To celebrate six years of Pokemon Go, an incredible drone show was held during the Akagawa Fireworks 2022 presentation in Yamagata Prefecture on August 20, 2022. 

The presentation sought to get audiences excited for summer fun, with the phrase “let’s go on an adventure this summer” appearing in the air above the huge audience of 40,000. The Pokemon GO logo and popular Pokemon were recreated by around 700 drones.

Music from the mobile game played during the impressive show, as Pikachu and a 100-meter-tall Charizard moved across the sky. Alolan Exeggutor, Gengar, Wailord, and Rayquaza also appeared, creating a night to remember for Pokemon fans in the town of Tsuruoka. 

Pokemon GO Special Drone Show at Otaru Ushio Matsuri

The show itself was a surprise for the audience, with applause and excitement instantly palpable as it began. After the drone presentation concluded, the Akagawa Fireworks display began.

The Pokemon GO Special Drone Show was first held at the 56th Otaru Ushio Matsuri in Otaru, Hokkaido on July 24. Watch it in full above!

©2022 Niantic, Inc.
©2022 Pokémon. ©1995-2022 Nintendo/Creatures Inc. /GAME FREAK inc. ポケモン・Pokémon は任天堂・クリーチャーズ・ゲームフリークの登録商標です。 

Booking.com Japan has revealed its top four picks for the Japanese accommodations with the best outdoor baths and snow views! 

Zao Kokusai Hotel (Zao Onsen, Yamagata Prefecture)

Located 900 meters above sea level and surrounded by the gorgeous natural beauty of the Zao mountains, this resort has long been renowned for its spectacular view of seasonal scenery. During winter, guests can enjoy a fully spring-fed open-air bath while gazing at the snow-capped mountains. The milky white waters of the Zao Hot Springs have high sulfur content which will improve the texture of your skin. The resort also has a bath large enough to accommodate up to seven people at a time and a private bath for families or lovers. 

Midorinokaze Resort Kitayuzawa (Date, Hokkaido)

The Midorinokaze Resort Kitayuzawa is surrounded by nature and contains one of the largest open-air baths in Japan, along with 20 unique fragrant baths for guests to enjoy. In winter, the surrounding trees seem to glisten with snow, and visitors are sure to find plenty of peace and relaxation while lounging beneath the grey skies. 

Akakura Kanko Hotel (Myoko, Niigata Prefecture)

This highland resort sits on a 1,000-meter peak, offering unmatched views of Niigata Prefecture. The natural hot spring flows from the inside of Mt. Myoko, with healing waters perfect for soaking in during the cold winter months. The large baths are also equipped with a sauna and deck, and those wanting to view the scenery from their room can enjoy guest accommodations with private baths as well!

Satoyama Jujo (Minamiuonuma, Niigata Prefecture)

Winning a design award for its facilities, Satoyama Jujo has a different feel when compared to most hotels and ryokan. Booking.com recommends it for travelers looking for new experiences! In the open-air bath, visitors can relax while enjoying a panoramic view of Mt. Makihata, one of Japan’s 100 most famous peaks. Guests can also enjoy the starry skies at night. This is a perfect location for couples!

Each season in Japan offers uniquely beautiful scenery. How would you like to enjoy winter in one of these luxurious baths?

Fanta Grape, Fanta Orange, and Fanta YogurRush bottles will feature the popular girl group NiziU for a limited time nationwide starting March 14, 2022.

There are a total of nine different bottles per drink, each featuring one member. There will also be a campaign to win original NiziU original merchandise by scanning the QR code on the packaging. While retaining the typical Fanta coloring, the new designs emphasize each member’s personality even more than the previous campaign held in 2021. 

Who is your favorite member of the group?

The Ise Shop, offering products from one of the most beautiful coastal cities in Mie Prefecture, is now open at Aobadai Tokyu Square in Aobadai Station, Yokohama, from February 2 until February 27, 2022. The store sells items that are usually only available in Ise!

Akafuku Mochi (8 pieces): ¥760 (Tax Included)/Akafuku Mochi(12 pieces): ¥1,100 (Tax Included)

The Ise Shop sells about 100 food items and other goods, but the most popular item by far is Akafuku mochi. Only sold on Saturdays, these treats are often sold out by the afternoon!

Available on February 19, February 26

ISE Cardamon Cola (720ml): ¥4,860 (Tax Included)

Traveling Ise Tea Assortment Pack: ¥900 (Tax Included)

Ise Shrine houses the guardian deity of food, so these foods and drinks on offer are extra tasty. ISE Cardamom Cola is a healthy soda that contains no added color, preservatives, or flavors. It includes a blend of over a dozen spices and lemons from Mie Prefecture. The tea assortment pack is made with tea leaves from Mie, which offer plenty of natural sweetness.

