Blue Lock × and ST Collaboration Event

Merchandise Featuring Newly Drawn Illustrations of Characters in "and ST" Outfits

A collaboration between the TV anime "Blue Lock" and "and ST (and EST)," the official web store of the Adastria Group, which operates casual fashion specialty stores, will result in the sale of a variety of apparel items. In addition to the apparel, various goods featuring the "Blue Lock × and ST" collaboration illustrations will be sold at a limited-time pop-up shop located within the "A-on STORE Pop-up Shop" space on the 6th floor of the Shinjuku Marui Annex.

Purchase Limits

To ensure fair access to the merchandise, purchase limits will be enforced per transaction. For items sold in random assortments, a limit of 20 items per transaction will be in place. For items sold openly, allowing customers to choose specific designs, the limit will be set at 3 items per transaction. It is important to note that these purchase limits are subject to change.

Advance Lottery for Entry During Peak Days

Due to anticipated high demand, entry to the pop-up shop will be restricted via an advance lottery system from Friday, January 17th to Sunday, January 19th, 2025.

Advance Lottery Schedule:

• Target Dates: January 17th (Fri) – January 19th (Sun), 2025
• Application Period: January 7th (Tue), 2025, 10:00 – January 9th (Thu), 2025, 23:59
• Results Announcement: Sequentially from January 10th (Fri), 2025, 18:00

Application Process:

Interested individuals must apply through the designated "Application Form." A free membership registration with "Livepocket-ticket-" is required to apply. Applications are not processed on a first-come, first-served basis, so applicants are encouraged to submit their entries anytime within the application window. Due to system limitations, late applications cannot be accepted. Cancellations can be made via the "Application Status/History" section on the applicant’s "My Page" before the lottery results are announced. Further details and precautions are available on the application form.

Free Admission and Numbered Tickets (January 17th – 19th)

Detailed information regarding free admission times and the distribution of numbered tickets for the period from January 17th to 19th will be provided following the announcement of the lottery results.

Entry from January 20th Onward

From January 20th onward, visitors can directly access the pop-up shop on the 6th floor of the Shinjuku Marui Annex. It is advised not to line up or gather before the opening time. Depending on the level of congestion, entry restrictions or the distribution of numbered entry tickets may be implemented. Please refer to the official website for the most up-to-date information.

Event Details

• Venue: Shinjuku Marui Annex
• Nearest Stations: Shinjuku Station / Shinjuku-Sanchome Station
• Address: 〒160-0022 Shinjuku 3-1-26, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo (MAP)
• Event Period: January 17th (Fri) – February 2nd (Sun), 2025
• Operating Hours: 11:00 – 20:00 (Last day until 19:00)
• Note: Business hours are subject to change in accordance with the Shinjuku Marui Annex’s schedule. On January 18th (Sat) and 19th (Sun), the operating hours will be from 10:30 to 20:00.
• Official Website: Shinjuku Marui Annex

Please note that the information provided is subject to change. Always consult the venue’s and organizer’s official websites for the latest updates.

🛏️ See hotels near Tokyo

What is Blue Lock?

"Blue Lock" is a Japanese manga and anime series created by Muneyuki Kaneshiro and illustrated by Yusuke Nomura. It debuted in 2018 and has since attracted a global audience of sports and anime fans. The series centers on a training program aimed at developing the world’s best striker for Japan’s national soccer team.

Following Japan’s underwhelming performance at the 2018 World Cup, the Japanese Football Association launches the Blue Lock project. This initiative brings together 300 talented high school strikers from across Japan, placing them in a highly competitive environment. The story follows Yoichi Isagi, one of these athletes, as he faces the challenges of intense competition and personal growth.

"Blue Lock" distinguishes itself in the sports genre by emphasizing individualism and the psychological aspects of competition. It delves into themes such as ego, teamwork, and the pursuit of excellence, offering a narrative that appeals to fans of both sports and character-driven stories. With its engaging artwork and storytelling, "Blue Lock" continues to captivate audiences in both manga and anime formats.

