Pascal Le Gac Tokyo is the first overseas branch of internationally-recognised French-based chocolate company Pascal Le Gac which released some breathtaking new desserts to its menu on Wednesday.

Chocolate Parfait Flurry / Phrase Parfait Flurry

The original Parfait Flurry desserts are made in the image of a bloomed flower. When they were released back in April 2019, they instantly garnered attention across social media and news websites for their gorgeous design. Pascal Le Gac Tokyo has brought them back to the menu, this time in the form of cakes.

Cakes that are like parfaits

The new desserts take the same concept of the original parfaits, but instead turns them into cakes. But that doesn’t simply mean taking the parfait ingredients as they are and turning them into a cake. Rather, the cakes recreate the taste of the parfaits, so it’s like eating the real thing. The wine glass that the parfaits were served in have been recreated using icing to give that shiny effect, and the chocolate flowers have been cut thin so they are easy to eat.

Chocolate Flurry – ¥864 (Tax Included)

Starting from the bottom upwards, the Chocolate Flurry is layered with chocolate cookie pieces, chocolate flavoured almond sponge, chocolate cream, chocolate mousse, cacao flavoured vanilla cream, more chocolate cream, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, and chocolate glaçage. Every part of this art piece is made with cacao.

Phrase Flurry (Tax Included)

Starting from the bottom upwards, the Phrase Flurry is layered with pistachio cookie pieces, almond sponge, pistachio mousse, strawberry mousse, lychee jelly, strawberry compote, raspberry flavoured fresh cream, strawberry chocolate, and red glaçage. The marriage of strawberry, lychee, and pistachio flavours is nothing short of heavenly.

*Please note that opening hours and closures are subject to change depending on the situation of the coronavirus outbreak. Check the cafe’s official website for the latest details.

Japanese fashion label COMME des GARCONS OSAKA has moved to Midosuji in Shinsaibashi, Osaka and is set for its grand opening on April 3, 2020. 

The first floor will be occupied by BAPE STORE® (A BATHING APE®), making it the first ever COMME des GARCONS to house a BAPE STORE®. 

COMME des GARCONS was founded by world-famous fashion designer Rei Kawakubo in 1969. Besides developing a number of world famous brands such as COMME des GARCONS HOMME PLUS, she also founded the multi-brand retailer DOVER STREET MARKET GINZA, becoming a key figure in the world’s leading fashion. As the second largest city in Japan after Tokyo and the largest in west Japan, Osaka has remained the economic and cultural epicentre of the Kansai region for centuries. Kawakubo’s latest step in the world of fashion is the brand new opening of BAPE STORE® COMME des GARCONS OSAKA along Midosuji street, Shinsaibashi – a main street of central Osaka which is a hotspot of luxury designer shops. 

Last year, BAPE STORE® opened in Kyoto, marking a year since BAPE STORE® opened in the Kansai region. The interior of BAPE STORE® COMME des GARCONS OSAKA was done by Rei Kawakubo. This atmosphere and design is completely different to existing BAPE® stores and will also sell limited COMME des GARCONS and A BATHING APE® collaboration merchandise that are not available anywhere else.

If you’re in Osaka and love high-end fashion, the brand new BAPE STORE® COMME des GARCONS store and its limited merchandise is worth checking out. 

BAPE STORE®

“HARAJUKU AR BOX -table projection mapping cafe-,” a cafe in Harajuku whose name speaks for itself, has announced its second collaboration with Rilakkuma to bring the new Rilakkuma Fruits Cafe which will open for a limited time from April 3, 2020 to June 28, 2020.

The cafe’s first collaboration with Rilakkuma was in December last year. It was called “Korilakkuma Cafe: another me in the mirror” and earned itself many fans for its cute food and decor, but especially for its interactive tables which used projection mapping technology to have Rilakkuma and friends running around people’s tables.

Harajuku’s Korilakkuma Cafe: another me in the mirror | Food Review: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/284456

Fruit is the theme of the new Rilakkuma Fruits Cafe, which follows that Chairoikoguma and the other characters have gathered lots of nutritious fruit to fill up the belly of hungry Rilakkuma.

