From November 30, 2022 until January 22, 2023, the Suntory Museum of Art in Tokyo will hold the ‘Treasures from the Chishakuin Temple in Kyoto’ exhibition.

National Treasure. Maple Tree. Hasegawa Tohaku. (Four of Six Sides) Momoyama Period / 16th Century.

Chishakuin Temple. [On display during the entire exhibition.]

Chishakuin Temple is located in Higashiyama, Kyoto, and is the headquarters of the Chisan School of the Shingon Sect of Buddhism. This originated with Kobo Daishi (774-835), and the sect now has 3,000 temples around Japan. Founded during the Muromachi period (1095-1143) the temple was originally built in Wakayama Prefecture in memory of Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s son Sutemaru, but the builds were brought to Kyoto in 1598 on the orders of Tokugawa Ieyasu.

Kobo Daishi Scroll

Muromachi Period, First Year of Bun’an Era (1444)

[On Display from November 30 until December 26, 2022]

Kyoto Prefecture Designated Tangible Cultural Property –  Kogyo Daishi Scroll

Kamakura Period / 13th Century

[On Display from November 30 until December 26, 2022]

National Treasure. Cherry Blossoms. Hasegawa Tohaku. (Four of Five Sides) Momoyama Period / 16th Century.

[On display during the entire exhibition.]

The temple is best known today for its panel paintings and gardens, the latter of which was inspired by tea master Sen-no-Rikyu. Half of the original paintings remain, with some having been lost to fire and some simply being degraded over time.　

National Treasure. Diamond Sutra (Partial) – Zhang Jizhi

Southern Song Dynasty, First Year of Houyuu (1253)

[On display during the entire exhibition]

Important Cultural Property. Mahamayuri Scroll.

Kamakura Period / 14th Century

[On Display from December 28, 2022 until January 22, 2023]

Important Cultural Property. Green Maple and Waterfall. Song Dynasty / 13th Century

[On Display from November 30 until December 26, 2022]

Ladies at Tea. Insho Domoto. 4 sides. Showa 33 (1958)

[On display during the entire exhibition]

This exhibition will mark the first time that many of the paintings are shown simultaneously outside of the temple, including Cherry Blossoms, Maple Tree, and Pine Tree with Autumn Plants. Visitors can also enjoy National Treasures and items from the temple’s treasure trove of Buddhist Art. Would you like to come and browse these incredible pieces?

Suntory’s popular Iyemon Tokucha tea was released with a revamped design on April 5, 2022. To celebrate the return of many people’s favorite drink, the company has teamed up with popular game character Kirby for an adorable new YouTube video available on the Suntory channel!

The video highlights the health benefits of Suntory’s Green Tea Lemon Tokucha through the eyes of Kirby, who has retained his adorable shape even after sucking in tons of objects for the past 30 years.

The video starts with a scene from an early Kirby title in which Kirby swallows Waddledy. The story follows Waddledy and his Suntory Tokucha as they venture deep into Kirby’s stomach. How does his journey end? You’ll have to watch to find out…

This story is a play created by Waddle Dee to entertain King Dedede, the King of Dream Land. The King is desperate to learn the secrets of the Tokucha, and the other characters are surprised and happy to see everyone’s favorite penguin taking an interest in his health!

Kirby and the Secret of Your Stomach

Enjoy the video and try to find some tasty Tokucha in a store near you!

© Nintendo / HAL Laboratory, Inc.
KB22-P4135

The pandemic has changed our lives forever. People have spent the last two years missing travel as they spend more and more time at home, and while many are ready to travel again, it can be difficult to know if it’s the right time to return to normalcy. To make the situation a little easier, many local tourism associations in Japan are posting images on Instagram to inspire people to give traveling another try. These three Instagram accounts are our personal favorites, and once Japan opens to tourists again, you won’t want to miss visiting these areas!

[Official Kumamoto Tourism Association] Motto, motto, Kumamoto!

 

Instagramでこのプロフィールを見る

 

もっと、もーっと！くまもっと。【熊本県観光公式】(@kumamotto.official) • Instagram写真と動画

Discover the charms of Kumamoto on this local Instagram account featuring photos from four unique local photographers. Many will know the area as the home of the character Kumamon. The images capture the daily lives of Kumamoto residents and include local food and gorgeous scenery. The postings also include the location of the photo and comments from the photographers, making things feel more personal. 

