As January draws to a close it’s time to start looking at what character themed cafés we can expect in February.
Character cafés are an exciting experience in Japan which sees a café collaborate with well-known anime series, game series and various franchises 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 top 5 pick for characters cafes that opened in January as they are running until February and March.
Resident Evil 2 Remake x Bar Rhythm (January 17 – February 28)
To celebrate the now-released 2019 remake of Resident Evil 2, Bar Rhythm in Akihabara is serving a special menu inspired by the video game. The menu includes a fun line-up of eye-catching food and drinks themed on the Resident Evil 2, the characters in the game and other motifs. Two different menus will in fact be served: the first from January 17 to 31 and the second from February 1 to 28, both offering up a range of different foods and drinks. Fans of the game won’t want to miss out on this one.
Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/161672
◼︎Information
Resident Evil 2 x Bar Rhythm Collaboration Bar
Running: January 17, 2019 – February 28, 2019
Location: Bar Rhythm, PASELA RESORTS Akihabara Denkigai, 1-13-2 Soto-Kanda, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo
Business Hours:
[Sunday-Thursday & National Holidays] 11:00-00:30
[Friday-Saturday & Day Before National Holiday] 11:30-05:00
TEL (Reservations): 0120-759-626
Website: https://www.pasela.co.jp/shoplist/bar-rhythm/akihabara/
©CAPCOM CO., LTD. 1998, 2019 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Psycho-Pass x Tower Records Cafe (January 24 – March 3)
To celebrate the release of the Psycho-Pass: Sinners of the System film trilogy, the Tower Records Cafe in Omotesando has opened a Psycho-Pass themed cafe called GINO THE CAFÉ based on the series character Nobuchika Ginoza. As part of the cafe’s theme, Ginoza will act as the manager, and this will be shown through decorations dotted around the cafe. An exclusive menu is lined-up which will be served by the excellent staff hired by Ginoza. There will also be merchandise available to buy with original designs. Don’t miss out!
Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/159844
“GINO THE CAFE” in TOWER RECORDS CAFE
Running: January 14, 2019 – March 3, 2019
1st Run: January 14, 2019 – February 14, 2019
2nd Run: February 15, 2019 – March 3, 2019Website: https://tower.jp/ginothecafeTower Records Cafe Omotesando
Opening Hours: 11:00-22:00 (Last Orders 21:00)Address: Ido Harajuku Bldg. 2F, 6-3-9 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo
TEL: 03-5778-9491Website: http://tower.jp/restaurants/cafe/omotesando
My Hero Academia x SEGA Ikebukuro GiGO (February 8 – March 3)
SEGA Entertainment is joining hands with the popular ongoing anime series My Hero Academia to open a limited time cafe at SEGA Ikebukuro GiGO next month. A whole range of themed dishes and drinks is waiting for fellow heroes out there including “Izuku’s Midoriya Demi Cup Plate,” “Shōto Todoroki’s Fire & Ice Pancakes” and more. You must reserve a table in advance to dine at the cafe, so don’t forget to book yours ASAP.
Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/163625
SEGA x My Hero Academia Collab Cafe
Running: February 8, 2019 – March 3, 2019
Location: SEGA Ikebukuro GiGO Floor BF2 (TECH 35 Bldg., 1-21-1 Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima Ward, Tokyo)
Cafe Website: http://sega-collabocafe.com/heroaca-ikebukuro.htmlMy Hero Academia Official Website: http://heroaca.com/©Kōhei Horikoshi / Shueisha・My Hero Academia Production Committee ©SEGA
Gudetama x Pompompurin Cafe (January 15 – March 14)
Sanrio’s hugely popular characters Pompompurin and Gudetama will meet at the Yokohama and Nagoya branches of the Pompompurin Cafe for a special Valentine’s Day and White Day menu special. As a sneak peek example, the “Pompompurin & Macaroon’s 2 Coloured Love Love Curry” is mysterious black and white curry that has a mashed potato Macaroon filled with a meatball and Purin made from rice both of who are lovingly surrounded by lots of hearts. If your Valentine’s Day destination isn’t made up yet then how could your resist this collab?
Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/158538
◼︎Information
Pompompurin Cafe Yokohama
Address: Yokohama Sotetsu Square, 2-1-5 Minamisaiwai, Nishi-ku, Yokohama-shi
Opening Hours: 10:00-21:00 (Last Orders 20:30)
Access: 5-minutes on foot from West Exit at Yokohama Station via JR
TEL: 045-311-6750
Pompompurin Cafe Nagoya
Address: BECOME SAKAE 2F, 3-32-6 Sakae, Naka-ku, Nagoya-shi
Opening Hours: 11:00-20:00 (Food Last Orders 19:30 / Drinks Last Orders 19:30)
Access: 1-minutes on foot from Sakae Station via the Meijo Line
TEL: 052-249-8320
Pompompurin Cafe Official Website: http://pompom.createrestaurants.com
©1996, 2013, 2019 SANRIO CO., LTD. APPROVAL NO.Ｓ593875
Tokyo Ghoul:re x THE GUEST Cafe & Diner (February 2 – March 26)
THE GUEST Cafe & Diner has announced a collaboration with Tokyo Ghoul:re to serve food and drinks inspired by the popular series at its branches in Tokyo, Nagoya, Fukuoka and Osaka for a limited time. When you order Kaneki’s Mask Curry your meal comes with a drink or sparkling non-alcoholic beverage of your choice served in a vessel inspired by Kaneki’s mask. You’ll look like Kaneki too when drinking out of it! Dining here offers a Tokyo Ghoul experience like no others, so fellow ghouls unite!
Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/162122
Tokyo Ghoul:re Cafe
THE GUEST Cafe & Diner OsakaRunning: February 2, 2019 – March 26, 2019Address: 161 Shinsaibashi, OsakaOpening Hours: 11:00-21:00 (Food Last Orders 20:00 / Drink Last Orders 20:30)*Details for the Tokyo, Nagoya and Fukuoka branches TBA.
*Prices and dishes subject to change.
Tokyo Ghoul:re Website: https://youngjump.jp/tokyoghoul/re/chara/index2.html
Cafe Website: http://the-guest.com/
©️Sui Ishida / Shueisha
Hello Kitty x EGG & SPUMA (January 16 – March 31)
To celebrate Hello Kitty’s 45th anniversary the popular Sanrio character is now collaborating with the EGG & SPUMA cafe in Shinjuku Lumine EST. EGG & SPUMA’s hugely popular tea party set has been turned into a special Hello Kitty 45th anniversary version. It comes with a roll cake tower, Hello Kitty’s favourite apple pie, and the cafe’s special tuna and mayo fluffy souffle pancakes. Don’t miss out on this special occasion to celebrate with Hello Kitty on her 45th anniversary.
Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/158662
EGG&SPUMA×HELLO KITTY 45TH ANNIVERSARY CAFÉLocation: EGG & SPUMA (Shinjuku Lumine EST Floor 8F, 3-38-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo)
Running: January 16, 2018 – March 31, 2018
Opening Hours: Weekdays 11:00-23:00 (Last Orders 22:00) / Weekends & Holidays 11:00-22:30 (Last Orders 21:30)
TEL: 03-6273-0255
Website: http://salt-group.jp/shop/egg-spuma/© 1976, 1999,2019 SANRIO CO., LTD. APPROVAL NO. G593641
Kirby Café (February 27 – June 2)
Tokyo Solamachi’s Kirby Café is making a comeback with a new story theme, some new items to the menu, new souvenirs and an upgrading of its interior design. The menu includes new dishes like “Kirby Suction! Hotdog with Cheese Sauce,” “Coffee Curry and Whispy Woods Farm-Fresh Vegetable Curry” and more.
Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/165092
◼︎Information
Kirby Café
Address: Solamachi 4th floor, Tokyo Sky Tree Town, 1-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida Ward, Tokyo
Running: Wednesday 27th September 2019 – Sunday 2nd June 2019
Opening Hours: 10:00am – 10:00pm (Last Orders 9:00pm)
TEL: 03-3622-5577
Closed on the same days as Solamachi commercial facility.
Kirby Café Official Website: https://kirbycafe.jp/
Kirby Café Bookings
*Booking Link: https://kirbycafe.jp/
*Bookings are open from Tuesday 12th February 2019 at 6:00pm (JST)
* Booking will be accepted from Tuesday 12th February, and from Wednesday 27th February to Sunday 31st March.
*Bookings are taken online only from the website provided. Phone reservations are not possible.
*Bookings are still required to access the merchandise area.
We hope you enjoyed our picks for February. Be sure to all of the character cafés you can while in Japan – there’s always plenty to enjoy♡
RELATED ENTRIES
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To commemorate the 20th anniversary of Rilakkuma and his adorable friends, the Rilakkuma 20th Anniversary Cafe will open in Omotesando, Tokyo from March 9 until April 16, 2023. You’ll want to come and spend a peaceful time looking back at two decades of everyone’s favorite lazy bear! The menu features colorful and festive dishes inspired by Rilakkuma, Korilakkuma, Kiiroitori, and Chairoikoguma. The characters express their thanks for 20 successful years, and fans can enjoy floats topped with Rilakkuma and friends wearing ribbons and topped with ice cream, a jelly soda inspired by Chairoikoguma and his friends in the honey forest, and a hot drink inspired by Rilakkuma's favorite pudding.
Menu
Rilakkuma’s Honey Mustard Hamburger
コリラックマのクリームパスタ
Korilakkuma’s Cream Pasta
Kiiroitori’s Egg Burger
Chairoikoguma’s Cheese Curry
Rilakkuma and Friend’s Celebratory Cake
Congratulatory Flower Parfait
You Can Choose♪ Rilakkuma and Friends Mini Ice Cream
You Can Choose♪ Rilakkuma and Friends Floats
Honey Forest Jelly Soda
Relaxing Pudding Drink
Take-Out Drink Bottle
Original Merch
Acrylic Clip (7 varieties, random)
Acrylic Keychain (5 varieties, random)
Mini-Bottle / Muddler with Charm (4 varieties)
Lunch Tote / Drawstring Bag
Acrylic Stand with Clip / Cork Coaster
Stuffed Animal
In addition, the cafe will offer original goods, special offers, and a Twitter campaign to celebrate Rilakkuma's 20th anniversary.
Come enjoy the elaborate original menu and goods while sharing memories at this limited time themed cafe!
©2023 San-X Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved.Information
RILAKKUMA 20th Anniversary Cafe
Venue: BOX cafe&space Omotesando
Running: March 9 – April 16, 2023
Address: Pine Under Flat B1F (5-13-2 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo)
Reservation Fee: ¥715 (Tax included) *Reservations include bonuses.
*Reservations can be made for up to four guests per application.Online Shop: https://rilakkuma20th-cafe.jp/online_store/
Sales Open: March 9, 15:00 – April 16, 23:59
(Items will ship starting in early May 2023.)
Official Site: https://rilakkuma20th-cafe.jp -
Kobe is filled with famous sightseeing spots like the nostalgic Ijinkan neighborhood and port. The city is packed with fashionable shops and restaurants and is highly regarded for its selection of tasty sweets!The port city, with over 150 years of history, has fostered a unique and diverse culinary culture. Recently, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu began starring in a series of promotional videos for the Gastropolis Kobe project. The artist traveled to the city to partake in plenty of delicious treats, and MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON went along for the ride! Here are some of the singer's favorite spots around town.
