The popular female rock band BAND-MAID will perform for the first time at KNOTFEST JAPAN 2023, scheduled for April 1 and April 2 at Makuhari Messe in Chiba.

KNOTFEST was begun by the American heavy metal band Slipknot, and the festival has been held yearly since 2012. BAND-MAID will perform on Day 1 along with headliners Slipknot, Trivium, and MAN WITH A MISSION.

Tickets for the May shows to be held in the United States as part of the BAND-MAID 10TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR are none on sale. The group managed to bring in over 20,000 fans during their solo U.S. tour in 2022. In addition to performing at Pointfest 2023, Welcome to Rockville 2023, and the Sonic Temple Art & Music Festival, BAND-MAID will also perform six solo shows. With some venues selling out instantly last year, you’ll want to snag tickets while you can!

Over the past few decades, Star Wars has become one of the most beloved properties with fans around the world.

Grogu, known by many fans as Baby Yoda, first appeared in The Mandalorian, a series on Disney+ currently celebrating its third anniversary. 

With his mysterious background and incredible use of the Force, the tiny and adorable character became a hit with fans around the world, quickly making him one of the most popular characters in the recent Star Wars series.

World-renowned Japanese animation studio Studio Ghibli recently produced a short animation starring Grogu and Makkuro Kurosuke, also known as the Wandering Soot or, in the title for the short, Dust Bunnies. The characters first appeared in the film My Neighbor Totoro.

Studio Ghibli director Hayao Miyazaki and producer Toshio Suzuki have long been friends with Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy, who readily agreed to produce the short as a symbol of their longstanding friendship. The short was directed by Katsuya Kondo.

Will you give this a watch on Disney+?

（C）2022 & TM Lucasfilm Ltd.（C）2022 Studio Ghibli.

From November 9 until December 25, the Disney HARVEST MARKET by CAFE COMPANY Shibuya Hikarie location will be offering a special Christmas menu and exclusive holiday merchandise. 

The location’s popular Afternoon Tea Party set will see a Christmas makeover, and a limited number of original Christmas cards will only be handed out to those who order one. Other menu items include a Stew Plate with Meatballs and Vegetables, Minnie’s Berry and Cocoa Mousse, and plenty more tasty treats to get visitors into the holiday spirit. 

Menu

HAPPY CHRISTMAS! Afternoon Tea Set (Christmas Exclusive)

Original Christmas Cards (Limited quantity, not for sale)

​Meatball and Vegetable Stew Plate

Berry & Cocoa Miss Sweet Mousse ~Minnie Style~　

Berry Dot Cioccolata

Holiday Fruit & Spice Tea

Exclusive Goods

Almond Chocolate

A 2.7-meter-high pure white statue of Mickey Mouse will welcome guests to the location, which will be filled with Christmas decorations. Come enjoy a fun Christmas season

Popular Japanese accessories brand Maison de FLEUR has started selling new goods as part of the Disney Collection. This time, Baymax from Big Hero 6 takes center stage, and items are available now at Maison de FLEUR locations nationwide and online.

The company chose Manami Enosawa to model the collection–a fitting choice, as Baymax is her favorite Disney character. Enosawa will also act as the director of the apparel brand ARUMDY starting this fall.

The Baymax collection features a total of eight items perfect for everyday use. Fans can find everything from slippers featuring the robot’s face to bags, charms, and pouches perfect for bringing to school or carrying around town. 

Come enjoy Maison de FLEUR’s newest goods featuring Baymax, one of the most popular Disney characters in recent memory.

Chip ‘n Dale will appear in a new bedding collection from the roomwear brand gelato pique! As part of the gelato pique Sleep collection, the adorable chipmunks will appear on a number of new products inspired by the theme of ‘getting ready for bed.’ Fans of the characters won’t want to miss the body pillow, nightcap, pillowcase, and other products sure to liven up your bedroom and sleep routine!

