Review: Universal Studios Japan Spreads the Christmas Cheer With Their Special Winter Program
15.November.2020 | SPOT
Universal Studios Japan (USJ) has planned a special series of Christmas events for this year to celebrate everyone’s endeavours throughout this tumultuous 2020. Celebrations began on November 13 and are set to run through to December 27. The amusement park held a press preview on November 12 which allowed early access..
The ceremony opening this year’s Christmas season sees popular characters and the entertainers dressed in Christmas garbs fitting for the holiday season. Guests can feel safe as they enjoy the festivities with all of the necessary social distancing measures in place.
This year, USJ introduces new events including “Happy Christmas Street Party” and the romantic singing show “New York Christmas Wish.” Guests can also purchase one of the park’s special Happy Deco Mask stickers for their face masks. It’s an exciting time at USJ this holiday season as the characters and entertainers dance and sing for guests to deliver the Christmas wish for 2020.
A special stage was set up for the press preview for an exclusive opening ceremony. It took place at Delancey Street in the New York area of USJ where the Despicable Me Minions, Elmo, Snoopy, Hello Kitty, and other characters dressed up alongside snowmen and entertainers. The characters encouraged guests to sing and dance along to Christmas songs in a COVID-safe environment, bringing smiles to all who attended like a true Christmas party. The performance ended with a blast of confetti in Christmas colours, and everyone posed their best pose of positivity to spread some Christmas cheer to all in attendance.
Sticking on an assortment of USJ’s Christmas Deco Mask stickers onto face masks made wearing them fun.
Smiles are sure to be abound at USJ this year as they always are. For more information, be sure to check out our other article here as well as the park’s official website.
WIZARDING WORLD and all related trademarks, characters, names, and indicia are © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © JKR. (s20)
Minions and all related elements and indicia TM & © 2020 Universal Studios. All rights reserved.
© Nintendo
TM & © 2020 Sesame Workshop
© 2020 Peanuts Worldwide LLC
© 1976, 1999, 2020 SANRIO CO., LTD. APPROVAL NO. EJ0110601
TM & © Universal Studios & Amblin Entertainment
TM & © Universal Studios. All rights reserved.
Information
Universal Studios Japan Christmas Program
Running: November 13, 2020 – December 7, 2020
Address: 2-1-33 Sakurajima, Konohana-ku, Osaka
Official Website: https://www.usj.co.jp/web/en/us
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Nagomi Chosen as Ambassador for the ‘CASETiFY Holiday Gift Guide’
26.November.2024 | FASHION
The 2024 holiday campaign by CASETiFY, the global lifestyle brand that advocates for its customers to embrace their individuality with its customizable smartphone cases and tech accessories, has officially begun. Nagomi has been named an ambassador for this year’s CASETiFY Holiday Gift Guide.
The key message of the campaign is “You will definitely find the perfect gift for that special someone.” The Holiday Gift Guide features a selection of gifts selected by Nagomi either for yourself or a loved one at CASETiFY’s official online store and physical stores.
On December 14, Nagomi will hold at event at CASETiFY STUDIO Shibuya PARCO.
Information
Nagomi Holiday Gift Event
Date: December 14, 2024, 12:00~
Venue: CASETiFY STUDiO Shibuya PARCO (Tokyo)
*Times are subject to change.[Content]
・Autographs by Nagomi on product displays in the store
・Holiday Gift Selection advice from Nagomi
・Polaroid photo shoot with select fans
・Special gift giving from Nagomi[How to Participate]
Make any purchase at participating stores between November 25 and December 13
*Participating Stores: Shibuya PARCO, Ikebukuro PARCO, Shinjuku Marui[Participation Details]
From November 25 to December 13, keep any receipts from purchases made at Shibuya PARCO, Ikebukuro PARCO, or Shinjuku Marui and bring them to CASETiFY STUDIO. On December 14, CASETiFY STUDiO will distribute 30 numbered tickets at the store on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 11:00 AM when the store opens. Numbered tickets will be distributed until they are gone.Holiday Gift Guide Official Site
https://www.casetify.com/collection/holiday-gift-guide -
Akiyoshido Cave in Yamaguchi to be Illuminated for Christmas & Valentine Theater Event
26.December.2022 | SPOT
The Mine City Tourism Association has announced a Christmas & Valentine’s Day event at Akiyoshido Cave, one of the largest limestone caves in Japan. The event will see the natural wonder illuminated by a number of colorful lights. The Christmas event will run from December 21 to 25, 2022, while the Valentine’s Day event will run from February 10 to 14, 2023.
