Over the past few years, Marvel movies have absolutely shattered box office records. The story of the Avengers is now continuing in an entirely new way, as Marvel’s Eternals recently released in theaters around the world. Telling the story of a race of immortal beings, the film was directed by Chloe Zhao, the first Asian-American woman to win an Academy Award for Best Director for her film Nomadland.

While there has been no shortage of promotion for the film, the way Japan is highlighting the film is a little different. Recently, Sword Art Online Progressive: Aria of a Starless Night was released, and fans of the popular anime series have been singing its praises across social media. The franchise has sold incredibly well around the world, with multiple anime series, video games, and comics selling over 26 million copies globally. The first film, released in 2017, grossed more than 2.5 billion yen at the box office. 

Eternals tells the origin story hinted at in the Avengers films, while Aria of a Starless Night tells the origin story of Sword Art Online. They both tell stories of unbreakable friendship, and both feature characters attempting to stop evil and save the world. Now, the two have come together for an unforgettable collaboration. 

The creator of Sword Art Online, Reiki Kawahara, is a huge fan of Marvel and was more than happy to make this collab a reality. A collaborative trailer has just been released, along with a side-by-side poster. 

Collaborative Trailer

The narrators in the trailer are Ayumi Tsunematsu, who plays Cerci in the Japanese version of Eternals, as well as Haruka Tomatsu, the voice of Asuna in Sword Art Online.

What do you think of this unlikely team?

©Marvel Studios 2021

Kujibikido, a website offering a variety of different raffles, is offering a chance to win some exclusive Tokyo Ghoul merch! The Tokyo Ghoul ~Relax at Anteiku~ Online Raffle is open until November 4, and you can’t get these items anywhere else. The theme of these original illustrations is ‘Relaxing at Anteiku,’ the small neighborhood cafe in the Tokyo Ghoul series. Popular characters enjoy a moment of rest and relaxation with a cup of coffee–a welcome departure from the drama and horror in the series!

Prize Lineup

S Prize: Winner can Choose! Extra-large Tapestry (5 varieties) 

A Prize: Winner can Choose! Mug (5 varieties) 

B Prize: Acrylic Stand (10 varieties)

C Prize: 76mm Pin (10 varieties) 

*One prize is guaranteed. 

The S Prize is a massive, life-sized tapestry, and the winner can choose which they’d like to receive. During the event, those who follow the official Kujibikido Twitter account and retweet a specific tweet will be entered into a lottery to win all 10 pins from the C Prize set along with a special bromide! Three winners will be announced, so don’t miss out!

A limited-time Marvel themed cafe is coming to Umeda, Osaka from September 16 until October 17. Produced by OH MY CAFE, the concept is centered on themes such as power, courage, talent, justice, and friendship, and the menu will be filled with items inspired by the many heroes of the Marvel universe.

The cafe menu features original items representing the worlds of Spider-Man, Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, and Black Widow. All dishes are healthy, low-sodium, and low-sugar. Various original pieces of merchandise will also be available for fans of American comics!

Menu

Marvel Paprikash: ¥1,759 (Tax Included)

<Spider-Man> The Best Chicken Sandwich in Queens: ¥1,650 (Tax Included)

<Captain America> American Tomato Pasta: ¥1,979 (Tax Included)

<Thor> Hammer Curry in the Desert: ¥2,089 (Tax Included)

<Black Widow> Jet-Black Squid Ink Gratin: ¥1,869 (Tax Included)

<Iron Man> Evening Donut-style Bagel Sandwich: ¥1,979 (Tax Included)

<Captain America> Ramune Soda: ¥1,209 (+¥770 for coaster) (Tax Included)

<Iron Man> Cherry Soda:  ¥1,209 (+¥770 for coaster) (Tax Included)

Marvel Cafe Latte: ¥989 (+¥1,650 for mug) (Tax Included) 

Marvel Tea Bottle: ¥769 (Tax Included) / Bottle and Charm: ¥1,320 (Tax Included)

Customers who make a reservation in advance will receive one random original mask case (7 designs). 

