Japanese company LEGS is opening up ‘BANANA FISH Cafe and Bar – galleries -‘ in Ikebukuro, Tokyo for a limited time from December 17, 2020 to January 24, 2021. The cafe will serve up food, drink, desserts, and merchandise based on New York, which is the setting of the Banana Fish series, and the series characters.

Banana Fish is a manga series written and illustrated by Akimi Yoshida. It was serialised in Bessatsu Shojo Comic from 1985 to 1994. An anime series aired in 2018 on Fuji TV’s Noitamina programming block and other channels which garnered the series many fans of all ages.

The cafe comes as a follow up to the 2018 and 2019 limited-time Banana Fish cafes which were also opened by LEGS. This year takes on an ‘art gallery’ theme, in which diners can immerse themselves in with a line-up of artwork to decorate the cafe.

The Menu (Excerpt/Pre-Tax Prices)

Food

Ohashinokuni Breakfast | ¥1,399

A stylish assortment of individual foods such as natto garnished with olives and salt, zakkoku millet, fried mackerel, and more.

N.Y. HOTDOG STAND | ¥1,499

A hot dog set menu with two different hot dogs to choose from, served with a choice of a side such as fries and a drink. Comes with one of two Banana Fish paper napkins.

Desserts

N.Y. Style Pancakes | ¥1,299

Classic New York-style buttermilk pancakes loaded with ice cream and banana, finished with a squirt of whipped cream, and drizzled in maple syrup.

N.Y. Style Doughnut Set | ¥999

Choose from three different doughnuts topped with pistachios and nuts together with a drink such as coffee for a classic American cafe-stop break. Comes with one of two Banana Fish paper napkins.

nori² Christmas Set ¥1,099 | nori² New Year Set ¥1,099

The nori² Christmas Set is a parfait made like a Christmas cake with sponge and strawberries. Available December 17, 2020-December 25, 2020 only.

The nori² New Year Set is a Japanese-style parfait filled with anko red bean paste, rice flour dumplings, and peach. Drizzling the mitarashi sauce over the parfait is a must! Available January 5, 2021-January 11, 2021 only.

Drinks

From Left: Ash / Eiji / Shorter / Shin / Lee | ¥799 Each

Fruity and colourful drinks inspired by four characters from Banana Fish.

Bonus Items

Customers who book a visit to the cafe in advance (¥650 per person before tax) will receive one of six possible face mask cases. Visitors will also get one of 15 replica tickets.

Additionally, for every drink ordered, they can get a free coaster from 7 possible designs.

Original Merchandise (Pre-Tax Prices)

Character Acrylic Badge (7 Designs) ¥650 Each / Memory Acrylic Badge (10 Designs) ¥650 Each

Clear Multi Case (3 Designs) ¥1,000 Each / Towel Handkerchief Set (Contains 2) ¥1,550 Each

The cafe will sell a range of original and exclusive merchandise both at the cafe and via their online shop too, so don’t miss out.

Availability Period: December 17, 2020 at 10:00 – January 24, 2021 at 23:59
Early Bird Bonus Item: One replica ticket (15 designs) *Available until December 31, 2020

Lose yourself in the world of Banana Fish at this very special limited-time cafe.

©Akimi Yoshida・Shogakukan / Project BANANA FISH

Sarutahiko Coffee released a Christmas-exclusive seasonal flavour of its popular Jellatte dessert drink on Tuesday (December 1) which it’s calling the “Maroron Merry Pudding Jellatte.”

Maroron Merry Pudding Jellatte | ¥750 (Before Tax)

The beverage is the second in this year’s Christmas themed drinks to be released by Sarutahiko Coffee. It uses a coffee jelly base made from Ethiopian coffee beans and contains layers of mascarpone cheese from Italy, a chocolate sauce made from Cacao Hunters chocolate, milk pudding, four kinds of mixed berry jellies, pistachio milk pudding, milk foam, and to top it all off, chocolate pieces and pistachios.

The pistachio and mascarpone bring a richness to the dessert drink which blends deliciously with the freshness of the berries and full-bodied coffee for a combination that’s like a warm and cosy Christmas hug.

Sanrio’s beloved character pair Kiki & Lala, also known as the Little Twin Stars, are hosting a special winter event titled “TWINKLE COLOR CHRISTMAS” at Shinjuku Southern Terrace from December 1 to 25, illuminating the area with beautiful Christmas lights, as part of their 45th anniversary.

