Japan is a haven for bubble tea and tapioca-based beverages. Here on MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON we have covered many stores selling these tasty drinks in Harajuku―the town which started the tapioca boom in Japan―but today we will be heading southwest of Tokyo to Aichi Prefecture, located in central Honshu Island, to look at 4 must-drink tapioca drinks.

 

We are joined by meme whose Instagram page is packed full of drinks and desserts from cafes across Japan.

 

The Flower Table in Sakae

Located inside the MITSUKOSHI shopping complex in Nagoya’s retail and entertainment district Sakae is The Flower Table. I absolutely recommend this store for those who aren’t good with sweet drinks as you can choose between having sugar or no sugar.

Your taste buds are hit by the flavour of the milk tea on the first sip which has a bite to it. The tea leaves used by the shop in this drink are from Kusumi Tea, a Paris-based premium tea brand.

 

If you’re someone who likes chai then this taste is sure to tempt your palate. Not only does the milk tea taste exquisite, the tapioca pearls are sweet and satisfyingly chewy too. And let’s not forget to mention their adorable takeout cup designs!

 

▼The Flower Table

Address: MITSUKOSHI Nagoya Sakae Store Floor 3F, 3-5-1 Sakae, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture

Opening Hours: 10:00-19:30 (Food Last Orders 19:30)
*Food not served until 11am, only drinks between 10-11am
*Afternoon tea sets, parfaits and other teatime menu options served from 2pm

Official Website: https://theflowertable.owst.jp/en/

 

 

BON CAFÉ in Sakae

BON CAFÉ can also be found in Sakae. I had heard lots of praise about this place before my first visit so I was eager to get in there. I ordered two drinks: the mango cream cheese tea (with cream and tapioca pearls) and the brown sugar milk tea (with tapioca pearls). It’s hard to tell by the photos but both drinks are packed with tapioca pearls aplenty.

I’d heard before that the mango cream cheese tea was like a “dessert that you can drink,” and I can confirm that it’s true. It’s topped with fresh cream and pearls so it’s just as satisfying as a mango parfait.

 

▼BON CAFÉ

Address: Apa Hotel Nagoya Nishiki Floor 2F, Nishiki 3-15-30, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture

Opening Hours: 11:00-23:00 (Last Orders 22:00)

No Fixed Holidays

Official Website: https://bon-cafe.jp/tapioca/

 

 

Peripatos in Kita-Okazaki

Drinks at Peripatos are takeout-only. Their bottle designs are cute and simple with just a kitty illustration on them. The three drinks in the photo are Very Berry, Tropical, and Hazelnut & Caramel Sauce with coffee jelly.

The tropical drink has pieces of fresh mango in it while the Very Berry has fresh strawberry and chewy strawberry flavoured tapioca pearls in it. My friend ordered the Hazelnut & Caramel one which has coffee flavoured jelly in it instead of tapioca pearls. You sip it while crushing the jelly.

 

The shop interior is really cute too!

 

▼Peripatos

Address: 4-4 Ida Nishimachi, Okazaki, Aichi Prefecture

Opening Hours: [Mon-Tues & Fri-Sat] 11:00-21:30 / [Thurs & Sun] 11:00-18:00

Closed: Wednesdays

Official Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/c.peripatos/

 

 

Watashi to Cafe in Kariya

At Watashi to Cafe I ordered the strawberry milk tapioca drink. The pearls in this drink are strawberry flavoured too, and there’s a lot of them making is super tasty. The glasses they come in are cute too.

They also sell beautiful herbarium-like drinks. These don’t have tapioca pearls in them but I recommend these too!

 

▼Watashi to Cafe

Address: 2-20 Minamisakuramachi, Kariya, Aichi Prefecture

Opening Hours: Lunch 11:00-15:00 / Dinner 15:00-Midnight

Closed: Tuesdays

Official Website: https://watashitocafe.gorp.jp/

 

 

Did you enjoy this list? meme has lots of other tempting recommendations of drinks and desserts on their Instagram page too, so if you’re looking for something to try while in the Tokai region of Japan be sure to give them a follow.

 

Text & Photos: @ meme_mi_

Translation: Joshua Kitosi-Isanga

Cinnamoroll’s Sky Drink Stand is finally open in Harajuku where Sanrio’s adorable white puppy will be catering drinks to your taste until August 25.

