KANA-BOON’s dropped their new song Star Marker on streaming services on February 1, 2020. 

Star Marker will be the title song for their new single which is set to be released on March 4, 2020. The song was appointed as the opening theme song for the season four culture festival arc of the worldwide trending anime My Hero Academia. The anime opening-length version of the single and video was dropped on YouTube and has already got 2 million views, immediately reaching the top of the rankings and stirring up a sensation. Now there is the unmissable opportunity to hear the entire full version of the song before it physically hits the shelves. 

Along with the advanced single release, the artwork to be used on the jacket has also been unveiled. The Limited Edition Version comes in a My Hero Academia anime-themed jacket where the characters can be seen riding a star, soaring through space on an exciting adventure together – something that fans won’t want to miss.

A Statement By Maguro Taniguchi (Gt./Vo.)

Our past selves were painted in our own unique colours – some dark, some bright. The day when we can change the meaning of our colours is approaching us. We can repaint our past selves by painting a colourful future. You are the only person who can shape your future and that makes you a hero. This song was written with the intention of being the theme song for everybody out there listening.

©Kōhei Horikoshi/Shueisha Inc./ My Hero Academia Production Committee

After unveiling their greatest hits album KANA-BOON THE BEST just a few days ago, KANA-BOON recently announced their new single Star Marker which is set to release on March 4. Star Marker will be released as a single on the same day as their greatest hits album. The single has also been unveiled to be the new opening theme song for the season four culture festival arc of the worldwide trending anime My Hero Academia. 

Star Marker was written by guest musician Daisuke Kanazawa from the band Fujifabric. The song connects to the world of the anime and is arranged with positive and happy vibes. The keyboard adds a bold and daring touch of flair to KANA-BOON’s strong and energetic style. The song is catchy and explores a new side of KANA-BOON.

The new My Hero Academia episodes will start airing from January 25 and fans just can’t wait.

The Limited Pressing Edition Version of the single comes in a My Hero Academia anime illustration jacket and will include the creditless video of the opening theme song, making it the perfect gift for any My Hero Academia fan.

A Statement by Maguro Taniguchi (Gt./Vo.)

Our past selves were painted in our own unique colours – some dark, some bright. The day when we can change the meaning of our colours is approaching us. We can repaint our past selves by painting a colourful future. You are the only person who can shape your future and that makes you a hero. This song was written with the intention of being the theme song for everybody out there listening. 

©Kōhei Horikoshi/Shueisha Inc./ My Hero Academia Production Committee

Since their debut in 2013, KANA-BOON stands at the forefront of Japan’s rock music scene. The band is set to release their first ever greatest hits album called KANA-BOON THE BEST on March 4, 2020.

The band has also announced that the album release will be followed by their first ever Hall Tour in April 2020 which will be entitled: KANA-BOON THE BEST TOUR 2020. The tour will take place in seven renowned performance halls across Japan with the grand finale to be held in Tokyo. The Tokyo performance will take place on June 12 at LINE CUBE SHIBUYA (Shibuya Public Hall), which just opened in October 2019.  

Advanced tickets will be released for sale today on the Fan Club website “KANA-BOON Mobile Bunbun Park” （KANA-BOONのモバイルブンブンパー）.

Having had a graceful 5-year anniversary celebration last year and a mountain of song releases, KANA-BOON have their eyes set on 2020 and beyond are in full-drive. The contents of the new greatest hits album and more information about its release is yet to be announced so stay tuned. 

Character cafés are an exciting experience in Japan which sees a café collaborate with well-known anime series, game series or other franchise by decorating the café interior with designs and illustrations based on them and meals and drinks inspired by them.

Before continuing this article be sure to check out our September 2019 list of character cafés as some of them are still running.

Ariel Heads to Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya & Hokkaido for The Little Mermaid Cafe

Ariel is swimming to Japan this September as four branches of OH MY CAFE turn into cafes inspired by The Little Mermaid. The Tokyo and Osaka branches will open on September 21, the Hokkaido branch on September 22, and the Nagoya branch on September 27. The collaboration is being carried out by LEGS COMPANY, LTD.

<Flounder> Stripey Yogurt Drink – ¥1,090 / With Coaster – ¥1,890

Flounder is Ariel’s closest friend, so he had to be included on the menu. This cute yogurt-flavoured smoothie takes on the same colours as our stripey fish companion.

<Sebastian> Strawberry Smoothie – ¥890 / With Coaster – ¥1,790

There are lots of other character-themed food and drinks to be enjoyed at the cafes besides these ones too. For more information, check our full article here.

