Tokyo Otaku Mode (or TOM for short) is opening up their first real life shop on floor 6 of Shibuya PARCO. The shop’s theme is JAPAN CULTURE and its grand opening will occur around the end of November 2019.
Staying true to their core value of spreading Japanese pop culture to the rest of the world, the real life shop Tokyo Otaku Mode TOKYO will continue to sell its lines of original goods themed around anime, manga, games and much more. This boutique is a long-awaited opportunity for many fans, who will finally be able to purchase their favourite character-themed goods in person.
Shibuya PARCO is known for its cutting-edge fashion, art and music culture. As the building is undergoing some major renovations, Tokyo Otaku Mode seized the opportunity to implement their trending otaku culture. Now, pop culture will be spread even more in Japan as well as overseas.
Check out Tokyo Otaku Mode to experience the trendiest Japanese pop culture!
Information
Tokyo Otaku Mode TOKYO
Open: Around the end of November 2019
Address: Shibuya PARCO (floor 6), 15-1 Udagawacho, Shibuya Ward, Tokyo
Business days and hours are to be confirmed.
Tokyo Otaku Mode Official Website: https://corporate.otakumode.com/
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Toho and AlphaBoat have announced the second run of their video audition project "GEMSTONE" which is open to creators around the world, from animators to illustrators, composers, singers, actors and actresses, and beyond.The first round was held in Japan only and asked for illustrations and videos themed on "Godzilla." Of the 1,000 people who participated, 11 were chosen as winners, all of whom are now undertaking work alongside the production team at Toho. The key visual for the new second round was illustrated by YELLOW JUNKIE/kyo→ko, one of the winners of the first audition.
For the second round, Toho and Alphaboat are collaborating with Japanese pop culture news website Tokyo Otaku Mode to bring the contest to international creators. The new theme is "With Japan!" and participants are asked to create an original character based on this. Participants must create a 3-minute explanation video of their character. There are no boundaries to how videos can be created―it can be in the form of a presentation by the creators themselves, a short animation, and so on. All submissions that successfully pass the first round will be posted onto the official GEMSTONE YouTube channel. Finalists will have the opportunity to participate in the official ceremony held at Anime NYC. They will receive a cash prize of 1 million yen and get to develop a project alongside Toho, AlphaBoat and Tokyo Otaku Mode. Applications open on July 1 and will run until September 2 on the official website. A third and fourth round are in the works for the near future. Get involved! Information
GEMSTONE Creators Audition Vol. 2
Vol. 2 Theme: “With Japan!”
Application Period: July 1, 2019 – September 2, 2019 at 18:00 (JST)
*Winning submissions to roll out on GEMSTONE’s YouTube channel in September
Prize: 1 million yen and chance to develop a project with Toho, AlphaBoat and Tokyo Otaku Mode
Official Website: https://gemstoneaudition.com/
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moreru mignon is a shop located in the department store SHIBUYA109 in Tokyo. It specialises in 'purikura,' a unique type of photo booth which lets you decorate your photos before printing them out. The shop just reopened on May 22 with all-new decor and has been moved to floor B2F of SHIBUYA109.
GIRLS'TREND Kenkyuusho of Japanese entertainment company FuRyu produced the new design of the shop. It is inspired by the bedroom of a girl who loves style and is just a smidgen selfish. The wall is plastered with pictures of cats based on female models, and poking out of the clothe-filled closet is a huge cat's tail with a ribbon tied around it. There is also a huge Instagrammable sofa bed and a display of food, milk and more. For a limited time only, the purikura machine designs have cats posing as models on the side of them. Customers can also get their hands on a cute new shop card. The shop itself serves up all the "kawaii" a girl could need with its photogenic interior. It can be enjoyed for some simple purikura shots, for taking commemorative photos, and for just getting together with your girl friends. And to celebrate the reopening, limited copies of a free magazine titled Nyaaruzu Trend ("Girly Cat Trends") will be available at the shop from May 31. It includes a bonus copy of GIRLS'TREND, a free magazine published by FuRyu. If you're in Tokyo and in need of taking some kawaii photos then be sure to head to moreru mignon. Information
moreru mignon SHIBUYA109
Address: SHIBUYA109 Floor B2F (2-19-1 Dogenzaka, Shibuya, Tokyo)
Business Hours: 10:00-21:00*In line with the renovations, the name of the floor which this shop is on will change to “MOG MOG STAND” on June 28, 2019.