Kobe, known as a city where East meets West, is lined with sweets shops that are unique to the area. The tea salon TOOTH TOOTH Dekoboko Sabo opened in 2019 in the Kobe City Museum and offers a menu that mixes Western food and sweets with tea and ingredients from traditional Japanese cuisine. Kyary ordered the Dekoboko Sabo Afternoon Tea Set, a collection of western sweets blended with the essence of traditional Japanese flavors. Guests are invited to enjoy their tea and sweets in a one-of-a-kind space filled with Meiji period flare and retro Western furniture. Those interested will need to make a reservation, so be sure to remember the next time you’re in Kobe. TOOTH TOOTH Decoboco SaboAddress: 24 Kyomachi, Chuo Ward, Kobe (Inside the Kobe City Museum)Hours: 9:30-17:30 (Last Order at 16:30) Closed MondaysOfficial Site: https://toothtooth.com/restaurant/decoboco-sabo The next stop was Kobe Nankin-machi, one of the three major Chinatowns in Japan. Kobe MILK is known nationwide for its Apricot Pudding, which is made with local ingredients. The raw apricot pudding is mixed with milk brought from the foot of Mt. Rokko and other ingredients from Hyogo Prefecture. Of course, Kyary ordered some, and was amazed by its fluffy texture. You can only enjoy it in Kobe–also, the shop sells other puddings mixed with seasonal fruits, so don’t miss those either! Kobe MILKAddress: Shin-Motomachi Building 1F (1 Motomachi-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe)Hours: Weekdays 9:30-19:00 / Weekends 9:30-19:30Official Site: https://kobe-milk.com For Kyary’s final stop, the singer visited the Moore House, a cafe located in a building with over 100 years of history. Guests are surrounded by greenery, and the Western-style building is incredibly elegant. The Strawberry Mille-feuille Kyary ordered was created by an expert patissier and based on the strawberry mille-feuille recipe from the legendary French restaurant Maxim’s de Paris in Ginza. A generous amount of custard cream complements the crispy pie crust and enhances the sweetness of the fresh strawberries. We’d recommend it with a glass of champagne–if you’re of age. Kitano Ijin-kan Moore HouseAddress: 2-9-3 Kitanocho, Chuo-ku, KobeHours: 11:00-17:00Closed TuesdaysOfficial Site: https://www.kitanomoore.com/cafe/ The streets of Kobe are packed with sweets that you can only enjoy if you visit. Why not come experience these incredible spots like Kyary did? Kobe Sweets Trailer: https://youtu.be/Sx9B1ZdAvlI -
To celebrate the return of Urusei Yatsura after 36 long years, a themed cafe will be coming to four cities in Japan for a limited time! The first cafe will open on December 1, 2022. Urusei Yatsura is a manga series by Rumiko Takahashi that ran in Weekly Shonen Sunday from 1978 until 1987. An anime series aired in 1981 and became a massive hit with audiences, and understandably, it is still loved by anime and manga fans today. The cafe features newly-drawn illustrations of six main characters including Ataru Moroboshi, Lum, and Ten.
Menu
[Ataru Moroboshi] Don't Look This Way, Don't Look That Way Set
[Lum] Lum's Onion Gratin Toast Packed with Love
[Ten] Ten's Fire Curry
[Ataru Moroboshi x Lum] Shocking Pancakes
[Shinobu Miyake] A Girl's Monsterous Parfait
[Mendo Shutaro] Jiggly Octopus Pudding
Lum's Tiger-Striped Soda
Colorful Floats (Purple/Yellow/Green)
Ten-chan's Cotton Candy Soda
Coffee / Viennese Coffee
Drink in a Bottle with Charm (4 varieties)
Goods
Acrylic Keychain (6 varieties, Random)
Acrylic Magnet (6 varieties, Random) / Pin (6 varieties, Random)
Coaster (Lum, Ten-chan) / Sticker Set (7 pieces)
Long Sleeve T-Shirt (M, L) / Clear Pouch
Mug / Tote Bag
Hand Towel (2 varieties)
The cafe’s menu features a variety of items inspired by characters from the series, including a hilarious pancake that recreates the scene in which Lum throws electricity at Ataru. Be sure to take a photo before you dig in!Lum & Ten-chan Life-size Figure
Cafe Bonus for Guests with Advance Tickets: Original A4-size Clear File (7 varieties, Random)
Drink Purchase Bonus: Original Coaster (6 varieties, Random)
Life-size figures of Lum and Ten-chan will also be on display and guests are invited to take photos with them.
