GOODGLAS released two double-wall insulated glasses featuring the popular Sanrio character Cinnamoroll along with a glass straw and cleaning kit on December 16, 2022. 

The items are available from GOODGLAS Japan’s Official Online Store or from Kita-Senju Marui, Ueno Marui, Tokyu Department Store Tama Plaza, and Niigata Isetan.

Cinnamoroll Glass

Due to incredible fan demand, these Cinnamoroll glasses are now available just in time for the holidays!

Each glass is heat-resistant, making them perfect for sipping hot winter drinks. Each product is handmade and can also be used to decorate your home!

The lineup includes two types of Cinnamoroll–one with his mouth open and the other with his mouth closed.

Cinnamoroll Glass Reusable Straw

Silicone Carrying Case and Cleaning Tool for Easy Transport

In addition to these adorable glasses, a reusable glass straw is also available! Sure to make each day more adorable, using these straws will help cut down on plastic waste. Each comes with a silicone case and a cleaning brush.

Like the glasses, the straw comes in two designs.

To commemorate the 15th anniversary of Hatsune Miku, the PREMICO online store began selling beautiful faceted Edo Glass inspired by the virtual singer on August 17, 2022. Only 390 glasses will be available.

The custom-made blue-green glasses were inspired by the beloved virtual figure. Edo faceted glass is a traditional craft in Japan, and each is a unique work of art. Each piece is handmade by craftsmen at long-established workshops that are members of the Edo Kiriko Cooperate Association. 

Delivered in a special paulownia wood box, the Edo faceted glass comes with an acrylic display stand featuring a new illustration of Hatsune Miku by Iwato.

Don’t miss this special Edo faceted glass only available for a limited time!

Art by 岩十 (c) Crypton Future Media, INC. www.piapro.net

Tsuchiya Kaban is known around the world for its Japanese craftsmanship and handmade goods. The company has now opened TSUCHI-YA, a glassware specialty store! The shop opened on Asakusa’s Kappabashi Dougu Street on August 18, 2022.

At TSUCHI-YA, visitors can purchase the works of over 35 glass artisans from 13 prefectures throughout Japan, all of whom are dedicated to the art of making beautiful things. Aiming to share the beauty of glass with customers, many pieces on display are perfect for daily use. 

In addition to unique handmade glassware, the collection also features faceted glassware, each incorporating advanced techniques to bring traditional designs into the modern age. 

The techniques used to create each piece of glass are also incredibly diverse. Along with faceted glass, visitors can find sandblasted glass, which uses sand to create intricate patterns, as well as blown glass.

Also keep an eye out for sustainable items such as Ryukyu glass, a traditional Okinawan craft made from recycled glass melted from used bottles, and coasters made from wood, leather and other scrap materials.

The interior design for the shop was done by the creative team that also handles Tsuchiya Kaban stores. The dark tones found on the first floor make the transparent glassware shine. The second floor is an upscale gallery with a white ceiling, walls, and floor, featuring colorful faceted glasses and accessories, as well as vases, art, and more.

TSUCHI-YA embodied Tsuchiya Kaban’s passion for craftsmanship and will continue to share incredible handcrafted Japanese glassware. The company wants to bring Japanese politeness to the world.

The first Evangelion-themed Edo faceted glasses were released in November 2021, and Tsutaya Books Daikanyama will soon be selling limited quantities online! These items were previously only available to purchase locally.

Evangelion Unit 1 Edo Faceted Glass: ¥64,900 (Tax Included)

The Evangelion Unit 1 Edo Faceted Glass was designed along with a traditional pattern inspired by chrysanthemums, which symbolize longevity in Japanese culture. While the standard colors of faceted glass are red and blue, the gold and purple colors used in this unique item are extremely difficult to create, with only a few factories capable of producing them.

The glassware is designed and cut by Kosho Nemoto at Nemoto Glass, which has produced the finest Edo faceted glass in Tokyo for three generations. The webpage below also explains how these glasses are produced.

