In Vietnamese cuisine, a Bánh mi is a baguette stuffed with various ingredients and served as a sandwich. It’s a popular meal in Vietnam, and in recent years has seen an appearance in Japan.

Bánh mi Tokyo opened in Gaiemmae, Tokyo on March 16, 2020. They serve bánh mi with a Japanese taste, and their bread is made from 100% rice flour with no artificial flavourings or purified sugar.

Bánh mi are generally made with lard or margarine, but at Bánh mi Tokyo, they are made with with ingredients with good-quality oil content like rice koji sweet sake and nuts, which give them a richness and creaminess and remove things like trans-fats that are a burden on the body. This also greatly cuts calories and other fats too.

Mackerel Curry Bánh Mi

All bánh mi overflow with original flavours, from the chicken-filled “Standard Bánh Mi” to the “Mackerel Curry Bánh Mi” which is made with curry flavoured grilled mackerel, “Five Spice Char Siu Bánh Mi” stuffed with juicy pork belly, and more.

Bánh mi Tokyo also serves high-quality original coffees which are a must-try together with your bánh mi

It’s been one year since AKOMEYA TOKYO in la kagū opened in Tokyo in March 2019, and to celebrate, the shopping centre is releasing lots of new products for guests to enjoy starting on April 8, 2020.

AKOMEYA TOKYO in la kagū, the flagship store of AKOMEYA TOKYO, is celebrating its 1st anniversary with a new bigger and better product line-up. At the end of 2019, the new AKOMEYA Shokudo restaurant opened, and AKOMEYA TOKYO in la kagū began selling fresh vegetables and introduced AKOMEYA TOKYO’s first line of Western-style clothing.

Floor 1F

AKOMEYA TOKYO in la kagū has upped its variation of food products, including a rice, vegetables, nuts, condiments, and more.

AKOMEYA Shokudo Kagurazaka to Open On April 1st

Seasonal Kobachizen – ¥2,200 (Before Tax)

Sweet and Sour Chicken & Vegetable Gozen – ¥1,500 (Before Tax)

The “Seasonal Kobachizen” is served with fresh white rice and a wide range of deliciously-made ingredients and condiments. There is also a line-up of classic Japanese food too available casually as self-service.

Desserts – From ¥700 (Before Tax)

Enjoy teatime too with AKOMEYA Shokudo Kagurazaka’s dessert line-up. It will be a great place to pop into if you’re strolling around Kagurazaka or doing some shopping.

*AKOMEYA Chubo will be open until March 29. It will close on March 30 and 31 for refurbishment before reopening on April 1 as AKOMEYA Shokudo.

More Details: https://www.akomeya.jp/shop/pg/1lakagukouji

Fragrant Smoked Food Products

Over 20 new smoked food products will be introduced made using special cooking methods. The cashew nuts, pistachios, spices, and coffee beans are smoked without any heat going into them before being smoked again inside a drum-shaped mixer to ensure every grain is coated. The soy sauces, oils, and dressings also have very tiny smoke bubbles in the liquid. Everything in the line-up is rich in smoky flavour

The Hive and Barrow’s Vegetables

The Hive and Barrow is a husband and wife company which moved from the United Kingdom to Chiba Prefecture in 2010. With no agricultural experience, they were able to clear land at a mountain and begin producing a wide variety of organic vegetables outdoors in nature. The eye-catching colours of their produce, as well as its rich smell, is proof of their love and dedication to grow incredible vegetables. They sell fresh veg everyday, as well as exquisite hummous, soup bases, pickles and more, all using their fresh produce.

Floor 2F

The second floor houses Japanese lifestyle products, with a fun line-up that encourages the enjoyment of picking something out.

Western-Style Clothing to Dress Up Your Day

The clothing line-up offered on the second floor of AKOMEYA TOKYO in la kagū is not tied down by trends. It’s a collection for when you want to look chic and polished offered by made-in-Japan brands that are dedicated when it comes to quality. The items are inspired to make you feel happy when you put them onーso find your favourite style.