Akiyoshido Cave is one of Yamaguchi Prefecture’s most popular tourist attractions. The interior will be decorated with colorful lights and unique soundscapes, creating a once-in-a-lifetime setting for visitors. These illuminations and sounds were directed by world-renowned lighting designer Motoko Ishii, known for her work on Tokyo Tower and the Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge.
Information
Christmas & Valentine Theater ~ Akiyoshido Cave ‘Fantasy of Light and Echoes’
Dates:
Christmas Theater: December 21 – December 25, 2022
Valentine Theater: February 10 – February 14, 2023
Times: (1) 10:00-11:00 (2) 12:00-13:00 (3) 14:00-15:00
3 events per dayVenue:
Akiyoshido Cave, Shuhocho Akiyoshi, Mine, YamaguchiTickets/Details: https://karusuto.com/event/christmas-valentine-theater-2022/
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Eve to Hold YouTube LIVE on Christmas Eve with Afterparty for Premium Members
21.December.2022 | MUSIC
Eve has announced a special YouTube LIVE scheduled to take place on December 24 at 19:00. The stream will take place on the artist’s official YouTube channel and those with YouTube Premium memberships will be able to take place in an Afterparty starting at 19:30.
Starting at 19:00 on Christmas Eve, fans can enjoy a rare live studio performance complete with a full band. The Afterparty will include a special chat with Eve in which the artist reflects on the past year and gives hints on what’s to come. Fans won’t want to miss this exclusive opportunity!
Information
Christmas EVE Live on YouTube
Supported by YouTube | SoftBank
Streaming December 24 at 19:00~
Streaming URL: https://youtube.com/live/SX34pDlkGrQ
Christmas EVE YouTube Premium Afterparty
Supported by YouTube | SoftBank
Streaming December 24 at 19:30~
Streaming URL: https://youtube.com/live/xnpUGzqKjU4
*YouTube Premium Required to Join the Afterparty
https://www.youtube.com/premium
Official Site: https://eveofficial.com/
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Universal Cool Japan 2023 Announces SPYxFAMILY Collaboration
21.December.2022 | ANIME&GAME / SPOT
SPYxFAMILY continues to take the world by storm. In 2023, fans will be able to test their skills as part of the Forger family at Universal Studios Japan! From February 17 until July 2, the SPYxFAMILY Secret Mission will be underway at the Osaka location. Guests will need to decipher a mysterious code to take part in an immersive experience with the popular characters.
SPYxFAMILY is the fastest-selling comic in the history of Shonen Jump. It ranked in the top spot in the animation category of the Yahoo! Search Awards 2022, pulling in audiences with its blend of hard-hitting action and sweet family comedy.
This special attraction is the first-ever interactive experience inspired by the series. Guests can enjoy two separate instances: a puzzle-solving rally taking place at different locations around the park, and a live show that only those completing the rally can enjoy. During the rally, guests will act as rookie WISE agents as they decipher mysterious codes around the park. Of course, fans can expect to see Loid, Yor, and Anya while on their mission!
※1 The first-ever puzzle-solving rally & live show in the history of the series!
※2 Shonen Jump+, which began publishing the series in 2014, has announced that for the first time in its history, the total number of copies sold, including digital copies, has exceeded 10 million as of the release of the seventh volume.
※3 SPYxFAMILY won first place in the animation category of the Yahoo! Search Awards 2022, seeing a sharp increase from the previous year.
SPY x FAMILY Secret Mission – Attraction Details
The SPYxFAMILY Secret Mission will allow fans of the hit series to step into the shoes of a WISE agent as they seek to unravel a mystery at Universal Studios Japan!
Guests will take on a top-secret mission with the Forger family as a new WISE agent connected to Operation Strix. Using their wits, they must decipher a series of codes hidden around the park. Successful spies will be granted a top-priority mission from Loid to participate in a live show featuring all three members of the beloved family.
Come enjoy the world of SPYxFAMILY at Universal Studios Japan in 2023!
©遠藤達哉/集英社・SPY×FAMILY製作委員会
原作/青山剛昌「名探偵コナン」(小学館「週刊少年サンデー」連載中)
© 2023 青山剛昌/名探偵コナン製作委員会
© SCRAP All Rights Reserved.
