To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Chibi Maruko-chan anime series, Tower Records Cafe in Omotesando is collaborating with the franchise to turn its establishment into all things Maruko-chan for a limited time from September 5 to 29. Also, 22 branches of Tower Records as well as the Tower Records online store will sell collaborative merchandise.

Maruko-chan’s Hamburger Plate – ¥1,500

The hamburger plate will be served throughout the entire collaboration. Hamburgers are Maruko-chan’s favourite meal, and this one is served with vegetables and a rice ball with her adorable face on it.

 

The collaboration will be split into two different periods with different food and merchandise line-ups. The food in the second period has yet to be unveiled, so we will take a look at some of the things for the first period.

 

Collaboration Period ①

Nagasawa-kun’s Onion Soup Pasta – ¥1,500

Served with a whole onion, this soup seeped vongole pasta is inspired by the onion-head himself Nagasawa-kun.

Chi Chicken Sandwich – ¥1,500

This dish is  inspired by the scene in the anime series when Maruko fights with her sister over who gets to have a notebook as there is only one of them. When her sister claims ownership, Maruko proceeds to write “idiot” on the front cover while she’s asleep and slips it back onto her bookshelf. This tuna mayo packed sandwich comes with a sandwich bag featuring the design of the notebook.

Noguchi-san’s Birthday Cake – ¥1,200

Celebrate Noguchi-san’s birthday (September 9) with this very special blueberry and milk crepe birthday cake.

30th Anniversary Melon Soda Float – ¥800

Topped with a dollop of ice cream and a cherry, the melon soda comes with a special 30th anniversary straw tag.

Chibi Maruko-chan Lattes – ¥700

The character lattes will have different character designs for each period as pictured above with the top row being the first collaboration and the bottom the second.

For every menu item ordered, customers will receive a random postcard. The postcards above feature the designs from the first collaboration period.

And the ones above here are those in the second.

And if you order a set of three items (food, drink and dessert), you’ll receive an exclusive lunch mat. All of these items are first-come, first-served so you’ll want to get to the cafe ASAP when it opens.

The exclusive merchandise takes on a music theme with original designs, from a towel to a tote bag and more.

Three t-shirts and a hoodie will also be sold exclusively at Tower Records Shibuya, Tower Records Shinjuku, Tower Records Cafe Omotesando, and the Tower Records online store.

 

Full information can be found on the official website below.

 

*All prices are tax-inclusive. Photos are for illustrative purposes only.

*Please enquire with shop staff about any food allergies.

ⒸSakura Production/Nippon Animation

The Hatsune Miku Music Cafe is set to return for the third time this month. It will open in Akihabara, Tokyo on August 23 and in Hakata, Fukuoka on August 28.

 

The music cafe will be supported by VOCALOID music label KARENT. VOCALOID fans can look forward to dining while listening to music from their favourite characters―Miku, Luka, Rin, Len, MEIKO and KAITO―on high quality speakers and giant monitors.

Customers are able to request songs be played by picking from the record shelf. The huge discography will include the cafe’s official theme song and music video Jazz Chorus no Natsu Takenawa which is written and composed by buzzG.

 

Fans can look forward to character-inspired food and drinks and can get their hands on a range of exclusive merchandise with designs illustrated by Kisaragi Yuu.

And if you gather enough stamps on your stamp card―one per visit―you’ll be able to get priority access to a DJ event on October 6.

 

Merch

Leek Bag – ¥1,500 (Tax Included)

Multi Pouch (6 Designs) – ¥2,800 (Tax Included)

 

Food Menu

Miku’s Leek Record Curry – ¥1,200 (Tax Included)

“Jazz Chorus no Natsu Takenawa” Summer Sky Jelly From the Starry Heavens – ¥600 (Tax Included)

 

When ordering something from the food menu you can receive one of 18 possible mini acrylic stands, chosen randomly.

 

Drinks Menu

Rin & Len’s Yellow Mango Milk – ¥750 (Tax Included)

Luka’s Pink Peach Soda – ¥750 (Tax Included)

 

There’s lots more merchandise, food and drinks as well as this too. You can see the full line-up on the official website.