SHIBUYA109 Official Website: https://www.shibuya109.jp/ladies/
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On June 14, popular Taiwanese bubble tea shop Jenjudan will open its first shop in Japan. The first shop will be located in the city that is known for capturing the hearts of Tokyo's young and trendy: Shibuya. More specifically, the shop will be located on the MAG 7 Food Floor (7th floor) of MAGNET by SHIBUYA 109.
Jenjudan stands out for their skilled tea makers and carefully-selected ingredients that are used to make their high quality drinks. One of the main ingredients is 100% natural brown sugar, which is used to soak the tapioca pearls for full flavor. They also use rich Hokkaido milk. The best part is that all ingredients used here are natural and free from additives. Plenty of research went into harnessing the natural sweetness of the black sugar by determining the exact amount of time to soak the tapioca in the sugar syrup in order to extract its maximum flavour. Jenjudan managed to achieve flavourful tapioca where the flavour gradually spreads through your mouth when chewed. The softness and size of the tapioca were also carefully crafted after extensive research. The first ever overseas branch has been set up in Singapore's famous tourist spot of Shilin Night Market. Jenjudan bubble tea was the winner in a blind tasting event conducted by Taiwanese lifestyle and current affairs popular smartphone app Mobile 01, so you absolutely must try it. Photos: 宏勝商事株式会社 Information
Jenjudan Shibuya MAGNET109
Address: MAGNET by SHIBUYA109 7F (MAG7)
1 Chome-23-10 Jinnan, Shibuya City, Tokyo
Opening hours: 11:00 ー 23:00 (Closed Jan 1, closing days dependent on mall closing times)
TEL：03-6868-8477
Jenjudan Official Twitter: https://twitter.com/jx5p7ojqds0pk2y
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Japanese toy company Sentinel began taking orders for its new Pokémon figures under its POLYGO figure brand on June 14. It includes Eevee and a mini collection. They are set to be released in November 2019.
POLYGO is a unique character figure series which uses its own original way of crafting figures. The toys are made up of simple layers which come together to crate a simple yet polished and artistic look. The company will release Pikachu, Mewtwo and Charizard figures in July, and now they are introducing Eevee into the mix. Eevee's head and tail are movable so you can shape it into whatever pose you like. In addition, fans can also get their hands on the new mini size collection which includes Pikachu, Squirtle, Charmander, Bulbasaur, Snorlax, and Gengar. Which will you choose? ©2019 Pokemon. ©1995-2019 Nintendo/Creatures Inc./GAME FREAK inc. Information
POLYGO Pokémon Eevee
Price: ¥4,500 (Before Tax)
Available: At hobby shops, volume sellers and online shops in Japan
Release Date: Mid-November 2019
Product Page: http://sen-ti-nel.co.jp/product-about/21_polygo/product-about21_023.html
POLYGO Pokémon Mini Collection
Price: ¥700 (1 box of 8. Box contains random assortment.)
Available: At hobby shops, volume sellers and online shops in Japan
Release Date: November 2019
Product Page: http://sen-ti-nel.co.jp/product-about/21_polygo/product-about21_024.html
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Walt Disney Japan have announced they will release a collection of all short films by Studio Ghibli spanning 1992-2016 on DVD, Blu-ray and for DVD rental in Japan on July 17, 2019. A collection of Ghibli shorts was first released in 2005 and featured everything from the studio's their ever animated short Sora Iro no Tane (1992) to the latest animated PV at the time. The new collection will feature all of those plus another eleven for a total of 33 shorts. This is also the first time they will be released on Blu-ray.
