Character cafés are an exciting experience in Japan which sees a café collaborate with well-known anime series, game series or other franchise by decorating the café interior with designs and illustrations based on them and meals and drinks inspired by them.

Before continuing this article be sure to check out our August 2019 list of character cafés as some of them are still running.

Fate/Grand Order Cafe in Omotesando

The third run of the Fate/Grand Order themed cafe, with designs produced by Sanrio, is taking place at OMOTESANDO BOX CAFE&SPACE from September 5 to 29.

When you book a table in advance (¥650 before tax per person) and order from the menu you’ll receive one of the above possible 16 lunch mats. And if you order a drink you’ll get one of the 16 coasters. You’ll get one of either piece of these exclusive items per item you order from the menu.

Master & Mash Snow Field Meatballs – ¥1,490

This dish is piled with filling sauteed meatballs and mushrooms. The cream sauce is made to look like a snowy field. It’s served with a side of jam for a succulent sweet and sour kick.

Brynhildr & Sigurd Croquembouche Parfait – ¥1,390

Croquembouche is often served at weddings in Italy at France. Here, it has been turned into an easy-to-eat parfait. It’s topped with salt ice cream, yogurt mousse and more, all in refreshing colours.

To find out more details and what else they have on the menu, click here.

© TYPE-MOON / FGO PROJECT

▼Fate/Grand Order Design produced by Sanrio – 3rd Collaborative Cafe

Running: September 5, 2019 – September 29, 2019

Location: OMOTESANDO BOX CAFE&SPACE (Pine Under Flat Floor B1F, 5-13-2 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo)

Official Website: https://fgo-sanrio-cafe.jp/

*Reservations now open via the official website

Love Live! & Sanrio Open Collaborative Cafes in Tokyo and Osaka

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

The menu features a bounty of flavourful food and drink which incorporates popular flavours, luscious taste, and hearty servings. You get a special illustration with every meal.

An Unlikely 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.

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♡

To find out more details and what else they have on the menu, click here.

▼Love Live! Series x Sanrio Characters Cafe

Tokyo Cafe
Running: August 16, 2019 – October 14, 2019
Location: HARAJUKU BOX CAFE&SPACE (Lucessimo Bldg. Floor 2F, 4-28-28 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo)

Osaka Cafe

Running: September 27, 2019 – October 27, 2019
Location: UMEDA BOX CAFE&SPACE( (Umeda LOFT Floor 1F, 16-7 Chayamachi, Kita Ward, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture)

Reservations: ¥500 (Before Tax)
Official Website: https://lovelive-sanrio-cafe.jp/

TV Anime Given Themed Cafe – Listen To The Characters’ Voices As You Dine

Six branches of CAFFÈ & BAR PRONTO in Japan are set to collaborate with the ongoing yaoi anime series Given from September 13 to 23.

The theme of the collaboration is “After Band Practice.” The cafes will serve up food inspired by the series as well as sell exclusive merchandise. The voice actors for the four main characters also recorded lines for the cafes which will play during your time there.

Bright Red Tomato Pasta – ¥1,296 (Tax Included)

Pancake Of The Day – ¥1,296 (Tax Included)

To find out more details and what else they have on the menu, click here.

©︎Natsuki Kizu・Shinshokan / Given Production Committee

▼TV Anime Given x Enter Bell at PRONT

Running: September 13, 2019 – September 23, 2019

Locations: PRONTO Sapporo Pole Town / PRONTO IL BAR Ochanomizu Sola City / PRONTO Ikebukuro Sunshine-dori / PRONTO Nagoya Marunouchi / PRONTO Meitetsu Gifu Station / BEERTERIA PRONTO Osaka Dojima

General Reservations

・Running: August 21, 2019 at midnight (JST) to September 23, 2019 at 23:59 (JST)

・Price: ¥1,188 (Tax Included) for one person. Includes one seat and drink.