Odakyu Department Store Machida: "Chocolate x Chocolate"

A Confluence of Cocoa: 46 Chocolate Brands Converge at Odakyu Department Store Machida

From January 29th to February 14th, 2025, Odakyu Department Store Machida will host "Chocolat x Chocolat," a chocolate extravaganza featuring 46 distinct brands. This event, held on the 5th-floor event space, will showcase a wide array of chocolates, from renowned international chocolatiers, primarily hailing from Belgium and France, to innovative new creations and visually appealing confections. Additionally, the first basement floor’s food event space will offer a curated selection of domestic and international chocolates for a limited time.

Buyer’s Choice: Notable New Chocolate Offerings

This year’s event introduces several exciting new brands and products, handpicked by the store’s chocolate buyer.

• Cagui de Rêve’s "Caramel Cadenas" (8 pieces, 1,836 yen) presents an assortment of lock and padlock-shaped chocolates, inspired by the "Cadenas d’Amour" tradition, where lovers inscribe their names on a padlock, attach it to a bridge, and cast the key into the river below. This collection features four key-shaped and four padlock-shaped chocolates in orange, lime, passion fruit, and coffee flavors.
• Chocolatier Taka’s "10-piece Chocolate Assortment" (10 pieces, 5,562 yen) marks the debut of this Nakameguro-based chocolate specialty store at the event. The assortment offers a diverse range of flavors, including the fruity "Strawberry Champagne" and the rich "Praline Pistachio," presented in a variety of colors and shapes, reminiscent of a jewelry box.
• Nishikamakura Les Choux’s "Shonan Beer Truffles" (4 pieces, 972 yen) provides a unique tasting experience, allowing for a comparison of Shonan Beer flavors. This assortment combines three types of chocolate with local beer, featuring a white truffle with refreshing Pilsner, a bitter truffle with fragrant Schwarz, and a milk truffle with elegant Alt.

French Chocolates: A Celebration of Liqueur and Craftsmanship

The event also highlights the artistry of French chocolatiers, with a particular focus on liqueur-infused sweets.

• Cruisel’s "Cruisel Chardonnay 8" (8 pieces, 4,320 yen) is a luxurious offering from a brand with a four-generation history in the Normandy region of France. These colorful and visually appealing liqueur sweets are generously infused with alcohol.
• Maison Verdié’s "Grape Chocolate Kif-Kif Bottle" (95g, 2,268 yen) features golden raisins marinated in Sauternes, a noble rot wine from Bordeaux, France, meticulously coated in bitter chocolate. The aroma and flavor of this confection evolve over time, offering a unique sensory experience.
• Sébastien Bouillet’s "Biscuit Chocolat Assortment" (7 pieces, 1,836 yen) showcases the work of a renowned chocolatier from Lyon, France. This set includes charming tablet chocolates and bonbons shaped like biscuits.

Belgian Chocolates: New Collections from Established Masters

Belgium, a nation synonymous with chocolate excellence, is well-represented at the event, with several long-established brands unveiling new collections.

• DelReY’s "La Floraison" (5 pieces, 2,916 yen) is a new collection that captures the essence of Belgium’s four seasons through chocolate. Spring is represented by a refreshing jasmine & lemon, summer by subtly fragrant lavender, autumn by salted caramel with a balanced sweetness, and winter by spicy raspberry inspired by mulled wine. This assortment includes four unique chocolates representing each season, along with a heart-shaped chocolate.
• Benoît Nihant’s "Aphrodisiaque" (6 pieces, 3,456 yen) showcases the work of a Belgian cacao artisan with a unique background as a former engineer. These special bonbons, whose name translates to "love potion," are born from the fusion of cacao and spices, and come in three varieties: Pineapple & Cinnamon, Saffron & Vanilla, and Hazelnut Praline & Coriander Seed.
• Van Dender’s "Chocolate Assortment" (8 pieces, 3,780 yen) offers an assortment of chocolates crafted by a purveyor to the Belgian royal family, emphasizing the original flavor and aroma of cacao.

Visually Captivating Confections: Flower Motifs and Book-Shaped Packaging

The event also features a selection of chocolates that are as pleasing to the eye as they are to the palate.

