If you’ve not yet been to the Pompompurin Cafe, or this is your first time hearing about itーthemed entirely on Sanrio’s popular character Pompompurinーthen their two new menu items, available this autumn for the entire month of November, is sure to pull you in.
As the leaves turn red and gold and people order pumpkin spiced lattes for takeout, the Harajuku, Yokohama and Umeda branches of the Pompompurin Cafe want to get in on the autumnal action too. So they have created a special chicken stew and fruit gratin, served as colourful as the season itself is and perfect during any time of the day when your belly is calling for nutrition.
Chicken Brown Stew: Strolling Along While Looking at the Autumn Colours – ¥1,290 (Before Tax)
This chicken stew features Pompompurin and his best friend and hamster Muffin. The dish depicts a scene of both of them strolling and getting along while looking at the autumn leaves. Purin is made from rice and sits inside the rich stew while a mashed potato Muffin perches on top of him wearing his hat. They are surrounded by carrots and other veggies made to look like the vibrant leaves of Japan’s maple and ginkgo trees.
Fruit Gratin: Hot Spring Warm-Up – ¥1,090 (Before Tax)
If you’re looking to satisfy your sweet tooth but also want to warm up then look no further than at Pompompurin and Muffin relaxing together in the hot spring that is this fruit gratin dessert. Purin is made from pumpkin flavoured ice cream while Muffin is of the vanilla kind. They are warming themselves up in a fruit-packed custard cream sauce. The fruit is drizzled in sauce and cooked to make the fruit even sweeter and intensify its flavour. Did you see the cute towels on their heads too? Many people do this in Japan when getting into the hot spring (or “onsen”), and you might have seen it if you watch anime too.
The fall fun doesn’t stop there however, as all people who dine at the cafe will receive the lunch mat pictured below, and everyone who orders a drink will get a coaster. Available while supplies last.
Lunch Mat (3 Designs)
Coaster (1 Design)
Stay warm while its cold at the Pompompurin Cafe this autumn.
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 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.
Disney’s The Little Mermaid was released back in 1989 as the 28th Disney animated feature film. It tells the story of the internationally-beloved Disney mermaid princess Ariel and her curiosity about the world above the sea.
The cafes celebrate 30 years since the film's release. The cafe’s concept is “independent girl.” Each cafe will take on a stylish look and be inspired by Ariel’s unwavering heart and her strength to make her dreams come true.
<Ariel> Veggie-Packed Pesto Pasta – ¥1,990
If you’re vegetarian, you won’t be disappointed with this healthy, vegetable-packed pasta dish. The plate it is served on features an illustration of Ariel swimming elegantly in the ocean.
Seaside Cream Risotto – ¥1,990
Based on sandy beaches is this creamy risotto. If you look closely you’ll see one of Ariel’s priceless treasures from her endless collection of whose-its, whats-its, and thingamabobs. Sebastian is hiding on the plate too, can you spot him?
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.
▼The Little Mermaid OH MY CAFE
Locations/Dates
・Tokyo: OH MY CAFE TOKYO (Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku) / September 21, 2019 – November 9, 2019
・Osaka: kawara CAFE&DINING Shinsaibashi / September 21, 2019 – November 10, 2019
・Nagoya: kawara CAFE&KITCHEN Nagoya PARCO / September 27, 2019 – November 10, 2019
・Hokkaido: Cafe Interlude / September 22, 2019 – October 14, 2019
Official Website: https://mermaid.ohmycafe.jp/
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.
▼Sarazanmai Café (Designs Produced by Sanrio)
Open:
・Ikebukuro, Tokyo: September 19 ー October 27, 2019
・Nipponnbashi, Osaka: September 26 ー November 5, 2019
Advanced reservations accepted from 7pm on September 6, 2019
Reservation Fee: ￥500 (comes with a bonus for reserving)
Official Website: https://sarazanmai-sanrio-cafe.jp/
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.
