nel craft chocolate tokyo, a craft chocolate shop located in Nihonbashihamacho, Tokyo, released two chocolate shaved ice desserts last Wednesday for the hot summer season. The desserts are also being sold at Saryo Tsukikage, a restaurant inside the hot spring ryokan Yuen Bettei Daita in Setagaya.

Left: Cacao Kintoki | Right: White Cacao Kintoki

Cacao kintoki is a type of shaved ice made with specially-selected cacao beans from Vietnam. It uses a ‘bean to bar’ method where the shaved ice is made from scratch, roasting the beans fresh to create the dessert.

The two new treats at nel use a chocolate base and add cacao pulp to the mix, adding a natural fruity flavour derived from the bean. Each is also served with a special cacao sauce for extra flavour. The white cacao version is made by combining with in-house white chocolate. It also comes with an Okinawan passion fruit and cacao pulp sauce, resulting in a sour kick and refreshing taste.

Saryo Tsukikage

The open-air baths at Yuen Bettei Daita

A special matcha version of this shaved ice can also be enjoyed while bathing in the open-air baths at Yuen Bettei Daita. It’s made with nel’s homemade white chocolate as well as dark chocolate, cacao pulp, and specially-selected yame matcha from Shimokita Chaen Ōyama, a cafe in Setagaya.

This summer, Southern Tower Dining and Lounge South Court—both of which are located inside Odakyu Hotel Century Southern Tower—are serving up a fluffy matcha shaved ice dessert called Wa -Nagomi- from June 1 to September 30.

Southern Tower’s Famous Fluffy Light Snowfall Wa -Nagomi- Shaved Ice | Eat In ¥1,470, Takeout ¥700

The matcha-flavoured shaved ice has a texture as light and fluffy as snow. As you spoon through the dessert your taste buds are met with a range of delicious tastes and textures like the Japanese rice flour confection known as gyuhi, winter melon syrup, black soybean flour ice cream, and cream.

The dessert can also be ordered for takeout. The black soy bean flour ice cream adds a crunchy cereal-like texture to the soft shaved ice, and with the takeout option, there’s also chocolate-coated wheat bran and brown sugar syrup.

High-casual brand MOUSSY has collaborated with Disney to release the “Disney SERIES CREATED by MOUSSY.” The Spring/Summer 2021 collection dropped in Japan on Wednesday (February 24).

PALS TAPESTRY SH JKT | ¥34,980 (Tax Included)

PALS TAPESTRY SK | ¥19,910 (Tax Included)

MATCHING OUTFITS POJ | ¥8,250 (Tax Included)

ALWAYS COOL TSJ | ¥6,600 (Tax Included)

The collection combines 70s-80s vintage taste with a 90s street style to create a special retro fusion design. The items are crafted by Japanese artisans from the gobelin-stich fabric series PALS TAPESTRY and feature Minnie and Mickey Mouse in different attire including cute matching outfits.

©Disney

Luxury Italian brand FENDI is currently teamed up with the iconic Aoyama-based ANNIVERSAIRE CAFÉ OMOTESANDO to serve up a special Valentine’s Day themed menu at the cafe which it’s calling “FENDI CAFFE by ANNIVERSAIRE.”

Cake Set | ¥2,800 (Before Tax)

Tart Saison | ¥1,000 (Before Tax)

The cake set and tart saison are revamps of current menu items, now topped with in-season strawberries. The cafe has also been adorned with romantic red roses and multi-coloured decorations for this year’s Valentine’s Day.

CHAVATY, a cafe in Harajuku that serves tea lattes made with high quality tea leaves, is getting ready for Valentine’s Day early with the release of some tasty new desserts which they began serving up on Thursday (January 14).

Valentine’s Set | ¥1,100 (Before Tax)

Valentine’s Scone Set (6 Included) | ¥2,480 (Tax Included)

Raspberry Chocolate | ¥970 (Tax Included)

The Valentine’s Set comes with a cute scone as well as fondant chocolate made with rich, high-grade chocolate from the French chocolate brand Cacao Barry. It also comes with a tea latte of your choice. There’s also a scone set which comes with two each of three different scones for a total of six including the Berry & Cocoa Pink Chocolate, Orange & Chocolate Chip Double Chocolate, and Dried Fruits & Nuts White Chocolate. CHAVATY has also made their own seasonal homemade spread: the Raspberry Chocolate.

