Tokyo Community Radio (TCR), an online radio platform run by Licaxxx, has announced a new event titled communities. The event will be held at Daikanyama UNIT / Saloon in Tokyo on June 30 and at Osaka JOULE on July 1.

The guest lineup includes re:ni and Laksa, two hot up-and-coming DJs and producers reshaping the UK music scene. The duo has a monthly program on NTS Radio titled re;lax, along with a party series of the same name. In February 2023, they released a new EP, Body Score, on their new label founded to explore music with faster tempos and to carry the torch of UK techno, jungle, dubstep, and grime. Each DJ is also active individually and the two have constantly been in the spotlight.

Music fans are invited to partake in this stunning musical event led by Licaxxx and targeted at the current generation of music makers as they extend beyond Asia and take their activities around the world.

re:lax (re:ni & Laksa)

Licaxxx

ZEROTOKYO, an entertainment mecca known for heating up Tokyo nights, is teaming up with ASOBISYSTEM to create an exciting new party! ASOBIZA, named after the origin of Kabukicho, will be held on April 28.

The lineup includes music artists as well as charismatic figures at the top of their fields in fashion, beauty, and art. Transcending musical genres and generations, this night will embody ZEROTOKYO’s concept of being a true “Entertainment Junction.”

Additional performers may be announced in the future.

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

For four days only starting in February 2023, fans of Hatsune Miku will want to take an incredible night cruise around Tokyo Bay. The virtual singer will collaborate with the popular Tokyo Bay Night Cruise which travels between Yokohama and Tokyo. The event will include special tickets, exclusive bonuses for guests, collaborative goods, and onboard decorations. Collaborative goods will be available to purchase on the ship or from the Shimapochi online store.

Outline

Dates: February 19, February 26, March 5, March 12

Night Cruise Itinerary:

Osanbashi, Yokohama / Check-in 16:00-18:00

Osanbashi, Yokohama / Departure 18:10, Enjoy the night view from the ship

Takeshiba Wharf, Tokyo / Arrival 19:45

*Guests will be led by a special MC narrating the night scenery. Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase.

Special Ticket Fare:

Adults ¥2,000 / Children ¥1,500 (Includes consumption tax and fuel price adjusted for inflation)

[Includes Hatsune Miku Collaboration Sticker and Postcard (6 varieties, random)]

Special tickets featuring Hatsune Miku will only be available to those reserving their spot online. Reservations can be made two months prior to the boarding date. Space is extremely limited, so grab a spot while you can!

Those not interested in bonuses can also enjoy a night cruise during this period, with adult tickets costing ¥1,000 and children’s tickets costing ¥500. More details will be released at a later date.

The Mine City Tourism Association has announced a Christmas & Valentine’s Day event at Akiyoshido Cave, one of the largest limestone caves in Japan. The event will see the natural wonder illuminated by a number of colorful lights. The Christmas event will run from December 21 to 25, 2022, while the Valentine’s Day event will run from February 10 to 14, 2023.

Akiyoshido Cave is one of Yamaguchi Prefecture’s most popular tourist attractions. The interior will be decorated with colorful lights and unique soundscapes, creating a once-in-a-lifetime setting for visitors. These illuminations and sounds were directed by world-renowned lighting designer Motoko Ishii, known for her work on Tokyo Tower and the Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge.

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

A story-based digital GPS rally inspired by Chainsaw Man will be held within Tokyo’s subway system from November 1 until November 28. Fans of the anime series won’t want to miss it!

Participants will be tasked with one vital mission: to find five senior devil hunters who are currently undercover at subway stations around the city.

Participants will download an app from the special website and follow the instructions within to find stamp locations at stations throughout Tokyo. When they reach the designated location, they’ll find a special poster, and they’ll just need to press a button in the app to earn a stamp. By collecting stamps in all six locations, fans will receive a unique key visual which can only be obtained through this event. 

Pop-Up Shop

During the event period, fans will also find a limited-time pop-up shop inside Ikebukuro Sunshine City. Original collaboration items will be on sale, and a game will be set up with winners able to walk away with unique prizes. From November 1 to November 20, admission to the shop will be by advance reservation only on a first-come, first-served basis to reduce crowding. Reservations can be made through the official website.

©藤本タツキ／集英社・ＭＡＰＰＡ

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. 

HELLO KITTY SHOW BOX, a theater and restaurant offering Hello Kitty-themed shows and meals on Awaji Island, and HELLO KITTY APPLE HOUSE, an apple-shaped observation theater based on the popular character’s home, are both currently holding the Apple Halloween 2022 event until October 31! 

Guests can enjoy a mystery-solving event and some adorable photo spots inspired by apples and the Halloween season. By solving certain riddles, visitors will be rewarded with candy!

Come have fun this Halloween with Hello Kitty, friends, and family!

Started in October, the New Show ‘HELLO KITTY THE PARTIES’ Gets Rave Reviews

HELLO KITTY THE PARTIES, a new show at the theater and restaurant HELLO KITTY SHOW BOX, will run until December 30, 2022. The show features a new theme each month and currently features a jazz band.

October’s theme is Happy Halloween Party, and visitors can listen to a number of famous songs while enjoying tasty and healthy dishes packed with autumn flavors. At the end of the performance, a meet and greet with Hello Kitty will be held. November’s theme will be Hello Kitty’s Birthday Party, while December will focus on a Christmas Party!

The popular anime series Free! will celebrate its 10th anniversary with a special event at Saitama Super Arena on August 13, 2023. Cast members from the series, including Nobunaga Shimazaki, Tatsuhisa Suzuki, Mamoru Miyano, Tsubasa Yonaga, and Daisuke Hirakawa, will be in attendance. Free! -the Final Stroke- The Second Volume will be released on Blu-ray and DVD on April 5, 2023, and will include a priority purchase application ticket for the special event. Check out the official website for details!

The Free! anime franchise, which is loosely based on the High Speed! light novels by Kouji Ooji, began in 2013 and includes three TV series and multiple films produced by Kyoto Animation. The three anime series–Free!, Free! Eternal Summer, and Free! Dive to the Future–have been incredibly popular around the world. The first part of Free! The Final Stroke was released in theaters last year, with the second part hitting theaters in April 2022. Fans won’t want to miss out on the exciting 10th-anniversary activities in 2023!

©おおじこうじ・京都アニメーション／岩鳶町後援会2021

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

Japanese lingerie line PEACH JOHN has launched a new collection inspired by ONE PIECE FILM RED! The new items went on sale starting September 21, and fans can purchase them from the official PEACH JOHN site and at PEACH JOHN stores nationwide.

The collaboration includes bra and panty sets inspired by Nami, Nico Robin, and Uta, the main character of the latest film. Pajamas inspired by Shanks will also be available in both male and female sizes. While sold out on the online shop, these are still available in stores.  

Fans can also grab a cozy one-piece dress inspired by Uta’s outfit in the film, while the bra and panty set features satin ribbon reminiscent of Uta’s hairstyle. The straps in the back were inspired by Uta’s wings. 

The special site features an exclusive interview with Enako, the top cosplayer in Japan and the model for the collaboration. She gave her impressions of the photo shoot, so be sure to check it out!