From April 15 until May 19, 2022, Capcom Cafe AEON LakeTown and Capcom Cafe Ikebukuro will be holding a collaboration with the anime series Haikyu!! and the popular action-adventure game Monster Hunter Rise! The original merchandise available during the event has been unveiled. 

Merchandise

Haikyu!! x Monster Hunter Rise Mini Clear Pouch

Fans will be able to grab popular items like clear folders and acrylic keychains featuring illustrations drawn exclusively for the Capcom Cafe collaboration. Six varieties of metallic keychains will also be up for sale! Be sure to stay tuned for more information.

©古舘春一／集英社・「ハイキュー!!」製作委員会・ＭＢＳ
©CAPCOM CO., LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

From April 15 until May 19, 2022, Capcom Cafe AEON LakeTown and Capcom Cafe Ikebukuro will be holding a collaboration with the anime series Haikyu!! and the popular action-adventure game Monster Hunter Rise!

The main visual for the collaboration has been revealed, showing the main characters from Haikyu!! clad in monster hunting gear. 

©古舘春一／集英社・「ハイキュー!!」製作委員会・ＭＢＳ
©CAPCOM CO., LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Universal Studios has revealed new menu and merchandise details for its Cool Japan 2022 event to be held from March 4 to August 28, 2022. Five globally-beloved anime and game series will be featured at the park this year including Sailor Moon and Attack on Titan.

Attack on Titan

Food

Levi Popcorn Bucket

Syringe Pen

Cushion

At the Studio Stars Restaurant, guests can find menu items inspired by the characters Eren and Levi, a dessert with a gentle sweetness inspired by Mikasa’s red scarf, and much more. The park’s famous popcorn bucket will feature Levi for a limited time, with the treat inside flavored by the character’s favorite tea. The new lineup of merchandise includes a ballpoint pen resembling a syringe, an extremely important item in the series. A stuffed animal showing Levi taking down a titan is also a must-buy for fans.

Detective Conan

Food

Ribbon Hair Clip / Miniature Car

Printed Cookie Set

Fans of the ace detective can enjoy a sandwich shaped like Conan’s bowtie, perfect for posting on social media. A number of new items will be for sale at Universal during the event, with the printed cookie tins serving as a perfect souvenir. 

HUNTER×HUNTER

Food

Mizumishiki Glass / Muffler Towel

Headphone Pouch / Card Case

Immerse yourself in all things Hunter x Hunter as you explore the Cool Japan 2022 event. A stylish headphone pouch and a hilarious towel are just a few items you’ll be able to buy exclusively at the park. 

Sailor Moon

Food

Universal Heart Compact

Ribbon Hair Clip

The Sailor Moon area features menu items inspired by Tuxedo Mask and Sailor Moon, a cake in the shape of Sailor Chibi Moon’s heart compact, colorful desserts symbolizing the five inner Sailor Soldiers and drinks for one of each of the four outer Senshi. The full lineup of goods includes bag charms, face towels, and ribbon hair clips too cute for girls to resist!

Monster Hunter

Roasted Meat

Poogie Churritos

Recovery Potion Bottle

Figure

Get ready to embark on your own adventure with a potion bottle and huge slab of meat, perfect for keeping your energy up! Fans of Monster Hunter will find plenty to love here, with a collaborative figure perfect for completing any fan’s shelf.

Which area would you be most excited to visit?

©諫山創・講談社／「進撃の巨人」The Final Season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)
© 2022 青山剛昌／名探偵コナン製作委員会
©P98-22 ©V・N・M
©Naoko Takeuchi
©武内直子・PNP・東映アニメーション
©CAPCOM CO., LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
書・紫舟
WIZARDING WORLD and all related trademarks, characters, names, and indicia are © & ™ WBEI. Publishing Rights © JKR. (s22)
Minions and all related elements and indicia TM & © 2022 Universal Studios. All rights reserved.TM & © Universal Studios & Amblin Entertainment
Universal Studios Japan TM & © Universal Studios. All rights reserved.
© Nintendo

A number of tracks set to be performed at the upcoming online Monster Hunter Orchestra have been announced! The concert will be held on September 28 at 19:00 and will have no live audience. Tickets for the online streaming event are on sale now until October 11, 2021. A number of pieces from the Monster Hunter series will be performed by a full orchestra, and fans won’t want to miss it!