Come enjoy the world of Urusei Yatsura while you can!
©高橋留美子・小学館／アニメ「うる星やつら」製作委員会Information
Urusei Yatsura Cafe
Venues
■Harajuku, Tokyo: BOX cafe&space, Harajuku Alta / December 8, 2022 – February 5, 2023
Harajuku Alta 3F (1-16-4 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo)
■Abeno, Osaka: Abeno contact / February 9 – March 12, 2023
Abeno Q’s Mall 4F (1-6-1 Abenosuji, Abeno-ku, Osaka)■Nagoya, Aichi: BOX cafe&space, Nagoya LACHIC / March 16 – April 9. 2023
LACHIC B1F (3-6-1 Sakae, Naka-ku, Nagoya)
■Sendai, Miyagi: BALLER:S AEON Mall Shin-Rifu South Building / June 1 – June 25, 2023
AEON Mall Shin-Rifu South Building 2F (3-1-1 Shinnakamichi, Rifu, Miyagi)Online Shop: https://uy-allstars-cafe.jp/online_store
Official Site: https://uy-allstars-cafe.jp/ -
The Kirby Cafe has announced a warm and tasty new winter menu! New items will be available from November 17, 2022 until February 28, 2023, and are sure to warm up fans of the beloved video game series.
Menu
Winter Kirby Burger & Pasta with Powdered Snow Cheese (30th Anniversary Version)
Winter Waddle Dee Burger & Pasta with Powdered Snow Cheese
Waddle Dee's Dreamy White Stew
Chef Kawasaki's Winter Hors d'oeuvres with Roast Beef
Transform! Carby Cake
Kirby's Dream Ricotta Pancake
Whispy Woods Blessed Tart
Elfilin's Twinkle☆Frozen Drink
The Winter 2022 menu offers a variety of adorable and tasty menu items featuring Kirby and his friends all dressed up for the colder months. From a burger and pasta set to piping hot stew and fluffy ricotta pancakes, there’s sure to be something for every taste. The Carby cake, inspired by Kirby’s special transformation in the recent game Kirby and the Forgotten Land, has been reimagined in a winter version. Fans won’t want to miss out! This winter, come enjoy plenty of Kirby-inspired treats while you can! ©Nintendo / HAL Laboratory, Inc.Information
Kirby Cafe Winter 2022
Available: November 17, 2022 – February 28, 2023
Venues: Kirby Cafe TOKYO, Kirby Cafe HAKATA, Kirby Cafe NAGOYA
*The Nagoya location’s winter menu will be available until February 5, 2022.
Kirby Café THE STORE: https://kirbycafe.jp/thestore/‘Kirby Cafe Pop-Up Store’ Limited Time Online Store: https://kirbycafe-popup.com/
Official Twitter: https://twitter.com/KirbyCafeJP
Official Site: https://kirbycafe.jp
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The second Tabekko Doubutsu Cafe Stand event opened in Omotesando on November 1, 2022. Paying homage to the classic snack first released in 1978, the cafe features a number of tasty snacks inspired by the thin animal-shaped cookies popular around the world. This second event will run through January 9, 2023. Reservations are required, and many dates were completely sold out prior to the event’s start date, particularly on weekends. We decided to visit, anxious to see what the fuss is all about.
