This Month on Maction Planet – July 2024

July 2024 kicked off with Japan’s new banknotes featuring holographic tech, which I first spotted at Meiji Jingu Baseball Stadium. We launched a world-first video review of Ichiro’s Malt On the Way 2024 with Yumi Yoshikawa, and Maction Planet snagged a 2024 Travellers’ Choice award. Seoul’s cheeky Pikachu keychains brought laughs, Tokyo ON’s Affinity event united cultures through music and Starbucks’ Love & Peach Frappuccino kept us cool. We continue…

Featured image: New Money! Every 20 years, Japan redesigns its banknotes to prevent counterfeiting. The current ¥1,000, ¥5,000, and ¥10,000 notes were issued in 2004, and it’s now time for an update. Starting July 3, the Bank of Japan distributed new bills to financial institutions. My first encounter with them came at Meiji Jingu Baseball Stadium on

The new designs feature Shibasaburo Kitasato on the ¥1,000, Umeko Tsuda on the ¥5,000, and Eiichi Shibusawa on the ¥10,000 bills. These are the first banknotes to use holographic technology for a three-dimensional effect to combat counterfeiting. Additionally, the numerals are larger to help visually impaired individuals and those unfamiliar with Japanese currency distinguish denominations.

Shibasaburo Kitasato, on the ¥1,000 note, was the first to grow a pure culture of tetanus in 1889 and developed serum therapy for diphtheria and anthrax with Emil von Behring. They were nominated for the first Nobel Prize in Medicine in 1901, but only von Behring won.

I’m thrilled to share our latest video, where I, Mac, your host, dive into an exclusive world-first review of the latest release from Chichibu Distillery—Ichiro’s Malt On the Way 2024. This isn’t just any review; it features a special guest star, Yumi Yoshikawa, the Global Brand Ambassador of Chichibu Distillery! The highly anticipated Ichiro’s Malt On the Way 2024 was be released in July 2024. We got a sneak peek at the Whisky Festival 2024 in Osaka on June 29, where I had the honour of trying it firsthand and sharing my thoughts with you. Whether you’re a seasoned whisky enthusiast or just starting your journey into Japanese whisky, this video will give you an in-depth look at what makes Ichiro’s Malt On the Way 2024 so special. Don’t miss out on this exclusive review!

Earlier this month, Maction Planet announced it has been recognized as a 2024 Travellers’ Choice award-winner for Tokyo and Japan Tours. Based on a full year of Tripadvisor reviews, Maction Planet has consistently received exceptional traveller feedback, placing it in the top 10% of hospitality businesses worldwide. “We are thrilled to be recognized once again by our guests and Tripadvisor,” said Mac, Founder and Lead Guide of Maction Planet. “This accolade is a testament to the dedication of our team and our commitment to providing unparalleled customer service. Our goal has always been to elevate the tour guiding profession to the highest standards possible, curating exclusive and memorable experiences for our guests in Japan.” Read more here.

Strolling through Seoul (yes, South Korea) at the start of July, I stumbled upon these hilariously “cheeky” keychains featuring some familiar faces! Who knew Pikachu and Doraemon had such… bold rears? It’s a playful reminder that even our beloved characters can have a cheeky side. A fun and quirky find that definitely brought a smile to my face!

ONLY FANS! Tokyo Confidential’s riff on a ‘certain’ class of Martini – Vanilla Vodka, Shikuwasa, Passionfruit, Imo Shochu and Champagne… served with a side of Champagne! Kanpai Planet APPROVED! ‘Nuff said.

A happy Tanabata to all our guests from everyone at Maction Planet. The Tanabata (七夕) celebration originates from the Chinese Qixi Festival. It celebrates the meeting of the deities Orihime and Hikoboshi once a year on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month of the lunisolar calendar. The gods are represented by the stars Vega and Altair, respectively. The Milky Way separates these lovers, and they are allowed to meet only once a year. However long it takes, dreams can come true! The star festival saw colourful decorations and wishes hung on bamboo in cities nationwide, including Meiji Jingu Baseball Stadium, home of the Tokyo Yakult Swallows.

It was an honour to guide Dan and family through the World’s Greatest Metropolis on 9 July. Kanpai!

Sumo in Nagoya was an awesome experience, especially when you are in the ringside tamari seats. How do you get such privileged access? Answer: Maction Planet.

Get ready for a Doraemon takeover at Roppongi Hills this summer! The Summer Station 2024 festival is back from Saturday, July 20 to Sunday, August 25, and it’s bringing everyone’s favorite blue cat-robot along for the ride. Expect countless photo opportunities as Doraemon statues pop up around Roppongi Hills Roku Roku Plaza and the nearby TV Asahi building. Wander through Roppongi Hills to find Doraemon in a variety of fun poses. This festival promises to be a delight for fans and families alike, so make sure to join in the fun and capture some memorable snaps!

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: The best sunsets from Tokyo are at Meiji Jingu Baseball Stadium. This one is from 19 July 2024.

I’m from Devon, so when I wandered into The Wigtown in Kichijoji and found some Sandford Orchards DEcon Mist Cider on tap, it had to be ordered.

Summer has hit Japan hard, bringing intense heat and humidity. To help us beat the sweltering days, Starbucks has introduced a refreshing new beverage: the “Love & Peach Frappuccino.” Released on July 10, this drink is a playful twist on “love and peace,” featuring peach juice, puree, and a generous base of peach pulp.

What sets this Frappuccino apart is its milk-free composition, enhancing its refreshment factor. You can customize it with a pump of white mocha syrup for a touch of creaminess or add extra citrus pulp for an added fruity punch.

The vibrant pink hue of this Frappuccino is enough to rejuvenate anyone on a scorching summer day. The fresh, not overly sweet flavor profile, combined with bursts of juicy texture from the pulp, makes it a perfect summer treat. Stirring in the whipped cream adds a luxurious touch, blending fresh and creamy notes.

Hurry, though—this delightful drink is available only until August 6, priced at 700 yen. Don’t miss your chance to enjoy the love and peach this summer!

On 24 February 2017, Royce Leong and I released the first episode of Tokyo ON, not knowing the legacy we were about to create. Fast forward to 12 July 2023, we celebrated Tokyo ON’s incredible journey with a special event.

Tokyo ON has brought the sounds of the World’s Greatest Metropolis to a global audience, offering podcasts, feature articles, interviews, DJ mixes, and more. Our platform has grown to include 82 episodes, 30 mixes, and numerous interviews, all accessible at mixcloud.com/mactionplanet. We also spotlight up-and-coming artists at tokyophonic.com.

July 12 marked the next evolution: Tokyo ON presents: Affinity. This event aimed to unite people of different generations, nationalities, and cultures, fostering new experiences and combating declining social trust. The inaugural event featured a live performance by singer-songwriter Vela, whose intimate vocals and honest lyrics resonate deeply with Tokyoites. We also partnered with VIRIDIAN, a bilingual magazine that celebrates cultural pride.

Thank you to everyone who joined us in Tokyo to create a new culture together. We continue…

Maction Planet runs bespoke Private Tours and Experiences in Tokyo, and beyond. To book yours, or to purchase a gift card, contact us at info@mactionplanet.com

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