The new automated money box speaks, plays music from the film, andburps after every deposit!

Studio Ghibli’s 2001 animated film Spirited Away remains the highest-earning anime in Japan, with much of its success due to its unique cast of magical characters. There’s a mysterious boy who turns into a dragon, a stinky bowl-hatted white radish, soot sprites who hide in the shadows, and of course, a lonely spirit called No Face.

As one of the main characters in the film, No Face is a lonely creature who becomes close to female protagonist Chihiro, only to turn into a hungry monster when exposed to the greed of people surrounding him in the magical bathhouse. His gold-and-human-devouring rampage is one of the highlights of the film, where he reveals a set of white teeth from beneath his expressionless mask as he eats everything in sight, including a frog spirit called Aogaeru.

Steamed pork buns get a sweet companion that’s grabbing everyone’s attention in Japan.

Steamed pork buns, or nikuman, as they’re known in Japan, are hugely popular around the country, especially in the colder months when their hot, meaty fillings seem extra delicious. This winter, there’s a new steamed bun filling that’s set to warm your insides while tantalising your eyes and your taste buds, and it’s one of the sweetest and most unusual varieties we’ve ever seen!

It’s called the Marugoto Purinman, which translates to “Whole Custard Pudding Steamed Bun”, and it delivers on its title with an entire custard pudding, or crème caramel, hidden inside a beautifully decorated steamed bun.

Ramen and green tea are two of the best things to make if you’ve got a pot of hot water, and now you can have both at once.

After the amazingly thorough Cup Noodles/Final Fantasy XV cross-promotion, you’d think the creative minds at Nissin, maker of Japan’s most popular brand of instant ramen, would be taking a well-deserved break. You don’t get to the top of your field by resting on your laurels, though, and so Nissin has created something even more unexpected than a fantasy epic starring its flagship product.

Shoganji in Tokyo’s Katsushika ward is a very unique temple. The statues of a lion and a dinosaur are guarding the temple grounds. The greatest appeal of this temple is however its planetarium!

Have you got a costume sorted for your year-end party or New Year’s party? Are you one of the many people who can’t wait to dress up as PICOTARO? (The Pen-Pineapple-Apple-Pen guy) There was a limited sale of PICOTARO party costumes at Don Quijote’s Shibuya branch, however these quickly sold out…but don’t fear ー now they have been upgraded!

The old set consisted of 3 parts ー a shirt, trousers and a scarf. Now, the new set will include all this and a wig! This new set will hit the shelves from 17^th December for a limited period and can only be purchased at Don Quijote stores across Japan! If you plan on pumping up your party with a bit of PPAP, pop by any Don Quijote store ASAP!

■Information

PICOTARO official Party Costume DX

HN&Associates corporation: 0120-118906（Reception: Open every day 10:00 〜

17:00 except weekends and national holidays）

■ Related article: Pikotaro is teaching Elmo and Cookie Monster how to do the “PPAP” ! Does it means that the Sesame Street version of “PPAP” ; the “ CBCC “ is finally done ?!

Village Vanguard have released a brand new line of smart footwear titled “Orphe” over on their website. Each shoe has around 100 individual LED lights fitted, as well as Bluetooth modules and 9 motion sensors.

The 100 or so full colour LEDs are fitted into the sole of the shoe, each emitting their own dazzling lights. You can freely customise the lights by using the app on your smartphone which enables you to take control and operate the lights and sound inside the shoes. The lights and sound change with every step you take, so you’re going to have plenty of fun playing around with the settings. Moreover, there are 9 motion sensors in the soles from which you can acquire real-time data of your movements. You can even link the shoes up to music creation software and other applications to put on a show for people! These shoes will undoubtedly be popular in dance performances.約100個のフルカラーLEDをソールに内蔵し、自由度の高い豊かな光の表現ができる靴。

■Information

Orphan

Village Vanguard Online: http://vvstore.jp/?utm_source=press 

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Holiday Jack, a company which makes unique events, is holding special experience-based events for foreign sightseers.

The number of overseas visitors is increasing in the run up to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. A unique event called “Be a Ninja” is becoming very popular among foreigners.

Guests can walk around the city wearing a Ninja costume, something which is really enjoyed by the sightseers, and walk around the downtown areas of Asakusa, Ryogoku and Tokyo Skytree, as well as heading into the deeper spots that aren’t found in the guidebooks.

The walking course allows you to be exposed to local Japanese culture where you can walk and eat, hit up the game centers to have a go at the “UFO Catchers” (claw machines) and have your photo taken at purikura, and more.

Everyone who participates are so excited to wear the special costumes and to take photos and videos of themselves, ninja style! If you’re in Japan, why not have a go at being a ninja and sightseeing yourself?

■Informaion

Be a Ninja

Official site：http://ninjatour.jimdo.com/

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■Related article：The entertaining sushi restaurant that you can feel like being in Edo.

■Related article：What we all needed but never realised it: a kotatsu restaurant! Experience the true charm of a Japanese winter

The unique “SAMURAIS HOSTEL” has recently opened in Ikebukuro. Fusing together the concepts of samurai, ninja and art, the hostel consists of rooms decorated with wall paintings and castle-themed private rooms. You can enjoy a variety of events at the same location, including commemoration photography where the guests can try on armour. This is no ordinary accommodation ー it is packed with entertainment!