Nakano Yogurt: ¥216 (Tax Included)

This yogurt is made from Nakano Milk, which has been producing and selling milk in Ise since the Taisho Era. Served in a retro-style jar, it has a low acidity and is well-loved by the locals.

Ise Shrine Guidebook: ¥1,100 (Tax Included)

The shop also has a number of goods related to the famous Ise Shrine.

Ise Lululun (Tree Scented / 7 packs x 4 bags): ¥1,870 (Tax Included)

Hand Cream with Water from the Isuzu River (50g): ¥1,100 (Tax Included)

Ise Lululun is a face mask containing Sakaki leaf extract from Ise Sakaki trees. The moisturizing ingredients help brighten the skin. 

The Ise Shop also provides guests with information on sightseeing in Ise City! With travel still restricted due to the pandemic, this is a great way to feel as though you’re getting away to this lovely seaside town.

Tsuruoka, Yamagata prefecture is known throughout Japan and the world for its silk production. Beginning on September 18, a new exhibition is inviting guests to see some of the incredibly beautiful fabrics to come out of the area, particularly highlighting Reiko Sudo, an innovative cloth-maker living in the area. These stunning pieces are being displayed at the Matsugaoka Reclamation Site, celebrating 150 years of history in 2021 and known as the birthplace of Tsuruoka silk. In particular, Sudo’s own Kibiso fabrics, created with the intent of blending long-held traditions with modern technologies, will be making an appearance! Kibiso refers to the first silk that comes off the cocoons in industrial silk spinning. 

Kibiso Stripes & Streaks: 2018 Photo Sue McNab

Kibiso Zori: Photo Keiko Matsubara

Swinging Cherries: 2021 Photo Keiko Matsubara

An exhibit featuring the production process, original design sketches, and prototypes

Kibiso – Ogarami Choshi Sheets: 2018 Photo Keiko Matsubara

Ogarami Choshi, the byproduct of the silk mill: Photo Keiko Matsubara

The First Cultivation of the Matsugaoka Reclamation Site 

Tsuruoka City is the only region in Japan where the entire silk-making process–from caring for silkworms to dying and wearing–is completed in a single place. Silk production began in 1872 when the former Shonai clam’s samurai warriors began cultivating new lands around the Matsugaoka area. During the Meiji period, a local inventor named Saito Toichi invented the automatic weaving machine, making the production of silk fabrics much quicker and easier. The new fabrics were exported around the country to be used in dresses, and silk production quickly became the area’s main industry. 

Kibiso, a type of thread made from the first silk discharged from a silkworm, has been in production since 2007 and is breathing new life into the area’s industry. The thread is hard and thick, making it very difficult to work with–but once these works are completed, the textile is extremely durable. It holds moisture well, has antibacterial properties, and will help protect the wearer from UV rays. Combining new designs with functionality, Kibiso also cuts down on waste, and museums in the United States and the United Kingdom currently have some of these creations on display, with more requesting installations. 

At the current exhibition, 29 unique textiles, mainly Kibiso, are hung from the ceiling. Visitors are allowed to touch each of these pieces, and can also view the entire creative process from sketches and prototypes to the final product. All pieces were created together with the members of NUNO, a textile design studio directed by Sudo. The designs were decided on through conversations with craftsmen throughout Japan. By reviewing traditional processes and helping them evolve to suit modern needs, Kibiso was born and is helping to revitalize the silk industry in Tsuruoka. 

A highlight of the exhibition is ogarami choshi, a byproduct of silk production often caught in the thin metal tubes of silk mills. These can be torn into sheets and used for new creations, and by doing so, helps reduce waste. 

As part of Coca-Cola System’s ‘Coca-Cola Summer Campaign,’ the drinks giant is releasing a new summer entry to their Kono Shunkan ga, Watashi (Me in This Moment) TV commercial series on June 28, promoting the start of a new summer. The commercial features the members of Japanese music group NiziU enjoying the hot weather and includes their new song Super Summer which doesn’t have a release date yet.

NiziU’z shoot for the commercial

On set, NiziU arrived with smiles and said to the staff, ‘We look forward to working with you!’ This shoot took place by the sea. The scene begins on the beach, and because the members were so engaged in the shoot, they didn’t notice the wave rolling up to them, making them scream out ‘Cold!’ when it hit their feet. When they’re running along the beach, all the members showed how each of them runs in their own unique way. There’s also a scene when they’re flying a kite, and when they were filming it, a bee appeared out of nowhere. The shoot was full of smiles from start to end, and it shows in the final cut.

