In line with the annual autumn event Ginchakai―which is held in Ginza and brings together multiple schools of tea in Japan for an open-air tea ceremony―Tokyu Plaza Ginza is hosting an event themed on the heart of the Japanese tea ceremony.

This special event will serve Japanese omotenashi, or “hospitality,” thorough various exhibits including a co-project with Tokyo University of the Arts, an exhibition by one of Japan’s leading confectionery companies Toraya Confectionery, and more.

The co-project with Tokyo University of the Arts will feature installations produced by the university that is centred on calligraphy drawn by Japanese calligrapher Shoko Kanazawa, who performs both in Japan and overseas, and the tea ceremony. There will also be several tokonoma alcoves around the event which will be like miniature gardens where one can enjoy the beauties of nature. There will even be covers of famous songs about autumn on October 27 at the KIRIKO TERRANCE on the roof.

Up in the KIRIKO LOUNGE on the 6th floor, Toraya will serve up a selection of traditional Japanese confections, including those that had already been created by the end of the Edo period. You can order a set of two confections and a drink. Sweets include the Kiren Kaki, which is made to look like a Japanese permission, and the Kuri Goyomi, which is made with chestnuts, sugar, and agar-agar.

Soak up the enchanting nostalgia of autumn while enjoying the Japanese tea ceremony at Tokyu Plaza Ginza.

Coffee brand Beasty Coffee by amadana, which uses the same coffee-making equipment and by the the top baristas in the country, as well as has delivered high quality coffee beans like them, is opening its new flagship store Beasty Coffee [ cafe laboratory ] in Shibuya on September 27.

Beasty Coffee [ cafe laboratory ] boasts inventory of stock developed by the company themselves, including its own hand-drip coffee tools, as well as original coffee bean blends, an espresso machine, and coffee roaster. The coffee house will also host workshops and other experimental activities, creating a new way to enjoy your cafe experience.

The cafe itself is renovated from a buckwheat noodle restaurant which was deep-rooted in the local area. It has a Japanese-style aesthetic with a modern approach, using mortar as its main decoration.

The furniture is walnut wood, which looks gorgeous in both Japanese and western-style decor, while the entrance has a stylish sliding door with a black frame. There is also a partition inside the cafe. All of this makes for a calm and relaxed atmosphere.

Drip Coffee

Lemonade

If you’re interested in ordering the hand drip coffee, there are three types to choose from. They also sell an in-house original lemonade, is a mix of lemon, which uses no preservatives, and herb tea.

The espresso machine comes in a navy colour, which is the brand’s main colour, with which the baristas can make customers coffees like cappuccino using original blends.

Behind the partitions sits two coffee roasting tester machines where the cafe will research making original blend coffees day to day to create coffee that people will love.

When you heard about a cafe that is set on creating delicious coffee every time, you want to become a repeat customer. If you’re a coffee lover then make sure you pop into Beasty Coffee [ cafe laboratory ] when it opens in Shibuya, Tokyo on September 27.

The Ginza branch of long-standing Uji tea shop Tsujiri has unveiled a seasonal treat that will be available this autumn only. It was released on September 18 and will be served until October 31.

Tsujiri Ginza is the only branch of Tsujiri in the Kanto region of Japan, aiming to offer a “new kind of matcha experience” to the people of Tokyo. This autumnal mont blanc parfait dessert is made from an aromatic chestnut cream made in France, matcha soft serve ice cream made by the Uji matcha experts at Tsujiri, and fluffy fresh cream, creating a seasonal mix of flavours.

Once you’re done shopping around the extravagant town of Ginza, why not treat yourself to a tasty matcha-packed delight?

To celebrate the 1st anniversary of media franchise Revue Starlight, two themed cafes are set to open in Toyko and Osaka on October 11 and November 8 respectively.

Revue Starlight is a multimedia project that currently consists of stage plays, an anime series which aired last year, several ongoing manga series, and a smartphone game.

Beautiful Sky Invincible Set – Yakisoba & Hot Dug Bun: ¥980

Nana’s Handmade Banana Muffins: ¥1,180

Rinmeikan All-Girl’s School Matcha au Lait: ¥750

Everything on the menu is inspired by the characters and world of Revue Starlight, from light meals to desserts and drinks.

