No Face, Haku, and a few other cast creatures from the Studio Ghibli classic are always welcome at tea time, right? For a lot of anime enthusiasts, their shopping habits evolve over time. In the beginning, before becoming fans of the medium, they obviously aren’t buying anything, but then they discover a series or character that captivates them, and before they realize it. they’ve amassed a treasure trove of figures, posters, plushies, and more. As fun as it can be to fill your dorm room or first studio apartment with anime merch, though, a lot of fans eventually find they have to slow down. Maybe you start living with someone who’s preferred interior decorating style looks a little less like an anime convention dealer’s room. Maybe you just run out of shelf space. Whatever the reason, it becomes harder to rationalize purchasing big, impractical pieces of anime memorabilia. And when that happens, the proper thing to do is to start looking for small, functional pieces of anime memorabilia. Fitting that bill quite nicely is this cloth coaster set from Studio Ghibli specialty store Donguri Kyowakoku, featuring members of the creature cast of Spirited Away. As 10-centimeter (3.9-inch) Gobelin-stitch squares, they’re a charming mix of cute and classy that serve a necessary purpose, protecting your furniture from scrapes and water damage, and are lightweight and compact enough that it’s hard to imagine them taking up too much space in anyone’s home, no matter how cozy its dimensions. You can’t have a tea time session for the spirits of Spirited Away and not put No Face on the guest list, so naturally he’s here, with a couple of bathhouse entry tokens. Haku, in his dragon form, is also ready to provide serene company as you sip your tea or coffee. Bathhouse of the gods regular customer Otori-sama looks to have just gotten out of the tub after a nice long soak, judging from the steam coming off him and the bath/hot spring mark in the upper right corner of his coaster. And finally, the transformed Boh and Yu-Bird are ready to once again relax with a cozy beverage, just like they did when they visited Zeniba during the anime film. At 2,200 yen (US$14.70), the four-coaster set is admittedly more expensive than a pack of plain plastic ones from the 100 yen store, but they look to be quality needlework pieces, and by anime merch standards, 2,200 yen is a pretty modest outlay. The bundle has just been restocked and can be ordered through the Donguri Kyowakoku online store here, and if you’re thinking “Yeah, those will come in handy when I’m thirsty, but what about when I’m hungry?”, Totoro has got you covered. Source, images: Donguri Kyowakoku ● Want to hear about SoraNews24’s latest articles as soon as they’re published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

Something a little more action-packed than the typical kimono stroll photo shoot. Kyoto’s connection to Japan’s history and traditional culture is the main thing that draws travelers to the city, and so there are a number of photo studios and services that can arrange for you to have your picture taken while wearing classical attire. Shogun Studio Japan is one of them, but what sets it apart from others is that they’ll not only photograph you as you pose in serene surroundings, but also as you fight a samurai battle in full armor. Starting with the more orthodox part of the package, the Samurai Battle Movie Experience begins with a choice of armor and fitting at the company’s studio, after which you’ll head to your choice of one of three locations in Kyoto’s historical Arashiyama district, either the Togetsukyo Bridge, the iconic bamboo forest paths, or a traditional teahouse. ▼ The teahouse might not be as famous as the other two options, but it does include matcha for you to sip during the photo shoot. For the second half of the package, though, you’ll head up into the mountains, and to battle. Following safety explanations, you’ll be given access to an arsenal of swords, spears, and bows with which to stage a dramatic samurai cinema-style fight scene in a secluded venue. To add to the immersion, Shogun Studio Japan’s staff can play the roles of your fated opponents, falling against your onslaught. Alternatively, they can take up arms as your faithful companions, and if you’ve already got a crew of friends with which to make you own samurai clan, that’s doable too, as the package can accommodate groups of up to six participants. In addition to still photos, you’ll also get a slickly edited short movie, two to three minutes in length, of the battle that includes drone footage of you in action. The whole experience lasts around two hours, split roughly equally between Arashiyama and the mountain battlefield. Reservations can be made through the Shogun Studio Japan website here. Source, images: PR Times ● Want to hear about SoraNews24’s latest articles as soon as they’re published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