Sarazanmai Cafe Designed & Produced by Sanrio Opens in Ikebukuro and Osaka

Two cafés based on the popular anime series Sarazanmai have arrived in Tokyo and Osaka. The café designs were produced by Sanrio.

Football Curry of Youth: ¥1,380 (Before Tax)

Football is what connects the three main characters Kazuki, Kuji and Enta. Come taste the delicious flavour of budding friendship in the form of a delicious curry at the café.

Pudding a la Mode of Friendship: ¥1,280 (Before Tax)

The three middle schoolers are represented in the form of colourful fruit. This is a delicious dish easily enjoyed by anybody.

Sparkling Jelly Juice (Kazuki/Kuji/Enta): ¥650 Each (Before Tax)

These jelly drinks are also themed around Kazuki, Kuji and Enta. The jelly lurking at the bottom of the cup adds a wonderful accent to the flavour.

This café is the perfect place to relax at your own pace this autumn. For more information, check out our full article here.

My Hero Academia Themed Cafe Opening at SEGA Ikebukuro GiGO in Tokyo

A cafe based on the hit TV anime series My Hero Academia will open at SEGA Ikebukuro GiGO on October 12.

Drinks Menu

Drinks – ¥600 Each (Before Tax)

Original Latte Art (11 Designs) – ¥700 Each (Before Tax)

Food Menu

Menu ①: October 12, 2019 – November 1, 2019

Katsu-Lover Midoriya’s Pork Rib Noodles / Eijiro Kirishima’s Crunchy Kakiage Don – ¥1,200 Each (Before Tax)

Menu ②: November 2, 2019 – November 24, 2019

Katsuki Bakugo’s Spicy Mapo Doufu / Shoto Todoroki’s Fire & Ice Tomato Cheese Pasta – ¥1,200 Each (Before Tax)

Dessert Menu

Menu ①: October 12, 2019 – November 1, 2019

Ochaco Uraraka’s Japanese-Style Dessert Set with Matcha Milk – ¥1,200 (Before Tax) / Tenya Iida’s Source of Strength Orange Parfait – ¥900 (Before Tax)

Menu ②: November 2, 2019 – November 24, 2019

U.A. Dessert Plate – ¥1,200 (Before Tax) / Tsuyu Asui’s Kero Kero Parfait – ¥900 (Before Tax)

Enjoy a fun selection of food, drinks and desserts inspired by the My Hero Academia character cast. There’s a whole bunch of merchandise to get your hands on too. For more information, check our full article here.

Weathering with You Anime Film Themed Cafes Opening in Tokyo & Osaka

Two cafes filmed based on the hit blockbuster anime film Weathering with You will open in Tokyo and Osaka on October 8 and 10 respectively for a limited time. The cafes are being opened by LEGS COMPANY.

The cafes have a beautiful menu lined up inspired by the world of Weathering with You. In addition to the themed decorations set to line the cafes, fans can also get their hands on a range of exclusive cafe merchandise and bonus items.

The Most Delicious Dinner in Your Life – ¥1,590

This dish is a complete recreation of the dinner Hodaka eats in the film which he describes as the most delicious he has ever eaten in his 16 years of living. Enjoy a hearty burger together with clam chowder soup and fries.

Hodaka’s Welcome Party Set – ¥1,590

This one-person set was made lovingly by Natsume when Hodaka comes to work at the same company as her, K&A. Complete the set together with one of the “Dreamy” beverages from the drinks menu.

‘LISA LARSON Fika TOKYO’ Cafe Opens in Collaboration With Swedish Ceramicist Lisa Larson

Sunday Branch Marronnier Gate Ginza is a cafe in Ginza that has collaborated with a number of different characters and artists, including Shawn the Sheep since 2017, The Very Hungry Catterpillar in 2018, and Leo Lionni since 2019.

Mikey Plate

​Inspired by Larson’s popular cat character Mikey, this healthy dish includes almond milk rice with a side of greens.

Lion Plate

The adorable round Lion looks like he has been taken right out of Larson’s works and put onto a plate.

Baby Mikey Gateau Chocolate

These baby Mikey chocolates take on a ceramic appearance like Larson’s work and are filled with sesame and cocoa powder.

Enjoy food and art come together at LISA LARSON Fika TOKYO. Keep in mind that reservations get priority, so be sure to book a table in advance. For more information, check our full article here.

