animate cafe—a cafe chain which collaborates with popular anime series, games, and manga—is opening a new store called “DECOTTO by animate cafe” in Ikebukuro on June 24, 2020. For its first collaboration, it will collaborate with Hashigo Sakurabi’s popular yaoi manga Dakaretai Otoko 1-i ni Odosarete Imasu from June 24, 2020 to July 27, 2020.

CHOCOTTO DECOTTO Character Doughnuts (Tonyaka/Chunnya): ¥600 Each

animate cafe operates cafes both in Japan and overseas, and has seen countless collaborations with popular series. DECOTTO will open as a new brand of the company which will serve doughnuts inspired by anime, manga, and game characters.

DECOTTO GIFT Souvenir Doughnuts (Tonyaka/Chunnya): ¥400 Each

CHOCOTTO DECOTTO will be served as cute, decorative doughnuts based on characters. They are nothing short of Instagram-worthy.

Seasonal DECOTTO TEA: ¥600 Each (More flavours available)

Bonus Coasters (9 Designs) / Bonus Straw Markets (2 Designs) *Designs chosen randomly

DECOTTO will serve both regular doughnuts as well as seasonal flavours. When you order a doughnut or a drink, you’ll also receive a free coaster or straw marker.

Doughnut Squishies (2 Designs): ¥800 Each

Doughnut Shaped Towels (2 Designs): ¥1,000 Each

Get your hands on exclusive doughnut merchandise too.

Hashigo Sakurabi’s popular yaoi manga Dakaretai Otoko 1-i ni Odosarete Imasu has sold over 3.5 million copies. A 13-episode anime series aired in 2018.

©Hashigo Sakurabi/libre

CookpadTV is set to collaborate with the third series of the popular TV anime series Ojamajo Doremi, entitled Motto! Ojamajo Doremi, at the live cooking studio “cookpad studio” in Osaka from June 11, 2020 with an event called “cookpad studio Mahosai” (cookpad studio Magic Festival).

cookpad studio has collaborated with many different anime series up to now and receives much praise from customers.

“cookpad studio Mahou Matsuri” brings Motto! Ojamajo Doremi to life on your plate, making it both visually appealing and delicious. Except for desserts, food and drink can be ordered for takeout so customers can enjoy their treats at home.

All food and drink comes with an original novelty. Exclusive merchandise will also be sold for the event.

When you order food or dessert, you’ll get one of the above-pictured stickers, and if you order a drink one of the postcards. There are five designs for each, and the one you get is random so you can look forward to seeing which you get on the day.

cookpad studio will also have three large 65-inch displays which will show cooking videos of the food served during the event being made.

©Toei Animation

BOTANIST Tokyo, the flagship shop of BOTANIST in Omotesando, has announced a new collection of limited-edition drinks will be served on the second floor BOTANIST Cafe from July 12, 2020. BOTANIST Tokyo is currently closed but it scheduled to reopen on June 1.

There are three new refreshing drinks to choose from, all of which can be ordered for takeout. From apple mint to grapefruit, each beverage us the perfect accompaniment for cooling you down in Japan this summer.

REFRESH MENU

Refresh Soda: ¥600 (Tax Included)

A combination of grapefruit jelly and fizzy soda water make this one of those drinks that you go “Ahh!” afterwards on a hot summer’s day. There’s also a hint of sweet green apple.

Botanical Melon Soda: ¥800 (Tax Included)

This is a smoothie which blends together two types of melon soda and adds melon jelly and a dollop of ice cream. It’s like a dessert in a cup!

Banana & Avocado Refresh Smoothie: ¥720 (Tax Included)

Enjoy the sweetness of banana and sugar beet together with the smoothness texture of the avocado in this smoothie which has apple and mint mixed into it for that refreshing summertime kick.

The cafe’s regular menu has also been revised to add three new desserts.

REGULAR MENU

Vegan Waffles w/Drink: ¥800 (Tax Included)

These vegan waffles are healthier for the body if you’re looking for some guilt-free indulgence. It’s topped with soy whipped cream, maple syrup, and fruits of your choice.

Lemon Cheesecake w/Drink: ¥1,000 (Tax Included)

A crunchy cookie base, a creamy cheese top, and a lemon to top it all off. The combination of the salty flavour with the sour hit is a match made in heaven.

