The famed Angkor Archaeological Park, Cambodia’s most attractive tourism landscape, received 521,950 foreign tourists in the first semester of 2024, a year-on-year increase of 35 percent.
The figures, shared by the Angkor Enterprise, revealed a substantial increase in revenue from the entrance pass sales, which rose by 36 percent to a significant $24.35 million.
The source pointed out that in June alone, the enterprise earned a total income of $2.15 million, up 18 percent from June 2023. 49,692 registered foreign tourists, a 20 percent year-on-year rise, the enterprise’s source said.
The entrance fee for a one-day visit to the park is $37, a three-day visit costs $62, and a week-long visit is $72.
Situated in Siem Reap northwest province, the 401-square-km Angkor Archaeological Park, a testament to the Khmer Empire’s rich history, is home to 91 ancient temples, which had been built from the 9th to the 13th centuries.
The park, inscribed on the World Heritage List of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in 1992, is the most popular tourist destination in the Kingdom.
According to the same report, Koh Ker – the Khmer Empire’s sole capital from 928 to 944 CE and listed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List in September 2023, welcomed 10,828 foreign visitors during the first half of this year, generating $162,420 as income from entrance pass sales.
The Royal Government has formed the Cambodia Tourism Marketing and Promotion Board, composed of representatives from the public and private sectors, to promote Cambodia’s tourism to the international markets.
In 2023, more than 790,000 foreign tourists bought entrance passes to visit Angkor, generating $37 million as income, an increase of 222 percent compared to a year before.AKP
On July 4th, the dance team "Avant-Garde," known as the "Mysterious Uniform Bobbed Hair Group" on social media and gaining attention both domestically and internationally, appeared at "Shinsaibashi PARCO" in Chuo Ward, Osaka. They energized the venue by performing a sharp and synchronized dance in a mini live show.
This time, to commemorate the collaboration with "Parco Grand Bazaar," which starts nationwide on July 5th, Avant-Garde will hold a mini live performance in their hometown of Osaka.
Gained Attention on a Popular U.S. Audition Show
Avant-Garde is a group of 17 women who dance in bobbed hair and jumper skirts to Showa-era songs, among others. They were produced by choreographer Akane, who is known for creating the "Bubble Dance" popularized by the "Osaka Prefectural Tomioka High School" dance club, and the group was formed in 2022. Their dance, which features a mix of "funny" and "creepy" expressions with high addictive quality, gained attention on a popular U.S. audition show and has led to their wide-ranging activities in shows and festivals both domestically and internationally.
"Ha Ha Ha! Halloween Party""Halloween Horror Nights"
The annual Halloween event at Universal Studios Japan is back. For Halloween 2024, the event is broadly divided into two main themes: "Ha Ha Ha! Halloween Party," featuring Pokémon and Sanrio characters, and "Halloween Horror Nights," featuring exciting collaborations with "Chainsaw Man" and "Resident Evil." During the event period, USJ will offer a variety of thrilling programs unique to the park.
Starting July 2, Tokyo Disney Resort will launch a "soaking wet" program to beat the summer heat, running until September 18. At Tokyo Disneyland, Baymax, the healthcare robot from the movie "Big Hero 6," will host the water spraying program "Baymax's Mission: Cool Down" to protect guests from the summer heat.
Baymax's mission is to raise the "energy levels" of guests that have dropped due to the heat. Baymax will travel along the parade route, spraying a cool mist and detecting areas where energy levels are significantly "low." Upon detection, the float will stop, and Baymax will say, "Let's get soaked and blow away the heat!" releasing a large amount of water to drench the guests.
This year, the amount of water sprayed has increased compared to last year. Trailers carrying water have been added to the back of each float. Accompanied by bright and cheerful music, this unique summer activity is sure to delight guests, who will be shouting with joy. For those wanting to get soaked by Baymax, waterproofing measures for your belongings are a must!