6 Sailor Moon Cafes Opening Across Japan Including Tokyo and Osaka

LEGS COMPANY, LTD. held the Sailor Moon Cafe 2017 event back in September 2017 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Sailor Moon. The event’s theme focused around adulthood imbued with a hint of cuteness. The cafes were so popular that they had a second “encore” run in December of the same year.

This year, LEGS has created an entirely new concept. The theme this year is “Girls Night Out,” and the menu line-up stays true to it, featuring food and drinks all ladies are sure to enjoy on a night out.

5 Sailor Tortilla Wrap Sandwiches – ¥1,590 (Not available at the Saitama cafe)

Pretty Girl’s Brunch Pancakes – ¥1,590 (Available at lunchtime only)

Cosmic Heart Berry Sandwich – ¥1,690

Moon Night Parfait – ¥1,490 (Available at dinnertime only)

Enter the kawaii world of the Sailor Moon Cafe again in 2019. For more information, check our full article here.

How did you like this list? Be sure to enjoy all of the café collaboration cafes this October and November!

A café based on the popular anime Sarazanmai is coming to Tokyo on September 19 and Osaka on September 26 and will run for a limited time only. The café designs were produced by Sanrio. 

Sarazanmai is a TV anime which was produced by animation studios MAPPA and  Lapin Track. The anime became incredibly popular when it aired between April and June 2019 on the Fuji TV programming block Noitamina. The last episode was met by an undying stream of grateful messages from fans and even those involved in the creation of the series. 

Sanrio produced Sarazanmai designs which are perfect for the traditional coffee shop theme and the retro Asakusa atmosphere of the series. The collaboration cafés will open in Ikebukuro in Tokyo and Nipponnbashi in Osaka.

Menu

Football Curry of Youth: ￥1,380 (before tax)

Football is what connects the three main characters Kazuki, Kuji and Enta. Come taste the delicious flavour of budding friendship in the form of a delicious curry at the café.   

Pudding a la Mode of Friendship: ￥1,280 (before tax)

The three middle schoolers are represented in the form of colourful fruit. This is a delicious dish easily enjoyed by anybody. 

Sparkling Jelly Juice (Kazuki/Kuji/Enta): ￥650 each (before tax)

These jelly drinks are also themed around Kazuki, Kuji and Enta. The jelly lurking at the bottom of the cup adds a wonderful accent to the flavour.  

Original Goods

Badge (10 random designs): ￥450 (before tax)

Special Bonus Goods

Those who book seats in advance (￥500 + tax) and order from the menu will receive an original design sticker. You will be presented with one of four designs at random. 

For each item ordered from the menu, you will receive an original design drink coaster. One of six designs will be given to you at random. 

This café is the perfect place to relax at your own pace this autumn. 

© イクニラッパー／シリコマンダーズ

TV anime series Sarazanmai wrapped up its story on June 20 with its final episode.

If you’re in Tokyo from July 19, you’ll want to head on over to Anime ZONE in Ikebukuro, a cinema that screens anime series all day, as it has announced that it will screen all of Sarazanmai‘s eleven episodes in one sitting. Ticket prices and other information will be announced on the official website in the weeks leading up to it.

Anime ZONE is a new way to enjoy anime series, giving fans a chance who watched a series on their television, computer or smartphone to see it on the big screen with surround sound. The cinema hosts seasonal events, invites staff who have worked on particular anime series to talk, and more. Their catalogue offers a multitude of shows, from the latest series to older masterpieces.

©イクニラッパー／シリコマンダーズ

KANA-BOON are currently celebrating five years since their debut with “5 releases” and “5 events” across “5 seasons.” On June 12, the full version music video for KANA-BOON’s newest song Massara was unveiled.

Massara was released on June 12, marking the end of KANA-BOON’S five-year commemoration project. This makes it a very significant song in their career. 

Massara is currently the opening for NoitaminA TV anime Sarazanmai. After the release of the short version music video, fans just could not contain their excitement for the release of the full version video.

From the moment the introduction starts, KANA-BOON powers through the entire song. From the way vocalist/guitarist Maguro Taniguchi passionately screams from the bottom of his heart with deep feeling etched into his face, to the emotional guitar solo, the entire band pulled out all the stops to create this powerful piece. KANA-BOON is set in motion and they just cannot stop improving and striving forward.

This music video is the perfect way to wrap up KANA-BOON’s five-year commemoration project so please check it out.