Original Merchandise

Acrylic Keyring (6 designs): ¥825 (Tax Included)

Square Pins (13 designs, random): ¥495 (Tax Included) / Marvel Case: ¥1,100 (Tax Included)

A5-size Clear Folder (7 designs, random): ¥385 (Tax Included)

Tote Bag: ¥1,100 (Tax Included) / Marvel Bandana Handkerchief: ¥1,650 (Tax Included)

Menu Art Series A4-size Clear Folder: ¥440 (Tax Included) / Menu Bandana Handkerchief: ¥1,650 (Tax Included) / Acrylic Magnets (6 designs): ¥715 (Tax Included)

Avengers: Endgame Clear Folders (5 designs, random): ¥550 (Tax Included) / Avengers: Infinity War Postcards (8 designs, random): ¥275 (Tax Included)

Ⓒ 2020 MARVEL

BROSH released its pomade hair styling product with all-new Captain America packaging on the men’s cosmetic site DRESSKIN on April 27.

BROSH is a Japanese haircare brand available in 22 countries worldwide. Its popular pomade is an original recipe which Marvel fans can now use to look as good as the popular superhero Captain America. The new tub design features red and blue colouring as well as retro comic book art.

MARVEL | ¥2,750 (Tax Included)

BROSH’s pomade was first released in 2019 and sold out on DRESSKIN. This second batch has received a texture update to better match Japanese people’s thick hair type. It has the same strong holding power as gel or wax and has a new floral fragrance.

Sui Ishida, the author of the internationally celebrated manga series Tokyo Ghoul which has shipped over 44 million copies worldwide, is getting his first ever large-scale exhibition next year. Titled “Sui Ishida Exhibition [Tokyo Ghoul JACK JEANNE],” the event is set to take place at Sunshine City in Ikebukuro, Tokyo from February 6, 2021 to March 7, 2021 before moving to Fukuoka Asian Art Museum on April 10 where it will run until May 16.

The first key visual for the event has been unveiled which Ishida drew himself for the exhibition. It features the protagonist of his Tokyo Ghoul series Ken Kaneki as well as Kisa Tachibana from his upcoming game JACK JEANNE.

The exhibition is a place to discover all things Sui Ishida and will focus on his career from zero to the spawn Tokyo Ghoul and his upcoming game Nintendo Switch title JACK JEANNE which he designed the characters, created the storyline, illustrations and scenarios for. There will be a range of exhibits, illustrations, and more to see.

Pre-sale tickets to the exhibition were released on Thursday (December 10) via the official websitw. The exhibition will be carrying out capacity restrictions each day in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The exhibition is a must-see for fans of the author’s work.

©Sui Ishida／SHUEISHA ©Sui Ishida／BROCCOLI
*Nintendo Switch is a trademark of Nintendo.

Japanese company LEGS is set to open a Marvel themed cafe for a limited time in the Omotesando and Harajuku area of Tokyo from October 30, 2020. The cafe’s concept is centred on themes such as power, courage, talent, justice, and camaraderie, and will serve up a special menu inspired by the heroes of the Marvel universe.

The cafe will be decorated in all things Marvel, with Spiderman, Iron Man, and Captain America statues stood proud and ready to welcome customers. There will also be a photo spot in celebration of the upcoming film Black Widow which will be released in Japan first on April 29, 2021 and subsequently the US on May 7, 2021.

The menu line-up will be inspired by Marvel’s roster of characters such as Spiderman, Iron Man, Thor, Captain America, Black Widow, and more.

The Menu

<Marvel> Paprikash | ¥1,599 (Before Tax)

A paprikash inspired by the one that Marvel demigod Vision makes in Captain America: Civil War. This one’s sure to have you feeling assembled and ready.

<Captain America> American Tomato Pasta | ¥1,7900 (Before Tax)

A Japanese-style napolitan pasta with a tomato sauce that packs a punch to charge up your power.

<Iron Man> Evening Doughnut-Style Bagel Sandwich | ¥1,799 (Before Tax)

A bagel sandwich inspired by the doughnut eaten by Tony Stark under the sunset.

The Drinks

<Captain America> Ramune Soda | ¥1,099 (+¥700 for coaster) (Before Tax)

A bubbly ramune soda for when you’re in need of a power kick, topped with a cherry.

<Marvel> Cafe Latte | ¥899 (+¥1,500 for mug) (Before Tax)

A cafe latte which comes with an original mug.