[Official Hokkaido Tourism Association] GoodDay Hokkaido

 

Instagramでこのプロフィールを見る

 

GoodDay北海道(@goodday_hokkaido) • Instagram写真と動画

Hokkaido is an area rich in gourmet seafood and dairy, but its spectacular landscapes are reason enough to visit. GoodDay Hokkaido shows off both the common and uncommon elements of Hokkaido life, often introducing little-known areas. Each photo is vividly colored, and followers can see different seasons at every time of day as they scroll through the feed. See the best images from Japan’s northernmost island each and every day on your smartphone!

[Ome / Okutama] Umetama

 

Instagramでこのプロフィールを見る

 

うめたま｜OME&OKUTAMA TOKYO(@umetama.official) • Instagram写真と動画

Umetama is an account that introduces places of interest in Ome and Okutama, two of Tokyo’s most scenic towns. Each can be reached in about an hour by train from Shinjuku Station. Visitors can enjoy a gorgeous day trip from the Tokyo center, with the area featuring plenty of campsites and hiking trails. There are tons of stargazing spots, and visitors are often surprised that such incredible nature is so close to Japan’s hectic capital. Those with kids will find plenty to do here, so start taking notes while you scroll through the Umetama page!

More and more young people are finding the appeal of Ome and Okutama, and the area has become the perfect relaxation spot for those seeking refuge from their busy lives. In addition, the craft beer bar Ome Beer, located near Ome Station, sells local alcohol, including Okutama’s popular craft beer ‘Vertere.’ See the lesser-known side of Tokyo on this picturesque account. 

Remember how wonderful it is to travel? Hopefully, Japan opens for tourism again soon, and you can visit all of these gorgeous locales.

Creative company NAKED is bringing their popular DANDELION PROJECT to Kumamoto Castle from November 19 until December 5, 2021, just in time to celebrate the Autumn Festival Castle Lighting event! 

The DANDELION PROJECT is inspired by the idea of world peace and hopes to help transcend barriers and connect people in an increasingly divided world. This networked initiative wants to bring this change about by planting (or installing) dandelion-inspired art around the world, while it invites people visiting these dandelion exhibits to send their prayers for peace as a digital flower in real-time. 

To celebrate the recent restoration of Kumamoto Castle’s tower, the DANDELION PROJECT will ask visitors to give their prays for peace and safety as they enjoy the autumn lights. After the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake, the castle has slowly recovered, and this is the final step. Currently, DANDELION installations are popping up around Japan and internationally, with locations in Tokyo Tower, Saga Prefectural Exhibition Hall, and plenty of other places.

NAKED’s popular attractions–the NAKED Distanced Lanterns and NAKED Flower Cleansing–will also be available to participate in during the event. Each is perfect for social distancing, and each will get a special Kumamoto Castle version. Interactive projection mapping will cause flowers to bloom beneath visitors’ feet as they explore. After the event period, the works will be moved to Josaien, where they can be enjoyed until January 15, 2022. 

In an effort to help support of the restoration efforts in Kumamoto after the 2016 earthquake devastated the prefecture, the Nohara family from the popular manga and anime series Crayon Shin-chan have been appointed official Kumamoto Restoration Supporters. This begins with a PR campaign to help promote tourism in Kumamoto’s city of Aso. To celebrate, Shin-chan himself visited the Kumamoto Prefectural Government on July 15.

Shin-chan’s mother, Misae, was born and raised in Aso, Kumamoto, while himself and his father Hiroshi were both born in Akira Prefecture. Shin-chan considers Aso his second home, and all of this the reason behind the family’s appointment as supporters. The manga series has raised money for Kumamoto numerous times in the past, including for the Crayon Shin-chan 25th Anniversary Exhibition which saw money raised for charity products donated towards relief efforts of the earthquake disaster. This year, the series joins hands with the prefecture once more.

The 2021 summer campaign is being carried with the slogan “I’m fine! ASO.” The Nohara family will serve as PR characters to spread the word about Aso. This will include a digital stamp rally that will have people travelling around the prefecture on their smartphones. The app will be released in August, followed by campaign posters, pamphlets, and other promotional material rolling out.

When Shin-chan visited the local government office for his appointment as a supporter, he played the Nintendo Switch game Crayon Shin-chan: Ora to Hakase no Natsuyasumi – Owaranai Nanokakan no Tabi with officials, which also released on the same day. In the game you can visit lots of spots around Kumamoto such as Kumamoto Station, Kusasenri Observatory, Tsujun Bridge, Aso Station, and more.