Sleep capsule pods on the night bus are an overlooked option for travelling in Japan.  Many people, both within Japan and from overseas, have been known to make the journey from Tokyo to Osaka by plane or train, but there is another way to travel — by bus. Before you pooh-pooh the notion of travelling roughly nine hours by bus as opposed to 2.5 hours on the bullet train, it can present a sizeable saving for your back pocket, with variable prices from around the 7,000-yen (US$45.98) mark, and there are ways to do it that can make the long journey bearable, and some might say, even enjoyable. Our own reporter Marie Morimoto has firsthand experience with the wonders of bus travel, having relied on it quite frequently when travelling back to her hometown of Osaka from Tokyo during her younger years. As she got older, though, and didn’t have to pinch pennies as much, she began to travel by train instead, and there was a time she thought she’d never go back to bus travel…until she went to cover a story in Kyoto recently and decided to try an overnight bus as part of the experience. As she found out, the world of overnight buses has changed quite dramatically over the years, and she learnt a few things during the journey that’ll help you keep your sanity if you choose to go this route. Her first tip is to choose a good bus company, and her top recommendation is Willer Express, which gets great reviews for convenience, comfort and affordability. Then you’ll need to choose the right type of bus, and Marie says the “Dome” vehicle is a great option, as each seat is fitted with a domed hood for privacy. Marie’s trip was on the three-seat-per-row “Dome“, which has a row of single seats on one side of the bus and a row of two seats on the other. The interior is super clean and brightly lit, making it feel warm and inviting. Another perk of this design is the fact that the seats are contained within their own capsules, so you can recline inside the pod without any fear of disturbing the person behind you. Usually, passengers who fully recline on the bus tend to make the space feel cramped, so it’s always been the biggest source of stress for Marie. This pod-like setup was like a dream come true for her, and it also works to provide a greater sense of privacy, with comforts like a drink holder, power outlet, and smartphone holder inside the hood making it feel like a private cinema room. Compared to seats she’s used in the past, the “Dome” setup is much more comfortable, with a headrest, a small pillow, and both a footrest and leg rest for her to relax on. ▼ However, there was one drawback as the seat didn’t recline as far as expected. One other thing you should be aware of is that the vibration of the bus can make you shift about a bit, and you may find yourself, like Marie, sliding off the seat on occasion. This could’ve been due to her 153-centimetre (five-foot) stature, and the fact that she was wearing a dress made from smooth fabric, so it’s best to wear some less-slippy clothes during the ride. There are appropriate rest breaks throughout, but essentially, announcements are only made at the beginning of the trip. During the late-night hours, the bus will stop at service areas without announcements to respect sleeping passengers. It’s a nice, considerate gesture, but Marie found that the movement of the vehicle and the vibration and noise were quite significant, so she woke up every time the driver changed or when they stopped at service areas. By her estimate, she probably slept a total of about three to four hours by the time she arrived in Kyoto at the end of her nine-hour journey, and it was a very broken sleep. If you’re a light sleeper, that might concern you but if you’re a heavy sleeper, it shouldn’t be a problem. Now that we’ve covered the fundamentals of the journey, it’s time to discuss the essentials you should bring with you to save your sanity when riding the overnight bus. Firstly, you’ll need something warm to wear, no matter what the season. Even in early September, when Marie travelled, it was still hot outside, but the air conditioning felt very cold. Although there’s one blanket provided in every seat, you’re likely to still feel the chill unless you’ve got something warm on, even if it’s just a light jacket or shawl to drape over your shoulders. Next up, you’ll want to wear an eye mask. While there are times when the blue guiding lights at foot level are completely off, there are times when the glare might annoy you as the hood doesn’t shield you from them. Any eye mask will help to keep the lights out of your eyes, but for extra comfort, one of these disposable heating varieties will do the trick. Just as you’ll want to shield your eyes, you’ll want to plug up your ears, so earplugs are a must for blocking out the noise. Then, finally, if you can bring a neck pillow you won’t regret it, as the headrest on the seat won’t always help when your body shifts about during