▼SEGA Collabo Cafe My Hero Academia
Running: October 12, 2019 – November 24, 2019
Location: SEGA Collabo Cafe Ikebukuro GiGO (SEGA Ikebukuro GiGO Floor B2F, 1-21-1 Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima Ward, Tokyo
Schedule
Menu ①: October 12, 2019 – November 1, 2019
Menu ②: November 2, 2019 – November 24, 2019
*Menu items and coaster designs will change for each menu
*More details can be found on the SEGA Collabo Cafe official website
Cafe Website: https://sega-collabocafe.com/ikebukuro/heroaca02.html
My Hero Academia Official Website: https://heroaca.com/
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.
Nagi’s Teru Teru Bōzu À La Mode – ¥1,490
The teru teru bōzu is a traditional Japanese doll used to prevent rain and bring good weather. This assortment includes candy, fruits, and the doll itself holding a cute umbrella.
Dreamy Peach Soda – ¥790
There are lots of other gorgeous-looking menu items and merchandise available too. For more information, check our full article here.
▼Weathering with You Cafes
Locations/Dates:
①OMOTESANDO BOX CAFE&SPACE (Pine Under Flat B1F, 5-13-2 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo) @ October 8, 2019 – November 17, 2019
②Osaka Shinsaibashi contact (1-6-24 Kitahorie, Nishi Ward, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture) @ October 10, 2019 – November 17, 2019
Table Reservations:
Price: ¥650 (Before Tax) *Includes bonus item
*Advance table reservations opened on September 24, 2019
Weathering with You Cafe Website: https://tenkinoko-cafe.jp/
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.
▼LISA LARSON Fika TOKYO
Running: October 4, 2019 – January 27, 2020 (Closed January 1, 2020)
Location: Sunday Branch Marronnier Gate Ginza 1 Floor 4F (2-2-14, Ginza, Chuo Ward, Tokyo)
Opening Hours: 11:00-21:00 (Last Orders 20:00)
Website/Reservations: https://www.marronniergate.com/topic/detail/115
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.
▼Sailor Moon Cafe 2019
Dates/Locations
▶︎Tokyo・Shibuya: SHIBUYA BOX CAFE&SPACE SHIBUYA 109
Running: October 3, 2019 – November 17, 2019
▶︎Osaka・Abeno: Abeno contact
Running: October 3, 2019 – November 17, 2019
▶︎Aichi・Nagoya: NAGOYA BOX CAFE&SPACE
Running: October 10, 2019 – November 24, 2019
▶︎Hokkaido・Sapporo: Coach & Four Shinkawa-Dori (Hokkaido Branch)
Running: October 18, 2019 – November 17, 2019
▶︎Kyushu・Fukuoka: kawara CAFE & DINNING KITTE (Hakata Branch)
Running: October 26, 2019 – December 1, 2019
▶︎Saitama・Koshigaya: BOX CAFE&SPACE
Running: November 14, 2019 – January 13, 2019
Reservations: Opened September 26, 2019
*¥650 per reservation. Up to 4 people per reservation. Includes bonus item.
Sailor Moon Cafe 2019 Official Website: https://sailor-moon-cafe2019.jp/
How did you like this list? Be sure to enjoy all of the café collaboration cafes this October and November!
5 Places to Celebrate Halloween in Tokyo | 2019 Edition
Halloween is right around the corner, and in Tokyo, the spooky celebrations are beginning early. If you’re in the capital this month, here are 5 places you must check out this Halloween.
