On May 22, 2026, the Korean lifestyle select shop 'NICE WEATHER' will unveil its newest store in Shinsaibashi, marking a significant expansion into the Japanese market. This store will not only be the fifth location in Japan but also the second in the Kansai region, following the esteemed Hankyu Umeda Main Store. To commemorate the grand opening, 'NICE WEATHER' will also launch an exclusive collection of collaboration T-shirts featuring Kizuna AI, a virtual artist recognized for her influential role in digital culture.
The Shinsaibashi store is designed to be an immersive experience for visitors, providing a full range of products including T-shirts, sweats, bags, caps, cosmetics, and even snacks available at a convenience store-style counter. This unique setup aims to encapsulate the vibrant culture of 'NICE WEATHER'. In an exciting addition, the Shinsaibashi store will introduce a vintage series that highlights reimagined vintage T-shirts with original graphics created by 'NICE WEATHER', blending the history and essence of these items with the shop's signature aesthetic.
Collaboration with Kizuna AI
Kizuna AI has been a groundbreaking figure since her debut as the world's first virtual YouTuber, pioneering the global spread of Japanese digital culture. She continues to cross the boundaries of virtual and real-world engagement through music and visual art. The collaboration between 'NICE WEATHER' and Kizuna AI for the Shinsaibashi PARCO location is a representation of artistic expression that transcends borders and genres.
In this partnership, five unique T-shirt designs are brought to life, drawing inspiration from Kizuna AI’s iconic motifs and world view, reimagined through the creativity of two external artists alongside the 'NICE WEATHER' design team. Pre-orders for these items will start on May 2, 2026, through the official online store, ahead of the physical launch at all locations on the store’s opening day.
T-Shirt Designs
Each collaboration T-shirt will retail for 7,920 yen (including tax). Here is a glimpse of what to expect:
- - Momoe’s Designs: Two T-shirts showcasing original illustrations from the artist Momoe, known for her unique ability to blur lines between flat and three-dimensional visual expression. Her work will encapsulate the essence of Kizuna AI while infusing the vibrant culture that 'NICE WEATHER' embodies.
- - Face Oka’s Designs: Another two T-shirts will feature designs by the artist Face Oka, recognized for incorporating humor and subtle dissonance into her work. These designs tactfully utilize Kizuna AI's iconic facial attributes, providing a recognizable yet intriguing representation.
- - NICE WEATHER Original: A singular design features a unique heart icon inspired by Kizuna AI combined with the 'NICE' logo, showcasing an exclusive piece that captures the collaboration's spirit.
Store Details
- - Opening Date: May 22, 2026
- - Location: 1-8-3 Shinsaibashisuji, Chuo Ward, Osaka, Shinsaibashi PARCO 4F
- - Grand Opening Special: Customers spending over 5,500 yen (including tax) will receive a complimentary 'NICE WEATHER' eco-bag, embodying a pink hue reminiscent of Kizuna AI.
About Kizuna AI
Kizuna AI is not just a virtual talent; she is a pioneer that began her journey in December 2016, fueled by the desire to connect and share experiences through digital content. With over 3 million subscribers on her YouTube channel, 'A.I.Channel', and cross-platform engagement surpassing 10 million followers, she blurs lines between virtual and physical realms, driving growth in the VTuber industry. After a hiatus for re-evaluation and renewal, she plans to re-emerge stronger in her 10th anniversary year in 2026, focusing on music as a bridge to the world.
About NICE WEATHER
Founded in Seoul in 2020, 'NICE WEATHER' offers a fresh take on lifestyle retail, reinterpreting convenience stores as a cultural experience. Translating the feeling of a sunny day into a shopping adventure, 'NICE WEATHER' aims to inspire joy through its diverse offerings that span fashion, beauty, everyday goods, and food products. In Japan, the brand currently operates four stores including Shinjuku, Echika Omotesando, Hankyu Umeda Main Store, and California General Store in Funabashi, alongside their online platform.