the journey. When Marie arrived in Kyoto, she felt refreshed, despite her lack of sleep, which was something she wasn’t expecting. She was also able to power-up her energy levels by taking a short nap on the train afterwards as she travelled to her final destination, which is another bonus tip worth keeping in mind. She was then able to enjoy her day in Kyoto without any trouble — there was no drowsiness or pain in her legs or back, and she was able to get all her jobs done, without feeling any sense of irritation. Marie used to avoid night buses because she thought they’d be tiring as she wouldn’t be able to sleep, but now that she understands what to prepare for, she says she’s definitely okay with using them again. So next time you’re strapped for cash but not so strapped for time, a night bus in Japan might be an option worth looking into. With so many unique design features, buses here tend to provide you with a lot more comfort than you’d expect, and there’s even a model that comes with beds for you to lie on. Related: Willer Travel Photos ©SoraNews24 ● Want to hear about SoraNews24’s latest articles as soon as they’re published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

Take a stroll through neon-lit cities and ancient legends. Converse Japan often shakes up the iconic style of the original Converse shoes by incorporating traditional Japanese designs or collaborations with popular franchises. This season is no different with another Japan-exclusive lineup that shows off three different aspects of Japan: geography, fish, and legendary gods. First are the All Star Localize Hi models, which are only available in select stores in two of Japan’s greatest cities: Tokyo and Osaka. Each design proudly displays the city name, printed across the shoe in kanji, hiragana, and English. The Tokyo edition dazzles with a vivid orange echoing the color of the city’s iconic Tokyo Tower, while the Osaka edition shines in a cool blue inspired by the neon lights of the famous downtown Dotonbori canal district. Both feature city-exclusive labeling inside, and are perfect for people who love the cities as their own. A pair of one of these models can be purchased for 9,900 yen (US$64.25), and are not available on the online shop, so you’ll have to make your way to one of the two cities if you want to pick some up. Next, the All Star Yunomi Hi feature a print packed with kanji characters for names of different types of fish, and even includes the kanji for “All Star” hidden among them (“全星” read as “o-ru suta-”). The design is inspired by one traditionally used on yunomi teacups, and will look especially familiar to seafood lovers, as the pattern is traditionally used at sushi restaurants in Japan. The hand-drawn style stars and navy-coloring brings a modern and refined look to the design. These shoes are available online and are sold for 9,900 yen, and are ideal for anyone who wants to show the world their love for sushi and fish. For the people who want to make a statement about their passion for classical Japanese culture, the All Star Fujinraijin Hi are what you want to get your hands on and feet in. The two deities of the wind god, Fujin, and the thunder god, Raijin, are among the most iconic figures in Japanese mythology, often used as protective guardians at temple gates and the thresholds of other sacred spaces. The pair have long been portrayed in Japanese art, and with Fujin on the right shoe and Raijin on the left shoe, they combine together to create an impressive work of wearable art. These shoes come in either black or off-white and are available on the online store for 10,450 yen. All of these models were launched on October 17, and are available for purchase now. So, whether you’re an avid shoe collector who wants to add some Japanese flair to your collection, or someone who simply loves Japan, these models are not to be missed. Related: Converse Japan online store Source and images: PR Times via Japaaan ● Want to hear about SoraNews24’s latest articles as soon as they’re published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

Annual survey finds the most popular names and kanji characters for new babies. A lot of thought goes into picking baby names in Japan. Not only do parents have to pick how the name will sound, but also how it’ll be written, since the Japanese language’s system of kanji characters means that there are often multiple ways to write the same-pronounced name. Benesse, which publishes magazines for expectant and new parents and also runs the Tamahiyo online parenting portal, conducts an annual study of Tamahiyo users who have recently welcomed a new child into their family, to determine the most popular baby names in Japan. This year’s study looked at the names of 166,011 babies born between January 1 and September 15 of this year, so let’s take a look at the top five for boys and girls, starting with the boys. 5. Ren / 蓮 Meaning: lotus Ren has slipped