Seven songs have been announced, including tracks from the newest entry to the franchise Monster Hunter Rise. Vocalist Izumi Kato, who provided Hinoa’s singing voice,  will also be present to perform the song Kamura’s Song of Purification. Hirofumi Kurita is returning as the maestro for the performance and has conducted the Monster Hunter Orchestra since 2014. Hideki Ishigaki will play the traditional shakuhachi, while Momoka Enomoto plays the biwa. Sho Asano will be on the Tsugaru-shamisen, while the shredding electric guitar will be expertly handled by Daisuke Miyazaki. A special behind-the-scenes speech will also be given by Ryozo Tsujimoto, the producer of Capcom’s Monster Hunter series. 

Program Sneak-Peek (☆=First Performance)

Kamura’s Song of Purification☆

Treacherous/Magnamalo☆

The Rampage Medley☆

Bonding Winds: Monster Hunter Stories 2 Version☆

Sparkling Blue Light/Zinogre

Splendiferous Silver Sovereign/Velkhana

Soaring Legend/Fatalis: World Version ~With Infinite Courage

*Please note that the music performed is subject to change. 

Images from Previous Performance

©CAPCOM CO., LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

A new collection of official MONSTER HUNTER RISE accessories for the Nintendo Switch is set to be released in Japan on March 26, 2021. It is unconfirmed whether the items will be released outside Japan.

MONSTER HUNTER RISE Magnamalo Grip Controllers for Nintendo Switch | ¥5,478 (Tax Included)

MONSTER HUNTER RISE Palico & Felyne Hand Pouch for Nintendo Switch | ¥2,178 (Tax Included)

MONSTER HUNTER RISE 64GB micoSD Card + Palico Card Case for Nintendo Switch | ¥6,578 (Tax Included)

MONSTER HUNTER RISE 64GB micoSD Card + Felyne Card Case for Nintendo Switch | ¥14,278 (Tax Included)

©CAPCOM CO., LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

The poster and key visual for the upcoming film Monster Hunter has been released. The film is set to be released in the United States on December 30, 2020, and it was revealed last week that the film will be released in Japan on March 26, 2021.

Monster Hunter is a video game franchise which first launched in 2004. Sixteen years on, the series has sold over 64 million units (as of June 30, 2020), making it Capcom’s second best-selling video game series after Resident Evil. The latest entry to the franchise, Monster Hunter: World, has shipped over 16.1 million copies (as of June 30, 2020), boasting as the best-selling game in Capcom’s history.

The film is being produced, written and directed by Paul W. S. Anderson who is best known for his work on the Resident Evil film series. It stars Milla Jovovich (Resident Evil film series) as Captain Natalie Artemis, Tony Jaa as The Hunter, and Clifford “T.I.” Harris, Jr. as Link.

Monster Hunter Japanese key visual 

Sony Pictures describes the film: “Behind our world, there is another: a world of dangerous and powerful monsters that rule their domain with deadly ferocity. When an unexpected sandstorm transports Captain Artemis (Milla Jovovich) and her unit (TI Harris, Meagan Good, Diego Boneta) to a new world, the soldiers are shocked to discover that this hostile and unknown environment is home to enormous and terrifying monsters immune to their firepower. In their desperate battle for survival, the unit encounters the mysterious Hunter (Tony Jaa), whose unique skills allow him to stay one step ahead of the powerful creatures. As Artemis and Hunter slowly build trust, she discovers that he is part of a team led by the Admiral (Ron Perlman). Facing a danger so great it could threaten to destroy their world, the brave warriors combine their unique abilities to band together for the ultimate showdown.”

The film will be released in 2D, IMAX 3D, MX4D, 4DX, and Dolby Cinema. Fans of the Resident Evil film series are sure to be excited to see Paul W. S. Anderson and Milla Jovovich come together once again.

A new game, Monster Hunter Rise, has been announced for Nintendo Switch and will be released on March 26, 2021.

