Hotel Royal Classic Osaka: A Museum & Hotel Fusing Tradition and Innovation in an Art Museum-Style Space
Shin Kabuki-za is an old theatre in Osaka that has been loved by locals since it opened in 1926. The theatre is set to find new life as Hotel Royal Classic Osaka, a new hotel developed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma which is set to open on December 1, 2019. The MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON editorial team received exclusive access to view the hotel before it opens to report on it and showcase how it differs completely from other hotels with its characteristic charms.
Its direct connect to Namba Station means super easy access
Hotel Royal Classic Osaka is situated in the central part of Osaka Minami. Direct access to the hotel from the Osaka Metro section of Namba Station will be made available from March 2020, allowing for easy access and the reassurance that you won’t get lost wandering the streets trying to find your accommodation. Its location means easy access for tourists and travellers with a lot of luggage, working professionals who want to shorten the distance between commutes as much as possible, and pretty much any other scenario where accessibility is a priority.
An iconic building exterior combining tradition and modern innovation
Shin Kabuki-za is known by the locals who live in the area for its magnificent karahafu roof gables. The hotel will inherit this symbolic part of the theatre’s design and restore the lower part of the building. The upper part makes use of multiple layers of aluminium to create a dynamic and intricate design, resulting in a unique appearance that fuses both the traditional formation of the original theatre with a modern touch. Thanks to Kengo Kuma’s skillful architectural work, the building merges effortlessly with the surrounding buildings while retaining the local culture.
It’s as much of an art museum as a hotel
Olympic Girl 100m by Ay-O (Takao Iijima)
The hotel also stands tall and proud as an art museum. As you walk down its corridors, your eyes will meet a plethora of gorgeous pieces of artwork which serve to lay guests into a sense of calmness and tranquility. These works are scattered throughout the hotel, both at the front desk, guest rooms, and elsewhere, making it feel like you have really stepped into a museum of art. High-class pieces also line the walls nonchalantly, so give yourself time to appreciate the many masterpieces you’ll find there.
High ceilings create spaceーspace which is nothing less than relaxing
There are 150 guest rooms in total, consisting of Standard Rooms, Premium Rooms, and Suite Rooms. Not only does each and every room boast a beautiful and panoramic window view of Osaka’s nightscape, they also enjoy high ceilings, creating a sense of space and freedom.
Wood is the base of all the rooms, giving them a natural and relaxed feeling. The furniture is simple which gives the rooms a minimalist design, again adding to the space and sense of luxury. We stayed in one of the Standard Rooms. Don’t let going for Standard make you feel inferior, however, as we felt the room was incredibly spacious with plenty of space to store luggage.
Room lighting is controlled with a tablet located next to the bed. The tablets are compatible in four languages. Each icon on them also has universally easy-to-recognise pictures for easy use.
Also, the bathtubs in Standard Rooms have a little window that looks into the main bedroom. If you’re with someone you’re on good terms with, whether friends, family or a loved one, you can communicate back and forth while you take a soak. (There is of course a sliding door so you can close it off too!)
We were also shown around one of the Suite Rooms which are fitted with a living room and spacious washroom. It really is penthouse-level extraordinary.
The bathrooms have a window that looks out across the city nightscape, allowing for an indulging soak with a breathtaking view. It’s not one we could afford every single time we book a hotel, on a special occasion one time it’s an absolute definite.
Amenities galore to pamper your hair and body
The rooms come with a long line-up of fantastic amenities, like comfy cotton PJs, fluffy slippers, and our personal favourite: a compressed bag for your clothing.
The amenities in the washroom were bountiful too, from shampoo to conditioner, shower gel and body gelーall of which, by the way, are by the Thai organic brand Panpuri. They all smelled incredible and filled the bathroom with their gorgeous scent.
They have all your ordinary must-haves too like a hair comb, cotton buds, toothbrush, and so on.