Stocked Brands:
Alwel / ANSPINNEN / Catworth / dahl’ia / fruits of life / JOHN SMEDLEY / les Briqu’a braque / MANTERO / MATRIOCHIKA / NAPRON / R&D.M.Co- / Yarmo

Japanese Accessories

Enjoy a collection of brand accessories that boast tradition and craftsmanship from all across Japan. Each and every item is handmade with love and care by artisans, and without stereotypical designs in mind, so you can adorn yourself with originality.

Stocked Brands:

HARIO Lampwork Factory / NAGAE＋ / TRIPLE O

As part of the anniversary celebration, those who spend over ¥3,000 (tax included) at AKOMEYA TOKYO in la kagū from April 8 will receive a limited-edition tea towel. These are limited in stock and won’t be available once all are given out.

Shiseido Parlour, a pioneer of Japanese-style Western cuisine, has announced that it is opening its new restaurant and lounge Shiseido Parlour The Harajuku on the 8th floor of WITH HARAJUKU, a shopping centre located in front of Harajuku Station in Tokyo, on April 25, 2020.

Goshu no Sosai With Seasonal Ingredients

Main Dish

Shiseido Parlour The Harajuku breathes new life into the Japanese-style Western cuisine that has been cultivated in Ginza for 100 years, serving up a new prix fixe-style fixed price menu that elevates the taste, smell, and appearance of the seasonal ingredients used, from a Japanese way of thinking. This food can be enjoyed with a glass of one of the main wines selected by the restaurant’s sommeliers, high-quality tea, and more.

Meals are enjoyed even more by the view offered at the restaurant, where you can see shrine groves of Meiji Jingu Shrine.

Main Dining

Forest Dinner (Chef’s Recommendation) – ¥12,000 (Tax Included)

The design concept for the restaurant interior is forests. The restaurant promises a relaxing atmosphere like that of being wrapped amongst the mighty trees of the woods, the cool air blowing, and the rays of the sun spilling through the trees.

The interior design was created by Kazuya Ura, a Japanese architect who was involved with the building plan for the Kyoto State Guest House. The restaurant lounge features glass art on the wall which captures the image of sunlight filtering through the trees. This was created by Japanese glass designer Ikko Itabashi.

Lounge

The chic red lounge offers a view of the garden terrace and faces the direction of Akasaka. Tuck into appetisers and desserts and enjoy sipping on a drink. This is a great place to sit after your meal or for meeting up with someone.

If you’re visiting Harajuku during your trip to Japan, why not pop into the new Shiseido Parlour The Harajuku?

Japanese eyelash extension salon Crazy Beauty has announced its efforts to strengthen its services to cater towards its increasing number of Muslim customers. The salon released a new list of policies in English including using no pork-derived ingredients in its glue, a comment about the alcohol level of its glue, and more.

“Muslim Welcome” is the name of this new initiative launched by Crazy Beauty with support from the Made in Japan Halal Support Committee.

Prayer Space

Crazy Beauty provides prayer mats and has a space for its Muslim clients to pray.

Consideration For Muslim Customers

Since Muslims are not able to use products with alcohol in them, Crazy Beauty provides Halal-certified Clean Shu! Shu! Neo, which has alkali ions in it that kills bacteria, and it also cleans and smells since. Crazy Beauty also uses MOMA Water, officially recognised by JAKIM in Malaysia. Customers can also enjoy Halal-certified tea after their session.

Muslim Welcome Eyelash Policies

・Our salon uses medical grade glue that does not contain pork-derived ingredients.

・The medical-grade glue used in our salon contains a small amount of alcohol.

・A spare space can be used for prayer purposes.

・Prayer mats are available upon request.

Source: https://crazybeauty.jp/en

If you’re a Muslim and looking to experience Japan’s beauty scene, then be sure to check out Crazy Beauty to see everything they have to offer.

BALCÓN TOKYO is the newest luxury bar and restaurant to hit Tokyo’s Roppongi district. Set to open on the 14th floor of Mitsui Garden Hotel Roppongi Tokyo Premier on January 24, BALCÓN TOKYO offers opulent lounge and balcony spaces for fine wine and dining.

Located away from the hustle and bustle of busy Roppongi, the establishment offers a breathtaking view of Tokyo’s city nightscape in both the eastern and western directions.