All customers who book in a table advance (¥650 per person before tax) and order from the themed menu will receive one of the above-pictured face mask cases from seven different designs.

Exclusive Merchandise

The cafe will also sell a range of original merchandise in several different designs such as the cafe logo, items based on the menu art, art from the Marvel movies, and more.

<Cafe Logo Series> Acrylic Keyring (6 Designs) | ¥750 (Before Tax)

<Menu Art Series> A4 Folder | ¥400, Bandana Handkerchief | ¥800 (Before Tax) *Available early November

<Movie Series> Avengers: Infinity War Postcards (8 Designs) | ¥250 (Before Tax)

Ⓒ 2020 MARVEL

The Autumn/Winter 2020 Collection for UNIQLO’s graphic T-shirt brand UT features a pop culture line-up of photos, art, movie stills, character pictures, and more. This year, the brand is collaborating with American photographer Ryan McGinley for the very first time. Designs will also include the superheroes drawn by artist Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring’s iconic Mickey Mouse, and artistic renditions of Marvel characters.

Ryan McGinley, the American artist in the limelight

Men’s T-Shirts (6 Designs): ¥1,500 (Before Tax) | Release Date: August 31, 2020

New York-based photographer Ryan McGinley has been called “America’s most important photographer” in recent years. This collection of six T-shirts features prints of his photo work, including pieces showcasing young people on an ordinary day. The addition of overlayed text adds a street vibe to the designs.

An exciting collection of heroes and villains

Men’s T-Shirts (6 Designs): ¥1,500 (Before Tax) | Men’s Hoodies (5 Designs): ¥2,990 (Before Tax) | Release Date: September 7, 2020

This exciting collection from UT lines up the Instantly-recognisable heroes and villains of Marvel, like Venom—who is getting the sequel movie Venom: Let There Be Carnage next year—and Morbius, who is also getting a film adaptation in 2021.

Popular Warner and DC characters drawn in Jean-Michel Basquiat’s unique style

Men’s T-Shirts (6 Designs): ¥1,500 (Before Tax) | Men’s Hoodies (5 Designs): ¥2,990 (Before Tax) | Release Date: September 18, 2020

Jean-Michel Basquiat was an American artist whose style, which was influenced by art history, music, and pop culture, was huge in the art scene back in the 80’s. Basquiat was influenced by DC Comics superheroes and Loony Tunes when he was a kid which can be seen in his early work, and that has been captured in this UT collection.

Mickey Mouse’s influence on Keith Haring

Men’s T-Shirts (6 Designs): ¥1,500 | Men’s Hoodies (5 Designs): ¥1,990 | Women’s T-Shirts (6 Designs): ¥1,500 | Kid’s T-Shirts (4 Designs): ¥990 (All Before Tax)

Keith Haring’s early influences included Walt Disney cartoons, and learned how to draw using a book his grandmother owned a Disney ‘how-to-draw’ book. Haring saw Mickey as a symbol of America, and this collection captures his dream of wanting to work at Disney.

Eco bags

エコフレンドリー プリントバッグ4柄　590円（税別）発売日：10月以降順次発売

In line with the UT collection, UNIQLO will also sell a variety of eco bags including a “Mickey Mouse x Keith Haring” design and one of Jean-Michel Basquiat’s wall art. The collection will include not just UT items, but a variety of merchandise capturing the latest in pop culture.

Sui Ishida, the author of the internationally celebrated manga series Tokyo Ghoul which has shipped over 44 million copies worldwide, is getting his first ever large-scale exhibition.

The famed manga author made his debut with Tokyo Ghoul, which was serialised in Weekly Young Jump from 2011 to 2018. The dark fantasy, which questioned the notions of right and wrong, seduced the globe with its characters and world, eventually becoming published in 37 countries. The manga series went on to spawn anime and live-action adaptations, games, and more.

Ishida is now working on a new game entitled Jack Jeanne for which he is creating the script, scenario, and character designs. The highly-anticipated game is set for released on Nintendo Switch sometime this year.

The exhibition is a place to discover all things Sui Ishida and will focus on his career from zero to the spawn Tokyo Ghoul and the upcoming Jack Jeanne. There will be displays, illustrations, and more to see. It’s a must-see for fans of the author.

