#GreatTokyoAdventure: Pokémon Center Tokyo DX Nihombashi

As part of the Great Tokyo Adventure experience, let's go to a Pokémon Center in Tokyo. Actually, there are 3 known locations in Tokyo, but as I went through my Ginza tour, I decided to go to the Pokémon Center Tokyo DX which is nearby.

Located in Nihombashi Takashimaya Shopping Center in Chuo City Tokyo, this is one of the biggest Pokémon centers I have ever been and definitely a place any Pokémon fan should never miss when in Tokyo. The Pokémon Center can be reached by walking from  Nihombashi train station of Tokyo Metro Ginza and Tozai Line.

The Itchyworms have recently announced their three-city tour in Japan this October 2023!

The mini tour will kick off at the LIVE HOUSE GATTACA in Kyoto on October 6, followed by two more stops in Osaka (The Blarney Stone and Sengokudaitouryou) on October 7 and 8, respectively.

Prior to the announcement, The Itchyworms performed at the Tokyo Beyond Festival on November 22, 2022. They have also participated at the Kansai Music Conference in a virtual setting while delivering an exclusive live performance at the Big Baby Studios in Manila.

“There will be a lot of Filipino fans who will travel two or three hours just to see us live, so we will still be playing some hits,” the Di Na Muli hitmakers share in a collective statement. ‘We will also be playing some other songs that we think will be appreciated by the Japanese musicians and audiences. We feel that music is universal, and whether we sing in Filipino or in English, the audience will love it.”

5 variety, comedy, and dating shows lead Netflix’s Japan slate of unscripted content

Netflix revealed an exciting Japanese slate of unscripted content, from outrageous variety shows to unique dating formats. At the APAC Unscripted Showcase, Netflix Japan Content Manager Dai Ota shared a peek at five reality series that feature Japan’s unique entertainment culture. “We’re excited to move into a new phase of our content strategy, ramping up our investments in unscripted and bringing new concepts to the screen. We want to elevate the unscripted category with great production values and storytelling from Japan’s most innovative creative voices,” Ota said.

#ManualToJapan: Nagoya City Science Museum

Aside from shopping and events, Nagoya also offers an educational experience with the Nagoya City Science Museum. Located in Sakae, near the shopping district and Mirai tower, is the impressive architecture of the museum with its two buildings joined by a massive spherical structure which is where the planetarium is located. From afar it seems like a spaceship, or the death star from Star Wars though indeed the feeling is something astronomical and somehow futuristic. This is also how I felt when I went to The Mind Museum in BGC. In this case, it is much bigger and much exciting with what it can offer.

Travel to Japan and pay your way via GCash

Around 4 hours away from Manila by plane, Japan is a small island, but packed with so much to do and so much to see—some of those who have been swear by the fact that spending 3 days and 2 nights in its capital, Tokyo, is not enough. To do the country properly and give justice to it, a week might just be enough, but that will all depend on how much you would want to immerse yourself into all things Japanese!

One thing’s for sure, it’s easy to get carried away with spending Yen when you’re there. Besides the classic YOLO mentality, there’s simply a lot to eat, shops to visit, and places you won’t find anywhere else. Good thing GCash is now present in prominent shops and destinations all over the island—you can take a hold of your budget by spending less on foreign exchange fees, stay safe with cashless transactions, and enjoy exclusive promos while having fun. 

Globe offers affordable, longer roaming services as Japan reopens doors, S. Korea resumes tourist visa application

 Prepare your passports and get ready for the reopening of international travel! As you explore the world, no need to worry about connectivity overseas as Globe Roaming has the right data packs for you, whether for a 3-day or 30-day stay.

 

Japan is now accepting travelers from the Philippines, which is among the 98 “blue” countries whose travelers are no longer required to get tested or quarantined for COVID-19 upon arrival. For those traveling to Japan, Globe is currently offering 5G services through SoftBank.

 

You can also start applying for a short-term tourist visa to visit your favorite K-pop paradise, South Korea, where Globe is offering 4G and 5G roaming services through SK Telecom and KT Corp. 