KUMO KUMO: The bar and lounge with comfy sofas
The hotel building has a total of twenty floors. After enjoying our time in the hotel portion, we headed up to the bar and lounge KUMO KUMO on the 20th floor. Inside the elevator, piano music plays while you gaze at the several pieces of art fitted inside. There was even a piece by Yayoi Kusama, so be sure to take a look.
When entering KUMO KUMO, there’s not only seats at the counter, but lots of sofas too with a window view.
Jazz music flowed through the bar and lounge, which is best enjoyed with a cup of delicious sake while staring out over nighttime Osaka.
HAFU is a restaurant for guests only that serves breakfast.
Their menu consists of lots of healthy options, from fruits to salads.
The chef will also prepare fresh hotel-grade egg and meat dishes too, amongst other delicious delights. There’s also a range of slim-friendly menu items made with foreign guests in mind. The assortment was truly incredible, we can’t recommend this place enough.
Of course, there’s yogurt, mini sweets and other dessert-like morning treats to indulge in too. It was a breakfast for the gods.
YURAYURA: A restaurant that combines Japanese and Western cuisine
The team enjoyed lunch at YURAYURA too, a buffet-style restaurant that also seats non-guests. Their menu is an amalgamation of the Japanese and Western palate, serving carefully-selected ingredients from countries around the world.
They had various foods from around Asia too like nasi goreng from Indonesia, as well as Korean japchae, and more.
Other things we spotted were pincho and small-cut sweets too.
For Japanese food there were things like freshly-fried tempura, and large cuts of roast beef which were cut there and then by the chef.
What I was personally happy about was their cafe menu, with things like cafe latte and other hot drinks. It was a satisfying 90-minutes spent, wolfing down food and then enjoying some sweets with a cafe latte.
5 spaces that can be used for weddings, parties & more
The hotel building even houses two chapels, as well as banquet halls, which can be used for weddings, parties and more. The chapels have large windows that let in plenty of natural sunlight. The use of natural wood also gives the room a warm feeling to it.
Floor 8’s HANAEMI
There are five banquet halls in total each on a different floor and each with their own concept. Those on floors 7, 8 and 9 even have terraces for parties too. Whether you’re having a party, a wedding, or a conference, there is a room for you.
Hotel Royal Classic Osaka’s speciality is its inclusion of leaving a part of traditional Japan in there while still letting you feel the Japan of today. Whether you’re travelling to Osaka for some sightseeing and fun, or you’re in the business scene and need a regular-use hotel, look no further. We felt connected to Osaka in our experience there, so if you’re planning a trip to Osaka, be sure to book with Namba’s newest landmark.
Next » This Relaxing Onsen Hotel with Picturesque Nature and Luxurious Local Cuisine is the Perfect Getaway
Information
Hotel Royal Classic Osaka
Address: 4-3-3 Namba, Chuo Ward, Osaka
Grand Opening: December 1, 2019
Access:
①From March 2020, the hotel will be directly connected to Exit 12 of Namba Station in the Osaka Metro section
②4-minutes on foot from Namba Station via the Nankai Main Line
③3-minutes on foot from Namba Station via the Hanshin Namba Line
④10-minutes on foot from Namba Station via the JR Line by way of Namba Walk (underground)
Official Website (English): https://hotel-royalclassic.jp/en/
RECOMMENDED ENTRIES
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This Relaxing Onsen Hotel with Picturesque Nature and Luxurious Local Cuisine is the Perfect Getaway
Japan is full of picturesque locations where you can be at one with nature and soak the tiredness of your body away in the onsen baths. If you are looking for an escape from busy working life, then you’re in luck: Today we’ll be introducing you to a modern onsen hotel which is perfect for families, lovers, and even solo travellers.
Escape from Tokyo on the bullet train, ride the Zairai line and finally, catch a bus. After your two-hour journey, you will arrive at onsen hot spot Uonuma city in Niigata Prefecture. Today, we’ll be heading to Tomoya Hotel. The picturesque scenery of paddy fields and mountains will unfold before your very eyes and put your mind at ease.
