Japanese convenience store chain FamilyMart released cream cheese-filled obanyaki branded with Moomin characters on August 4 in celebration of “Moomin’s Day” which falls on August 9.

Moomin Mochitto Cheese | ¥138 (Tax Included)

The Moomins are the main characters of Tove Jansson’s series of books and comic strips. August 9 is the birthday of the author, and so this date has become known as “Moomin’s Day” amongst fans of the series.

Obanyaki are a type of imagawayaki which are like waffles and are filled with various ingredients, the most popular being red bean paste which can often be found at festivals in Japan. These chewy Moomin obanyaku however are filled with cream cheese and are stamped with the familiar faces of Moominvalley including the titular characters, Snufkin, Little My, and the Hattifatteners.

What better way to celebrate Moomin’s Day than with a delicious treat? If you’re in Japan this summer, head to your closest FamilyMart.

©Moomin Characters™

Bandai Candy’s character-inspired Japanese confectionery series Tabemas released a new batch of Minion-themed Japanese wagashi confections at Lawson convenience stores in Japan (excluding Lawson Store 100 branches) on August 4, 2020.

‘Tabemas’ is an abbreviation of the Japanese words taberareru masukotto, meaning ‘mascots that you can eat.’ It is a Japanese confectionery series that combines well-known characters and Japanese sweets made from ingredients like red bean paste, sugar and rice flour.

Tabemas Minions | ¥264 (Before Tax)

The line-up includes familiar faces from the Despicable Me and Minions films, namely the childish Bob, Stuart—who loves a prank—and Kevin who has a leader presence about him. The confections feature all the little details for each character, from the goggles and hair to the colouring.

Each character has its own delicious bean paste flavouring too: Bob is banana flavoured (his favourote), Stuart is strawberry, and Kevin is chocolate. Which do you want to try the most?

© Universal City Studios LLC. All Rights Reserved.

The Rolling Girls is an anime series produced by Wit Studio that aired in 2015. In celebration of the 5th anniversary of the girly, road movie-like series, the anime will be released in a special Blu-ray box in Japan on December 16, 2020.

The 5-year milestone will also be celebrated with an exhibition at Space Caiman in Tokyo from September 18 to 21. There will be illustrations and messages posted up from the anime’s production staff, including the director Kotomi Deai, screenwriter Yasuyuki Muto, character designer tanu, and character setter Katsuhiko Kitada, and as well as the Mob themselves—the four main characters.

The event will be one no fan will want to miss out on as staff and fans come together to express their love for the series.

A special display will also be set up which will showcase drafts and production materials from when the anime was being produced.

This includes character illustrations, image boards, character settings, original works, background art, and more. Fans can also get their hands on some exclusive 5th anniversary merchandise too.

©2015 The Rolling Girls Production Committee製作委員会

Starbucks Coffee Japan opened a new branch at CIRCLES Ginza on July 30, 2020 that will serve as a dream location for business people.

The dream coffee shop, split into two floors, offers a unique environment and service created in collaboration with Think Lab. Rather than your regular, more public Starbucks, this branch also lets customers reserve booths and meeting spaces. This includes the SMART LOUNGE™ aimed at business users, as well as solo working spaces by Think Lab.

Starbucks Coffee CIRCLES Ginza caters to both solo workers and co-workers, giving them a space to think and concentrate alone, or come together in groups to exchange ideas. Booths offer a place to host online meetings, the SMART LOUNGE lets groups arrange chairs and tables however they like, and the Think Lab—which you pay an extra fee to use—is the perfect spot for some quiet contemplation.

1st Floor: Quick TOGO experience

The first floor is for people who aren’t looking to stay at the cafe long. They are looking for a quicker experience where they can order their Starbucks drink and food and head on out. The cafe offers cashless payments, which is notable as Japan is still very much a cash-based country, as well as the Starbucks mobile order and pay service where you pick what you want on your phone and then go and pick it up.

2nd Floor: A place where you can focus

Reserve a booth for video calls and more

There are four individual half-booths which can be reserved, each of which have a screen for video calls and online meetings. These can be used for 40 minutes and can be booked in advance. The booking system was co-developed by Starbucks and Vacan.

Tables for in-person group meetings

The window tables offer a place for meetings, discussions, and business negotiations for 2-12 people. It’s a relaxing area where workers and clients can chat freely.