Plain Clothes Halloween 2019 @ Shibuya
Worried about what to wear for Halloween this year? No need to panic. If you’re spending your Halloween in Shibuya this year, which is known the world over for its incredible Halloween festivities, then head to Tokyo Culture Culture on October 27 where a very unique event is taking place.Jimi (“Plain”) Halloween is an event that takes out the stress of having to go all out for Halloween as people go dressed as ordinary people. It has been held annually since 2014, with the number of attendees growing each year. Over 800 people took part last year, all clad in their plain clothes.This year’s event will be split into three slots, with a capacity of 200 people per slot. Sign-up has already started, so if you’re interested, check the times below and book ASAP.Full Details:https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/263176▶︎Jimi HalloweenDate: October 27, 2019 (3 Slots / 200 People Per Slot) Slot ①: 11:00-14:00 Slot ②: 15:00-18:00 Slot ③: 19:00-22:00 ★Places are available on a first-come, first-served basis at the website belowVenue: Tokyo Culture Culture (cocoti SHIBUYA 4F, 1-23-16 Shibuya, Tokyo)Entry: Free (Apply at the link below)Sign-Up: https://dailyportalz.jp/kiji/jimihalloween2019
MAX UNKO HALLOWEEN @ Odaiba
Unko Museum Tokyo, a poop-themed (unko in Japanese) museum located on the second floor of DiverCity Tokyo Plaza in Odaiba, opened its Halloween event “MAX UNKO HALLOWEEN ~Unko & Dancing Halloween~” last Friday which will run all the way up to October 31. They are serving “max unko kawaii-ness” in this all-new Halloween event.At the Unko Museum this Halloween, expect to see nnko idol monsters, unko mummies, and lots of other cute and fashionable unko critters. All of them will be part of a spooky parade together with the museum’s mascot character Umberto. Also, if you go up to one of the museum staff members and say, “Trick or Unko?” you’ll receive a special Halloween gift. There’s lots of other unko-fying entertainment to be enjoyed, so if you’re looking for a different kind of Halloween experience, be sure to find out more about MAX UNKO HALLOWEEN.Full Details:https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/262397▶︎MAX UNKO HALLOWEEN ~Unko & Dancing Halloween~Location: Unko Museum TokyoAddress: DiverCity Tokyo Plaza Floor 2F, 1-1-10 Aomi, Koto Ward, TokyoOpening Hours: 10:00-21:00 (Last Entries 20:00)No Fixed Holidays (Except when DiverCity Tokyo Plaza is closed)Ticket Reservations: https://reserve.ale-box.com/reserve/169Official Website: https://unkomuseum.com/tokyo
ROPPONGI HILLS HAPPY HALLOWEEN 2019 @ Roppongi
Roppongi Hills has announced this year’s Halloween festival. Titled “ROPPONGI HILLS HAPPY HALLOWEEN 2019,” it will take place from October 1 to 31, packed full of spooky fun from a Halloween costume parade to a ghoulish gourmet menu line-up, featuring an always-unique array of food and drink.
Halloween Cupcakes – ¥638 Each @ LOLA’S Cupcakes Tokyo (Available from October 5)
LOLA’S Cupcakes has baked up an assortment of cute monster motif cupcakes, with flavours including pumpkin, purple sweet potato and more. Whichever one you pick, it’s sure to give you a smile and delight your taste buds.
Happy Monster – ¥980 @ Cafe Crepe
Delight in this cute pumpkin and fresh cream crepe, filled with pumpkin ice cream and snug in an orange crepe wrap. Housed inside is an adorable purple sweet potato mont blanc monster wearing a witch’s hat.There’s plenty of other Halloween-themed menu treats besides these too in addition to numerous spine-chilling events.Full Details:https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/257307▶︎ROPPONGI HILLS HAPPY HALLOWEEN 2019Running: October 1, 2019 – October 31, 2019Official Website: https://www.roppongihills.com/en/
PURO HALLOWEEN PARTY ~KAWAII MASQUERADE~ @ Tama
Sanrio Puroland is currently holding its “PURO HALLOWEEN PARTY ~KAWAII MASQUERADE~” Halloween festival will until October 31. This is the park’s first mask-themed festival, with each day split into two slots: Day and Night. During the daytime, guests are invited to the park’s “Cute Masked Party” string of events. But when night falls, the monsters creep their way out for the “Beautifully Scary Masquerade Party.”With the release of IT Chapter Two―the sequel to one of the biggest horror hits in years―Sanrio Puroland is collaborating with the film. This includes Hello Kitty taking Pennywise’s place in the movie poster amongst other special content.A ball mask parade is taking place on the first floor Puro Bridge. The Sanrio cast is dressed up in ballroom attire with masks and dance elegant dances, pulling onlookers into a frightening yet beautiful world.As part of the Halloween celebrations, if you arrive at the park in full Halloween dress you can get a discount on Passport Tickets. Be sure to go clad in your best outfit to have the most fun!Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/249600▶︎PURO HALLOWEEN PARTY ～KAWAII MASQUERADE～Running: September 13, 2019 – October 31, 2019DAY: Weekdays – Until 14:30 / Weekends – Until 15:00NIGHT: Weekdays – From 14:30 Until Closing / Weekends – From 15:00 Until Closing*Weekday closing hours during the Halloween period is 6:00pm. Times subject to change.Event Page: https://www.puroland.jp/2019_halloween/
With just a small bit of ingenuity, turn everyday food into something cute using Kaori’s easy recipe! With a few simple ideas, an ordinary recipe magically transforms into a cute dish.