Food

Rilakkuma’s Fruit Salad – ¥1,590

Get your fill of refreshing fruit from this fruit salad plate which has Rilakkuma poking his cute face out from behind it all. When you order this dish, you’ll need to touch the fruits that appear on the table to give them to Rilakkuma.

Korilakkuma’s Apple Cheese Gratin – ¥1,690

A combination of hot apple and melted cheese, you’ll find yourself addicted to the sweet and sour mix of flavours. Pick lots of apples with Rilakkuma and company with the projection mapping game. (*Serving April 3, 2020 – May 17, 2020 only)

Chairoikoguma’s Orange Burger – ¥1,690

The bun of this hearty burger is branded with Chairokoguma’s cute bear face. But what happens when you squeeze Rilakkuma’s orange? (*Serving May 20, 2020 – June 28, 2020 only)

Desserts

Rilakkuma’s Maku Maku Fruit Tree Parfait – ¥1,590

Korilakkuma’s Maku Maku Strawberry Tree Parfait – ¥1,590 (Serving April 3, 2020 – May 17, 2020 only)

Kiiroitori’s Maku Maku Peach Tree Parfait – ¥1,590 (Serving May 20, 2020 – June 28, 2020 only)

For dessert, you have a selection of fruit-topped parfaits to choose from featuring Rilakkuma, Korilakkuma, and Kiiroitori.

Drinks

Rilakkuma & Friends Maku Maku Drinks – ¥790 / With Glass – ¥1,990

Warm & Fluffy With Everyone Cafe Latte – ¥890

Pick between one of the cold beverages, or if it’s a cold day, warm up with a hot drink. Feel warm and fluffy like Rilakkuma and his friends with a warm beverage after your parfait.

Exclusive Merchandise & Bonus Items

Pin Badges (9 Designs/Chosen Randomly) – ¥400

Acrylic Key Rings (8 Designs/Chosen Randomly) – ¥500

Get your hands on a selection of original merchandise too, including pin badges, acrylic key rings, and more.

Stickers (4 Designs/Chosen Randomly)

Coasters (4 Designs/Chosen Randomly)

Book a table online in advance and receive one of four possible stickers. Order a drink at the cafe and get one of the four coasters!

You’re sure to get your five-a-day when you dine at the Rilakkuma Fruits Cafe, opening for spring on April 3, 2020 in Harajuku.

©2020San-X Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

Meiji Kinenkan, located in Minato, Tokyo, was officially designated as a Tangible Cultural Property this month.

Meiji Kinenkan was built in 1881 as a dining and reception hall used for receiving important guests from abroad to the Akasaka Temporary Palace. In October 1881, a dinner was held at the site with Prince Albert Victor and Prince George who visited Japan that autumn. Five years later, in 1886, Empress Shōken received foreign guests in Western clothing for the first time. In 1888, a meeting attended by Emperor Meiji was held to discuss the draft of the Constitution, which is represented in artwork you can see on the walls of Meiji Kinenkan. During the construction of Meiji Jingu Gaien in 1918, Meiji Kinenkan was dedicated to Meiji Jingu from the Ito family and relocated to where it stands today. Before the war, the building was known as the “Constitution Memorial Hall” and was used for events related to the Imperial Family. It was renamed “Meiji Kinenkan” in 1947 and became a wedding hall of Meiji Jingu.

Dining hall used as the stage for Emperor Meiji’s Imperial Court diplomacy

Golden roosters flutter on the walls around the black-lacquered mantle piece mirror

This building was used for court diplomacy under Emperor Meiji. Located on the grounds of Meiji Kinenkan, its interior exemplifies the idea of “Modern Meiji.” It has survived two relocations, the Great Kantō earthquake of 1923, and the Second World War. The lavish decor is a harmonious fusion of the traditional and the modern, with the overhead chandeliers, golden roosters, and mantle piece with its black lacquering and towering mirror.

Overlooking the garden, offering not only a modern cafe experience but banquets too

The Meiji Kinenkan Main Building was designated as an Tangible Cultural Property for its 100+ years of history, honouring its historical background, cultural role, and value as a building. Today, it is used for many different things, from a wedding reception to a venue for company parties.