 

The drink stand is located along Harajuku’s famous Takeshita Street.

When you step inside you are taken soaring up into the clouds with its fluffy decor and decorations.

Cinnamoroll can be found all around the cafe looking adorable♡

To get a drink you first need to purchase a ticket from the ticket machine. Once you’ve got that, it’s time to head on over to the row of Cinnamoroll plushies.

There are 27 drinks in total to choose from. You will converse with Cinnamoroll and answers his questions which will change the colour, flavour and toppings of your drink. Your specially made and unique drink will arrive bottled with a handwritten name label on the front.

As you answer the questions you will be able to see Cinnamoroll making your drink on the tablet.

After a short time your drink will arrive!

Here is my cute and sparkly drink. I wrote “MOSHI MOSHI” in Japanese (もしもし) for the name tag. Mine was a delicious fizzy summery drink with blue jelly.

 

If you go with friends then you can have fun comparing your different drinks too!

You can get some even cuter photos at the shop’s many photo spots.

 

And if you want to order your drink in advance then you can use the Cinnamoroll Talk app which is compatible with Google Assistant. After you say, in Japanese, “OK Google, Cinnamoroll ni Osora Dorinku Onegai” (OK Google, please give me a Cinnamoroll Sky Drink), the order window will pop up. After you’ve talked with Cinnamoroll on the app you will receive an order number to collect your drink. There are also secret sentences hidden around the store for talking with Cinnamoroll, so if you find them you can have a longer chat with him!

 

Make your own unique summertime beverage with Cinnamoroll at the Sky Drink Stand♡

Sanrio has announced that it will release six hats with moving ears inspired by six of its characters at Sanrio stores, its online store, and shops stocking Sanrio goods in Japan on August 21.

 

The hats move by using an air pump that you pump with your fingers. Look adorable at events, on your Instagram story posts and pretty much anywhere by choosing from one of the six characters: Hello Kitty, My Melody, Pompompurin, Cinnamoroll, Kuromi and Pochacco.

The hats are fluffy, comfortable to wear, and of course make you look kawaii as you walk along with the ears bouncing up and down. The hats are also one size fits all and so can be worn by both kids and grown-ups!

 

©️1976, 1989, 1996, 2001, 2005, 2019 SANRIO CO., LTD.

Hey, MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON readers! I’m Banako of MOSHI MOSHI FRIENDS.

 

It’s safe to say that most long-standing, older cafés in Japan serve cream soda. It’s a drink that bellows with nostalgia, topped cutely with a dollop of ice cream and sparkling bright with vivid colour like some rare jewel.

 

It’s a rather simple drink, but the number of people intrigued by its unique appearance are evidently on the rise. And I’m one of those people! I’ve had times where if it’s available on the menu I want to order it－and further still I’ve gone out of my way to a café solely because I’ve wanted some cream soda.

 

Depending on the vibe and atmosphere of a café, the appearance of the cream soda will be different, which also means a different flavour. This is all part of the enjoyment of cream soda: it’s fun to compare the different tastes.

 

I have made a long list of my most recommended cream sodas in Tokyo, all of which I have actually tried!

 

To make it easier to picture each drink I have also given a rating out of 5☆ stars for the strength of the fizziness, the sweetness of the soda, and sweetness of the ice cream. Use this as reference when picking your drink of choice. Enjoy this specially curated selection of drinks in cafés that you’re going to want to snap lots of pictures of♡

 

①CAMPUS TOY cafe&bar

CAMPUS TOY is located in the Jinbocho district of Tokyo. This exciting little place has gone for an American pop vibe. They sell toys too.

 

The extra goodies they put in the cream soda here is influenced by the US too. The owner is a really interesting person, so much so that you end up losing track of the time as you get lost in conversation with them.

Fizziness：★★★★☆

Soda Sweetness：★★☆☆☆

Ice Cream Sweetness：★★★☆☆

CAMPUS TOY cafe&bar

Address: 2-10 Kanda-Jinbocho, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo

Opening Hours: [Mon-Fri] 18:00-22:00

Closed: Weekends & Public Holidays

Access: 2-minutes on foot from Jinbocho Station’s A2 Exit

TEL: 03-3261-7383

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/campustoy_matz/?hl=ja

 

 

②Café Negura

This little-known-good-spot can be found in Shimokitazawa. The café interior has relaxed and retro décor. Their cream soda is served with two stacks of ice cream and a crown of whipped cream topped off with a cherry. What a cute-looking drink!

