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!

Netflix has announced that it will release the live-action adaptation of One Piece worldwide in 2023.

One Piece is one of Japan’s most popular and long-running manga series. Created by Eiichiro Oda, the manga has sold over 500 million copies worldwide.

The series was serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump in 1997, starting with the protagonist Monkey D. Luffy going on a journey with the Straw Hat Pirates to find the One Piece, a treasure that was left behind by the legendary “Pirate King” Gol D. Roger.

The live-action project has gained a ton of attention on social media, with the cast being revealed in 2022. As the world awaits more production news, the first live-action visuals have been released along with the news that the series is coming in 2023.

Following the hugely positive feedback for ONE PIECE FILM RED, fans are ready to see the Monkey D. Luffy once again in the first episode of the Netflix series titled ROMANCE DAWN – Dawn of Adventure-.

In the original series, Luffy, who admires the great pirate Shanks after meeting him in his hometown of Foosha as a child, decides to become the Pirate King, taking to the open seas to make his dream come true.

During his unpredictable adventures, Luffy meets a group of friends who he can always trust.

The newly-released visual shows Luffy (played by Iñaki Godoy) in his trademark straw hat, raising his right fist to the sky.

On his Instagram page, Godoy often posts pictures of his friends and fellow cast members including Mackenyu (Roronoa Zoro) and Jacob Gibson (Usopp). Fans have been largely pleased with the casting choices.

The extraordinary success of ONE PIECE FILM RED made headlines in 2022, as the film topped the yearly box office in Japan. It finally ended its theatrical run on January 29.

Will you be tuning in to the live-action Netflix series?

(C)尾田栄一郎/集英社

holo*27, a new music project collaboration between Hololive and DECO*27, has announced two upcoming albums! VIA/TOY’S FACTORY will release holo*27 Originals Vol. 1 and holo*27 Covers Vol. 1 on March 15, 2023.

Lip-Sync / Murasaki Shion x La+ Darkness Music Video

https://youtu.be/NjtIAuZQN_E

The music video for Lip-Sync featuring VTubers Murasaki Shion and La+ Darkness was also released on December 20, 2022. The hard-hitting drum ‘n bass track features incredible lyrics by DECO*27 and rap portions from both La+ and Shion.

holo*27 Originals Vol.1 features ten new tracks by DECO*27, while holo*27 Covers Vol.1 features ten covers of classic DECO*27 tracks by Hololive VTubers. The limited edition release will come with an exclusive shoulder bag only available with this product.

In addition, holo*27 Vol.1 Special Edition will also be released including both albums, a special art booklet, and exclusive goods. 

The jacket artwork for the original album was provided by Miyoshi Yoshimi, while the art for the cover album was created by Omutatsu. 

The Hololive talents participating in this album include Tokino Sora, Sakura Miko, Hoshimachi Suisei, Yozora Mel, Murasaki Shion, Nakiri Ayame, Yuzuki Choco, Ookami Mio, Nekomata Okayu, Usada Pekora, Shiranui Flare, Kanata Amane, Himemori Luna, Yukihana Lamy, La+ Darkness, Takane Lui, Hakui Koyori, Sakamata Chloe, Kazama Iroha, Moona Hoshinova, Airani Iofifteen, Kureiji Ollie, Takanashi Kiara, Mori Calliope, Gawr Gura, Nanashi Mumei, and Hakos Baelz.

A special version of the Daiginjo Yuki Yatsuki, a tasty sake, is coming soon. The beverage is being developed as part of Lamy’s Sake Making Project by Yukihana Lamy, a VTuber belonging to the Hololive, along with Meiri Shurui, a sake brewery in Ibaraki Prefecture. The sake will go on sale at Meiri Shurui’s website starting December 16 at 17:00.

This special version of the sake was made to celebrate the company’s Bronze Medal at the IWC 2022. The rice used is Yamada Nishiki and Miyasaka with a polish ratio of 48%, and the M310 yeast helps express a light and easy-drinking flavor while maintaining a fruity aroma. 

