection mapping area in the park will host a Chibi Maruko-chan Carnival dance event with Maruko and Rascal!  

Merch at a Glance

Medical Diary Cover: ¥550 / Pen: ¥550 / Mechanical Pencil: ¥550 / Clear Folder: ¥385

Wet Tissue Pack (2 varieties): ¥550 each / Mini Towel: ¥880 / Hand Sanitizer Spray: ¥880 / Acrylic Stand: ¥1,430

  *Sample Image     A campaign is also underway at Chibi Maruko-chan Land. Those spending ¥2,000 or more on Maruko goods or collaboration goods will receive an original sticker while supplies last.   Come have fun with Maruko and Rascal during this special event!  

Last year, Hatsukame Sake Brewery, a staple in Shizuoka Prefecture, released a collaborative special edition sake featuring Papa Hiroshi from the anime series Chibi Maruko-chan. The collab makes sense, as the anime series takes place in Shizuoka Prefecture. Bottles sold out incredibly fast, so it’s no wonder that the brewery has now opened orders for the 2022 batch! The special products will be available on June 4, just in time for Father’s Day. Customers can choose from the Junmai Ginjo or Junmai Daiginjo varieties.   Junmai Ginjo Papa Hiroshi Vintage 2022   Junmai Daiginjo Papa Hiroshi Vintage 2022The Junmai Ginjo Papa Hiroshi Vintage 2022 was made with water, rice, and yeast from Shizuoka, where the series takes place. With a refreshing aroma and a gentle sweetness derived from the Homarefuji rice, the flavor is sure to arouse your palate!   The original label featured on the bottle shows Papa Hiroshi enjoying local sake with tuna sashimi from Shizuoka with Mt. Fuji in the background. All bottles will come with a paper box featuring a similar design. The turtle on the label is the symbol of Hatsukame Brewing! It’s recommended that customers drink their sake with local tuna–it’s the perfect combination.   The Daiginjo variety is made from rare Aiyama rice, known as the ‘Diamond of Sake Rice.’ Polished and carefully prepared by hand, the aroma of the sake is reminiscent of tropical fruits. The final product has a rich sweetness.   Last year’s label showed Papa Hiroshi in a Kimono watching the first sunrise over Mt. Fuji. Be sure to grab a bottle to experience the taste of Shizuoka! Only 223 bottles will be available, so be quick!   ©さくらプロダクション/日本アニメーション ©Hatsukame Sake Brewery Co., Ltd. ©Nexus Co., Ltd.