Fizziness：★★★☆☆

Soda Sweetness：★☆☆☆☆

Ice Cream Sweetness：★★★★☆

 

▶︎ Café Negura

Address: PACKAGE ONE Floor 1F (North Side), 2-26-13 Kitazawa, Setagaya Ward, Tokyo

Opening Hours: 11:30 ー 20:00

Closed: Mondays & Tuesdays

Access:152m walk from Shimokitazawa Station

Twitter：https://twitter.com/neguracafe_mi

 

 

③Sepia

Another retro-style café, except this one is specifically influenced by the Showa period . Situated in Shibamata, everything about this café, from the outside to the interior, breathes retro-Showa. On the second floor is the Candy Candy Museum.

 

Their cream soda is the quintessential classic cream soda…but with a twist. It has mikan in it, a type of orange, which is very rare with cream sodas. That gives off a retro-ness too. Another cute beverage!

Fizziness：★★★☆☆

Soda Sweetness：★★☆☆☆

Ice Cream Sweetness：★★★☆☆

▶︎ Sepia

Address: 7-4-11 Shibamata, Katsushika Ward, Tokyo

Opening Hours: 10:00-18:30 (Last Orders 18:00

Closed: Tuesdays & Wednesdays

Access: 2-minutes on foot from Shibamata Station (Accessed via the Keisei Line)

Instagram: https://instagram.com/sepiamama?igshid=1urnwdix23qbx

 

 

④ALL C’S CAFE

ALL C’S CAFE is in Koenji, the retro hub of Tokyo. Decorations of cute bears are what this café is all about. There are enormous life-sized bears everywhere, so you can get ready to snap some seriously kawaii pictures.

 

The café itself, as well as the adorable smiley bear on your cream soda, is sure to elicit some high-pitched “Aww’s.”

Fizziness：★★★☆☆

Soda Sweetness：★★☆☆☆

Ice Cream Sweetness：★★★★☆

 

▶︎ALL C’S CAFE

Address: Miyake Bldg. 2F, 3-25-24 Koenji, Suginami Ward, Tokyo

Opening Hours: 12:00-22:00

Closed: No Fixed Holidays (except Obon and New Year’s Holidays)

Access: 5-minutes on foot from the north exit of Koenji Station (Accessed via the JR Chuo Line)

Website: http://www.allcscafe.com

 

 

⑤Café Hosekibako

Hosekibako, which means ‘jewelry box’ in Japanese, is right next to Chitose-Karasuyama Station. Retro vibes waft their way throughout this cozy little hideaway with the littering of Showa manga and other miscellaneous odds and ends.

 

This café too has the signature classic cream soda. It has a transparent appearance in its truly beautiful colour.

Fizziness：★★★☆☆

Soda Sweetness：★★★☆☆

Ice Cream Sweetness：★★★☆☆

 

▶︎ Café Hosekibako

Address: Koyama Mansion 102, 4-18-18 Minamikarasuyama, Setagaya Ward, Tokyo

Opening Hours: 12:00-18:30 (Last Orders 18:00)

Closed: Wednesdays

Access: 5-minutes on foot from the east exit of Chitose-Karasuyama Station (Accessed via the Keio Line)

Website: https://housekibako.wixsite.com/2009

 

 

⑥THE GREAT BURGER STAND

This hamburger shop sells an American-style cream soda, topped with swirly ice cream rather than cream soda’s classic dollop. That, together with the huge glass it’s served in, is enough to get you excited before you even take a sip. The café can be found in Shibuya Stream, meaning you can stop by for a breather after shopping.

Fizziness：★★★★☆

Soda Sweetness：★★☆☆☆

Ice Cream Sweetness：★★★★☆

 

▶︎THE GREAT BURGER STAND

Address: Shibuya Stream 1F, 3-21-3 Shibuya, Shibuya Ward, Tokyo

Access: 1-minute on foot from Shibuya Station via the JR Yamanote Line 

Opening Hours: 11:00 ー 23:00 (Last orders:  22:30)

Closed when Shibuya Stream is closed.