Japanese pop-rock band the peggies dropped their song Stand By Me at the end of April which serves as the ending theme for the TV anime series Sarazanmai. Today, the full music video for the song hits YouTube over on Sony Music’s official channel.

*May be unavailable in certain regions.

The music video has a sense of loneliness to it as we see focused shots of each member on their own. Vocalist and guitarist Yûho Kitazawa in particular expresses her emotions as she sings her heart out in the rain.

The music video is available for limited-time viewing and is scheduled to be removed on July 31, 2019.

It has been five years since KANA-BOON’s debut to stardom and to celebrate, they’re surging through their “5 season” plan of 5 live performances, 5 releases and 5 events to celebrate with their fans. However, as the end of season 5 approaches, they are releasing two songs at once on 12th June. Their new single Massara will be released as a coupling song along with FLYERS; a new song that will become the theme song for a brand new smartphone game called Kick-Flight. An anime game trailer is now available on YouTube.

Kick-Flight × KANA-BOON: FLYERS Animated Trailer

The making of the animation for the trailer was directed by MAPPA, who is responsible for many high quality anime such as Yuri!!! on Ice, BANANA FISH and much more. Munehisa Sakai, who has managed a number of famous anime such as ONE PIECE FILM: STRONG WORLD and Zombie Land Saga, was the overall director, created the storyboard and producer.

A light rock beat and speedy lyrics ー a classic KANA-BOON feel-good style. The high quality animation is something you should not miss out on either.

Statement by vocalist Maguro Taniguchi

“We have this crazy dream of kicking the life back into this idle world, so we made a song about it. This song is now the theme song for the upcoming game Kick-Flight. I am so happy we bumped into this opportunity. I am especially pleased that we even managed to find and create words that reflect us, which will be the key ingredient in our songs to come. After seeing the game trailer, I was so surprised at the quality ー it looks like it could be an anime. I’m so pleased with it! You can tell that it was made by a very passionate team of video makers. Now I’m even more excited to play the game. Please watch the video!”

© Grenge, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Hello, readers! I’m Ren Koseki. Spring is here, and we’re about to enter the Reiwa era.

When talking about spring, we’ve got to talk about spring anime! I’ve picked up some series from the season and compiled them into a list for you all with my own comments and opinions. Let’s go!

本日より「世話やきキツネの仙狐さん」放送開始です！
リムコロ先生（ @rimukoro ）のイラストコメントです！
皆さん、しっぽのご用意を！ #仙狐さん pic.twitter.com/HUUwZZGYDN

— 「世話やきキツネの仙狐さん」公式 (@sewayakisenko) 2019年4月10日

• The Helpful Fox Senko-san

For those of you who need a relaxing break from the demands of day-to-day life, I recommend this moe-packed, heart-healing series!

The story follows Kuroto Nakano, a salary man completely exhausted from his mundane routine of simply going back and forth to and from work. One day, an 800-year-old fox girl by the name of Senko appears to him to take care of him. There are flashback scenes every now and then that hint at Kuroto having met Senko when he was a child. Watching their relationship unfold is interesting to watch. At any rate, this is one that people who are also fatigued should watch so they can feel cared for too.

©イクニラッパー／シリコマンダーズ

• Sarazanmai

You can never predict what’s coming next or how the story will develop in this anime series!

Three middle school boys are transformed into kappa by Keppi who steals their shirokodama. In order for them to return to their human forms, they must fight kappa zombies by removing their shirokodama from them and retrieving their wish-granting dishes. The atmosphere of the series is ever-changing. At one point it suddenly turns into a musical with the kappa singing and dancing. It’s an anime where you won’t get the full scope by just watching two or three episodes, and while it’s still ongoing that fact even now holds true.

第4話「Video Killed the Radio Star」あらすじ更新☆https://t.co/Okx8LKH8rU#キャロチュー #CandT pic.twitter.com/B21QdkBKGA

— ＴＶアニメ「キャロル＆チューズデイ」(公式) (@carole_tuesday) April 25, 2019

• Carole & Tuesday

This series is set in a world 50 years after humans have migrated to Mars. It’s an age where most of the culture is created by AI.

The story follows Carole, who was raised in a facility, and Tuesday, who was born into a wealthy family. These two musicians are drawn together by the same solitude they feel and dreams they hold. In an age where AI creates hit songs, these two characters’ voices will change the world.

You will of course be invested in this story but it’s the music that these two create that you will end up becoming a fan of. I’m interested to see how their voices will change this lonely, AI-developed world.

