The Sweet Caramel Pudding Latte will be infiltrating Starbucks’® Chilled Cup line of beverages from September 24 for a limited period.

The ghostly touch of sweet and smooth caramel pudding is accented with a dark base note of strong coffee. If you are looking for a creamy and luxurious flavour, this is the perfect autumn treat.

Starbucks never fails to raise our spirits with their adorable themed designs. This Halloween, the cup design been invaded with an army of ghosts, pumpkins and more Halloween-themed illustrations. The heavenly golden lid adds a touch of luxury to the design and is a premonition for the sweet and rich caramel that awaits underneath. 

The Sweet Caramel Pudding Latte from the Starbucks’ Chilled Cup series is bound to send chills down your spine this Halloween!

Character-inspired Japanese confectionery series Tabemas has unveiled its new Snoopy, Joe Cool and Charlie Brown wagashi confections that will go on sale at Lawson convenience stores across Japan on August 20.

The characters are made from a type of dough called “nerikiri” which is used in making traditional Japanese wagashi sweets. Each of their charm points have been recreated, including Snoopy’s collar, Joe Cool’s shades and folded arm pose, and Charlie Brown’s instantly-recognisable outfit.

Their cute designs make it hard to decide where to start eating from, with Snoopy’s beady eyes, Joe Cool’s composed manner, and Charlie Brown’s smiley face.

Each character is filled with different flavoured bean pastes, maintaining that traditional wagashi touch. Snoopy is chocolate flavoured, Joe Cool is salted vanilla, and Charlie Brown is custard. The three of them line up perfectly for a cute Instagrammable photo. They are limited in stock so if you’re in Japan this summer be sure to stop by a Lawson store.

©️2019 Peanuts Worldwide LLC

The real heat of summer has finally hit us. As a result, it is getting harder to resist those delicious ice creams in the convenience store that are so easy to get hold of. Convenience stores are constantly refreshing their frozen dessert flavours and it is just too hard to decide which one to go for.

Wondering what tastes good? Don’t break a sweat. Dessert-eating professional Yukko is here to help. Check out her Instagram which has plenty of information on the most irresistible frozen desserts at convenience stores.

CREAM CHEESE MACARON ICE 

Seven Eleven sells a macaron ice cream sandwich series which is massively popular every year. You just have to head there now to try the Kiri® cream cheese filling macarons which are collaboration-limited!

Just by looking at the refreshing colour of the macaron is enough to splash life back into your parched body. Sinking your teeth into the crispy macaron sure is fun.

The luxurious ice cream filling is made using 100% Kiri® cream cheese. The ice cream covers a juicy core of passion orange sauce that is thick like treacle. Its sharp, citrusy flavour is bound to instantly revitalise you. The rich cream cheese makes for the perfect balance. 

▼ CREAM CHEESE MACARON ICE 
Price: ￥257 (after tax)
Available at: Most Seven Elevens countrywide (excluding Okinawa)

Strawberries & Condensed Milk Shaved Ice

 This is part of Seven Eleven’s flavoured ice series. 

When you open it, you will be instantly hit by the revitilizing red colour of the strawberries. The strawberry sauce is sweet yet sour and the ice is crunchy. Allow it a bit of time to melt first and the texture will turn syrupy.

The sweet and sour strawberry sauce is a perfect match with the condensed milk flavoured ice, which is both slightly sweet and refreshing. This is a flavour that adults will love just as much as children.

▼ Strawberries & Condensed Milk Shaved Ice
Price: ￥149 (after tax)
Available at: Convenience Store: Most Seven Elevens countrywide.

White Peach Shaved Ice with Peach Pieces

This is yet another dessert from Seven Eleven’s ice Series, and this one is bursting with peachy goodness! Despite being just ￥300, it is full of flavour.

Open the lid and you will discover that it is full of delicious fruity pieces of white peach. 