ចាប់ពីថ្ងៃទី 2 ខែកក្កដា រហូតដល់ថ្ងៃទី 18 ខែកញ្ញា Tokyo Disney Resort នឹងចាប់ផ្តើមកម្មវិធី "ស្រោចទឹកសពេញ" ដើម្បីបំបាត់កម្តៅរដូវក្តៅ។ នៅ Tokyo Disneyland, Baymax, រ៉ូបូតថែទាំពីភាពយន្ត "Big Hero 6" នឹងធ្វើមុខងារ "Baymax's Mission: Cool Down" ដើម្បីការពារភ្ញៀវពីកម្តៅរដូវក្តៅ។
SEGA Fave Corporation will launch a limited-time collaboration with Sanrio's character "Hello Kitty" on their latest purikura machine, 'GIMMI', starting Thursday, July 4, 2024.
This collaboration features Y2K & Y3K-themed Hello Kitty designs that perfectly match the world of GIMMI. Frames, stamps, seal designs, and even screen designs will be Hello Kitty-themed. With new features like the "Puri Remote," which allows self-timer shots, and additional shooting while doodling, you can enjoy a unique purikura experience with the 'GIMMI' and 'Hello Kitty' collaboration.
◇ Collaboration Period Thursday, July 4, 2024 – Saturday, August 31, 2024
◇ Collaboration Details Exclusive Hello Kitty collaboration seal designs: 15 types, frames: 4 types, stamps: 28 types, and screen designs will also be Hello Kitty-themed.
■ What is the Purikura Machine 'GIMMI'? 'GIMMI' is a purikura (photo sticker) machine designed to enhance the user's photography experience, allowing for a more enjoyable and free shooting experience. It offers new features and a meticulously designed body that brings a fresh purikura experience with cutting-edge trends like Y2K & Y3K, which are popular with Generation Z.
The machine's new design allows for shooting, doodling, and printing stickers all in one space. Unlike traditional machines, there's no need to move between booths, providing a private space where the fun continues uninterrupted from shooting to doodling and printing stickers. Additionally, with the new "additional shooting" feature, users can take photos even while doodling. Up to 19 shots can be taken in a single session, catering to the desire to take as many photos as needed or to try various poses.
The photos are characterized by a "neo-real mori" effect, which enhances realism while adding a desirable touch. With the new "Puri Remote," users can control the shutter to capture the best moments. The machine also features a "Dedicated Mori Maker" function, developed with the understanding that each user has different preferences for photo enhancement. This function allows users to adjust the photo to their liking, and the system will automatically apply these adjustments to all the photos taken during the session by recognizing individual faces. 'GIMMI' is packed with innovative features not found in traditional purikura machines, offering a new and exciting purikura experience.
LINE Friends Japan opened a large flagship store, "LINE FRIENDS SQUARE SHIBUYA," in Shibuya, Tokyo, on June 26. The store hosts pop-ups that allow visitors to experience the worlds of various artists and characters, primarily focusing on K-POP. The first collaboration is with NewJeans, featuring collaboration items with Takashi Murakami and Hiroshi Fujiwara, available exclusively in Japan. On the opening day, Takashi Murakami and NewJeans' producer Min Hee-jin visited the store.
The store was designed with the idea of creating a "square" where various characters and fans can gather, featuring three conceptually different floors from the basement to the second floor. With a total floor area of 990 square meters, it is one of the largest LINE Friends stores globally. The aim is to make it a "hot place" where fans from around the world gather, starting from Shibuya, a trendsetting hub that attracts many domestic and inbound visitors.
During the NewJeans pop-up period until July 15, large screens at the entrance display NewJeans videos, and the store offers a lineup of items such as T-shirts, bandanas, hats, and bags from the "NewJeans × Hiroshi Fujiwara" collection, which is available exclusively in Japan. Additionally, a new character "bunini," an adaptation of NewJeans' rabbit character "Tokki" in the style of LINE Friends' "minini," is featured. The store also showcases items from the "Powerpuff Girls × NJ" collection, designed based on NewJeans' new "How Sweet" outfits.