The product is scheduled to be released in late June 2022 and is currently available for pre-order. The amount available is extremely limited, so be sure to order as soon as possible if you’d like to add one of these valuable glasses to your collection.

Toride City in Ibaraki Prefecture began heavily developing during the Edo Period as a strategic town on the Mito Kaido road. The symbol of the town is the Former Toride Inn Honjin Someno Family Residence, designated as a prefectural cultural property and historic site. This stunning building will now be open to the public starting June 3, 2022! 

In Japan, fans of temples and shrines often collect Goshuin. These are beautiful handwritten shrine seals collected in a special book, and they have recently become popular with younger generations. The first ‘honjin goshuin’ in Japanese history will be available at the Former Toride Inn!

A honjin was an inn for government officials, generally located in post stations during the later part of the Edo period. In Toride, the Someno Family Residence was designated as the main honjin for use by the Mito Tokugawa family in 1687. Since then, successors of the Mito Tokugawa family and many other feudal lords and samurai traveling between Edo and Mito used the location as a place to rest.

Of the three remaining honjin on the Mito Kaido road, the Former Toride Inn Honjin Someno Family Residence is the oldest and largest in scale. Today, it is also the only one with both the grounds and interior open to the public. With deep ties to the Mito Tokugawa family and Yoshinobu Tokugawa, the last shogun of the Edo Shogunate, it remains an incredible historical site.

Former Toride Inn Honjin Someno Family Residence Information (Released October 1, 2021)

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iKHGJsztC0Q

Visitors can obtain two honjin goshuin: one features an illustration of the main building, while the other features the seal of the Someno Family Residence. 

Mobile Police Patlabor is celebrating 30 years with a special exhibition in Tsuchiura City, Ibaraki Prefecture from January 14 until February 13, 2022. 

The exhibition has traveled to four locations so far, starting in Osaka in 2019, then Tokyo, Nagoya, and Niigata soon after. It has been extremely well-received by fans, and this new iteration will exhibit original drawings and cells from Mobile Police Patlabor 2: The Movie, along with poster and cels. 

Other production materials from the 47-episode TV series broadcast on NTV from 1989 until 1990 will also be available to peruse for the first time. 

1. Exhibition of Original Drawings and Cels from the Original Time of Production on Display for the First Time
The original jacket illustrations for the TV anime version and Mobile Police Patlabor 2: The Movie drawn by character designer Akemi Takada, as well as celluloid images discovered by the editorial department of KADOKAWA Newtype, and valuable original art owned by the animation production company Production I.G will all be on exhibition.

2. Exhibition of New 3-D Works
The exhibition will feature new sculptures created by sculptor Hideki Kawabata.
Especially noteworthy is the 1.2-meter tall Griffon statue.

3. New Merchandise on Sale
New booklets featuring the anime and movie will be available for purchase prior to the start of the exhibition.
Also, new Griffon goods, still very popular among fans, will be available.

4. Commemorative Stamp Rally
To commemorate the opening of the exhibition, a stamp rally will be held around the city.
Those who visit every spot will receive a clear folder decorated with the main visual of the exhibition drawn by Yukio Kitta.

5. AR Audio Guide Exclusive to the Venue
As with the previous Niigata exhibition, guests can listen to AR voice guidance by Miina Tominaga (Noa Izumi) and Yoshiko Sakakibara (Shinobu Nagumo) while at the venue. 

Interactive digital art collective TeamLab will hold the Kairaku-en (Japanese Garden) Festival of Light at one of Japan’s three most beloved gardens located in Mito, Ibaraki Prefecture from February 1 until March 31, 2022. A total of eight creative works showcasing the ‘longevity of life’ will be on display, utilizing the greenery of the surrounding 180-year-old garden itself. One work will illuminate over 1,500 plum trees, while another will see giant cedars interacting to guests’ presence. During this period, the Mito Ume Festival (February 11 – March 21) will also take place at the gardens. The festival has been held continuously for over 120 years.