© Constantin Film Verleih GmbH

©CAPCOM CO., LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Japanese business apparel brand SMARTBIZ is teaming up with the action-RPG Monster Hunter World: Iceborne to release an original series of shirts and neckties.

Neckties: 12 Designs

Monster Hunter World: Iceborne Neckties – ¥1,900 Each (Before Tax)

The collection of 12 ties to have you looking smart with their striped designs. Each features various motifs from the game such as monsters from the Monster Hunter bestiary, like Velkhana and Zinogre, as well as the weapon icon, and more, all of which are woven into nonchalant designs perfect for smart and business settings. The ties can also be washed in the washing machineーperfect for those hunters out there looking to clean up after a long day of hunting.

Shirts: 4 Designs

Monster Hunter World: Iceborne Shirts – ¥3,990 Each (Before Tax)

The shirts are made from comfortable and stretchy knit fabric which make them great for wearing for long periods of time.

Monster Hunter symbols are hidden inside the collars and cuff so you can still feel like a Hunter in a professional setting while looking the part. The shirts also don’t lose their shape so easily, so you don’t have to iron them after washing. But you do need to put them in a washing net before placing into the washing machine.

©CAPCOM CO., LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

The Iceborne expansion for Capcom’s Monster Hunter World, which is available on the PlayStation®4 and Xbox One, and PC, has shipped over 5 million copies worldwide, both disc and download sales combined.

Monster Hunter is a fantasy action RPG video game series that pits players against monsters in large open fields. The first game launched back in 2004 and established a completely new kind of co-op play style which allowed players to fight great beasts online with their friends. The series as a whole has sold over 62 million copies worldwide (as of March 13, 2020).

Monster Hunter World launched last year for PlayStation®4, Xbox One, and Microsoft Windows. Thanks to its continuous updates since release, free weapons and equipment useful for clearing stories, and more, the game has built up a dedicated playerbase resulting int he game having shipped over 15 million copies worldwide (as of January 2, 2020).

The Iceborne expansion dropped on consoles in September 2019 and on PC in January this year. It takes place after the events of World and continues the story. Players can discover new monsters as well as come across familiar favourites. The expansion received high praise from online reviewers upon its release, helping Monster Hunter to win three awards at the PlayStation® Awards 2019, including the PlayStation™ Network Award.

Monster Hunter Riders was revealed at the end of January this year and released in Japan on February 19, 2020 for iOS and Android devices as a free-to-play title. It has garnered over 3 million downloads so far.

A Hollywood live-action film for Monster Hunter will be released in the US on September 4, 2020.

This year’s Universal Cool Japan finally opened at Universal Studios Japan on Tuesday, where it is set to run until June 28, bringing together the ‘cool’ aspects of Japan enjoyed by the rest of the world. Four internationally beloved franchises take the spotlight for 2020: Attack on Titan, Monster Hunter World, Detective Conan, and Lupin III.

A host of lucky guests were able to experience the attractions before anyone else. Today, we hear their review and comments of the all-new rides, attractions, live shows and restaurants centred around the four big contenders which serve to fully immerse fans in their incredible worlds.

Attack on Titan’s first XR ride

The Attack on Titan manga series has celebrated its 10th anniversary last year. For this year’s Universal Cool Japan, the internationally-acclaimed series welcomes its first ever XR ride, as well as its own “Survey Corps Diner.”

Guests wear VR goggles that transport them into a 360° rendering of the world of Attack on Titan, with life-size Titans appearing before their very eyes. Guests ride a roller coaster and fly alongside the Survey Corps. If you’ve ever wanted to know what it’s like to soar up high with ODM maneuver gear, now’s your chance. The Attack on Titan XR Ride offers a thrill like no otherーone so tense you’ll be left wondering whether you will survive.

■Guest Comment

“It was so much fun! The visuals are breathtaking and connect superbly to the ride’s movements. I was completely immersed in the visuals; it really felt like I was riding a wagon. Eren and the Survey Corps members were so cool, and even the horses looked realistic. It was amazing!” (Woman, 20/Osaka Prefecture) *Translated from Japanese

The themed restaurant, “Attack on Titan Survey Corps Diner,” is so realistic to a quality you wouldn’t believe, with the Survey Corps members’ weapons and personal belongings left casually around the place. Guests can feel immersed as they listen to the conversations between the characters will chowing down on their meal, take a photo with life-sized versions of Levi and Hange, and more.