Pin Badge Set (Set of 5): ¥2,100

Canvas Art (5 Designs): ¥3,500 Each (Karen Aijō/Hikari Kagura/Tamao Tomoe/Aruru Otsuki/Akira Yukishir0)

Exclusive merchandise will be sold at the cafes too, including designs of the characters dressed at cafe staff.

Reservation-Only Bonus Item: Original A4 Stickers (2 Chosen Randomly)

Bonus Item For Diners: Original Lunch Mat 92 Designs (2 Chosen Randomly)

Bonus Item For Drink Orders: Original Coaster (1 Chosen Randomly)

The cafes also have a line-up of bonus items for if you book a table in advance, dine at the cafe, and order a drink at the cafe.

Kenshi Yonezu released his new single Uma to Shika on September 11 and it has soon become a new record-breaking sensation. The song served as the main theme for the TBS Sunday drama No Side Game, which just aired its last episode. The Oricon Weekly Single Rankings revealed that the single has so far been sold 412,000 times, which is Yonezu’s largest sale yet.

The first ever solo Japanese artist to make over 400,000 sales within the first week of a release was achieved by Tomohisa Yamashita in June 2006 with his song Daite Señorita. After 13 years and 3 months, a new record has been set by Yonezuー the perfect way to start the brand new Reiwa Era.   

The Download Chart shows that the rank for Uma to Shika is remaining steady. The Oricon Digital Single Ranking Chart shows that the single was downloaded 74,178 times in just one week, earning the top place. Since the single’s advanced sales which started on August 12, the single has remained at No.1 for five whole consecutive weeks. 

In the drama No Side Game, Hayato Kimijima (played by Yo Oizumi) works as the general manager of the company’s rugby team named Astros. He puts up a rigorous fight to keep the team from falling apart so that they can face off against their arch rival team known as the Cyclones. Despite suffering an injury, team player Jo Hamahata, who carries the spirit of the team, rises to the challenge of the fierce battle with every ounce of energy to ensure victory, gambling his sports career by wagering everything on his last shot.

The team members, staff and even the team supporters joined forces as one to ensure the team’s win, putting every ounce of their body and soul into the match. The theme drama’s theme song Uma to Shika is perfect for summing up this heated moment. The overwhelming feelings of the drama resonate in Yonezu’s song and has even stretched out to inspire many viewers. Many fans are still sending in messages about their lingering feelings towards the final episode. 

Once thing I do at least once a week without fail is treat myself out to some delicious food or dessert. It’s very important time well spend in order to live a happy life.

Today, I went out for breakfast. I got up a little earlier than usual and headed to my favourite cafe, Bread, Espresso & which is located in Omotesando.

It’s really easy to get to: it’s just a 5-minute walk from the A2 exit of Omotesando Station. Mornings are quiet in Omotesando, you don’t see many people walking around, so it feels like a completely different place compared to its busy streets during the day.

When you enter the cafe, the smell of freshly-baked bread is the first thing to hit your senses. I sat down on one of the comfy sofa-seats and ordered myself the French toast breakfast set.

There’s plenty of space between tables, so it’s an environment that’s easy to kick back and relax in.

Inside and outside the cafe are cute signs with that day’s recommended menu items written on them. Next time I visit I think I’ll try one of the lunchtime desserts. That’s what I daydreamed about while waiting for my French toast to arrive.

French Toast Set w/Drink – ¥800

The French toast has a subtly sweet scent. It’s made with one of the cafe’s popular foods: the butter-loaded bread known as “Muu.”

The toast’s crusts were nice and crunchy while the middle part was fluffy. The soft bread just melts in your mouth when taking a bite, and your taste buds are treated to the sweet flavour of the egg.

The toast is delicious as it is, and you can totally leave it at that and enjoy your morning breakfast. But if you want to take it to the next level then you can drizzle the accompanying honey over the toast, giving the sweetness an even richer flavour.

I’m usually not good with the characteristic sweet taste that honey has, or the bitterness layered into the overall flavour, but this honey was on the milder side so I really enjoyed it.

After my food, I enjoyed the cappuccino the barista beautifully made for me which comes as part of the set.

My 1-hour morning was spent even more relaxed than usual here. It’s much different from lunchtime which is a much busier and hurried time, so I could sink in my chair and really enjoy my drink too.

Waking up early and enjoying a relaxing breakfast. That’s all I did, but it helped ease my busy mind and soul. I’m a simple person, and I think I’ll be able to face my week and work hard at it after this.