Starting from the top, there are large pieces of peach followed by white peach jelly, white peach shaved ice and then white peach sauce. The peach will immediately melt in your mouth the moment you take a bite. Its juiciness will spread all over your tongue and you will be enlightened with the true refreshing taste of summer. 

White Peach Shaved Ice with Peach Pieces
Price: ￥300 (after tax)
Available at: Seven Eleven

Essel Super Cup Mango 

Having heard all the stories about just how delicious this ice cream is, I just had to try it for myself.

There are four layers to this ice cream. The moment you open the lid, the tropical fruity mango sauce layer will be enough to revitalize you. Once you make it through the mango sauce which is enriched with mango fruit pieces, you will make it to the layer of tofu ice cream. Dig a little deeper and you will arrive at a layer of passion fruit sauce.

If you reach the very bottom, you will hit the mango-flavoured ice cream. If you wait a little while for the ice cream to melt before digging your spoon in, you will be able to truly appreciate the rich-flavoured mango. This ice cream even has a special ingredient; mango pulp. This mango pulp enhances the flavour in an extraordinary way. The discovery of this new flavour will fascinate you to no end. The passion fruit sauce at the bottom has an element of crunchiness to it that resembles sorbet. The mango and mango pulp is an exquisite accent to the flavour, making it deliciously moreish as well as refreshing. 

▼Essel Super Cup Mango 
Price: ￥238 (after tax)
Available at: Convenience stores and supermarkets across the country.

All these convenience store ice creams are just too delicious to miss out on. There are many frozen desserts that will always be available, however, those listed above won’t always be around, so try them while you can!

Mogu Mogu Yukko introduces lots of desserts and sweets that are easily found in convenience stores and supermarkets on her Instagram so please check out her other posts.

Writer and Photographer: Mogu Mogu Yukko

If you are wondering what Japan is particularly good at, matcha desserts is definitely one of them. However, you don’t have to go to a shop that specialises in matcha sweets to get your fill. Matcha desserts can be easily obtained from the convenience store and once you start, it is hard to stop. 

Today, Instagrammer Yukko is going to introduce you to three delicious matcha desserts that you can get from Seven Eleven.

Dorayaki Pancakes Filled With Matcha Cream ￥278 (before tax)

Seven Eleven is always selling some kind of delicious matcha cream-filled dorayaki. This time, the name has been changed slightly. This dorayaki is just ￥3 more expensive than last time, however it looks just as good as it always has. You just will not be able to resist buying it. 

As you take your first bite of this high-quality snack, the scent of the matcha will reach you first, followed by the flavour of the matcha which spreads instantly through your mouth. The matcha is rich yet so light that it will instantly melt on your tongue. The pancakes sandwiching the large creamy matcha filling are both fluffy and thick. Cut it in half and you will not be able to resist. 

This is a wonderful snack to sink your teeth into while you walk. If you want to keep your hands clean, you could even use a spoon to scoop out the filling. Enjoy it in your own unique way as it is tasty no matter how you choose to enjoy it!

Matcha and Matcha Parfait ￥278

As the name implies, this matcha parfait is the perfect opportunity to taste a variety of matcha flavours in one single tub. From the bottom, the cup is filled with matcha jelly, followed by matcha mousse, milk mousse and matcha whipped cream. Within the layers of matcha whipped cream you will discover a goldmine of matcha jelly and a dorayaki pancake core. 

The matcha flavour of the jelly is quite weak, however its wobbly and springy texture contributes to the deliciousness of the parfait. The moderately sweet whipped cream combined with the matcha flavour is perfectly balanced. The milk mousse has a rich, milky flavour. It may be sweet, however the matcha mousse underneath it is slightly bitter, so enjoy them together for a delicious overall flavour. 

The fluffy matcha mousse and rich matcha is unbelievably delicious. The dorayaki centre is soft, fluffy and thick which accents the flavour. Overall, the parfait is not overpoweringly sweet and the matcha flavour is gentle on your tongue.  