©CAPCOM CO., LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
TM & © Universal Studios & Amblin Entertainment
Universal Studios Japan TM & © Universal Studios. All rights reserved.
Information
Universal Cool Japan – SPY x FAMILY Secret Mission
Running: February 17 – July 2, 2023
Venue: Universal Studios Japan, Park-wide
Official Site: https://www.usj.co.jp/web/ja/jp
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British Beauty Brand Elemis Sponsors Christmas Afternoon Tea Bus Tour Through Tokyo
There are plenty of events going on in Tokyo to celebrate the holiday season, but this one might be the most peculiar. Elemis, a skincare brand from England, has teamed up with bus operator Upstar for Japan’s first bus tour featuring afternoon tea! This extremely limited event will drive guests around the city to see some of the most impressive Christmas lights in Shibuya, Roppongi, Omotesando, and other spots. Only 60 seats are available each day and the bus will run from December 1 until December 25, 2022.
5 Unique Features of the Elemis Special Christmas Afternoon Tea Bus Tour
① Enjoy a Special Christmas Afternoon Tea Menu by Elemis
A special Christmas menu will be available on board, including a Santa Claus shortcake and a party popper-inspired sandwich.
② Travel on a Bus Filled with Elemis Christmas Decorations
Inside the bus, guests can enjoy fir trees and original decorations inspired by the Elemis holiday collection!
③ Best-Selling Elemis Goods will be Gifted to Guests!
Guests will receive a trial size of Elemis’ best-selling Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm as a Christmas present!
④ A Special Gift Campaign will run from November 15 until December 25
Prior to the start of the bus tour, a campaign will be held on Instagram and Twitter. Winners will snag tickets for the bus tour and an Elemis makeup set worth over $12,000!
⑤ Travel on a Special Route to Enjoy Tokyo’s Christmas Lights!
The bus tour will take visitors to some of Tokyo’s best Christmas locales, from Shibuya and Omotesando to Keyakizaka and Roppongi. The 90-minute journey starts and ends in Omotesando.
How would you like to enjoy Tokyo’s Christmas lights on a British bus enjoying some of the best beauty products on Earth? Get into the holiday spirit with this unusual and unique tour!
Information
Elemis Christmas Afternoon Tea
Running: December 1 – December 25, 2022 *Not running December 12, 13
Times:
1st Service / 15:00~16:30
2nd Service / 17:00-18:30
3rd Service / 19:00-20:30Length: 90 minutes
Departure Point: In front of the Shioda Building (5-10 Minamiaoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo)
Price: ¥6,800 (Adults, Tax Included) / ¥3,000 (Children, Tax Included)
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Eve to Sing Theme Song for Christmas Comedy Film ‘Black Night Parade’
Popular singer Eve will sing the theme song for the film Black Night Parade, coming to theaters nationwide on December 23, 2022. A new trailer featuring the track has also been released alongside the announcement.
Eve’s YouTube channel has over 4.2 million subscribers with video views of over 1.9 billion. The new song, Shirayuki, was written by the singer himself, who has become incredibly popular with overseas music fans as well. The track manages to be both gentle and powerful in equal measure, combining an orchestra with Eve’s unique vocals. In conjunction with the release of the trailer, an exclusive pre-release version of the song has been posted to TikTok.
Black Night Parade Trailer: https://youtu.be/57CkdVMky4o
Black Night Parade was originally manga series by Hikaru Nakamura, the creator of Arakawa Under the Bridge and Saint Young Men. The live-action film will be directed by Yuichi Fukuda, who has worked on a number of live-action film adaptations of manga series including Gintama and Kyo Kara Ore Wa! Fukuda also wrote the screenplay along with Tetsuo Kamata. The protagonist Miharu Hino will be played by Ryo Yoshizawa, while Shino Hojo will be played by Kanna Hashimoto. Taishi Nakagawa will play Kaizer Tanaka and Keisuke Watanabe will play Teppei Kohira.
The story follows Miharu Hino, a man who is completely hopeless at everything he does. He failed his entrance exam, failed at job hunting, and has no love life to speak of. After working at a convenience store for three years, he meets a man in a black Santa suit who kidnaps him, offering him a job. Miharu then begins working at Santa Claus House, a mysterious company at the North Pole that delivers gifts to children around the world.