Takashi Murakami's collaboration items are sold on the same floor, with walls and fixtures decorated with his iconic "flower" motifs.
Min Hee-jin, who participated in a media interview with Takashi Murakami, commented, "Thank you always for loving NewJeans. For this collaboration, both LINE Friends and Mr. Murakami put a lot of heart into it, and I feel truly blessed to have worked with such wonderful people. We were able to create something great, and I hope the fans will be delighted." Takashi Murakami reflected on the production period, saying, "This project demanded top-notch quality control, one of the highest I've experienced. I communicated with Min daily through LINE during the preparation period. Following Min's direction diligently, we created something beyond my expectations, which moved me deeply."
Shohei Ohtani's Instagram post on June 27 (Japan time) has created a buzz on social media, featuring his dog "Dekopin" wearing a randoseru (Japanese school backpack). It was revealed that the randoseru is a pet-specific item made by Tsuchiya Kaban, a major Japanese bag manufacturer.
In the post, Ohtani is seen enjoying a walk with "Dekopin" near the stadium before the game, with the dog wearing a brown leather randoseru that matches its fur, creating a coordinated look.
The randoseru, priced at 49,500 yen (including tax), was the first pet item released by Tsuchiya Kaban in October 2023 and is currently sold out. The leash held by Ohtani (priced at 22,000 to 23,100 yen, including tax) is also made by Tsuchiya Kaban and is still available for purchase on their online store.
A spokesperson from Tsuchiya Kaban confirmed that the randoseru is their product, stating, "We were also honored to learn this morning that Ohtani is using our randoseru. It was not a gift from the brand, so we believe he likely purchased it personally." They also mentioned that they are considering restocking the randoseru following Ohtani's use.
The results of the 15th annual "Japan Character Awards," celebrating excellence in the character and licensing business industry, have been announced.
The winners are as follows:
Character License Award: "Oshi no Ko" (by the Oshi no Ko Production Committee), "Mobile Suit Gundam Series" (by Sotsu Co., Ltd. and Bandai Namco Filmworks Inc.), and "Chiikawa" (by Spiral Cute Co., Ltd.).
New Face Award: "TV Anime 'Frieren: Beyond Journey's End'" (by the Frieren Production Committee).
The Grand Prize will be announced at the awards ceremony held at "Licensing Japan" at Tokyo Big Sight from July 3rd to July 5th, with the ceremony taking place on July 3rd.
Prize Winners
Character License Award: "Oshi no Ko" (Oshi no Ko Production Committee) Selection Comments: A great example of expanding the fan base beyond existing fans through animation. Particularly notable for its success in advertising and promotions. The strategic exposure through theme songs, events, and various collaborations has significantly contributed to fan base growth.
Character License Award: "Mobile Suit Gundam Series" (Sotsu Co., Ltd., Bandai Namco Filmworks Inc.) Selection Comments: A series that has evolved to be supported by both men and women over its 45-year history by continually bringing fresh ideas to the anime. The "Gunpla" models remain popular, with markets expanding domestically and internationally. Efforts to attract new fans through careful strategies despite the complexity of the IP are commendable.
Character License Award: "Chiikawa" (Spiral Cute Co., Ltd.) Selection Comments: Dominating the fancy character scene with its unique worldview. The fan base has significantly expanded with the anime broadcast, and real-life store events have achieved remarkable success. The widespread development across various genres continues to expand the fan base.
New Face Award: "TV Anime 'Frieren: Beyond Journey's End'" (Frieren Production Committee) Selection Comments: An extremely popular content with a unique worldview and outstanding story. Supported by both younger and adult audiences, particularly popular for its animation. Collaboration within Shogakukan and the significant response to the anime have heightened expectations for future developments, including further animation.
Product Licensee Award: "Ichiban Kuji" (Bandai Spirits Co., Ltd.) Selection Comments: Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the product has gained high recognition and remains attractive to users and licensees alike. Its expansion beyond convenience stores to specialty shops, and various innovative collaborations, are highly valued.
