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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■Related Article: BAPE KIDS® celebrate their 10th anniversary with Hello Kitty & My Melody collaborative t-shirts!

■Related Article: Transform into a cat this autumn & winter with this cat-tail phone case and fluffy cat bag