When customers pass through the beautiful bar and lounge they are met with the spacious museum-like balcony area where they can enjoy a dining experience wrapped in soft warm lights. For those looking for a more private meal, they can reserve one of the individual private rooms, each of which has its own distinct touch and flavour. Whether you’re looking for a quiet drink or dinner, or even midnight teatime, BALCÓN TOKYO caters to customers’ needs.

The interior design is the brainchild of none other than Yasumichi Morita of GLAMOROUS co.,ltd., and company that specialises not only on interior and exterior building and establishment designs, but graphic visuals, products, and more.

​Taking the spotlight at dinnertime is the restaurant’s incredible and mouthwatering roast beef which is aged at ice temperature and cooked carefully with time and care. The gravy sauce drizzled over the meat takes three days to make and only adds to the delicious offering of the beef.

The restaurant also offers plenty of seasonal foods and ingredients that go perfect with a glass of champagne. Whether you’re celebrating something special or just out for a casual meal, the restaurant caters to all.

For breakfast, a half-buffet of western-style food is prepared where you can pick one main. And so that foreign guests can get a taste of the quality of Japanese food, all ingredients used at the restaurant are domestic to Japan. The restaurant also uses organic vegetables shipped directly from growers and producers.

To celebrate the grand opening of BALCÓN TOKYO, customers who reserve a table online or via telephone between January 24 and February 29 this year will receive a 30% discount on meal courses.

Hello everyone, this is MOSHI MOSHI friend Banako.

Today I’ll be introducing you to an interesting place in Jinbōchō, Tokyo that is a café by day and a café & bar at night.

From 9:00 to 17:00 it’s known as COFFEE CAMPUS  and from 18:15 to 22:00 it runs as CAMPUS TOY cafe&bar. It first opened its doors approximately 48 years ago, solely operating as a café. Its current owner is an avid American toy and pop culture-lover who started running the café & bar seven years ago.

To get here, it’s just a five-minute walk from exit A2 of Jinbōchō Station. The café is located in a quiet place just one turn off Odori Street.

Check out the menu:

The toast here is really good, so I ordered the Egg on Toast. (¥500)

To my surprise, an exceptionally large and thick slice of toast arrived at my table. The egg was evenly cooked and spread on top. I curiously sunk my knife into the toast to reveal the inside.

The egg dripped beautifully like melted cheese. It tasted wonderful with the freshly toasted slice of bread and was very filling. I was in a good mood after my very first bite.

Once the clock strikes 18:15, the café completely transforms into CAMPUS TOY cafe&bar which has a completely different atmosphere. 

One step into the newly-transformed café & bar and…

The calm undertones of the café were replaced with a cute pop-themed atmosphere illuminated by colourful neon lights. Rather than preparing a drinks menu, owner matz takes orders directly from customers, creating drinks catered to each individual customer based on what flavours and colours they like. 

Waiting to see what kind of drink is going to be brought to you is very exciting. Ordering drinks with friends and taking photos of the outcome is the best way to enjoy your time here. 

There are also lots of good spots to take photos for your Instagram so don’t hold back! From time to time, there is a small market here where the owner sells small fantasy-themed items.

 Make sure to check out CAMPUSTOY cafe&bar on Instagram for their latest updates and information on opening hours. Whether you want to enjoy a pop-themed American atmosphere or are simply looking for a relaxing spot to chat, this café is for you. Matz the owner is very friendly and is full of interesting stories that you just got to hear.

GINZA SIX—officially the biggest shopping complex in Tokyo’s high-end Ginza district—is home to a host of restaurants now serving some seriously luxurious and gourmet winter food.

For the winter season only, the shopping centre’s cafes and restaurants have cooked up menus of food to warm both the heart and body. The extravagant line-up is made up of carefully-selected seasonal ingredients that’s sure to warm you to the core. Let’s take a select look at some of the things on offer.

JASMINE Specially-Made Hotpot Plan – ¥7,800 (Before Tax) @ JASMINE Washinkansai

This hot pot is made with a broth of chicken bones and collagen boiled in water and a broth of mala sauce. Both broths have a deep and nourishing taste and are filled with carefully-chosen ingredients as well as nine condiments for complex flavours. As well as that seen in the photo above, it is served as a set with an appetiser, fried gyoza, Chinese-style noodles, and almond tofu.

