Sebastian Masuda to open SUSHIDELIC, a new sushi restaurant in Soho, New York City. The location will open on June 28, 2023.

“King of Kawaii” Sebastian Masuda, creator of Harajuku’s “KAWAII MONSTER CAFE,” loved by celebrities around the world, has created a new restaurant concept  in New York City

Enjoy an Immersive Kawaii Experience

Featuring a Menu Developed by Japanese Chefs and Supported by AUTEC, Inc.

Opening in SoHo, the Trendiest Neighborhood in New York City

SUSHIDELIC is scheduled to open at 177 Lafayette St. in the heart of the SoHo area, where the latest fashions and trends are born and where many fashion brands have opened their flagship stores.

We will keep you updated with the latest information as it becomes available. Please look forward to the chemistry between “Sushi” and “Kawaii,” two of Japan’s proudest exports.

Sebastian Masuda

In Saiki City, located in the southernmost part of Oita Prefecture, visitors will find a unique project. For a limited time, guests can enjoy a sushi-netarium, where sushi–not stars–will be featured in the sky. Saiki City, where the event takes place, is a treasure trove of seafood thanks to the Bungo Channel and boasts the largest catch in Oita Prefecture. It’s also known as Oita’s premier sushi destination, with more than 350 varieties of ocean delicacies to enjoy each year. Saiki Sushi, made from fresh local fish, is known for its firm texture and for having just the right amount of fat. To promote this tasty dish throughout Japan, the interactive sushi-netarium promotion was created!

A Planetarium Experience Featuring Soothing Music and a Sky Filled with Sushi

The sushi-netarium is said to have a relaxing effect comparable to that of Beppu Onsen, the most famous tourist attraction in Oita. Those taking part will be able to see not only a sky filled with sushi, but a sushi meteor shower and the Gari Borealis. As you watch, it might become impossible not to crave sushi! Visitors will be able to take part in this special viewing at certain locations in Beppu City and at Oita Airport from September 22 until November 30. In a public announcement, the city invited guests to eat plenty of tasty local food and soak in the Beppu Onsen before enjoying the sushi-netarium to wrap up a wonderful day. 

The Beautiful ‘Sushi Projector’

Check out these impressive projectors made exclusively for the sushi-netarium! These original sushi projectors in the shape of Saiki sushi are the only five such projectors in the world and come in the shapes of tuna, yellowtail, octopus, egg, and shrimp. 

Come enjoy this strange sushi-centric activity in the south of Japan! Participating facilities are listed on the website below.

High casual brand PAGEBOY has begun selling limited-edition collaboration items with sushi chain Hamazushi at stores nationwide, the official web store, and ZOZOTOWN. An original novelty box will be gifted to customers buying collab items while supplies last!

Lineup

Long Sleeve T-Shirt

Short-Sleeve T-Shirt

Short-Sleeve Patterned T-Shirt

Bucket Hat

Socks

Plates

Fans of the popular sushi chain can grab a shirt featuring Hamazushi’s unique wave pattern motifs. Unisex brand PAGEBOYLIM also announced a simultaneous collaboration, with a long-sleeve T-shirt perfect for the guys out there.

A new restaurant by the name of Kimura Don is set to open inside Shinjuku Takashimaya’s Restaurant Square on July 20, 2021.

Kimura Don is a new donburi restaurant produced by Koji Kimura, a chef whose popular sushi bar Sushi Kimura, located in Futakotamagawa, has held two Michelin stars since 2013. His new eatery continues the traditions and techniques honed at Sushi Kimura while spinning innovation into new donburi rice bowl dishes conceived from the many ideas Kimura has conceived over the years.

The donburi to be served recreates that perfect balance between vinegared rice and toppings which Kimura mastered at his sushi bar. Customers can enjoy a range of additions including donburi classics such as meat and fish as well as seasonal ingredients. The restaurant also uses locally grown and reared produce and ingredients that’s also environmentally-friendly from Tokyo such as Kinuhari rice from Hachiojo and Akigawagyu beef. This will help to foster a relationship between local farmers and consumers. 

Lunchtime Dishes | ¥3,500 Each | Serving Times: 11:00-17:00 (Last Orders 16:00)

Pick from five different donburi bowls such as tuna, pilchard, and roast beef. Each season will also has its own exclusive dish made with seasonal ingredients. There’s also a special option to order a set of two smaller versions of the dishes too for ¥3,800. 

