Godiva Japan has announced an exclusive collaboration with Animal Crossing: New Horizons for Valentine's Day 2023! Products in the collection will be available in limited quantities and for a limited time starting January 6, 2023 at Godiva stores nationwide, Godiva Online, the Godiva cafe, and convenience stores nationwide. Fans of chocolate and this beloved Nintendo Switch title can find unique assortments of tasty treats decorated with images of different characters and logos from the Nintendo Switch game. Certain bundles also come with an original pouch, and some assortments are only available at certain locations or at convenience stores nationwide. A total of six items will be available. These products will also be sold in an original collaboration-only box depicting Godiva's 2023 Valentine's Day collection theme, a merry-go-round, and characters from the game.   ~Godiva meets Animal Crossing~   HeartLeaf SymbolChocolate with Game LogoTom NookTimmy and TommyIsabelleDomMarshallRosie   Godiva meets Animal Crossing Assortment (6 pieces)Godiva meets Animal Crossing Assortment (6 pieces) with Original PouchGodiva meets Animal Crossing Assortment (9 pieces) Godiva meets Animal Crossing Assortment (9 pieces) (Events Only)   Tom NookIsabelleTimmy & TommyChocolate with Game Logo   Godiva meets Animal Crossing Assortment (4 Pieces) *Convenience Store ExclusiveGodiva meets Animal Crossing G Chocolate Assortment & Tin (7 pieces)   ©2020 Nintendo

Celebrating the 10th anniversary of her major label debut, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu is staying active in 2022. The artist will perform at this year’s Coachella, one of the largest music festivals in the United States, and released her first full-length album in three years ‘Candy Racer’ in October 2021.  On January 16, 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. Kyary’s tour is scheduled to wrap in Niigata on March 27, and the details of her next collaboration have been revealed!   Hakkaisan, founded in 1922, is one of the most well-known sake breweries in Niigata Prefecture. Kyary will be collaborating with a special slightly sweet non-alcoholic Malted Rice Amazake made by the company. Amazake was extremely popular during the Edo Period as a drink to keep cool in the heat, so this is a perfect product to grab for the upcoming season. The special collaboration logo was inspired by Kyary’s 2014 hit Yumeno Hajima Ring Ring. The song is popular for graduation ceremonies with the theme of parting ways, making it appropriate for the current time, as graduation season in Japan is in late March. A collaborative T-shirt is also on sale featuring the new logo and the singer’s 10th-anniversary logo. The shirt is available on the LOCAL POWER JAPAN Project website for two weeks only. 

Booking.com Japan has revealed its top four picks for the Japanese accommodations with the best outdoor baths and snow views!    Zao Kokusai Hotel (Zao Onsen, Yamagata Prefecture) Located 900 meters above sea level and surrounded by the gorgeous natural beauty of the Zao mountains, this resort has long been renowned for its spectacular view of seasonal scenery. During winter, guests can enjoy a fully spring-fed open-air bath while gazing at the snow-capped mountains. The milky white waters of the Zao Hot Springs have high sulfur content which will improve the texture of your skin. The resort also has a bath large enough to accommodate up to seven people at a time and a private bath for families or lovers.    Midorinokaze Resort Kitayuzawa (Date, Hokkaido)The Midorinokaze Resort Kitayuzawa is surrounded by nature and contains one of the largest open-air baths in Japan, along with 20 unique fragrant baths for guests to enjoy. In winter, the surrounding trees seem to glisten with snow, and visitors are sure to find plenty of peace and relaxation while lounging beneath the grey skies.    Akakura Kanko Hotel (Myoko, Niigata Prefecture)This highland resort sits on a 1,000-meter peak, offering unmatched views of Niigata Prefecture. The natural hot spring flows from the inside of Mt. Myoko, with healing waters perfect for soaking in during the cold winter months. The large baths are also equipped with a sauna and deck, and those wanting to view the scenery from their room can enjoy guest accommodations with private baths as well!     Satoyama Jujo (Minamiuonuma, Niigata Prefecture)Winning a design award for its facilities, Satoyama Jujo has a different feel when compared to most hotels and ryokan. Booking.com recommends it for travelers looking for new experiences! In the open-air bath, visitors can relax while enjoying a panoramic view of Mt. Makihata, one of Japan’s 100 most famous peaks. Guests can also enjoy the starry skies at night. This is a perfect location for couples!   Each season in Japan offers uniquely beautiful scenery. How would you like to enjoy winter in one of these luxurious baths?

To commemorate the opening of the 60th Anniversary Sanrio Exhibition: The Beginning of Kawaii in Niigata, Hotel Nikko Niigata has also opened a collaboration cafe on the 31st-floor Panorama Lounge. The cafe will be open until April 10 and feature an adorable menu and incredible view!   The Hotel Nikko x Sanrio Exhibition Collaboration Cafe will feature dishes, desserts, and drinks based on seven different Sanrio characters, including Hello Kitty. Each menu item comes with a random original coaster.    Characters whose birthdays fall during the cafe period will be featured in special designs. From March 1 until March 11, a drink inspired by Cinnamoroll, whose birthday is on March 6, will be available.

Want something to do at a ski resort but not a fan of skiing? No problem! Ishiuchi Maruyama Ski Resort in Niigata Prefecture has opened the new Snow Garden, a complex filled with cafes and activities held in transparent dome tents and terraces. Visitors can relax in an open space overlooking the gorgeous landscape without breaking a sweat. The Snow Village will be open until March 27, 2022.     Enjoy the panoramic view of the snow-covered Uonuma Plains and Niigata’s breathtaking mountains while enjoying a warm beverage and wonderful company. 

The Italian brand FURLA, with a history of over 90 years, and Nintendo Co., Ltd. launched a special collection featuring Nintendo's best-selling game Animal Crossing.  

Line-up

CROSSBODY ￥55,000/PHONE HOLDER　￥28,600

WALLET ￥24,200/CARD CASE  ￥17,600

    The collaborative mini-collection of the two companies includes a mini-pouch, a cross-body bag with a small case charm, and a case for smartphones. Each features a zipper closure and a practical shoulder strap. The collection is dedicated to "digital natives" who are keen on trends and fashion. All items are designed to be genderless and inclusive, with shapes and color schemes that are sublimely transformed into unisex fashion. The nuance of neutral shade of blue is the signature of this innovative mini collection. In addition, the iconic Furla arch and Animal Crossing characters are featured throughout the collection.   The players of "Animal Crossing" can visit Bellaria, a colorful place with a relaxing atmosphere that reflects FURLA's elegance and eccentric aesthetic. Bellaria is an island created by FURLA to celebrate the collaboration. Carved with iconic logo of FURLA, the island is made of various areas, and players will certainly fall in love with the Japanese area with its traditional pagodas, the bike path that runs along the beach, the bag workshop, and the animal-themed camping area. Don't miss out on the dream location in Bellaria, which will be announced on FURLA's social network sites.   Why don't you check out the special collection that makes your fashion more joyful?