The IWC (International Wine Challenge) is the world’s largest and most prestigious wine and sake competition, taking place each year in London.

Yuki Yatsuki Season 3 Celebration Model

The label features a new design by Abaraheiki, who Lamy loves. The illustration shows the VTuber wearing a crimson dress ready to attend the award ceremony. The box is also decorated with a bronze medal, which only IWC award winners are allowed to wear.

Enjoy this special beverage with your friends and family this holiday season!

Yukihana Lamy

Hololive’s 5th Generation’s blue rep, Yukihana Lamy!
The daughter of a noble family from a distant, snowy land. She decided to leave her home, along with her companion Daifuku, after Hololive’s streams full of fun and color touched her heart. Her serious personality belies her naive, sheltered nature.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFKOVgVbGmX65RxO3EtH3iw
Twitter: https://twitter.com/yukihanalamy

The female VTuber group holoX, part of Hololive, is celebrating its first anniversary with a special stream relay!

A new key visual celebrating the group’s huge milestone has also been released, created by Rei Hiroe, the artist of Black Lagoon. The members will also take part in a stream relay over the course of five days, and fans can look forward to information about new merchandise!

Each stream will highlight the individual member’s personality and talents and the girls will be showing off their idol costumes for the first time. 

1st Anniversary Streaming Relay

La+ Darknesss
Date: November 26, 2022
Streaming Channel: Laplus ch. -holoX-
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCENwRMx5Yh42zWpzURebzTw

Takane Lui
Date: November 27, 2022
Streaming Channel: Lui ch. -holoX-
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs9_O1tRPMQTHQ-N_L6FU2g

Hakui Koyori
Date: November 28, 2022
Streaming Channel: Koyori ch. -holoX-
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6eWCld0KwmyHFbAqK3V-Rw

Sakamata Chloe
Date: November 29, 2022
Streaming Channel: Chloe ch. -holoX-
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIBY1ollUsauvVi4hW4cumw

Kazama Iroha
Date: November 30, 2022
Streaming Channel: Iroha ch. -holoX-
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_vMYWcDjmfdpH6r4TTn1MQ

On December 4, a stream featuring all five members will be streamed on the official Hololive YouTube channel. The holoX girls will perform a mini-concert dressed in their new idol costumes and more merch info will be announced, so be sure not to miss it!

Cake.jp, a website specializing in cakes and sweets, is installing special vending machines in AEON MALL locations! These machines are part of a collaboration with ONE PIECE FILM RED.

The collaboration vending machines will offer canned cakes inspired by Luffy, Uta, and Shanks from the popular film. Each cake tin features original designs by Cake.jp and each character’s cake has a unique flavor. 

Flavors

Luffy: A refreshing cake with orange cream, jelly, blueberry cream, and more.

Uta: A colorful cake with a variety of flavors including melon, lemon, orange, and blueberry cream.

Shanks: A chocolate-based cake with berry cream and a perfect balance of richness and acidity.

Collaboration Vending Machine

While the Cake.jp official website sells these cakes exclusively in a set of three, the collaborative vending machine allows customers to purchase them separately. Fans of all ages will love these tasty treats, so after seeing the film why not pick up some of these sweets for yourself or a friend?

(C)尾田栄一郎／2022「ワンピース」製作委員会

On October 29, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu took part in Porter Robinson’s Second Sky Music Festival in Oakland, California. The following day, the popular singer also appeared at Porter Robinson + Friends, an afterparty event held in San Francisco. American fans are finding their excitement at a fever pitch as the Harajuku-based artist continues to perform abroad!

Kyary Pamyu Pamyu recently made headlines when she performed an unprecedented 62 songs at Nippon Budokan on October 19 during the final stop on her 10th-anniversary tour. Following this impressive feat, Kyary performed at yet another festival in Japan before hastily returning to the United States following her show-stopping performance at Coachella half a year ago.