 

“The world is gradually opening up two years since the pandemic put travel on hold. More Filipinos are now opting to spend more time in other countries to make up for lost time in terms of travel, and they will be on the lookout for the safest and most convenient way to stay connected. As they explore the world once again, Globe will be with them and deliver data roaming that's within their reach, even for longer travel periods,” said Coco Domingo, Vice President, Globe Postpaid and International Business.

Music Lane Okinawa Rescheduled to February 20-21, 2021

Following the recent declaration of State of Emergency for the central area in Tokyo, Japan, the Music Lane Festival Okinawa 2021 (Music Lane Okinawa) and Trans Asia Music Meeting 2021 has been rescheduled to February 20 and 21, 2021.

According to a statement released by organizers, the decision to postpone the festival follows the recent rising cases of the COVID-19 in different parts of Japan. “Although Okinawa is not included in the State of Emergency, there are many artists and audiences participating from Tokyo and the surrounding prefectures. In addition, the spread of infection in Okinawa Prefecture is becoming more prominent again… We felt that pushing the festival to be held in these circumstances could cause inconvenience and trouble to the participating artists, audiences, and all the staff members.”

Filipino music acts syd hartha, She’s Only Sixteen, and KRNA to perform at Music Lane Okinawa 2021

The trend of hybrid and online music showcase and conference festivals is set to continue next year with the debut edition of Music Lane Festival Okinawa in Japan on January 16 and 17, 2021 at select venues in the cities of Okinawa and Naha. The foreign lineup and its international conference program—the annual Trans Asia Music Meeting (TAMM)—will stream online for free.

More than 33 Asian music acts will showcase at the festival weekend, with local artists performing in front of live audiences at Sakurazaka Theater, Sakurazaka Central, and other venues in Naha; and Music Town Oto-Ichiba, 7th Heaven Koza, Remy’s, and more venues to be announced in Okinawa City—all of which will implement strict prevention measures against COVID-19. The festival will stream pre-recorded live sets from international artists curated by its partner music organizations from seven countries.

Experience Fluffy Goodness in Every Bite

Nippon Premium Bakery Inc. launched a variety of breads under the brand Fuwa Fuwa at their plant in Lot 10 Block 2 First Philippine Industrial Park, 2, Santo Tomas, Batangas last June 26, 2019. Fuwa Fuwa means “fluffy” in Nihongo which perfectly describes these bread variants and are sure to bring the exciting taste of Japan in every bite!

Established in 2017, Nippon Premium Bakery Inc. was formed with the combined strength of Sojitz Corporation (with more than 150 years in general trading business), Ryoyu Baking Co. Ltd. (with more than 70 years of experience in the Japanese bakery industry manufacturing different bread products that are sold wholesale and they also have 95 bakeries in Japan) and JR&R Distributors Inc. (one of the biggest distributors in the Philippines). 

Join “IslaFest” for a one-of-a-kind Filipino-Japanese fusion event

The three-day fusion festival happening on June 14-16 at Ueno Park in Tokyo showcases the best of the Filipino and Japanese culture and talent

This June, get to enjoy the best of two cultures as the Philippine Expo Organizing Committee and TFC bring the first-ever Filipino-Japanese fusion festival, the “IslaFest”, happening on June 14 to 16 at the Ueno Park, in Tokyo, Japan.

The three-day event will feature the best of both the Filipino and Japanese culture, from colorful celebrations to appetizing food, down to outstanding performances from Filipino and Japanese artists.

“We are excited with the very first Islafest event in Japan, a 3-day Filipino-Japanese fusion event that puts the spotlight on the rich culture and talent of both Filipinos and Japanese. This celebration aims to have a greater appreciation and knowledge about our two countries,” said ABS-CBN Global Country Manager for North Asia Eric Martin Santos.

Japanese Spectacle DRUM TAO – SAMURAI DRUM ROCK is Back This April!

World-renowned Japan martial arts and drum-playing extraordinaires, Drum Tao, have an exciting stage show on April 19th – 22nd, 2018 at the Kia Theatre, Quezon City, with costumes created by fashion designer Junko Koshino.