• Kissa Penguin’s "Travel and Diary (Sparkling Canal and Starry Terrace)" (10 pieces, 1,512 yen) is presented by "Kissa Penguin," a coffee shop run by a travel enthusiast. The owner transforms flavors encountered during their travels into chocolates, packaging them in a book-shaped box that narrates these travel stories.
• Parfait au Chocolat’s "Sunny Day Muscat (Muscat and Pear Parfait)" (9 pieces, 1,296 yen) is inspired by a vibrant parfait filled with refreshing muscat and juicy pear. This collection features the fragrant aroma of muscat fruit truffles and the sweet, rich flavor of La France pears.
• BEL AMER’s "Fruit Pops" (6 pieces, 2,808 yen) are adorable lollipop-shaped chocolates inspired by fruit, with a juicy flavor enhanced by fruit jelly inside.
• Le Pépin’s "Parterre de Chocolat" (9 pieces, 1,566 yen) features charming chocolates topped with two types of flowers, presented in a flowerbed-inspired box.

Valentine’s Day Exclusives in the Depachika

The department store’s basement, known as the "Depachika," will also feature exclusive Valentine’s Day chocolates.

• FOUCHER Olympus’ "Star Crystals/Space Mineral Specimens" (9 pieces, 2,700 yen) will be available from February 3rd in the Basement 1st Floor Food Event Space. These chocolates are inspired by planetary crystals, evoking the vastness of space, and are presented in a specimen-style package.
• Garnier’s "Garnier B" (6 pieces, 1,404 yen) will also be available from February 3rd in the Basement 1st Floor Food Event Space. This collection features small, meticulously crafted chocolates set in a tin adorned with Vincent van Gogh’s globally renowned painting, "Sunflowers."
• Kyo Yogashishi Jouvencelle’s "Aya L" (12 pieces, 2,268 yen) will be available from February 3rd in the Basement 1st Floor Food Event Space. This two-tiered box embodies Kyoto culture, featuring cherry blossom-flavored chocolates and chocolates topped with black beans, heralding the arrival of spring.

Event Details

• Location: Odakyu Department Store Machida
• Nearest Station: Machida Station
• Address: 〒194-8550 Tokyo, Machida, Haramachida 6-12-20, MAP
• Venue: Odakyu Department Store Machida, 5th Floor Event Space
• Event Period: January 29th (Wednesday) – February 14th (Friday), 2025
• Hours: 10:00 AM – 7:30 PM
• Inquiries: Odakyu Department Store (Navi Dial) 0570-025-888
• Official Website: https://www.odakyu-dept.co.jp/machida/valentine/index.html?srsltid=AfmBOooQGXRUpyFxz1O2GKDf2FeCiKWaAxrN-uB9jfl3c932tNBeoX4j

Please note that the information provided is subject to change. It is recommended to check the official website of the venue or organizer for the most up-to-date details.

🛏️ See hotels near Tokyo

What is Odakyu Department Store?

Odakyu Department Store is a prominent retail outlet in Japan, offering a diverse range of products and attentive customer service. Situated in urban locations like Machida, it provides a convenient shopping experience for those looking for fashion, beauty items, gourmet foods, and home goods. As part of the Odakyu Group, which also includes transportation and hospitality services, the store is well-integrated into the community. Odakyu Department Store blends traditional Japanese hospitality with contemporary retail practices, creating an inviting shopping environment. It also hosts various events and promotions throughout the year, such as the Chocolate x Chocolate event, which features a selection of chocolate brands for Valentine’s Day.

22nd Dojima Yakushido Setsubun Water Drawing Festival on February 3rd

Image of the festival

The 22nd Dojima Yakushido Setsubun Omizukumi Festival, a springtime tradition that calls forth spring and good fortune in Osaka Kita, will be held on Monday, February 3rd, 2025. The festival, which is free to attend, will take place at Dojima Yakushido Temple, the Dojima Avanza 1st-floor special venue, and other areas around Dojima and Sonezaki Shinchi in Osaka City’s Kita Ward.

The festivities will commence at 2:30 PM with the Setsubun Buddhist memorial service at Dojima Yakushido Temple, followed by Omizukumi, the pouring of holy water into the bamboo talismans of worshippers. This ritual is believed to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits.