Matsusaka Beef Sukiyaki Gozen Hotpot – ¥3,400 @ Sukiyaki Gyu-shabu Matsuju

Warm yourself up with this hot pot which is made sukiyaki-style and contains high-quality Matsusaka beef picked out by Asahiya, a shop specialising in Matsusaka beef. The beef is soft, tender, and has a rich sweet taste and fragrance. It’s served with a red miso soup seasoned with Japanese pepper which complements the salty-sweetness of the sukiyaki.

Homemade Sausage and Potato Raclette Cheese Melt – ¥2,400 (Before Tax) @ Bistro AUX AMIS

Raclette cheese is a staple food in France during the winter. This delicious dish is served with juicy homemade sausages made from yoshidabuta pig from Saitama, bacon, potato, and warm veg, all covered in a hot melted cheese. It’s sure to warm you up and goes even better with a glass of wine.

Once you’ve had a fill of lunch or dinner, you should go and check out the in-season strawberry takeout treats and desserts that are being sold on the booth floor where the latest in culinary trends gather.

Strawberry Chocolate Sandwich – ¥300 (Before Tax) @ Patisserie Sembikiya Ginza Six

Coated in white chocolate, this biscuit sandwich is made with a strawberry ganache that squeezes every last delicious drop out of the fresh strawberries. Combined with he raspberry sablé cookies and chocolate, it’s a strawberry match made in heaven.

Real Strawberry Gummies – ¥1,050 for 3 @ Candy Art Museum by PAPABUBBLE

These gummy candies are made as big as real large strawberries. They are coated in chocolate and made with lots of real strawberry juice, and when bitten into, taste fresh and juicy.

Strawberry Matcha Daifuku – ¥400 Each @ Kurogi Chacha

Kurogi Chacha’s Strawberry Matcha Daifuku are filled with a whole fresh strawberry and coated in a matcha-laced white bean paste and gyūhi, a form of Japanese confection. The rich taste of the matcha comes together with the sweet and sour strawberry to create a delicious combination. They are hand-wrapped fresh as soon as your order is put in to retain their freshness.

Enjoy the full course winter has to offer at GINZA SIX, from soul-warming hotpot dishes to strawberry delights and more.

Tokyo Otaku Mode Inc. is opening a pop-up shop in collaboration with Hatsune Miku at Tokyo Otaku Mode TOKYO which is located on the 6th floor of Shibuya PARCO in Tokyo.

The shop will be open from December 27 until January 19 next year. Japanese illustrator hakusai is on board to illustrate the designs for the shop itself as well as the shop-exclusive merchandise. The design features Hatsune Miku, Megurine Luka, Kagamine Rin and Len, KAITO and MEIKO wearing traditional Japanese dress.

Acrylic Stands – ¥1,200 Each (Before Tax)

Mini Towels – ¥700 Each (Before Tax)

There are 10 original and exclusive pieces of merchandise with various designs to choose from. Plus, customers who purchase over ¥3,000 (tax included) worth of items will receive a special Vocaloid sticker.

The Snow Miku Sky Town store at New Chitose Airport in Hokkaido is also collaborating with the pop-up shop where they will sell select merchandise from Snow Miku Sky Town.

Those of you looking to get your hands on some limited-edition Vocaloid goodies will want to roll on up to Tokyo Otaku Mode TOKYO before the pop-up shop closes.

*The items shown in the photos above are of products in development. Actual products are subject to change.

Art by hakusai  © Crypton Future Media, INC. www.piapro.net  

A pop-up shop in collaboration with the Peanuts comic strip series starring Snoopy and The Marc Jacobs opened at GATE on the first floor of Shibuya PARCO today and will run until January 13, 2020.

[Pre-Release Item] THE PEANUTS T-SHIRT: ¥21,000 (Before Tax)

This special collaboration sees a line of apparel and items from The Marc Jacobs with gorgeous designs taken from the internationally comic strip series Peanuts by American cartoonist Charles M. Schulz.

The pop-up shop is inspired by Snoopy’s dog house which when you step inside transports you into the wonderful world of Peanuts.