Uji Matcha Cream Mochi: ￥110 (before tax )

Uji Matcha Cream Mochi is a soft, thin and chewy dough that is rolled out thin and then wrapped around a large spoon of uji matcha cream. This is always a popular pick. Last time, they served the uji matcha chocolate mochi. I wonder how the Uji Matcha Cream Mochi will taste!

This time, the mochi has a slightly more springy texture. The outside is chewy, yet the inside is gooey. This mochi cake is bursting with matcha so you can really enjoy the matcha flavour. The bitter matcha flavour is perfectly balanced with a touch of sweetness. This dessert even come with a fork so that you don’t have to get your hands dirty. 

I know, it is hard to choose which matcha dessert to try. Convenience stores are always refreshing the varieties of goods they sell, so if you are particularly attracted to any of the desserts mentioned above, it is probably best to try them before they are replaced.

Mogu Mogu Yukko introduces lots of desserts and sweets that are easily found in convenience stores and supermarkets on her Instagram so please check out her other posts:

Photos and Text: Mogu Mogu Yukko

This is the first article of a new series here on MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON we are calling Mogu Mogu Nippon (“Gobbling Japan”).

It’s no secret that we here at MMN love eating. At any time of the day someone in the office is eating or drinking something. We have a particular weakness for new products and limited edition seasonal items that are released here in Japan. From time to time, someone will buy something and share it amongst everyone!

In Mogu Mogu Nippon, we will showcase a selection of food, sweets and more that we want to recommend to you―our readers. For this first entry, we are heading to the convenience store to review the Häagen-Dazs Mini Cup Houjicha Latte.

Here in Japan, Häagen-Dazs regularly scoops out a variety of limited edition ice cream flavours, many of which are tea flavoured.

The one we recommend is their Houjicha Latte. This flavour was first released back in 2017 and has gone on to become hugely popular. Demand for this limited edition product to return has been huge (and I’m one of those people!). If you love tea, especially Japanese tea, then you’ll find this one irresistible.

Matcha and matcha flavoured products are enjoying a boom around the world today. Like matcha, there are a lot of houjicha items sold here in Japan.

The Houjicha Latte Häagen-Dazs ice cream is on sale right now for a limited time. I ate mine during snack time.

Upon opening the lid you are met with a spiralling marble-like pattern in your ice cream which are two different types of houjicha. The ice cream is rich and has a full-bodied milk flavour. This is coupled with the fragrance and delicious taste of the tea making for a seriously refreshing ice cream. The balance between the flavours is perfect, so you get richness but your taste buds are also left feeling refreshed.

The ice cream isn’t overly sweet and has just the right amount of bitterness from the houjicha. The sweetness of the milk fills your mouth and harmonises it all.

We recommend the Häagen-Dazs Mini Cup Houjicha Latte to those looking to eat a dessert made in Japan. You can pick up a cup at most convenience stores across the country, so be sure to give it a try if you’re here for summer, especially if you’ve never tried houjicha sweets or desserts before!

Felissimo released a new Rilakkuma-inspired beige-pink umbrella on their website on June 10.

The umbrella’s design is subtle and sophisticated. The outer rim is lined with a brown coloured lace reminiscent of Rilakkuma. It also has a handle made from high quality wood carved into Rilakkuma’s face. The umbrella also cuts 98% of UV rays meaning it can be used in both clear and rainy weather.

Its beige pink colour with brown lacing gives it a sophisticated feminine design.

Rilakkuma’s facial features on the handle were made using laser cutting and together with the frilly cotton rope tied to it give it a polished and refined look.

There is also a name tag on the umbrella with a nonchalant Rilakkuma logo printed on it.

There is also a separate bag you can purchase to put your umbrella in after it rains so you don’t get the floor wet if you go inside anywhere.

©San-X

Character-inspired Japanese confectionery series Tabemas has revealed that its next products will be based on Rilakkuma and Kiiroitori. They will go on sale at Lawson convenience stores across Japan from May 21, 2019.

