From April 2 to April 28, fans of the boys love series Given will want to visit Tokyo Solamachi! A pop-up shop and collaboration cafe celebrating the 2020 film is coming to the 4th floor Official TV Station Shop ~Tree Village~.        In addition to goods featuring original illustrations and cafe menu items named after characters from the film, there will also be bonus items handed out to those purchasing goods and menu items. Life-size panels will be on display, so come take some photos for social media!

18-year-old rapper and actor Sanari has been chosen to appear in the main cast of the drama series ‘Given,’ currently available on the FOD service and soon to be broadcast on terrestrial TV across Japan. The six-episode live-action series will begin airing Mondays starting on November 22 at 24:55.   Originally a BL manga series written and illustrated by Natsuki Kizu, Given depicts the love lives and personal growth of four rock band members. In 2016, a drama CD was released, and in 2019 the manga series was adapted into an anime series. An animated film premiered in August 2020.   This will be Sanari’s first starring role in a drama series. The rapper will play Mafuyu Sato, a talented singer struggling to develop his talent and overcome past trauma. This coming-of-age ensemble drama has been praised by fans around the world.    ©︎キヅナツキ・新書館 /フジテレビジョン

To promote the upcoming release of the Given anime film adaptation, Tower Records Shibuya is opening an official "Given Gallery" which will take place on the store's 8th floor from August 8 to 23.   Given is a popular boys-love (BL) manga by Natsuki Kizu that is serialised in Shinshokan’s Cheri+ magazine. An anime adaptation aired Fuji Television’s noitaminA programming block from July to September last year. At the exhibition, fans will find a collection of coloured illustrations by the manga's author Natsuki Kizu, display panels from the anime series, raw images taken from the upcoming film, and more.

Given x Tower Records Merchandise

Natsuki Kizu Illustrated Merchandise

Fans of the series can get their hands on a collection of exclusive merchandise at the Given Gallery.

Backstage Pass Design Postcard

Standing Panel A / Standing Panel B

Available on a first-come, first-served basis, visitors will receive one of nine possible postcards for free, each of which is designed in the style of a backstage pass. And for every ¥4,000 spent on the merchandise sold there, they will get a lottery ticket for a chance to win one of the life-sized standing panels of one the characters from the series which will be displayed at the event. Details will be announced at the event and on Tower Records Shibuya's official website.

Quiz Postcard

Original Postcard

All visitors will be handed the "Given Gallery Quiz" when attending the event. If they answer all the questions correctly, they'll receive a free postcard. Participants must be following Tower Records Shibuya (@TOWER_Shibuya). If you download the official Tower Records app and sign up as a member, you can get another original Given x Tower Records postcard too.   Though the Given Gallery is only taking place at Tower Records Shibuya, other branches of Tower Records will still be selling Given x Tower Records merchandise. You can find the branch list below.

Given is a popular boys-love (BL) manga by Natsuki Kizu that is serialised in Shinshokan’s Cheri+ magazine. An anime adaptation aired Fuji Television’s noitaminA programming block from July to September this year. When it first aired, the series blew up amongst female fans on Japanese social media whose praised its mix of music, visuals, youth and BL. At the end of every episode, words related to the series trended Twitter in Japan.   At the end of the final episode of the series, it was announced that a film adaptation was green-lit, which is set for released on May 16, 2020. The film will cover the young, heated love between Haruki, Akihiko, and Ugetsu. A new key visual was released, and it has been announced that Centimillimental is returning from the anime series to perform the main theme once again.   See the continuation of Given in the new film, dropping May 16, 2020.   ©︎Natsuki Kizu・Shinshokan / Given Production Committee

Given is a popular boys-love (BL) manga by Natsuki Kizu that is serialised in Shinshokan’s Cheri+ magazine. An anime adaptation aired Fuji Television’s noitaminA programming block from July to September this year. When it first aired, the series blew up amongst female fans on Japanese social media whose praised its mix of music, visuals, youth and BL. At the end of every episode, words related to the series trended Twitter in Japan.   At the end of the final episode of the series, it was announced that a film would drop in 2020. It was revealed today that it will be released in spring 2020. The film will be produced by BL anime label Blue Lynx, with the voice cast reprising their roles, as well as Hikaru Yamaguchi returning as director and Yuniko Ayana as screenwriter.   A new visual was teased today in line with the announcement featuring Haruki and Akihiko hanging out in Haruki's house. Fans who attend the Animate Girls Festival (AGF) can get their hands on a postcard featuring the illustration of the new visual when they purchase pre-sale tickets at the event. Additionally, if they buy pre-sale tickets for all three of Blue Lynx's upcoming films (Saezuru Tori wa Habatakanai – The Clouds Gather, L'étranger de la Plage, and Given), they can receive a set of 5 postcards with illustrations by Yoko Tanji and story by Shion Miura. These are limited in stock and available while supplies last. There will be subsequent select sales on Blue Lynx's page on noitaminA on November 15 from 18:00 (JST).   ©︎Natsuki Kizu・Shinshokan / Given Production Committee

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 August 2019 list of character cafés as some of them are still running.    