©臼井儀人／双葉社・シンエイ・テレビ朝日・ADK
©2010熊本くまモン

 ⒸNeos Corporation
Nintendo Switchのロゴ・Nintendo Switchは任天堂の商標です。

The Pasco Kumamoto Prefecture Project is a collaboration between the Japanese pastry company Pasco and Kumamoto Prefecture which has appointed Kumamon, the mascot of Kumamoto, as its head to promote local foods.

The project was started as a reconstruction and restoration effort to help support Kumamoto after the devastating earthquake that struck in 2016 and the 2018 Japan floods. For every select product sold, 0.5 yen is donated to the relief effort to aid victims of the disasters.

The Pasco Kumamoto Prefecture Project is set to run until end end of September this year. It released two items on April 1 as part of the project. It is now releasing two new products: the “Strawberry Jam & Milk Whipped Cream” pastry and “Pancake Omelette Custard & Milk Whipped Cream.” The milk, strawberries, and eggs used for these confections are all sourced from Kumamoto

The pastry recipe creates whipped cream from milk and layers it with a strawberry jam made from yuubeni, a popular brand of strawberry grown in Kumamoto, before baking. The pancake omelette is a combination of Jersey milk, eggs, and custard cream to create a fluffy dessert.

Pasco carefully selects ingredients as part of Kumamon’s promotional products

The ingredients used in the recipes for these food products are all carefully selected to go deliciously well with Pasco’s bread. This includes milk, eggs, and yuubeni strawberries. Pasco plans to used Kumamoto-grown rice for a new product in August.

Scan the code on the packaging and meet Kumamon!

A special Kumamon AR service has also been created as part of the project. If you scan the code on the packaging of these products using a smart device, you can take a photo together with Kumamon as pictured above. He has the same design as on the packets.

Kirin Beverage launched the Gogo Tea Happiness Project on June 1, 2021. The project will donate the proceeds made from select products to locations in Japan that require support in restoration efforts. The first product to launch is the ‘Gogo no Kocha for HAPPINESS Kumamoto Strawberry Tea’ which released in limited quantities in Japan on Tuesday.

Kirin Group launched a similar project in 2011 called the ‘Kirin Bond Project.’ in 2016, they began efforts to support the people of Kumamoto after the earthquake that struck there that year – to ‘bind’ them to the future. From then until 2018, they also shot commercials for their Gogo no Kocha milk tea brand at Miharashidai Station, Shirakawa River, and other places around Kumamoto, as well as promoted the village of Minamiaso to showcase its beautiful natural environment.

The Gogo Tea Happiness Project takes Kirin back to Kumamoto to continue helping to support restoration efforts, something the company has been doing since July 2011 after the Great East Japan Earthquake struck. For every bottle of Gogo no Kocha for HAPPINESS Kumamoto Strawberry Tea sold, not only does 3.9 yen of the proceeds go towards supporting Kumamoto, it also gives people around Japan the chance to try a type of strawberry grown in Kumamoto called yuubeni. The project also ties in with the 35th anniversary of Kirin’s Gogo no Kocha tea.

Style editorial brand “niko and …” opened pre-orders for a new collection with Kumamoto resident oil painter Takeshi Matsunaga at its new AMU PLAZA KUMAMOTO branch on April 23. The line-up is set to be subsequently released via the online webstore “st.” as well as five branches of niko and … on April 29, including their Tokyo store.

MATSUNAGA TAKESHI MEETS niko and … KUMAMOTO

The line-up is a collection of everyday items from tote bags and mugs to key rings, pencil cases, iPhone cases, t-shirts, caps, and more. Each item features a design inspired by Rakunou Gyunyu, a brand of milk that’s hugely popular in Kumamoto. Matsunaga adds his delicate touch to the oil-painted series. Part of the proceeds generated from the sales of these items will be donated to the city of Kumamoto in support of restoration efforts from the 2016 Kumamoto earthquakes.

niko and’s new Kumamoto store also has a cafe attached to it, “niko and … COFFEE,” where a milk smoothie will be sold for a limited time until September 30. Each will come with a milk-flavoured wafer featuring Matsunaga Takeshi’s art on it.

Tokyu Hands is opened a new lifestyle shop called Hands Be inside Amu Plaza Kumamoto in front of JR Kumamoto Station April 23. The shop will sell a range of everyday products from beauty to stationery, seasonal, and more, that showcase Kumamoto’s culture and craftsmanship. Whether it be for yourself or a gift for someone else, there’s something for everybody.