Homemade Rich Pudding: ¥500 (Tax Included)

An in-house made purin, which is a type of Japanese custard pudding. It’s a delightful mix of rich egg and subtly sweet soy whipped cream.

Customers who spend over ¥4,000 (tax included) on items in the Refresh Series will also be entered in for a chance to win a “Refresh Soda.” The soda is available while supplies last.

With just a small bit of ingenuity, turn everyday food into something cute using Kaori’s Easy Recipe! With a few simple ideas, an ordinary recipe magically transforms into a cute dish.

In today’s recipe, I’ll be showing you how I made a batch of Pompompurin cheese tarts made using store-bought tart cups.

Ingredients (Makes 9-10)

9-10 store bought tart cups
200g cream cheese (brought to room temperature)
20-30g sugar
1 egg yolk
50ml fresh cream
8g potato starch (katakuriko)
Vanilla beans to taste (can be substituted for vanilla extract)
1 tbsp lemon juice

Step 1

Pour the following ingredients into a bowl in this order: cream cheese→sugar→egg yolk→vanilla beans→fresh cream→potato starch. Mix well. Make sure when you put the potato starch in last that you sprinkle it thinly.

Step 2
Bake the tart cups in an oven at 180℃ for 15-20 minutes. If you don’t have store-bought cups, you can use small cocotte dishes.

Step 3

Leave to cool. Now you can start drawing the face.

For the hat I used sliced chocolate, for the ears sliced cheese, and for the facial features a chocolate pen.

Once you’ve drawn the face, it’s time to tuck in!

Kaori invites you into her world of character-themed food dishes in her recipe series. Be sure to check out her Instagram where she has uploaded many pictures of her character dishes!

The 2020 Sanrio Character Ranking awards began on April 10. Voting is now open and is set to run until May 25. The second round up of votes was revealed today for the current Top 10 characters.

The first place contender has not changed from the first round-up of votes: Cinnamoroll still sits atop the throne for now. The fluffy white rabbit hasn’t seen No. 1 for two years but has won overall in 1st place twice in the past. In 2nd place is Pompompurin, while Pocchaco is in 3rd. It seems the Top 3 hasn’t changed since the first round-up. One surprising name to see however is YOSHIKITTY who wasn’t in the Top 10 of the first round-up and has already climbed to 5th place. Hello Kitty, who was last year’s reigning champion, has dropped down to 7th place. It’s looking to be a fierce fight, and there’s still just under two weeks to vote, so there’s no telling how this will all pan out.

Votes are set to close on May 25, with final announcements being declared on June 9 at 11:00am (JST).

1st Place: Cinnamoroll

“Thank you everyone for all of your support! All of your love is really encouraging. I’m practicing singing and dancing at home and growing vegetables in my garden. I can’t wait to see you all. Stay healthy☆” (Translated by MMN from Japanese)

2nd Place: Pompompurin

“Thanks for your support. It’s lonely not being able to see you, but your support gives me life! I’m eating snacks,and  taking afternoon naps (which is my favourite thing to do). I’ll be super big when I see all of you! I can’t wait to see you. Please keep supporting me.” (Translated by MMN from Japanese)

3rd Place: Pochacco

“Thanks for all of your support, everyone! It’s super sad not getting to see you all, but I’m looking forward to see you again with smiling faces. I’m eating way too much banana ice cream and being careful not to get chubby. Keep supporting me in the second half of the fight too.” (Translated by MMN from Japanese)

There are messages in Japanese from the other Top 10 characters together with pictures over on the official Sanrio Character Ranking Twitter page.

Have you cast your vote yet? Who are you fighting for this year?

*Please note that due to the effects of COVID-19, select Sanrio stores are temporarily closed. More details can be found on Sanrio’s official website.

The 2020 Sanrio Character Ranking awards began on April 10. Voting is now open and is set to run until May 25. The first round up of votes was revealed today, compiling all of the votes between April 10 at 10:00 (JST) to April 12 at 23:59 (JST).