a bit since its second-place finish in 2024, but it still remains one of the most popular boys’ names of the last 10 years. Combining a quick, strong-sounding pronunciation with a meaning that’s cultured and elegant, but without feeling old-fashioned, it’s a name with a broad appeal that doesn’t feel like it’s trying to pigeonhole the child into a single personality path. 4. Asahi / 朝陽 Meaning: morning sun Outside Japan, “Asahi” might conjure up images of Japan’s best-selling beer, but the name itself means “morning sun,” a popular symbol of hopeful auspiciousness in Japan. For an extra dash of stylishness, this Asahi, which rose up from sixth place in last year’s ranking, is written with the fancier kanji 陽 for sun, instead of the standard 日, and 陽 also carries the connotation bright, energetic, and optimistic. 3. Haruto / 陽翔 Meaning: bright flight The second kanji here, 翔, is a poetic-sounding way of saying “fly” or “take wing.” Combined with the 陽 we saw in Asahi, the name radiates an atmosphere of soaring, cheerful freedom, and it’s risen one rank higher than it was last year. 2. Minato / 湊 Meaning: harbor Minato has also enjoyed a lot of popularity in recent years, finishing fifth in 2025. Similar to the alternative kanji for sun seen in Asahi and Haruto, this Minato doesn’t use the mundane 港 kanji used to mark ports on maps and shipping documents, but instead the cooler-looking 湊, to help establish that it’s a name meant to convey a sense of reliable protection and sociable connections more so than distribution logistics. 1. Ao / 碧 Meaning: blue In first place, and for the second year in a row, is Ao. Once again, we’ve got a fancy alternate kanji here, as the basic “blue” kanji is 青. Since this 碧 is more elaborate, you’ll sometimes see it translated into English as “azure,” but 碧 is traditionally used to describe a shade closer to blue-green than the lapis-like hue of “azure.” ▼ The top Google image search results for 碧 as a color But while graphic designers and art historians might thing of 碧 as a very specific shade, among laymen it’s often taken simply as a fancy way of writing “blue.” There’s actually a bit of a figuratively gray area between the colors blue and green in Japanese culture, and so ao often carries the connotation of the fresh green leaves of spring, imparting a sense of youthful, innocent vitality, which explains its continuing popularity as a name for baby boys. Now let’s take a look at the top girls’ names. 5. Hina / 陽菜 Meaning: good vegetables Up seven spots from 12th place last year, Hina’s meaning might have you thinking it’d be more appropriate as a name for a grocery store than a baby girl. However, we’ve seen that frequent contributor 陽 creates a feeling of positive, happy energy, and while 菜 is indeed the kanji for edible non-fruit plants, it also evokes thought of new sprouts popping up from the soil, healthy and cute, and the “-na” gives the name a charming ring to it too. 4. Mei / 芽衣 Meaning: buds and clothing We’ve got more fresh and healthy plant life imagery with Mei, which finished fourth for the second year in a row. The addition of 衣, meaning “clothing,” doesn’t do much to deepen the name’s significance, but the second kanji’s “i” sound helps elongate the name’s pronunciation and make it cuter than the more abrupt “Me” it would be if it were written with 芽 alone. 3. Rin / 凜 Meaning: dignified/ringing clearly Rin, which was the most popular girls’ name in 2024, has a number of meanings, but the two that most parents are probably thinking of are “dignified” and “ringing clearly,” with the latter usable to describe both the voice of someone who speaks with confident annunciation or the refined tone of a bell or chime. The high-class meaning being coupled with a pronunciation that still sounds cute is probably a key factor to its popularity, sort of like what we say with Ren. 2. Himari / 陽葵 Meaning: good hollyhock Flora once again inspires one of the top girls’ names with Himari. Hollyhocks might not rank up there with cherry blossoms, azaleas, and wisteria among the flowers that Japanese people are most likely to go out to parks and gardens to see while they’re in bloom, but their beauty has been appreciated for centuries (hollyhocks appeared in the create of the Tokugawa shogunate). The kanji 葵 used by itself, pronounced Aoi, is a classical, elegant-sounding women’s name, so Himari borrows some of that traditional quality while also giving it a warm, modern update. 1. Sui / 翠 Meaning: green Just like with the boys’ list, the top-ranking girls’ name for 2025 is a color, and one written with a more elaborate kanji than the standard one. Ordinarily, the Japanese word for “green,” midori. is written as 緑. 翠 can also be read as midori, but among the study’s parents it was the Sui pronunciation that made it the most popular. Also like top boy’s name Ao, Sui isn’t just any green, either. It’s the blue-green seen in the feathers of kingfisher, a unique shade that Benesse’s analysts say works as a metaphor for parents’ hopes that they daughter will soar in a way true to herself in life. 