Kumamoto culture

Kurikawa Uchiwa Shoten

Kurikawa Shoten is a specialist in Japanese uchiwa fans that first opened in 1889. Kumamoto is the third biggest producer of uchiwa fans together with Kyoto and Marugame and is the only place passing down the traditional kutani craft of fans. Their fans are durable and long-lasting, enjoyed as gifts at children’s birthday parties, weddings, as well as at company commemorations and elsewhere. To celebrate Hands Be’s opening, the Kurikawa Shoten is providing fans with original colours exclusive to the new store.

Coffee Arrow

Coffee Arrow is a coffee shop that opened in Hanabatacho in the central ward of Kumamoto back in 1964. Customers can get their hands on a range of original coffee beans, merchandise, and more.

Coming together during these times

BLUE SEED BAG 

“HOLD hands be Happy” is the message written on the recyclable, eco-friendly BLUE SEED BAG which is made using washed blue sheets that were actually used as part of the restoration efforts after the Kumamoto Earthquake struck in 2016. The bags are a reminder that even though many of us can’t hold hands with us during the pandemic, we are still connected by our hearts.

Wesign

Javasparrow is a manufacturer and service focused on creating products around “familiarity” and “connection.” The Wesign is a set of two lights that connect to Wi-Fi. These unique lights can be used by lovers or family members who live apart or long-distance, so that you know when the other is on or offline, helping everyone feel connected.

Original bandana available for the grand opening

Hands Be is also offering a free bandana for the opening to anyone who spend over ¥3,000 (tax included).

Kumamon is a Japanese mascot many are sure to have seen. It was created in 2010 as a way to promote Kumamoto Prefecture in Kyushu, Japan.

Each year, Kumamon brings fans together at an event called “Kumamon Fan Gratitude Festival in TOKYO.” This year, for the safety of fans, it will be held digitally—from Tokyo rather than in Tokyo—with an online stream via Kumamon’s official YouTube channel Kumamon TV on February 12 at 20:00 (JST). Kumamon is currently in the last stages of preparing what is sure to be an equally fun event for fans.

You can follow Kumamon on social media at the links below. Be sure to tune in for the stream this Friday.

JR Kyushu has signed a promotional license agreement with Walt Disney Japan to launch the “GO! WAKU WAKU ADVENTURE with PIXAR” project, which will see the shinkansen bullet trains decorated in characters from the Pixar animated filmography starting on September 12, 2020.

The project comes at a time when Pixar celebrates the 25th anniversary of the original Toy Story film, which released back in 1995 as the first entirely computer-animated feature film.

New details have been released for the upcoming project, including the unveiling of the key visual, the content of the collaboration, campaigns that will be held, and limited-edition merchandise which will be sold.

Key Visual

The key visual is a colourful Pixar creation which is shaped to look like the seven prefectures that make up Kyushu—Japan’s south-westernmost island where the JR Kyushu WAKU WAKU ADVENTURE Shinkanen bullet train will run.

Character Visuals

Poster Design

All major stations along the JR Kyushu Line display the key visual along with the above-pictured poster featuring various Pixar characters. Each of Kyushu’s seven major prefectural train stations listed below will also have additional posters for different Pixar films.

Hakata Station: Toy Story
Saga Station: Up
Nagasaki Station: Finding Nemo
Oita Station: The Incredibles
Kumamoto Station: Cars
Kagoshima-Chūō Station: Monsters, Inc.
Miyazaki Station: Wall-E

Tabloid Distribution

For illustrative purposes only. Distribution from September 12, 2020.

At all major stations running the JR Kyushu Line, commuters can get their hands on a free tabloid inspired by the “My Adventure Book” from the Pixar film Up. The content of the tabloid features information related to the collaboration and where you can find Pixar characters at stations throughout Kyushu, so you too can have your own adventure.

Photo Spots

Cars photo spot

The seven JR Kyushu prefectural stations will also have their own photo spots where you can snap a picture. You’ll also spot Woody and Buzz dolls and Hakata Station and Sully and Mike ones at Kagoshima-Chūō Station.

Participating Stations: Hakata Station, Saga Station, Nagasaki Station, Oita Station, Kumamoto Station, Kagoshima-Chūō Station, Miyazaki Station

Special Site & Official Instagram

A special site opened which features the departure schedule for the JR Kyushu WAKU WAKU ADVENTURE Shinkansen, details on campaigns, the latest details on the collaboration, and more. Waku Waku ADVENTURE now also has its own Instagram page which includes reports on event, pictures of merchandise, and other details.