Cinnamoroll Takes The Cake & Pochacco Climbs To 3rd Place

Taking the top spot for the first flash round up of votes is Cinnamoroll, who hasn’t seen No. 1 for two years but has won overall in 1st place twice in the past. Pompompurin is currently in 2nd place, up from 3rd place last year. But the big contender to watch right now is Pochacco who was in 5th place last year but is up to 3rd place as of right now. The tension continues to run high as past veterans are making their way up the list too, including My Melody who is celebrating her 45th anniversary this year, the Little Twin Stars, and Hello Kitty who dominated at 1st place last year.

Voting is open worldwide. For more details on how to vote, check here: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/313162

Sub Competition: Guess Who Will Rank From 1st to 80th Place

A sub competition of the ranking is also being held this year which asks people to try and guess the order in which the 80 nominees will place. There are four categories you can win in, such as “Who Will Rank 1st Place” and “20 Correct Guesses.” The ultimate category is is for those who guess all 1-80 correctly. That person will win a golden statue of their favourite character worth 1 million yen, a seat to see the Sanrio Puroland Parade, a special dinner themed on your favourite character, and lots of other exciting prizes.

The 2020 Sanrio Character Ranking awards began on April 10. Voting is now open and is set to run until May 25.

This year marks the 35th run of the annual Sanrio Character Ranking. Eighty of Sanrio’s 450+ characters have been chosen as entrants for 2020. Fans will cast their votes for their favourite character who will be ranked by how many votes they receive.

The theme of this year’s ranking centres on fans cheering for characters who they have always loved and who have always been by their sides through the years. It’s a chance to let the character you love know that you are cheering them on. So that even more people can enjoy the Sanrio Character Ranking in 2020, Sanrio plans to feature lots of fun online content for people to get involved with online at home. Voting is also open to people around the world. The official Twitter page of the Sanrio Character Ranking will also be holding quizzes in Japanese as well as releasing bite-sized pieces of information about participating characters.

Who are the big contenders to look out for this year?

Hello Kitty won the 2019 Sanrio Character Awards, which we previously covered. She has won six times in the past. Will she blossom once more in 2020? Or will Cinnamoroll, who took the crown in 2017 and 2018, reign as champion this year? Or perhaps Pochacco will take everyone by surprise having climbed up the ranking in recent years, making it to 5th place last year. It’s sure to be another heated battle this year.

Hello Kitty’s twin sister Hello Mimmy is a first-time entrant this year. Speaking about her sister’s win last year, Mimmy said: “Thank you so much for so many votes for Kitty last year! She was celebrating her 45th anniversary that year, so I was super-duper happy! Me, her twin sister Mimmy, will be joining too this year for the first time. I said already how nervous I am, so please cheer me and my sister on!” It will be interesting to see where Kitty and Mimmy fall on the list in relation to each other.

How to Vote

1: Sanrio Character Ranking Website
Cast your vote on PC, smartphone, or tablet via the official website by picking your favourite character. You can cast one vote for one character per day.
Voting Period: April 10, 2020 at 10:00 (JST) to May 25, 2020 at 00:00 (JST)
*You can vote outside Japan

*Voting page available in English, Japanese, and Traditional/Simplified Chinese

2: Sanrio Online Shop
After purchasing something from Sanrio’s online shop, pick the character you want to cheer on via the banner visible on the completed purchase page. This gets you 18 votes for your character.
Voting Period: April 10, 2020 at 10:00 (JST) to May 25, 2020 at 12:00 (JST)

*The amount you spend doesn’t affect your vote. Every transaction gives one character 18 votes.

*If you cancel your order, your votes will become invalid.

©’75,’76,’79,’81,’82,’83,’84,’85,’86,’87,’88,’89,’90,’92,’93,’96,’98,’99,’01,’02,’03,’04,’05,’06,’07,’08,’10,’11,’12,’13,’14,’15,’16,’17,’19,’20 SANRIO　©’04,’20 SANRIO/Yahoo Japan Corporation.　©’08,’20 SANRIO/SEGA TOYS　©’12,’20 SANRIO SP-M　©’13,’20 SANRIO S/D·G　©’15,’20 SANRIO S/F·G　©’15,’20 SANRIO S/T·F
©’15,’20 SANRIO/SEGA TOYS S·S/RFPC　©’16,’20 SANRIO PJ　©’16,’20 SANRIO JAPANCD PC　©’17,’20 SANRIO MP,TX　© ’17,’20 SANRIO/SHOCHIKU　© 2020 THOIP
著作　株式会社サンリオ

Tiffany & Co. released a new collection of small leather products at its Harajuku concept store Tiffany @ Cat Street on Wednesday.