Detective Conan World’s two new attractions with Shuichi Akai have fans screaming

At Detective Conan World, fans can expect to see the appearance of the hugely popular character Shuichi Akai who is set to star in the upcoming animated film Detective Conan: The Scarlet Bullet (releasing April 17, 2020). Four rides and attractions can be enjoyed at Detective Conan World, including the manga series’ first-ever story-packed roller coaster named Detective Conan x Hollywood Dream: The Ride.

Guests can also look forward to joining Conan solve cases in Detective Conan: The Escape ~The Scarlet Bullet~, an escape game featuring an original story and a live performance by a real cast. Participants will make use of AR technology and solve the cases within the time limit to escape. Expect appearances from familiar faces too like Rachel Moore, Richard Moore, and others.

In Detective Conan x Hollywood Dream: The Ride, you’ll be placed in the passenger seat with Akai on the wheel who will use some extreme driving techniques to shake off the criminal. Look forward to plenty of thrills in this immersive experience.

■Guest Comment

“Not only do you solve cases, there’s also a gaming aspect to the challenges which require the use of the AR terminal. It’s also a team game where you work with others, so I enjoyed it with everyone else. A lot of characters make an appearance too, it was so cool.” (Female, 20/Osaka Prefecture) *Translated from Japanese

There’s also the Detective Conan Mystery Challenge in which guests take a hands-on approach to solve various incidents around the theme park. Harley Hartwell, Kazuha Toyama, and Tomoya’s love rival Momiji Ooka are also present in this game with in the form of a real-life cast.

Fans can also tuck into some mystery-themed food at the Detective Conan Mystery Restaurant which combines food and live entertainment. Fans reacted overwhelmingly to the appearance of Masumi Seraーthe sister of Akai. There’s also appearances from Amuro Tooru and Serena Sebastian too.

Lupin the Third: The Live

Witness a live cast playing the roles of the popular Lupin III, Daisuke Jigen, Goemon Ishikawa XIII, Fujiko Mine, and Koichi Zenigataーthe latter of which is trying to chase down Lupin. It features live entertainment by real cast members who will perform right before guests. The reaction to this live show has been overwhelming as guests feel like they are running through Delancey Street in New York with Lupin in this interactive story.

■Guest Comment

“I was amazed to have been able to see such an amazing show right in front of me. Lupin and the gang came from above, below, left, and right. There were too many good moments. I didn’t have enough eyes! <laughs>” (Female, 20/Hyogo Prefecture)

Last year’s Lupin III restaurant, Ristorante Amore, has received an upgrade for 2020. Experience being served by Lupin himself, with his gentle approach and know-how when it comes to getting with the ladies, and Goemon Ishikawa XIII, who is aloof and has terrible romance skills. They are serving up authentic Italian cuisine.

Monster Hunter World: Iceborne XR WALK

The Monster Hunter video game franchise is loved the world over, and is appearing once more at Universal Cool Japan after two years. Use interactive VR technology and go hunting in the world of Iceborne, the hit expansion to Monster Hunter World, in an experience so immersive you’ll forget about the real world.

©Hajime Isayama・Kodansha / “Attack on Titan” Production Committee

©2020 Gosho Aoyama / Detective Conan Production Committee

© CRAP All rights reserved.

©Monkey Punch / ＴＭＳ・ＮＴＶ

©CAPCOM CO., LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

書・SISYU

TM & © Universal Studios. All rights reserved.

It has been announced that Universal Cool Japan 2020 will take place from January 21 to June 28 next year. This year marks the 6th run of UCJ which began in 2015, bringing together the ‘cool’ aspects of Japan enjoyed by the rest of the world, and enjoys immense popularity every year.

Universal Cool Japan 2020 will see four big titles in Japanese entertainment come together. Expect all-new attractions for all-new experiences.