Kairakuen is one of the three most famous gardens in Japan and was built by Tokugawa Nariaki during the Edo period (1842). The other two gardens are Kenroku-en in Ishikawa Prefecture and Koraku-en in Okayama Prefecture. In 1922, Kairaku-en was designated a National Historic Site and also a National Place of Scenic Beauty. In 2022, the garden will celebrate its 180th anniversary, and features over 3,000 plum trees of over 100 varieties. 

TeamLab’s ‘Digitized Nature’ art project utilizes technology to ‘turn nature itself into art in its natural state’ without destroying or uprooting any of the plants or trees. It can be difficult for humans to imagine the world that will exist after their particular life ends, and this installation hopes to show the beauty that is possible even after a hundred or a thousand years. Through the combination of human creations and nature itself, TeamLab wants to remind people what is possible when we live side by side in harmony with one another. 

The Oarai Tourism Omotenashi Promotion Council opened Cafe Amayadori, a rain and healing themed coffee shop, on September 18 2021. The shop was opened as a challenge and is located in the Umimachi Terrace Tourist Information Center.

Cafe Amayadori

Cafe Amayadori Menu

Cafe Amayadori Tote Bag

You can clearly hear the sound of the rain from inside the store, while the served cream soda changes based on both the weather and the time. On clear days where the sun is shining, you can order the traditional green-color  ‘Blue Sky Cream Soda,’ while on rainy days you can order the blue ‘Rain-color Cream Soda.’

The cafe also serves a wide variety of Japanese and Western meals and desserts, each cooked using local Oarai produce. Morning and lunch specials are also available, meaning you can easily work your visit around your own schedule.

The concept of the cafe is “Rain.” You can dash into the cafe as if you’re looking for shelter from the weather before sitting down to eat and drink in the calm space, emphasized by the soothing music that plays in the background. While the soundtrack depends on the day, the sound of rain is often played. However, the sounds played on rainy days are a little different to the usual. True to its name, the cafe can create a comfortable Amayadori (lit. rain shelter) no matter what the weather!

‘rain coat studio’ is a group of creators who have been working on ‘rain’ themed events and designs since 2016. The group was formed with the idea that “when it rains, our activities are limited due to the dull weather. On the other hand, the rain represents the season and soothes those who listen to it’s sound.” 

The group aims to create music, events, artwork, and more, that are cool like the rain but still convey a kindness. The ‘rain coat studio’ came up with the idea of a coffee shop as a way to try creating a restaurant business that followed their ideals.

The signature item on Cafe Amayadori’s menu is the ‘Weather Cream Soda.’ The flavor depends on whether the weather is clear, rainy, and after-rain, but can also depend on the time – They even offer special drinks for ‘Morning Fog’ and for drinking in the evening, along with a limited-time ‘Seasonal Cream Soda. 

The cafe doesn’t just serve Cream Soda! Customers who would like a full meal can also order from a selection of Japanese food, Western food, and desserts. A limited edition tote bag is currently on sale to commemorate the opening of the cafe.

Why not try relaxing on a rainy day at Cafe Amayadori?

X JAPAN leader YOSHIKI was one of eleven designers chosen to submit an original design for Baccarat, commemorating the 180th anniversary of the crystal manufacturer’s Harcourt glass. The work was unveiled at Paris Fashion Week in Fall 2021. 

Baccarat is a manufacturer of fine crystal founded in 1764 in the Lorraine region of France. The company’s iconic Harcourt glass features a hexagonal base with three-button feet and is known as a timeless and iconic symbol of the brand.

This year marks the 180th anniversary of the glass, which was first created during the time of Louis Philippe I. It’s hard to believe that these pieces have been on the tables of royalty for almost two centuries!