📺好評放送中！！📺
TOKYO MX　毎週（日）24：30～
(再放送)毎週（日）21：30～
サンテレビ 毎週（日）24：30～
BS11 毎週(日)24：30～
KBS京都 毎週（日）24：45～
テレビ愛知 毎週（月）26：05～
AT-X　毎週（金）22:00～
📺配信📺
ひかりTV 毎週（日）24：30～
#オカルト公務員 pic.twitter.com/1Ud0xC3wbz

— TVアニメ「真夜中のオカルト公務員」公式アカウント (@occultkoumuin) April 29, 2019

• Midnight Occult Civil Servants

Miyako Arata joins the “Nighttime Regional Relations” department of Shinjuku Ward Office. Each of Tokyo’s 23 wards in this story is home to one such department. Their work sees them coming into contact with occult-like beings such as gods, spirits and angels. These beings appear in order to patch things up where an ordinary human encounters some kind of problem.

Miyako is supposed to be just a newbie, but he has an ability that none of the others have: he is able to communicate with these beings. His roots, and the events surrounding theme, are another interesting part of this interesting anime!

©吾峠呼世晴/集英社・アニプレックス・ufotable

• Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba

This is an anime adaptation of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba which is currently serialised in Weekly Shonen Jump.

The protagonist Tanjiro lived a happy live together with his family in the mountains where they sold charcoal. One day a demon comes and slaughters his family. The sole survivor, Tanjiro’s sister, is turned into a demon, though not completely. Tanjiro sets off to find a way to turn his sister back into a human. The story is harsh and the battle scenes are exhilarating. Will Tanjiro be able to save his sister? We will find out as we carry on watching the story unfold.

These are the five anime series I am checking out this season! Asakusa in Sarazanmai and Shinjuku in Midnight Occult Civil Servants are actual places so it’s fun to watch! It might be fun to visit the locations they visit too.

It’s looking to be a great spring this year with so many great looking anime series this season.

Pop rock band the peggies released their first major studio album Hell like Heaven on February 6. Right now, they are knee deep in their nationwide tour of Japan.

It was previously announced that the band will release their song Stand By Me on May 29, the ending theme for the hugely popular ongoing anime series Sarazanmai. But today, the band has just dropped the track’s music video. The emotional video features them on the dim and rainy streets illuminated by car light.

the peggies – “Stand By Me” Music Video Short Ver.

The band also unveiled the singles’ CD covers as well as a new artist photo.

Regular Edition copies feature vocalist and guitarist Yuuho Kitazawa standing alone in a desert.

Limited Pressing Edition copies feature artwork taken from the Sarazanmai anime series. It has the three main characters walking through Asakusa where the series is set. These copies also come is special tall-size packaging and are coupled with a DVD which has the anime’s creditless ending theme video on it.

Fans can get their hands on the above-listed pieces of bonus merchandise when buying the single at the respective stores. When purchased at TOWER RECORDS or the band’s fan store they will receive one of two original stickers designed by Yuuho. When bought at Sony Music Shop they will get a set of two pin badges also designed by her. These are all limited in stock.

If fans buy the CD from the band’s ongoing tour “the peggies tour 2019 Hell like Heaven trip” they can have their copy signed by the band at the venue. Details on the tour can be found on the band’s official website.

Sarazanmai is an upcoming original TV anime series directed by creative artist Kunihiko Ikuhara (Revolutionary Girl Utena, Mawaru Penguindrum) that is set to finally begin airing from Thursday 11th April 2019 on Fuji Television’s Noitamina block.

There are many keywords buzzing around the anime’s original and well written storyline which strikes our curiosity, such as Kappa (a Japanese folklore demon) and Shirikodama ( a mythical organ that kappa steal from the anus). From the exciting cast members to Sarazanmai’s collaboration with sushi chain store Sushizanmai, there is just so much going on to raise the tension for anime fans. Finally, just as the first episode is about to air, a small snippet and storyline summary have been unveiled.

The story is set in Asakusa, Tokyo.  Three students in their second year of middle school, namely Kazuki Yasaka, Toi Kuji, and Enta Jinai, encounter a kappa named Keppi, who claims to be the heir to the throne of the Kappa Kingdom. Keppi steals the students’ shirikodama, transforming the students into kappa. What mission do the three friends have to complete in order to return to their original human forms?

The start of Sarazanmai marks the first day you can plunge deeper than you ever could into Kunihiko Ikuhara’s world. Don’t miss out on the first broadcast!