©Sui Ishida／SHUEISHA　©Sui Ishida／BROCCOLI

Japanese sportswear company Mizuno Corporation is releasing a new Captain America-inspired shirt and leggings as part of its new Marvel collection. 100 of each will be sold of this limited-edition attire via Mizuno’s online shop in Japan. Pre-orders opened on June 19 and they will be shipped out in early August.

MAVEL MTC Practice Shirt: ¥6,380 (Tax Included)

MAVEL MTC Racing Tights (Long): ¥11,880 (Tax Included)

The Captain America shirt and leggings are the first items from Mizuno’s new Marvel collection. Japanese sprinter Shōta Iizuka is being used in promotional material the items. This is part of a special Marvel and Mizuno Track Club collaboration, with nine members from the club being shown wearing the leggings of the Marvel characters using their regular practice.

Japanese sprinter Shōta Iizuka, who is part of the promotion of the Captain America set, said: “Marvel and Mizuno Track Club have come together to create this special project. I’m happy to be associated with such well-known characters. I’m using used to model the Captain America [set], so it’s adding a new kind of excitement to my everyday training. I hope you can all use this opportunity to enjoy it too.”

Get your hands on the new Captain America set—it might just bring you to the peak of human perfection like the Marvel hero himself.

Tokyo Otaku Mode Inc. is set to display and start taking orders for a new 1/6 scale figure by Figurama from Sui Ishida’s hit manga and anime series Tokyo Ghoul. Available in Japan only, it will be sold at the new Tokyo Otaku Mode TOKYO store from November 22 at 10:00am at the new Shibuya PARCO shopping complex.

Figurama is a Hong Kong-based figurine maker which has crafted many figures from popular titles such as Attack on Titan, Hellsing, Devilman, and Trigun, to name a few. The standout characteristic of their work is the size of their figures, the composition, and how detailed the figures are despite being so large.

The Tokyo Ghoul figure set to appear at Tokyo Otaku Mode TOKYO stands 63cm high, 44cm wide, and 35cm deep. It features series protagonist Ken Kaneki versus Yamori, who made Kaneki’s hair turn white.

Only 800 of these figures have been made, of which Tokyo Otaku Mode TOKYO will sell 40, making them an extremely rare and limited edition collectors items. Perfect for any fan of the hit series!

©Sui Ishida/Shueisha・Tokyo Ghoul Production Committee

A special compilation video for the recent live-action film Tokyo Ghoul S, which hit Japanese theatres on July 19, was recently released.

Before the film’s release, it premiered in Tokyo, Osaka and Paris to rave reviews. At the premiere events, Shota Matsuda, who plays Tsukiyama, proclaimed the movie as “a romance film between Tsukiyama and Kaneki.”

The compilation video reveals Kaneki’s many encounters with Tsukiyama, from their first encounter to their aggressive battles, as well as the iconic scene from the original manga series when Tsukiyama sniffs a handkerchief with Kaneki’s blood on it in pure ecstasy. The video includes the film’s theme song Introduction by QUEEN BEE which was written and composed by band vocalist Avu-chan.

The films directors, Hiramaki Kazuhiko and Takuya Kawasaki, also explained how much they focused on making sure Tsukiyama, who is popular amongst Tokyo Ghoul fans, was a strongly written character. They described in particular the climactic battle scene which isn’t just a simple fight and instead is an opportunity for Kaneki to not only express himself to Kaneki but also eat him as he sees Kaneki as an ingredient. Kaneki is drowned in Tsukiyama’s adoration for himself. Speaking about the role, Masataka Kubota, who plays Kaneki, said he made sure to play more of a passive role.

©Sui Ishida / Shueisha   ©2019 “Tokyo Ghoul S” Production Committee

QUEEN BEE just dropped their new music video for Introduction on YouTube.

The song is taken from their latest album Ju which hit shelves back in May. The song will feature as the main theme for the forthcoming film Tokyo Ghoul S, the sequel to the live-action adaptation of the popular manga and anime series Tokyo Ghoul.

The music video was directed by Nakane Sayaka who has worked on QUEEN BEE’s most recent videos including HALF, Hypnotize, and Holy War.

©Sui Ishida / Shueisha   ©2019 “Tokyo Ghoul S” Production Committee