翠 is also the second kanji in hisui (翡翠), the Japanese word for “jade,” which probably gave it a boost as well. If you’re having trouble remembering the last time you met a Japanese person named Sui, it’s a name that only recently started racing up the chart. As recently as 2020, it was still down in 95th place, before climbing to 16th in 2022 and hanging out in third for 2023 and 2024 before taking the top spot for the first time this year. Speaking of names seeing big jumps in popularity, in the boys list Zen, written 善 and meaning “goodness” or “virtue,” moved up all the way from 153rd to 52nd. For girls, Koto (心都, roughly translating to “city of the heart”) made an even bigger gain, rising 156 slots to 56th place, while Sakura (桜, “cherry blossom”) mounted a comeback and also moved up 100-plus spots, from 146th to 45th, so we might be seeing them in the top five soon. Source: PR Times, Benesse Top image: Pakutaso Insert images: Pakutaso (1, 2), Google, Pakutaso (3, 4), Wikipedia/JMK ● Want to hear about SoraNews24’s latest articles as soon as they’re published? 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Golden snow globe is one of the stars of this limited-edition showtime collection.  Starbucks is really feeling the festive spirit this year, releasing limited-edition beverages through regular branches of its chain, chilled cups in stores across the nation, and an exclusive range at the Reserve Roastery Tokyo. This new collection is based around the theme of “Holiday Show for One’s Joy“, with rich hues in blue, red, gold, and silver to evoke a “dazzling holiday showtime” that reflects the elevated feel of the Roastery. Unlike the holiday collection at Japan’s regular Starbucks branches, which was sorely lacking in drinkware items this year, the Reserve Roastery range is filled to the brim with mugs, cups and tumblers, so let’s take a closer look at them all below. ▼ Blue & Silver Stainless Steel Bottle — 591 millilitres (20 ounces), 5,300 yen (US$34.45) This bottle features a glittering blue-to-silver gradient with an elegant design that’s said to be “reminiscent of the end of showtime”. The double-walled vacuum-sealed stainless steel construction provides excellent heat and cold retention. ▼ Silver Stainless Steel Bottle (4,800 yen) Embedded with silver glitter, the dot design is reminiscent of Christmas ornaments and stage spotlights. ▼ Red Stainless Steel Cold Cup Tumbler (with lid) — 473 millilitres, 5,300 yen This tumbler features a glittery red-to-champagne gold gradient and striped body, perfect for adding a touch of holiday glamour. The lid with straw is ideal for cold drinks, while the additional lid that comes with it is perfect for hot drinks, allowing you to use the tumbler to your liking. ▼ Striped Mug Blue/White — 355 millilitres, 3,600 yen This striking mug with a gold bottom and striped design will add a touch of elegance to your holiday table. The matte finish, reminiscent of velvet stage curtains, creates a luxurious feel, and though the mugs can be purchased separately, a matching pair makes a gorgeous gift. ▼ Navy Draped Mug — 355 millilitres, 3,300 yen This porcelain mug is designed to resemble the swaying of a velvet stage curtain. Its deep navy hue exudes both elegance and tranquility, adding a touch of colour to your holiday coffee moments. ▼ Stem Glass Metallic Blue/Silver — 355 millilitres, 3,100 yen each These original stemware designs are inspired by the shape of the silo where coffee beans are stored behind the bar counter at the Roastery. They’re available in two colours, metallic blue and silver, which will add a touch of elegance to parties and table settings. ▼ Starbucks Reserve Draped Mug Navy Ornament (2,300 yen) This porcelain ornament has the same design as the navy draped mug in the holiday collection. It can be used as a tree ornament or as interior decor to add a dash of holiday cheer to your home. ▼ Starbucks Reserve Silo Glass Ornament (2,300 yen) This synthetic resin ornament features a glass design inspired by the shape of the silo at the Roastery. The realistic design evokes the aroma and flavour of coffee while adding colour to your tree. ▼ Starbucks Reserve Coffee Bag ’25 Ornament (2,300 yen) This porcelain ornament features the Starbucks Reserve Christmas 2025 coffee bean packaging, faithfully reproducing the packaging design that changes every year. ▼ Starbucks Reserve Roastery Snow Globe (3,800 yen) This snow globe features the Starbucks Reserve Christmas 2025 coffee bean packaging with a classic Starbucks Reserve Roastery mug. The gold base and gold and silver flakes add a touch of sparkle to your holidays. ▼ Navy Drawstring Pouch — Small (980 yen), Large (1,200 yen) Finally, we have a luxurious drawstring pouch, with gold ropes and embroidery reminiscent of a gorgeous stage curtain. The