Today’s Presents

Futsu Furu Fig Sandwich – ¥420

Futsu Uni Fruits – ¥400

I wanted to share the happiness between friends and family on this fine day where I got to eat a delicious breakfast. These sandwiches are packed full of fruits―seasonal fruits which are best enjoyed right now. If you’re wondering what other sandwiches they sell then be sure to visit.

Writer: Sayuri Mizuno (MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON)

Translator: Joshua Kitosi-Isanga

From September 21 to October 11, three KIDDYLAND stores will be holding a fair dedicated to the anime That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime, which has become a big hit overseas. 

The series, which was created by Fuse, aired two seasons from October 2018 to March 2019. It has been confirmed that a sequel will be made in the year 2020. Following the anime’s successful reception, a novel version of the anime series which goes by the same name was produced by GOT A CHANCE novel. More than 14 million copies have been sold so far.

The story follows an extraordinary event which happened to a normal man. The main character Satoru Mikami died to random knife attack and was reincarnated as a monster called a slime. The series became massively popular once the adorable figure of the main character as a slime was revealed.

That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Sanrio Slime: Slime Keyring (5 designs): ￥1,200 each (before tax)

All your favourite characters have been reincarnated in a cute Sanrio-style! Head to the KIDDYLAND fair to get your hands on a KIDDYLAND-limited Slime Keyring. A large variety of new goods are being sold here ahead of any other shop and online service.

That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Sanrio Slime: Cuddly Characters Badge (5 designs): ￥680 each (before tax)

Come explore all your favourite characters in their adorable Sanrio form!

©川上泰樹・伏瀬・講談社/転スラ製作委員会

A cafe based on the hit TV anime series My Hero Academia will open at SEGA Ikebukuro GiGO on October 12.

Drinks Menu

Drinks – ¥600 Each (Before Tax)

Original Latte Art (11 Designs) – ¥700 Each (Before Tax) *Choose your own

Food Menu

Menu ①: October 12, 2019 – November 1, 2019

Katsu-Lover Midoriya’s Pork Rib Noodles / Eijiro Kirishima’s Crunchy Kakiage Don – ¥1,200 Each (Before Tax)

Menu ②: November 2, 2019 – November 24, 2019

Katsuki Bakugo’s Spicy Mapo Doufu / Shoto Todoroki’s Fire & Ice Tomato Cheese Pasta – ¥1,200 Each (Before Tax)

Dessert Menu

Menu ①: October 12, 2019 – November 1, 2019

Ochaco Uraraka’s Japanese-Style Dessert Set with Matcha Milk – ¥1,200 (Before Tax) / Tenya Iida’s Source of Strength Orange Parfait – ¥900 (Before Tax)

Menu ②: November 2, 2019 – November 24, 2019

U.A. Dessert Plate – ¥1,200 (Before Tax) / Tsuyu Asui’s Kero Kero Parfait – ¥900 (Before Tax)

Enjoy a fun selection of food, drinks and desserts inspired by the My Hero Academia character cast. You can only pick between one meal and/or dessert when ordering.

Bonus Merch

When ordering from the drinks menu or one of the latte art coffees, you will receive one drinks coaster selected randomly from the following designs during the following dates.

Coaster Line-Up ①: October 12, 2019 – November 1, 2019

Coaster Line-Up ②: November 2, 2019 – November 24, 2019

And when ordering from the food or dessert menu, you will receive one of the below-pictured original bromide pictures chosen randomly. All of these bonus items are first-come, first-served.

Merchandise Shop

The cafe will also have its own merchandise corner selling exclusive items in collaboration with SEGA.

Available From October 12

Holographic Pin Badge (7 Designs) – ¥500 Each (Before Tax) *Chosen randomly, up to 10 allowed per person in one transaction 

Acrylic Key Ring with Stand – ¥1,200 Each (Before Tax) *Chosen randomly, up to 10 allowed per person in one transaction

Available From November 2

Mini Card (7 Designs) – ¥600 Each (Before Tax)

There are lots of other pieces of merchandise to get your hands on too. The cafe-exclusives are available only to those who use the cafe.

You must book a table in advanced if you want to visit, so be sure to get yours in quick.

©Kohei Horikoshi / Shueisha・My Hero Academia Production Committee　©SEGA

*Photos are for illustrative purposes only. Actual product may differ.

