Hanshin Tigers’ Aki Yuasa Celebrates Sesame Street Market's Grand Opening in Kansai
On December 3rd, 2019, a significant event took place in the Kansai region as the world's only official Sesame Street store, the Sesame Street Market, opened its doors at the Hanshin Umeda flagship store in Osaka. This celebration was not just a retail opening; it was marked with a unique ceremony featuring popular figures from the local culture, including Hanshin Tigers player Aki Yuasa and comedian Masuda from the duo Masuda Okada.
During the opening ceremony, excitement filled the air as a special kintsugi—ceremonial sake vessel—was ceremoniously broken to commemorate this momentous occasion, encapsulating the spirit and joy of Sesame Street. The Sesame Street Market, centered around a café, retail, and workshops, aims to expand the imagination of its visitors through the enchanting world of Sesame Street, allowing a space where discovery and fun intertwine.
Aki Yuasa, adorned in an Elmo-themed sweatshirt, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "It’s super cute, and I’m really looking forward to enjoying the lattes!" Reflecting on his successful season, Yuasa remarked on the team's recent triumphs, emphasizing the joy of victory in front of passionate fans. "Winning in the fastest time ever is fantastic for our fans in Kansai!" he reflected, also mentioning how he’s been enjoying the offseason by playing golf and indulging in his favorite acai bowls and lattes.
Masuda, who joined Yuasa for the ceremony in a Cookie Monster sweatshirt, echoed praise regarding Yuasa’s performance and expressed excitement over the vibrant new store. He cited his emotional response to Yuasa’s return to form after challenges earlier in his career and shared how crucial teamwork will be for the upcoming season. "I’ve been a fan for 55 years, and the only thing left to do is to win consecutively," said Masuda, inspiring Yuasa to vow greater contributions next season. "Let's work together as one team towards back-to-back championships!"
The title characters from Sesame Street—Ernie, Bert, Elmo, Cookie Monster, and Abby—made a delightful appearance during the celebration. Alluding to the beloved puppets, Yuasa remarked, "They're all so adorable; I'm so happy to see them!" Following the ceremonial kintsugi, attendees found a playful atmosphere as the puppets surrounded Yuasa for a quaint show of affection, reminding everyone of the joy Sesame Street represents.
As part of the opening festivities, attendees also enjoyed engaging interactions with Sesame Street characters. The store kick-off included interactive sessions, where children and families explored the new location. Aki Yuasa even surprised lucky participants in a donut-making workshop, where they crafted themed treats alongside him. With expressions of joy and excitement, the participants relished the unique opportunity to connect with their sports idol.
The Sesame Street Market promotes an ethos of learning and play, designed to bring smiles to people of all ages. Operating in a space that combines retail, café, and workshop experiences, the store encourages patrons to immerse themselves in the world of Sesame Street while nurturing creativity and imagination through its diverse offerings.
Located on the 6th floor of the Hanshin Umeda flagship store, this market promises a unique environment brimming with joy and learning, making it a must-visit destination in Osaka. As for Yuasa, amidst the celebrations, he conveyed hope for the upcoming seasons: "Next year, I want to give back to all the fans who have supported us. Let's aim for even greater heights!" The atmosphere echoed with cheers, as both Yuasa and Masuda vowed to strive for excellence, embodying the spirit of teamwork that Sesame Street cherishes.
The Sesame Street Market is not just a product store; it’s where fans can explore a blend of educational activities, characters they adore, and a welcoming space for community engagement. As this iconic store begins its journey in Kansai, the legacy of Sesame Street continues to inspire joy and learning for generations to come. Whether it's enjoying merchandise, indulging in themed café favorites, or participating in creative workshops, visiting the Sesame Street Market is an opportunity to connect with beloved characters and memories while experiencing something truly unique.
During the opening ceremony, excitement filled the air as a special kintsugi—ceremonial sake vessel—was ceremoniously broken to commemorate this momentous occasion, encapsulating the spirit and joy of Sesame Street. The Sesame Street Market, centered around a café, retail, and workshops, aims to expand the imagination of its visitors through the enchanting world of Sesame Street, allowing a space where discovery and fun intertwine.
Aki Yuasa, adorned in an Elmo-themed sweatshirt, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "It’s super cute, and I’m really looking forward to enjoying the lattes!" Reflecting on his successful season, Yuasa remarked on the team's recent triumphs, emphasizing the joy of victory in front of passionate fans. "Winning in the fastest time ever is fantastic for our fans in Kansai!" he reflected, also mentioning how he’s been enjoying the offseason by playing golf and indulging in his favorite acai bowls and lattes.
Masuda, who joined Yuasa for the ceremony in a Cookie Monster sweatshirt, echoed praise regarding Yuasa’s performance and expressed excitement over the vibrant new store. He cited his emotional response to Yuasa’s return to form after challenges earlier in his career and shared how crucial teamwork will be for the upcoming season. "I’ve been a fan for 55 years, and the only thing left to do is to win consecutively," said Masuda, inspiring Yuasa to vow greater contributions next season. "Let's work together as one team towards back-to-back championships!"
The title characters from Sesame Street—Ernie, Bert, Elmo, Cookie Monster, and Abby—made a delightful appearance during the celebration. Alluding to the beloved puppets, Yuasa remarked, "They're all so adorable; I'm so happy to see them!" Following the ceremonial kintsugi, attendees found a playful atmosphere as the puppets surrounded Yuasa for a quaint show of affection, reminding everyone of the joy Sesame Street represents.
As part of the opening festivities, attendees also enjoyed engaging interactions with Sesame Street characters. The store kick-off included interactive sessions, where children and families explored the new location. Aki Yuasa even surprised lucky participants in a donut-making workshop, where they crafted themed treats alongside him. With expressions of joy and excitement, the participants relished the unique opportunity to connect with their sports idol.
The Sesame Street Market promotes an ethos of learning and play, designed to bring smiles to people of all ages. Operating in a space that combines retail, café, and workshop experiences, the store encourages patrons to immerse themselves in the world of Sesame Street while nurturing creativity and imagination through its diverse offerings.
Located on the 6th floor of the Hanshin Umeda flagship store, this market promises a unique environment brimming with joy and learning, making it a must-visit destination in Osaka. As for Yuasa, amidst the celebrations, he conveyed hope for the upcoming seasons: "Next year, I want to give back to all the fans who have supported us. Let's aim for even greater heights!" The atmosphere echoed with cheers, as both Yuasa and Masuda vowed to strive for excellence, embodying the spirit of teamwork that Sesame Street cherishes.
The Sesame Street Market is not just a product store; it’s where fans can explore a blend of educational activities, characters they adore, and a welcoming space for community engagement. As this iconic store begins its journey in Kansai, the legacy of Sesame Street continues to inspire joy and learning for generations to come. Whether it's enjoying merchandise, indulging in themed café favorites, or participating in creative workshops, visiting the Sesame Street Market is an opportunity to connect with beloved characters and memories while experiencing something truly unique.
Topics Entertainment & Media）
【About Using Articles】
You can freely use the title and article content by linking to the page where the article is posted.
※ Images cannot be used.
【About Links】
Links are free to use.