3D Illumination of Osaka Castle

Starting from 14 December 2013 to 16 February 2014, visitors could experience 3D walkthrough in Osaka castle. Visitors will be bewildered with the 3D illuminations created by 12 projectors installed in Nishinomaru Garden, the castle seems to be haunted by a spell and crushed by inferno, creatures exist only in legends disappear and reappear. Jointly organised by Hois Ten Bosch and Osaka Government Tourism Bureau, the 3D illuminations are held three times daily at 6:45 pm, 8:15 pm and 9:45 pm, price of ticket from 1,600 Yen to 2,000 Yen.

Kobe -the city of bread from 1 Nov to 30 Nov 2013

To promote its bread culture, Kobe transforms into a city of bread from 1 Nov to 30 Nov 2013. About 43 bakeries participated, they offer special discount and gift items especially for this event. Workshops are organized to explain all the steps in bread-making and the world history of bread. Of course there is a lot of bread tasting. To support this event, maps with information are printed and distributed around the city for visitors’ easy reference.

Kowloon Walled City relive in Kawasaki Game Center

The Kowloon walled city demolished in 1994 relived in Kawasaki game center. The setting in the game center imitated the dark alleyways, poor lighting and drainage of the city. Those who never have the chance to enter the city or want to find fond memories can pay a visit there. The 3rd and 4th floors are the game center and internet cafe. It is quite a mega complex!
Its homepage http://www.warehouse.co.jp

Dancing squid over rice bowl

"Iikatei Tabiji 一花亭たびじ" in Hakodate (Hokkaido) has a tank in the restaurant which keeps the squids alive. The have a special dish called "Dancing squid over rice bowl (いか踊り丼)" which serve the squid alive to customers. The tentacles of the squid react to the ginger laced soya sauce and seem to dance over the rice. The making of the dish is shoot in a video and uploaded in youtube. Some may find it disturbing, while some may find it amazing.

Kimono Forest in Kyoto

Passengers getting on and off at the Arashiyama station in Kyoto are greeted with Kimono Forest made by Kyoyuzen.  Kyoyuzen 京友禅is a kind of fabric in Kyoto used for making kimono. With the tricks of the designer, Kyoyuzen becomes the light cover, when it is lighted up in the evening it gives a beautifull sight of Kyoto.

Animation Character Exhibition in Osaka

The animation "Sailor Moon" fancied many people in the 1990's. Now you can meet these magical girls in Kaiyodo Hobbykan Osaka. They are holding an exhibition displaying 500 female figures from the popular manga series. There is a corner set up to explain to the audience the construction of these figures. The expensive ones cost about several hundred thousand yen. The exhibition will close on 30 September 2013.

http://www.hobbykan.jp/schedule/index.html

Trick Art in Omizo Shopping Mall

To bring new excitement to the customer, 3D trick art is displayed in Omizo Shopping Mall (Gofukumachi, Himeji, Hyogo prefecture). It serves not only as an attraction to customer but it is also a place to find fun with kids. The trick art theme taken from fable, fairy tales and the national hero of Himeji will open up the mind of children and spark their imagination.

Super Coolant Insect Killer

In Japan there is a new kind of insect killer which is not using poisonous insecticides. The spray is in the form of super coolant -85 degrees, the cockroaches, bugs and insects are frozen to death instantly. This is non-toxic, environmental friendly and harmless to children.

Plus size Fashion Magazine

In March 2013 a fashion magazine called “la farfa” exclusively for plus size girls was launched in Japan. It brings the latest dressing and beauty tips to those who find it hard to dress well because of overweight. Those who are in the size of “LL to XXL” are eligible to be the models in this magazine. Big size girls can also be fashionistas!

Ieyasukun of Hamamatsu City

Many prefectures in Japan created its own mascot figure to promote its local culture, policy and products. The mascot figure of Hamamatsu city is Ieyasukun. In the April this year the shopping site of ieyasukun is formally launched selling a wide array of products made in Hamamatsu. Ieyasukun is taken from the famous Shogun Ieyasu Tokugawa, it is believed the warrior spirit of Ieyasu is able to empower people with strength and stamina.  www.ieyasukun.jp

100 Yen Shopping Mall

Many prefectures in Japan regularly hold the 100 Yen Shopping Festival aim to attract customers in times of business slump or slow season. During the festival, all the shops in the shopping mall will set up a 100 yen corner. It is seen to be an effective way to create traffic, because if customers are kept for longer hours, it is more likely that they will spend more in shopping. Last year in September in Otsushi 100 Yen shopping festival shoppers were excited to get real diamond in the size of 0.01 carat with just 100 yen,  the mini-sized diamonds were sold out in 30 minutes.

The schedule in November 2013 is as follow:

14 December 2013 
Kumamoto Prefecture Amakusa City  
熊本県天草市

For enquiries: 0233-29-2279

Cup Noodle Museum

Cup Noodle is one of the signature inventions of Japan in the twentieth century. In Yokohama there is a Cup Noodle Museum which tell the story of the birth of Cup Noodle. Visitors can experience all the processes in making cup noodle in the simulation factory. In another corner visitors can create their own cup noodle by selecting 4 toppings from the 12 ingredients and their favorite soup. The museum is very popular, visitors are advised to make their booking first.  http://www.cupnoodles-museum.jp/

Korean Department Store in Shin-Okubo

A department store featuring exclusive brands from Korea in cosmetics, clothing, shoes, accessories was opened in Shin-Okubo since 2011. There are over 600 different types of cosmetics for customers to pick and choose. Customers are free to try and test the products before going to the cashier. Another special thing about this department store is there is a self-service corner for customers to make their own coffee, this is also for free. This new concept in retailing is sure to enhance your shopping experience.

http://www.koridepa.com/

Vegan Cake

Now cakes not only have the flavour of butter, there are also the flavours of Japanese radish, bell pepper, nanohana, celery etc. These vegan cakes (野菜ケーキ) contain less calories will help you to control body weight, the vitamins, minerals and antioxidants contain in the vegetables can help you to fight infection and numerous diseases.

Lighting Show in Toshimaen

Toshimaen in Tokyo is now holding the lighting show until  7^th April 2013. The setting is modeled on Las Vegas old town. The light show integrates with music is pleasing to the eye will enchant the children, elderly and your girlfriend.  http://www.toshimaen.co.jp/event/season.html

The oldest ramen in Japan

The Mitohan ramen (水戸藩らーめん) is said to be the oldest ramen in Japan. The Japanese learnt noodle-making from their Chinese counterpart. In the early days, ramen was made from flour and lotus powder. The dish integrated the theory of yin-yang and five elements from China. Yin-yang is represented by the meat and mushroom, it is said biological balance is achieved with these two kinds of food. Chives, scallion, leek, garlic, ginger are the five elements, it is said these five ingredients can regulate the five organs inside human body. Now we can enjoy Mitohan ramen in Kiraru restaurant in Toei Kyoto Studio Park or in other Chinese restaurant.

水戸藩らーめん

Ita Nail Art

Painting the favourite animation characters on the car is called "itasha" in Japanese. This trend is extended to nail art, now Japanese women can create their personal profile by wearing their own nail art.