 

© Crypton Future Media, INC. www.piapro.net

*The rate of consumption tax is set to increase from 8% to 10% in Japan from October 1, 2019 and so the prices listed here will increase
*Photos are for illustrative purposes only

The Pokémon Cafe in Nihonbashi, Tokyo has revealed its Halloween food and drink line-up for the spooky season which will arrive early on September 7 be served until October 31.

 

The cafe is known for always having a cute selection of meals and beverages inspired by each season. So, what do they have in store for Halloween 2019?

Pikachu’s Greedy Halloween Plate 2019 – ¥1,706 (w/ Plate ¥2,894)

This year’s Halloween plate features Pikachu wearing a witch’s hat. This filling plate features a pumpkin salad, spaghetti and more. Plenty to keep you going until the late-night candy snacking!

Discovering Celebi!? Oak Forest Pesto Pasta – ¥1,706

This adorable and healthy, vegetable-packed Celebi dish includes basil flavoured short pasta and a cute.

Zorua’s Halloween Roast Beef Burger – ¥1,706

This hearty burger is packed with a generous serving of roast beef. You’d best not leave a crumb or Zorua might play a trick on you!

When ordering a drink at the cafe you’ll receive one of six possible coasters. One of the designs is being kept a secret!

And for the duration of the Halloween event, there’s also a limited-edition lunch mat and clear coaster to get your hands on. These are limited in stock so you’ll want to catch ’em all quickly! And don’t forget, you have to book a table in advance to dine at the Pokémon Cafe.

 

© 2019 Pokémon.©1995-2019 Nintendo/Creatures Inc./GAME FREAK inc.

Pokémon, ポケットモンスター and ポケモン are registered trademarks of Nintendo, Creatures Inc. and GAME FREAK inc.

Sanrio has announced that it will release six hats with moving ears inspired by six of its characters at Sanrio stores, its online store, and shops stocking Sanrio goods in Japan on August 21.

 

The hats move by using an air pump that you pump with your fingers. Look adorable at events, on your Instagram story posts and pretty much anywhere by choosing from one of the six characters: Hello Kitty, My Melody, Pompompurin, Cinnamoroll, Kuromi and Pochacco.

The hats are fluffy, comfortable to wear, and of course make you look kawaii as you walk along with the ears bouncing up and down. The hats are also one size fits all and so can be worn by both kids and grown-ups!

 

©️1976, 1989, 1996, 2001, 2005, 2019 SANRIO CO., LTD.

As part of the ongoing Gundam vs. Hello Kitty project, Sanrio is releasing a new collection of chess design merchandise and other merchandise themed on both franchises at Sanrio stores across Japan, as well as its online store and in selection shops stocking Sanrio merchandise on August 17 (and August 21 for the online store).

 

Let’s take a look at just some of the items up for grabs.

Gundam vs. Hello Kitty T-Shirts (M/L) – ¥3,456 Each (Tax Included)

Gundam vs. Hello Kitty Face Towels – ¥1,944 Each (Tax Included)

Gundam Mug – ¥1,620 (Tax Included)

Hello Kitty Mug – ¥1,620 (Tax Included)

For the 7th round of the project, fans of Hello Kitty and Gundam are encouraged to take a photo of any of the chess design items they have purchased and post it on Twitter.

If you are team Hello Kitty then you must post with the hashtag #キティチェックメイト (“Kitty Checkmate”) and if you are team Gundam then post with #ガンダムチェックメイト (“Gundam Checkmate”). This hashtag campaign will begin on August 17 and end on September 16. The character with the most number of posts will be crowned as the winner of Round 7. Additionally, one random participant from both teams will be selected to win a complete set of the chess design merchandise which includes the t-shirts and both mugs.

 

Pick your team, get the goods and get voting!

 

©Sotsu・Sunrise　©’76, ’19 SANRIO

Six branches of CAFFÈ & BAR PRONTO in Japan are set to collaborate with the ongoing yaoi anime series Given from September 13 to 23.

