Kingdom Hearts Series

A 'Kingdom Hearts'-themed watch has been announced for release by Japanese online retailer ZOZOTOWN under its Rendez-Vous brand as part of the retailer's adult Disney Lifestyle collection. Only 50 of these watches will be available when they go on sale October 28th at 1:00 p.m. JST, and they will each cost ¥ 21,800 (about $193.39). Check out images of the watch below:

Source: DTimes

At the grand opening of Square-Enix Cafe Osaka, attendees were surprised by the appearance of both 'Kingdom Hearts' series director, Tetsuya Nomura, and executive producer, Shinji Hasimoto, with Nomura (along with other members of the dev team) providing some new information on the series:

• Sora's height is 160 cm (roughly 5'3'').
• As for Xehanort, they can't give an exact height but perhaps more than 180cm (roughly 5'11'')
• They have decided on heights for the other characters, but are unsure if they want to announce it
  
• Staff members usually travel abroad as Square Enix delegates to meet with Disney.
• Sea Salt Ice Creams at the event have winner sticks among them at the event which are able to be exchanged for a free coaster.
• They worked hard to host the Café, and maybe there are no more chances to do so, so Nomura asked everyone to enjoy that month.
• "Firstly, when Mr. Hashimoto went to sign my copy, he said, "Please get a signature from the creators first. I'll write in the remaining gap after that," when I was thanking the developers. He's so nice."
• "Then, "I love Saix and Axel so we're waiting for more infos!!!" I said to Mr. Nomura in a passionate way."
• Spoiler: Major Union X[cross] Spoilers

  In Union X[cross] Ven is himself (personality and memories). In other words, it is the real Ven.
• Kairi and Riku's new clothes are pretty similar (There's a hood. However changes are still made daily.)
• Initial art was only shown here during the short presentation
• The story of Union X[cross] will not be completed in KH3 (not everything will be addressed in KH3)
• Like other Disney characters, you can consider Sora's birthday to be the day of his screen debut (March 28)
• Young Xehanort and Xemnas are still under development since their reveal in recent trailers, so adjustments are being made to their faces. Because changes have been made since KH2, adjustments such as lengthening the jaw is difficult. (Yamasaki)
• There is demand for figurines of supporting characters and Organization XIII. Nomura will think about it
• Although it has been confirmed that D23 was the place to present new information for KH3, it is undecided where the next one will be revealed
• There are no plans to release a Nomura art collection at the moment
• There are no plans for selling a promotional trailer collection for the time being
• When asked if any character other than Sora will be playable, Nomura comments that such a world exists where this possible, but he can't currently say who it'll be

Source: KH13.com & KHInsider

Some new KH merchandise was revealed earlier today, and is now available for pre-order on AmiAmi. First off, KH-themed mugs:


The mugs will be released in January, and can be pre-ordered for ¥ 1,830 (about $16.28), a 15% reduction from the listing price! The Heartless mug can be pre-ordered here, while the two different Sora mugs can be ordered here and here.

Next up is a new 'Kingdom Hearts Unchained χ[chi]' medal box set:

The box set will be released next month in November, and can be pre-ordered here for ¥ 5,120 (about $45.56), also a 15% reduction from the listing price!

Destiny's Embrace, better known to KH fans as Kairi's Keyblade, is now available as a necklace from ThinkGeek! The necklace, made of metal and enamel, is on sale for $19.99.

To commemorate the grand opening of Square-Enix Cafe Osaka (taking place October 14th), the cafe will have a KH-themed event celebrating the series' 15th anniversary. Admission will be free for 40 Square-Enix members will be invited (all drawn by lottery), and the event will include members of the Kingdom Hearts development team.

In addition to that, Square-Enix Cafe Osaka, Square-Enix Cafe ARTNIA, and the Tokyo Square-Enix Cafe will all be holding a joint campaign to celebrate the series' 15th anniversary. ARTINIA will hold it from October 14 - December 14, while the Osaka and Tokyo cafes will hold it from October 14 - November 10. Check the goodies included with the campaign below:

Source: KHInsider