Merch Lineup

Chip ‘n Dale / 3-piece Set (Single)

Chip ‘n Dale Jacquard Cover

Chip ‘n Dale Jacquard Pillowcase

Chip ‘n Dale Nightcap

Chip ‘n Dale Body Pillow

The products will go on sale on the official site and online department store USAGI ONLINE starting on September 20, 2022 at 12:00 PM. They will also be available to purchase in select stores starting October 14.

UNIQLO’s graphic T-shirt brand UT has revealed some new pieces for its Fall/Winter 2022 collection! Some new sweatshirts are hitting the market featuring everything from Peanuts and Disney characters to Museums of the World and classic Spider-Man art.

Peanuts

From the world-famous Peanuts comic strip comes a collection of sweatshirts for children and adults! Be sure to grab these adorable designs featuring the daily life of Snoopy, Charlie Brown and friends.

Release Date: August 22, 2022

The Philosophy of Andy Warhol

UNIQLO has worked with Andy Warhol’s pieces for a number of years, and the latest collection features the powerful messages the artist left through his works. While the words themselves are powerful, the designs are simple and easy to incorporate into any look.

Release Date: August 29, 2022

New York Pop Icons

Keith Haring, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Kenny Scharf were pioneers of New York pop culture in the 1980s. These bold prints are sure to turn heads. 

Release Date: August 29, 2022

Museums of the World Collection

The Museums of the World collection of men’s shirts features beloved museums like the Tate Modern, the Louvre, the Museum of Fine Arts Boston, and more. This valuable collection was made possible by UNIQLO’s continued art initiative, as the company has continued to work with museums around the world to share the wonders of art with as many people as possible.

Release Date: September 12, 2022

Disney Dearest Friends

Many Disney films depict wholesome friendships born from fateful encounters. Keeping the theme of best friends in mind, these sweatshirts feature sweet terms and beautiful typography.

Release Date: September 5, 2022

Disney Mickey & Friends

The collection is inspired by American college sweatshirts, adding motifs of Disney characters. The vintage-style design will make you feel wonderfully nostalgic.

Release Date: September 5, 2022

Spider-Man 60th Anniversary: Amazing Years

Since his debut in 1962, Spider-Man has grown to become a huge figure in pop culture. This special collection uses some of the coolest comic book art of all time, perfect for today’s superhero fans.

Release Date: October 3, 2022

These sweatshirts are perfect for jazzing up your fall and winter wardrobe, so be sure to grab your favorites!

High-casual brand MOUSSY has revealed the Disney SERIES CREATED by MOUSSY 2022 Autumn Collection! The items are now available to preorder at a number of online outlets.

QUATTING Design Series

BOA Series

THERMAL Series

The 2022 Autumn Collection lineup features original art drawn exclusively for MOUSSY. Each design was inspired by MOUSSY’s classic 70s and 80s feel, while also incorporating some 90s street style. The Mickey QUATTING Design Series is more casual, and for those wanting to stay more comfy and warm during the fall months, the THERMAL series has been updated with Mickey Mouse designs all over the fabric. 

An original acrylic stand featuring the Mickey Mouse QUATTING Design is available while supplies last when preordering any items from the 2022 Autumn Collection at the SHEL’TTER online store.

©Disney

UNIQLO’s graphic T-shirt brand UT has announced an adorable new Disney-themed collection. The ‘Mickey & Friends Art by Steven Harrington UT’ collection is a triple collaboration with Los Angeles-based artist Stephen Harrington and Disney. The items will go on sale at UNIQLO TOKYO and five other nearby stores on June 10 ahead of the collection’s launch at all UNIQLO stores on June 13. The colorful collection was inspired by the happiness, joy, and freedom Harrington felt as a child, which the artist expresses through classic Disney characters designed his typical pop style.

This collection is the first made in collaboration with Steven Harrington, whose vibrant art is inspired by California’s landscape and mixed culture. The colorful pop art found in his work alongside the beloved character Mickey Mouse is something Disney fans won’t want to miss adding to their wardrobe.