A special stage inside Dojima Avanza will host a variety of performances throughout the day. Attendees can expect to witness powerful "Shomyo" (Buddhist chanting) by the monks of Nara Yakushiji Temple, as well as dedicatory dances performed by the geishas of Kitashinchi.

In the evening, the "White Dragon" enshrined at Dojima Yakushido will be paraded through the streets from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM. Joining the procession will be Kitashinchi women dressed as "Obake" (ghosts) and the "Kitashinchi Queen" dressed as an Oiran (courtesan), adding a touch of traditional elegance to the festivities. This procession will take place from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM.

Osaka Pro Wrestling will also be present to entertain the crowds, ensuring a lively atmosphere throughout the event. Additionally, Toshio Kamei, the composer of Kitashinchi’s new image song "Fushigini Ii Kanji" (lyrics by Neko Oikawa), will perform the song on the special stage inside Dojima Avanza.

The festival offers a unique opportunity to experience traditional Japanese culture and witness a variety of performances, all within the vibrant setting of Osaka’s Kita Ward. The combination of religious rituals, traditional performances, and modern entertainment makes this event stand out from other Setsubun festivals.

Event Details

• Date: February 3rd, 2025 (Monday)
• Time: 2:30 PM to 8:00 PM (varies depending on the specific event)
• Location:
  • Dojima Yakushido Temple (1-6-20 Dojima, Kita-ku, Osaka City)
  • Dojima Avanza 1st-floor special venue (1-6-20 Dojima, Kita-ku, Osaka City)
  • Other areas around Dojima and Sonezaki Shinchi, Kita-ku, Osaka City
• Price: Free admission
• Contact: 06-6345-0006 (Kitashinchi Social Dining Association)
• Website: Kitashinchi Social Dining Association

🛏️ View hotels near the event

What is Dojima Yakushido?

Dojima Yakushido is a Buddhist temple in Osaka, Japan, dedicated to Yakushi Nyorai, the Buddha of healing and medicine. It serves as a place of worship and reflection for both locals and visitors.

The temple features traditional Japanese architecture, with wooden structures and well-maintained gardens providing a peaceful retreat from the city. Dojima Yakushido hosts various cultural and religious events throughout the year, including the Setsubun Festival, which marks the beginning of spring and involves rituals to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune.

Visitors can explore the temple’s grounds and participate in its events, gaining insight into the cultural heritage of Osaka and the spiritual practices that continue to thrive in this historic setting.

Wan Nyan Dome 2025 at Aichi Sky Expo

Wan Nyan Dome 2025, Japan’s largest pet event, will be held at Aichi Sky Expo (Aichi International Exhibition Center) in Tokoname City, Aichi Prefecture, on February 22nd and 23rd, 2025. This event, which allows pets to enter, will feature dogs and cats from all over the world.

The venue will host a variety of events, including a champion dog exhibition corner organized by top breeders and a dog athletic meet. These attractions are designed to be enjoyable for all attendees, whether they are pet owners or simply animal lovers.

Tickets for Wan Nyan Dome 2025 are currently available for purchase on the official website. Advance tickets are priced at 1800 yen for adults and 800 yen for children, while tickets purchased on the day of the event will cost 2000 yen for adults and 1000 yen for children. The children’s price applies to those aged 3 to 12, and entry is free for children under 3 years old.

The event will run from 10:00 to 17:00 on both days, with the last entry permitted at 16:30. The venue, Hall D of Aichi Sky Expo, is conveniently located just a 5-minute walk from Meitetsu Central Japan International Airport Station.

For any inquiries, the Wan Nyan Dome 2025 Management Office can be contacted within TV Aichi at 052-229-6030 during weekdays from 10:00 to 17:00.

Event Details

• Dates: February 22 (Sat) – 23 (Sun/Holiday), 2025
• Time: 10:00 – 17:00 (Last entry at 16:30)
• Venue: Aichi Sky Expo (Aichi International Exhibition Center) Hall D
• Fees:
  • Adults: 1800 yen (2000 yen on the day)
  • Children (3-12 years old): 800 yen (1000 yen on the day)
  • Children under 3: Free
• Contact: Wan Nyan Dome 2025 Management Office (within TV Aichi)
• Telephone: 052-229-6030 (Weekdays 10:00-17:00)
• Website: https://tv-aichi.co.jp/wannyan/2025/index.html
• Access: 5-minute walk from Meitetsu Central Japan International Airport Station

🛏️ See hotels near the event

What is Wan Nyan Dome?