On weekdays, it is mainly used for its “kinkei” lounge, a spacious area that faces a gorgeous green garden planted with a variety of flowers that bloom through the seasons. Its interior decor also has history, such as its ceiling which is a reflection of the Meiji Period. They even serve cake from Meiji Kinenkan’s original sweets brand “Kaminomi no Mori” and coffee.

Sanrio’s popular character Pompompurin is celebrating his 24th anniversary at three branches of the Pompompurin Cafe in Harajuku, Yokohama, and Umeda with a special birthday menu that will be served for the whole month of April.

A special celebratory menu for the floppy-eared golden retriever

The official date for Pompompurin’s birthday is April 16. The birthday menu line-up includes two food items, a drink made in collaboration with popular Japanese picture book author Yukako Ohde, and some novelty gifts.

Birthday Menu

Happy Birthday Flower Bouquet Bisque – ¥1,590 (Before Tax)

This cute bisque soup has Pompompurin and Muffin holding a colourful boquet made from broccoli and mashed potatoes made to look like roses. It has a rich but mild flavour, and is both adorable and filling.

Happy Birthday Strawberry Mousse – ¥790 (Before Tax)

The strawberry mousse has a fluffy texture and refreshing, sweet taste. It can be eaten as it is or drizzled with the accompanying raspberry sauce.

Yukako Ohde x Pompompurin Lemonade – ¥550 (Before Tax)

Take a sip from this delicious lemonade from a straw adorned with a cute, warm illustration of Pompompurin by Yukako Ohde.

Exclusive Anniversary Novelty Gifts

Lunch Mat Design

Customers who dine at any of the three cafes during the anniversary celebration will receive a free lunch mat.

Coaster Designs

And those who order the lemonade will receive a coaster with designs illustrated by Yukako Ohde. The designs are different at each branch of the Pompompurin Cafe. You can also receive another special coaster if you spend over ¥1,000 each (tax included) at Pompompurin Cafe Umeda and KIDDY LAND Osaka Umeda. Simply show your receipts at the cafe.

©1996,2020 SANRIO CO., LTD. APPROVAL NO.S605291

Bread, Espresso & is a cafe chain with 17 branches in Japan, including Omotesando. The company is set to open an entirely new cafeーspecialising in Bread, Espresso &’s popular mū breadーcalled mūya on April 17, 2020 in Asakusa Mizumachi.

Bread, Espresso &: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/254815

Mizumachi is a new shopping centre also opening on April 17, 2020. It’s near Solamachi in Tokyo Skytree Town, and sits betwixt Kaminarimon and Tokyo Skytree.

mū

Mū is an original bread recipe baked up by Bread, Espresso & that’s made with lots of butter, giving it a rich taste. The word means “soft” in French. When you break a piece off the fluffy loaf, that rich buttery smell fills your nose.

inside the cafe

The mū loaf is a cube shape, and the interior of the shop has cube designs all over it.

Customers sit at tables with chairs that stack up like cubes – a unique and original design.

French toast

Mū is the main dish at mūya, which can be served as it is, as a sandwich, as French toast, or even in a parfait.

When you’re passing through Asakusa, be sure to pop into mūya to try the famous mū bread of Bread, Espresso &.

Due to high demand from customersーselling out their previous limited stock in February in this yearーNeko Neko Shokupan re-released its popular “Neko Neko Packs” once more on March 20, again with limited stock.

What’s inside the Neko Neko Pack?

Neko Neko Pack A & B – ¥1,000 Each (Before Tax) / Available: From March 20, 2020 while supplies last

Neko Neko Pack is available in two versions, A and B. Both contain one piece of cat-shaped bread, jam, and an original folder.

The texture of the jams differ between both versions: ‘A’ is smooth sweet bean paste while ‘B’ is mashed sweet bean paste. The specific bread that is included in the pack is not sold separatelyーyou need to buy yourself a full Neko Neko Pack.

Quality flavour guaranteed at Neko Neko Shokupan

The shop’s “shokupan,” a style of bread loaf, is made with 100% milk, giving it rich and milky flavour and moist, chewy flavour. No water is used for baking this bread, only milk, which is sourced from Hokkaido. It also contains honey, fresh cream, and butter to give it a sweet, melt-in-the-mouth taste.