The line-up features films worked on by Studio Ghibli animators and directors including Hayao Miyazaki, Yoshifumi Kondō, Yoshiyuki Momose, Takeshi Inamura, Osamu Tanabe, Shinji Hashimoto, Shinji Ootsuka, Katsuya Kondō, and Gorō Miyazaki. The first trailer for the collection was released on the official Disney Studios Japan YouTube channel. It begins with a message from Studio Ghibli producer Toshio Suzuki which reads: "Long films aren't Ghibli's only thing. This and that too are authentically Ghibli." In the video we see a whole range of short animations, including various collaborative ads made for Lawson, the Studio Ghibli Museum and more. We also see a music clip for Sora Tobu Machi Keikaku by Yasutaka Nakata (Capsule). This is sure to be a must-have collector's item for any Studio Ghibli fan. ©2019 Studio Ghibli Information
Ghibli ga Ippai Special Short Short 1992-2016 (Japanese Title: ジブリがいっぱいSPECIALショートショート 1992-2016)
Release Date: July 17, 2019Price: Blu-ray – ¥4,700 (Before Tax) / DVD – ¥3,800 (Before Tax)
Studio Ghibli Website: http://www.ghibli.jp/
Walt Disney Japan Website: https://www.disney.co.jp/
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BANDAI's online shop PREMIUM BANDAI is releasing six new Hamtaro-themed apparel items. The lineup is themed around popular characters from the anime such as Bijou and Hamtaro himself. Reservations for these cute items are now being accepted. How about wearing some Hamtaro, Bijou and Snoozer-themed clothing and accessories? Finally, items from our favourite childhood anime have been revived in the form of cute pjamas, dresses and accessories for adults.
Hamtaro Pyjamas ￥14,040 (after tax, shipping/handling fees not included)
The Hamtaro Pyjamas even come with a Hamtaro Eye mask which has cute Hamtaro ears. The stripy pyjamas come come in a Hamtaro orange colour theme and are decorated with Hamtaro's favourite snack; sunflower seeds.Bijou Pyjamas ￥14,040 (after tax, shipping/handling fees not included)
The Bijou pyjamas are a Bijou light blue and come with two blue hair ribbon scrunchies. Fully transform into the adorable Bijou with this pyjama and scrunchie ribbon set!Snoozer Pyjamas ￥14,040 (after tax, shipping/handling fees not included)
The dot pattern on Snoozer's sleeping bag sock is a very popular design. Now, this pattern has been used for the Snoozer pyjamas. Notice that Snoozer has been embroidered on the breast. Fans of Snoozer just won't be able to resist!Hamtaro Dress ￥8,900 each (after tax, shipping/handling fees not included)
There are a total of three different dress designs that feature the members of the Ham-Ham Gang. One features a general design that includes the 15 Ham-Hams (available in white and navy). Another has a print of the Ham-Hams smooshing themselves into a delicious cake. There are also strawberry and cream cake prints on the sleeves, too. These dresses are perfect for a relaxing day. They are long, making them perfect for a day trip as well as relaxing at home. This Hamtaro apparel is just too cute to miss out on! © Ritsuko Kawai/ ShogakukanInformation
Hamtaro Apparel
Lineup information: https://p-bandai.jp/fashion/c0007/c000792/?rt=pr
PREMIUM BANDAI official online shop: http://p-bandai.jp/?rt=pr
TV Tokyo Hamtaro Official Website: https://www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/anime/hamutaro/
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HARAJUKU COLLECTIVE, a Collaboration Between Hot Topic & Studio Ghibli, Gets Pop-Up Store at Shinsaibashi PARCO
Last year, the HARAJUKU COLLECTIVE collaboration appeared at AF Gallery in Harajuku from August 10 until August 28, garnering massive acclaim from fans. The collection is now being sold at Shinsaibashi PARCO until March 12, 2023.
HARAJUKU COLLECTIVE is a Studio Ghibli-inspired apparel collection by the popular American counterculture chain Hot Topic. Bringing more Japanese culture to the ongoing Studio Ghibli collaboration launched in 2014, Hot Topic stores began selling original items produced by nine Japanese creators and brands, as well as some original American items produced by Hot Topic’s executive designers.
The lineup of Japan-original items includes T-shirts, tote bags, and other items featuring exclusive artwork by up-and-coming creators. These items depict beloved characters from Studio Ghibli’s works, as well as logos created for the collaboration. Fans won’t want to miss grabbing these unique items!
