NEXCO Central Japan, Central Japan Exis, and Chubu Civil Engineering will open “ONE SEANA,” a mixed-use leisure facility, on September 18 within EXPASA Hamana Lake (combined northbound and southbound) on the Tomei Expressway (E1). Taking advantage of EXPASA Hamana Lake’s location—which offers a panoramic view of Lake Hamana—and its spacious grounds, the facility features “Hamana…
New “Yumeguri Tokorozawa-Kawagoe” Route to Begin Service on August 20, Offering Direct Express Bus Service to Ikaho and Kusatsu Hot Springs
Koei Kotsu Bus and JR Bus Kanto will begin operating a new express bus service, the “Yumeguri Tokorozawa–Kawagoe,” on August 20. This is the second phase following the existing alliance route, the “Yumeguri Kawagoe–Omiya,” and provides direct, transfer-free access from Tokorozawa City and Kawagoe City in southwestern Saitama Prefecture to Gunma Prefecture’s premier hot spring…
Tokyo City Bus to Conduct Cashless Pilot Operation on Route C·H01 (Shinjuku Station West Exit to Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Loop)
The Tokyo Metropolitan Bureau of Transportation will begin a pilot program on September 1 on Route C·H01 (Shinjuku Station West Exit to Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Loop) as part of its efforts to transition Toei Bus operations to a fully cashless system. Payment methods include transportation IC cards (such as PASMO and Suica) and various…
Black Myaku Myaku “Sofubi Piggy Bank,” with both hands clasped in front of him in a respectful pose
Heso Production will release the “Sofubi Piggy Bank” featuring Kuro Myaku Myaku, the official mascot of the Osaka-Kansai Expo, at 12:00 p.m. on August 1. The price is 8,800 yen, and purchases are limited to two per person. A black Myaku Myaku piggy bank that looks as if it’s standing respectfully with its hands clasped…
Suica Penguin × Maruzen Junkudo Bookstore: Collaboration merchandise featuring characters dressed as bookstore clerks. Available for pre-sale at the Maruzen Marunouchi Main Store.
Maruzen Junkudo Bookstore is releasing collaboration merchandise featuring the “Suica Penguin” to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Junkudo Bookstore’s founding. Pre-sales will begin on July 29 at the “Maruzen Marunouchi Main Store” (Marunouchi Oazo, 1-6-4 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo). Suica will also celebrate its 25th anniversary this November. Featuring original Suica Penguin merchandise designed to resemble…
Monchhichi and Nordic design brand “kippis” team up for their first collaboration! Gadget pouches, eco-bags, charms, and more are now on sale at 7-Eleven.
Takarajimasha will release the first collaboration items between Monchhichi and Kippis on August 19. The lineup includes the “Cosmetics & Gadget Pouch” (2 varieties, 2,728 yen each), the “Eco-Bag with Plush Charm” (2 varieties, 2,798 yen each), the “Bag Charm” (2,750 yen), and “Drip Coffee” (4 varieties, 389 yen each). In addition to Takarajima Channel,…
Approximately 111 km of expressways in the Kumamoto area are closed. This includes the Kyushu Expressway section between Mashiki-Kumamoto Airport IC and Ebino IC; rest areas have not sustained significant damage.
NEXCO West Japan has updated the status of expressway closures within the jurisdiction of its Kyushu Branch due to the Reiwa 8 Kumamoto Earthquake that occurred on July 28. As of 11:00 a.m. on the 29th, the total length of road closures was 110.8 km, and 61.3 km of those closures had been lifted. It…
“Tamamitsune,” the Sleeping Monster from Monster Hunter, Is Now a Plush Keychain! 18.5 cm in total length, available at FamilyMart
Takarajimasha will release the “Monster Hunter: Goodnight Tamamitsune Plush Charm Book” on August 26. The price is 4,169 yen. It will be available on e-commerce sites and at FamilyMart (not available at bookstores). This plush charm is modeled after “Tamamitsune,” a popular monster from Monster Hunter, as it sleeps to restore its health. It comes…
From a cruise down the Li River—a World Heritage Site—to the thrill of a sky walk with breathtaking views, and a grand spectacular show directed by master filmmaker Zhang Yimou! A Report from Guilin, China
I visited Guilin, located in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in southern China, as part of a press tour organized by the online travel site Trip.com Group. Guilin has long been praised with the saying, “Guilin’s landscapes are the finest under heaven.” It is a beautiful city surrounded by strangely shaped rocky mountains and rivers….
“Monster Hunter” Folding Chair Now on Sale at FamilyMart! The Seat Features Weapon Icons, and It’s a Portable Size Perfect for Seasonal Events
Takarajimasha will release the “Monster Hunter Folding Chair with Shoulder Strap BOOK” on August 26. The price is 3,729 yen. It will be available on e-commerce sites and at FamilyMart (not sold in bookstores). This compact, portable chair folds down for easy transport and measures 28 × 24 × 25 cm (width × depth ×…