Their cute arrangements of the bread are super popular

Kids and adults alike can enjoy eating at Neko Neko Shokupan with the many variations the bread can be served in, like face decorations with a chocolate pen. You can see lots of different original arrangements on Japanese social media like Instagram.

Neko Neko Shokupan’s kawaii, high-quality bread is a must-try, so be sure to visit your closest branch when visiting Japan.

If you’re looking to indulge yourself during your trip to Japan, and happen to be staying in Osaka, then Hotel New Otani Osaka’s pastry shop Patisserie SATSUKI has you covered with their new “Spring Truffle Toast” which is made with Bianchetto truffles. Only 5 servings are served per dayーand 10 on weekends and public holidays.

The arrival of Japan’s unprecedented bread boom

In recent years, Japan as a country has seen a boom in the baking and serving of bread. NOGAMI, a bread shop in Osaka, is credited with lighting the fire of the “shokupan” boom, a type of fluffy bread in Japan. This has resulted in many more shops opening selling shokupan. In spring 2017, Hotel New Otani Osaka decided it wanted the people of Kansai to buzz about high quality shokupan too, so it developed its French-inspired “Spring Truffle Toast.” Since releasing, the bread has continued to sell out, and if you don’t place an order for one you won’t be able to get your hands on it. Their tasty truffle toast has returned again this year.

Premium toast with loaded truffle

Spring Truffle Toast With Bianchetto Truffles – ¥1,500 Per Loaf (Before Tax)

The ambrosial Spring Truffle Toast lacks nothing when it comes to taste, texture, and smell. The ingredients used to make ordinary bread like eggs, milk, and butter aren’t used for the shop’s Spring Truffle Toast. Instead, strong flour, yeast, water, and finely chopped spring truffles are used. To bring out even more flavour, truffle butter, pure olive oil, and shortening is used.

The same goes for the crustーeggs and milk aren’t used like in ordinary bread. And to prevent the bread from drying out, more time and labour is put into kneading the dough. A lava pot is used to bake the dough. By using far infrared to heat it, it makes the finished bread nice and chewy.

The shop’s head chef wanted to ensure that the bread’s fragrant smell is preserved when you take the lid off, and so the entire loaf is lathered in truffle oil, which also gives it a moist taste.

The bread can be toasted and enjoyed on its own, and you’re guaranteed great flavour and smell, but you can take it to the next level by topping it with a fried egg or scrambled egg to create an extraordinary and filling meal.

These truffles can only be harvested in spring

Truffles are a delicacy in kitchens around the world. The types used for the Spring Truffle Toast are Bianchetto. They are a very popular traditional truffle of Italy and can only be harvested from mid-March to April. As a result, they are extremely rare in Japan, making the toast that much more special.

NTT Docomo’s anime streaming service dAnime Store conducted its latest online survey between February 21-28 this year to ask its users what their favourite anime is for numerous categories, such as the most “moe” series, for winter 2020. Over 71 million users got involved, and here’s what they voted for.

Most Moe Anime of Winter 2020

1st Place: BOFURI: I Don’t Want to Get Hurt, so I’ll Max Out My Defense.

Recommendation Comment: Out of all of the battle-themed anime series set in alternate-worlds and games that I have seen, I believe this one has a new and original character. That of course goes for her defensive power, but she’s also the strongest main character for somehow or other finding ‘good luck’ wherever she goes […] Her comrades find her fun and great, and support her with all they have, and they’re always lively too, so the series has given me a lot of smiles.

2nd Place: Asteroid in Love
3rd Place: Nekopara
4rd Place: Toilet-bound Hanako-kun
5th Place: Interspecies Reviewers

Most Fired-Up Anime of Winter 2020

1st Place: Haikyu!! TO THE TOP

Recommendation Comment: “It’s really cool to see high school students playing volleyball so earnestly, doing all they can to make sure the ball in front of them doesn’t fall. It’s an anime that gets to you and make you tear up. The lyrics of the opening and ending themes are great too, they really hit home. It’s like when I was doing club activities as a high school student; it’s such a great anime, it always makes me cry.”