small size is perfect for everyday use and also fits a single mug, making it a great gift bag. The large size can fit a single tumbler and a 250-gram (8-8 ounce) pack of coffee beans, making it ideal for holiday gift-giving. The entire collection will be available through online pre-sales from 8 p.m. on 31 October, and at the Starbucks Reserve Roastery Tokyo from 1 November. The Blue & Silver Stainless Steel Bottle and the Blue/White Striped Mug will have a wider release, available at Starbucks Reserve Roastery Tokyo, the official Starbucks online store, and Starbucks Reserve retailers. As always, supplies are limited so you’ll want to act fast if you’d like to add a little showtime your daily brew. Photos ©SoraNews24 ● Want to hear about SoraNews24’s latest articles as soon as they’re published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

Totoro, Haku, and other Studio Ghibli anime movie stars make the leap from the screen to the table. It’s common knowledge that chopsticks are the utensil of choice for most meals in Japan, but what’s not so widely known is that each member of the household has their own chopsticks, which only they use. So instead of buying a jumbo pack of identical designs, you pick out a pair that looks and feels just right for you, and if you’re a fan of Studio Ghibli anime, that might mean that a set of Ghibli chopsticks. Of course, you’re still going to need to narrow things down quite a bit. Because of the studio’s rich legacy of amazing artwork and character designs, Ghibli specialty shop Donguri Kyowakoku’s new chopstick line consists of 17 different designs, representing five different animated classics, starting with My Neighbor Totoro. If you’re thinking that pattern, with the gray Totoro smiling amongst Japanese paper umbrellas, looks familiar, it’s the sane motif as we saw on the beautiful two-tier Totoro bento box recently. While the artwork on the two chopsticks is identical in the above model, many of the designs split the illustration into left and right halves, giving you an extra incentive to properly set your table so you can see the complete picture as the chopsticks lay side by side, like in this scene of all three Totoros frolicking in a field of flowers. The trio is also out in the natural environment for their third design, in which a Soot Sprite joins their excursion. Also making multiple appearances in the lineup is Spirited Away’s No Face. In this elegant illustration No Face shows up against a seigaiha background, a traditional Japanese pattern representing ocean waves. Coupled with the red-and-black color scheme, these chopsticks would work well for a meal served on lacquer tableware. No Face has long been a favorite of Donguri Kyowakoku’s designers, and there are two other patterns for the character… …but the chopstick line also gives a nod to one of Spirited Awat costars who doesn’t show up nearly as often in merch, Haku, in his dragon form. Speaking of time in the spotlight, the character whose fans will happiest of all will be Jiji, as the supportive familiar from Kiki’s Delivery Service’s has four different patterns to choose from. Not only are they cute, they’re heartwarming too, as many of the patterns also feature some of Jiji’s kids, who can be briefly seen in the anime movie’s closing credits. Rounding out the lineup are a pair of Ponyo chopsticks, with the movie’s Japanese title, Gake no Ue no Ponyo (“Ponyo on the Cliff”) written in Japanese… …and a pair for Princess Mononoke’s San, showing off her fearsome battle mask. The chopsticks are all adult-sized, 21 centimeters (8.3 inches) in length, and made of bamboo with urethane coating. Given their artwork. they’re likely to appeal even to anime fans who aren’t extensively experienced in eating Asian cuisine, but their textured tips provide a little extra grip, which should help noobies hold on to their morsels. Each pair is priced at 770 yen (US$5.15), and they can all be ordered through the Donguri Kyowakoku online store here. Source: Donguri Kyowakoku Top image: Donguri Kyowakoku Insert images: Donguri Kyowakoku (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17) ● Want to hear about SoraNews24’s latest articles as soon as they’re published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