Access: Approx. 1-minute walk from Shibuya Station (JR Yamanote Line)

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_great_burger/

 

 

⑦Coffee Shop Galant

Right beside Ueno Station you’ll find Galant, a coffee shop also with an air of retro-Showa to it during the bubble economy period. You’ll feel like you’ve been transported back in time when you see the dazzling décor and the staff uniforms. Peeking through the see-through liquid is a cute red cherry♡

Fizziness：★★★★☆

Soda Sweetness：★★☆☆☆

Ice Cream Sweetness：★★★☆☆

 

▶︎ Coffee Shop Galant

Address: 6-14-4 Ueno, Taito Ward, Tokyo

Opening Hours: 8:00-23:00

No Fixed Holidays

Access: Directly behind the toy store Yamashiroya (山城屋), just a two minute walk from JR Ueno Station. Also 1-minute on foot from exit 5b of Ueno Station (accessed via the Tokyo Metro Line and Hibiya Line)

Tabelog: https://www.google.co.jp/amp/s/s.tabelog.com/tokyo/A1311/A131101/13039759/top_amp/

 

⑧bio ojiyan cafe Harajuku

Ojiya, also known as zosui, is a type of Japanese rice-based vegetable soup. In my opinion, the ojiya served here is the tastiest in the world! Their cream soda comes in a large round cup and is a nice refreshment after a spot of ojiya.

Fizziness：★★★★☆

Soda Sweetness：★★☆☆☆

Ice Cream Sweetness：★★★★☆

 

▶︎bio ojiyan café

Location: 4-26-28 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo

Opening Hours: 11:00-20:00

No Fixed Holidays

Access: 10-minutes on foot from JR Harajuku Station / 3-minutes on foot from the Jingumae Crossing ticket gate elevator exit of Meiji-Jingumae Station (Accessed via the Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line)

Website: http://mfs11.com/brand/bio-ojiyan-cafe-harajuku/

 

⑨PEPPERS DRIVE IN

The main dish at this Kanagawa-based restaurant is curry. Every single thing about PEPPERS DRIVE IN is influenced by retro US elements, from the car park to the nooks and crannies inside and even the trays. You can take some really cute photos literally anywhere in the restaurant. The cream soda portion stays true to the American taste too with a generous serving.

Fizziness：★★★☆☆

Soda Sweetness：★★☆☆☆

Ice Cream Sweetness：★★★☆☆

▶︎PEPPERS DRIVE IN 

Address: 1129-1 Kidokoro, Hiratsuka, Kanagawa

Opening Hours: Lunch 11:30-15:00 (Last Orders 14:45) / Dinner 18:00-22:00 (Last Orders 21:30)

Closed: Wednesdays (Except on public holidays, in which case closed the following day)

Access: 6-minutes by taxi from south exit of Isehara Station (Accessed via the Odakyu Odawara Line) / 16-minutes by taxi from the north exit of Hiratsuka Station (Accessed via the JR Tokaido Main Line)

Official Website: http://www.peppers.co.jp

 

 

⑩BRIDGE

I reviewed the melon bread pancakes at this Ginza-based café earlier this year. It’s located inside a long-standing department store meaning the cream soda here has been around for a long time too, offering a more traditional taste. They are served on coasters which you can take home with you. It’s a great place to stop off for a break when strolling around Ginza.

Fizziness：★★☆☆☆

Soda Sweetness：★★★★☆

Ice Cream Sweetness：★★★☆☆

 

▶︎BRIDGE

Address: NISHIGINZA Floor B1F, 4-1 Ginza, Chuo Ward, Tokyo

Business Hours: [Monday-Saturday] 11:00-20:30 (Last Orders 20:00) / [Sunday & Holidays] 11:00-20:00 (Last Orders 19:30)

Closed: When NISHIGINZA Department Store is closed.

Website: http://www.nishiginza.co.jp/page/shopguide/detail/?id=33

 

 

⑪HIROMAN’S COFFEE

Another snug hideout, situated in the backstreets and surrounded by trees, is HIROMAN’S COFFEE. This cute café has lots of antique picture frames, rabbit ornaments, and other tidbits. Their melon soda arrives in a cute round and plump glass. They plenty of other Instagrammable drinks too including one topped with cotton candy. This one is one to keep coming back to!