What is Tiffany @ Cat Street?

 Tiffany @ Cat Street is a concept store that opened in April 2019 which is set to remain open for just 3 years. It is the company’s first concept store to open in Japan. The shop showcases the wit, creativity, and timeless charm that Tiffany & Co. is known for, as well as a shopping experience in an interactive environment. It stocks everything from Tiffany’s iconic collection from jewellery to home goods, accessories, and more. The line-up and designs also change themes on occasion. Tiffany @ Cat Street also has a cafe on the top floor.

Continental Flap Wallet – ¥72,000 (Before Tax)

Coin Pouch – ¥36,500 (Before Tax)

The small leather product line-up is made from high-quality Italian leather coloured in that eye-catching Tiffany blue. Each item is also stamped with the store’s signature cat motif.

Card Case – ¥24,500 (Before Tax)

Compact Wallet – ¥55,000 (Before Tax)

The four variations are the perfect gift to yourself or someone you hold dear to you.

Be sure to stop by Tiffany @ Cat Street the next time you’re in Harajuku.

Confectionery company Domremy has baked Sanrio’s popular characters Pompompurin and Cinnamoroll into delicious desserts which released at supermarkets and select convenience stores in Japan on April 1. The desserts include “Pompompurin Tart,” “Pompompurin Crepe,” and “Cinnamoroll Parfait.”

The desserts are also wrapped in cute packaging with designs of the characters, making it look like Pompompurin and Cinnamoroll really have been turned into tasty treats!

Pompompurin Tart

This homemade tart has an eggy flavour to it, with Purin’s cute face and butt plastered on both the front and back. There are four possible facial expressions you can get your hands on.

Cinnamoroll Parfait

The custard mousse in this parfait is laced with strawberry whipped cream, and our little snug Cinnamoroll is made from milk pudding and more whipped cream. There are three possible facial expressions to find.

Pompompurin Crepe

The Pompompurin crepes are filled with whipped cream, Japanese custard pudding, and caramel sauce. There are four different packaging prints to find, all showcasing just how kawaii Pompompurin can be.

Japanese fashion label COMME des GARCONS OSAKA has moved to Midosuji in Shinsaibashi, Osaka and is set for its grand opening on April 3, 2020. 

The first floor will be occupied by BAPE STORE® (A BATHING APE®), making it the first ever COMME des GARCONS to house a BAPE STORE®. 

COMME des GARCONS was founded by world-famous fashion designer Rei Kawakubo in 1969. Besides developing a number of world famous brands such as COMME des GARCONS HOMME PLUS, she also founded the multi-brand retailer DOVER STREET MARKET GINZA, becoming a key figure in the world’s leading fashion. As the second largest city in Japan after Tokyo and the largest in west Japan, Osaka has remained the economic and cultural epicentre of the Kansai region for centuries. Kawakubo’s latest step in the world of fashion is the brand new opening of BAPE STORE® COMME des GARCONS OSAKA along Midosuji street, Shinsaibashi – a main street of central Osaka which is a hotspot of luxury designer shops. 

Last year, BAPE STORE® opened in Kyoto, marking a year since BAPE STORE® opened in the Kansai region. The interior of BAPE STORE® COMME des GARCONS OSAKA was done by Rei Kawakubo. This atmosphere and design is completely different to existing BAPE® stores and will also sell limited COMME des GARCONS and A BATHING APE® collaboration merchandise that are not available anywhere else.

If you’re in Osaka and love high-end fashion, the brand new BAPE STORE® COMME des GARCONS store and its limited merchandise is worth checking out. 

BAPE STORE®

Desserts brand Pastel is collaborating with popular Sanrio character Pompompurin to release a selection of puddings at Pastel stores around Japan for the whole month of April.

Pastel prides itself on the smooth texture of its purinーa type of Japanese custard pudding. The company will celebrate Pompompurin’s birthday, which falls on April 16, with a line of 4 adorable Pompompurin desserts.