解放される“ひとり”のためのパーソナル空間

For those who want to work along, Starbucks has created a spacious area with individual booths where you don’t have to meet eyes or be bothered by other people.

If you’re working in Tokyo, and need a business-oriented location where you can enjoy a coffee, then look no further than Starbucks Coffee CIRCLES Ginza.

sequence MIYASHITA PARK is a new mixed-use hotel set to open inside MIYASHITA PARK on August 1, 2020.

sequence’s concept is to connect the people with the city. It offers a space for everyone whether they want a quiet time alone, whether they are sightseeing, having a work-do, celebrating a party or festival, and more. This is centred around the hotel’s three notions: “SMART,” “OPEN,” and “CULTURE.”

The hotel is inspired by the local concept of “PARK MIND” which offers guests a place to relax after a long, busy day, like in a park. It has collaborated with Tokyo-based designers and creators to bring this to life in room designs. Furniture and fittings are simple while still being of high quality.

The fourth floor entrance connects seamlessly to Miyashita Park and is home to a lobby lounge as well as the new VALLEY PARK STAND cafe and bar. Up on the fifth floor is the breakfast dining restaurant Dōngxī Restaurant & Sakaba. Up on the 18th floor, guests can enjoy a panoramic view of Shibuya, as well as dine at the entertainment restaurant SOAK whose design and concept mixes together history and the future, the West and the East. There is also art from artists coordinated by The Chain Museum.

IKEA Japan is launching IKEA’s first apparel and merchandise brand to feature the company’s logo. Named “EFTERTRÄDA,” pre-sales for the collection will take place at IKEA Harajuku on July 31. General sales will then begin at IKEA stores across Japan and on IKEA Japan’s official website on August 7.

The EFTERTRÄDA collection is made in Japan and takes inspiration from Tokyo culture. A special lookbook was created featuring young people who live in Tokyo wearing the collection. They were asked to focus on how they present themselves in their own homes. Each photo is a look into their private lives.

IKEA T-shirt

IKEA Hoodie

The lookbook of these five Tokyoites was shot in partnership with IKEA Harajuku to commemorate the store’s opening. This includes Japan’s most popular virtual model Imma.

IKEA Bag

IKEA Umbrella (White)

The EFTERTRÄDA simple yet stylish collection includes ten pieces of apparel and goods branded with IKEA’s official logo, such as the T-shirt, hoodie, towel, umbrella, water bottle, and more.

The collection is one to add to your wardrobe, so when visiting Tokyo, be sure to head on into IKEA to get your hands on it.

RIVERSIDE CLUB officially opened on the first floor of “THE WORKS” along Meguro River in Tokyo on July 17, 2020. An all-day lounge which can be enjoyed from breakfast to dinner, its concept is a fusion of food, art, and music cultures which it calls “GOOD CULTURE SALON.”

RIVERSIDE CLUB boasts an incredible menu forged by chefs at the forefront of Tokyo’s food culture. Meals can be enjoyed while gazing at the various artwork on display, and customers can look forward to seeing collaborations with numerous apparel brands. It’s a unique space designed by adults for adults, the likes of which has never been seen before.

Comfort food is at the heart of RIVERSIDE CLUB’s menu design which they have cooked up using their own unique vision.

For breakfast, customers can enjoy a healthy smoothie made from a blend of kale, pineapple, kiwi and avocado. If they’re looking for something more classic, they can order the avocado toast served with bacon and eggs, or cold-pressed juice by SUNSHINE JUICE which hails as Japan’s first shop specialising in cold-pressed juice. The thought behind the morning menu is making sure to get both a tasty and nutritional meal down customers even if they’re in a rush.

If customers are looking for something a bit more hearty in the morning then they can check out the all-day menu where they’ll find the lounge’s fat and juicy 100% beef “RIVERSIDE BURGER.” There’s also the “Lemon Rice” provided by LEMON RICE TOKYO, a popular Shibuya-based restaurant owned by Yuhi Komiyama, the vocalist of Hoff Dylan and known as the gourmet chef of the music industry. Everything on the menu is made with Tokyo’s food culture in mind, and if you’re looking for something very Tokyo-esque, then there’s the “Hamburger Naporitan,” a bed of spaghetti topped with a hamburger.

