Character themed Japanese sweets brand Tabemas are releasing two new treats for Halloween: one for Rilakkuma who is celebrating his 15th anniversary this year and one for his buddy Korilakkuma. The sweets will be available at Lawson convenience stores across Japan (excluding Lawson Store 100 branches) from October 16.   Tabemas are a sweets company who make wagashi―Japanese style sweets―based on familiar characters. They have teamed up with a list of popular faces including Doraemon, Mickey & Minnie Mouse, Winnie the Pooh, Hello Kitty and Pompompurin. The new Rilakkuma and Korilakkuma sweets feature both bears holding a jack-o'-lantern. They're so cute - where do you even start eating from? The company's name "Tabemas" is a portmanteau of the Japanese word taberareru and the word "mascot," translating to "mascots that you can eat." As the name suggests, these delicately crafted treats are made to look just like the characters. The name of this Japanese sweet is "nerikiri" which are made from bean paste. The Rilakkuma nerikiri is pumpkin purin flavoured which has both an autumn feel to it and also happens to be Rilakkuma's favourite food. Korilakkuma is maple flavoured, and both are filled with red bean paste. They look cute but are also authentic Japanese sweets!   If you're in Japan this month then be sure to find the closest Lawson to you to get your hands on these.

Toy Story's beloved three-eyed aliens are the next to be turned into Japanese confections by Tabemas. They will be released on October 26 at 7-Eleven convenience stores across Japan.   ‘Tabemas’ is an abbreviation of the Japanese words taberareru masukotto, meaning ‘mascots that you can eat.’ It is a Japanese confectionary 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. They have teamed up with a list of popular faces including Mickey & Minnie Mouse, Rilakkuma, Doraemon and more. The Little Green Men confections come in two types: a chestnut flavoured version with their instantly-recognisable green body and blue costume, and a purple sweet potato version with hearts in the eyes. The flavours are easy to enjoy and have that moist taste a lot of wagashi, or Japanese confections have. All of the colours are naturally produced and one confection contains less than 100kcal, making them a healthier choice. They are great as a snack, gift or for creating your own army of Little Green Men like above. Head to a 7-Eleven in Japan from October 26 and claw one up yourself!

The next series of sweets from wagashi brand Tabemasu is inspired by everybody's favourite pink puff Kirby from the hit video game series.  

Tabemasu Mochi: Kirby's Dream Land (2 included / ¥259 pre-tax)

  These are the first in a series of mochi products from Tabemasu, filled with red bean paste and cream. The two designs include Kirby himself and the Maxim Tomato recovery item.   The mochi line-up features several facial expressions, like smiling, sleeping, and an undisclosed secret expression. This marks the first secret item to be released from Tabemasu.   The chewy mochi texture and soft cream filling go perfect together. Enjoy a choice of custard flavoured cream in the Kirby designs and chocolate cream in the Maxim Tomato. The mochi arrive at Lawson convenience stores across Japan on April 24, 2018 (excluding Natural Lawson and Lawson Store 100). This is a popular series of wagashi which sells out every time, so you might want to get your hands on some quick.   Enjoy these mochi however you like, whether as an afternoon treat, or as a dessert at a spring event in Japan. It's also the perfect product to post on your social media!