The concept of “Samurai, Ninja X Art” runs through the hostel. The 4^th floor has been designed for families and groups. This floor contains private rooms themed around castles which stood during the Warring States Period of Japanese history (approx. 1467-1568 CE). The 3^rd floor consists of dormitory-style rooms, and the 2^nd floor includes private rooms for up to 2 guests. Both the 3rd and 2nd floors include rooms which are ninja-themed, mount fuji-themed, and much more!

Guests are welcome to have their photo taken whilst wearing  samurai armour and a helmet. This event is located in the reception area of the 1st floor. Guests will then receive a photo of themselves wearing the armour set as a present (fee included).

The price to stay at this accommodation depends on the season, varying between ￥3,000 〜 ￥6,000 per person per night. Experience Japan to your heart’s content at a reasonable price at this hostel!

■Information

SAMURAIS HOSTEL Ikebukuro
Address：3-52-12 Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tōkyō-to
Contact number：03-5904-8384
URL： http://www.samurai-s.co.jp/

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■Related article: Dress up as a wartime samurai over at the “Samurai Armor Photo Studio” in Shibuya!

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This is for those of you who have always wanted to try putting on a sailor uniform (“sailor fuku” in Japanese). From the “Sailor Uniform Collection” comes a sailor fuku blanket that you can wear as pajamas.

The blanket comes as a one piece that you can wear just as you would a gown. It is a comfortable size and does not feel tight around your stomach. The best part to point out about it is most definitely the skirt. It measures 158cm, the average height of a 17-year old girl, and does not drag along as you walk. When you sit down wearing this blanket, the cloth lays across the floor like a blanket and acts like a self-kotatsu as it contains the heat.

No matter how you sit on the floor, whether you’re grasping your knees or sitting with your legs to the side, your toes will keep warm, and when you stand, it will flutter like you are wearing a princess dress. This product is for those girls out there who want to stay eternally young. The texture is fluffy so you can enjoy wearing a sailor uniform even in winter. Maybe you’ve never worn a sailor uniform before. Try wearing one yourself in your bedroom and you might feel like a student.

■Information
“Sailor Uniform Collection” Blanket Pajamas
Price: ￥9,000 (tax not included)
Official Website: http://www.bibilab.jp/product/slc80w/

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KAWAII MONSTER CAFÉ HARAJUKU is getting festive on Thursday 1^st December! Since opening, this will be the first time the KAWAII MONSTER CAFÉ transforms its interior design to a “Colourful Melty Christmas” themed interior as part of their new campaign! Walk through the doors of the KAWAII MONSTER CAFÉ and enter an entirely new world ー the iconic SWEETS GO ROUND will transform into a Christmas tree, and snow will be piled up and dusted everwhere to spread the festive feeling! You won’t be able to stop yourself from taking a picture with the pop-themed and very colourful Christmas tree!

And what’s Christmas at the KAWAII MONSTER CAFÉ without a limited edition Christmas addition to the menu? This includes the “Xmas Tree Pancake Parfait” ー ￥1,790 yen and arguably more photogenic than you! The foundation of the Christmas tree parfait consists of layers of strawberry sauce, matcha cream, cream cheese mouse and colourful cereal. This is stacked with large pancake pieces to take on the appearance of a Christmas tree, snuggling close to a vanilla icecream snowman! This is the perfect KAWAII MONSTER CAFÉ original parfait, so dig in!

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■Information

KAWAII MONSTER CAFE

Address: YM Square Building 4^th floor, Shibuya, Tokyo

Opening times:

Weekdays & Saturdays:   Lunch: 11:30～16:00

                                         Dinner: 18:00～22:30

Sundays & National holidays:       11:00～20:30

From FELISSIMO brand “YOU + MORE!” comes these adorable animal cup & saucer heads which look like they are bathing in a relaxing hot spring. You yourself will be able to feel like you’re at the hot springs together with the animals too with this teacup set as the hot water sways from side to side inside the cup. The cups & saucers became available to purchase online from October 20th.

The cup, with its feel good expression, and the open air bath saucer come as a set, from which you can choose from 3 different designs: “Japanese Monkey”, “Asian black bear”, and “Capybara”. If you pour tea into the cup, the steam will rise from the animals head and it’ll look just like you’ve entered a hot spring. Your body will fill with warmth as you look, drink and smile from this teacup set. We also recommend this fun item as a gift to someone!

■Information
Cup & Saucer Set
Price: ￥1,950（+8% ￥2,106)
Product Details & Ordering: http://www.felissimo.co.jp/s/pr16102703/2/
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Halloween is an event that even Japan enjoys and considered one of the autumn time events. iBEER LE SUN PALM in Tamagawa’s Rise Shopping Center is holding a special “Trick or Jankenpon!” event (Jankenpon = Rock, Paper, Scissors) for Halloween on Monday October 31st.

Customers at iBEER LE SUN PALM will receive a “Ghost Pizza” (1 group = 1 pizza) as a present for winning instead of candy. However, the only person allowed to eat the pizza is the winner themselves.

If you want a pizza yourself, you’d best get dressed up in your Halloween costume and head on over to iBEER LE SUN PALM! Those of you that turn up in costume are exempt from the game and will receive a free “Ghost Pizza”. Enjoy some craft beer as you join in with this fun one-day special event ♪

■Information
Trick or Jankenpon !
Location: iBEER LE SUN PALM Futako-Tamagawa Rise, Futako-Tamagawa Rise Shopping Center Town Front 1F, 2-21-1 Tamagawa, Setagaya, Tokyo
Available: Monday October 31st ※Available at dinner time only (17:00-23:00)
Conditions: Each person must order more than one food or drink item

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http://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/20262

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