In this recipe, you'll learn how to make Pompompurin gomaku rice balls that's perfect for picnics and lunch boxes. Gomaku is a mix of minced meat and vegetables with rice. These rice balls can be made easily with ingredients found in stores or at the market.
1. Ingredients
Store bought gomaku rice mix (五目ごはん)
Rice (I used 2 cups)
2 eggs
Starch
1/2 meatball
Pasta (cooking instructions below)
2. Mix the gomaku rice mix into the rice.
3. Divide your rice mix into two portions, shape into a head for Pompompurin's face, and leave to cool.
I made a video for you to follow the next steps!
[video width="320" height="426" mp4="https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/18a264d9599bea799bb1717770a44654.mp4"][/video]
1. Frying the egg
①Whisk the egg and then strain through a strainer, using a fork to push through any remains.
②Add the starch which has been dissolved in water into the strained mix.
✩By adding watered starch it makes the egg less likely to break and easier to wrap later on.
③Lower the temperature of the pan from medium down to a low heat.
④Once the temperature has fully come down add the egg and ensure it covers the entirety of the pan.
⑤After turning the pan around lower the heat again. Once the egg has fully set, turn off the stove and put on a lid to let the egg cook with the heat of the pan.
2. Place the cooked egg onto some cling film, add the rice mix, and wrap into a ball until fully sealed.
3. Use the leftover egg from the seal to cut out some ears for Pompompurin.
4. Use half of a store-bought meatball and fix to the top of Pompompurin's head with fried pasta to make a hat.
To make fried pasta, add the length of pasta required to a frying pan without oil and cook by starting on a low heat and slowly bringing to a medium heat. Turn off the stove once the pasta has coloured slightly.
[video width="320" height="568" m4v="https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/e34aaf6197127edc07ed0474c567ef08.m4v"][/video]
Use the remaining heat of the pan to cook until browned like in the photo below. Fried pasta is a useful ingredient for various recipes where you need to fix decorations onto food, so be sure to try it out with other things too.
5. Use seaweed to make his eyes and nose and ham for the cheeks.
And your Pompompurin is finished!
The fried egg can be prepared the day before meaning you can make up your lunch box nice and quickly in the morning. It's super convenient learning to make a good use of the ingredients you have at home♡
Kaori invites you into her world of character-themed food dishes in her recipe series. Be sure to check out her Instagram where she has uploaded many pictures of her character dishes!
Information
Kaori Kubota (@kaopan27)
I live in Hokkaido and I love to make character themed foods, desserts and pastries♡
I want to see my family smile, so I enjoy putting in a bit of effort to make character foods and changing food into something cute♡
You can see more of my character foods and character bento boxes on my Instagram page→@kaopan27
RELATED ENTRIES
Harajuku-based Brand KAWAII MONSTER CAFE Opens a Traveling Shop, Halloween Pop-Up Shop Opens in Harajuku
The Harajuku-based brand KAWAII MONSTER CAFE has announced a traveling store, KAWAII MONSTER SHOP. As the project’s first event, a Halloween pop-up shop named ‘KAWAII MONSTER SHOP - Colorful Halloween’ will open for 10 days starting October 19 in the birthplace of the brand, Harajuku.