Fate/Grand Order Cafe in Omotesando

The third run of the Fate/Grand Order themed cafe, with designs produced by Sanrio, is taking place at OMOTESANDO BOX CAFE&SPACE from September 5 to 29. When you book a table in advance (¥650 before tax per person) and order from the menu you’ll receive one of the above possible 16 lunch mats. And if you order a drink you’ll get one of the 16 coasters. You’ll get one of either piece of these exclusive items per item you order from the menu.

Master & Mash Snow Field Meatballs – ¥1,490

This dish is piled with filling sauteed meatballs and mushrooms. The cream sauce is made to look like a snowy field. It’s served with a side of jam for a succulent sweet and sour kick.

Brynhildr & Sigurd Croquembouche Parfait – ¥1,390

Croquembouche is often served at weddings in Italy at France. Here, it has been turned into an easy-to-eat parfait. It’s topped with salt ice cream, yogurt mousse and more, all in refreshing colours.   To find out more details and what else they have on the menu, click here.   © TYPE-MOON / FGO PROJECT   ▼Fate/Grand Order Design produced by Sanrio – 3rd Collaborative Cafe Running: September 5, 2019 – September 29, 2019 Location: OMOTESANDO BOX CAFE&SPACE (Pine Under Flat Floor B1F, 5-13-2 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo) Official Website: https://fgo-sanrio-cafe.jp/ *Reservations now open via the official website    

Love Live! & Sanrio Open Collaborative Cafes in Tokyo and Osaka

Multimedia project Love Live!―which has spawned an anime series, manga, game, movie and more―has teamed up with Sanrio to open themed cafes in Tokyo and Osaka on August 16 and September 27 respectively.   The menu features a bounty of flavourful food and drink which incorporates popular flavours, luscious taste, and hearty servings. You get a special illustration with every meal.

An Unlikely Combination Food Plate – ¥1,390 (Before Tax)

An interesting assortment of a mini omurice, soy sauce ramen, and a fresh tomato caprese salad. It also comes with the pictured postcard which features a blackboard design.

Deliciousness Ensemble! Invigorating Dessert Plate – ¥1,390 (Before Tax)

This dessert set is one fit for the gods, adorned with an apple topped castella, mini pancake laced with salted caramel ice cream, an tea-flavoured jelly. This also comes with the pictured postcard featuring different characters.   Fans of both franchises can pick up plenty of exclusive merchandise too, featuring the characters from Love Live! dressed like the Sanrio cast. There are bonus items for customers who book a table in advance too. Don’t miss this first ever collaboration between Love Live! and Sanrio♡   To find out more details and what else they have on the menu, click here.   ▼Love Live! Series x Sanrio Characters CafeTokyo Cafe Running: August 16, 2019 – October 14, 2019 Location: HARAJUKU BOX CAFE&SPACE (Lucessimo Bldg. Floor 2F, 4-28-28 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo)   Osaka Cafe Running: September 27, 2019 – October 27, 2019 Location: UMEDA BOX CAFE&SPACE( (Umeda LOFT Floor 1F, 16-7 Chayamachi, Kita Ward, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture)   Reservations: ¥500 (Before Tax) Official Website: https://lovelive-sanrio-cafe.jp/    

TV Anime Given Themed Cafe - Listen To The Characters' Voices As You Dine

Six branches of CAFFÈ & BAR PRONTO in Japan are set to collaborate with the ongoing yaoi anime series Given from September 13 to 23.   The theme of the collaboration is “After Band Practice.” The cafes will serve up food inspired by the series as well as sell exclusive merchandise. The voice actors for the four main characters also recorded lines for the cafes which will play during your time there.

Bright Red Tomato Pasta – ¥1,296 (Tax Included)

Pancake Of The Day – ¥1,296 (Tax Included)

To find out more details and what else they have on the menu, click here.   ©︎Natsuki Kizu・Shinshokan / Given Production Committee   ▼TV Anime Given x Enter Bell at PRONT Running: September 13, 2019 – September 23, 2019 Locations: PRONTO Sapporo Pole Town / PRONTO IL BAR Ochanomizu Sola City / PRONTO Ikebukuro Sunshine-dori / PRONTO Nagoya Marunouchi / PRONTO Meitetsu Gifu Station / BEERTERIA PRONTO Osaka Dojima   General Reservations ・Running: August 21, 2019 at midnight (JST) to September 23, 2019 at 23:59 (JST) ・Price: ¥1,188 (Tax Included) for one person. Includes one seat and drink. *To make a reservation and receive the voice reminder you must have a Bandai Namco ID (free to register)   Official Website: https://bpnavi.jp/enterbell/given/    

Chibi Maruko-chan Themed Menu & Merch Arrives at Tower Records Cafe Omotesando

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Chibi Maruko-chan anime series, Tower Records Cafe in Omotesando is collaborating with the franchise to turn its establishment into all things Maruko-chan for a limited time from September 5 to 29. Also, 22 branches of Tower Records as well as the Tower Records online store will sell collaborative merchandise.