Wan Nyan Dome is a notable event in Japan for pet enthusiasts, especially those fond of dogs and cats. The name "Wan Nyan" comes from the Japanese sounds for a dog’s bark ("wan") and a cat’s meow ("nyan"), highlighting the event’s focus. Held at Aichi Sky Expo, it is recognized as Japan’s largest pet event, drawing thousands of visitors annually.

The event is a gathering place for pet owners, industry professionals, and animal lovers. Attendees can explore various exhibits featuring pet products, services, and innovations. From pet food and accessories to healthcare solutions, the event offers a range of items for pet care.

Beyond the marketplace, Wan Nyan Dome includes activities and demonstrations. Visitors can attend live performances, seminars, and workshops on pet care and training. The event also facilitates pet adoption, helping animals find homes.

Wan Nyan Dome is not just a trade show; it celebrates the relationship between humans and pets, creating a community among attendees. Whether you’re an experienced pet owner or an animal admirer, Wan Nyan Dome provides an engaging experience for all.

Miharashidai Archaeological Museum Plum Blossom Festival

The second annual Miharashidai Archaeological Museum Plum Blossom Festival will be held on February 22nd and 23rd, 2025, from 10:00 to 16:00 at Kasadera Park, located at 47 Miharashicho, Minami Ward. This event offers a unique opportunity to enjoy the full bloom of plum blossoms in a historically rich setting, alongside a variety of engaging activities and performances. The museum itself, which boasts a collection of historically valuable exhibits, will be open to the public free of charge during the festival.

Event Highlights

The festival features a diverse lineup of events spanning both days. For those seeking a bit of playful fun, inflatable playground equipment will be available for a fee, and a balloon artist will be present to entertain attendees of all ages.

Saturday, February 22nd

The festivities kick off on Saturday with an opening ceremony at 10:15. Following the ceremony, the children of Kasadera Gakudo Hoiku-jo will deliver a performance featuring tin can stilts and torches at 10:40. The day continues with a picture-story show by Sorairoshunsuke at 11:15 and 13:00, a performance by Monaka Samurai at 12:15, a kids’ dance showcase by Studio Echigo at 14:00, and a hula and posture demonstration by AnaPono & Le’a Hula Dance at 15:00.

Sunday, February 23rd

Sunday’s schedule includes a performance by the Domatsuri Team Iryase Nanto at 11:30, a calligraphy performance by Kana Yamauchi at 13:00, a breakin’ dance battle hosted by DANCE STUDIO STAR GATE at 14:00, and a candy toss for children 12 and under at 15:40 – participation in the candy toss is free.

Museum Exploration

A special highlight of the festival is the opportunity to explore the Miharashidai Archaeological Museum with a curator. These guided tours, which include a behind-the-scenes look at the museum’s operations, will be held on both Saturday and Sunday at 11:00 and 14:30. Numbered tickets will be distributed 30 minutes prior to each tour, and participation is free, with a capacity of 30 people per session. As an added bonus, children under 12 will receive a candy gift upon completion of the tour.

Food and Accommodation

A variety of food trucks will be on-site throughout the festival, offering a range of culinary options for purchase. For those planning to stay overnight, a selection of hotels near the event can be found 🛏️ here.

Access and Additional Information

Kasadera Park is easily accessible by public transportation. Visitors can take the Meitetsu Nagoya Main Line to Honkasadera Station (a 10-minute walk east) or the Subway Sakura-dori Line to Tsurusato Station (a 15-minute walk southwest). Alternatively, the park can be reached by city bus, with stops at Kasadera Nishimon (a 7-minute walk east) and Yayoi-cho (a 7-minute walk west). Please note that there is no parking available at the venue, so the use of public transportation is strongly encouraged.

The festival is organized by the Miharashidai Archaeological Museum Plum Blossom Festival Executive Committee, with sponsorship from the Minami Ward Office and the Minami Public Works Office. The Kasugano, Kasadera, and Kasato School District Liaison Councils are providing cooperation, and the event is operated by Eighties Inc. (contact: [email protected]).