*To make a reservation and receive the voice reminder you must have a Bandai Namco ID (free to register)

Official Website: https://bpnavi.jp/enterbell/given/

Chibi Maruko-chan Themed Menu & Merch Arrives at Tower Records Cafe Omotesando

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Chibi Maruko-chan anime series, Tower Records Cafe in Omotesando is collaborating with the franchise to turn its establishment into all things Maruko-chan for a limited time from September 5 to 29. Also, 22 branches of Tower Records as well as the Tower Records online store will sell collaborative merchandise.

Maruko-chan’s Hamburger Plate – ¥1,500

The collaboration will be split into two different periods with different food and merchandise line-ups. The Maruko-chan Hamburger Plate, however, will be available for the cafe’s entire duration. Hamburgers are Maruko-chan’s favourite meal, and this one is served with vegetables and a rice ball with her adorable face on it.

Collaboration Period ①

Nagasawa-kun’s Onion Soup Pasta – ¥1,500

Served with a whole onion, this soup seeped vongole pasta is inspired by the onion-head himself Nagasawa-kun.

Noguchi-san’s Birthday Cake – ¥1,200

Celebrate Noguchi-san’s birthday (September 9) with this very special blueberry and milk crepe birthday cake.

The exclusive merchandise takes on a music theme with original designs. Pick from 7 different items including a towel, tote bag, phone case and more.

To find out more details and what else they have on the menu, click here.

*All prices are tax-inclusive. Photos are for illustrative purposes only.

*Please enquire with shop staff about any food allergies.

ⒸSakura Production/Nippon Animation

▼Chibi Maruko-chan x TOWER RECORDS CAFE

Running: September 5, 2019 – September 29, 2019

Period ①: September 5, 2019 – September 17, 201

Period ②: September 18, 2019 – September 29, 2019

*The menu line-up and free gifts will be different for each period

TOWER RECORDS CAFE Omotesando
Address: Imon Harajuku Bldg. 2F, 6-3-9  Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo

Opening Hours: 11:00-21:30 (Last Orders 20:30)
Official Website: http://tower.jp/restaurants/cafe/omotesando

*No reservations, however during busy times numbered tickets will be handed out. Details on numbered tickets will be announced on the cafe’s official Twitter page: @TRC_Omotesando

Chibi Maruko-chan x TOWER RECORDS Collaboration Merchandise
Release Date: September 5, 2019 (*Pre-orders now open)
Available: At 22 Tower Records branches and the online store
Tower Records Online: https://tower.jp
Collaboration Page: https://tower.jp/chibimaru

Hatsune Miku Music Cafe Opening in Tokyo & Fukuoka

The Hatsune Miku Music Cafe has returned for the third run and is now open in Akihabara, Tokyo and Hakata, Fukuoka.

The music cafe will be supported by VOCALOID music label KARENT. VOCALOID fans can look forward to dining while listening to music from their favourite characters―Miku, Luka, Rin, Len, MEIKO and KAITO―on high quality speakers and giant monitors.

Miku’s Leek Record Curry – ¥1,200 (Tax Included)

Luka’s Pink Peach Soda – ¥750 (Tax Included)

There’s lots more merchandise, food and drinks as well as this too. You can see the full line-up on the official website. And for more details, click here.

© Crypton Future Media, INC. www.piapro.net

*The rate of consumption tax is set to increase from 8% to 10% in Japan from October 1, 2019 and so the prices listed here will increase
*Photos are for illustrative purposes only

▼Hatsune Miku Music Cafe – 3rd Run

・Ani ON STATION AKIHABARA
Address: Daidoh Limited Bldg. 1F, 3-1-16 Sotokanda, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo

Running: August 23, 2019 – October 6, 2019
*Closed on September 1, 2019
*Regular hours will not run on October 6, 2019 due to the DJ event

・Ani ON STATION Hakata Bus Terminal
Address: Hakata Bus Terminal 7F, 2-1 Hakataekichuogai, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, Fukuoka Prefecture
Running: August 28, 2019 – September 29, 2019