KAWAII MONSTER CAFE is an entertainment restaurant that embodies the vibe of Harajuku in Tokyo, a town that swallows fashion and culture from places around the world and reimagines them into unrestrained originality. Originally opened in 2015 and produced by artist Sebastian Masuda, the colorful and crazy space offered photogenic food and drinks, and guests were served by the iconic Monster Girls clad in future Harajuku fashion. It became a ‘new Tokyo landmark,’ attracting over 700,000 visitors from both Japan and abroad. Even after the restaurant closed in January 2021, its one-of-a-kind concept has lived on in pop-up shops, events, and collaborations with various brands and creators.
The pop-up shop, open in Harajuku for a limited time starting October 19, offers food and drinks, merchandise, special experiences, and photo spots themed around the spooky Halloween season. Additionally, a collaboration with the popular Harajuku accessory store 6%DOKIDOKI will be held from October 19-22. Colorful hair accessories will be on sale, and shop girls with Monster Girls makeup experience will be giving seasonal makeovers to visitors.
■FOOD & DRINK
During the first half of the event, the pop-up shop will be serving food made in collaboration with the hot dog specialty restaurant HOTDOG CAFE STAND STATION TOKYO. The limited-edition menu includes the crazy Monster Dog, consisting of a monster holding a sausage in its mouth, and the monstrous Philly Cheesesteak, made with juicy tenderloin and tons of cheese.
The second half of the event will feature the Colorful Pop Burger Blue Monster (Teriyaki Chicken) from KAWAII MONSTER CAFE’s popular menu, along with French Fries with Monster Dip served with five different colorful sauces. Visitors are welcome to get into the Halloween spirit by enjoying the Monster Float during the pop-up event.
<10/19~10/22 Exclusive Menu>
Monster Dog: ¥880 (Tax Included) *In collaboration with HOTDOG CAFE STAND STATION TOKYO
Philly Cheesesteak: ¥1,350 (Tax Included) *In collaboration with HOTDOG CAFE STAND STATION TOKYO
<10/26~10/31 Exclusive Menu>
Colorful Pop Burger Blue Monster (Teriyaki Chicken): ¥1,200 (Tax Included)
French Fries with Monster Dip: ¥700 (Tax Included)
Monster Float: ¥800 [Rose/Passionfruit/Kyoho Grape]
■GOODS
New KAWAII MONSTER CAFE goods will make their first appearance at this pop-up shop! Guests can visit the Sweets Factory to create their own candy assortment by filling their favorite containers with chocolates, gummies, and other goodies. Harajuku Icing Cookies will also be available in collaboration with SHONPY, a popular cake shop. Be sure to grab some incredible souvenirs!
In addition, popular KAWAII MONSTER CAFE collaboration items from years past will be available, along with adorable plushies from the globally beloved brand Ty. Visitors can also snag some unique zipit pouches and flexible PLUS PLUS blocks starting October 26.
■EXPERIENCE
During the event, KAWAII MONSTER CAFE’s iconic Monster Girls and the character Choppy will greet guests and take photos, as well as shoot cute Halloween-inspired videos together. Visitors wishing to be transformed into Monster Girls themselves can speak to the store girls, clad in Decora fashion and rocking accessories from 6%DOKIDOKI. These ladies will provide POP Harajuku Monster makeovers featuring original tattoo stickers and unique hair accessories to get you ready for Halloween.
■PHOTO SPOT
At the event, guests will find the 3-meter tall Sweets Cake Balloon inspired by the Sweets-Go-Round Cake, the symbol of KAWAII MONSTER CAFE. Surrounded by colorful decorations and captivating monsters, visitors are sure to leave with plenty of special memories.
Guests of all ages are invited to spend the Halloween season surrounded by the unique wonders of Harajuku!
Information
KAWAII MONSTER SHOP – Colorful Halloween
Running: October 19, 2023 – October 22, 2023/ October 26, 2023 – October 31,2023
Open: 12:00〜19:00
Venue: ASOBIFACTORY（3-21-8, Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo)
Access: 7 minutes walk from JR Harajuku Station, 5 minutes walk from Tokyo Metro Meiji-jingumae Station
Be sure to follow where the pop-up shop will appear in the future!