Sunlight pours over the reception desk from the giant window. It was time to check in. After being informed on meal times and private onsen rentals, I quickly headed to my room.
I was given room 305. The warm wooden structure made the room feel lavishly large. Whether you’re snuggling up with a lover, chilling out with friends or relaxing with family, the atmosphere and size of the room allows for flexible usage.
The Sanashi river was right outside my window. I could watch the soothing clear water flow out to the horizon for hours.
The room was prepared with loungewear, bath towels, toothbrushes, socks and many other amenities. It was even fitted with a fridge and water heater.
From the lamps lighting the stairway and hallway sofas to the displayed artwork, every item in Tomoya Hotel is a carefully selected item of special design.
There was even a DJ area next to the lobby which contained a surprising stash of records, CDs and DVDs which was uncountably large. Being able to discover new music and films is another admirable feature of the hotel.
The front lobby is filled with a fresh and liberating atmosphere. There are plenty of spots to sit and read to yourself as the melodies of records weave through the air.
The shop sells specially selected products including locally produced juice, snacks and much more. You can even purchase Tomoya Hotel’s original skincare goods. Reading the cheerful and thoughtful comments written on the goods by the manager made it clear that every single item in the shop was chosen with the utmost care.
One by one, several lavish courses arrived at my door for dinner that evening. The locally-sourced ingredients and seasonal vegetables were served with Niigata prefecture’s uonuma koshihikari rice, which is famed as Japan’s best rice.
Nameko mushroom hotpot, salt-fried East Asian trout, tofu mixed with lotus root, and sashimi were just some of the hotel’s many original dishes that were brought to my door. As the rice was harvested from the first crop of the year, it was very sweet and so delicious that I helped myself to multiple servings without realising. The food was flavoured and seasoned very lightly to ensure that guests could fully enjoy the true flavours of the fresh harvest from the mountains and the sea. The luxurious dinner was highly enjoyable.
I enjoyed sipping a small glass of Tomoya’s chilled Reishu sake with my meal. This is an original recipe sake created by Tomoya Hotel and local sake brewery Tamagawa Shuzo. It was so refreshing, easy to drink and perfectly complimented every dish. The hotel provided a rich variety of alcoholic dinks including refreshing beer, carefully-selected wines, rare local sake, homemade fruit liqueurs, and more.
The onsen is home to rich history dating back to the year 1300 when it first opened its doors to the public. There are two types of private rental onsen and large public onsen indoors. Some square-shaped baths sit right beside a small stream which branches off from the Sanashi river. Treat yourself to a soothing soak in a historical onsen while absorbing the beautiful scenery.
After finishing your relaxing soak, head to floor 1 of the main building to spend some time relaxing. This space is for guests to use freely and how they please. There are bookshelves lined with books and games available.
The first floor of the hotel annexe was my favourite place. Music from a variety of genres is played here. A disco ball hangs high, splashing light across the spacious room. There is a ping-pong table, a pool table, massage chair, piano, an old Nintendo game, manga and much more. It may seem like a relaxing place at first glance, but my heart was racing with excitement as I got hooked on the games.
The following morning, breakfast was delivered right to my room again. Seeing the tray filled with a luxurious mix of both western and Japanese-style cuisine was very pleasing to see. I indulged in yaki-fu: baked wheat gluten which is a specialty of Niigata, fried fish, rolled Japanese-style omelette, homemade cheesecake and much more. All the meals served at the hotel are made with the utmost care and precision.
If I were to introduce all the wonderful services and features of Tomoya hotel then there would be no end to this article. The main highlights were the delicious meals made with locally sourced ingredients, the soothing onsen, the music, films and experience of art culture, and of course, the opportunity to get in touch with nature, watching the water trickle down the mountain streams as your mind discovers peace.
If you are looking to heal your body, mind and soul whilst discovering nature and art, then Tomoya Hotel is perfect for you.