Kiki & Lala’s twinkling Christmas tree magical in the daytime and night time

The towering 4-meter tall Christmas Tree is decorated in countless mirror balls which reflect beautifully both during the day from the sun and at night with Kiki & Lala’s illuminations. A special light show is also taking place from 16:30 each day with Christmas songs.

Decorated around the tree are Kiki & Lala neon signs and pastel-coloured adornments.

Those unable to visit Shinjuku this Christmas can access the “TWINKLE COLOR CHRISTMAS AR TREE” digitally This will have Kiki & Lala’s Christmas tree appear on your phone when taking photos. You can access it here.

Kiki & Lala treats at the Sanrio Cafe Wagon

Limited time menu

45th Anniversary Items

On weekends, as well as from December 19 up to Christmas Day, a food wagon will make an appearance at the event serving Kiki & Lala food and drink like the pink and fruity Ruby Chocolate Latte and fruit-filled Twinkle Crepe.

©’76,’20 SANRIO 著作(株)サンリオ

Moomin Cafe branches around Japan, which are themed on the Swedish fairy-tale Moomin books, released their Christmas menu on November 20.

Moomin Cafe Winter Season Menu | ¥4,800 (Before Tax) *Photo is a portion for 2

The seasonal menu is a very special set containing a burger, chicken, salmon milk soup, raspberry juice (which is adored by the Moomin family), and more, so you can eat heartily like the Moomins this winter.

Souvenir Cup (2 Designs)

Visitors can also order a dessert and choose from two different mugs. Takeout is available at each of the cafes so you enjoy a Moomin Christmas at home.

Table reservations are available via the Moomin Cafe website so customers can ensure they can get booked in during the busy holiday season.

If you’re in Japan for Christmas then don’t miss out on a visit to the Moomin cafe.

©Moomin Characters TM

Japanese company LEGS has announced the opening of two limited-time cafes themed on the video game KINGDOM HEARTS Melody of Memory which will run from December 11, 2020 to January 31, 2021.

KINGDOM HEARTS Melody of Memory is a rhythm action game developed by Square Enix. Released on November 11 in Japan and November 13 everyone else, it is the latest instalment to Square Enix and Disney’s video game series Kingdom Hearts.

The cafe menu features a line-up of dishes, drinks, and desserts inspired by characters and worlds found throughout the internationally-beloved video game series. The items all adhere to Disney’s nutrient guidelines and so are low in salt and sugar, offering fans a healthier option. The cafe will also sell a range of original merchandise.

The Menu

Food (Excerpt)

<Sora> Power of Waking Tomato Pasta | ¥1,599

A red tomato pasta inspired by Sora that comes with a potato salad shaped like King Mickey.

<Riku> Daybreak Chicken Burger | ¥1,599

A black chicken burger based on Riku becoming enveloped by the Power of Darkness. This dish also comes with a potato salad shaped like King Mickey.

<King Mickey> King’s Tuna Sandwich | ¥1,399, with plate +¥2,000

A tuna sandwich branded with a King Mickey symbol that comes with a side of fruit.

<Neverland> Island Seafood Curry | ¥1,699

A squid and shrimp seafood curry inspired by Peter Pan’s Neverland which you can travel to in Kingdom Hearts.

Drinks (Excerpt)

<Sora, Riku & Kairi> Fate’s Pineapple Herb Soda | ¥899, with acrylic coaster +¥1,000

A pineapple herb soda based on the Paopu Fruit from the series.

<Roxas, Xion, Axel> Sea Salt Ice Cream & Milk | ¥1,199, with acrylic coaster +¥1,000

Based on the sea salt ice cream that Roxas, Xion, and Axel all eat together. It’s served with hot milk that can be poured over the ice cream for a tasty treat.

<Hundred Acre Wood> Honey Latte | ¥799, with mug +¥1,650

A latte sweetened with Winnie the Pooh’s favourite thing in the world: honey.

Merchandise (Excerpt)

Folder ¥500 / Acrylic Magnet ¥700

Tote Bags (3 Designs) | ¥3,500 Each (Timeless River/Keyblade A/Keyblade B)

Bonus Items

Customers who book a table in advance (¥650 before tax) and order from the menu will receive one of two folders, and if they order a drink, one of four coasters. Available while supplies last.