Both characters are made from a type of dough called “nerikiri” which is used in making traditional Japanese wagashi sweets. Their tiny hands, ears and facial features have all been carefully and delicately crafted to create some seriously adorable sweets which, as Tabemas describes all their products, are just too cute to eat.

Rilakkuma is filled with Japanese custard pudding flavoured bean paste while Kiiroitori is filled with chocolate flavoured bean paste. Both sweets are made with natural colouring and have the deliciously moist texture that wagashi have. They are also made with chickpeas which have become popular for their high nutritional value so are a better option for the health-conscious individual.

Whether as a treat to yourself or a friend, don’t miss out on these cute and tasty sweets.

©2019 San-X Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

Felissimo is making washing more fun with the new character-themed Rilakkuma laundry bag.

Rilakkuma’s everyday outfit is now a laundry net?! If you take a look inside the bag from the back zipper, you will notice that the inside of the bag has been accurately created and firmly secured to look just like Rilakkuma.

You’ll feel as if Rilakkuma has come to stay at your house! Without realising, you’ll be smiling at the sight of your new laundry bag swaying gently in the breeze alongside the rest of your laundry no matter where you are. If you’re concerned about your delicates or socks, you can still wash them together with the rest of your laundry using this bag. You can put this bag directly in the washing machine! After you’ve finished the washing, you can easily carry the bag to the washing line by the handle! How useful!

The bag isn’t fully transparent and it’s made using mesh. This makes it perfect for carrying a change of clothes to the gym or your bath set for when you go to the hot springs!

Now you can finally enjoy doing the chores around the house thanks to the Rilakkuma laundry bag!

Japanese-style Rilakkuma cafe Rilakkuma Tea House will permanently open up its second shop in Itsukushima, Hiroshima.

Itsukushima shrine located in Miyajima of Aki is the symbol of the shop. The large, elegant scarlet shrine gate that floats in the water is built entirely of wood and is one of the most beautiful shrine gates in Japan. The main shrine building has a long, honourable history as a world heritage site. As it was built by the sea, the beautiful wooden structure is famous worldwide.

 The Rilakkuma Tea House represents the shrine’s traditional wooden architecture style and the warm atmosphere created by wood. Rilakkuma’s favourite food, honey, is also a main theme.

The healthy menu and Japanese-style dessert menu which are popular at the Rilakkuma Tea House will also be available at the Itsukushima cafe. There are also dishes that use Miyajima and Hiroshima’s famous delicacies including oysters and lemons. This is a flavour adventure you can only enjoy in Hiroshima!

Rilakkuma eel and oyster tempura gozen　¥1,580 (tax included)

Rilakkuma is taking a nap on a bed of fried eggs. Enjoy the crunchy eel and oyster tempura along with three varieties of traditional Japanese-style sides.

Yellow bird and fried oyster curry ¥1,280 (tax included)

This yellow bird is made from saffron rice and is topped with crispy fried oyster, which is the perfect match for the deep-flavoured curry!

There is also a dessert menu and a takeaway menu too! All the menus are packed with Hiroshima goodness!

Rilakkuma chilling out in the autumn leaves ー Japanese-style chocolate banana parfait　¥1,280 (tax included)

A bridge made from banana stretches over a valley of autumn leaves in a beautiful arch shape. The banana ice cream is complemented with gyuhi mochi cake and warabi mochi. The chewy texture of this Japanese parfait resembles banana daifuku cake!

Korilakkuma Seto Inland Sea lemon chiffon 　¥980  (tax included)

This is a fluffy chiffon cake that uses Seto Inland Sea lemons and honey. The cake is sprinkled with berries, and lemons slices decorate the cake to resemble flowers, creating a sweet yet sour flavour.