The flagship store of cosmetic brand SHIRO, SHIRO Omotesando, received a makeover on Friday last week (December 18). The shop, which has moved to the building’s second floor, has increased in size by 30%, allowing for SHIRO to display its 70 or so skincare and cosmetic products like a museum.

Ingredients Showcase

The many ingredients used in SHIRO’s products are now on display—something which customers don’t normally get to see―such as extract of gagome kombu, tamanu, pot marigold, and more. The line-up is packed solely with high quality ingredients by trusted producers and is a chance for people to get to know about the products they are buying even more.

The Edible Display

A special display of edibles, which will change depending on the harvesting seasons, can be enjoyed including ginger, yuzu, aloe, and more.

8 Drawers

Underneath the displayed ingredients are eight drawers which reveal the actual size of the ingredients before they are turned into products. It also reveals when they are produced, information about the producers, and so on.

Store Design

The store has of course undergone a full revamp, with the walls layered with gravel and soil, further adding to the display of the raw materials and ingredients. The wall design incorporates a traditional Japanese architecture method which results in it looking like something straight out of nature.

Limited Edition Products

To celebrate the renovations at SHIRO Omotesando, the store will be selling a limited-edition SHIRO PERFUME as well as a selection of products available at only select stores like SHIRO LIFE and SHIRO HOME items.

SHIRO BEAUTY (B1F)

SHIRO BEAUTY is a salon on floor B1F that manages SHIRO Omotesando. It’s set to close on December 31 and will reopen in mid-February next year to bring in haircut, hair colouring, head spa, and other services as well as facials, body treatments, and more.

SHIRO PERFUME

SHIRO PERFUME will be sold in limited quantities and is exclusive to SHIRO Omotesando.

SHIRO PERFUME – WISHING WELL | ¥10,500 (Before Tax)

SHIRO PERFUME – WISHING WELL Fragrance
A warm and cosy fragrance with fresh berry notes on top and bitter orange for accent.

TOP: Bitter Orange, Berries, Redcurrants
MIDDLE: Jasmine, Rose
LAST: Wood, Cedarwood, Musk

Samantha Thavasa Japan Limited launched a new collection of merchandise last Friday (November 6) in collaboration with the Sailor Moon franchise to promote the upcoming two-part Sailor Moon Eternal anime film which will be released on January 8, 2021 and February 11, 2021 respectively.

The collection features an original line-up of bags, purses, and accessories created by Samantha Thavasa Group. They were released at SAMANTHAVEGA, Samantha Thavasa Petit Choice, and Samantha Tiara respectively.

Each of the bags by SAMANTHAVEGA are nods to each of the Sailors’ costumes with their colouring, ribbons, and more. And they’re not just for show either – they are practical and functional handbags.

Samantha Thavasa Petit Choice has crafted a handful of delicate and fashionable purses for keeping your coins safe.

And from Samantha Tiara is a collection of breathtakingly beautiful accessories including necklaces and a ring, all of which when bought are packaged in a gorgeous box inspired by Super Sailor Moon’s outfit.

The brands have also created a separate series of items based on Super Sailor Moon.

From SAMANTHAVEGA is a collection of stylish bags and a pass case each of which have glitter on them.

There’s also the eye-catching pink leather purses by Samantha Thavasa Petit Choice which are based on the Climax Moon Compact from the anime and manga series.

Samantha Tiara has also created even more accessories and jewellery including two different rings and necklaces.

The necklace and ring pictured above will be available to purchase online only in Japan from November 20.

A Sailor Moon pop-up store is now open inside Samantha Thavasa Omotesando GATES until November 17 where you can get your hands on some of these items. There’s also a special photo spot for taking pictures and giant LED displays promoting Sailor Moon Eternal.