Interested companies are welcome to contact us.
Learn more about KAWAII MONSTER CAFE here https://asobisystem.com/brand/kawaiimonstercafe/
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!
To commemorate the 20th anniversary of Rilakkuma and his adorable friends, the Rilakkuma 20th Anniversary Cafe will open in Omotesando, Tokyo from March 9 until April 16, 2023. You’ll want to come and spend a peaceful time looking back at two decades of everyone’s favorite lazy bear!
The menu features colorful and festive dishes inspired by Rilakkuma, Korilakkuma, Kiiroitori, and Chairoikoguma. The characters express their thanks for 20 successful years, and fans can enjoy floats topped with Rilakkuma and friends wearing ribbons and topped with ice cream, a jelly soda inspired by Chairoikoguma and his friends in the honey forest, and a hot drink inspired by Rilakkuma's favorite pudding.
Menu
Rilakkuma’s Honey Mustard Hamburger
コリラックマのクリームパスタ
Korilakkuma’s Cream Pasta
Kiiroitori’s Egg Burger
Chairoikoguma’s Cheese Curry
Rilakkuma and Friend’s Celebratory Cake
Congratulatory Flower Parfait
You Can Choose♪ Rilakkuma and Friends Mini Ice Cream
You Can Choose♪ Rilakkuma and Friends Floats
Honey Forest Jelly Soda
Relaxing Pudding Drink
Take-Out Drink Bottle
Original Merch
Acrylic Clip (7 varieties, random)
Acrylic Keychain (5 varieties, random)
Mini-Bottle / Muddler with Charm (4 varieties)
Lunch Tote / Drawstring Bag
Acrylic Stand with Clip / Cork Coaster
Stuffed Animal
In addition, the cafe will offer original goods, special offers, and a Twitter campaign to celebrate Rilakkuma's 20th anniversary.
Come enjoy the elaborate original menu and goods while sharing memories at this limited time themed cafe!
RILAKKUMA 20th Anniversary Cafe
Venue: BOX cafe&space Omotesando
Running: March 9 – April 16, 2023
Address: Pine Under Flat B1F (5-13-2 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo)
Reservation Fee: ¥715 (Tax included) *Reservations include bonuses.
*Reservations can be made for up to four guests per application.
Laforet Harajuku will host a pop-up shop inspired by the up-and-coming idol group FRUITS ZIPPER from February 1 until February 14! The FRUITS ZIPPER Valentine Pop-Up Shop will be found on the 5th floor MAKE THE STAGE area.
FRUITS ZIPPER debuted in April 2022 and embodies a simple concept: “From Harajuku to the World.” The group’s second single Watashino Ichiban Kawaiitokoro exploded in popularity on TikTok, pulling in over 600 million views. In February, the girls will embark on their first solo concert tour in Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka. This is the first FRUITS ZIPPER-inspired limited-time shop, and during the event, visuals of the group’s members will be displayed in the show windows found on the first floor of Laforet Harajuku.
◆About the FRUITS ZIPPER Valentine Pop-Up Shop
When entering the venue, fans will be greeted by a 5-meter-wide board where visitors can write and attach their messages to the FRUITS ZIPPER members on heart-shaped cards. Costumes that the members have worn on stage will also be on display, allowing fans to see each stitch up close.
Exclusive items featuring new photos of the members will be on sale at the pop-up shop. Fans can enjoy seeing the girls in their own personal style, and these items will only be available during the event! Starting February 4, tour merch for the group’s upcoming solo concert series will also be available for purchase.
◆Collaboration with Fruit Sandwich Specialty Store ‘Fruits Box Daikanyama’
Last year’s popular collaboration with Fruit Box Daikanyama, a well-known fruit sandwich shop, is happening again in 2023! Fans can find the Collaboration Gift Box for sale, including seven baked meringue goods each featuring one of the member’s colors. The box also comes with snapshots of the members, and for a few lucky fans, these snaps might be signed! The idol group and sandwich shop have also teamed up to create the Collaborative Lucky Grab Bag Lottery, including popular FRUITS ZIPPER goods and original items from Fruits Box Daikanyama. The lucky first-prize winner will receive a special set of all available February tour merchandise in all sizes.