Evening Courses | From ¥12,000 | Serving Times: 17:00-23:00 (Last Orders 22:00)

The evening course line-up is also made up of five different bowls as well as seven seasonal snacks.

Koji Kimura | Comment

“I’ve been set up in Futakotamagawa for 16 years. I studied how to prepare sushi rice for many years, since it serves as the foundation, so that I could create unique sushi. I have made sushi rice that’s unique and draws a line under other restaurants, rice which when combined with toppings explodes with umami flavour. I use this same sushi rice as the basis for lots of innovative donburi dishes, and I’d love for people to enjoy a taste at the first place in Japan to do this.”

In ART is a Japanese virtual art museum displaying works by a line-up of specially-selected artists. The museum is accessible through VR where users can not only look at art pieces but watch commentaries by the artists as well as shop at the museum store.

In ART has revealed that abstract painter CBA will be the third in a line-up of solo exhibitions. CBA is a graphic designer with over 20 years of experience and is also active as a musician both in Japan and overseas. They changed jobs to become an artist in 2010, and since then, their unique style which breaks language and cultural barriers has garnered them many fans from outside Japan. Most recently, CBA opened a solo exhibition at Franck Muller Boutique in Madrid, Spain. Their work is inherently universal, getting through to people regardless of age, language, or culture, something which is best appreciated when seen for yourself, and is now observable at In ART.

Some of CBA’s works on virtual display

CBA | Comment

-shine on the life-　Pray for better life
“The foundation of my work is built on putting together different elements to create something, just like how you would techno music. Colours and shapes elicit emotions and smells. Abstract painting isn’t just playing around experimenting or taking chances—it’s something that’s formed and composed, and I’d love for people to enjoy that aspect when looking at my work. I urge you to enjoy the colours, shapes, and compositions as you would music.”

In ART opened as a service offering people the opportunity to spend time enjoying art, even alone in their own house, as well as serving as a platform to support artists. Its aim is to make art a normal part of of everybody’s lives, and it does this in the form of a virtual museum which uses 3DCG technology. While it is an art museum, you don’t have to pay to enter. You can enjoy artwork at your leisure on your favourite device, and if there’s a piece you want to buy, then you can.

Don’t miss the abstract work of CBA in their virtual solo exhibition.

An exhibition centred on the Devilman manga series by Go Nagai, the 1972 Devilman anime adaptation, and Netflix’s 2018 DEVILMAN crybaby anime adaptation, is set to take place on the online exhibition platform Virtual Utopia from April 28 to May 31.

What to look forward to

*Visuals are of an exhibition still in development

*Visuals are of an exhibition still in development

A devilish experience split into 11 areas

Devilman has been entertaining readers and anime-lovers for almost half a decade. The exhibition will depict the comparisons between humans and demons of the series in 11 different areas, each recreating scenes that are sure to be instantly-recognisable to fans.

Main Area: Heart of a Demon / Heart of a Human

The main portion of the exhibition is split into four areas which fans will find themselves going back to numerous times, and in different orders, giving each visitor their own unique perspectives and interpretations. There’s also a hidden area which can only be accessed by those who have seen the ‘special exhibit.’ There’s also a free-to-enter area with messages from the creators.

Go deeper into the VR Devilman Exhibition with the voice guide
Forget your usual guides, this exhibition incorporates voiceover guides to walk people through the exhibition. For an extra fee, fans can have Megumi Han, who plays Miki Makimura in DEVILMAN crybaby, and Tomokazu Seki, who for this exhibition is playing Psycho Jenny, guide them through the different areas.

*Visuals are of an exhibition still in development

Users can download the Virtual Utopia app for free, and the exhibition can be attended even without a VR headset. There will also be talks by the author and other notable people in the industry which can be watched live on YouTube, so anyone can get involved.

Ground Y T-Shirt Collaboration

The exhibition is also collaborating with Yohji Yamamoto’s fashion brand Ground Y on six original tees.