The theme of the collaboration is “After Band Practice.” The cafes will serve up food inspired by the series as well as sell exclusive merchandise. The voice actors for the four main characters also recorded lines for the cafes which will play during your time there.

 

Fans who book a table in advance, whether as part of the pre-sale booking or ordinary booking, will receive one of two voice recorded mail reminders for their digital device. Chosen randomly, it will either be from Mafuyu and Ritsuka or Haruki and Akihiko.

Bright Red Tomato Pasta – ¥1,296 (Tax Included)

Pancake Of The Day – ¥1,296 (Tax Included) *Served during performances only

Hot Cafe Latte – ¥864 (Tax Included)

Acrylic Muddler (4 Designs, Chosen Randomly) – ¥864 Each (Tax Included)

Acrylic Glass Key Ring (4 Designs, Chosen Randomly) – ¥864 Each (Tax Included)

 

Pre-sales for tables and merchandise are now available over at Enter Bell until August 20.

 

©︎Natsuki Kizu・Shinshokan / Given Production Committee

Sanrio has announced that it will release 24 pieces of merchandise on August 15 in support of the sports season from summer to autumn. The items feature the Sanrio characters donning their sports gear and include megaphones, charms, bags, and more.

There are many sports events happening right now, and the Sanrio cast are here to help you cheer on your favourite teams: Hello Kitty, My Melody, Pocchaco, Pompompurin, Cinnamoroll, and Kuromi.

The megaphones are a must-have, featuring cute plush toy attachments of the characters which can be used at events like a vuvuzela.

Keep your things safe with one of six “Mascot Holder” bags with each character donning different sportswear: table tennis for Hello Kitty, Tennis for My Melody, Rugby for Pompompurin, baseball for Cinnamoroll, soccer for Kuromi, and basketball for Pochacco.

And for good luck, grab one of the lucky charms which have a gold medal and message inside them. Attach them to your phone or keep them in  your pocket!

 

©’13, ‘19 SANRIO S/D・G

The third run of the Fate/Grand Order themed cafe, with designs produced by Sanrio, will take place at OMOTESANDO BOX CAFE&SPACE from September 5 to 29.

 

Fate/Grand Order is a popular online free-to-play RPG developed by Delightworks for smartphones and is based on the Fate/stay night franchise by Type-Moon. The story has continued to evolve since its released in July 2015, and as of July 2019, it has been downloaded more than 1.7 million times. A TV anime adaptation is slated for release in October 2019 and an anime film is in production for 2020.

This marks the third opening of this limited-time cafe, the previous two having taken place in December 2017 and August 2018 respectively. This year sees the introduction of new Servants as well as an all-new menu with the theme “Autumn tea room.” Exclusive merchandise featuring designs of the Servants will also be available for fans to pick up.

When you book a table in advance (¥650 before tax per person) and order from the menu you’ll receive one of the above possible 16 lunch mats.

And if you order a drink you’ll get one of the 16 coasters. You’ll get one of either piece of this original merchandise per item you order from the menu.

 

Menu Line-Up

Master & Mash Snow Field Meatballs – ¥1,490

This dish is piled with filling sauteed meatballs and mushrooms. The cream sauce is made to look like a snowy field. It’s served with a side of jam for a succulent sweet and sour kick.

Romani & Vinci Waffle Sandwiches – ¥1,590

Waffles turned from desserts into a real meal, packed plump with chicken and cheese and served with a side of fries.

Gilgamesh & Merlin Afternoon Tea Set – ¥1,690

This gorgeous assortment of finger food includes cute cupcakes topped with Gilgamesh and Merlin. Enjoy together with a nice cup of tea.

Brynhildr & Sigurd Croquembouche Parfait – ¥1,390

Croquembouche is often served at weddings in Italy at France. Here, it has been turned into an easy-to-eat parfait. It’s topped with salt ice cream, yogurt mousse and more, all in refreshing colours.