NiziU | Interview

How did the shoot go on this ‘New Summer Start’ commercial, and what were some fun moments?

―RIKU
“We had fun being our normal, natural selves, and I think it shows in the commercial. I experienced at lot of first-time things in this one, so it was a lot of fun.”

―RIO
“Drinking Coca-Cola by the beach makes tastes super good! I enjoyed how refreshed I felt after it took the heat away.”

―RIMA
“I was able to enjoy feeling summer nice and early with the other members and some Coca-Cola!”

All of you are your normal, natural selves in this commercial. How did you find doing the activities together?

―AYAKA
“Everyone took the coke dropping way too seriously, it was a little scary <laughs>, but I enjoyed how natural we were!”

― MIIHI
“It’d been a while since I flew a kite and the other stuff, so I was hypnotised. It was fun, so I’d love to go to a lodging house with everyone if we get time and do it all again! <laughs>”

 ―MAYA
“It was my first time flying a kite. You need to be able to run a lot to keep it up high, so I was running around all over the place <laughs>.”

What parts of the commercial would you want people to look out for?

―MAKO
‘New Summer Start’ was the theme, so we showed us enjoying the summer in the moment, so I hope people look out for that! I’d also love for it to encourage people to try something new!”

―NINA
“You get to see all of us looking natural in this commercial, so I definitely want people to check that out!”

―MAYUKA
“I personally think the part where we’re all enjoying drinking Coca-Cola at the beach is a must-see part.”

 

With the core message of the commercial mind, is there anything you too want to try doing this summer?

―MAKO
“Going to the beach with everyone!”

―MAYUKA
“You’re here now, aren’t you? <laughs>”

―ALL MEMBERS
<Laughs>

―MAKO
“We’re here! <laughs> But I want to come here in our free time too! <laughs>”

 ―RIKU
“I want to try dares! A lot of the members aren’t good with them, so I want to go and have fun doing that with everyone! <laughs>”

―MAYUKA
“I want to eat a big shaved ice with everyone!”

―RIKU
“We’re gonna get brain freeze! <laughs>”

 ―MAYUKA
“It’ll make a good memory though!”

―ALL MEMBERS
“For sure! Sounds fun!”

 ―AYAKA
“I want to try making a watermelon dessert!”

―MAKO
“I love that! You’re the best, AYAKA! <laughs>”

―NINA
“I love ice cream, so I wanna try making some myself to enjoy with everyone!”

―RIO
“I’m bad at swimming, so I want to learn to swim this summer!”

 ―MAYA
“I want to go to a summer camp with all the members, with a BBQ and campfire, and to try out new things together!”

―MIIHI
“I really love summer festivals, so I want to eat something at home with someone you can only get at summer festivals, like whole pickled cucumbers!”

―RIMA
“Summer means nagashi somen noodles, so I really want those!”

―MAKO
“Shall we go get some bamboo then? <laughs>”

―RIKU
“Let’s all get some together! <laughs>”

As part of the Coca-Cola Summer Challenge, NiziU had a go at the summer Coke mix challenge in a video which shows you how to best into Coke in summer.

Shonai Hotel Suiden Terrasse reopened on April 29 after refurbishments to install a new sauna. The hotel, located in Yamagata Prefecture, is known for being situated atop rice paddies. Along with the sauna, it has also introduced a new spa program and healthy new menu made using organic vegetables grown by the hotel company itself.

An authentic Finnish-style sauna

The sauna is based on the Finnish-style löyly sauna, fully equipped with an authentic kiuas sauna stove inside which sauna stones are placed to heat up the room. Hinoki scented water is also used in the sauna.

The Sauna Features

Men’s Sauna

The male sauna features hexagonal designs on the seats, ceiling windows, and bath. The seats can be moved around freely so guests can decide how high they wish to sit for optimal heat customisation. The sauna rooms overlook the rice paddies outside, and there’s open-air baths outdoors too so guests can feel at one with nature.

Women’s Sauna

The women’s sauna is also a löyly type but uses raised benches instead of chairs. After sweating it out, guests can head to one of the outdoor baths and enjoy the view and sky.

There’s also a bar where guests can order local beers, sake, and wine, as well as fruit juice and ice cream. While relaxing, they can pick out from one of the 1,000 books available.