Japanese company LEGS is set to open a Marvel themed cafe for a limited time in the Omotesando and Harajuku area of Tokyo from October 30, 2020. The cafe’s concept is centred on themes such as power, courage, talent, justice, and camaraderie, and will serve up a special menu inspired by the heroes of the Marvel universe.

The cafe will be decorated in all things Marvel, with Spiderman, Iron Man, and Captain America statues stood proud and ready to welcome customers. There will also be a photo spot in celebration of the upcoming film Black Widow which will be released in Japan first on April 29, 2021 and subsequently the US on May 7, 2021.

The menu line-up will be inspired by Marvel’s roster of characters such as Spiderman, Iron Man, Thor, Captain America, Black Widow, and more.

The Menu

<Marvel> Paprikash | ¥1,599 (Before Tax)

A paprikash inspired by the one that Marvel demigod Vision makes in Captain America: Civil War. This one’s sure to have you feeling assembled and ready.

<Captain America> American Tomato Pasta | ¥1,7900 (Before Tax)

A Japanese-style napolitan pasta with a tomato sauce that packs a punch to charge up your power.

<Iron Man> Evening Doughnut-Style Bagel Sandwich | ¥1,799 (Before Tax)

A bagel sandwich inspired by the doughnut eaten by Tony Stark under the sunset.

The Drinks

<Captain America> Ramune Soda | ¥1,099 (+¥700 for coaster) (Before Tax)

A bubbly ramune soda for when you’re in need of a power kick, topped with a cherry.

<Marvel> Cafe Latte | ¥899 (+¥1,500 for mug) (Before Tax)

A cafe latte which comes with an original mug.

All customers who book in a table advance (¥650 per person before tax) and order from the themed menu will receive one of the above-pictured face mask cases from seven different designs.

Exclusive Merchandise

The cafe will also sell a range of original merchandise in several different designs such as the cafe logo, items based on the menu art, art from the Marvel movies, and more.

<Cafe Logo Series> Acrylic Keyring (6 Designs) | ¥750 (Before Tax)

<Menu Art Series> A4 Folder | ¥400, Bandana Handkerchief | ¥800 (Before Tax) *Available early November

<Movie Series> Avengers: Infinity War Postcards (8 Designs) | ¥250 (Before Tax)

Ⓒ 2020 MARVEL

Q-pot CAFE. in Omotesando, Tokyo, has revealed its upcoming Q-pot CAFE. “KUMA”STMAS MENU which is set to be served from November 1 to December 25.

Happy Merry “KUMA”STMAS！

“KUMA”STMAS is a portmanteau of the Japanese word for bear (kuma) and Christmas. The cafe’s cute menu is here to bring warmth and cosiness this holiday season.

Merry “KUMA”STMAS Plate w/ Drink – ¥2,060 (Tax Included)

A sweet assortment cute enough to tug your heartstrings.

Q-pot CAFE.’s pastry chefs take their time to delicately handmake the adorable bear’s baby face oat milk cookie. The cookie is sat on top of a fluffy duvet of whipped cream, berry jam with fresh berries, and a chocolate génoise cake. It’s a sweet and tangy combination of raspberry and strawberry.

The cookie-topped cake is also served with a rich pistachio cream Christmas tree.

Merry “KUMA”STMAS Bitter Caramel Milk Tea – ¥750 (Tax Included)

A warm and cosy beverage to heal your heart, mind, and soul. This baby bear looks sweet but has delightfully rich notes thanks to the caramel. The tea is one of the cafe’s originals, the “Sweet Weekend,” which has a refreshing after taste and goes perfectly with the caramel cream.

Merry “KUMA”STMAS Afternoon Tea Set | ¥2,400 per person (Tax Included)　*Photo shows a set for two

If you love teddy bears, then this afternoon tea set is a dream come true.

Top Plate

The top plate is a delicate assortment of sweet and crunchy oat milk cookies, a glass dessert of fromage blanc and fresh orange jelly, velvet cupcakes topped with pistachio cream made to look like a Christmas tree, and creamy macarons.

Bottom Plate

The bottom plate is the savoury selection and comes with croissants stuffed with roast beef topped with honey mustard sauce, a rich potato potage, and skewers piercing olives, mini tomatoes, and pickles.