Delicious Rilakkuma/ Korilakkuma honey sandwich 　¥600  (tax included)

The Rilakkuma Brioche Bread and Korilakkuma White Bread are filled with different ice cream flavours! Those cute round eyes will win you over in no time! ♪

*Takeaway item

Rilakkuma autumn leaves manju (pack of 2)　¥350  (tax included)

These cute Rilakkuma autumn leaf-themed manju are an Itsukushima original!
*Takeaway item

Momiji manju (includes 8) 　¥1,200／Decorated wooden paddle（small, 5 patterns）　¥1,600 each／Kumano makeup brush ／small dish　(7 varieties) ¥800 each  (all prices with tax included)

There will also be Itsukushima Rilakkuma Tea House original goods! Of course, this includes the Itsukushima’s speciality momiji manju buns, momiji wooden paddles and art overflowing with Itsukushima’s specialities such as lemons!

There is just so much on the limited edition menu and there are just so many goods too! Check out the official website too! ♪

Netflix just posted an English trailer for Rilakkuma and Kaoru, the first ever Rilakkuma stop-motion animation.

Netflix describes the series: “Her life might be a little mundane, but Kaoru gets to go home to Rilakkuma, her endearingly lazy roommate who happens to be a fuzzy toy bear.”

The show will feature appearances from the lazy Rilakumma, the hard-working Korilakkuma, and the adorable Kiiroitori.

Twelve episodes are planned foe release across 12 months.

Lana Condor (X-Men: Apocalypse, Alita: Battle Angel) will provide the English dub for the main character Kaoru. The series is being directed by Kobayashi Masahito who has worked on many stop-motion pictures.

Rilakkuma and Kaori will hit Netflix on April 19, 2019 with a new episode airing every month.

©2019 San-X Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

Japanese confectionery brand Tabemas is releasing new cherry blossom flavoured Rilakkuma and Kiiroitori confections. You’ll find them at Lawson convenience stores around Japan from March 26.

‘Tabemas’ is an abbreviation of the Japanese words taberareru masukotto, meaning ‘mascots that you can eat.’ It is a Japanese confectionery series that combines well-known characters and Japanese sweets made from ingredients like red bean paste, sugar and rice flour. Their products are hugely popular in Japan and are described as being too cute to eat. These delicate treats are the perfect dessert for the hanami season.

This product was originally released back in 2017, but this time they have made it even more delicious and fitting for the springtime. Rilakkuma is posed holding a pink cherry blossom flower while Kiiroitori is wearing one on his head. Inside both of them are two different bean pastes: Rilakkuma is brown sugar syrup flavoured while Kiiroitori is cherry blossom flavoured.

They not only taste delicious but are carefully crafted by hand so perfectly that you’ll find them nearly too cute to eat!

Kai Housewares is joining paws with the adorable Rilakkuma to release the Rilakkuma ice cream maker and ice cream spoon on March 20, 2019. This makes it easy for fans of the cuddly bear to make and enjoy rich and delicious ice cream from their very own home.

Kai has been collaborating with Rilakkuma since 2017. It began with the cookie cutter set which cut cookies into Rilakkuma shapes followed by the sandwich maker which cut your sandwiches into the shape of Rilakkuma.

Rilakkuma Ice Cream Maker: Open Price

The new ice cream maker makers it easier than ever whip up authentic ice cream. You simply put in the ingredients of your choice and flip the switch. You’re able to continue mixing in ingredients while as air enters the machine, so the butterfat, which is the deciding factor of the flavour, becomes uniform, allowing you to create smooth melt-in-the-mouth ice cream. Its compact size also means it will fit nicely inside home freezers. You can make an endless amount of ice cream at home in a very short space of time♡

Rilakkuma Ice Cream Spoon: ¥600 (Before Tax)

The Rilakkuma ice cream spoon, which is sold seperately, is made from aluminium which has 12 times the thermal conductivity rate than that of stainless steel. The heat from your hand will travel down to the end of the spoon making it nice and easy to scoop your ice cream even when it’s frozen solid.

Get these cute and convenient Rilakkuma items and enjoy ice cream to the fullest this spring from the comfort of your own home.