Please be aware that the content of the stalls may be subject to change depending on weather conditions and other factors. Additionally, all purchased food items should be consumed promptly, and the actual offerings may differ from the photos due to stocking variations.

What is Miharashidai Archaeological Museum?

The Miharashidai Archaeological Museum, located in Nagoya, Japan, is dedicated to preserving and presenting the region’s archaeological heritage. It offers visitors an opportunity to explore the area’s ancient history through a collection of artifacts such as pottery, tools, and other items discovered at local archaeological sites. These exhibits provide insights into the lives and cultures of the region’s early inhabitants.

Beyond its permanent collection, the museum features temporary exhibitions and educational programs designed to engage the public and enhance understanding of archaeology and history. The museum’s architecture and tranquil setting also attract those interested in both history and the natural beauty of the area.

The Miharashidai Archaeological Museum contributes to the community by promoting cultural heritage and providing a space for learning and reflection. Its annual Plum Blossom Festival is a notable event, drawing visitors with its beautiful blossoms, free museum entry, and various performances and activities that celebrate both historical and contemporary culture.

Duel Academy Commissary Branch: A Yu-Gi-Oh! GX 20th Anniversary Pop-Up Shop

Celebrating Two Decades of Dueling with Exclusive Merchandise and Art

To commemorate the 20th anniversary of the broadcast of "Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters GX," a special pop-up shop, the "Duel Academy Commissary Branch," will be held in Akihabara, Tokyo. This limited-time event offers fans a unique opportunity to celebrate the beloved anime series with exclusive merchandise, artwork displays, and special promotions.

The pop-up shop will feature newly drawn illustrations of seven characters from the series, including Jaden Yuki and Yubel. These illustrations depict the characters "walking towards their respective futures" after the final episode, providing a fresh perspective on their journeys. Fans can purchase acrylic stands and other items featuring these exclusive designs.

In addition to the new illustrations, the shop will offer a variety of merchandise perfect for commemorating the 20th anniversary. This includes T-shirts featuring Jaden’s iconic phrases, "Gotcha!" and "Get your game on!", tote bags designed like Duel Disks, and Duel Academy stickers. These items are sure to resonate with long-time fans of "Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters GX."

Special Promotions and Displays

Adding to the excitement, a special gift campaign will be held during the event. For every ￥2,000 (tax included) spent on related products, customers will receive one random L-size Bromide featuring one of the seven characters, adding an element of surprise and collectibility.

Beyond the merchandise, the venue will showcase valuable setting artwork and life-size standees of the characters, providing an immersive experience for visitors. A lottery campaign will also be held, offering a chance to win the "large tapestry" used in the exhibition.

Event Details

• Location: Grand Entas, Akihabara Station
• Address: 1F Onoden Building, 1-2-7 Soto-Kanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0021 (MAP)
• Event Period: January 25, 2025 (Saturday) – February 2, 2025 (Sunday)
• Admission: Free
• Official Website: https://www.cospa.com/special/yugioh-gx/

Please note that the published contents are subject to change. For the latest information, please check the venue and organizer’s official website.

🛏️ See hotels near Tokyo

What is Yu-Gi-Oh! GX?

Yu-Gi-Oh! GX is the second series in the Yu-Gi-Oh! anime franchise, following the original. It debuted in Japan in 2004 and soon attracted a global audience. The series is set in a world where the card game Duel Monsters is integral to daily life, and it takes place at Duel Academy, a school for aspiring duelists.

The story centers on Jaden Yuki, a skilled and enthusiastic duelist, as he deals with school life, friendships, and card battles. Jaden and his friends face various rivals, each with distinct decks and strategies. The show is notable for introducing new gameplay mechanics and card archetypes that have become key elements in the Yu-Gi-Oh! trading card game.

Yu-Gi-Oh! GX is appreciated for its storylines and characters, as well as its exploration of themes like growth, responsibility, and competition. As the series celebrates its 20th anniversary, fans can revisit the series through events such as a pop-up shop in Tokyo, featuring exclusive merchandise and activities.