◆Member Appearance Planned on Valentine's Day
On February 14, the final day of the pop-up shop, the members of FRUITS ZIPPER will make an appearance! Guests will be able to participate in the first-ever hands-on event with the members, so keep an eye out for more details!
Stay up to date with the latest FRUITS ZIPPER news at the official Twitter page (@FRUITS_ZIPPER).
FRUITS ZIPPER Pop-Up Shop Exclusive Goods
FRUITS ZIPPER Valentine POP-UP SHOP
Running: February 1 – February 14, 2023
Venue: Laforet Harajuku 5F MAKE THE STAGE
*Closed on February 7 and February 8
[Fruits Box Daikanyama Collaboration Goods]
Collaboration Gift Box: ¥3,500 (Tax Included)
Collaborative Lucky Grab Bag Lottery: ¥1,500 per try (Tax Included)
<Tour Information> FRUITS ZIPPER 1st LIVE TOUR 2023 WINTER
Date: February 3, 2023
Venue: ReNY limited
Time: Doors open 17:30 / Show starts 18:30
Contact: Sunday Folk Promotion (052-320-9100) *Open daily 12:00-18:00
Date: February 5, 2023
Venue: Nanba Hatch
Time: Doors open 16:30 / Show starts 17:30
Contact: Kyodo Information (0570-200-888)
FRUITS ZIPPER 1st LIVE TOUR 2023 WINTER 〜FRUITS DAY〜
Date: February 9, 2023
Venue: Shibuya WWW X
Time: Doors open 18:00 / Show starts 19:00
Contact: HOT STUFF PROMOTION (03-5720-9999) *Open weekdays 11:00-19:00
FRUITS ZIPPER 1st LIVE TOUR 2023 WINTER 〜ZIPPER DAY〜
Date: February 10, 2023
Venue: Shibuya WWW X
Time: Doors open 17:30 / Show starts 18:30
Contact: HOT STUFF PROMOTION (03-5720-9999) *Open weekdays 11:00-19:00
FRUITS ZIPPER 1st LIVE TOUR 2023 WINTER -TOUR FINAL –
Date: February 12, 2023
Venue: LINE CUBE SHIBUYA
Time: Doors open 17:00 / Show starts 18:00
Contact: Sunrise Promotion Tokyo (0570-00-3777) *Open weekdays 12:00-15:00
Atarashii Gakko! will hold solo concerts at Zepp venues in Tokyo and Osaka in April and May of 2023.
These performances will be held almost a year after the girls held their solo concert at Zepp DiverCity in Tokyo last May. This year’s events will be held at Zepp Osaka Bayside on April 30 and Zepp Shinjuku in Tokyo on May 2.
ATARASHII GAKKO! - HANAKO (Official Music Video)ATARASHII GAKKO! - Pineapple Kryptonite (Official Music Video)
Information
Atarashii Gakko! at Tokyo & Osaka Zepp -We’re working on some amazing new songs and we’re dying for everyone to see our newest evolution (Tentative title)- April 30, 2023 – Zepp Osaka Bayside
May 2, 2023 – Zepp Shinjuku (Tokyo)
Fan’s Presale Tickets (Starting January 1) https://www.fansnet.jp/leaders
Zipper Magazine’s 2022-2023 Winter Issue on Sale Now
The Winter 2022-2023 issue of the revived fashion creator magazine Zipper went on sale on December 23.
This issue focuses on this winter’s must-know trends and is packed with coordination tips, outfit plans through spring, snapshots, hair and makeup tips, and much more.
Zipper ended its 24-year history in December 2017. In March 2022, ASOBISYSTEM teamed up with DONUTS Inc. to revive the magazine as a quarterly release. The fashion magazine, popular with Gen Z, is known for sharing details aspects of Harajuku culture and will continue to share more from the creative center of Tokyo for years to come.