The shop is also collaborating with the PEANUTS CAFÉ for three days between December 20-22. Attendees can get themselves a hot chocolate at the wagon located in front of Shibuya PARCO Koen-dori Street. The delicious drink is topped with chocolate chip cookies—a favourite of the Peanuts gang—and marshmallows.

If you walk around the Center Gai, Dogenzaka and Koen-dori areas of Shibuya, you’ll spot posters plastered up to promote the pop-up shop. There are five designs featuring Snoopy, Charlie Brown, Lucy van Pelt, Linus van Pelt, and Peppermint Patty. If you scan the QR codes on each of the posters you can download respective wallpapers for each character for your smartphone.

If you manage to scan all five of the QR codes, you’ll receive a special present when you show your phone at the pop-up store. This is running right now until December 30, 2019, so don’t miss out!

Edomae sushi restaurant Tsukiji Tamasushi Sasashigure, which is known for its strict use of organic ingredients, just opened its second branch in Tokyo Plaza Shibuya following its first branch in Omotesando Hills.

Sasashigure is a type of sasanishiki rice grown completely organically without the use of any chemicals or fertilisers. It is grown by Akinori Kimura who is known for its “Miracle Apples,” the world’s first apples grown without pesticides.

Sasashigure rice yields 40% less rice quantity in one-tenth hectare than regular rice, but it has a natural sweetness and elevate flavour, with each and every grain savoured in a mouthful.

If you’re all for healthy eating and protecting the environment, and happen to be in Tokyo looking for some sushi, be sure to visit the new branch of Tsukiji Tamasushi Sasashigure in Shibuya.

Shibuya PARCO finally opened its doors on November 22. The shopping complex is already receiving overwhelming love and attention as Shibuya’s newest tourist spot as it strives to offer itself as “a unique, next-generation facility” for the world.

Boasting a gargantuan 193 shops, spanning fashion, food, art and more, Shibuya PARCO is a place where you can enjoy just about anything. MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON has compiled a list of our own recommended places from there for you, the readers, if you ever visit Shibuya.

Mirai Sake/KUBOTA SAKE BAR (Floor B1F)

Sake is a big part of Japanese culture, and is enjoyed by people worldwide. Mirai Sake/KUBOTA SAKE BAR are serving the ultimate sake experience, where you can select the drinks that best suit  your palate. The bar will serve original drinks, rare sake from ¥500 a cup, as well as food pairings from ¥400.

There will also be 12 original cocktails judged by YUMMY SAKE. If you’ve found you’re not too good with sake, then you’re sure to find one you like when pulling up a stool here.

Mirai Sake Official Website: https://miraisake.com/

ONITSUKA (Floor 3F)

Japanese fashion brand Onitsuka Tiger has announced a new luxury line entitled THE ONITSUKA. They have created a hybrid design combining formal shoes with sneakers that goes with a variety of styles, from suits to casual.

The shoes are made from high quality leather from the brand Kobegyu Leather. The heal of the souls are equipped with αGEL Foam to offer comfort and shock resistance for dynamic movement. This line will also be available to purchase at a concept store opening in New York in March 2020.

Onitsuka Tiger Official Website:  www.onitsukatiger.com

AKIRA ART OF WALL (Floors 4F & B1F)

The new PARCO MUSEUM TOKYO and GALLERY X housed inside Shibuya PARCO both aim to promote art and culture to the people of Tokyo. Decorating them as the opening exhibition is the “AKIRA ART OF WALL Katsuhiro Otomo × Kosuke Kawamura AKIRA ART EXHIBITION.” This art wall is in fact a relocation of the AKIRA art wall that had existed at the infrastructure building site in Shibuya for almost two years. Parts of it had been damaged over time, and so has resurfaced at the new museum.

You can also get your hands on a range of merchandise, from classic manga prints to posters, clothing made in collaboration with apparel brands, and more. This is a limited-time exhibition, so if you’re in Tokyo this December, don’t miss out.