Comment from Eve
“I’m incredibly honored because I loved both the original manga and Fukuda’s past works. I wrote this song Shirayuki with the hope that Christmas could be an important day for everyone. I would be so glad if this song makes you nostalgic for winter, making you imagine the cold air that stings your nose and the stars in the clear night sky. I love Kunehito, so I am looking forward to seeing him in the film.”
©︎2022「ブラックナイトパレード」製作委員会 ©︎中村光/集英社
Information
Black Night Parade
Release Date: December 23, 2022
Official Site: https://bnp-movie.jpEve
Official Site: https://eveofficial.com/ -
Sailor Moon Museum Releases New Christmas Menu
15.November.2022 | ANIME&GAME / FOOD / SPOT
The Sailor Moon franchise’s 30th-anniversary museum is open from July 1 to December 30 at Tokyo’s Roppongi Museum. The series became a global phenomenon in the 1990s and remains incredibly popular with audiences around the world to this day. The museum itself is located near Azabu-Juban, where Sailor Moon took place.
Volume 3 of the museum, the final installment, will take place from November 12 until the museum closes on December 30. During this period, fans can see over 100 pieces of rare Sailor Moon goods from its run in Nakayoshi magazine.All of the original color drawings currently on display will be replaced, with over 60 new pieces being added including previously unreleased works. Fans will also get a glimpse of the original drawing that appeared on the cover of Nakayoshi when the final chapter of Sailor Moon was published!
Christmas Menu
Sailor Moon Museum Christmas Pancake
Sailor Moon Museum Cheese Melt Muffin
Latte Art featuring Famous Quotes
THE ALLEY Collaboration Drinks
Christmas Tapioca Banana Pumpkin
Princess Serenity Cream Cheese Yogurt
New Christmas menu items will also be available during Vol.3. Guests can enjoy the cafe’s original Christmas tree-inspired pancakes and collaboration drinks with THE ALLEY. The main menu has also been overhauled and now includes plenty of dishes perfect for the cold winter months. The drink menu will also feature original coasters and straw tags only available at the museum.
Will you be visiting the museum during its last few weeks?(c) Naoko Takeuchi
Information
Sailor Moon Museum
Running: July 1 – December 30, 2022
Vol. 3: November 12 – December 30, 2022
Hours:
Weekdays: 10:00-18:00 (Last entry at 17:30)
Weekends/Holidays: 10:00-20:00 (Last entry at 19:30)
*Open from 10:00-20:00 from December 26 – December 30
Venue: Roppongi Museum (5-6-20 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo)
Official Site: www.sailormoon-museum.com
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Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan Reveals First Winter Decorations
14.November.2022 | ANIME&GAME / SPOT
Universal Studios Japan is holding its NO LIMIT! Christmas event from November 11, 2022 until January 9, 2023.
During this period, the new Super Nintendo World area will be decorated with winter decorations for the first time since it opened. The area’s entrance is bringing the holiday cheer with Mario and Luigi snowmen, perfect for using as a photo spot. Upon entering the area, visitors will find a Christmas tree decorated with familiar Nintendo items along with wreaths and garlands.
Fans won’t want to miss visiting during this special season, as special menu items and merchandise will be available for a limited time. This is a winter experience you won’t find anywhere else!
During the NO LIMIT! Christmas event, Minions and other popular characters will appear around the park in Christmas costumes. Two special Minions meet and greet sessions will be held as well! Come spend the holidays with your favorite characters dressed as Santa, reindeer, trees, angels, and more!
WIZARDING WORLD and all related trademarks, characters, names, and indicia are © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © JKR. (s22)
Minions and all related elements and indicia TM & © 2022 Universal Studios. All rights reserved.
© Nintendo
TM & © Universal Studios & Amblin Entertainment
TM & © Universal Studios. All rights reserved.Information
Super Nintendo World Winter Decorations (USJ)
On Display: November 11, 2022 – January 9, 2023
Official Site: https://www.usj.co.jp/web/ja/jp
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Mister Donut Reveals Limited-Time Pokemon Christmas Collection
06.November.2022 | ANIME&GAME / FOOD
Mister Donut has revealed its annual Pokemon Christmas collaboration. This marks the 5th year that the popular sweets chain is teaming up with the legendary franchise, and starting on November 9, fans can find themed sweets and merchandise for a limited time.