*The Monster Hunter World: Iceborne x USJ attractions will be announced at a later date

Attack on Titan XR Ride

The Attack on Titan manga series has celebrated its 10th anniversary this year. For the first time ever, the series is getting its own XR Ride in which guests will don VR goggles that will transport them into a 360° rendering of the world of Attack on Titan, with life-size Titans appearing before their very eyes. Guests will ride a roller coaster and fly alongside the Survey Corps. If you’ve ever wanted to know what it’s like to soar up high with ODM maneuver gear, now’s your chance.

Running: January 21, 2020 – June 28, 2020

Detective Conan World

Join Conan in the all-improved and revamped Detective Conan World and help him solve cases in Detective Conan: The Escape; ride the new story-filled roller coaster Detective Conan x Hollywood Dream: The Ride which features full voice acting and an immersive plot; run around the park and solve various incidents hands-on with Detective Conan Mystery Challenge; and dine at the Detective Conan Mystery Restaurant.

Running: January 21, 2020 – June 28, 2020

*Full details on the restaurant will be announced at a later date

Lupin the Third: The Live

Lupin the Third made its first appearance at UCJ 2019 and was very well-received. This live show features street live entertainment by real cast members who will perform right before guests. Join Lupin and the characters in the exciting world of the franchise.

Running: January 21, 2020 – June 28, 2020

Monster Hunter World: Iceborne x Universal Studios Japan

The Monster Hunter video game franchise is loved the world over, and is appearing once more at Universal Cool Japan after two years. Use interactive VR technology and go hunting in the world of Iceborne, the hit expansion to Monster Hunter World which has shipped 2.8 million copies worldwide.

Running: Spring 2020 (subject to change)

Image Credit: Universal Studios Japan

HARRY POTTER characters, names and related indicia are © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Harry Potter Publishing Rights © JKR. (s19)
Despicable Me, Minion Made and all related marks and characters are trademarks and copyrights of Universal Studios. Licensed by Universal Studios Licensing LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Nintendo properties are trademarks and copyrights of Nintendo. © 2019 Nintendo.
TM & © Universal Studios & Amblin Entertainment

©Hajime Isayama・Kodansha / “Attack on Titan” Production Committee

©2020 Gosho Aoyama / Detective Conan Production Committee

© CRAP All rights reserved.

©Monkey Punch / ＴＭＳ・ＮＴＶ

©CAPCOM CO., LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

書・SISYU

TM & © Universal Studios. All rights reserved.

The Iceborne expansion for Capcom’s Monster Hunter World, which is available on the PlayStation®4 and Xbox One and soon PC, has shipped over 2.5 million copies worldwide, both disc and download sales combined.

Monster Hunter is a fantasy action RPG video game series that pits players against monsters in large open fields. The first game launched back in 2004 and established a completely new kind of co-op play style which allowed players to fight great beasts online with their friends. It was lauded as a social phenomenon which was called in Japanese Monhan Genshou, or “The Monster Hunter Phenomenon.”

Monster Hunter World launched in January last year and has shipped over 13.1 million copies worldwide (as of June 30, 2019). The series as a whole has shipped over 58 million (as of September 13, 2019).

The Iceborne expansion takes place after the events of World, continuing the story. Players can discover new monsters as well as come across familiar favourites. They also have access the new Master Rank quest rank, can obtain the new fixed item Clutch Claw, and more.

The game was awarded Best Ongoing Game for is expansions and downloadable content at Gamescom 2019 in Germany last month. New players to the game can purchase the Monster Hunter World: Iceborne Master Edition which contains both the World and Iceborne expansions. If you’ve yet to enter the incredible world of Monster Hunter, what are you waiting for?

UNIQLO is set to release its new collection of Street Fighter and Monster Hunter t-shirts from its graphic t-shirt brand UT both in-store and online on April 15.

UT has released many popular t-shirts in collaboration with Monster Hunter so far and this time it will include one in celebration of the series’s 15th anniversary. The t-shirt will feature the legendary dragon Rathalos and a 15th anniversary  logo.

Other designs will include the easily-recognisable meat icons from the game, an original camoflauge t-shirt with silhouettes of the main monsters and more. Any gamers out there won’t want to miss out on these fun and faithful collections.