Fizziness：★★★★☆

Soda Sweetness：★★☆☆☆

Ice Cream Sweetness：★★★☆☆

 

▶︎ HIROMAN’S COFFEE

Address: 3-18-12 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo

Opening Hours: 11:00-19:00 (Last Orders 18:30)

No Fixed Holidays

Access: 10-minutes on foot from Meiji-Jingumae Station

Instagram: https://instagram.com/hiromans_coffee?igshid=oumb3g7aergo

 

 

⑫ blikje button

⑫blikje button

blikje button in Shimokitazawa, which offers both a café and dining experience, has a vintage vibe to it with decorations that have a handcrafted feel to them.  The glasses the cream sodas come in match that aesthetic. The stroking colours of the sodas are something beautiful to behold!

Fizziness：★★★★☆

Soda Sweetness：★★☆☆☆

Ice Cream Sweetness：★★★☆☆

▶︎blikje button

Address: Shimokitazawa Central Bldg. 2F, 2-14-7 Kitazawa, Setagaya Ward, Tokyo

Opening Hours: 12:00-23:00 (Lunch 12:00-16:00/Café 12:00-18:00/Dinner 17:00-23:00) *Food last orders 22:00, drink last orders 22:30

No Fixed Holidays

Access: 2-minutes on foot from Shimokita Station via the Odakyu Line / 2-minutes on foot from the south-west exit of Shimokitazawa Station via the Keio Inokashira Line

Website: http://www.blikje-button.com/

 

 

⑬CAROLINE DINER

CAROLINE DINER is a famous café in Harajuku inspired by American diners. The cream sodas sold here are striking and nothing short of Instagram-worthy! They go perfectly with the stylish interior of the café that you’ll no doubt find yourself taking photos.

Fizziness：★★★☆☆

Soda Sweetness：★★★☆☆

Ice Cream Sweetness：★★★☆☆

▶︎CAROLINE

Address: 2-14-11 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo

Opening Hours: 12:00-18:30 (Last Orders 18:00)

Closed: Thursdays

Access: 10-minutes on foot from Meiji-Jingumae Station / 10-minutes on foot from Kita-Sando Station / 10-minutes on foot from Setagaya Station

Website: http://caroline1.theshop.jp/

 

And that’s all from me Banako and my must-try recommendations for Tokyo cream soda. Do you have a favourite from this list?

 

Tokyo’s summer is nowhere near over yet. How about treating to yourself to a nice refreshing cream soda to cool yourself down from the scorching heat?

As part of the ongoing Gundam vs. Hello Kitty project, Sanrio is releasing a new collection of chess design merchandise and other merchandise themed on both franchises at Sanrio stores across Japan, as well as its online store and in selection shops stocking Sanrio merchandise on August 17 (and August 21 for the online store).

 

Let’s take a look at just some of the items up for grabs.

Gundam vs. Hello Kitty T-Shirts (M/L) – ¥3,456 Each (Tax Included)

Gundam vs. Hello Kitty Face Towels – ¥1,944 Each (Tax Included)

Gundam Mug – ¥1,620 (Tax Included)

Hello Kitty Mug – ¥1,620 (Tax Included)

For the 7th round of the project, fans of Hello Kitty and Gundam are encouraged to take a photo of any of the chess design items they have purchased and post it on Twitter.

If you are team Hello Kitty then you must post with the hashtag #キティチェックメイト (“Kitty Checkmate”) and if you are team Gundam then post with #ガンダムチェックメイト (“Gundam Checkmate”). This hashtag campaign will begin on August 17 and end on September 16. The character with the most number of posts will be crowned as the winner of Round 7. Additionally, one random participant from both teams will be selected to win a complete set of the chess design merchandise which includes the t-shirts and both mugs.

 

Pick your team, get the goods and get voting!

 

©Sotsu・Sunrise　©’76, ’19 SANRIO

In this edition of The Café That You Want to Visit to See Someone, I visited Hatoya which is located in Asakusa Shin-Nakamise Arcade.

 

The streets of Tokyo’s historical district of Asakusa are packed to end with cafés. You can be spoiled for choice, but Hatoya stood out to me in particular as it’s an especially old café. Business there began back in 1927 but the actual building was built back in the Taisho period, meaning its history spans more than 90 years ago!

 

The outside appearance of the shop is smart and chic so it’s very easy to spot. I couldn’t tell by looking from the outside, but the inside is full of old decorations and odds and ends which make you feel the history of the café.

One reason why I wanted to visit this place so much is because I was drawn to their logo. It’s really retro-kawaii so I just couldn’t resist!