2nd Place: A Certain Scientific Railgun T
3rd Place: Darwin’s Game
4th Place: BOFURI: I Don’t Want to Get Hurt, so I’ll Max Out My Defense.
5th Place: In/Spectre

Most Moving Anime of Winter 2020

1st Place: Somali and the Forest Spirit

Recommendation Comment: “The cheeky and ever curious Somali, and Golem, who doesn’t show his emotions. I felt warmth from them coming to understand each other on their trip with their unlikely parent and child relationship. The people they meet during their journey support them too. Somali is surrounded by kindness, so I thin she’ll grow into a good adult. I was deeply moved at the scene where Golem lies about his life span to Somali out of good will.”

2nd Place: Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World
3rd Place: Smile Down the Runway
4th Place: Haikyu!! TO THE TOP
5th Place: A Certain Scientific Railgun T

Most Comedic Anime of Winter 2020

1st Place: Interspecies Reviewers

Recommendation Comment: “It’s undeniable that this was the funniest anime this season for people. It proved that going off the scale of the outrageous makes for the ultimate comedy. Saying that, it wasn’t only just outrageous, and wasn’t only hilarious, and that’s what I would recommend about this show. I would also highlight how Stunk and company show the differences between each race in his reviews [and] the interactions between him and the characters […].”

2nd Place: BOFURI: I Don’t Want to Get Hurt, so I’ll Max Out My Defense.
3rd Place: Isekai Quartet 2
4th Place: Haikyu!! TO THE TOP

5th Place: Oda Cinnamon Nobunaga

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©古舘春一／集英社・「ハイキュー!!」製作委員会・MBS
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TOKYO BANANA WORLD released a new vegan-friendly almond caramel flavour of its popular Tokyo Banana sponge cakeーthe official souvenir sweet of Tokyoーat the TOKYO BANANA store on the JR side of Tokyo Station on March 15, 2020.

This is TOKYO BANANA’s first vegan-friendly sweet. It’s made from 100% plant-based ingredients while keeping 100% of the product’s delicious flavour. That includes almond milk, which is promoted for its health and beauty benefits, and delicious caramel.

TOKYO BANANA Almond Caramel Sandwiches – Box of 4: ¥680 (Tax Included) / Box of 8: ¥1,200 (Tax Included)

Other ingredients include beat sugar, which is made from beetroot, a subtle banana flavour, and crunchy roasted almonds, all wrapped together in a bite-size sponge cake.

The product is both vegan and vegetarian friendly, containing no eggs or dairy products.

This tasty snack is available only at TOKYO BANANA in Tokyo Station, so be sure to pop buy and pick some up if you’re travelling through there.

It’s been one year since AKOMEYA TOKYO in la kagū opened in Tokyo in March 2019, and to celebrate, the shopping centre is releasing lots of new products for guests to enjoy starting on April 8, 2020.

AKOMEYA TOKYO in la kagū, the flagship store of AKOMEYA TOKYO, is celebrating its 1st anniversary with a new bigger and better product line-up. At the end of 2019, the new AKOMEYA Shokudo restaurant opened, and AKOMEYA TOKYO in la kagū began selling fresh vegetables and introduced AKOMEYA TOKYO’s first line of Western-style clothing.

Floor 1F

AKOMEYA TOKYO in la kagū has upped its variation of food products, including a rice, vegetables, nuts, condiments, and more.

AKOMEYA Shokudo Kagurazaka to Open On April 1st

Seasonal Kobachizen – ¥2,200 (Before Tax)

Sweet and Sour Chicken & Vegetable Gozen – ¥1,500 (Before Tax)

The “Seasonal Kobachizen” is served with fresh white rice and a wide range of deliciously-made ingredients and condiments. There is also a line-up of classic Japanese food too available casually as self-service.

Desserts – From ¥700 (Before Tax)

Enjoy teatime too with AKOMEYA Shokudo Kagurazaka’s dessert line-up. It will be a great place to pop into if you’re strolling around Kagurazaka or doing some shopping.

*AKOMEYA Chubo will be open until March 29. It will close on March 30 and 31 for refurbishment before reopening on April 1 as AKOMEYA Shokudo.