Entry Price: ¥500 (Tax Included)

Cafe Website: https://bandainamco-am.co.jp/cafe_and_bar/anionstation/special/miku_cafe3/
Ani ON STATION Official Website: https://bandainamco-am.co.jp/cafe_and_bar/anionstation/

BT21 Cafe Serves World Food in Shibuya, Umeda, Nagoya and Sapporo

LEGS COMPANY has opened four BT21 themed cafe called “BT21 CAFE 2019 WORLD” in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya and Sapporo. BT21 are the LINE messenger app characters created by K-pop group BTS. The cafe will serve up many different dishes of food from around the world, all with motifs from the BT21 character line-up.

Japanese Food Plate: Temari Sushi (Salmon, Duck, Minced Tuna, Fried Tofu, Shrimp Avocado) & Meat Udon – ¥1,490

Brazilian Food Plate: Churrasco, Mashed Potato & Feijoada – ¥1,490

Enter the cute world of BT21 and their world food line-up. Click here for more details.

*All listed prices are pre-tax. Photos are for illustrative purposes only.

©BT21

BT21 Cafe 2019 WORLD

Locations/Dates:

• SHIBUYA BOX CAFE&SPACE SHIBUYA 109 (August 22, 2019 – September 29, 2019)
• UMEDA BOX CAFE&SPACE (August 22, 2019 – September 23, 2019)
• NAGOYA BOX CAFE&SPACE (September 4, 2019 – October 6, 2019)
• TOWER RECORDS CAFE at Sapporo PIVOT (September 5, 2019 – October 20, 2019)

*Cafes closed on September 30, 2019

Reservations

・Price: ¥650 (Before Tax)

Official Website: http://box-cafe.jp/

The BT21 Cafe is reservation-only

Did you enjoy this list? Be sure to visit all the character cafés you can while in Japan this month! Stay tuned for next month’s entry.

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Chibi Maruko-chan anime series, Tower Records Cafe in Omotesando is collaborating with the franchise to turn its establishment into all things Maruko-chan for a limited time from September 5 to 29. Also, 22 branches of Tower Records as well as the Tower Records online store will sell collaborative merchandise.

Maruko-chan’s Hamburger Plate – ¥1,500

The hamburger plate will be served throughout the entire collaboration. Hamburgers are Maruko-chan’s favourite meal, and this one is served with vegetables and a rice ball with her adorable face on it.

The collaboration will be split into two different periods with different food and merchandise line-ups. The food in the second period has yet to be unveiled, so we will take a look at some of the things for the first period.

Collaboration Period ①

Nagasawa-kun’s Onion Soup Pasta – ¥1,500

Served with a whole onion, this soup seeped vongole pasta is inspired by the onion-head himself Nagasawa-kun.

Chi Chicken Sandwich – ¥1,500

This dish is  inspired by the scene in the anime series when Maruko fights with her sister over who gets to have a notebook as there is only one of them. When her sister claims ownership, Maruko proceeds to write “idiot” on the front cover while she’s asleep and slips it back onto her bookshelf. This tuna mayo packed sandwich comes with a sandwich bag featuring the design of the notebook.

Noguchi-san’s Birthday Cake – ¥1,200

Celebrate Noguchi-san’s birthday (September 9) with this very special blueberry and milk crepe birthday cake.

30th Anniversary Melon Soda Float – ¥800

Topped with a dollop of ice cream and a cherry, the melon soda comes with a special 30th anniversary straw tag.

Chibi Maruko-chan Lattes – ¥700

The character lattes will have different character designs for each period as pictured above with the top row being the first collaboration and the bottom the second.

For every menu item ordered, customers will receive a random postcard. The postcards above feature the designs from the first collaboration period.

And the ones above here are those in the second.