Fruit Tea (5 Flavours) – ¥790 Each (Male Master / Female Master / Mash / Romani / Da Vinci)

Matcha Milk Float (3 Flavours) – ¥790 Each (Okita / Ryoma / Izo)

 

 

Original Merchandise

Acrylic Key Rings (16 Designs – Chosen Randomly) – ¥650

Folder Set of 2 – ¥750

 

 

There are even more items on the menu as well as merchandise to look forward to at the cafe. Head to Omotesando and enjoy a beautiful autumn with the Servants!

 

 © TYPE-MOON / FGO PROJECT

*All prices listed are pre-tax. Photos are for illustrative purposes only.

Character cafés are an exciting experience in Japan which sees a café collaborate with well-known anime series, game series or other franchise 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 June 2019 list of character cafés as some of them are still running!

 

 

Sanrio x Ichigo Shimbun Collaboration – Ichigo Shimbun Dinder (July 11-September 30)

Ichigo Shimbun is a monthly magazine published by Sanrio which includes information about the latest character merchandise and much more. Sanrio has opened a café themed on their magazine at EGG & SPUMA which located on the 8th floor of Shinjuku Lumine EST. “Vacation” is the theme of the café where Sanrio fans can enjoy a summery food menu. Enjoy a fun summer together with the Sanrio characters♡

 

Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/230790

 

▼Ichigo Shimbun Diner
Location: EGG & SPUMA, Shinjuku Lumine EST Floor 8F, 3-38-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo
Running: July 11, 2019 – September 30, 2019
Business 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/

 

AAA CITY SUMMER PARTY – AAA Cafés in Tokyo & Osaka (July 19-September 1)

AAA’s collaborative café is themed on midsummer city pop. Their seasonal menu features drinks, desserts and more inspired by each respective colour of the group members. If you dine at the café you’ll get yourself a special lunch mat, and if you order a drink, you’ll get an original drink coaster. There’s plenty of other exclusive AAA café merchandise too, so if you’re a fan of the pop group then this is one you won’t want to miss out on this summer!

 

▼AAA CITY SUMMER PARTY

Running

Omotesando (Tokyo): July 19, 2019 – September 1, 2019

Shinsaibashi (Osaka): July 19, 2019 – September 1, 2019

 

Location

Tokyo: OMOTESANDO BOX CAFE&SPACE (Pine Under Flat B1F, 5-13-2 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo)

Osaka: Shinsaibashi contact (1-6-24 Kita-Horie, Nishi Ward, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture)

 

Reservations

・Table reservations for August 1 to September 1 opened on July 12 at 18:00 (JST)

・Reservation Price: ¥650 (Before Tax) *Comes with bonus merchandise

AAA CITY SUMMER PARTY Official Website: https://aaa-cafe-2019.jp

AAA Official Website: https://avex.jp/aaa/

 

Bonobono & Pompompurin’s First Ever Café Collaboration (July 11-September 1)

The Harajuku, Umeda and Yokohama branches of the Pompompurin Café have teamed up with the beloved anime character Bonobono to release four menu items themed on playing together at the beach.

 

Both Bonobono and Pompompurin fans alike won’t be able to resist the cute and delicious dishes being served at the cafes this summer.

 

Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/231395

 

▼Pompompurin Café Harajuku

Address: CUTE CUBE HARAJUKU 3F, 1-7-1 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo

Opening Hours: 11:00-21:00 (Food Last Orders 20:00 / Drinks Last Orders 20:30)

Pompompurin Café Umeda
Address: Hankyu Sanbangai South Wing B2F, 1-1-3 Shibata, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi
Opening Hours: Weekdays 11:00-22:00 (Last Orders 21:30) / Weekends & Holidays 10:00-22:00 (Last Orders 21:30)

Pompompurin Café Yokohama

Address: Yokohama Sotetsu Square, 2-1-5 Minamisaiwai, Nishi-ku, Yokohama-shi

Opening Hours: 10:00-21:00 (Last Orders 20:30)

 

Bonobono Official Website: http://www.bonoanime.jp/

Pompompurin Café Official Website: http://pompom.createrestaurants.com

©Mikio Igarashi /Takeshobo, Fuji TV, Eiken © 1996, 2019 SANRIO CO., LTD. APPROVAL NO.S601363

 

Astronaut Snoopy Soars Up Tokyo Skytree (July 18-October 14)

Tokyo Skytree is now holding the FIRST BEAGLE IN SKYTREE® event in collaboration with the astronaut version of Snoopy which appeared in the original comic 50 years ago.

