Sanrio is collaborating with EGG & SPUMA cafe which is located on the 8th floor of the shopping centre Lumine EST Shinjuku. The Sanrio Characters Cafe is set to open on November 15 and will remain open for a limited time only.

This will be the last time that Sanrio will collaborate with EGG & SPUMA and to really make it special, the menu is grander and packed with even more of your favourite Sanrio Characters. If you are a Sanrio fan, you definitely won’t be able to resist the adorable atmosphere.

From dinner to dessert to drinks, the menu will leave you spoilt for choice. If you’re looking for something to fill you up, then the Pompompurin Cheese Burger is for you. Pompompurin sits on the plate in burger form wearing a cute beret. Kiki and Lala’s themed dish is a tower of soufflé pancakes made to resemble a cute tree, and My Melody’s dish is a Melty Strawberry Soufflé Pancake garnished with a pink ribbon. 

Of course, EGG & SPUMA Collaboration Cafe will be whisking up their highly popular Tea Party Set again but this time, the Sanrio presence is very intense.

The special Sanrio-style Tea Party Set is a grand three-tier course full of intricate design. The fun feast on the first tier features a colourful jelly treat which takes on the appearance of a capsule toy machine, and playful pup Pochacco in the form of a panna cotta dessert. The second tier serves up EGG&SPUMA’s popular soufflé pancakes covered in an irresistible berry sauce. The third tier will treat you to a ribbon-shaped strawberry milk crêpe and mini chocolate cakes with My Melody and Kuromi playing on top.

Order from the collaboration menu to receive a cafe-limited drink coaster. 

*There are eight possible designs. Each customer will receive one coaster upon their order and they are unable to choose the design they receive.

Make sure to stop by for a top up on your kawaii levels!

Mickey Mouse will be celebrating his birthday with a special event called HAPPY&MAGIC at Yokohama World Porters. The event will run for a limited period starting from November 18.

David Willardson《DREAMERS》(Original) ©Disney

The event will feature a range of artistic pictures, famous works and original images of Mickey Mouse which were created by officially licensed Disney artists.

Original Clear File（Not for Sale） ©Disney

There will also be a photo spot at the event venue where you can take a photo with Mickey Mouse. If you reserve a spot at the event online, you will receive an original clear file so don’t miss out.

*The clear file cannot be purchased.

In this edition of The Café That You Want to Visit to See Someone, I visited J-COOK in Gaiemmae, a place I visited one time while off work which ended up in me wanting to absolutely feature it in the series!

It’s just a 5-minute stroll from Gaiemmae Station.

The cafe enjoys lots of sunlight, which is brightened further by all the plants scattered through the shop. The cafes I have visited to date are often a little darker with only a little light seeping through the windows to create a certain atmosphere, and they are wonderful, but this was the first I have ever visited with so might light and so many plants. The air felt clear, adding to the level of comfort in the cafe, perhaps because there are so many plants adorning the interior.

The cafe also has a space with a slightly more darker light and atmosphere on the left side. I haven’t sat in that area yet, so I think I’ll try it out on my next visit.

When I come to J-COOK, my eyes always wander over to the marzipan creations (¥450).

These ones here were actually all individually handmade by the owner’s husband from the early morning.

If you look really closely, you’ll notice all the dog designs are different. When ordering, get to pick out which one you want, so try finding your perfect pup!

I had mine together with an iced coffee (¥450). The sweet marzipan is a delicious combination with the bitterness of the coffee.

I also got some potted cream (¥450). It’s kind of like a Japanese custard pudding with just a moderate amount of sweetness.

I had mine with a bit of brandy which had fragrant vanilla notes. They’ve had this brandy for 33 years since the store first opened.

The cream was sensational, and the gentle notes linger afterwards.

They have a lot of different homemade soups too which are perfect for the coming cold weather. I got the New Orleans-style gumbo soup. It’s spicy with clam and okra in it.

Relaxing jazz music plays in the cafe while you sit and enjoy your drink and meal.

J-COOK is a wonderful little cafe run by a husband and wife. When I first came, the wife came and talked to me. She’s super friendly, and although it was our first meeting, she made me feel really comfortable and welcome. She must be full of happiness, which in turn naturally gives people who visit the strength to be positive and work hard.

I reckon their smiles have saved a lot of people.

I can’t wait to visit again!

Writer/Model: Ema Tanioku

Photographer: Haruka Yamamoto

Design: Yuko Abe (ASOBISYSTEM)

Translator: Joshua Kitosi-Isanga

2019 is the year of BABYMETAL, with their latest album METAL GALAXY having dropped in October and making them the highest Japanese group/artist to place on the Billboard Top 200 in the US in 56 years. As they continue knee-deep in their ongoing world tour, you might be wondering what else they have in the pipeline.