Popular foods from NAKAMURA GENERAL STORE will also be served, such as scones, carrot cake, apple crumble, lemon pie, and more. NAKAMURA GENERAL STORE is a popular Hawaiian bakery which was originally in charge of pastries served at Diamond Head Market & Grill, which is famous for its Hawaiian lunches and scones, but subsequently opened its own store in Kyoto and became so popular that it often sells out its stock by evening time. Coffee made using specially selected coffee beans provided by Minami-Aoyama-based coffee rosters will also be served and goes perfectly with NAKAMURA GENERAL STORE’s food. Customers will be able to order their own coffees or buy their own bag of beans to take home.

RIVERSIDE CLUB has collaborated with numerous artists for graphics on show there. Their logo was created by “& Supply,” a Tokyo-based creative studio. Various artwork will be displayed, including a photograph of Lady Gaga taken by Nobuyoshi Araki for a bondage-themed photoshoot in Vogue Hommes Japan. Pieces by LEEGET, who creates graphics and illustrations, will also be displayed. RIVERSIDE CLUB will continue to serve its “GOOD CULTURE SALON” theme by promoting more artwork in the future.

RIVERSIDE CLUB also allows pets, so customers can enjoy a quiet time with their furry comrades. Pets will get their own pet-friendly menu, toys, and more in the future.

Nestlé Japan is opening a new branch of KitKat Chocolatory inside Shibuya’s new shopping mall Miyashita Park on August 4, 2020.

KitKat Chocolatory is a direct-to-consumer chain, serving premium, handcrafted KitKats made with top quality ingredients and production methods under full direction by Takagi Yasumasa―the owner and chef of LE PATISSIER TAKAGI. Its product line-up features a range perfect as gifts to friends, family and co-workers, or as a treat to yourself.

Japan is home to eight KitKat Chocolatory branches. The new Miyashita Park Shibuya branch will open as the fourth in Tokyo, as well as the first where you can create your own KitKat products.

My KITKAT: ¥2,000 (Before Tax)

“My KITKAT” comes as the world’s first KitKat service where consumers can create their own original chocolate bars.

KitKat Waffle: ¥1,000 (Before Tax)

KitKat Chocolatory Sublime Soft Cream: ¥630 (Before Tax)

KitKat Chocolatory Miyashita Park Shibuya will also sell a variety of unique and exclusive KitKat desserts, like luxurious soft serve ice cream topped with couverture chocolate. It will also offer a cafe menu created by Nespresso, where customers can pair Chocolatory desserts with seasonal coffee menus, and more.

Shibuya-esque wall art will decorate the interior of the shop, making for plenty of photo opportunities.

Eight shops inside Laforet Harajuku are participating in the shopping mall’s midsummer takeout dessert event which is taking place from August 1 to 31. This includes the new milk dessert shop “MILK MILK MILK” which opened as the first branch in Japan on July 17 this year. Desserts and merchandise of Sanrio’s popular character Cinnamoroll, who won this year’s 2020 Sanrio Character Ranking, will also be sold.

café de paris | Floor B1F

Many Many Fruits Sandwich: Mango ¥626 / Green Grape ¥561 (Tax Included)　*Takeout only

Fresh fruit is packed onto these adorable looking sweet sandwiches.

CAFE CREPE | Floor 1F

Honey Summer Orange: ¥730 (Tax Included)　*Takeout only

Another cute summer dessert finished with swirls of fresh cream, fresh orange, and a round dollop of ginger ice cream.

MILK MILK MILK! | Floor 2F

Milk Bottle Smoothie: ¥880 (Tax Included)　*Takeout and have-in

Served in a cute milk bottle, what better way to cool down than with a cool strawberry smoothie?

Cinnamoroll Milk Pudding: ¥1,078 (Tax Included)　*Takeout and have-in

Cinnamoroll Sky Beaker Parfait: ¥1,048 (Tax Included)　*Have-in only

There are two tasty Cinnamoroll desserts to choose from, including the milk pudding made with Hokkaido milk and a parfait with a gradient or jelly and chocolate mint ice cream, topped with mint, and served in a beaker.

© 2001,2020 SANRIO.,CO.LTD. APPROVAL NO.S610695

The rainy season in Japan, known as Tsuyu, is finally coming to a close, which means the real summer is right around the corner. And what better way to stay cool in Japan during the summertime than with a glass of coo, refreshing cream soda?