Pikachu Snowman Donut
Christmas Collection Donut Set
New to the lineup in 2022 is the Pikachu Snowman Donut. This will be sold alongside the always-popular standard Pikachu Donut which will be sold in a cute Christmas sleeve. Customers can also look forward to the sleepy Pikachu Donut and the fluffy Jigglypuff Donut this holiday season.
Mister Donut Blanket (White)
Mister Donut Glasses (Set of 2)
The Christmas Set will include the Mister Donut Pokemon Blanket, which is available in two patterns, as well as a pair of Pokemon glasses. Fans are sure to enjoy these new illustrations of Pikachu and Jigglypuff made exclusively for the collaboration.
Pikachu Donut
The popular Pikachu Donut is back! The fluffy yeast pastry is filled with whipped cream with a pudding flavor and chocolate coating.
Pikachu Snowman Donut
Also filled with whipped cream, the Pikachu Snowman Donut is coated with white chocolate.
Be sure to check out this exclusive collection of sweets and goods before they’re gone!
©2022 Pokémon. ©1995-2022 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。
Nintendo Switchのロゴ・Nintendo Switchは任天堂の商標です。Information
Mister Donut Pokemon Christmas Collection
On Sale:
Donuts: November 9 – late December 2022 (While supplies last)
Goods: November 9 (While supplies last)
Official Site: https://www.misterdonut.jp
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The World of Peanuts to Take Over Grandberry Park this Winter
31.October.2022 | SPOT
The limited-time Christmas event ‘SNOOPY Merry Colorful Christmas’ will be held at the Grandberry Park shopping mall from November 12 until December 25, 2022. The complex is directly connected to Manami-Machida Grandberry Park Station on the Den-en-toshi Line.
This year’s event is the most colorful one yet, focusing on diversity and individuality. Fans of Snoopy and friends are in for a treat, as the area around Grandberry Park will be illuminated in beautiful colors and decorated with unique Christmas decorations that will excite the whole family.
Colorful Sculpture
Colorful Illuminations
Snoopy Ice Rink
Snoopy Happiness Float 2022
During the event period, a giant 8-meter-tall Christmas tree decorated with Peanuts-inspired ornaments will be set up for guests to enjoy. A huge and very colorful sculpture measuring 6 meters across and over 2 meters tall will also welcome visitors to this Christmas wonderland. In addition, colorful lights will be scattered around the entirety of Grandberry Park, and a special Christmas menu filled with cakes and hors d’oeuvres is sure to delight.
On December 10, the Snoopy Ice Rink will open at Oasis Plaza, and the Snoopy Happiness Float 2022, a giant Snoopy that has traveled across Japan, will return for another year of fun.
Come have a fun time this holiday season with Snoopy and friends! A series of events will be held over the next year to market the Colors of Peanuts marketing campaign throughout the country, so keep an eye out for more news!
*Sample images only.
Information
Snoopy Merry Colorful Christmas
Running: November 12 – December 25, 2022
Venue: Grandberry Park
Details: https://gbp.minamimachida-grandberrypark.com/christmas2022/ -
Grand Front Osaka to Hold Harry Potter Christmas Event
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/ -
Q-pot CAFE to Release Colorful and Creative Christmas Cake
20.October.2022 | FOOD
Q-pot is known for incredible Christmas cakes, and this year’s dessert might be their most glorious yet. This year’s motif is the ‘Christmas Wreath,’ meant to symbolize peace, eternity, and happiness. Featuring a massive Morello cherry, this is the perfect way to celebrate the season with friends and family.
The cake features a pistachio ganache and cheese ganache transformed to look like powdery snow, with each dessert decorated with chocolate candy canes, teddy bears, stars, and ribbon cookies.
The beautiful cross-section shows four luxurious layers: Morello cherry mousse, caramel mousse, crepe dough filled with hazelnuts and chocolate, and rich chocolate genoise. Cakes are available to order from anywhere in the country and are delivered in a beautiful box.
Orders will be accepted in-store and at the Q-pot. Online Shop starting November 1, 2022. Why not enjoy a decedent and heartwarming Christmas this year?
Information
Q-pot CAFE. 2022 Christmas Cake
Order Period: November 1 – December 11, 2022
Delivery Period: December 22 – December 25, 2022
Price: ¥3,240 (Tax Included)
Details/Orders: http://www.q-pot.jp/news/2022/10/1765.html