©MASH・ROOM/KODANSHA ©Kosuke Kawamura ©︎AKIRA ART OF WALL EXHIBITION

AKIRA ART OF WALL Otomo Katsuhiro × Kosuke Kawamura AKIRA ART EXHIBITION

Locations/Times

PARCO MUSEUM TOKYO (Shibuya PARCO 4F): November 22, 2019 – December 16, 2019 @ 10:00-21:00

GALLERY X (Shibuya PARCO B1F) November 22, 2019 – December 18, 2019 @ 10:00-21:00

*Exhibitions at both sites will end at 18:00 on their final dates. Last entries to PARCO MUSEUM TOKYO are 30-minutes before closing times.

Entry Price: General ¥1,000 / High School Students and Below ¥800 / Preschoolers – Free

Nintendo TOKYO/6F

At Nintendo TOKYO, the first long-awaited official Nintendo shop, fans can look forward to purchasing games, consoles, character merchandise, and more. There is also an area where you can play games, and events are scheduled to be held at the store.

The store stocks lots of exclusive goods you won’t find anywhere else. If you love games, and you love Nintendo, then this place is a must-visit if in Tokyo.

Nintendo TOKYO Official Website: https://www.nintendo.co.jp/officialstore/index.html

Pokémon Center Shibuya (Floor 6F)

Pokémon fans won’t be able to resist stepping into the Pokémon Center, where they can pick up countless Pokémon merch. Upon entry they’ll walk past a 2-meter tall Mewtwo.

From plush toys to bags, kitchenware, stationary, Shibuya-exclusives and moreーstock up on all the Pokémon gear you could ever want. There’s even some items made in collaboration with Nintendo TOKYO which is just next door!

Pokémon Center Official Website: https://www.pokemon.co.jp/gp/pokecen/

いかがでしたか？いろいろなジャンルのお店が大集結している渋谷PARCOにぜひ足を運んでみてくださいね。

Following the opening of their Shinjuku branch back in 2016, BEAMS JAPAN has announced that it will open a second branch in Shibuya on December 5, 2019. It will be found inside the new Shibuya FUKURAS which is also set to open beside Shibuya Station to this December.

The store is set to be the second hub for BEAMS “TEAM JAPAN,” a project which aims to build a community around the brand and promotes products made in Japan.

In the run up to the grand opening, the store has unveiled select products that buyers can look forward to grabbing this winter.

BEAMS JAPAN SHIBUYA x TOWER RECORDS T-Shirts (Hiroshi Nagai) – ¥6,600 Each (Tax Included)

MIZUNO WAVE CREATION WAVEKNIT (Made to Order Model) – ¥23,100 (Tax Included)

BEAMS Shibuya has collaborated with Japanese illustrator Hiroshi Nagai to release various items featuring his designs, including t-shirts featuring Tower Records Shibuya, as well as souvenirs with other Shibuya motifs like Hachiko and Scramble Crossing. There is also a pair of limited-time MIZUNO x HIGHSNOBIETY x BEAMS sneakers to get your hands on.

The store will make use of Japanese-style decor with wooden beams and pillars. There will be ceiling art from Japanese artist Kads MIIDA, as well as a classic hiyoke noren entryway curtain to the store, something which has been used since ancient times.

Gold Adzuki Bar – ¥220 (Tax Included)

BEAMS JAPAN prides itself on promoting local business and culture. For the Shibuya store’s opening, they have teamed up with Imuraya Confectionery so that customers can buy Gold Adzuki Bars, an ice cream bar that was created in Mie Prefecture and is considered “the nation’s ice cream.”

Akafuku Mochi (Includes 8) – ¥760 (Tax Included) / Akafuku Mochi Single Pack (Includes 2) – ¥240 (Tax Included)

And for the first three days of the store’s opening, it will offer a rare opportunity to buy akafuku mochi, a Japanese confection consisting of a pounded rice cake topped with red sweet bean paste.

And to further promote Japanese fashion to the world, BEAMS JAPAN will simultaneously launch a new collection at both the Shibuya and Shinjuku branches.

BEAMS Shibuya will also launch its second collaboration with the upcoming Japanese film Tora-san, Welcome Back and will also hand out copies of BEAMS EYE ON SHIBUYA which includes essential information written by the BEAMS staff about what’s great about Shibuya. Don’t miss out.