More Details: https://www.akomeya.jp/shop/pg/1lakagukouji

Fragrant Smoked Food Products

Over 20 new smoked food products will be introduced made using special cooking methods. The cashew nuts, pistachios, spices, and coffee beans are smoked without any heat going into them before being smoked again inside a drum-shaped mixer to ensure every grain is coated. The soy sauces, oils, and dressings also have very tiny smoke bubbles in the liquid. Everything in the line-up is rich in smoky flavour

The Hive and Barrow’s Vegetables

The Hive and Barrow is a husband and wife company which moved from the United Kingdom to Chiba Prefecture in 2010. With no agricultural experience, they were able to clear land at a mountain and begin producing a wide variety of organic vegetables outdoors in nature. The eye-catching colours of their produce, as well as its rich smell, is proof of their love and dedication to grow incredible vegetables. They sell fresh veg everyday, as well as exquisite hummous, soup bases, pickles and more, all using their fresh produce.

Floor 2F

The second floor houses Japanese lifestyle products, with a fun line-up that encourages the enjoyment of picking something out.

Western-Style Clothing to Dress Up Your Day

The clothing line-up offered on the second floor of AKOMEYA TOKYO in la kagū is not tied down by trends. It’s a collection for when you want to look chic and polished offered by made-in-Japan brands that are dedicated when it comes to quality. The items are inspired to make you feel happy when you put them onーso find your favourite style.

Stocked Brands:
Alwel / ANSPINNEN / Catworth / dahl’ia / fruits of life / JOHN SMEDLEY / les Briqu’a braque / MANTERO / MATRIOCHIKA / NAPRON / R&D.M.Co- / Yarmo

Japanese Accessories

Enjoy a collection of brand accessories that boast tradition and craftsmanship from all across Japan. Each and every item is handmade with love and care by artisans, and without stereotypical designs in mind, so you can adorn yourself with originality.

Stocked Brands:

HARIO Lampwork Factory / NAGAE＋ / TRIPLE O

As part of the anniversary celebration, those who spend over ¥3,000 (tax included) at AKOMEYA TOKYO in la kagū from April 8 will receive a limited-edition tea towel. These are limited in stock and won’t be available once all are given out.

If you’ve never heard of the KAWAII MONSTER CAFE in Tokyo, then you’re going to want to visit by the time you see what they’re cooking up for spring.

This year, the cafeーwhich is based on the idea of customers being inside the stomach of a giant monster that’s eaten Harajuku wholeーis holding a spring fair entitled “KAWAII×Sakura×Easter 2020” which is running from March 13 to April 26. The menu line-up incorporates elements of Japanese spring with a colourful Harajuku twist, from Easter to cherry blossoms.

*Menu item names have been translated from Japanese

Colourful Pop Burger Cock-A-Doodle-Doo Monster – ¥1,680

This new chicken monster burger is stuffed full of delicious goodness, including sukiyaki.

Cherry Blossom Bloom Rice – ¥1,300

The year is 2020, and spring has arrived in Japan. This Earth-inspired blue rice has cherry blossom coloured cheese fondue dolloped on top of it which is sat on a bed of black curry. The spicy curry has delicious burnt caramel inside it.

Tropical Bibimbap – ¥1,200

Bibimbap, the soul food of South Korea. This colourful version is topped with edible flowers and cherry blossom wheat-gluten bread, giving it that springtime feeling. The specially-made monster furikake gives the dish a real spicy kick.

UFO Doughnut Pancakes – ¥1,200

These chewy in-house made doughnuts are filled fat with strawberries, mikan, lemon mousse, and strawberry ice cream. Doughnut pancakes are the latest gourmet indulgence in Harajuku.

Sakura Mousse Piyo Piyo Cake – ¥980

Aka-chan is the name of this newborn monster chick, whose cute face is made from cherry blossom mousse.

Pastel Easter Sakura Rabbit Parfait – ¥2,400

Wearing a cute pointy hat and a colourful dress, this sakura Easter bunny is caked in strawberry, orange, and melon flavoured cream, strawberry ice cream, panna cotta, Japanese pudding, fresh strawberries, and raspberry sauce.

A trip to Harajuku this spring isn’t complete without a visit to the KAWAII MONSTER CAFE, so don’t miss out on their spring fair.