As well as fitness and massage services, morning yoga will begin this June. The MOON TERRASSE restaurant is also introducing new healthy dishes and drinks made with organic local ingredients.

JAPAN POSTEC, a wholesaling company in Japan, is now an authorised dealer of products from the popular Taiwanese gift shop Lai Hao. The first product to enter the Japanese market from the company is a colourful collection of blotting papers which hit the country last Thursday (January 28).

Lai Hao Blotting Paper (8 Designs)

Taiwanese Scents: Oolong Tea / Gardenia / Yulan Magnolia / Hinoki / Pineapple

Size and Ingredients

Lai Hao’s products are a display of Taiwanese creativity and high quality and are sure to leave an impression on buyers.

The blotting paper designs are based around a variety of different foods, with eight different picks to choose from. Each one comes scented with fragrances that remind one of Taiwan.

Coca-Cola Japan launched a new campaign and commercial on Monday (January 4) titled “Kono Shunkan ga, Watashi,” which roughly translates to “This Moment is Me.”

2020 saw tremendous changes in the lives of people around the world as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and those changes continue to this day. Coca-Cola Japan’s new campaign aims to spread positivity with a mindset that says enjoy yourself to the fullest is the right way to go precisely because things have changed. It’s a campaign for loving those moments spent with friends and family in whatever way possible.

The new commercial posted alongside the campaign’s launch features the members of the Japanese girl group NiziU singing and dancing to the tune of their new song Take a picture. The commercial shoot took place over the course of two days, and it’s reported that the set had a bright and positive atmosphere as NiziU greeted staff with smiles, vim, and vigour. On the first day they shot the dance and rooftop scenes, while the second day took them to the house studio. There’s also a scene of the group giving MAYUKA’s a surprise birthday celebration her birthday had fallen on the day before.

Coca-Cola Japan has released limited-edition NiziU bottles as part of the collaboration which feature a QR code on them. When scanned, you can access the campaign website to sign up to win access to a special Coca-Cola x NiziU online event, a NiziU-original QUO card worth ¥1,000, and points for the LINE app. A total of 200,000 lucky winners will be chosen. There are 10 bottle designs to look out for.

Additionally, a special 35-meter long ad poster is being displayed for a limited time at Shinjuku Station connecting to the East and West exits.

NiziU Interview

―Your names are written on the limited-edition NiziU Coca-Cola bottles. How do you feel about them lining the shelves in stores?

MAKO:
I am super happy that our names get to go on the Coca-Cola labels! I hope lots of people see them and are filled with positive vibes.

RIKU:
It doesn’t feel real to me yet either that our names are featuring on Coca-Cola products. When they hit the stores I kind of want to go searching for my own name <laughs>.

RIMA:
There’s a QR code on the bottles when might land you something if you scan it with your phone, so be on the lookout and try finding my bottle.

―When do you find yourselves wanting to drink Coca-Cola?

RIO:
I’m personally a huge foodie, so I like to drink it together with people when everyone’s eating their favourite food.

MAYA:
I definitely find myself wanting some when I need a kick of positivity or need some energy.

―Please give your thoughts on the commercial shoot.

MAYUKA:
When went on the rooftop with everyone, and when we were practicing the dances, we were drinking Coca-Cola. I feel the shoot had a completely different air to it than our usual practice. Everyone said “Cheers!” [with their drinks] on the roof. It was a lot of fun.

AYAKA:
It was hard to convey the appeal of Coca-Cola [during the shoot], so we thought to convey its delicious taste how we would convey the appeal of [NiziU]. We showed ourselves really enjoying its delicious taste.

NINA:
The shoot for this commercial was so much fun, there’s so many great bits in it! It looks so tasty watching everyone gulp down their drinks. It was a great time, I like everyone’s facial expressions in it. Be sure to check it out.

―Give us each of your thoughts on the “This Moment is Me” campaign and how it relates to yourselves.

MAKO:
I feel the most me thing is when I’m writing in my diary. I write in it at the end of every day, it’s my favourite moment.

RIKU:
When I’m eating something. I feel only happiness when eating; I forget all the bad things and can concentrate just by eating something tasty. It’s a moment I can be myself.

RIMA:
I really love steady and straightforward work, like puzzles, so when I’m concentrating on one thing I really get in the zone, to the point where I can’t hear people even if they call my name. I think that kind of moment is most me.

RIO:
For me, it’s when I’m dancing. It’s something I’ve done since I was little, so I think working hard and practicing to improve in that is my most me moment.

MAYA:
The moment which is most me is when I’m cooking. I find it so much fun and love seeing people enjoy the food I cook for them.