Special Movie

A special collaborative movie will be released in September centred on the themes of Pixar’s movies such as bonds between people, family, friends, and adventure. It will be shown at JR Kyushu stations and the special site.

Campaign: Find the Pixar Ball

Original sticker designs

If you spot a station staff member at any of the JR Kyushu prefectural stations wearing a Pixar ball badge, call out to them and they’ll give you one of seven possible Pixar stickers as pictured above. All seven can be put into your “My Adventure Book,” so try collecting them all!

Participating Stations: Hakata Station, Saga Station, Nagasaki Station, Oita Station, Kumamoto Station, Kagoshima-Chūō Station, Miyazaki Station

*Depending on the time, platform staff may not be wearing the badges

*Stickers are available while supplies last

GO! WAKU WAKU ADVENTURE Digital Stamp Rally

A digital stamp rally will be held on the official JR Kyushu app. Board the JR Kyushu WAKU WAKU ADVENTURE Shinkansen, visit JR Kyushu Stations, and get some original stamps.

1st Stamp Rally: September 12, 2020 – January 31, 2021

Limited Edition Merchandise

Merchandise lineup

A special collection of merchandise has been created featuring designs of Kyushu and the Pixar characters. The items will be sold at shops around JR Kyushu stations and online in Japan.

Release Date: September 12, 20202
Merchandise List: https://www.jrkyushu.co.jp/train/wakuwaku-adventure/goods/

Those who ride the very first departing train will receive an original Pixar design train ticket. The Tsubame 363 train bound for Kagoshima-Chūō Station will depart from Hakata Station at 12:19 on September 12, 2020.

©Disney/Pixar

Seikatsu Guide, and online website that helps support and promote local regions around Japan, has announced its Top 10 selection for “Places I Most Want To Go And See (Western Japan)” as voted for by people.

Right now, most of us are under lockdown and are prohibited from making trips deemed unnecessary. So why not make a list of places you want to visit for when we can next travel? One of those places should be the Five Bridges of Amakusa in Kumamoto Prefecture.

“Yowamushi Pedal” Anime | Five Bridges of Amakusa in Kumamoto

Taking the number one spot on the list is Five Bridges of Amakusa which is located in Kamiamakusa, Kumamoto. As the name suggests, five bridges make up the landmark, all of which stretch from Misumimachi and connect to Oyano Island, Nagaura Island, Oike Island, and Maejima Island. The bridges are a famous sightseeing spot and have been chosen as one of Japan’s “100 Best Evening Spots” and “100 Best Roads.”

One woman in her 30’s said, “I’ve been there on numerous occasions. It’s a really beautiful place.” A man in his 30’s also commented, “I love the [Yowamushi Pedal] manga. If you’re going as a fan, that scene is really exciting, so I went there on my bike.”

Comment from the person in charge of the Kamiamakusa Planning Committee

“Thank you for honouring us with 1st place in this […] ranking. Five Bridges of Amakusa features as the location for the race in the Yowamushi Pedal movie. It gets its name from its five bridges which connect the islands along National Route 266. The area is also nicknamed ‘Amakusa Pearl Line’ for the abundance of pearls that can be found here. It was also selected as one of Japan’s 100 Roads. It’s a truly beautiful bridge which is also an example of Japan’s fine bridge building craftsmanship.”

They continue: “Amakusa is surrounded by the beautiful ocean and spectacular mountains. Most of the city is located in Unzen-Amakusa National Park. There are islands that sit atop the glistening sea, and there’s the Amakusa Alps which offer a spectacular view. It hails as one of Japan’s best places for nature! There are many fun outdoor activities to experience, like dolphin watching, kayaking, cycling, and more. We have incredible food like kuruma prawns, which are a speciality food here, as well as free range local chickens. You can relax your mind and body with a dip in the hot springs while gazing at the ocean. Please be sure to drop by Kamiamakusa to enjoy everything it has to offer.”

Other places that ranked on the list include the following.

2nd Place – “Manpuku” TV Drama | Porto Europe, Wakayama

3rd Place – STU48 Promotional Video | Chichibugahama Beach, Kagawa

4th Place – “Yatsuhakamura” Movie | Makido Cave, Okayama

5th Place – “Segodon” TV Drama | Tatsumonjizaka Trail (Ryumonjizaka), Kagoshima