Maruko-chan’s Hamburger Plate – ¥1,500

The collaboration will be split into two different periods with different food and merchandise line-ups. The Maruko-chan Hamburger Plate, however, will be available for the cafe's entire duration. Hamburgers are Maruko-chan’s favourite meal, and this one is served with vegetables and a rice ball with her adorable face on it.  

Collaboration Period ①

Nagasawa-kun’s Onion Soup Pasta – ¥1,500

Served with a whole onion, this soup seeped vongole pasta is inspired by the onion-head himself Nagasawa-kun.

Noguchi-san’s Birthday Cake – ¥1,200

Celebrate Noguchi-san’s birthday (September 9) with this very special blueberry and milk crepe birthday cake. The exclusive merchandise takes on a music theme with original designs. Pick from 7 different items including a towel, tote bag, phone case and more.   To find out more details and what else they have on the menu, click here.   *All prices are tax-inclusive. Photos are for illustrative purposes only.*Please enquire with shop staff about any food allergies.ⒸSakura Production/Nippon Animation   ▼Chibi Maruko-chan x TOWER RECORDS CAFE Running: September 5, 2019 – September 29, 2019 Period ①: September 5, 2019 – September 17, 201 Period ②: September 18, 2019 – September 29, 2019 *The menu line-up and free gifts will be different for each period   TOWER RECORDS CAFE Omotesando Address: Imon Harajuku Bldg. 2F, 6-3-9  Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo Opening Hours: 11:00-21:30 (Last Orders 20:30) Official Website: http://tower.jp/restaurants/cafe/omotesando *No reservations, however during busy times numbered tickets will be handed out. Details on numbered tickets will be announced on the cafe’s official Twitter page: @TRC_Omotesando   Chibi Maruko-chan x TOWER RECORDS Collaboration Merchandise Release Date: September 5, 2019 (*Pre-orders now open) Available: At 22 Tower Records branches and the online store Tower Records Online: https://tower.jp Collaboration Page: https://tower.jp/chibimaru  

Hatsune Miku Music Cafe Opening in Tokyo & Fukuoka

The Hatsune Miku Music Cafe has returned for the third run and is now open in Akihabara, Tokyo and Hakata, Fukuoka.   The music cafe will be supported by VOCALOID music label KARENT. VOCALOID fans can look forward to dining while listening to music from their favourite characters―Miku, Luka, Rin, Len, MEIKO and KAITO―on high quality speakers and giant monitors.

Miku’s Leek Record Curry – ¥1,200 (Tax Included)

Luka’s Pink Peach Soda – ¥750 (Tax Included)

There’s lots more merchandise, food and drinks as well as this too. You can see the full line-up on the official website. And for more details, click here.   © Crypton Future Media, INC. www.piapro.net*The rate of consumption tax is set to increase from 8% to 10% in Japan from October 1, 2019 and so the prices listed here will increase*Photos are for illustrative purposes only   ▼Hatsune Miku Music Cafe – 3rd Run ・Ani ON STATION AKIHABARA Address: Daidoh Limited Bldg. 1F, 3-1-16 Sotokanda, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo Running: August 23, 2019 – October 6, 2019 *Closed on September 1, 2019 *Regular hours will not run on October 6, 2019 due to the DJ event   ・Ani ON STATION Hakata Bus Terminal Address: Hakata Bus Terminal 7F, 2-1 Hakataekichuogai, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, Fukuoka Prefecture Running: August 28, 2019 – September 29, 2019   Entry Price: ¥500 (Tax Included) Cafe Website: https://bandainamco-am.co.jp/cafe_and_bar/anionstation/special/miku_cafe3/ Ani ON STATION Official Website: https://bandainamco-am.co.jp/cafe_and_bar/anionstation/    

BT21 Cafe Serves World Food in Shibuya, Umeda, Nagoya and Sapporo

LEGS COMPANY has opened four BT21 themed cafe called “BT21 CAFE 2019 WORLD” in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya and Sapporo. BT21 are the LINE messenger app characters created by K-pop group BTS. The cafe will serve up many different dishes of food from around the world, all with motifs from the BT21 character line-up.

Japanese Food Plate: Temari Sushi (Salmon, Duck, Minced Tuna, Fried Tofu, Shrimp Avocado) & Meat Udon – ¥1,490

Brazilian Food Plate: Churrasco, Mashed Potato & Feijoada – ¥1,490

Enter the cute world of BT21 and their world food line-up. Click here for more details.   *All listed prices are pre-tax. Photos are for illustrative purposes only.©BT21   BT21 Cafe 2019 WORLD Locations/Dates:

• SHIBUYA BOX CAFE&SPACE SHIBUYA 109 (August 22, 2019 – September 29, 2019)
• UMEDA BOX CAFE&SPACE (August 22, 2019 – September 23, 2019)
• NAGOYA BOX CAFE&SPACE (September 4, 2019 – October 6, 2019)
• TOWER RECORDS CAFE at Sapporo PIVOT (September 5, 2019 – October 20, 2019)

*Cafes closed on September 30, 2019   Reservations ・Price: ¥650 (Before Tax) Official Website: http://box-cafe.jp/ The BT21 Cafe is reservation-only     Did you enjoy this list? Be sure to visit all the character cafés you can while in Japan this month! Stay tuned for next month's entry.