Writer：Ellie（MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON）
Information
Tomoya Hotel
Address: 282 Oyuonsen, Uonuma, Niigata
Official Website: http://www.tomoyahotel.com/index.html
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Hoshinoya Kyotoーa Japanese inn in Arashiyama where all rooms offer a river viewーhas announced a new event titled “Maiko Salon” which will run next year from February 4 to March 4 which offers female guests the chance to chat with a maiko (an apprentice geisha).
Maiko Salon is a women-only get-together that offers female guests to chat casually with a real maiko. The clothes that a maiko wears, including the kanzashi ornate hairpin, kimono, obi sash, obidome sash clip, okobo footwearーeverything, from head to toeーis carefully crafted by an expert artisan. This is why maiko have been called “walking pieces of traditional craftsmanship.” At the Maiko Salon, you have the opportunity to wear such craft made in Kyoto and enjoy a sophisticated womanly party.
For example, the table runners are made with Nishijin-ori, a type of fabric made in Kyoto’s district of Nishijin that has a history spanning over 1,000 years. The walls will also be decorated with obi cloth art panels with Maiko motifs.
Learn all about the Hanamachi geisha district through womanly conversation
Being entertained by geisha, known in Japanese as Ozashiki Asobi, is associated with maiko and geisha serving and entertaining men, and as being very private and inaccessible without being introduced by someone else. But since 2018, Hoshinoya Kyoto has been holding this women-only occasion for women to learn more about the culture in a casual environment. It’s a chance to learn more about maiko and their lifestyle through womanly topics like skincare, makeup and so on. There will also be a dance performance, after which attendees can ask about the practises of a maiko, what they think of their work, and so on.
Edible Kanzashi Ornate Hairpins
An original Japanese confection made to look like kanzashi ornate hairpins has been whipped up in 5 flavours by Kameya Yoshinaga, a long-standing Japanese confectionery maker which first opened almost 200 years ago. Enjoy together with sparkling wine during your time with the maiko.
Information
Maiko Salon
Running: February 4, 2020 – March 4, 2020 (Not running on select days)
Price: Free
Bookings: Not required
Location: Salon & Bar Kura (Hoshinoya Kyoto)
Time: 16:00-17:00 (Maiko dance held twice daily)
Includes: Conversation with maiko, maiko performance, Japanese confection, sparkling wine
For: Guests at Hoshinoya Kyoto only (Men can also participate)
Notes: Times and days subject to change on certain days. The confections are also subject to change.
Hoshinoya Kyoto Official Website: https://hoshinoya.com/en/
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Tokyo Prince Hotel has announced a collaboration with the upcoming anime film My Hero Academia: Heroes: Rising which is set for release on December 20, 2019. Bookings are now open for their My Hero Academia themed hotel rooms, which will be available to stay in from December 7 this year until February 29, 2020.
The room designs and hotel plans were revealed today. There are two plans available: the “Concept Room Plan” where guests can stay in a room that recreates the world of the movie and comes with free merchandise and a themed drink, and the “Regular Room Plan,” which features a regular hotel room decked out with lots of My Hero Academia decorations, and also comes with the merch and drink.
The concept room is split into two rooms: the first recreating the room in which the students of class 1-A meet the protagonist, Izuku Midoriya, and the second on Midoriya’s bedroom.
Expect to see illustrations of the students as well as the Villains in the rooms too. Bookings are first-come, first-served, so don’t miss out!
©️2019 “My Hero Academia THE MOVIE” Production Committee ©️Kohei Horikoshi/Shueisha
Information
My Hero Academia Collaboration Hotel Plan
Location: Tokyo Prince Hotel
Running: December 7, 2019 – February 29, 2020
Bookings: Open from December 22, 2019 (First-come, first-served)
Booking Page: https://www.princehotels.co.jp/tokyo/plan/contents/myheroacademia_stay/
Plan Details
①Concept Room Plan (Original Merchandise & Drink)
②Regular Room Plan (Original Merchandise & Drink)
Amenities:
・Pop-up card
・Metal keyring
・Pass case
・Toothbrush set
・Original drink (w/ coaster)
RELATED ENTRIES
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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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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 -
Hoshinoya Tokyo, a traditional ryokan in Otemachi, has announced the New Year’s Kabuki Plan, a two-day, one-night stay from January 5 until January 7, 2023. During the Edo Period, citizens enjoyed watching Kabuki plays during the New Year’s holidays, often sipping tea at connected teahouses. This event will invite visitors to experience what this was like, complete with traditional food and decorations.