After playing to audiences of more than 7 million, in 400 cities in 23 countries that include Switzerland, Denmark, Israel, USA, Australia, Spain, Belgium, UK and Germany, critically-acclaimed Drum Tao, will explode onto the Manila stage with its eclectic mix of dance and martial arts as the dynamic and innovative Japanese performers beat their Wadaiko Drums.

“GODZILLA: RESURGENCE” Brings Largest And Most Menacing Monster In The Franchise

Toho Co., Ltd., one of Japan’s largest film companies that produced the original Godzilla (Gojira) feature film, reboots the world’s most successful monster franchise in “Godzilla: Resurgence.”

Currently Japan’s blockbuster of a monster at the box-office, “Godzilla: Resurgence” is the 31st movie in the franchise and being one of Toho’s most important characters, directors Hideaki Anno and Shinji Higuchi made the largest monster to-date at 389 feet tall, significantly monstrous from the last Godzilla movie (2014) that stood 354 feet tall.  Breaking new records in size, the humongous fearsome monster in “Godzilla: Resurgence” also has new striking design bearing the darkest and most menacing look than in the past films.      

“Godzilla: Resurgence” brings the monster back on Japan’s soil, in contemporary times, as it surfaces in the country for the first time.  In the movie, when an abandoned yacht in Tokyo Bay is attacked and the Aqua-line soon collapses, Japan’s Deputy Chief Rando Yaguchi theorizes that the damage was done by a living creature.  Soon, the country is on the run when an unidentified terrifying creature suddenly towered the city, destroying everything, even killing people in its path.  With Japan’s government officials working with special envoys and scholars, researching on the mysterious creature, the special group eventually names the dangerous creature Godzilla which is energized by nuclear fission, making it indestructible. 

99.99% Bacteria-Free In Your Condo

If you think the best way to have 99.99-percent bacteria-free purified drinking water in your condominium is to get them from water-refilling stations, think again.

That’s because there is a better way—one that doesn’t pose any inconvenience, safety and security issue; one that is effective, yet costs less; one that gives you the safe drinking water in no time.

The answer is the Torayvino’s compact faucet-mounted water purifier, an easy-to-use water filtration system that is so small it fits at the palm of your hand. Yet, this system is so effective at eliminating bacteria that causes diseases such as amoebiasis, cholera, and diarrhea. It is the market leader in Japan (66 percent).

Japanese Brand Torayvino Offers Potable Water For Filipinos

Water is the most important necessities of homes, and definitely for the Filipino families. And the average Pinoy family spend a chunk of their daily budget just to ensure clean drinking water. Thus the demand for bottled water becomes a necessity.

But along with spending for mineral water, the disposal of many plastic containers becomes a problem for waste disposal and eventually hurting the environment. So how do we reduce environmental risk as well as costly water spending?

The answer is found with our faucets, actually it does need a little help from a Japanese brand called TORAYVINO water purifier which is the most known brand in providing quality water purifiers in Japan.

Three, Two, One, Arai! Classical Guitar From Japan Sets One Night Concert On March 20

Independent Philippine Art Ventures, Inc., presents an afternoon of contemporary and classical guitar music with three outstanding artists from Japan who will play solos, duets, and trios at 530 pm on March 20, at the Abelardo Hall Auditorium in UP Diliman.

Concertgoers are encouraged to enjoy the UP campus that bustles with activity on Sundays. People hike, bike, walk, picnic, fly kites. The family-oriented concert will be a good way to cap a Sunday.

Featured artists: Tomonori Arai and Duo Trussardi

TOMONORI ARAI was born in Shibuya, Tokyo. He started guitar studies 

at the age of six with his father Kazuo Arai. In 1991, he began to take lessons from Yoshinobu Hara. Tomonori won First prize at Junior Guitar Competition, Student Guitar Competition, and Spanish Guitar Music Competition that year.

