The smartphone game Dark Tales ~Mirror and Mad Princess~ was officially released on April 11, and the popular singer and talent Kyary Pamyu Pamyu performed the theme song for the title.   The dark RPG tells a tale of the loss of childlike innocence and was pre-downloaded over 1 million times. The theme song, Magical Mirror, was written and composed by Yasutaka Nakata.   Fans of the genre won’t want to miss out on this mysterious mobile title!

Born in Niigata and living in London, international singer-songwriter Rina Sawayama released her second album Hold The Girl on September 16, 2022. Her Japan-based Hold The Girl Tour saw successful shows in Nagoya, Osaka, and Tokyo, with Sawayama generating plenty of buzz. During the final show on the tour, the singer surprised the audience with a cover of Hikaru Utada’s hit songFirst Love. The video of this incredible performance is now available to watch on YouTube!

 

First Love - Rina Sawayama (Hikaru Utada Cover, Tokyo Garden Theatre)

 

Prior to the Tokyo show, Sawayama took to Instagram, posting a comment for fans. “Since this is the biggest show I’ve ever done, I think I should cover a special Japanese track to commemorate the event,” she said. The singer had previously asked fans to share the songs they’d most like to see performed.

 

“Without this artist and without this song, I probably wouldn’t have become a musician or an artist. I heard this track when I was around six years old, and I remember dancing for my parents who were sitting on the sofa. This artist also celebrated her 40th birthday yesterday. This is my first cover, but I think it’s the perfect way to commemorate this special event. Please enjoy,” Sawayama concluded.

 

The audience responded to this surprise with a chorus of excitement, and this was surely an unforgettable night for many fans.

 

Rina is currently on the Hold The Girl Tour in Europe. At the end of March, she will make her Hollywood debut in the fourth John Wickmovie.

Japanese indie game label Yokaze will exhibit many anticipated upcoming titles at the 2023 Taipei Game Show. The event will be held in Taiwan from February 2 until February 5, 2023.

 

ghostpia

ghostpia's visuals mix warm, delicate art that would be fit for an illustrated children's book with glitch and noise effects, for a strangely nostalgic visual novel vibe. The story takes place in a snowy town where immortal "ghosts" live. When Sayoko, a girl who doesn’t belong, meets Yoru, a newcomer to town, her world begins to change. Her thoughts begin to drift outside of the town, and certain events bring her back to a lost friendship. Filled with mystery and a bit of violence, this title is being touted as a movie you can read on PC.   Developer: Chosuido Release Date: 2023 Platform: Nintendo Switch™/Steam, etc. Website: https://ghostpia.xyz/  

Recolit

Recolit is a pixel art mystery adventure game where players explore a strange town by following trails of light. After your spaceship crash lands in a mysterious place, you’ll have to help the residents of the town as you explore and progress through the story.   Developer: Image Labo Release Date: 2023 Platform: Steam/itch.io (Others planned) Website: https://image-labo.com/recolit/ 

Kitsune: The Journey of Adashino

Kitsune: The Journey of Adashino is a 3D adventure game set in a mysterious version of Japan. One day, a fox girl and her frog friend find themselves on a mysterious island shrouded by darkness but for a few floating lights. Torii gates, food stall lanterns, and neon signs give light and color to the island. Something is lurking in the shadows, inching ever closer. Kitsune can use light to temporarily blind these demons, giving her enough time to find safe routes and hiding places. Be sure to enjoy this curious tale when it releases in the future!   Developer: Rias Release Date: TBD Platform: Nintendo Switch™/Steam (Others planned) Website: https://www.foxandfrog.net/

Over the past few decades, Star Wars has become one of the most beloved properties with fans around the world. Grogu, known by many fans as Baby Yoda, first appeared in The Mandalorian, a series on Disney+ currently celebrating its third anniversary.  With his mysterious background and incredible use of the Force, the tiny and adorable character became a hit with fans around the world, quickly making him one of the most popular characters in the recent Star Wars series. World-renowned Japanese animation studio Studio Ghibli recently produced a short animation starring Grogu and Makkuro Kurosuke, also known as the Wandering Soot or, in the title for the short, Dust Bunnies. The characters first appeared in the film My Neighbor Totoro. Studio Ghibli director Hayao Miyazaki and producer Toshio Suzuki have long been friends with Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy, who readily agreed to produce the short as a symbol of their longstanding friendship. The short was directed by Katsuya Kondo.   Will you give this a watch on Disney+?   （C）2022 & TM Lucasfilm Ltd.（C）2022 Studio Ghibli.

From November 9 until December 25, the Disney HARVEST MARKET by CAFE COMPANY Shibuya Hikarie location will be offering a special Christmas menu and exclusive holiday merchandise.    The location’s popular Afternoon Tea Party set will see a Christmas makeover, and a limited number of original Christmas cards will only be handed out to those who order one. Other menu items include a Stew Plate with Meatballs and Vegetables, Minnie’s Berry and Cocoa Mousse, and plenty more tasty treats to get visitors into the holiday spirit.   

Menu

HAPPY CHRISTMAS! Afternoon Tea Set (Christmas Exclusive)

Original Christmas Cards (Limited quantity, not for sale)

​Meatball and Vegetable Stew Plate

Berry & Cocoa Miss Sweet Mousse ~Minnie Style~　

Berry Dot Cioccolata

Holiday Fruit & Spice Tea

 

Exclusive Goods

Almond Chocolate

  A 2.7-meter-high pure white statue of Mickey Mouse will welcome guests to the location, which will be filled with Christmas decorations. Come enjoy a fun Christmas season

 

Popular Japanese accessories brand Maison de FLEUR has started selling new goods as part of the Disney Collection. This time, Baymax from Big Hero 6 takes center stage, and items are available now at Maison de FLEUR locations nationwide and online.   The company chose Manami Enosawa to model the collection–a fitting choice, as Baymax is her favorite Disney character. Enosawa will also act as the director of the apparel brand ARUMDY starting this fall. The Baymax collection features a total of eight items perfect for everyday use. Fans can find everything from slippers featuring the robot’s face to bags, charms, and pouches perfect for bringing to school or carrying around town.  Come enjoy Maison de FLEUR’s newest goods featuring Baymax, one of the most popular Disney characters in recent memory.