Kids sizes are also available, so try coordinating with the younger people in your life this summer!

On May 18, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu traveled to Chiba to take a ride on the Kyary Train, a collaborative train currently in operation on the Choushi Electric Railway! The collaboration is part of the LOCAL POWER JAPAN Project, launched to energize Japan by marketing the appeal of regional towns and cities. The singer also attended a special event celebrating the redesigned Kannon Station with Choshi mayor Shinichi Koshikawa and Choshi Electric Railway president Katsunori Takemoto in attendance. 

In January, Kyary began the largest tour of her career, ‘Kyary Pamyu Pamyu 10th ANNIVERSARY JAPAN TOUR 2022 CANDY WAVE,’ with the artist performing 30 shows across Japan. In conjunction with the nationwide tour, the LOCAL POWER JAPAN Project was launched, which aims to bring attention and support to local industries and to inspire more tourism to rural areas impacted negatively by the pandemic. In April, Kyary announced a collaboration with Chiba’s Choushi Electric Railway. The railway President is known for his self-deprecating jokes, noting that the railway has seen a serious lack of ridership over the last decade. Fittingly, the collaboration is based on Kyary’s hit song Mondai Girl (Problem Girl). The Kyary Train began operations on the first day of Golden Week, attracting a huge crowd. Surprisingly, the singer herself took time out of her tour to ride the train herself!

Upon arrival at the Choshi Dentetsu platform, the Kyary Train appeared, decorated with the collaboration design on the first car. Kyary, seeing the train in person for the first time, greeted it with a happy wave. Upon boarding, the interior was decorated with pink, yellow, and blue balloons inspired by the music video for Mondai Girl. “It’s so cute,” Kyary exclaimed. Other decorations placed in the train also pull from the video, including triangular accents based on Kyary’s outfit and spikes inspired by the male dancer’s hairstyles. The in-train ads feature “problematic” confessions from riders, citizens of Choushi, and Kyary herself. After a while, the departure sound plays, incorporating the phrase Mondai Girl, and the train departs. During the 21-minute ride, Kyary guided riders through the many stations, with announcements playing as the train passed by notable locales. 

After the trip, the ‘Mondai ga Aru’ (There are Problems) event took place to show off the new interior of Kannon Station. Broken glass has been replaced and the interior features a light pink paint job, complete with an image of Kyary. Choshi mayor Shinichi Koshikawa and Choshi Electric Railway president Katsunori Takemoto expressed their gratitude. 

“Choshi Electric Railway is often the butt of jokes, but I think it takes courage to make those jokes. It’s because the railway is so honest that people are willing to come out and help,” Kyary said. “I’ll do my best so that my music and this railway will both be loved for 100 years.” 

A photo booth pulling inspiration from the press conference scene in the Mondai Girl music video has been also been added. Kyary took a seat to share details of a certain moment during Coachella that made a huge impact on her. During the second weekend performance, Kyary performed alone for the first time in her decade-long career after her dancers suffered from a sudden illness.

President Takemoto also spoke about a “problem”–too many people showed up to ride the Kyary Train during Golden Week, and the company ran out of its popular products halfway through the week! He also announced a new song, Choushi Mondai Girl, which he performed on guitar.

“If there’s a problem, this is a good opportunity to solve it. If we can overcome our problems, we can move on to the next stage. I hope that Choushi Electric Railway will continue to do its best,” Kyary said at the end of the event, inspiring warm applause from the crowd.

Be sure to check out the collaboration this spring and summer!

Mondai Girl Music Video

GROOVE X’s home robot series LOVOT is set to launch a new collaboration with the Disney store.

The Minnie and Mickey LOVOT Costumes are available for purchase at the Disney Flagship Shop Tokyo, Disney Store Shinjuku Takashimaya, Disney Store LUCUA Osaka, and the Disney Official Online Store shopDisney.

LOVOT Costume – Mickey

This fancy costume will make your LOVOT look just like Mickey Mouse, dressed up with an elegant gold bow tie.
The white gloves and large round ears are too adorable. (The bow tie is removable!)

