Get ready to catch 'em all at Tokyo's Pokemon theme park next year
The wildly popular Pokemon franchise will open its first permanent theme park in Tokyo in spring 2026, the Pokemon Company – a subsidiary of Japanese gaming giant Nintendo – announced.
Japan has welcomed a record influx of visitors in recent months, boosting demand for tourist attractions, including a 'Making of Harry Potter' film-studio park that opened in Tokyo in 2023.
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The Star
3 hours ago
- The Star
LaLaport BBCC adds Japanese retail flavour
The place to be: Located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, LaLaport BBCC boasts many lifestyle brands from Japan. — AZLINA ABDULLAH/The Star KUALA Lumpur's LaLaport Bukit Bintang City Centre (BBCC) has welcomed five new Japanese brands into its premises to give shoppers an enhanced retail experience. Four brands – Regal, Global Work, earth music & ecology, and Over Print, have set up their stores at the mall, offering premium footwear and attire, among others. A fifth brand, 3Coins, which sells lifestyle goods and home decor items, is expected to start operations on Aug 16. The new stores are part of LaLaport BBCC's effort to refresh its retail mix, in addition to offering a variety of activities and promotions in the coming months. These include lucky draws with prizes worth up to RM70,000, shopping vouchers and limited-edition merchandise. Shoppers also stand a chance to enjoy special discounts which are available for a limited period. In a statement, LaLaport BBCC said the latest promotions were to cater to shoppers' increasingly dynamic demands. 'We are inviting them to explore a distinctive mix of fashion, culture, entertainment and lifestyle products right in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. 'From premium footwear to playful streetwear and minimalist decor, each store showcases distinct Japanese sensibilities,' it said. 'We will continue to evolve as a one-of-a-kind city centre destination, revitalised and ready for the next chapter,' LaLaport BBCC added. To kickstart the promotional campaign, media practitioners were given a preview of the new stores, as well as the newly launched Mitsui Outlet Park BBCC on Level 3, which brings together 30 branded stores. The products range from sporting attire and equipment, and fashion forward wear, all at attractive prices. Also unveiled was the entertainment hub Molly Fantasy on Level 4 that caters to families and gaming enthusiasts. Among the highlights are Pokemon Mezastar Stadium, where visitors may enjoy Pokemon battles, and Taiko no Tatsujin Dojo, which is the brand's first officially certified premises in South-East Asia. These are in addition to a wide variety of amusement and gaming machines brought in from Japan. The media were also given a walkthrough of the LaLaport Transportation Hub (LTH), slated to start operating in phases starting this month. LTH is set to launch bus services to Singapore and Thailand, as well as shuttle services to the Kuala Lumpur International Airport and Subang Airport. LaLaport BBCC, which boasts more than 2,000 parking spots, also has pedestrian connections to the Hang Tuah LRT and KL Monorail stations, while the Merdeka station of the Kajang MRT line is only a five-minute walk away.
The Star
4 hours ago
- The Star
Taste of Japan in Kuala Lumpur
Pavilion Bukit Jalil has been transformed into a cultural haven with spectacular performances for the Matsuri Festival – 'Konnichiwa' Japan! Together Here. — Photos: LOW LAY PHON/The Star MALAYSIANS will not need to board a plane to experience the vibrant culture of Japan this week. Pavilion Bukit Jalil is hosting Matsuri Festival – 'Konnichiwa, Japan! Together Here'. The five-day celebration, which ends tomorrow, is organised in collaboration with Japan Graduates Association of Malaysia (Jagam). The festival brings the essence of Japan to Kuala Lumpur, featuring traditional performances, authentic street food, cultural showcases and family-friendly activities throughout the mall. Highlights include Japanese pop music as well as Yosakoi and Bon Odori dance performances Look out for comedy performances by 3 Gaga Heads and a show by idol group KLP48 today and tomorrow. People enjoying the performances at the mall and recording the show. Pavilion Kuala Lumpur chief executive officer (retail) Datuk Joyce Yap said it was part of their mission to create an immersive experience beyond retail. 'We believe in curating experiences that go beyond shopping – bringing people together and enriching lives with the best the world has to offer. 'Through our collaboration with Jagam, we are proud to present an authentic cultural journey where families and friends can discover the rich traditions and modern delights of Japan,' she said in a media statement. According to Yap, the festival is a celebration of connection, learning and shared memories that inspire visitors long after they leave. Other attractions include a bonsai showcase highlighting the intricate art of Japanese miniature trees, a Tamagotchi Pop-Up by Cotton Blue and the Doko Koko Pop-Up by Nijigen. Visitors can also explore displays of traditional arts and crafts, enjoy cosplay performances today and tomorrow, and witness a maguro cutting show today, which is a demonstration of the traditional Japanese technique of butchering a whole bluefin tuna. Grab the opportunity to try on a yukata for RM40 at the venue too.
