'Monster Hunter' game characters promote armor exhibition at shrine in Nara
Capcom Co., a major video game company, has produced two collaboration images featuring its "Monster Hunter" in conjunction with the " Special Exhibition Supreme Treasures: Japanese Gorgeous Armors" exhibition, which opened July 5 at Kasugataisha Museum. These images are on display at the venue and original limited-edition merchandise is sold during the exhibition, which runs until Sept. 7.
While there is no connection between "Monster Hunter" and Kasugataisha Shrine, the latter proposed the collaboration, believing that partnering with the internationally popular game would spark interest in Japanese armor among both Japanese and foreign visitors, and this unexpected joint work came to fruition.
One of the images features a cloister lined with hanging lanterns, where catlike beast characters known as Felynes are taking a commemorative photo. Behind a Felyne holding a deer-themed fortune slip is a Kelbi, a deerlike creature, and further back is a deer, regarded as a divine messenger. The other image depicts the monster Zinogre appearing in front of the second torii gate, where hunters are battling it. One of the hunters is seen protecting a deer.
(Japanese original by Yasuhiro Okawa, Nara Bureau)
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
SoraNews24
41 minutes ago
- SoraNews24
60th Anniversary Sanrio Exhibition opens this month to celebrate the Japanese culture of cute
'The Beginning of Kawaii' exhibition explores the backstories of famous Sanrio characters and more. 60 years and over 450 characters after its founding, Japanese entertainment company Sanrio shows no signs of slowing down. What began as the Yamanashi Silk Company in 1960 and changed its name to Sanrio in 1973 is now a global powerhouse for original characters that grace everything from stationery to fashion accessories. It's not a stretch to say that Sanrio is largely responsible for cementing the Japanese pop cultural concept of kawaii , or 'cute,' around the globe. Both longtime and new fans of Sanrio are about to have an opportunity to take a stroll down nostalgic kawaii lane when the 60th Anniversary Sanrio Exhibition: The Beginning of Kawaii opens from July 19 through September 15 at the Ibaraki Prefectural Museum of History. Five highlights about the upcoming attraction are previewed below. ● Japan's unique culture of kawaii Exactly how did Sanrio get its start in the Showa period (1926-1989) of modern Japan? This section of the exhibit will divulge unique secrets of the Sanrio style, including why it's now common to see adults carrying around Sanrio goods when such a thing was once unthinkable. ● The Hello Kitty revolution Ah, yes–the Hello Kitty boom deserves its own spotlight. Learn why the cat-adjacent-but-not-a-cat mascot has remained the beloved symbol of Sanrio–and by extension, Japan–for 50 years. ● Individual character stories Dig deep into the development process of Sanrio's original characters, their background stories, and why some manage to rise in popularity even decades later. You may be surprised by what you learn about some of the brand's lesser-known mascots. ● Character goods around the world The 1980s in general were awash with character goods globally. How did Sanrio's characters manage to not only survive, but thrive, in this competitive scene? ● Strawberry News and the fans Finally, the exhibition will pay tribute to the relationship between fans and Sanrio's Strawberry News ( Ichigo Shimbun ), a Japanese-only print newsletter in circulation since 1975 that contains news, interest columns, and even reader fan art. This section of the exhibition will also include stories about various Sanrio shops and merchandise over the years. ▼ By the way, photography inside the exhibition is OK! Visitors are encouraged to post their snapshots to social media using the hashtag #サンリオ展 ('Sanrio exhibition'). Speaking of merchandise, original goods will also be sold at the event, including commemorative masking tape, keychains, and folders featuring popular characters. Day-of tickets for the 60th Anniversary Sanrio Exhibition will cost 1,200 yen (US$8.30) for adults, 600 yen for high school students and seniors 70 years and up, and 300 yen for elementary school and junior high school students. Advance tickets will cost 1,000 yen, 500 yen, and 200 yen for the above categories respectively. Both day-of and advance tickets are available for purchase electronically through ePlus and JR East's Hitachi no Kuni Travelogue site. In preparation for your visit, you may want to check out this year's hot-off-the-press rankings for Sanrio's annual character popularity contest, for which there's a new top dog in town. Exhibition information 60th Anniversary Sanrio Exhibition: The Beginning of Kawaii / サンリオ展 ーニッポンのカワイイ文化60年史ー Address: Ibaraki-ken, Mito-shi, Midori-cho 2-1-15, Ibaraki Prefectural Museum of History 茨城県水戸市緑町 2-1-15 茨城県立歴史館 Duration: July 19-September 15 Open: 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. (last entry at 4:30 p.m.) Closed: Mondays Website Source, images: PR Times ● Want to hear about SoraNews24's latest articles as soon as they're published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter! [ Read in Japanese ]
Metropolis Japan
2 hours ago
- Metropolis Japan
East Meets West: Special Cocktails & English Rakugo Night at THE LIVELY Tokyo Azabujuban
This summer, explore the art of cultural fusion at hotel THE LIVELY Tokyo Azabujuban, where world-class whiskey and Japanese tradition collide in the 'EAST MEETS WEST' experience presented by LEGENT. Running through July 31, this event celebrates the collaboration between Fred Noe of Jim Beam and Shinji Fukuyo of Suntory—two titans who've fused bourbon and Japanese craftsmanship into one extraordinary spirit. Set across THE LIVELY's stylish 9th-floor bar and its 2nd-floor lounge (on select dates), the program invites you to sip nine limited-edition LEGENT cocktails reimagined with Japanese flair, unwind to vintage soundscapes from tube amps, and bask in the calm of bonsai installations. On weekends, expect nostalgic J-pop and smooth jazz to complete the mood. Also, don't miss the one-night-only English rakugo performance on July 18 by Shinoharu Tatekawa—a rare chance to experience Japan's traditional comic storytelling through a global lens. For cocktail lovers, guest bartender nights in July (12 and 19) will bring exclusive creations from Tokyo's finest mixologists. Whether you're a whiskey connoisseur or just craving something offbeat, this cross-cultural celebration is not to be missed–only a 3-minute walk from Azabujuban Station. ・ EAST MEETS WEST (June 18-July31) -Period: Wednesday, June 18 – Thursday, July 31, 2025 -Location: THE LIVELY Tokyo Azabu-Juban 9F: THE LIVELY BAR Tokyo Azabu-Juban 2F: Lobby Lounge 'LIVERALLY' (July 18 only) ・English Rakugo Night (July 18) -Date & Time: Friday, July 18, 2025, 18:30–19:30 (Doors open at 18:00) -Price: ¥2,500 (includes a ¥500 coupon valid during the event period) Opening hours of THE LIVELY BAR are 6pm–12am throughout the week.
Metropolis Japan
3 hours ago
- Metropolis Japan
Suntory Hall Summer Festival 2025
Tokyo's iconic Suntory Hall Summer Festival returns from August 23 to 30, 2025, continuing its legacy as a premier celebration of contemporary music since 1987. This year's festival spotlights Georges Aperghis, the French-based Greek trailblazer of experimental music theatre, whose vivid orchestral and chamber works will be showcased in a rare, immersive retrospective. Highlights include Japanese premieres, a composition workshop, and performances by world-class musicians like Donatienne Michel-Dansac and the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra. The festival culminates with the 35th Yasushi Akutagawa Suntory Award for Music Composition, honoring Japan's most groundbreaking orchestral works. With public voting and a special tribute to Akutagawa's centenary, this year's program promises both discovery and celebration.