We’ve compiled a list of 4 must-try cream sodas in Kyoto recommended by Tiara on Instagram, who posts photos on her Instagram of drinks and desserts she tries around the Kanto region of Japan, and who has kindly provided us with photos on this occasion too.

and C Kyoto | Kita-ku

Yellow Cream Soda / White Cream Soda / Red Cream Soda / Blue Cream Soda

and C Kyoto is a stylish bar, cafe, and second hand clothes store located right by Hirano Shrine. They serve four different colours of their cream soda which look super cute when lined up in a row.

and C Kyoto
Address: 30 Hirano Kamihatchōyanagichō, Kita-ku, Kyoto
Opening Hours: 12:00-23:00
Closed: Tuesdays
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andc102/

BABBI GELATERIA KYOTO | Gion Shijo

Mango Passion / Classic Blue / Amaou Strawberry

BABBI GELATERIA KYOTO is located along the Kamo River and is famous for its gelato. They also sell some super refreshing cream sodas topped with their tasty gelato.

BABBI GELATERIA KYOTO
Address: 134 Saitocho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto
Opening Hours: 13:00-20:00 (Temporary hours due to COVID-19)
TEL: 075-585-5200
Official Website: http://www.babbi.co.jp/showcase/gelateria-kyoto/

Kissa Zou | Imadegawa

Pudding a la Mode / Lemon Squash & Elephant Cookie

This cute cream soda comes with an elephant-shaped cookie. The custard pudding has a rich eggy flavour.

Kissa Zou
Address: 440-3 Santeichō, Kamigyō-ku, Kyoto
Opening Hours: 10:00-18:00 (Last Orders 17:00)
No Fixed Holidays
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kissa_zou/

Bread, Espresso & Arashiyama Garden | Arashiyama

Cherry Blossom Cream Soda

This old cafe is renovated from an old family estate which was built at the end of the Edo Period and is designated as a cultural property of Kyoto. This beautiful cafe coincides with the gardens and has gorgeous thatched roofing.

Bread, Espresso & Arashiyama Garden
Address: 45-15 Sagatenryuji Susukinobabacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto
Opening Hours: 10:00-18:00 (Last Orders 17:00)
TEL 075-432-7940
Official Website: https://bread-espresso.jp

Tiara has lots of other delicious dessert recommendations over on her Instagram, so be sure to follow her if you’re travelling in the Kansai region and are in need of a sweet treat.

Original Text & Photo: ＠happy_pinkrose_tiara

Translation: Joshua Kitosi-Isanga

*The information about the items on this list are correct at the time of publishing. For the latest information, please visit each cafe’s official websites and social media pages.

Everybody’s favourite sister quintuplet is set to roll up to an all-new, revamped exhibition this summer. The Quintessential Quintuplets Exhibition MAKEOVER will take place at Tokyo’s Sunshine City World Import Mart Bulding in Ikebukuro from August 15 to 30 and subsequently Osaka’s Nanko ATC Museum from November 26 to December 6.

The exhibition is taking place to promote the upcoming season season of The Quintessential Quintuplets and will feature a whole new merchandise line-up, new displays, and more. Series creator Negi Haruba has also illustrated a new visual for the exhibition.

The Quintessential Quintuplets is a manga series written and illustrated by Negi Haruba. The story follows high school student Futaro Uesugi who becomes a private tutor for the sisters of the wealthy Nakano family, all of whom have no interest in study or grades. It’s up to Futaro to change their minds.

A second season of the anime series is set to air in January 2021. A mobile game is also in the works. The game is a romance comedy puzzle game whereby the player deepens their bonds with the five sisters. Players take the role of the series protagonist Futaro through an original story with new voice acting recorded for the game.

©Negi Haruba・Kodansha

The Pokémon Cafe in Ikebukuro, Tokyo is introducing some refreshing Pikachu sweet treats  to its menu this summer, beginning on August 1.

Pikachu Pineapple Ice Bar | ¥650 (Before Tax)

First up on the is the tropical pineapple flavoured ice bar which comes with four different variations of Pikachu’s adorable face. There’s also two different packaging designs which come in blue or pink.

Pikachu Tail Chocolate Banana Frappe | ¥700 (Before Tax)

Drink Sleeve | ¥550 (Before Tax)

For drinks, the Pokémon Cafe is serving up a chocolate banana frappe topped with Pikachu’s tail made from chocolate. The drink comes with a free sleeve of Pikachu’s chubby face.

© 2020 Pokémon.©1995-2020 Nintendo/Creatures Inc./GAME FREAK inc.