© Disney. © Disney/Pixar.

*All prices listed are pre-tax

Taiwanese cheese tea shop machi machi is releasing a new drink in Japan this holiday season on December 1: the ‘Flurry Strawberry Milk With Crème Brûlée.’

machi machi is an extremely popular cheese tea chain in Taiwan that has been called the ‘king of cheese tea’ by Taiwanese news outlets. Each and every cup poured is made fresh with tea from Taiwan to which rich cream cheese is added for a salty kick, creating a new kind of dessert drink.

Flurry Strawberry Milk With Crème Brûlée | ¥750 (Before Tax)

The new Christmas beverage being served in Japan uses fresh strawberries which adds a delightful sweetness to the milk. It’s topped with crushed Oreos and combined with crème brûlée for a variety of layered flavours. The Oreos add crunch to the dessert drink so that it’s a delicious experience down to the last sip.

If you’ve never had Taiwanese cheese tea, and are in Japan this Christmas, don’t miss out on this seasonal drink, available for the whole month of December.

Sanrio’s popular characters Kiki & Lala, also known as the Little Twin Stars, are getting their own themed cafe which will open for a limited time at the Fruits Parlor & Bakery Season & Co. in LINKS UMEDA in Osaka From December 3, 2020 to January 24, 2021.

The cafe will serve up a variety of menu items inspired by the Little Twin Stars as well as sell related merchandise. There will also be a photo spot for taking cute pictures, and a special dessert assortment made in collaboration with the popular artist Dream Ami which includes a parfait made up of their favourite sweet treats.

Cafe Menu (Prices Listed Before Tax)

Menu ①: December 3, 2020 – December 25, 2020

Little Twin Stars Shortcake (X’mas Ver.) | ¥1,900

Kiki’s Shooting Star Sweets Parfait | ¥1,600

Menu ②: December 26, 2020 – January 24, 2021

Little Twin Stars Tart | ¥1,700

Lala’s Shooting Stat Sweets Parfait | ¥1,700

Drinks Menu (Excerpt) (Available Throughout Collaboration)

Little Twin Stars Strawberry Tea Latte | ¥1,000

Dream Ami’s Special Collaborative Menu (Available Throughout Collaboration)

Dream Ami×Little Twin Stars Star Sweets 2020 2,100円

Customers who spend more than ¥1,000 (before tax) on merchandise at the cafe will also receive a free A4 folder. These are available while supplies last.

Dream Ami’s collaborative dessert looks both cute and delicious and definitely worthy of being on a Little Twin Stars menu!

Shiraito Highland Way has announced that this year’s Karuizawa Shiraito Falls Midwinter Light Up will run from December 19, 2020 to February 14, 2021.

The illumination event will take place at Karuizawa Shiraito Falls, a 3-meter tall waterfall that spans 70-meters in length. The lights will add a warmth to the cool evening and glow under a starry night sky.

The event creates a different atmosphere from the summer light-up, allowing visitors to enjoy the enveloping nature in a way that they normally can’t and see beauty they may not have noticed in the area before. The waterfall is located in Jōshin’etsu-kōgen National Park, a protected area which means the lights will be set up in a way that’s considerate to the park.

If you’re in Japan this winter then don’t miss out on this year’s Karuizawa Shiraito Falls Midwinter Light Up which will be split into three sessions: the Christmas Session, New Year Session, and St. Valentine Session. More details below.

Having only held annual summertime events up to now, Art Aquarium Museum in Nihonbashi, Tokyo, is celebrating Christmas for the first time this year with a series of holiday season festivities.

The Aquarium’s first Christmas tree

Art Aquarium Museum will display its very first Christmas tree for the event indoors near the entrance. The tree artwork was created by Hidemoto Kimura using 550 colourful crystals that have been made to look like goldfish. Made from venetian glass, he had them shipped himself from Italy. They are strung in 10 different colours which glow and glisten to create a romantic atmosphere.

Artwork Name: Natale di Pesce D’oro
Running: December 1, 2020 – December 27, 2020
Location: Art Aquarium Museum entrance

Pair tickets for Christmas with alcohol

Pair Ticket (2 People) + 2 Drinks | ¥4,600 (Tax Included)

Those arriving in twos can buy Pair Tickets which come with two alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages so you can plunge into the magical underwater world of the aquarium while enjoying a drink.