Well, we can confirm that for you right here and now: they have teamed up with internationally-lauded Japanese fashion designer Yohji Yamamoto on his revolutionary Ground Y collection which boasts a genderless and ageless style.

Pre-sales of the collection will take place at the new Shibuya PARCO which is set to open on November 22. This will be followed by sales at GINZA SIX, Laforet Harajuku, and the online store THE SHOP YOHJI YAMAMOTO.

The collection will bring together the unique world of BABYMETALーa band which has won love the world over and has featured as guest acts on many tours of international artistsーand Yohji Yamamoto, a rebel and innovator in the fashion industry whose DNA is woven into the Ground Y line. The inspiration for this jet black collaborative collection is “galaxy,” an homage to BABYMETAL’s latest record METAL GALAXY.

There are numerous items in the collection, including a jumbo cut and sewn embroidered with both the BMD FOX APPAREL logoーBABYMETAL’s official apparel brandーand the Ground Y logo. There’s also a big hoodie featuring a 360° print and BABYMETAL’s logo, a draped silk satin long shirt, and more.

MASATOSHI YAMASHIRO snapped the photos in this photoshoot, a Tokyo-based photographer who started his career in LA and New York and works with fashion magazines, advertisements, and more.

The new cafe TOKYO BOX CAFE&SPACE will open in Omotesando, Harajuku on November 21, 2019.

The cafe will serve as a space to promote artists, franchises and more by collaborating with them. For the grand opening, the cafe’s first collaboration will be with Japanese idol group Keyakizaka46 which will run for a limited period from November 21, 2019 to January 13, 2020. The collaboration will subsequently move to Osaka and Nagoya where it will open on November 22 and 28 respectively.

The names of cafe menu dishes below are translated from Japanese.

Cafe Menu

Break the Cheese! – ¥1,690

This cheesy pasta dish is made with crispy cheese, the spaghetti is bathed in a rich cheese sauce, and the plate is finished with delicious seafood. Break the cheese up and tuck in!

Black Vegetable Curry – ¥1,590

The quirk of this veggie-packed meal is the black colour of the curry. Topped with okra, tomatoes, Japanese mustard greens, sunny-side up egg and more, this nutritional dish is sure to fill your belly.

2 People Season Pancakes – ¥1,790

For the sweet-tooths out there, they can look forward to forking into some chocolatey pancakes lathered sweetly in blueberry sauce and blueberry cream. Between the pancakes are fruits and chocolate to create a pancake sandwich, and adorning the plate is more chocolate, fruit, and blue dragées.

Humility! Kindness! Bonds! Shining Brightly, Keyakizaka46 Parfait – ¥1,690

Named after one of the group’s catchphrases, this matcha parfait is green which is a colour that symbolises Keyakizaka46. It’s piled with chocolate, macarons, ice cream, warabimochi and more for a truly hearty and mouth-watering dessert.

Late-Night Herb Tea – ¥890

During those nights when you can’t fall asleep, there’s nothing better than some refreshing herbal tea.

Matcha Milk That Stays Hot Even When It Blows In The Wind – ¥890

Nothing beats a cup of hot matcha milk during the cold weather. Coloured green like the group’s iconic colour, this gorgeous, garden-like beverage is sure to warm up your mind and body.

Exclusive Merchandise

T-Shirt (White) – ¥3,100

Acrylic Keyring – ¥900

Tote Bag – ¥1,800

Bonus Items

Those who book a table in advance  (¥650 per person, tax excluded) and order something from the menu will randomly receive one of 26 possible trading cards pictured above.

If you order something from the food or dessert menu, you’ll also receive one of 26 possible signed mini cards, chosen randomly.

Finally, if you get a drink, you can get one of these 8 possible coasters, also chosen randomly.

This is just a small peek into what’s to come at the cafesーthere are more drinks, dishes and merchandise to get your hands on, so don’t miss out.

*All listed menu item prices do not include tax

*All listed merchandise items include tax

*Photos are for illustrative purposes only

©Seed & Flower LLC.

Krispy Kreme Japan released two new doughnuts for a limited period only starting from November 1, 2019. The two new doughnuts are part of the Krispy Kreme Premium series and are only available to purchase from the JR Nagoya Takashiyama branch. The two new flavours are the Holiday Gorilla and Brûlée Glazed Fruity Sangria.