Mickey Costume Purchase Bonus: Mickey Design

LOVOT Costume – Minnie

The Minnie costume features a red and white polka dot dress and a cute ribbon. The lace visible beneath the hem of the dress is a key point.

Minnie Costume Purchase Bonus: Minnie Design

The costumes also come with special serial numbers that can be entered into the LOVOT app to give your robot Mickey or Minnie eyes! Disney fans won’t want to miss out on this chance!

Kyary Pamyu Pamyu is staying active in 2022. Celebrating the 10th anniversary of her major label debut, the artist recently performed at Coachella, one of the largest music festivals in the United States. On October 21, 2021, she released her first full-length album in three years, ‘Candy Raver.’ In January, Kyary embarked on the largest tour of her career, ‘Kyary Pamyu Pamyu 10th ANNIVERSARY JAPAN TOUR 2022 CANDY WAVE,’ which will see the singer performing 30 shows across Japan.

 In conjunction with the nationwide tour, the “LOCAL POWER JAPAN Project” was launched to energize Japan through the appeal of regional towns and cities, and has been attracting major attention. Announced earlier this month at the singer’s performance in Chiba, the Kyary Train finally set out on the Choushi Electric Railway starting April 29. 

On April 1, Choushi Electric Railway president Katsunori Takemoto tweeted out something strange and hilarious: “Choushi Electric Railway has tons of problems, so we’ll change our name to Choushi Warui (‘In Bad Shape’) Railway starting today.” The self-deprecating post is on brand for the railway which is known for struggling with a lack of riders over the past decade. Social media blew up following the tweet, with many wondering if it was simply a poor April Fool’s Joke. Shortly after, a collaboration image between the railway and Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s popular track Mondai Girl appeared. Commemorative versions of a one-day ticket for the train line are on sale now.

It was also announced that a fully-decorated collaborative train would begin running in late April, though the president remarked that the number of interior decorations would depend entirely on how much the company could fit into the budget. Of course, following this plea, support began pouring in from all over Japan. Now, the entire staff, including one new employee, is ready to welcome guests. Each ticket will come with a sticker, on which is written the president’s heartfelt plea: “I want the Kyary Train to run without any issues!” So far, so good.

The collaborative train is called the ‘Kyary Train with Plenty of Problems,’ and takes place inside a flashy pink train perfectly encapsulating the singer’s image.

Inside the train car, guests are transported into the world of the Mondai Girl music video. Pink, yellow, and blue balloons fill the space, with plenty of other homages present. The ads on display on the train are also full of confessions by Choushi Electric Railway staff, Choushi City residents, and Kyary, regarding their individual problems.

While the collab train is running, riders are encouraged to write a message of support on the right half of the sticker and post it on a special board to be erected at Kannon Station on April 18. 

“I would like to renovate the old and problem-filled Kannon Station into Kyary Station,” president Takemoto said recently. He is also looking into erecting a photo booth pulling inspiration from the press conference scene in the Mondai Girl music video while cleaning up the area to draw in new customers. Be sure to check out the collaboration this spring and summer!

High-casual brand MOUSSY released the Disney SERIES CREATED by MOUSSY 2022 Summer Collection on April 20, 2022! Items from the collection are available at the SHEL’TTER WEB STORE, ZOZOTOWN, the MOUSSY Flagship Shop, and Lumine EST Shinjuku. 

The collection was created with a unique message in mind: “Seek a Miracle.” These items could only be created by the designers at MOUSSY, so Disney fans won’t want to miss out.

Collection Lineup

The 2022 Summer Collection features unique artwork drawn exclusively for the new release. The new collection offers retro and nostalgic designs based on 70s and 80s vintage taste and 90s street fashion.

Certain products in the collection will be made-to-order in an attempt to reduce environmental waste, a cause important to MOUSSY. More information can be found at the website listed below!

Will you be grabbing some of these items for the hot summer months?