Watching Kabuki was a chic way for those in Edo to ring in the new year. Theater teahouses were also a popular gathering place–along with arranging tickets, the teahouses offered plot notes, tea, sweets, boxed lunches, snacks, and other drinks.*
*Hiroshi Fujita, Yoshihide Tomizawa (2012) / The Updated Kabuki Dictionary, Kashiwa Shobo
Relax Before Enjoying Tea and a Play
Guests are invited to relax in the Ochanoma (Living Room) Lounge, decorated to look like a traditional teahouse with fans, ukiyo-e prints, and formal curtains. Hanabiramochi, or rice cakes with flower petals, will be served with green tea. These rice cakes are said to date back to the New Year’s tradition of eating hard foods like daikon and rice cakes in the hopes of prolonging one’s life. Characterized by its curious burdock root aroma, the cakes are sweetened with white miso bean paste.
Enjoy a Post-Viewing Mont Blanc Shaped like Soba with Sweet Dessert Wine
At theater teahouses in the Edo period, sake, snacks, and desserts were served one after another. During this special event, a menu inspired by this practice and prepared by Hoshinoya Tokyo Executive Chef Noriyuki Hamada will be served! Soba noodles were often served after a play in the past. Inspired by this tradition, Mont Blanc made with chestnut paste and sponge cake will be served up to look like this popular dish. Paired with a dessert wine aged in oak barrels, the sweet will be served in a traditional lacquerware basket. In addition, the dish will be paired with Wasabi Pralines, Shichimi Meringue, and Ginger Pate de Fruits.
Take a Rickshaw to the Kabuki-za Theater
Guests will be taken on an Edo-style tour on their way to the Kabuki-za Theater. Passing through the Nihonbashi area, the first stop will be the Fukutoku Shrine. It’s said that Hidetada Tokugawa paid a visit to and praised the shrine on New Year’s Day in 1614. The next shrine on the docket, Hodo Inari Jinja, was enshrined in Edo Castle during the Edo period to protect the heir to the Tokugawa family. It’s said that the shrine provides blessings for child rearing, matchmaking, and business prosperity.
This tour will provide a more elegant way to explore Tokyo as guests enjoy exposition from their chauffeur. To make the rickshaw ride even more enjoyable, guests can rent kimonos for an extra charge.
Would you like to take a step back in time this New Year?
Information
New Year’s Kabuki Plan
Running: January 5 – January 7, 2023
Capacity: 1 couple per day (1-2 people)
Price: ¥110,000 per person, ¥180,000 for 2 people (Including Tax & Service charge, excluding accommodation charge)
Reserve/Details – Official Site: https://hoshinoya.com/tokyo
*Reservation required at least 14 days in advance
**Exclusive experience for Hoshinoya Tokyo guests
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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?©BT21
Information
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/ -
The Grand Front Osaka mall has announced an incredible Christmas celebration in collaboration with the magical world of Harry Potter! Fans will want to visit the massive shopping center between November 10 and December 25 to take part in the festivities.
Standard Decorations
Showtime Decorations
Harry Potter-Inspired Decorations
The highlight of the event is the 13-meter-tall Christmas Tree, which will be set up on the first floor of the mall’s North Building. The tree will be decorated with Harry Potter-inspired ornaments like moving staircases and window frames, which will look as though they are floating in the air. At night, a light show will take place around the tree, complete with projections inspired by the four houses of Hogwarts.