We were first shocked to see the popular animals enjoying oden! Original goods featuring the characters enjoying the quintessential Japanese winter dish are only available at the cafe. From acrylic keychains to figures, visitors can snag some adorable merchandise to commemorate their trip to the exclusive event. Why not snag some items that would be useful on a daily basis, like a notebook or an apron? For food, visitors can snag a special Oden Set and Chinese Dumplings, both perfect for the winter. The oden features popular ingredients like egg, daikon, fish cake, and mochikinchaku, each branded with the popular animal characters. Drinks include soy milk, green tea milk, and milk tea. In addition to the exclusive Lion Cake which is limited to 25 servings a day, guests can find chocolate bananas and other sweets on the menu, including a Sweets Set limited to those reserving special seats at the venue. For every ¥1,000 spent on food and drink items, customers will receive one Tabekko Doubutsu trading card! The exhibition space is a must-see for fans of this legendary snack, filled with rare works including an adorable and very colorful print of every animal holding a bowl of oden. Of course, a photo spot has been set up for visitors to take some prime shots for social media! Don’t miss the animal meet and greet, which is making its triumphant return from the last event! Visitors can interact with different animals on different days, so check the official Twitter page (@tabekko_cafe) for the schedule and more information! The number of visitors per day is limited, so make a reservation as early as you can. Come enjoy these heartwarming treats while you have the opportunity! Information
Tabekko Doubutsu Cafe Stand Omotesando
Running: November 1, 2022 – January 9, 2023 *Reservation required
Closed: December 28, 2022 – January 3, 2023
Hours: 11:00 – 19:00
Address: SPAGHETTI Cultural Space 1F
5-3-13 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Closest Station: Omotesando
Reservations: https://t.livepocket.jp/p/tabekko_omotesando
Official Twitter: @tabekko_cafe https://twitter.com/tabekko_cafe
*Please see the official Twitter page for the latest information! -
DISH UP, a collaboration restaurant located on the 8th floor of Shinjuku Marui Annex, started its second collab with the popular anime series King of Prism All Stars -Prism Show ☆ Best Ten- on November 1, 2022.
Menu
Welcome PlateMain Dishes Taiga Kougami: Steamed Apples and Japanese Yellow Sauce Kakeru Juuouin: Nice-style Salad with Mango Dressing Alexander Yamato: Homemade Vegetable Curry Kazuki Nishina: Gratin with Genovese Dessert Plate Strawberry Shortcake / Muscat Mousse / Sachertorte / Basque Cheesecake / Fruit Tart Menu Order Bonus: 1 Waterproof Placemat (4 varieties) Drinks - Shin Ichijo: Rising Sunshine (Cranberry Juice)
- Yukinojo Tachibana: Yumemikokochi Koijigoku (Cassis Soda *Non-alcoholic)
- Minato Takahashi: Kimagure Caramelize (Dry Ginger Ale and Blue Syrup)
- Leo Saionji: Momoiro Kukukuru Lollipop (Peach Soda)
- Yu Suzuno: Jewel Spin Zeus (Orange Juice and Grape Juice)
- Louis Kisaragi: Aurora Rising (Peach Juice and White Water)
- Kouji Mihama: Jewel Spin Cross (Grape Juice)
- Hiro Hayami: Starlight Express (Orange Juice and Blue Syrup)
- Joji Takadanobaba: Never Ending Love Shower (Pineapple Juice)
Afternoon Set Original Collaboration Goods
Guests can enjoy a special course made up of savory and sweet King of Prism-inspired dishes, as well as a selection of drinks. The afternoon set is a cake and drink set only available on weekdays from 14:00 until 17:00. Those ordering a menu item will be given a waterproof placemat as a gift, while those ordering a drink will be given a special card. Original reproductions can only be viewed in the VIP room, so why not make a reservation while you can? ©CREST Inc. ©Ｔ－ＡＲＴＳ / syn Sophia / エイベックス・ピクチャーズ / タツノコプロ / キングオブプリズムAS製作委員会 Information
King of Prism All Stars -Prism Show ☆ Best Ten- × DISH UP
Running: November 1 – November 29, 2022
Hours: 11:00 – 21:00 (Last Order at 20:30)
Address: Shinjuku Marui Annex 8F (3-1-26 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo)
Reservations: https://www.tablecheck.com/shops/dishup/reserveNotice:
Please refrain from taking photos of the original reproductions and posting them on social media. These items are only displayed in the VIP room.*Feel free to take photos of the restaurant and dishes to post on social media.