Porter Robinson’s Second Sky Music Festival was hosted by and featured performances by internationally acclaimed DJ and producer Porter Robinson. Other important figures in the dance music scene also appeared including SKRILLEX and RL GRIME.

The event took place in a large parking lot adjacent to the Oakland Coliseum, home of the Oakland Athletics MLB team. Since the show took place close to Halloween, plenty of decorations could be found, and fans lined up from the early morning to get inside.

Although Kyary’s performance was scheduled for quite early in the day, the audience sprawled out as far as the eye could see. As DE.BA.YA.SHI. 2021 began to play, fans began to excitedly call out Kyary’s name. In Japan, regulations are in place to stop the spread of the coronavirus, meaning that audience members are forbidden to yell during concerts–but no such precaution exists in the U.S. It was clear that Kyary was beyond excited to hear the audience’s enthusiasm, and as the show began, the artist called out “Second Sky,” to which the fans responded with excited cries. 

The audience danced wildly to Candy Racer and Dodonpa, two of Kyary’s most peppy tracks, which played in succession. The singer did her best to speak English. “Hello! I’m Kyary Pamyu Pamyu from Japan,” she began. She then complimented a fan in full Kyary cosplay. “Wow! Nice costume! PONPONPON costume, so nice,” she said.

During CANDY CANDY -Remix-, the audience raised their hands high in the air as they followed Kyary’s instructions to jump, swaying from left to right. As the audience moved in sync, a number of hit tracks began to play, including Harajuku Iyahoi and Tsukematsukeru. However, nothing could match the excitement of the moment that the intro to PONPONPON began to play. Porter Robinson, who was watching the live performance from the side of the stage, was moved to tears, and everyone could feel how big Kyary’s presence was for local fans.

Kyary’s performance at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in April of this year became a hot topic, showing that Kyary is still incredibly popular in the U.S. ten years after her major debut.

In addition to her largest national tour to date, Kyary has made numerous appearances at music festivals in Japan and abroad in 2022. The artist’s first overseas performance during her 11th year as a performer was an incredible success and bodes well for Kyary’s future.

＜Setlist＞
2022.10.29 “Second Sky Music Festival”
OP. DE.BA.YA.SHI.2021
1. Candy Racer
2. Dodonpa
3.Invader Invader
4. CANDY CANDY –Remix-
5. Ninja Re Bang Bang –Steve Aoki Remix-
6. Harajuku Iyahoi
7. Tsukematsukeru
8. PONPONPON –Extended Mix-
9. Fashion Monster

2022.10.30 “Porter Robinson + Friends”
OP. DE.BA.YA.SHI.2021
1. Candy Racer
2. Ninja Re Bang Bang
3. CANDY CANDY
4.Crazy Party Night-Pumpkins Strike Back-
5. Kira Kira Killer
6. Isshin Doutai
7. Harajuku Iyahoi
8. Fashion Monster
9. PONPONPON

The Nippon Foundation has been supporting people with disabilities in Japan and abroad for over fifty years. To mark this incredible milestone, True Colors Festival THE CONCERT 2022 will be held on November 19 and 20 at Tokyo Garden Theater. The performance aims to inspire fans to express their uniqueness. 

Kyary Pamyu Pamyu will perform as a guest performer on both days of the concert, which stands to be one of the largest live events in the world put on by artists with disabilities.

Kyary became a smash hit with audiences worldwide after Katy Perry praised her PONPONPON music video on Twitter, and the two are said to be fans of one another. This will be the first time that the two pop icons will perform on stage together. 

“I’m looking forward to performing with so many unique artists from around the world,” Kyary said in a statement. “I’m so happy that I’m going to live my dream of performing with Katy!” 

Famous sports brand VANS has announced a collaboration with the wildly popular manga and anime series One Piece! Fans can expect to find colorful shoes and apparel when the new items hit shelves next month.