Buy Tickets: https://ticket.artaquarium.jp/en/
Running: November 24, 2020 – December 27, 2020
Validity Period: December 1, 2020 – December 27, 2020
Drinks Menu:

[Alcohol] COEDO Beer / Marihana / Louis Raison Rouge Délice

[Non-Alcoholic] Sanpellegrino Pompelmo / Grapefruit

Christmas menu served up in the lounge and cafe

2-Person Hors d’oeuvre With 2 Drinks | Online Booking ¥4,200, Same-Day ¥5,000 (Tax Included) | Serving: December 18, 2020 – December 25, 2020

The aquarium’s lounge restaurant is serving an hors d’oeuvre for pairs of Japanese and western food together with two drinks.

2-Person Christmas Sweets Plate With 2 Drinks | Online Booking ¥3,300, Same-Day ¥3,850 (Tax Included) | Serving: December 1, 2020 – December 27, 2020

The cafe is serving up plate of assorted desserts, perfect for a post-aquarium date.

Christmas Special Cocktail | ¥2,200 (Tax Included) | Serving: December 1, 2020 – December 27, 2020

Both the restaurant and cafe are also serving a seasonal cocktail of chocolate, strawberries, cranberries, and champagne jelly for a sweet and refreshing mix.

Swarovski Japan is launching a Christmas campaign this year in collaboration with Jin Akanishi and Ryo Nishikido’s YouTube channel “NO GOOD TV” and fashion magazine ELLE Japon.

Swarovski is an Austrian glass producer founded in 1895 that’s celebrating its 125th anniversary this year. The company’s Swarovski Crystal Business is known for its craftsmanship and innovation, providing crystal glass, jewellery, and accessories to the people of the world since its inception.

As part of Swarovski Japan’s Christmas campaign, it is teaming up with Japanese musicians Jin Akanishi and Ryo Nishikido. This is the first time the company has used male celebrities in its promotions in Japan. Together with the global women’s fashion magazine ELLE Japon, the campaign will promote Swarovski products in the run up to Christmas. A six-page feature will be included in January 2021 issue of ELLE Japon of the two musicians promoting Swarovski’s jewellery, watches, and more.

Jin Akanishi and Ryo Nishikido posted a 14-minute video on their YouTube channel (“NO GOOD TV – Vol. 21”) with behind-the-scenes footage of their ELLE Japon photo shoot as well as other news related to the collaboration with Swarovski.

Exclusive photos of Akanishi and Nishikido which weren’t feature in either the magazine or on YouTube were also officially released on Swarovski’s official LINE account.

Four branches of the Snoopy-themed PEANUTS Cafe, as well as its online shop, launched a collaboration with the Japanese zipper bag brand Pake® on Friday (November 27) to release a collection of leopard print zipper bags.

PEANUTS Cafe Nagoya Gets New Interior Design Artwork

As part of the collaboration, PEANUTS Cafe Nagoya has put up a colourful piece of framed artwork on the first floor. At first glance, it looks like simple leopard print, but if you look closely, you can see Snoopy floating around in that colourful world.

PEANUTS Cafe x Pake Zipper Bag “The Clandestine” | ¥1,100 (Before Tax)

PEANUTS Cafe and Pake’s collaborative zipper bags come in blue and pink, both with leopard print backgrounds visible thanks to the clear bag allowing you to also see the items you put inside.

Snoopy art from an old-time Peanuts comic

The artwork used on the zipper bag is taken from a Peppermint Patty story published in January 1975 over several days. It’s the scene when Patty’s dad is late arriving home and can’t sleep so is invited to Snoopy’s room. She jumps onto his waterbed and he goes flying up and down.

© 2020 Peanuts Worldwide LLC

Christmas has sleighed into Roppongi Hills again this year, beginning with the Keyakizaka-dori Illuminations on November 13. The Christmas Market is also set to return to Oyane Plaza on November 28.

2020 marks the 14th run of the Roppongi Hills Christmas market which is inspired by the the famous Stuttgart Christmas Market in Germany. Visitors can sift through around 1,500 miscellaneous Christmas goods, enjoy German mulled wine and sausages, and more.

At the West Walk, visitors will also find an enormous 6.5m tall Christmas tree to complement the warm, cosy, festive atmosphere of the holiday season event.