And if you order a set of three items (food, drink and dessert), you’ll receive an exclusive lunch mat. All of these items are first-come, first-served so you’ll want to get to the cafe ASAP when it opens.

The exclusive merchandise takes on a music theme with original designs, from a towel to a tote bag and more.

Three t-shirts and a hoodie will also be sold exclusively at Tower Records Shibuya, Tower Records Shinjuku, Tower Records Cafe Omotesando, and the Tower Records online store.

Full information can be found on the official website below.

*All prices are tax-inclusive. Photos are for illustrative purposes only.

*Please enquire with shop staff about any food allergies.

ⒸSakura Production/Nippon Animation

Nippon Animation is the producer and licensee of the Japanese anime Chibi Maruko-chan. To celebrate the series’ 30th anniversary, the animation studio has announced six different plans which encompasses collaborations and much more.

The anime adaptation of Chibi Maruko-chan first aired on Japanese television on January 7, 1990 at 6pm. The anime series turned 30 years old in January, and from this April onward for the next year, numerous collaborations are set to take place to commemorate the anniversary. Let’s take a look.1

Hobson’s x Chibi Maruko-chan Collaborative Menu

The California-style ice cream and crepe chain Hobson’s will hold its firth collaboration with Chibi Maruko-chan from April 27 to September 1. They will serve up a special ice cream with a granola base topped with Maruko’s favourite Japanese custard pudding and coated in caramel sauce. Customers who order this item will receive the above-pictured limited-edition charm. There are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Additionally, Hobson’s branches will be decorated with collaborative Chibi Maruko-chan art.

Village Vanguard’s Chibi Maruko-chan Corner

Ten branches of Village Vanguard will have their very own Chibi Maruko-chan pop-up corner from May 3 to 19. Exclusive merchandise will be sold here featuring the Chibi Maruko-chan’s manga author’s Nuku Nuku Bed artwork. Pre-sales of select merchandise in the Maruko LINE stamp series will also be available to buy.

Chibi Maruko-chan Themed Cafe in Shimokitazawa

The coffee stand ON THE WAY, coffee & cupcake in Shimokitazawa is set to serve up some Chibi Maruko-chan themed drinks and cupcakes. The float drinks contain peach syrup flavoured soda with a dollop of ice cream. The cupcakes are vanilla flavoured and made with an original butter cream and topped with dried lemon and illustrative cookies.

Chibi Maruko-chan Merchandise at Post Offices

For the first time ever, post offices across Japan will sell an assortment of five different Chibi Maruko-chan merchandise from May 8 to September 30. The illustrations on the items are rough sketches by the manga’s author Momoko Sakura finished by the anime series’s staff.

*Please note that the items will roll out at different times at post offices. For more details please enquire at your closest post office.

10 Episodes Of Chibi Maruko-Chan To Hit YouTube

The official Chibi Maruko-chan YouTube channel will stream 10 episodes of the series for a limited time from April 25 to May 10. This includes an episode from 1990 that centres on Maruko’s birthday, one that aired in 2001 where she went to see a panda, and more.

Chibi Maruko-chan Appears in LINE Game Pokopang Town

Chibi Maruko-chan will appear in the hugely popular town-building puzzle game Pokopang Town from April 26 to May 17. Several events will take place in game with her including her birthday event on May 8. Clear the missions in the game to get some exclusive collaborative LINE stamps.

A new Chibi Maruko-chan store is opening for a limited time at the LaLaport TOKYO-BAY shopping park from March 15 to May 8.

Around 400 pieces of Maruko-chan merchandise will be sold including pre-sale of 10 new items featuring cute honey designs of Maruko and her friends.

Tin Candy: ¥800 (Before Tax)

A whole bunch of original items will be sold including blueberry honey, tinned candy and more, all with adorable illustrations.

Limited-edition postcards will also be given out for those who spend over ¥1,000 at the shop (tax included). These are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so don’t miss out!

A thank-you fair is being held for the Japanese manga artist Momoko Sakura who passed away on August 15. She was most famous as the author of the immensely popular manga Chibi Maruko-chan.