 ©永井豪／ダイナミック企画
TVアニメ版「デビルマン」©ダイナミック企画・東映アニメ―ション
DEVILMAN crybaby        ©Go Nagai-Devilman Crybaby Project
©VRデビルマン展実行委員会

The Kirby Café branches in Tokyo and Hakata rolled out their Spring 2021 menu on Friday which is set to run until June 6. Themed on a springtime picnic, the line-up includes three items: six siz different temari-zushi servings, cherry blossom mochi, and a cherry blossom latte, all inspired by the Kirby video game series.

The Menu

Cherry Blossom Temari-zushi: Eat In ¥2,178 / Takeout ¥2,138

A serving of six sushi rolls perfect for a spring picnic. Each roll features designs that will be instantly-recognisable to Kirby fans.

Souvenir – Lunchbox (4 Designs)

Kirby’s Spring Search | ¥1,078 (Tax Included)

Kirby is playing hide and seek under the cherry blossom tree in this cute dish which is adorned with shiny coloured candy.

Cherry Blossom Latte | ¥968 (Tax Included)

A light pink-coloured cherry blossom latte with a touch of salt. Mix everything together for a tasty sipping experience.

The popular VR game Teasing Master Takagi-san VR – 1st Semester is releasing a Semester 1 & 2 version in the remainder of 2020.

Teasing Master Takagi-san is a popular Shōnen comedy manga featured in the monthly Shōnen Sunday magazine Get the Sun (GESSAN) by KAYAC Inc. and SHOGAKUKAN Inc. The manga, which was created by Sōichirō Yamamoto, has sold over 8.7 million copies.

Become Nishikata with The Oculus Quest VR Headset

Teasing Master Takagi-san VR – Semester 1 & 2 is the sequel to Teasing Master Takagi-san VR – 1st Semester which was released in May 2020. You play as Nishikata from the manga and anime series who Takagi likes to tease all the time.

New Contents To Explore

Fishing

Enjoy a fun fishing competition with Takagi-san. The first to catch five fish wins!

Poker

How about a serious game of poker?

Compete to Build the Best Snowman

Takagi-san will challenge you to a snowman-building competition. The person who creates the best snowman wins. When it comes to snowmen, Takagi-san might have some strange preferences…

Sports Test

Rise to the challenge of a sports contest with Takagi-san. From a hand grip strength test to stamina tests, Takagi-san will be pushing you to the limits.

Teasing Master Takagi-san VR – Semester 1 & 2 can be played on Oculus Quest and Oculus Quest 2 and offers additional contents to Teasing Master Takagi-san VR – 1st Semester. Along with new game contents, there are four different story modes. Takagi-san is even voiced by Rie Takahashi who also voiced the TV series, making the game even more immersive.

The moment you put on your cordless Oculus Quest device, you will transform into Nishikata and will be able to freely move and enjoy the world of the manga.

If you’ve always dreamt of becoming Nishikata and being teased by Takagi-san, this is definitely the game for you.

Tokyo National Museum has announced that it is set to showcase the Shōrin-zu byōbu, or Pine Trees Screen, in VR at its TNM & TOPPAN Museum Theatre from October 7, 2020.

Japanese artist Hasegawa Tōhaku’s Pine Trees Screen has been digitally rendered in 25,376,150,000 images so that visitors can appreciate the details of this ink-on-paper work of this officially-recognised National Treasure of Japan.

Additionally, another one of Tōhaku’s works, Kaedezu Kabeharitsuke (Maple Trees) will also be available to view in VR from October 6 to November 29.

About the Pine Tree Screens

Of the many National Treasures kept at Tokyo National Musuem, Hasegawa Tōhaku’s Shōrin-zu byōbu is one of the most popular. It’s a piece that has much mystery surrounding it, with people not knowing the pine tree location that he painted, or why he painted it. The VR experience will look into how the painting may have come about as well as take a stroll through Tōhaku’s other works, his life, and more.

The VR experience is an incredible opportunity for people unable to visit Tokyo National Museum to see a masterful and respected piece of Japanese art.

The Pokémon Company’s “Pokémon Virtual Fest” is now open for business in Japan and is set to run until August 31, 2020. A trailer was posted on the official Pokémon YouTube channel in promotion of the event.