You should take some photos too if you visit.

It was time to head inside. It’s really comfy and cozy in there; the atmosphere was nice and relaxed.

Framed on the wall is a map of the Asakusa area during the Taisho era. Hatoya became famous back then because people could buy coffee for a mere 5 sen (a single sen is one-hundredth of a yen).

 

When business first began at Hatoya, because the café was opposite the stage door of a theatre, all of the famous actors and actresses would pop in. Some include famous Japanese comedian Roppa Furukawa and film actor Kiyoshi Atsumi who played Tora-san in the film series Otoko wa Tsurai yo.

I ordered the café’s popular hotcakes which cost ¥600. They have been making these same hotcakes since before the war.

They were nice and fluffy and had a deliciously gorgeous brown colour. The flavour was out of this world when the butter melted from the heat of the hotcakes and mixed together with the syrup.

 

The portion might look like a lot but they are fluffy and have a light flavour so can be finished with no problem.

And is the café’s signature milkshake (¥500).

 

It’s so refreshing that you can knock it back all in one go. It has a simple flavour but it tasted so good!

I also ordered the ¥600 cream soda, my favourite beverage.

I’ve been to many cafés, and have covered many in this series, but this is the first I have dined at with such a deep history. I found myself enthralled by the stories of the owner who has continued to treasure the café and maintained it all the same since it opened. I feel like I have learned about a world I never knew about. The next time I go to Hatoya with a friend I’ll be sure to let them in on its history. I encourage you to visit too!

 

Writer/Model: Ema Tanioku
Photographer: Haruka Yamamoto
Design: Yuko Abe (ASOBISYSTEM)

MANGOSIX Japan opened its first ever CAFE MANGOSIX branch in Naha, the capital of Okinawa, on August 10.

 

CAFE MANGOSIX is a hugely popular cafe in South Korea which serves healthy drinks and desserts themed on its 6 S’s concept: Sensual, Slim, Sweet, Social, Sexy, and Style.

Their must-try beverage is the Mango & Coconut Juice which combines rich mango with sweet coconut milk. The cafe even has some drinks exclusive to Japan so you won’t find them anywhere else!

The popular Blue Lemonade from South Korea is also being sold.

 

Cool yourself off after sunbathing on the beaches of Okinawa by grabbing a drink from the new CAFE MANGOSIX!

GLOBAL PRODUCE, a Japanese event organiser, is set to sponsor Harajuku Summer Festival 2019 which will be held at Togo Shrine in Harajuku, Tokyo on August 23. Bringing together professional event producers, the festival will combine elements of traditional Japanese culture with the latest trends.

Food trucks and stalls will open in the dozens, including appearances from the shaved ice shop Kooriya bebe which makes its fluffy shaved ice from the natural spring waters of Mount Fuji―perfect for the hot weather―as well as Ichika, a cafe known for its tapioca Japanese tea lattes made with high quality tea leaves from Kagoshima. Current popular restaurants will also serve up delicious summertime food. There will even be the Harajuku Bon Odori 2019 dance event, and the marchers for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics will also be present.

Tokyo Bijin Project will make their first ever live appearance, a group of shining Japanese women with “wisdom, dignity and compassion” who are set to speak out for other strong women. They will talk leadership, interpretation, attending to people, the spread of Japanese culture, and more.

 

If you are in Japan for the summer then make sure you attend all of the different summer festivals you can.

Hey, readers. It’s Midori again, from MMN’s editorial team.

 

Summertime in Harajuku means the cafes and ice cream shops start serving up some seriously kawaii and tasty ice creams. It’s always nice to grab a cone to enjoy while walking around shopping, but relaxing in a cafe to enjoy it is fun too♡

 

If the latter sounds like your kind of thing, then I’ve got a new recommendation for you. I visited STRAWBERRY MANIA recently, cafe located along Takeshita Street in Harajuku that specialises in strawberry desserts.

You’ll find it right above the 7-Eleven on Takeshita Street. Look for the strawberries!

There’s also a sign outside showing a few of the desserts. Go up the staircase right next to it and you’ll come to the cafe entrance.

No matter where you turn while you’re here, your eyes will be met with strawberries. It looks so cute♡

The shopfront showcase is shelved with lots of succulent strawberry treats. The chef whips up other desserts to order besides these too. Everything’s almost too cute to eat!