Details on the Previous HARAJUKU COLLECTIVE Pop-Up Store: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/ja/625747
Information
HARAJUKU COLLECTIVE
Running: February 23 – March 12, 2023
Hours: 10:00-20:00
Venue: Shinsaibashi PARCO B1F Pop-Up Space (1-8-3 Shinsaibashisuji, Chuo-ku, Osaka)
Official Site: https://ghibli-harajukucollective-ec.com
Online Store (Open until March 31, 2023): https://ec.ghibli-harajukucollective-ec.com
HARAJUKU COLLECTIVE Official SNS:
Instagram: @harajuku_collective
(https://www.instagram.com/harajuku_collective）
Twitter: @harajuku_collect (https://twitter.com/harajukucollect)
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From February 11 to February 26, an exhibition inspired by the popular rock band CreepHyp will be held at the PARCO GALLERY on the 6th floor of the Nagoya PARCO West Building. The event is being held to celebrate the 10th anniversary of CreepHyp. The exhibition is themed around a ‘Museum of Voices.’
A person’s voice is said to be a true expression of their personality. This exhibition will give fans a new sense of what CreepHyp is and will feature their music, their MC content, and various radio appearances.
Visitors will be able to listen to the member’s voices, but they’ll also be able to step on them, dive into them, look at them, and experience plenty of other ways to enjoy the band’s content. Completely immersed in this world of voices, this experience promises to be like no other. Come experience it while you can!
The exhibition was largely created by CHOCOLATE, the creative team behind CreepHyp’s past exhibitions. Exclusive merchandise will also be available on-site.
Information
Let Creephyp’s Music Rain Down on You like a Shower Exhibition
Running: February 11 – February 26 (15 days) *Closed on February 15
Venue: Nagoya PARCO West Building 6F, PARCO GALLERY
Tickets: https://eplus.jp/creephyp_exhibition/
*Pre-sale ticket lottery begins on January 21 at noon
Details: https://art.parco.jp/parcogallery/detail/?id=1151 -
Fans of the pop rock band Macaroni Empitsu will want to head to Tokyo from February 17 to March 6, 2023 to enjoy a newly-reworked 10th-anniversary exhibition. Guests are invited to look through various macaroni holes around the exhibition hall to catch glimpses of some curious and rare items only on display for a limited time.
After being held at several locations around Japan, the exhibition will return to Ikebukuro PARCO in Tokyo next month.
Items appearing in the Macaroni Empitsu 10th Anniversary Book -Macaroni Kuronikuru- will be on display, and a short film titled Aspirations will be screened following its premiere in Shibuya.
Graphic designer Shun Sasaki served as the art director for the exhibition.
Fans won’t want to miss out on the exhibition's original merchandise featuring key visuals and lyrics from the band. Come get a glimpse at the history and personal lives of Macaroni Empitsu’s members while you can!
[Comment from Vocalist Hattori] “Macaroni Empitsu’s exhibition is making a triumphant return to Tokyo! New content has been added this time around, so be sure to come fall into the macaroni hole!”
Information
Macaroni Empitsu 10th Anniversary Exhibition in Tokyo
Running: February 17 – March 6, 2023
Venue: Ikebukuro PARCO 7F / PARCO FACTORY
Hours: 11:00 – 21:00 *Admission permitted up to 30 minutes prior to closing
*Closing at 18:00 on March 6
Admission: ¥500 (Tax Included) *Reservations required. For more information, check parco.art.
*Free for preschool children
Details: https://art.parco.jp/parcomuseum/detail/?id=1147
*Event details are subject to change without notice.
*Hours of operation are subject to change.<Touring Exhibition Information>
Osaka Venue
Umeda LOFT 4F Event Space
Running: January 13 – February 5, 2023■Release
wheel of life EP
Release Date: March 8, 2023
wheel of life EP Special Site: https://macaroniempitsu-wheeloflife.com/■LIVE
TALTO Night 2023
March 3, 2023 / Zepp Haneda
Performers: SAKANAMON / Macaroni Empitsu / Yayuyo / WON
*Opening act plannedOfficial Site: http://macaroniempitsu.com/
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Mika Pikazo is an illustrator and character designer. The artist has designed characters for many popular titles including Fire Emblem Engage, the latest in Nintendo's Fire Emblem series, as well as book covers and CD jackets. Starting December 10, the artist will hold his second solo exhibition in three years at the Hz event space in Shibuya. According to a press release, the exhibition is being held to show a number of creations Pikazo has made recently, and aims to show off new animation and past illustrations to merge his past and future selves. The creator hopes to challenge himself more going forward. The first main visual, REVENGE, can be seen on the exhibition’s official website. A total of three visuals have been newly drawn for the event and will be released sequentially. In addition, a number of collaborative works with other creators will be on display, so art fans won’t want to miss out.