Decorated Ted E. Bear
Stamp Rally Card
House Flag Decorations
Tully’s Coffee and Harry Potter Collaboration Goods and Menu
Special Harry Potter-themed decorations will be attached to many trees in the area around the nearby Umekita Plaza, and fans can also find a Harry Potter panel exhibition. An Instagram photo campaign will be held in which visitors can enter to win collab merch, so don’t miss out!
Come make some magical memories at this Harry Potter event in Osaka this winter.
Information
Grand Wish Christmas 2022
Harry Potter: An Invitation to the Wizarding World of Christmas
Running: November 10 – December 25, 2022 *Excluding certain contents
Venue: Grand Front Osaka North & South Wings, Umekita Plaza, etc.
Details: https://www.grandfront-osaka.jp/xmas2022/ -
Today, luxury brand Montblanc launched a new collaboration collection with the popular anime and manga series Naruto. Items from the collection are available to purchase worldwide.
Since its release 20 years ago, Naruto has captured the hearts of fans around the world with its inspiring story and beloved characters. The designs featured in the new collection feature illustrations of the character printed in dynamic poses. The collection features everything from leather goods to writing instruments.
The new items highlight Naruto’s relationship with his mentor Jiraiya, stressing the importance of mentors and knowledge. The brushstroke-like curves on each piece emphasize the anime style, and all bags come in a refined black color with orange accents.
To celebrate the launch of this collaboration, a special short anime was created to highlight the power of writing and communication. The brief animation shows Jiraiya reflecting on Naruto’s journey and the ample advice he passed down while focusing on what’s important in life. Meanwhile, Naruto uses a fountain pen to write down what it really means to be a ninja.
The collection also features a new edition of Montblanc’s iconic Meisterstück. The special-edition fountain pen features a Hidden Leaf Village motif in gold with a matching nib and a ruthenium-coated embellishment.
A special pop-up store is open on the first floor of Hankyu Men’s Osaka until October 18. By snapping a photo of the collaboration products and posting it on social media with the hashtag #MontblancXNaruto, fans can snag an original Montblanc x Naruto memory card game. Additionally, those making a purchase will get an original furoshiki!
Whether you’re a fan of Naruto or a fan of Montblanc’s goods, this collaboration might be impossible to pass up.
Information
Montblanc x Naruto
Release Date: October 12, 2022
Pop-up Store
Venue: Hankyu Mens Osaka 1F
Running: October 12 – October 18, 2022
Details: https://bit.ly/3rtWGAn
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The #KuromifyTheWorld campaign is already one year old! Created to share the adorable Sanrio character Kuromi with the world, fans will be invited to celebrate this milestone from October 20 until October 31 with special events in Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya.
Kuromi’s Drink Stand will be open for a limited time in Tokyo and Osaka. Customers will be invited to choose the color of their drink according to their mood, and will also be able to customize it with tags, acrylic stands, and stickers! An original photo spot will also be set up beside each drink stand, and those wanting to attend can enter the lottery to win tickets now.
Sanrio’s first and largest Kuromi ad truck will also be driving through the streets of Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka during the event week.
Kuromi will also be teaming up with (G)I-DLE, a popular five-member global idol group from South Korea. Campaigns are planned to appear in Hangzhou, Suzhou, Taiwan, Korea, North America, and Europe.
Kuromi ranked in the top three in this year’s Sanrio Character Awards, and her popularity is steadily growing with Gen-Z. Keep an eye out for more Kuromi-inspired events in the future!
Information
#KuromifyTheWorld Week
・Kuromi’s Drink Stand:
Running:
Shinjuku, Tokyo: October 20 – October 24, 2022
Shinsaibashi, Osaka: October 29 – October 31, 2022
・#KuromifyTheWorld Ad Truck:
Running:
Tokyo: October 20 – October 24Nagoya: October 26 – October 27
Osaka: October 29 – October 31
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To promote the 2025 Osaka Expo, hundreds of drones and thousands of fireworks lit up the sky at the planned site for the event. SKYMAGIC LIVE PTE. LTD., known for creating original shows using drones, put on the show on Yumeshima, a man-made island in Osaka’s Konohana Ward on September 25, 2022. The event was the first large-scale outdoor drone show in the Kansai region, with 800 LED-equipped drones flying through the night sky.