 

For the strawberry soft serve ice cream you can pick between three flavours: milk, strawberry or mixed. I couldn’t pick between them so I went for mixed.

The combination of the bright red strawberry ice cream and pure white milk ice cream makes for a beautiful colour contrast.

It’s also topped with a huge fresh strawberry.

 

I took no time at all in taking a spoonful. The strawberry ice cream has a really rich flavour. It’s sweet but has that sour kick too, like you’re eating a real strawberry. The milk ice cream has a milder sweetness and a real milky taste, the kind you’d imagine if it was sold at a farm with cows.

Everything is packed snug into the cone right down to the bottom, making it a filling treat. It can be ordered for takeout if you like, and if you do that you can get your ice cream straight away so you don’t have to wait for seats.

 

They serve other things besides soft serve too, like shaved ice and parfaits. There’s so much to choose from, I think you’ll be spoiled for choice! Be sure to visit if you’re in Harajuku.

To celebrate 40 years of Yuji Kaida’s illustration artwork for the Gundam series, an exhibition entitled Yuji Kaida Gundam Gallery will take place on the fifth floor LOFT Forum of Umeda LOFT in Osaka from August 23 to September 8.

 

Yuji Kaida is known for his longtime work on box art for Gunpla model kits. The exhibition will feature a gorgeous collection of his iconic Gundam artwork, covering traditional art from Mobile Suit Gundam to Mobile Suit Gundam Wing to digital art in Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans.

Over 70 pieces illustrated by Kaida will be displayed, each categorised into one of four themes. Many of these will include artworks being shown to the public for the first time such as the Gwazine-class battleship.

 

There will also be enormous towers of piled-up Gunpla boxes, a showcasing titled “Maiking of Hi-νGUNDAM” the process of digital art, and more.

 

The exhibition is an absolute must-visit for all fans of the Gundam franchise.

 

©Sotsu Co., Ltd.・Sunrise Inc.

Multimedia project Love Live!―which has spawned an anime series, manga, game, movie and more―is teaming up with Sanrio to open themed cafes in Tokyo and Osaka on August 16 and September 27 respectively.

The cafe will see 20 characters from the Love Live! series music groups μ’s, Aqours and Saint Snow and 20 characters from the Sanrio cast come together at the cafe, with decorations, themed food, and merchandise.

 

The menu features a bounty of flavourful food and drink which incorporates popular flavours, luscious taste, and hearty servings. Menu item names below are translated from Japanese.

An Unlucky Combination Food Plate – ¥1,390 (Before Tax)

An interesting assortment of a mini omurice, soy sauce ramen, and a fresh tomato caprese salad. It also comes with the pictured postcard which features a blackboard design.

Deliciousness Ensemble! Invigorating Dessert Plate – ¥1,390 (Before Tax)

This dessert set is one fit for the gods, adorned with an apple topped castella, mini pancake laced with salted caramel ice cream, an tea-flavoured jelly. This also comes with the pictured postcard featuring different characters.

If you decide to buy a drink at the cafe you’ll be treated to one of the three coasters chosen randomly. They are topped with fine fruits. There are many more menu items in addition to these, so be sure to check the official website to see the full listing.

Fans of both franchises can pick up plenty of exclusive merchandise too, featuring the characters from Love Live! dressed like the Sanrio cast. There are bonus items for customers who book a table in advance too. Don’t miss this first ever collaboration between Love Live! and Sanrio♡

Sanrio has announced that it will release 24 pieces of merchandise on August 15 in support of the sports season from summer to autumn. The items feature the Sanrio characters donning their sports gear and include megaphones, charms, bags, and more.

There are many sports events happening right now, and the Sanrio cast are here to help you cheer on your favourite teams: Hello Kitty, My Melody, Pocchaco, Pompompurin, Cinnamoroll, and Kuromi.

The megaphones are a must-have, featuring cute plush toy attachments of the characters which can be used at events like a vuvuzela.

Keep your things safe with one of six “Mascot Holder” bags with each character donning different sportswear: table tennis for Hello Kitty, Tennis for My Melody, Rugby for Pompompurin, baseball for Cinnamoroll, soccer for Kuromi, and basketball for Pochacco.

And for good luck, grab one of the lucky charms which have a gold medal and message inside them. Attach them to your phone or keep them in  your pocket!

 

©’13, ‘19 SANRIO S/D・G