The Star
5 hours ago
- The Star
Playful Japanese vibe at sake spot in Chinatown
A giant Astro Boy atop a van placed in a shoplot in Kuala Lumpur's Chinatown greets visitors looking for a taste of Japan. The presence of the fictional Japanese character is a delightful nod to the country's whimsical street food culture. This rather unusual sight also hints at the lively spirit you'll find in a great yakitori bar. Shibui Yakitori Bar Kuala Lumpur aims to capture such essence, transporting guests to a cosy izakaya that offers grill-to-order skewers as well as refreshing sake and creative cocktails. Stepping into the bar, one can't help but notice the pop culture references with several figures of Doraemon characters. Imported Japanese snack packaging plasters the walls while vintage items hang on display, creating a playful vibe. On one side, a bright neon sign displays the Hiragana characters for 'sugoi,' meaning 'great' or 'wonderful.' This place stands out as a sake and yakitori bar in Chinatown, offering not only sake and infused sake but also sake-based cocktails and shots. Sake selections include Kizakura Junmai Daiginjo, Dassai 45 Junmai Daiginjo and Manotsuru Junmai Ginjo Toki. The Yakitori Platter comes with chicken thigh and wing, salmon, prawn, leek, cherry tomatoes and shiitake mushrooms. However, for those who want more fruity flavours, the infused sake is a great choice. The lychee-infused sake offers a sweet flavour, while the asam boi-infused sake is a subtle acknowledgement of the locally loved preserved sour plums, highlighting a familiar and nostalgic flavour. As for the sake-based cocktails, the Lychee Saketini Slushie is a sweet and sour libation. Mixed with lychee, lemon and sake, this cocktail is approachable and easy to drink, suitable for pairing with a platter of yakitori. The Lychee Saketini Slushie is a sweet and sour drink. The Ginza Garden cocktail, on the other hand, has a bit more acidity as it is a combination of gin, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, cranberry, lime and soda. It is cooling and refreshing. For something stronger, the Melon Blossom cocktail is recommended as it is mixed with apple whiskey, melon, lime and shiso. One can also try the Jim Beam Highball series, available in classic whiskey and soda, or with apple or honey flavour selections. Drinks aside, visitors are spoilt for choice in the food selection which ranges from small bites to main courses. The Yakitori Platter, which comes with chicken thigh and wing, salmon, prawn, leek, cherry tomatoes and shiitake mushrooms, is a must-have. Suitable for sharing, the skewers are grilled to perfection with a mouth-watering marinade. The Ginza Garden cocktail is a combination of gin, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, cranberry, lime and soda. Grilled items include scallops (a chef's recommendation) as well as a lot more luxurious offerings such as Wagyu beef. In terms of bar bites, the Lychee Mayo Cauliflower stands out – it is served with a creamy sauce, while the lychee fruit adds a hint of sweetness to the dish. One can also order truffle cheese fries, crispy fried squid and crabby clam soup to go with its selection of beers and spirits. Over to the main course, the Chicken Sesame Tantan-Men is appetising. It comes with an umami-filled broth that is topped with eggs, cabbage, black fungus and minced chicken. For desserts, try the assorted mochi and burnt cheesecake. SHIBUI YAKITORI BAR KL, Ground Floor, No.147, Jalan Petaling, City Centre, Kuala Lumpur. (Tel: 014-646 2566) Business hours: Noon to 1am (Tuesday to Sunday). This is the writer's personal observation and is not an endorsement by StarMetro.