Special Novelty <Teddy Bear Message Card>

Customers who book a table in advance to the cafe will receive a free teddy bear message card. These are limited in stock, so if you’re in Tokyo don’t miss out.

Brooks Brothers, the oldest apparel brand in the US, is teaming up with Shinichi Ishizuka’s popular jazz manga series BLUE GIANT with a collaborative event set to take place at Brooks Brothers Omotesando in Tokyo from October 30 to November 15.

The event celebrates the simultaneous release of all 11 volumes of the European edition of the manga series, entitled BLUE GIANT SUPRIME, as well as the first volume of BLUE GIANT EXPLORER which is set in the US—the holy grail of jazz.

The event will showcase Brooks Brothers’ iconic button-down shirt with a famous quote said by the protagonist of BLUE GIANT as pictured above which roughly translates to: “A white shirt is proof of a jazzman!!”

There will also be displays of original illustrations drawn by Shinichi Ishizuka himself for the event, panels from the manga on show, original art by popular collage artist Kosuke Kawamura and embroidery artist Mana Morimoto, and more. Visitors will even get to try some embroidery themselves in a special workshop, and much more.

The Aoyama branch of Brooks Brothers recently moved to Omotesando, signalling a new start for the store. Likewise, the BLUE GIANT story is now set in the US, which will make for more new and exciting stories. The event serves to celebrate the new chapters of both Brooks Brothers and BLUE GIANT.

Japanese companies LEGS and TRANSIT GENERAL OFFICE are set to open the new cafe TOKYO BOX cafe&space inside Omotesando Hills on September 10, 2020.

For the grand opening of the cafe, it has been announced that it will team up with the manga series Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken! to promote the upcoming live-action adaptation. The themed event will run from September 10 to October 12.

Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken! is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Sumito Ōwara and serialised in Monthly Big Comic Spirits. The live-action film, which will hit Japanese cinemas on September 25, 2020, stars Asuka Saitō, Mizuki Yamashita, and Minami Umezawa—all members of the Japanese idol group Nogizaka46—as the main character.

Customers at the collaborative cafe can enjoy a selection of food inspired by the series as well as get their hands on exclusive merchandise.

The full menu and merch list will be announced in early September on the cafe’s official website.

Halloween is creeping its way early to Q-pot CAFE. in Omotesando, Tokyo, as the cafe announces its “Mad Sweets” themed Halloween menu for 2020. The Gothic-inspired menu will be served from September 9 to October 31 and will be centred on “Sister Obake-chan,” a cute and original ghost nun character conceived by the cafe.

Mad Sweets Sister Obake-chan Plate with Drink | ¥2,060 (Tax Included)

Sister Obake-chan is made from sweet and fluffy vanilla mousse and is filled with a sweet and sour berry sauce. Next to her is a cookie gravestone, pumpkin macaron, and a bone meringue.

Mad Sweets Bone & Ribbon Drinks | ¥750 (Tax Included)

There are both hot and iced variants of the Bone & Ribbon drinks. The hot version is a hot chocolate made with black cocoa-laced cream and topped with a crossbone meringue. The iced drink has a cuter appearance mixing pink and white colours together. It’s a strawberry shake topped with a cute ribbon meringue.

Happy Halloween Afternoon Tea Set | ¥2,400 Per Person (Tax Included) | *The photo is a serving for 2 people

Q-pot CAFE. is will also serve an afternoon tea set this Halloween with plenty of tasty themed sweet and savoury bites.

The top level of the afternoon tea is plated with strawberry jelly topped with an assortment of berries and a bone-shaped meringue, tombstone-topped blackcurrant mousse, and bat velvet cupcakes. Q-pot CAFE.’s popular jack-o’-lantern macarons also make a return this Halloween.

The bottom level is served with hearty croissant sandwiches filled with duck pastrami and mushroom omelette, pumpkin potage, and skewered olives, tomatoes, and pickles.

Q-pot CAFE. is a must-visit for a Halloween experience in Tokyo this year.