Nearly 15,000 visitors were in attendance at this spectacular event. The event aims to promote a hopeful future in which Japan thrives after the impact of the pandemic, and also aims to promote the upcoming Expo to people around the world. 45,000 fireworks were set off, marking one of the largest fireworks displays in Japan. Launched to rid the area of bad luck, guests will likely never forget the unique display of futuristic technology and traditional fireworks.
As the fireworks show began, countless drones took off one after another into the sky. As many would expect, Myak Myak, the official character of the Osaka/Kansai Expo, appeared above the crowd, standing 135 meters tall and 80 meters wide. A countdown to the Expo appeared after, with the Let’s Go Expo 2025 logo shining in the sky, made entirely by synchronized drones.
Archived live footage of the event is also available.
Ryota Shirahama, chairman of the event’s organizing committee, made a comment regarding the impressive event. “Japan’s resurgence is about to begin,” he said. “The world has been looking down, and we want it to look up. We want people to look towards the future–that’s the goal of this project. Yes, there was a pandemic. But like the phoenix seen during the drone show, we can start over. I hope that those who saw the show will be inspired to take a new step forward.”
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Let’s Go Expo 2025 Countdown 3 ~Yumeshima Fireworks~
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NAKED and Ryotaro Muramatsu’s interactive art installation, the DANDELION PROJECT, is coming to Umeda, Osaka. The project aims to connect people around the world, stressing the importance of world peace. Those wanting to participate may do so from October 7 until October 9 at Umekita Sotoniwa Square.
In July 2020, Umekita Sotoniwa SQUARE opened under a unique premise–it would be open for 1,000 days only. The outdoor area was inspired by cities of the future, featuring plenty of green space. The DANDELION PROJECT fits in perfectly with this concept, using modern technology and networking to create art that also serves as a universal prayer for peace. This is the second time the work has been exhibited in Osaka–it was shown in Nakanoshima during the Osaka Hikari no Renaissance 2021 event last December.
The DANDELION PROJECT is inspired by the idea of world peace and hopes to help transcend barriers and connect people in an increasingly divided world. So far, it has appeared in 25 locations–19 in Japan and six abroad. In Japan, it has popped up at Tokyo Tower, Nijo Castle, and other historical sites. Abroad, it has been shown in Paris, Singapore, San Francisco, and Shanghai. The piece aims to bring about change by planting (or installing) dandelion-inspired art around the world, while it invites people visiting these dandelion exhibits to send their prayers for peace as a digital flower in real-time.
The exhibition will also be a satellite venue for NAKED GARDEN ONE KYOTO, a next-gen art project allowing guests to experience Kyoto virtually from September 15 until December 25, 2022.
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NAKED – DANDELION
Running: October 7 – October 9, 2022
Venue: Umekita Sotoniwa Square
*Open daily during event period
Hours: 18:00-21:00
Entry: Free
Official Site: https://sotoniwa-uk.com/ -
Street Fighter II will collaborate with a commercial facility for the first time in history! The beloved fighting game will take over Abeno Q’s Mall in Osaka from October 1 until October 31, 2022. Popular characters from the game will appear all over the premises, and visitors will be able to take part in unique games to win exclusive prizes.
There are also a number of interesting challenges that will pop up around Abeno Q’s Mall. At the entrance, visitors will be greeted by Ryu and Ken, the main characters from Street Fighter II, as they unleash their Hadouken. Guests will be able to take pictures with Ryu with a special AR Photo Spot, and characters and stages from the title will appear around the mall. A participatory game event, Street Fighter Challenge, will be available for customers spending ¥3,000 or more (including tax). These customers will actually be able to test their Street Fighter skills, with winners winning a ¥500 yen mall gift card if they are victorious. Fans of the fighting game won’t want to miss this unique event!
