Japan Envy: Katamari Damacy Collab Cafe

Header image for the Katamari Damacy collaboration cafe. The Prince and six cousins all stand around the cafe's logo in a circle, a rainbow behind them.

If there was anything that could get me to brush the dust off of this blog, it would be a Katamari Damacy collaboration cafe. Running from July 25 to September 2 at TOKYO PARADE goods & cafe in Shibuya PARCO, it is exactly the kind of thing that makes me wish I could just hop on a train and go – thus making it the ideal subject for a Japan Envy post!

To my knowledge, there has never been a Katamari Damacy collab cafe since the game originally came out for PlayStation 2 in 2004. We’ve already passed the 20 year anniversary, so what’s the special occasion? I’m not sure, but I’m sure not complaining!

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Japan Envy: Shibanban x Capcom

Capcom has just announced its latest line of collab merchandise, and it’s with the adorable shiba line Shibaban by illustrator Yasuteru Ogoshi! There are five main designs from four of Capcom’s iconic game series, Okami (Amaterasu and Oki), Monster Hunter (Palamute), Mega Man (Rush), and Resident Evil (Cerberus). The Shibanban shiba looks absolutely adorable in … Read moreJapan Envy: Shibanban x Capcom

Japan Envy: Super Mario x Parco Collaboration Item Fair

The Japanese shopping center chain Parco is teaming up with Nintendo for a massive Super Mario collaboration! First, around 60 stores are participating in the Item Collaboration Fair, which starts on July 1st, offering a range of exclusive Super Mario crossover merch (over 300 items total!). Then, Nintendo will be expanding it’s official Nintendo Store … Read moreJapan Envy: Super Mario x Parco Collaboration Item Fair

Moyoco Anno 2019 Calendar

Moyoco Anno 2019 calendar

Moyoco Anno 2019 calendar

This is my first year purchasing a calendar by manga artist Moyoco Anno (SakuranSugar Sugar Rune), so I couldn’t miss the opportunity to share! I don’t know how long Moyoco Anno has been selling limited run calendars in Japan, but I’ve been pining for one for a couple of years.

For 2019, I decided to get the wall-mounted calendar design featuring characters in kimono, which was 3,500 yen (approximately $35) with free shipping within Japan and limited to only 1000 units. At the time of this post, there are still some available, but keep in mind that you’ll need a forwarding service if you don’t live in Japan.

The calendar is a traditional style where you rip the pages off every month instead of flipping it, which is a bit daunting, so all the more reason to take a few pictures beforehand!

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Cardcaptor Sakura Flower Garden Cafe (+ Giveaway!)

Cardcaptor Sakura Flower Garden Cafe illustration

Cardcaptor Sakura Flower Garden Cafe illustration

The new Cardcaptor Sakura: Clear Card anime means there’s a ton of new Cardcaptor Sakura events and merchandise, and I’m all for it! Currently there’s a Sakura and Tomoyo Flower Garden Cafe being held at Sweets Paradise locations throughout Japan through the end of July. Cardcaptor Sakura art is always gorgeous, but the flower garden and sweets theme makes this collaboration extra adorable!

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Japan Envy: Animal Crossing Ichiban Kuji (+ How to Buy!)

Animal Crossing Ichiban Kuji

Animal Crossing Ichiban Kuji

The Animal Crossing Ichiban Kuji is coming out in Japan on March 17th, and the prizes are drop-dead adorable! It’s a great excuse to bring back my Japan Envy series! Let’s take a closer look at the prizes you can win, and at the end I’ll share ways for you to purchase these awesome items for yourself!

Read moreJapan Envy: Animal Crossing Ichiban Kuji (+ How to Buy!)