The official Sailor Moon fan club in Japan known as “Pretty Guardians” has announced that it is accepting additional members to this year’s sign-up period. Additional sign-ups opened on September 12.

If you become a member right now you’ll gain access to a catalogue of exclusive members-only merch including the little gem and bath salt set made in collaboration with Savons Gemme, the Pretty Guardians Store 2-year anniversary watch (which is limited in stock), and more.

Orders also began today for the 2020 Makeup Notebook pictured above which is an exclusive item to the Premium Bandai Fan Club’s secret site. It features a special illustration by Sailor Moon author Naoko Takeuchi. It comes with a dreamy cover that will flutter the hearts of any fan of the series.

Fan club members can also get a special picture ticket when they dine at the official Sailor Moon show restaurant SHINING MOON TOKYO if they show their membership card or account page.

It costs ¥5,000 before tax to join. Those entering in the additional applications will receive an member’s card.

Pretty Guardians also gain access to pre-sales before anyone else, including those for the Sailor Moon Cafe 2019 which went on sale recently. Become a member today!

A café based on the popular anime Sarazanmai is coming to Tokyo on September 19 and Osaka on September 26 and will run for a limited time only. The café designs were produced by Sanrio. 

Sarazanmai is a TV anime which was produced by animation studios MAPPA and  Lapin Track. The anime became incredibly popular when it aired between April and June 2019 on the Fuji TV programming block Noitamina. The last episode was met by an undying stream of grateful messages from fans and even those involved in the creation of the series. 

Sanrio produced Sarazanmai designs which are perfect for the traditional coffee shop theme and the retro Asakusa atmosphere of the series. The collaboration cafés will open in Ikebukuro in Tokyo and Nipponnbashi in Osaka.

Menu

Football Curry of Youth: ￥1,380 (before tax)

Football is what connects the three main characters Kazuki, Kuji and Enta. Come taste the delicious flavour of budding friendship in the form of a delicious curry at the café.   

Pudding a la Mode of Friendship: ￥1,280 (before tax)

The three middle schoolers are represented in the form of colourful fruit. This is a delicious dish easily enjoyed by anybody. 

Sparkling Jelly Juice (Kazuki/Kuji/Enta): ￥650 each (before tax)

These jelly drinks are also themed around Kazuki, Kuji and Enta. The jelly lurking at the bottom of the cup adds a wonderful accent to the flavour.  

Original Goods

Badge (10 random designs): ￥450 (before tax)

Special Bonus Goods

Those who book seats in advance (￥500 + tax) and order from the menu will receive an original design sticker. You will be presented with one of four designs at random. 

For each item ordered from the menu, you will receive an original design drink coaster. One of six designs will be given to you at random. 

This café is the perfect place to relax at your own pace this autumn. 

© イクニラッパー／シリコマンダーズ

 Fruit tart specialist shop Qu’il fait bon will be selling a brand new kind of lovable tart which is made using a rare species of grape sourced from Yamanashi prefecture. The tart is currently selling at Grand Maison, Ginza and Hamamatsu. These will be available for a limited period only. 

The tart is covered with incredibly rare “My Heart” grapes, which were developed by the grape research institute Shimura Budou Kenkyusho. Growing and cultivating these grapes was no easy task and took an incredible amount of time. There was only a short window of time available to harvest the produce and even then the harvest was small, so stocking up was very difficult. Despite the challenges, these tongue-tantalizing tarts are being sold this year, however, they are in limited supply. 

Shine muscat grapes and loubell muscat grapes were crossbred to create this new kind of grape. The marvellous flavour of both parent grapes can be tasted. The new grapes have a high sugar content, a wonderful scent and the skin is wonderfully crunchy.  

Take a bite into the special Yamanashi Grape My Heart Tart and you will be filled with a sophisticated fruity flavour. The adorable heart-shaped grapes are layered perfectly on top of a bed of white wine custard. You just have to try this delicious and beautiful tart!

At MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON, we have introduced a lot of kawaii bubble tea drinks you can in enjoy in Kyoto. However, we have much more to offer you than just bubble tea news! Today we have summarised the top soda drinks you can enjoy in Kyoto which both look and taste amazing. With the help of kyoto cafe life tiara ‘s phenomenal photos, we will be introducing you our top six picks.

SHIN-SETSU /Nakagyō-ku

Blood Orange (left)  Blue Curaçao (right): ￥690