MAYUKA:
It would be when I’m playing with my cat. I have two cats at home and can be my true self when playing with them.

AYAKA:
When I’m video calling my mom. We talk about the silliest things and laugh, and that’s when I feel most like myself. I love those moments the most.

NINA:
The moments I love the most are when I’m drawing. I don’t have to think about anything when I’m drawing and can relax, so they’re definitely my favourite.

Tokyo Banana World has revealed that its next sweet treat in its Pokémon Tokyo Banana series will be Eevee which Pokémon Trainers can expect to catch up and down Japan from January 2, 2021, including at the store itself as well as at 7-Eleven branches.

Pokémon Tokyo Banana Welcomes Eevee as Entry #2

Tokyo’s official souvenir sweets brand Tokyo Banana launched its new Pokémon Tokyo Banana series of confections in November with the first catch being Pikachu. Now Eevee is being added to the collection.

The fluffy sponge is a delicious caramel macchiato flavour and is filled with sweet banana custard cream. It can be eaten as it is, refrigerated, or even baked to create completely different flavour experiences.

6 Designs Including a Lucky Heart-Shaped Tail

The sponge cakes come in six different designs, all of which are adorable. The one to look out for though is the one with a cute heart-shaped tail.

Fluffy Eevee Design Packaging

Eevee Tokyo Banana Caramel Macchiato (Contains 2) | ¥291 (Tax Included)

The packaging features fluffy artwork of Eevee in six different designs, such as a waving Eevee and winking Eevee.

Where Can You Catch Eevee Tokyo Banana?

Eevee will roll out at 7-Eleven stores across Japan (excluding Okinawa) at the dates listed below. Each branch will have a limited stock so don’t miss out.

January 2, 2021 Release
Tokyo/Kanagawa/Chiba/Saitama

January 16, 2021 Release
Hokkaido/Aomori/Iwate/Akita/Miyagi/Yamagata/Fukushima/Ibaraki/Tochigi/Gunma/Niigata/Fuji/Ishikawa/Fukui

January 23, 2021 Release
Yamanashi/Nagano/Shizuoka/Aichi/Gifu/Mie/Okayama/Hiroshima/Tottori/Yamaguchi/Tokushima/Kagawa/Ehime/Kochi

January 30, 2021
Osaka/Kyoto/Hyogo/Shiga/Nara/Wakayama/Fukuoka/Saga/Nagasaki/Oita/Kumamoyo/Miyazaki/Kagoshima

©2021 Pokémon. ©1995-2021 Nintendo/Creatures Inc. /GAME FREAK inc.
ポケットモンスター・ポケモン・Pokémonは任天堂・クリーチャーズ・ゲームフリークの登録商標です。

Coca-Cola System has announced that it will limited-edition Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola Zero, and Coca-Cola Zero Caffeine bottle designs for Japanese girl group NiziU and its members in Japan on December 14, 2020.

There are nine members of NiziU, bringing the designs up to a total of 10. And if you scan the rainbow-coloured QR code on the bottles, which is based on each colour of the group members, from January 4, 2021, you’ll be able to join a campaign to win a ticket to NiziU’s online event as well as get your hands on original band merchandise and earn LINE points.

Bottle designs with feel-good vibes

The colourful bottle designs are inspired by the nine members of NiziU who were specially chosen after many auditions and training sessions from 10,000 individuals. They are meant to capture the energetic and positive vibes of the group members.

The bottle designs include the 500ml and 1.5L for Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola Zero, and Coca-Cola Zero Caffeine as well as the 350ml and 700ml for the Coca-Cola and Coca-Cola Zero.

Coca-Cola System is joining monkey paws with A BATHING APE® to release two new bottle designs in limited quantities throughout Japan on May 25.

The designs come as part of Coca-Cola’s slim bottle line which was first released in Japan back in 2015. This is the first time the slim bottles have collaborated with a fashion brand. There are two designs: the classic BAPE® ape and BABY MILO.

Left: Coca-Cola Slim Bottle BAPE® Design / Right: Coca-Cola Slim Bottle BABY MILO Design

A BATHING APE® has collaborated with Coca-Cola in Japan twice in the past since 2014. The slim bottles are 250ml for that quick refreshing hit, and are made from aluminium to keep your drink cold. It features the same stylish shape as Coca-Cola’s glass contour bottles.

Coca-Cola’s bottles have high design concepts having collaborated with the Olympics and FIFA World Cup, and in Japan they release seasonal bottles as well as bottles with tourist hot spots.