 

Every astronaut needs a good meal to keep them going. Head to the SKYTREE CAFE on the Tembo Deck on floor 340F and enjoy a selection of themed desserts, drinks and more. Astronaut Snoopy decorations line the cafe where you can get limited-edition novelties too. Soar into and learn all about space this summer with your pal Snoopy♡

 

Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/232293

 

▼FIRST BEAGLE IN SKYTREE®

Running: July 18, 2019 – October 14, 2019

Location: Tokyo Skytree Tembo Deck and Tembo Galleria

*A separate fee must be paid to to enter the Tokyo Skytree Tembo Galleria

Tokyo Skytree Official Website: http://www.tokyo-skytree.jp/en/

Snoopy Japan Website: http://www.snoopy.co.jp/

©2019 Peanuts Worldwide LLC

©TOKYO-SKYTREE

 

Gaspard & Lisa x Afternoon Tea TEAROOM (July 25-August 28)

The Koshigaya Laketown kaze, LaLaport Yokohama, Terrace Mall Shonan, and Nagoya LACHIC branches of the Afternoon Tea TEAROOM have joined hands with the French picture book series Gaspard and Lisa to celebrate its 20th anniversary.

 

The tea shops have been decorated with a special Gaspard and Lisa theme. There are photo spots at each cafe, and in the Nagoya LACHIC branch there is even a book corner with 20 books from the series. This is the perfect place to enjoy a special summer meal with your family, so don’t miss out!

 

Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/233786

 

▼Lisa and Gaspard Collaboration

Running: July 25, 2019 – August 28, 2019

Afternoon Tea Official Website: https://www.afternoon-tea.net/

Lisa and Gaspard Official Website: http://www.lisagas.jp/

©2019 Anne Gutman & Georg Hallensleben / Hachette Livre

 

Koupen-chan Café in Shinjuku & Shinsaibashi (August 8-September 23)

The baby emperor penguin Koupen-chan, who is often the go-to sticker for many Twitter and LINE users in Japan, is illustrated by the well-known RURUTEA. Many of these social media users turn to the relaxing, soft and cuddly penguin to send soothing words of encouragement and a fuzzy hug to their loved ones. No wonder our adorable penguin has over 300,000 followers on Twitter.

 

The café returns from 2017 with a refreshed image which plunges deeper into the depths of Koupen chan’s affectionate world. There are even more features packed into this year’s collaboration menu. No matter what you order, your table will be overflowing with adorable penguin love.

 

Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/241560

 

▼Koupen-chan Café 2019 Summer

Tokyo Cafe

Location: SHIBUYA BOX CAFE＆SPACE (Shibuya LOFT Floor 2F, 21-1 Udagawacho, Shibuya, Tokyo)

Running: August 8, 2019 – September 23, 2019

 

Osaka Café

Location: Shinsaibashi contact (1-6-24 Kita-Horie, Nishi Ward, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture)

Running: September 5, 2019 – October 6, 2019

 

Reservation Price: ¥500 (includes a complementary souvenir for making the reservation)

*A limit of 4 seats can be reserved through 1 reservation.

Official Website: https://koupenchan-cafe2019.jp/

©RURUTEA

 

Did you enjoy this list? Be sure to visit a character café while in Japan this summer.

The Pokémon Cafe in Nihonbashi is introducing a new Snorlax plate―inspired by the huge Snorlax that is sitting outside Pokémon Center Tokyo DX―and Poké Ball dessert bowl to its menu on August 10. These will be served with certain dishes in the cafe and can also be bought as merchandise there too so you can use them at home.