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Abeno Q’s Mall/Street Fighter II Collaboration
Running: October 1 – October 31, 2022
Address: 1-6-1 Abenosuji, Abeno-ku, Osaka
Official Site: https://qs-mall.jp/abeno -
A special exhibition commemorating the 90th birthday of Rune Naito will be held at the Hanshin department store in Osaka from October 19 until October 31. Titled ‘Roots of Kawaii,’ the event will look back at the life of the esteemed artist, illustrator, writer, and designer. Known for his illustrations of large-headed baby-faced girls, he first became interested in art after discovering the works of Jun’ichi Nakahara, joining Nakahara’s company after graduating high school. In 1959, Naito got his big break, designing the cover of the girls’ magazine Junior Soleil. Following this, Naito would become active as an illustrator for a number of magazines, and from the 1960s on, he began other activities, even producing a line of commercial goods from glassware to stickers.
The exhibition’s theme is ‘Life’s fantastic dreams,’ and over 300 items will be on display, including rare original drawings, goods, personal sketches, and more. The event will be held in celebration of Rune Naito’s birthday on November 20, and will also feature a special shop. Admission is ¥1,000 for adults, ¥700 for high school and college students, and free for junior high school students and younger. Discounts are available by preordering tickets. For details and tickets, check out the official website.
Information
Rune Naito’s 90th Birthday Exhibition
Running: October 19 – October 31, 2022
Venue: Hanshin Department Store, Umeda Main Store 8F
(1-13-13 Umeda, Kita-ku, Osaka)Details/Tickets: https://www.naitou-rune.jp
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From September 30 until October 2, 2022, artist Sebastian Masuda will present a hands-on live performance work titled Polychromatic Skin – Minitsukeru, nugisuteru at kagoo in Kitakagaya, Osaka.
Masuda, who currently resides in New York, is returning to Japan temporarily to prevent this colorful and experimental participatory live performance, inspired by the street style of the 90s. The title of the artwork is pulled from the artist’s intention to break through and liberate people’s unconscious stereotypes that stand in the way of gender freedom. This work is the second in a series following Polychromatic Skin -Gender Tower- and Polychromatic Skin -Gender Wall- to be exhibited at Roppongi Art Night 2022.
The theme of this art piece is ‘wearing something by taking it off.’ Audience members will participate in the live performance by wearing masks, tops, and bottoms based on the idea of androgyny, or the body of a human before it is divided into male or female.
Upon entering the art space, guests will be surrounded by live music consisting of drums and violins and visuals, while being invited to act accordingly to create their own art. Each session lasts 60 minutes, and participation in the live performance must be reserved in advance. Tickets to view the works without participating in the performance will be sold at the venue on the day of the event.
The performance will take place at kagoo, a former warehouse space in Kitakagaya, an artistic area of Osaka. A free area at the entrance will feature a pop-up store filled with Sebastian Masuda’s art, along with items from 6%DOKIDOKI, a popular Harajuku apparel brand celebrating its 27th anniversary in 2022.
<Comment from Sebastian Masuda>
“In Brooklyn, New York in 2018, I wandered off to go to the restroom at a club. The male and female signs on the restroom doors had been smashed together, and the sign only said ‘non-gender.’ Bewildered by the unexpected instructions, I opened the door with the usual color and found a completely different sight than I was expecting. Shocked to realize that there were stereotypes hiding unconsciously within me, I returned to the club floor to find the space is as fun as ever. Since then, I’ve wondered if there is a way to break the stereotypes I have. I can’t stop thinking about it.
Is breaking down the walls the only shortcut?
The right answer is inside all of us.
Sometimes, to see the truth, you just need to put something on.
Cast off the self by taking it off.”Information
Polychromatic Skin -Take Off by Wearing-
Running: September 30 – October 2, 2022
Venue: kagoo (5-4-19 Kitakagaya, Suminoe-ku, Osaka)
Official Site:
https://sebastianmasuda.com/works/skin-osaka/