You might need some good dental insurance. Kagawa Prefecture, the land of the thick and starchy noodles known as udon, uses the slurping food in a number of interesting ways, from celebrating a newly constructed bath with the neighborhood to soothing crying babies. On his way back from his tour of the prefecture, where he enjoyed the art-filled island of Naoshima, our Japanese-language reporter Kouhey found a mysterious souvenir as he was wandering around Takamatsu Airport that many people seemed to be picking up: Udon Gummies. Intrigued, Kouhey looked a little closer to find that they only cost 540 yen (US$3.55), and encouraged by the reasonable price, he bought his own box to try. With the stand mentioning that the gummies had been featured on a national news program, his expectations were high. Upon returning home, Kouhey immediately began to inspect the Udon Gummies. Printed on the top of the package were the words: “Warning: Strong Koshi”. Koshi is a Japanese term to refer to the chewiness of the noodles. Sanuki udon is a famous Kagawa chewy udon style that the gummies appear to be attempting to emulate. Looking a little closer, there was another warning: “Super hard. It’s chewy. Be careful.” How hard can these Udon Gummies really be? Sure gummies are meant to be chewy, but how chewy do they actually need to be to warrant all of these warnings? Kouhey couldn’t wait to sink his teeth into them. Opening up the box, he found a package wrapped in something like newspaper. Unwrapping the newspaper, Kouhey revealed 10 Udon Gummies. When he sat back a little, Kouhey took another look at the newspaper. Initially writing it off as a regular newspaper repurposed for packaging, he was surprised to find out that it was an entirely original creation entitled “Sanuki Gummy Newspaper”. Among the many “articles,” were headlines like “The Birth of Udon Gummy” and an “Instruction Manual” for them. Kouhey could feel the love and effort that went into the creation of these gummies through the imagination and attention to detail seen in the newspaper. After admiring the newspaper for a little while longer, Kouhey was ready to try one of these Udon Gummies for himself. He picked one up and popped it into his mouth. His immediate reaction? “How can these be THIS hard?!?” The Udon Gummies were so much harder than Kouhey had been expecting. He had never tried anything quite like it. He squeezed another, pinching it between his fingers to test the elasticity, and realized that the soft, bouncy feel of a normal gummy was completely absent. Biting into it, rather than sinking his teeth into a soft chew, Kouhey could only do his best to crunch on these gummies. As he committed himself to chewing, Kouhey finally understood the meaning of “super hard” on the packaging. The company who made them was not joking when they wrote that; these gummies offer a hardness capable of giving your jaw an entire workout with just one piece. Surprisingly, the flavor of the gummies was not udon-flavored at all, but more yogurt with a hint of sudachi (a Japanese citrus fruit). It had a light, refreshing taste that wasn’t overly sweet. However, next to the shocking impact of the firmness of the gummies, the flavor left a lesser impression. Kouhey had also picked up a pack of actual Sanuki udon noodles while at the Takamatsu Airport souvenir shop, so he decided to whip up a batch for a direct comparison with the gummies they had inspired. First came the real deal, Kouhey lifted up the udon noodles with his chopsticks and took a slurp. It was no surprise that the genuine article was in a class of its own, being both chewy and smooth. With every chewy bite, the taste of the wheat spread throughout his mouth. Next up, the challenger: Udon Gummies. How do they compare? At first, it was tough to chew, but gradually it began to resemble the distinct springiness of Sanuki udon. With the real udon, the texture softens to a chewy texture as you bite, but the Udon Gummies retain that firm springiness throughout. As he was putting his jaw through the workout of a lifetime, Kouhey noticed a line in the Sanuki Gummy News that read: “For an even more amazing texture, chill before eating.” Could it possibly get even harder than this? Kouhey silently apologized to his jaw muscles as he found himself putting some of the Udon Gummies into the fridge. A few hours later, Kouhey took them out and tried another one. They had evolved from “super hard” to “ultra hard.” At room temperature they were already tough to chew through, but now they were like little blocks of iron, taking serious effort to bite through. Even so, that toughness became addictive, with the more Kouhey chewed, the more the flavor seemed to emerge. He can’t wait to eat more, but he’ll probably have to give his jaw a little time to recover first. The Udon Gummies turned out to be a lot firmer than originally anticipated. They seemed to have risen beyond the boundaries of what “gummies” are and become products filled with the love of Sanuki udon. Even for just the experience alone, these souvenirs are a must buy if you ever find yourself in Kagawa, the most satisfying prefecture to visit. Related: Online store Photos ©SoraNews24 ● Want to hear about SoraNews24’s latest articles as soon as they’re published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