Sk8-Hi Punk Hazard

The Sk8-Hi Punk Hazard sneakers were based on the original VANS Sk8-Hi silhouette. The sneakers show off the Straw Hat Crew’s adventures, with a frozen landscape on one side and a fiery landscape on the other. The characters sport the brand’s iconic checkerboard pattern. 

VANS Classic Old Skools with a Devil Fruit Motif

The VANS Classic Old Skools sport the Devil Fruit, something that has given many characters in the show special abilities and powers. The VANS Classic Authentic sneakers are dotted with symbols and logos from One Piece, perfect for fans who want something a bit more subtle.

Robin & Nami’s Collab

The new collaboration VANS Skate Classics will feature Wanted Posters and will be available in either a Nami pattern or a Nico Robin pattern, with the One Piece logo on the outsole. 

Art from Famed Japanese Artist Cookie!

For this unique collaboration, Japanese artist Cookie! provided some new art of Tony Tony Chopper. The Authentic 44 DX One Piece Cookie! features a pink checkerboard pattern with an illustration of the adorable character blended with Cookie! himself. The collection will also feature other goods including hats, bags, hoodies, shirts, and socks. 

The Vans One Piece Collection will go on sale on November 11, 2022, at the Vans Story at APAC and VANS retailers nationwide. It’s unclear whether the items will be available to purchase overseas. 

Shirakami Fubuki, a popular member of the VTuber group Hololive, has been appointed as a Lifesaving Supporter in the Japan AED Foundation’s team ASUKA.  

The collaboration aims to stress the importance of AEDs, which can be used to stop sudden cardiac arrest. A newly-drawn illustration of Fubuki is being used to promote this important crossover, which will be found in leaflets, gacha machines, and online training course certificates, as well as on the official website and social media. More details about the collab will be announced in a video scheduled to be released on October 14. 

From November 3 until November 27, fans of Hololive will want to visit Tokyo Tower! The iconic location will host a collaboration with several popular VTubers at RED° TOKYO TOWER, the largest esports park in Japan. Usada Pekora, Shirogane Noel, Shishiro Botan, and Sakamata Chloe will take part in the collab, and during the event, a special video will be shown on a giant 15-meter LED monitor inside the complex. A special food and drink menu will also offer up goodies based on the girls themselves, and fans will find original merchandise showing the talents in casino costumes and bathrobes. 

Visitors can play poker with special collaboration chips, and visitors to the RED° E-SAUNA UENO, which will be running concurrently, can snag original sauna hats and towels before relaxing in a private sauna room with life-size panels of the Hololive members. Tickets must be purchased in advance, so don’t miss out!

Popular phone accessory brand CASETiFY has announced a new collection inspired by One Piece. This marks the third collaboration between the two, with the new items celebrating the release of One Piece Film: Red.

Dubbed the ‘Pirate Black Collection, the series was inspired by playing cards and plastic models. One highlight of the collection is the Golden Transponder Snail 3D AirPods Pro case, inspired by the communication device from the Marine’s Buster Call. Both a display piece and a protective case, the outer shell features a metallic gold finish with painted eyeballs and a keychain. 

Along with the 3D AirPods Pro case, the lineup includes plenty of items perfect for every kind of One Piece fan, including the Motif case covered in icons from the series, the Thousand Sunny Ship Case featuring the Straw Hat crew’s ship, and the Brotherhood Sticker Case highlighting the bond between Luffy, Sabo, and Ace.

The poker card character case uses playing cards as a motif, and features six fan-favorite duos including Luffy & Shanks and Ace & Sabo. Don’t miss the movie-exclusive Uta & Shanks version!

Limited-edition 25th-anniversary accessories will also be available, including water bottles, Macbook sleeves, iPad covers, Apple Watch straps, and more.

Those who have already registered for the waitlist on the CASETiFY online store will be the first allowed access to the collection on October 5, 2022. See the official website for more details.

©E.O./S.,T.A.　© O/2022 OP