Snorlax’s Stomach-Filling Afternoon Nap Lunch Plate – ¥1,922 (Tax Included)

If you want a satisfied belly like Snorlax then you’ll want to order the hearty lunch plate. And after that you can take a nice afternoon nap. Just make sure not to block any routes or anything!

I Choose You!! Poké Ball Dessert Bowl – ¥1,706 (Tax Included)

What does it look like inside the Poké Ball? It’s being kept a secret by the Pokémon Cafe so you can only know if you visit! What kind of Pokémon could be sleeping inside…?

Ingredients: Berry flavoured jelly, strawberry spongecake, strawberries, wafers, whipped cream, crepe, mint

Pokémon Café Snorlax Plate – ¥2,160 (Tax Included)

Pokémon Café Poké Ball Donburi Bowl – ¥2,160 (Tax Included)

If you want your own Snorlax plate or Poké Ball bowl then keep in mind that supplies at the cafe are limited. And don’t forget that you must make a reservation at the cafe if you want to dine there.

 

© 2019 Pokémon.©1995-2019 Nintendo/Creatures Inc./GAME FREAK inc.

Pokémon, ポケットモンスター and ポケモン are registered trademarks of Nintendo, Creatures Inc. and GAME FREAK inc.

U-TREASURE is a Japanese jewellery and goods brand aimed at adults who still like cute and playful accessories.

 

The Shinjuku branch and online store are currently holding the Sanrio Characters Bridal Jewellery Fair where you can get your hands on an original and official Japanese Sanrio Characters U-TREASURE marriage registration form.

 

The form features familiar faces from the Sanrio cast including Hello Kitty, My Melody, Pompompurin, Cinnamoroll and more.

The designer of the form explained that the composition was made so that the characters are looking directly at the bride to show that they are celebrating lots too. The blue background is inspired by “Something Blue” which is what a bride wears for good luck. And if you look closely at the background it is actually made up of lots of tiny characters.

 

Add a touch of fun and cuteness to your wedding with this official Sanrio marriage registration form.

 

ⓒ1976, 1988, 1989, 1996, 1999, 2001, 2005, 2019 SANRIO CO., LTD.

A collaboration café dedicated to the adorable penguin character Koupen chan will run over the summer period. The café will open on August 8 in Tokyo and September 5 in Osaka. 

The baby emperor penguin Koupen chan, who is often the go-to sticker for many Twitter and LINE users, is illustrated by the well-known RURUTEA. Many SNS users turn to the relaxing, soft and cuddly penguin to send soothing words of encouragement and a fuzzy hug to their loved ones. No wonder our adorable penguin has over 300,000 followers on Twitter. 

Yokoshima Enaga-San Burger: ￥1,490

Koupen Chan Ochazuke (Rice served with broth): ￥1,390

The first time the Koupen Chan Collaboration Café opened for a limited period was on November 2017. Now, the café is back with a refreshed image which plunges deeper into the depths of Koupen chan’s affectionate world. There are even more features packed into this year’s collaboration menu. No matter what you order, your table will be overflowing with adorable penguin love. 

Pink Koupen Chan Strawberry Milk Pancake: ￥1,390 (before tax)

Two Best Friends Lemon Peach Parfait: ￥1,290 (price before tax)

Don’t forget to check out the drinks and desserts which are bound to melt your heart.

Acrylic Drink Coaster (random design ), 4 designs available: ￥900 (before tax) 

Bonus Gift for Café Customers: Placemat and Paper Drink Coaster (1 of 6 designs presented at random)

You won’t just be served a cute meal, however. Customers have the chance to get their hands on original merchandise with cute café-themed designs. The designs, which were illustrated by RURUTEA, include Koupen chan as your personal café server, a pink-themed Koupen chan and even a light blue Koupen chan relaxing in the café.

The reservation period opened recently. Reservations are now being accepted via the official website. This café is the perfect place to escape from the blazing summer heat and humidity to get refreshed. Come relax and enjoy a moment of cute food and drinks in this comfortable atmosphere.

©RURUTEA

* The images shown in this article may differ slightly to the actual merchandise/menu items.

* English menu names above are not official translations.