Gotta go fast, gotta be friendly. Back in September, Hello Kitty and her pals brought some much-needed smiles to the Evangelion cast, as part of a collaboration between Sanrio and the famously somber mecha anime. It was a testament to how Kitty-chan’s crew can get along with anyone, and sure enough, they’re expanding their circle of friends yet again, this time to include Sonic the Hedgehog. The six Sanrio characters from the Evangelion crossover are here again, each paired up with a character from Sega’s flagship franchise. With Sonic never having been shy about being the protagonist, the Blue Blur partners up with Sanrio’s brightest star, Hello Kitty, for a kigurumi-esque costumed plushie. ▼ And yes, the hood accounts for his quills. Sidekick Tails, meanwhile, joins up with Cinnamaroll, the runner-up in this year’s Sanrio Character Ranking poll. Knuckles, the moodiest of Sonic’s cohorts, is partnered with Kuromi, the edgiest Sanrio character. Of course, Sanrio-edgy is still pretty adorable, which might be why Knuckles looks about as cheerful as we’ve ever seen him. Amy Rose and My Melody appear to have bonded over their penchant for pretty-in-pink aesthetics… …and Shadow and Hangyodon have something in common too, as they were both born in space. And last, showing extreme commitment to Sanrio’s let’s-all-be-friends philosophy, none other than this year’s Sanrio popularity poll winner, Pompompurin, is now buddies with Sonic’s recurring nemesis Dr. Robotnik, or Eggman, as the character is called in Japan. Between Robotnik’s habit of wearing both eyeglasses and goggles, and Pompompurin’s ever-present beret, there’s quite a lot going on visually… …but thankfully the crossover design stops short of giving the mad scientist the Sanrio pooch’s famous exposed butthole. The plushies pictured above are 30 centimeters (11.8 inches) tall and priced at 4,950 yen (US$33). Alternatively, there’s a lineup of “mascot” stuffed animals with straps that are half the size and roughly half the price (15 centimeters, 2,420 yen). The designs are more or less the same, but the proportions are a little different, and the mascot straps’ legs can dangle down, which you could argue is the proper posture for characters who spend so much time running at high speed during their adventures. The whole collection can be pre-ordered through Sega’s Sega Fave Store e-shop here, with an official on-sale date of November 7 for all of the items except the Shadoww/Hangyodon ones, which won’t be released until December 11, because no one can make Shadow do something before he’s decided to do it himself. Source: PR Times Top image: PR Times Insert images: PR Times, Sega Fave Shop (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7) ● Want to hear about SoraNews24’s latest articles as soon as they’re published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

Japan-exclusive beverage promises to be a feast for the eyes this holiday season.  The holiday period holds a special place for Starbucks. Since the first release of the “Starbucks Christmas Blend” in the U.S. in 1984, and the launch of limited-edition red cup designs in 1997, the chain has been going all out with its seasonal offerings. Here in Japan, the chain’s third largest market after the U.S. and China, you can enjoy exclusive Frappuccinos, merchandise, and even special chilled cups, the latter of which have been produced in conjunction with Suntory and sold in supermarkets and convenience stores. The chilled cup range began offering limited-edition holiday-themed products in 2011, to great acclaim. Now, for this year’s festive season, there’s a brand new addition coming our way, with the release of the “Delight Me Chocolate & Berry Latte“, served up in four sparkly designs. This year’s flavour, created under the theme of “Invite Joy – Wrapped in Holiday Delight“, embodies the ethos of the “Delight me” series, which is said to add “newness, excitement, and surprise” to the world of Starbucks. The excitement starts as soon as you lay eyes on the cup design, which depicts holiday illuminations and motifs such as snowflakes, Christmas trees, reindeer, and bells against festive hues of red, green, gold and red-with-green. On the side of the package, you’ll find a heartfelt holiday message in a handwritten-style, so you can enjoy it as a treat for yourself or as a gift for someone special. The delight continues in the taste, which is said to combine the deep richness and sweetness of chocolate with a refreshingly fruity berry aroma, making it a dessert-like treat that’s perfect for winter. For even more joy, the chain recommends adding whipped cream with toppings like chocolate, berry, and caramel sauce, which will enhance the flavour and the look of the drinks, making them ideal for festive parties. Whether you dress them up or enjoy them on their own, the new festive drinks will be a gift for your taste buds this holiday season. Priced at 230 yen (US$ 1.51) each, the special chilled cups will be available at supermarkets and convenience stores nationwide for a limited time from 4 November. Source, images: Press release   ● Want to hear about SoraNews24’s latest articles as soon as they’re published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!