YOSHIKIMONO, the kimono brand created by YOSHIKI, has been featured at Tokyo Fashion Week multiple times. In 2020, his works were shown at the Victoria and Albert Museum in the UK, along with the Tokyo National Museum.

Known for his blend of rock and classical music, YOSHIKI continues to express his individuality in both his sound and fashion taste. From the front, the glass looks to be on fire, while from the top, there is a sense that a poisonous flower is taking bloom. The work is a one-of-a-kind blend of east and west and was a new challenge for the performer.

Comment from YOSHIKI

“I am honored to have been chosen as a designer for the 180th anniversary of Baccarat’s Harcourt glass. I’d like everyone to also keep an eye out for some new music coming soon. Thank you to all of the fans who continue supporting me in everything I do.”

GOODGLAS Japan is releasing a new cow design double wall glass this month for the New Year as 2021 will mark the Year of the Ox. This is the third in the company’s Chinese zodiac design, following from their boar and rat designs, and like those will be available in a limited quantity of 500.

Zodiac Series – “Cow” | ¥3,200 (Before Tax)

Glass products at GOODGLAS are all handmade and use the traditional glass blowing method. Perfect for hot drinks and dessert, the cow design also makes as a great New Year’s decoration.

GOODGLAS has released many cute designs in the past such as Hello Kitty, a Shiba Inu, Miffy, and more.

GOODGLAS Japan is expanding its range of products at Chiba LOFT this Saturday (November 28) which includes the return of last year’s popular Miffy glass as well as a Christmas series.

Glass products at GOODGLAS are all handmade and use the traditional glass blowing method. The company has released many different double-wall glass designs including Hello Kitty, shiba inu, and more.

Miffy Glass at Chiba LOFT

miffy ©Mercis bv | ¥3,900 (Before Tax)

A Miffy glass made with traditional glass blowing that captures her adorably long ears, something which the company expressed was difficult to get right and took numerous trial and error attempts.

Christmas season glasses

Christmas Tree & Snowman | ¥6,500 (Before Tax)

Rudolph | With Snow ¥3,300 (Before Tax), Without Snow ¥3,200 (Before Tax)

For the Christmas series, GOODGLAS has crafted Christmastree, snowman, and Rudolph designs. The Rudolph glass is like a snow globe with snow in it.

Gon, the Little Fox

Gon, the Little Fox | ¥3,200 (Before Tax)

This glass is inspired by Gon, the Little Fox, a Japanese children’s story. It was created in collaboration with Handa, the town where the story’s author Niimi Nankichi was worn and where he wrote the story.

Year of the Ox

GOODGLAS is also planning to release a cow-themed glass to represent the 2021 Year of the Ox.

The marvel that is the 375m-long Ryujinotsuri Bridge in Ibaraki, is a must-see this autumn season as maple trees, sawtooth oaks, and other autumnal spectacles dye the area in breathtaking reds from mid to late November.

Ryujinotsuri Bridge: Japan’s biggest suspension bridge

Ryujinotsuri Bridge is located in Okukujichanosato Park in Ibaraki Prefecture’s city of Hitachiota. From atop the towering bridge one can overlook at the expansive gorge 100m down below where the misty Ryujin Lake flows. Trees stretch to a horizon in this incredible breathtaking environment, offering beautiful vistas throughout all four seasons.

Bungee jump over Ryujin Lake

Ryujinotsuri Bridge is the biggest suspension bridge in Japan, and so of course it has to offer something special to visitors. And that would be bungee jumping which is sure to excite thrill-seekers travelling to Japan.

Outdoor activities galore

Visitors can enjoy the surrounding nature by taking a canoe or boat on top of Ryujin Lake.

BBQ and camping facilities

There are also BBQ and camping facilities in the area for people to enjoy the outdoors and see the stars at night.

A full hiking autumn experience at Ryujinotsuri

There are several hiking courses on offer that cater to both beginners and pros. Get close with nature and see the autumn colours, hear the birds sing, and breathe in that fresh air.