The Krispy Kreme Premium series is only available at the Nagoya Takashiyama branch. These doughnuts have a cake-like texture and are filled with a luxurious serving of whipped cream. Each doughnut is carefully made with the utmost care and decorated in the shop. These are sold fresh every day and enjoyed by customers as they are made. 

The Krispy Kreme Premium Holiday Gorilla consists of a yellow purin-flavoured chocolate wreath. A ferocious bear made of fluffy whipped chocolate can be seen peeking through the doughnut hole. After a sprinkling of sparkling silver balls and a strawberry chocolate ribbon, the doughnut is complete. The gorilla’s face is made of caramel chocolate and bitter chocolate. The ears are made of chocolate coffee beans and the doughnut hole is filled with marshmallow cream. The fusion of chocolate and marshmallows makes for the perfect winter treat. 

The Krispy Kreme Premium Brûlée Glazed Fruity Sangria is an enhanced version of KKDJ’s most popular doughnut series: the Original Glazed®. The surface of the doughnut is covered in a crunchy brûlée layer which is full of flavour. Red wine paste is combined with a sweet and tangy marmalade to make the luxurious filling for the doughnut, creating the flavour of sangria which is perfect for adults. 

Don’t miss the opportunity to grab a delicious winter doughnut from Krispy Kreme!

Laforet Harajuku is set to hold LAFORET CHRISTMAS 2019 from November 15 to December 25. Stores throughout the shopping centre will sell various holiday season fashion items that make perfect Christmas gifts, and up on the second floor at GOOD MEAL MARKET, you can look forward to the Laforet Christmas Menu.

All customers who spend over ¥3,000 (tax included) from November 15 onward will receive an original mirror, and those who spend over ¥5,000 (tax included) from December 14 onward will receive an original handkerchief. Both of these items will be available on a first-come, first-served basis until December 1 at Dinalog in Laforet Museum Harajuku.

Additionally, the main Christmas visual for this year’s event was designed by Japanese art director YUNI YOSHIDA.

A two-day market will take place on Saturday December 14 and Sunday December 15 in Laforet Museum Harajuku titled Laforet Market vol.9 “Christmas.”

CHRISTMAS GIFT

If you’re searching for the perfect surprise gift to friends, family, a special someone or yourself, you’re bound to find a fitting match for them during the event as stores in Laforet Harajuku display their Christmas goods in their windows.

Kailijumei/5F

Kailijumei 2019 Christmas Coffret – ¥5,500 (Tax Included)

Charles Chaton/4F

Flower Frill Cushion – ¥5,500 (Tax Included)

JUEMI Syncretic/1F

e.m.OrganicCollegeStarRing – ¥24,200 (Tax Included)

Les Merveilleuses LADURÉE/1F

Limited Edition Rose Ladurée – ¥13,200 (Tax Included)

CHRISTMAS FOOD “Laforet Christmas Menu”

“Pink” is the themed of the Christmas menus being whipped up at Laforet’s restaurants.

Chipoon /2F

Tomato Soy Milk Cream Noodles – ¥935 (Tax Included)

This vegan noodle dish combines the full-bodied taste of soy milk with refreshing tomatoes to create a tempting mild flavour.

machi machi /2F

Strawberry Cheese Tea (Taro Topping) – ¥858 (Tax Included)

A fusion of Jasmine green tea and fresh strawberries to create a unique and delicious beverage.

Cafe de paris /B1F

Kumono Smoothe – ¥605 (Tax Included) / Whipped Cream Topping +¥110 (Tax Included)

Cafe de paris opened on November 1 and will be selling their exclusive cute drinks.

Laforet Market vol.9 “Christmas”

The Laforet Market is an opportunity for 40 shops to come together to sell fashion, food and miscellaneous Christmas goods. There will be workshops carried out be creators and artists, performances, and more.

If you’ll be in Harajuku the holiday season then don’t pass up the opportunity to visit Laforet Harajuku this Christmas.

The Akihabara (Tokyo) and Nanbasennichimae (Osaka) branches of the Sega Collabo Cafe are set to collaborate with the TV anime series The New Princess of Tennis from December 6.

Fans can look forward to tucking into food, drinks and desserts inspired by characters in the series. There will also be exclusive Sega Collabo Cafe merchandise on sale in collaboration with the series, as well as other goodies like an original coaster which you get when ordering a drink.

The collaboration will run from December 6, 2019 to January 26, 2020. During that time, there will be three different slots, each featuring different menu options.

Drinks Menu (All 3 Periods) – ¥600 Each (Before Tax)

・Seigaku

・Hyoutei

・Rikkaidai

・Higa

・Shitenhoji

*Photo is for illustrative purposes only. May differ from actual product.