Limited-edition merchandise featuring new illustrations will be on sale at the venue, and autograph sessions are planned to be held. For more details, check the official Twitter page! Be sure to come to see Mika Pikazo’s colorful pieces in person! Information
Mika Pikazo Exhibition – REVENGE POP
Running: December 10 – December 29, 2022
Hours: 10:00-20:00
Venue: Hz, 1F (4-3 Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo)
Admission: Free
Official Website: https://revenge-pop.mikapikazo.info/
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The 13th iteration of the BT21 Cafe will open at six venues in five cities around Japan. Fans in Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, Osaka, and Sapporo will want to visit this exclusive event titled ~MAGICAL TIME~. The first cafe opens in Shibuya on November 3. In celebration of BT21’s 5th anniversary, this special cafe is filled with joy and excitement and aims to give fans the best possible experience.
Cafe Menu
Magical Tea Time Set
Food Plate
Food Plate (7 varieties)
Dessert Plate
Dessert Plate (7 varieties)
Drinks
Magical Milk Tea
Black Tea
Iced Coffee / Hot Coffee
Original Goods
Acrylic Keychain (7 varieties, Random)
Acrylic Clip (7 varieties, Random)
Satin Sticker (7 varieties)
Clear Folder (2 varieties)
Handkerchief (7 varieties)
Tote Bag
Mug
Masking Tape / Balloon on a Stick
Dolomite Coaster (2 varieties) / Mirror (2 varieties)
[Online Store Exclusive] Acrylic Keychain (7 varieties, Random)
The cafe’s new menu includes afternoon tea, perfect for warming the body and soul during the cold winter months. The colorful food items and desserts are sure to be a hit on social media, and fans will enjoy the Magical Milk Tea and other dishes inspired by the popular BT21 characters. In addition to new merchandise and bonuses featuring newly-drawn art, a photo spot will welcome guests to the cafe and invite them to celebrate this five-year milestone. Why not take a break from everyday life to enjoy a magical time with these cute characters? ©BT21Information
BT21 Cafe #13 ~MAGICAL TIME~
Venue/Dates
■Shibuya, Tokyo:BOX cafe&space SHIBUYA109
Running: November 3 – December 10, 2022
Address: SHIBUYA109 B2F (2-29-1 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo)
■Oshiage, Tokyo:BOX cafe&space Tokyo Solamachi
Running: January 13 – February 19, 2023
Address: Tokyo Skytree Town, Solamachi 1F (1-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida-ku, Tokyo)
■Yokohama, Kanagawa:Collabo_Index Lumine Yokohama
Running: January 13 – February 5, 2023
Address: Lumine Yokohama 6F (2-16-1 Takashima, Nishi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa)
■Nagoya, Aichi:BOX cafe&space Nagoya LACHIC #1
Running: December 2, 2022 – February 5, 2023
Address: LACHIC B1F (3-6-1 Sakae, Naka-ku, Nagoya, Aichi)
■Shinsaibashi, Osaka:
Shinsaibashi contact
Running: November 11 – December 18, 2022
Address: 1-6-24 Kitahorie, Nishi-ku, Osaka
■Sapporo, Hokkaido:
Cafe Interlude, Coach & Four Shinakawa
Running: November 3 – December 29, 2022
Address: 18-chome 3-jo, Kita-ku, Sapporo
Reservations: https://box-cafe.jp/
Online Shop
Open: November 3, 11:00 – December 4, 23:59
https://box-cafe.jp/online_store/ -
ANNA’S by Landtmann, a cafe located inside +Q Beauty on the 6th floor of Shibuya Scramble Square, has begun selling two Halloween cakes! These spooky sweets will be available until October 31, 2022. Halloween Mont Blanc
Halloween Poison Apple Guests will be able to snag the Halloween Mont Blanc and Halloween Poison Apple cakes, available for ¥580 each including tax. The Mont Blanc is filled with pumpkin custard and Chantilly cream. The Poison Apple is a sweet and sour cake featuring a blend of chocolate mousse covered in red glaze and applesauce with apple pulp. Which of these two adorable cakes would you like to enjoy this autumn? Information
ANNA’S by Landtmann Halloween Cakes
Available: October 4 – October 31, 2022
Official Site: https://www.giraud.co.jp/annas/