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.

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.

KANA-BOON have revealed that they will release their new single Massara (“Brand New”) on June 12. The refreshing-sounding and feel-good song is being used as the opening theme for the ongoing anime series Sarazanmai.

The single is coupled with the up-tempo track FLYERS which features wordplay by the band’s vocalist Maguro Taniguchi.

First Press Limited Edition copies of the single come with a DVD featuring the band’s performance at Yokohama Bay Hall taken from their 55-date tour “Let’s go 55 ONE-MAAN!!” held across all 47 prefectures of Japan, as well as a tour documentary. The footage comes as proof of KANA-BOON having refined their live performances even more.

Additionally, the CD cover art is a photo of KANA-BOON’s muse Yukino Kishii who has appeared in several of their music videos including Naimononedari, 1.2. step to you and Ikiteyuku. This marks her 5th year working with the band.

KANA-BOON vocalist Maguro Taniguchi released the following statement on the new single: “It’s been 5 years our debut during which we have come to perform at some crazy events and have release many songs. We are now adding a new song to the repertoire. It’s the theme song for the anime series Sarazanmai. We themed the lyrics on ‘connections’ as the [anime’s] story is rooted in that. You and I, me and you, the world and myself, the stage and the floor, a person I have never seen before and one I have. I want this song to take on both the role of creating new connections and reconnecting things.”

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!

TV anime series Sarazanmai is set to begin airing on Fuji TV’s Noitamina programming block on April 11, 2019.

As an April Fool’s Joke, Japanese sushi chain Sarazanmai changed their website on April 1 to make it look like they were teaming up with the anime series. Fortunately for fans it turned out to be a real collaboration.

Eight of the 55 branches of Sushizanmai in the Kanto region of Japan will begin selling a set of 6 sushi pieces inspired by the series for ¥2,160. It will be available from April 11 to May 31. Those who order the sushi will receive one of the six above-pictured lunch mats.

From “Revolutionary Girl Utena” to “Penguindrum”, creator of numerous hit anime Kunihiko Ikuhara is releasing a new original anime called “Sarazanmai”. The first episode will be broadcasted on Thursday 11th April at 00:55 am.  

Following the release of the official trailer, the opening theme song “Massara” by KANA-BOON was released just yesterday, and today the ending theme song “Stand by me” by the peggies was released!

A statement by the peggies vocalist/guitarist Yûho Kitazawa, who was in charge of the ending theme song, has arrived!

The peggies Yûho Kitazawa (Vo.Gt) : 

We live in a world of contradiction. No matter how close we get to each other or how much we share memories with others, we are never truly there for ourselves. We find it hard to accept ourselves for who we are. We are always thinking; “I want people to feel this way about me”; “I want people to want me”; “My craving is never satisfied”. In order to achieve our desires, we take a few steps away from our hearts and lie.

We are the peggies, and we are in charge of the ending theme song for the anime “Sarazanmai”. The anime clearly depicts the clumsy human race in a very realistic way. This is where we found a burning desire to fulfill. There are many times that desire leads us to dead ends, however there are many times that desire leads us to our futures. That is why we call on everybody to never take their eyes of their desires; to stand and chase them despite any despair that tries to pull us down. Our song “Stand by me” comes with this message. We hope that this song helps to deliver the story and main messages from “Sarazanmai” to you. We are extremely looking forward to its release!

From “Revolutionary Girl Utena” to “Penguindrum”, Kunihiko Ikuhara is a creative artist who has worked on multiple big hits including Sarazanmai. Sarazanmai will be broadcasted on Fuji-TV’s programming block “NoitaminA” from April 2019.

The opening theme song will be KANA-BOON’s new song “Massara”. We have finally received a statement by vocalist Maguro Taniguchi, explaining how he felt about making the song. You can hear the song when the anime is broadcasted on NoitaminA on Thursday 7th March at 00:55 am. News about the release of the opening theme song is yet to follow!

Statement by KANA-BOON vocalist Maguro Taniguchi:

It’s been five years since our debut and since then we’ve held wild events and released many songs. Now, we have made yet another hit. The song will be the theme song for the anime “Sarazanmai”.

As the story of the anime focusses on “connections”, we put this theme at the core of our song and from there, we composed the lyrics. Me and you, the world and yourself, the stage and the floor; two people who are yet to meet. Giving birth to new connections and amending broken ties ー this is the role we intend for this song. At the peak of our tour, when we are jumping from hotel to hotel, and even when we are on the move in the car, we compose songs. These songs are a continuation of constant new feelings and that make up our very own theme song.

From “Revolutionary Girl Utena” to “Penguindrum”, Kunihiko Ikuhara is a creative artist who has worked on multiple big hits including Sarazanmai, which he directed. Sarazanmai will be broadcasted on Fuji-TV’s programming block “NoitaminA” from April 2019.

In addition, there will be an exhibition dedicated to Kunihiko Ikuhara and his works called “Kunihiko Ikuhara Bokutachi wo tsunageru yokubo to kakumei no seizon senryaku” (The survival strategy of desire and revolution that connects us). This will be held at Space 634 in Tokyo Solamachi from Saturday 27th April to the national holiday Monday 6th May 2019. The exhibition will be your chance to witness the works of the genius who caused a revolutionary change in anime and manga. You can see his multiple works and amazing projects here too. His older works such as Revolutionary Girl Utena, Penguindrum and Yurikuma Arashi, as well as his most recent project Sarazanmai will feature at the exhibition. You can also learn about what he is currently doing and his future projects. This is the perfect exhibition for those who are curious about the past, present and future of Kunihiko Ikuhara.

To commemorate this exhibition and the release of his new anime Sarazanmai”, all Kunihiko Ikuhara’s anime will be broadcast in a single block! Please keep an eye out for this as well as further updates on Sarazanmai!