The event will be held at eight branches of KIDDY LAND across Japan in the Kanto, Chubu, Kinki and Kyushu regions, including the one in Harajuku, from December 8 to January 11. It aims to bring everyone together to celebrate and give thanks to Momoko Sakura for her work.

KIDDY LAND Harajuku is no stranger to holding fairs themed on anime series and popular characters. The branch has held events for Chibi Maruko-chan in the past as well as Coji-Coji, another series by Momoko Sakura.

Tin Candy (Limited Edition): ¥800

Fans can expect to see reprints of original works and get their hands on a range of exclusive merchandise. They will also be able to write their own personal letters to Momoko Sakura.

Several campaigns will also be held. From December 8, those who spend over ¥3,000 (tax included) will receive the A4 clear file pictured above on the lift. From December 22, if you spend that much, you’ll also get the magnet on the right.

If you’re a fan of Momoko Sakura and are in Japan then make sure you don’t miss out on this special coming-together to express your thanks!

The hybrid conclusive bookstore “honto” will open a collaboration café named “Ribbon no Furoku ‘Kawaii’ no Himitsu” with the girl’s comic magazine “Ribbon” at “DNP Plaza” located in Ichigaya, Tokyo. The café will be opened from October 3^rd 2018 (Wed.) to October 22^nd (Mon.).

Latte art using “Ribonchan’s” mark specially depicted by Yazawa Ai (manga artist) will be served. Ribonchan is a popular character of “Ribbon Mascot Mix.” The latte comes with the special event coaster.

The coaster uses the motifs of the illustrations depicted by popular manga artists including Sakura Momoko.

Also, the magazine/book “Ribbon no Furoku ‘Kawaii’ no Himitsu” will be sold at the venue and real-sized  appendix and large photos will be exhibited. The whole venue will be filled with the cute atmosphere of Ribbon’s appendices.

Plus, the site “honto” has started selling the book that comes with the limited original post card in line with the start of this event, from September 20^th (Thurs.).

Moreover, they will offer an original wallpaper for smartphones using the motif of Yazawa Ai’s illustration to all members of “honto.”

Downloadable period:2018, Semptember, 20 (Thurs.) to October 31^st (Wed.)

URL：https://honto.jp/article/hontoplus/kabegami.html

Don’t miss this limited event which will for sure be a nostalgic time for all Ribon fans.

Fans of the popular shojo manga series Chibi Maruko-chan will be delighted to hear that a merchandise store is opening on the first floor of Abeno Q’s Mall in Abeno, Osaka on September 19 which will run until October 8.

Acrylic Key Holders: ¥840 / Mint Tablets: ¥350 / Clear Files: ¥400 / Lip Balm: ¥800

This is the first store to open in Osaka that exclusively sells Chibi Maruko-chan merchandise. Get your hands on around 300 different items which feature two different designs illustrated specially for the store – Maruko-chan and Hanawa-kun dressed as a comic duo as a homage to Osaka’s owarai comedy scene, and Maruko-chan and Noguchi-san dressed as elderly Osaka women.

You can also meet Maruko-chan and Hanawa-kun in the store on weekends and holidays. Dates on when they will be present will be announced on the store’s official website and social media pages.

The comedy duo design of Maruko-chan and Hanawa-kun features the two characters wearing bright yellow suits and red bow ties while stood before a stage mic.

In the other design, a shout-out to the senior citizens of Osaka, Noguchi-san is wearing an outfit with leopard print, a sun visor and is holding a supermarket bag with a spring onion on it. Maruko-chan is holding hard candy in one hand and is wearing a tiger print one piece.

If you spend over ¥2,000 (tax included) in the store you’ll get one of the above two badges chosen randomly. These won’t be available anywhere else after the store closes.

Head to Osaka later this month to get your hands on a range of cute exclusive Maruko-chan merchandise!