Promotion Licensee Award: "Happy Set Hello Kitty 50th Anniversary" (McDonald's Japan) Selection Comments: Happy Set has evolved from merely children's toys to items even adults desire. This particular promotion materialized the special occasion of Hello Kitty's 50th anniversary with an unprecedented 50-item set. Its strong appeal and unique messaging made it a standout.
Retail Award: "Sesame Street Market" (Mash Style Lab Co., Ltd.) Selection Comments: As the world's only official Sesame Street food and beverage complex store, it has garnered strong support for its high quality and originality. Its innovation as a character shop and upcoming workshops are worth noting.
Special Selection Committee Award: "Pretty Cure Series" (Toei Animation Co., Ltd.) Selection Comments: Responding to social needs within the girl category, it has established a leading position. It also uniquely attracts adult fans who have been following it for 20 years, showing the potential for a second generation of fans. The developments leveraging its 20th anniversary have been successful.
Amsterdam-based denim brand G-Star RAW has unveiled its latest denim innovation, "Homegrown Denim," which involves growing cotton in greenhouses. This pioneering and scientific collaboration was made possible with funding from G-Star and in partnership with Wageningen University & Research in the Netherlands and Dutch Cotton.
By cultivating cotton in greenhouses, the project aims to significantly reduce the environmental impact traditionally associated with global cotton farming. Cotton cultivation typically requires vast farmland and up to 10,000 liters of water per kilogram of cotton. It also relies on specific warm climates, limiting the areas where cotton can be grown. While global demand for cotton is rapidly increasing, supply is insufficient. G-Star sought to address this issue by exploring better ways to cultivate cotton without geographic limitations.
Over six months, G-Star studied greenhouse-grown cotton at a research facility in Bleiswijk, Netherlands. They compared the environmental impact, quality, yield, and fiber characteristics with traditional methods. The results showed that greenhouse cultivation, providing a controlled and protected environment, could enhance productivity, quality, and sustainability while reducing risks associated with outdoor farming.
In greenhouses, cotton production increased by 5 to 23 times, allowing for longer harvesting periods. The closed environment also protected the crops from weather damage, resulting in cleaner, whiter cotton with minimal contamination. Soil erosion and pests were avoided, eliminating the need for chemical pesticides.
One of the project's most significant findings was the ability to grow more cotton with less water. By reusing rainwater, it was possible to save up to 95% of the water needed per kilogram of cotton. Local production minimized transportation, and the greenhouse environment allowed for year-round cultivation, benefiting the regional economy and sustainability.
G-Star successfully produced denim entirely in the Netherlands, from raw material procurement to manufacturing, in collaboration with local suppliers. They also used electric vehicles for supplier transportation, minimizing the environmental impact of the supply chain.
Currently, new partners, Inno Growers and substrate manufacturer Grodan, have joined the project, seeking practical cotton cultivation and production scale expansion. G-Star aims to optimize cultivation methods and increase cotton yield per square meter from 1.2 kg to 2.2–2.5 kg. In the future, they plan to invite other industry stakeholders to cooperate, promote joint investments, and scale up efforts, contributing to the restructuring of the fashion industry's supply chain.
The rain goods brand "Wpc." has released the "Rizzful Parasol," a sun umbrella developed in collaboration with Aoyama Gakuin High School through joint classes. The project, themed "Sun Umbrellas for High School Students," started in October 2023. It involved Aoyama Gakuin High School students, with buyers from Plaza Style, designers from TBS, and announcers serving as instructors. They conducted eight classes on product design, marketing, and more to develop the product.
The Rizzful Parasol, chosen from eight proposals, reflects the students' desire to "express themselves with their favorite color umbrella," and is available in nine colors. The fabric features 100% UV cut, 100% light blocking, and UPF 50+, with a black underside to reduce glare from the ground. It is also highly water-repellent, making it suitable for both sunny and rainy weather.