Key Hitachi Officials Lead Social Innovation Forum in the Philippines

We always look forward to what new technology can revolutionize the world and make it a better one. But would it be better to be part of that change and lead us altogether to that vision? Recently, Hitachi Asia Ltd., a subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE:6501, “Hitachi”), recently hosted the “Hitachi Social Innovation Forum in Philippines” at New World Makati Hotel. The aim of the forum was to discuss the need for sustainable solutions to address the challenges facing the Philippines and the region.

Key leaders of the company like Mr. Arnel Paciano Casanova, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Philippines Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), graced the event as guest-of-honor.

The Social Innovation Forum provided an opportunity to discuss technological answers to various societal issues particularly in the Philippines. The keynote speech by Mr. Hiroaki Nakanishi, Chairman and CEO of Hitachi explored global mega trends that require Social Innovation and how Hitachi’s expertise can drive these opportunities.

Actual Suicide "Forest" Spooks Director While Prepping Film

Award winning storyteller and director Jason Zada makes his feature film directorial debut with Columbia Pictures' terrifying horror-thriller “The Forest,” starring Natalie Dormer and Taylor Kinney and produced by David S. Goyer.

(Watch the “Say Something” clip from “The Forest” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AEK5vtVegiY.)

The film is set in the Aokigahara Forest, a real-life place in Japan where people go to end their lives. Against this backdrop, a young American woman (Dormer) comes in search of her twin sister, who has mysteriously disappeared. Despite everyone’s warnings not to “stray from the path,” Sara dares to enter the forest to discover the truth about her sister’s fate, only to be confronted by the angry and tormented souls of the dead who now prey on anyone who crosses their paths.

Japan's Infamous Suicide "Forest" Now Subject of New Horror Film‏

Rising with terrifying grandeur at the base of Mt. Fuji in Japan, the legendary real-life Aokigahara Forest is the suspense-filled setting of Columbia Pictures' new supernatural thriller “The Forest.”

In the film, a young American woman, Sara (Natalie Dormer), journeys to the Aokigahara Forest in search of her twin sister, who has mysteriously disappeared. In the company of expatriate Aiden (Taylor Kinney), Sara enters the forest having been well warned to “stay on the path.” Determined to discover the truth about her sister’s fate, Sara will have to face the angry and tormented souls of the dead that prey on anyone who dares come near them. These malevolent spirits lying in wait for Sara at every turn will plunge her into a frightening darkness from which she must fight to save herself.

"The Forest" Reveals New Poster Art‏

Columbia Pictures has launched the new poster art for its upcoming suspense thriller “The Forest” starring “Game of Thrones” actress Natalie Dormer.

Rising with terrifying grandeur at the base of Mt. Fuji in Japan, the legendary real-life Aokigahara Forest is the suspense-filled setting of the supernatural thriller “The Forest.” The one-sheet art's tagline bears the eerie reputation the said forest has come to be known for: “Everyone comes here looking for a way out.”

In the film, a young American woman, Sara (Natalie Dormer), journeys to the Aokigahara Forest in search of her twin sister, who has mysteriously disappeared. In the company of expatriate Aiden (Taylor Kinney of “Chicago Fire”), Sara enters the forest having been well warned to “stay on the path.” Determined to discover the truth about her sister’s fate, Sara will have to face the angry and tormented souls of the dead that prey on anyone who dares come near them. These malevolent spirits lying in wait for Sara at every turn will plunge her into a frightening darkness from which she must fight to save herself.

Opening across the Philippines on Feb. 17, 2016, “The Forest” is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International.

FASHIONISTA: UNIQLO Now In SM City Fairview

UNIQLO is gaining popularity here in the Philippines and quickly opening branch after branch and they are just in their first year here. Now they will open another one and its is located north of Metro Manila.

Yet to open June 14th but had its celebrity opening last June 11, 2013 with stars like Gloc-9, Maria Isabele Lopez, Carlo Aquino and even Ms. Universe 1st-runner up Janine Tugonon were there to grace the event and also did some shopping in the store  which has a wide selection of clothes from underwear, formal and casual wear.