Food Menu – ¥1,200 Each (Before Tax)

Slot ①: December 6, 2019 – December 20, 2019

・Taka-san’s Specially-Made Mille-Feuille Sushi

・Higa Soba

Slot ②: December 21, 2019 – January 10, 2020

・Invincible Rikkaidai Soy Ramen

・Ryoma’s American SABA Burger

Slot ③: January 11, 2020 – January 26, 2020

・Hyoutei Truffle Pasta

・Okonomiyaki

Only one of each of these dishes will be sold each day per slot, and it will be determined by whichever is ordered during the first order of that day.

Dessert Menu – ¥1,000 Each (Before Tax)

Slot ①: December 6, 2019 – December 20, 2019

・Hyoutei’s Victory Parfait

・Shitenhoji Parfait

Slot ②: December 21, 2019 – January 10, 2020

・Higa Parfait
・Karupin Parfait

Slot ③: January 11, 2020 – January 26, 2020

・Seigaku Parfait

・Rikkaidai Parfait

Food, Drink & Dessert Menu Bonus Items

For every meal, drink or dessert ordered at the cafe, customers will receive an original coaster. Designs are given randomly, and there are 11 different ones for each slot as pictured above in respective order.

Sega Collabo Cafe Exclusive Merchandise

Releasing: December 6, 2019

Hologram Pin Badges (11 Designs) – ¥500 Each (Before Tax)

Superdeformed Pin Badges (11 Designs) – ¥400 Each (Before Tax)

There is much more merchandise for fans to get their hands on too. Both cafes are reservation-only, so book your table now on the official website below.

©Takeshi Konomi / Shueisha・NAS・The New Prince of Tennis Project

©SEGA

In South Korea, which has been dubbed “a cafe battleground,” one particular cafe called Cafe de paris has stood out from the rest for their visually impacting fruity desserts. This immensely popular chain is now heading to Laforet Harajuku with a new branch opening on November 1.

Cafe de paris first appeared in Japan back in February this year, with its eye-popping “Bon Bon” parfait series attraction a great deal of attention for its Instagram-worthy appearance. In just six months, it exceeded 100,000 customer visits. The cafe, however, was only open for a limited time. But that’s about to change, as Laforet Harajuku welcomes the country’s first permanent branch.

The cafe interior takes on a light blue and white colour scheme, with table and counter seats lining the room and gorgeous chandeliers adorned overhead.

Kumo Smoothie – ¥594 (Tax Included)

To commemorate its opening, the new shop has developed a new item exclusive to the Laforet Harajuku branch: the “Kumo Smoothie.” Inspired by fluffy clouds, this fruit-packed smoothie comes in a pink strawberry milk flavour and blue sky-coloured soda flavour.

And of course, Cafe de paris’s famous fruit-topped Bon Bon parfaits will be sold too, with the upper part of the parfait towering 20m high. There are 5 seasonal fruits to choose from, such as strawberry, mango and grape.

Cafe de paris has plenty of cute must-buy goodies for customers to enjoy, so if you’re in Japan, why not take the opportunity to try out something popular in South Korea  too while strolling around Harajuku?

The official Hello Kitty theatre and restaurant HELLO KITTY SHOW BOX, which opened back in August on Awaji Island, updated its show program on October 10 and is now hosting a new show themed on the Seven Lucky Gods titled “A Record of the Seven Lucky Gods of Awaji Island.”

A Record of the Seven Lucky Gods of Awaji Island

The HELLO KITTY SHOW BOX is home to a gallery that makes use of media art like 3D holograms. The theatre’s shows incorporate song, dance and musical performance, while the restaurant serves healthy, vegetable-packed meals including vegan-friendly options.

The building itself is situated within farmlands and is crowned with the adorable hidden face of Hello Kitty which can’t be seen from the ground.

The all-new show will feature an original story based around the Seven Lucky Gods of Awaji Island, a mystical island that is even mentioned in the Kojikiーa sacred text and first written recording of Japan.

©1976, 2019 SANRIO CO., LTD.　APPROVAL NO. G602779

If you’ve not yet been to the Pompompurin Cafe, or this is your first time hearing about itーthemed entirely on Sanrio’s popular character Pompompurinーthen their two new menu items, available this autumn for the entire month of November, is sure to pull you in.

As the leaves turn red and gold and people order pumpkin spiced lattes for takeout, the Harajuku, Yokohama and Umeda branches of the Pompompurin Cafe want to get in on the autumnal action too. So they have created a special chicken stew and fruit gratin, served as colourful as the season itself is and perfect during any time of the day when your belly is calling for nutrition.