Pokémon Virtual Fest | Promotional Video

Pokémon Virtual Fest is accessible by using the ‘cluster’ app on mobile or PC. Pokémon Trainers can look forward to jumping into a fully-realised Pokémon world with themed attractions, events, and much more. More content will be added to the virtual theme park in the coming weeks.

Being a theme park, Pokémon Virtual Fest of course has its own attractions like the Pokémon Ferris Wheel, the Galarian Weezing Train which gives players a tour of the park, and more. Players can watch Pokémon Sword and Shield Pokémon battles on the stage, complete various escape games, visit the store area, go to the beach, and much more. For a full run-down of the event, check out our detailed breakdown here.

©2020 Pokémon. ©1995-2020 Nintendo/Creatures Inc. /GAME FREAK inc.
Pokémon, ポケットモンスター, and ポケモン are registered trademarks of Nintendo, Creatures Inc., and GAME FREAK inc.
© 2017 Cluster, Inc.

Japanese food and confectionery company Bijuu is opening a new restaurant called Tsurigitsune inside Osaka International Airport’s North Terminal on August 5, 2020. The restaurant will specialise in inari sushi, a type of sushi packed into pouches of deep-fried tofu.

Bijuu is known for producing and selling such products as Kyoto’s famous coarse sweet red bean paste-filled yatsuhashi otabe crackers.

Tsurigitsune will serve “Kyo Dashi Oinari,” a type of inari sushi made with fried tofu Saga Tofu Morioka—a long-standing tofu shop in Sagano, Kyoto—soaked in lots of sumptuous Kyoto-style dashi. The restaurant will also serve a special type of sweet otabe cracker which cannot be eaten anywhere else.

Kyo Dashi Oinari (Includes 15) | ¥3,240 (Tax Included)

The dashi that the Kyo Dashi Oinari are soaked in take up all the delicious flavour of kombu, sababushi smoked mackerel, iwashibushi pilchard, and katsuobushi dried bonito, all of which serve to add that authentic Kyoto flavour.

Tanto Otabeyasu | ¥930 (Tax Included) *Served 6:30-10:00

As well as Kyo Dashi Oinari, Tsurigitsune’s menu includes a line-up of dishes that celebrate the flavour of dashi, including soba, dashimaki tamago omelette, and more.

If you’re travelling to Osaka, why not get an authentic Kyoto experience too by dining at Tsurigitsune?

NAKED, INC. has announced that it is holding a special summertime light-up event at Nijo Castle, a World Heritage Site in Kyoto, from August 8 to August 30. The company has also released its first ever 3DCG VR experience NAKED NINJA -Nijo-jo Castle- on the official NAKED, INC. online store.

Enjoy art entertainment in person or at home

NAKED, INC. has collaborated with many World Heritage Sites, Cultural Properties, tourism centres, leisure spots, and more over the years. Right now, the company is grappling with the question of what the shape of tourism, as well as art and entertainment, looks like during the COVID-19 outbreak—and what shape it will take post-pandemic. Nijo Castle is no exception, a place that enjoys tourism from both Japanese people and people overseas. In considering these issues, NAKED has conceived two different ways Nijo Castle can still entertain tourism now and in the near future.

The first is holding an event in person at Nijo Castle in the form of an outdoor light-up event that will have people wandering around as opposed to being stationary. In spring of 2017, NAKED held “Nijo Castle Cherry Blossom Festival 2017” where they hosted a variety of performances and events in line with the season. In fact, one such event was planned to take place at Nijo Castle this summer, but it had to be reconsidered as a result of COVID-19. Those involved still wanted to come up with a way that people who live close by could still enjoy some leisure time this summer, which is what led to this light-up event from NAKED.

Visitors will be able to enjoy the light-up safely by staying a set distance from one another while walking around Nijo Castle. The number of people inside at once will also be restricted. As well as this, people will need to wear masks, temperature will be regulated, and alcohol gel will be provided—all to ensure that visitors are kept safe.

The second way that NAKED has devised for people to still enjoy Nijo Castle is with the release of NAKED NINJA -Nijo-jo Castle-, the company’s first ever full 3DCG VR experience that lets people enjoy Nijo Castle online in a virtual space. This is so that people who cannot visit Nijo Castle can still enjoy its sights. NAKED plans to launch even more real and virtual, offline and online experiences in the future too in order to promote tourism in a new way during COVID-19.