Pompompurin’s Mini Pudding – ¥380 (Before Tax)

The classic style of Japanese custard pudding, smooth and topped with whipped cream. It’s finished with a cute sprinkled design of Pompompurin.

Soft and Fluffy Pompompurin – ¥450 (Before Tax)

Pompompurin is looking cute in this one as he pokes his head out of the caramel-drizzled and marshmallow-topped pudding.

Pompompurin’s À La Mode – ¥600 (Before Tax)

Served in an original design cup branded with Pompompurin’s adorable face, this à la mode includes a pudding topped with an orange slice and cherry.

Pompompurin’s Chiffon – ¥2,200 (Before Tax)

This fluffy chiffon cake is about 15 meters across in size, and is made with pudding cream, glazed in caramel sauce, and topped with a Pompompurin who’s just taking a little rest. *Available on weekends only

Shopper Bag Design (Available while supplies last)

When you order any of these desserts, you’ll receive an exclusive Pastel x Pompompurin collaborative bag which makes for a great gift or souvenir to friends.

Don’t miss out on these tasty Pompompurin treats.

“HARAJUKU AR BOX -table projection mapping cafe-,” a cafe in Harajuku whose name speaks for itself, has announced its second collaboration with Rilakkuma to bring the new Rilakkuma Fruits Cafe which will open for a limited time from April 3, 2020 to June 28, 2020.

The cafe’s first collaboration with Rilakkuma was in December last year. It was called “Korilakkuma Cafe: another me in the mirror” and earned itself many fans for its cute food and decor, but especially for its interactive tables which used projection mapping technology to have Rilakkuma and friends running around people’s tables.

Harajuku’s Korilakkuma Cafe: another me in the mirror | Food Review: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/284456

Fruit is the theme of the new Rilakkuma Fruits Cafe, which follows that Chairoikoguma and the other characters have gathered lots of nutritious fruit to fill up the belly of hungry Rilakkuma.

Food

Rilakkuma’s Fruit Salad – ¥1,590

Get your fill of refreshing fruit from this fruit salad plate which has Rilakkuma poking his cute face out from behind it all. When you order this dish, you’ll need to touch the fruits that appear on the table to give them to Rilakkuma.

Korilakkuma’s Apple Cheese Gratin – ¥1,690

A combination of hot apple and melted cheese, you’ll find yourself addicted to the sweet and sour mix of flavours. Pick lots of apples with Rilakkuma and company with the projection mapping game. (*Serving April 3, 2020 – May 17, 2020 only)

Chairoikoguma’s Orange Burger – ¥1,690

The bun of this hearty burger is branded with Chairokoguma’s cute bear face. But what happens when you squeeze Rilakkuma’s orange? (*Serving May 20, 2020 – June 28, 2020 only)

Desserts

Rilakkuma’s Maku Maku Fruit Tree Parfait – ¥1,590

Korilakkuma’s Maku Maku Strawberry Tree Parfait – ¥1,590 (Serving April 3, 2020 – May 17, 2020 only)

Kiiroitori’s Maku Maku Peach Tree Parfait – ¥1,590 (Serving May 20, 2020 – June 28, 2020 only)

For dessert, you have a selection of fruit-topped parfaits to choose from featuring Rilakkuma, Korilakkuma, and Kiiroitori.

Drinks

Rilakkuma & Friends Maku Maku Drinks – ¥790 / With Glass – ¥1,990

Warm & Fluffy With Everyone Cafe Latte – ¥890

Pick between one of the cold beverages, or if it’s a cold day, warm up with a hot drink. Feel warm and fluffy like Rilakkuma and his friends with a warm beverage after your parfait.

Exclusive Merchandise & Bonus Items

Pin Badges (9 Designs/Chosen Randomly) – ¥400

Acrylic Key Rings (8 Designs/Chosen Randomly) – ¥500

Get your hands on a selection of original merchandise too, including pin badges, acrylic key rings, and more.

Stickers (4 Designs/Chosen Randomly)

Coasters (4 Designs/Chosen Randomly)

Book a table online in advance and receive one of four possible stickers. Order a drink at the cafe and get one of the four coasters!

You’re sure to get your five-a-day when you dine at the Rilakkuma Fruits Cafe, opening for spring on April 3, 2020 in Harajuku.

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