Chicken Brown Stew: Strolling Along While Looking at the Autumn Colours – ¥1,290 (Before Tax)

This chicken stew features Pompompurin and his best friend and hamster Muffin. The dish depicts a scene of both of them strolling and getting along while looking at the autumn leaves. Purin is made from rice and sits inside the rich stew while a mashed potato Muffin perches on top of him wearing his hat.  They are surrounded by carrots and other veggies made to look like the vibrant leaves of Japan’s maple and ginkgo trees.

Fruit Gratin: Hot Spring Warm-Up – ¥1,090 (Before Tax)

If you’re looking to satisfy your sweet tooth but also want to warm up then look no further than at Pompompurin and Muffin relaxing together in the hot spring that is this fruit gratin dessert. Purin is made from pumpkin flavoured ice cream while Muffin is of the vanilla kind. They are warming themselves up in a fruit-packed custard cream sauce. The fruit is drizzled in sauce and cooked to make the fruit even sweeter and intensify its flavour. Did you see the cute towels on their heads too? Many people do this in Japan when getting into the hot spring (or “onsen”), and you might have seen it if you watch anime too.

The fall fun doesn’t stop there however, as all people who dine at the cafe will receive the lunch mat pictured below, and everyone who orders a drink will get a coaster. Available while supplies last.

Lunch Mat (3 Designs)

Coaster (1 Design)

Stay warm while its cold at the Pompompurin Cafe this autumn.

©1996, 2019 SANRIO CO., LTD. APPROVAL NO.S602780

Since opening in Harajuku last year, MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON’s ultra-kawaii hotel MOSHI MOSHI ROOMS has been the talk of the town. We are here to announce a new BBQ plan for guests which is held on the hotel rooftop and which you can attend empty-handed.

MOSHI MOSHI ROOMS is only an 8-minute walk from Harajuku Station. You’ll know you’ve arrived when you spot our neon sign pictured above. It’s on the roof of this building you can look forward to getting your teeth into a delicious BBQ and chugging down drinks.

The rooftop design takes on a pop appearance, mixing blue with yellow. This cute design alone is enough to get you excited for what’s to come. And since there are no tall buildings around us, you get a great view of Harajuku from below.

The BBQ plan comes equipped with everything you need: a fire, plates, cups, ingredients, and alcohol. We have a great option of drinks, including beer, wine, whisky, and soft drinks. There’s also a beer server so you can enjoy your beer nice and frosty. If we don’t have a drink you’d like, you can bring your own too. There’s a FamilyMart and other shops nearby, so head there to stock up.

BBQ Set – ¥6,000 Per Person (Before Tax)　*Photo is a select portion example for 5 people

For grub, our lineup includes meat, fish, egetables, fried onigiri, and sweets. There’s Japanese beef too, as well as Japanese chicken, pork, lamb, sausage, and more. We prepare the most delicious ingredients for the current season. There’s a lot of different meats to choose from, so rest assured you won’t go hungry.

All the food is seasoned for you, so you can drop it all on straight away and get straight to eating.

Make a toast with your drinks and tuck in! The wagyu beef is nice and plump once it comes off the fire. One bite of the soft meat will treat your taste buds to a luxurious sweetness and the meat’s delightful juices.

The chicken is seasoned sweet and spicy. It has a crunchy exterior and soft inside. The lamb is seasoned well too and has that distinct deep flavour lamb has.

Our fish and vegetables are all in season too. The fish pictured above is salmon cooked in foil and seared skipback tuna. The salmon is seasoned with butter and soy sauce. All of the delicious flavour of the skipback tuna is intensified while prepared on the fire, and the inside is sumptuously tender. It’s seasoned with citrus soy sauce.

This here is giant okra which I tried for the first time. Giant okra is in season right now too. It’s a lot more elastic than your regular size okra and has a juiciness when you bite into it.

I was so full already… until dessert arrived! These is a dessert sweet potato roasted on the fire.

I topped it with vanilla ice cream and tea flavoured ice cream before sprinkling on cornflakes to finish.

The mix of the hot potato and cold ice cream is a match made in heaven inside your mouth. The roasted sweet potato has a subtle sweetness which mixes perfectly with the creamy ice cream. I originally thought I was full but there’s always room for dessert.

There are parasols too in case it rains. You can even rent out tents from the hotel if you like.

If you’re looking to stay in Harajuku, come and see us at MOSHI MOSHI ROOMS and enjoy a BBQ with a rooftop view of Harajuku.

Writer: Sayuri Mizuno (MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON)

Translator: Joshua Kitosi-Isanga