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.

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.

Reki Kawahara’s web novel Sword Art Online began in 2002, later becoming a popular light novel series. The anime series debuted in 2012, followed by a second season in 2014 and a third in 2018. Following the characters Kirito and Asuna as they traverse a virtual reality MMORPG, the series has seen major success, with the light novels selling over 30 million copies worldwide. 

During Sword Art Online’s anniversary event on November 6, it was revealed that a new film project is in the works. A brief teaser was also revealed, though concrete information is hard to come by at this point in time. 

Be sure to check back soon for new information about the film!

【STORY】

“This may be a game, but it’s not something to take lightly.”

The world’s first VRMMORPG, Sword Art Online, has turned into a game of death. Over a month has passed since 10,000 users were trapped in the game world.

Asuna, who conquered the first level of the floating castle of steel Aincrad, continues her journey to the top floor along with Kirito.

With the help of the female informant Argo, the attack seemed to be going well. However…

The top player groups leading the attack are the ALS (Aincrad Liberation Force) and the DKB (Dragon Knights Brigade).Although they should be working towards the same goal, war breaks out.
Behind the scenes, a mysterious figure lurks…

What awaits Kirito and Asuna as they continue their journey?

©2020 川原 礫/KADOKAWA/SAO-P Project

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the globally popular Naruto anime series, NARUTO THE GALLERY will be held at AKIBA_SQUARE inside Akihabara UDX from December 10, 2022 until January 31, 2023. The gallery will feature collaborations with five animators. 

This will be the first Naruto exhibition held since 2015. The event will focus on the growth of the characters, the bonds they share with their friends, and the many fights that have taken place over the past two decades. 

Iconic scenes from the Naruto anime series will be on display in collaboration with five up-and-coming animators: Ai Niina, Kohei Kadowaki, que, Kosuke Sugimoto, and Kohta Morie. This will give fans the chance to see an unprecedented and unique view of the world of Naruto which can only be seen at the event. 

Admission Bonus: Gemaki-style Card

Goods

An original Gemaki-style Card featuring a newly-drawn visual will be handed out to those visiting the exhibition. 

The first lineup of exclusive event-only merchandise has been revealed and longtime fans of the series won’t want to miss adding some of these goods to their collection. 

Participating Artists / Episode

Ai Niina / Sasuke’s Ninja Way

Kohei Kadowaki / Naruto’s Path

que / The Land of Waves

Kosuke Sugimoto / Sasuke’s Vessel

Kohta Morie / Naruto and Kurama

©NARUTO THE GALLERY実行委員会

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

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!

A new collaboration store is now open in Akihabara, bringing together the popular YouTuber Sana Natori and everyone’s favorite Sanrio characters. The shop will be open until October 19, and this second collaboration features Halloween-inspired goods.

This time around, seven new goods are available, with 21 designs available in total. The illustrations were drawn exclusively for the collaboration.

Goods at a Glance

Pin (3 varieties)

Acrylic Keychain (3 varieties)

Acrylic Card (7 varieties)

Acrylic Figure Plate (3 varieties)

Sana Natori x Kuromi

Sana Natori x Pompompurin

Sana Natori x Lloromannic

Sticker (Set of 3)

Clear Case

Long Sleeve T-shirt

Purchase Bonus – Postcard (2 varieties)

Sana Natori is a VTuber who has become popular with audiences of all ages. Her aim is to live a proper life online, and she’s known largely for her livestreams, gaming, and music.

Following the well-recieved first collaboration, these spooky designs are sure to be a hit this holiday season. Which goods are you after?

(C) Sana Natori (C) 2022 SANRIO CO.,LTD. APPROVAL NO. L634678

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

Gee! Store, a popular series of shops specializing in anime character goods, has announced a collaboration with the series Luminous Witches! From September 9 until September 19, Cure Maid Cafe in Akihabara will be serving up tasty treats inspired by characters from the series. 

Collaboration Menu

Exclusive Collaboration Character Cards (9 varieties)

Preorder Goods

The cafe will offer a number of snacks and drinks, including Eggplant Cheese Pasta, Aira & Eleonore’s Curry, and Moffy’s Parfait. A special drink will be available to order by posting with a special hashtag on social media, so be sure to check back for more information!

©2021 島田フミカネ・KADOKAWA／連盟空軍航空魔法音楽隊
©TABLIER MARKETING INC., ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

To celebrate the second season of The Rising of the Shield Hero, a special pop-up store will open on August 19 inside GiGO Akihabara!

2L Chara Fine Mat (4 varieties): ￥1,980 (Tax Included)

Mini-Character Pin (6 varieties): ￥440 (Tax Included)

New items include character mats with newly-drawn illustrations and mini-character pins. 

During the event period, for every purchase of ￥3,000 or more (including tax), customers will receive a random postcard as a bonus. Be sure to grab yours before they’re gone!

A take-out collaboration cafe inspired by the anime series Uncle from Another World is now open at CURE MAID CAFE in Akihabara! The event is running until August 28, 2022.

Exclusive Collaboration Character Cards (6 varieties)

The take-out collaboration cafe features a lineup of collaboration drinks inspired by characters from the series. Special bonuses will be given to those who order from the collaboration menu, and photos from the series will be displayed at the eat-in space Entas Cure Terrace on the same floor.

Enjoy these otherwordly collab drinks that can only be found here!

（C）殆ど死んでいる・KADOKAWA刊／異世界おじさん製作委員会 （C）SEGA
（C）TABLIER MARKETING INC.,ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.