Desserts brand Pastel is collaborating with popular Sanrio character Pompompurin to release a selection of puddings at Pastel stores around Japan for the whole month of April.

Pastel prides itself on the smooth texture of its purinーa type of Japanese custard pudding. The company will celebrate Pompompurin’s birthday, which falls on April 16, with a line of 4 adorable Pompompurin desserts.

Pompompurin’s Mini Pudding – ¥380 (Before Tax)

The classic style of Japanese custard pudding, smooth and topped with whipped cream. It’s finished with a cute sprinkled design of Pompompurin.

Soft and Fluffy Pompompurin – ¥450 (Before Tax)

Pompompurin is looking cute in this one as he pokes his head out of the caramel-drizzled and marshmallow-topped pudding.

Pompompurin’s À La Mode – ¥600 (Before Tax)

Served in an original design cup branded with Pompompurin’s adorable face, this à la mode includes a pudding topped with an orange slice and cherry.

Pompompurin’s Chiffon – ¥2,200 (Before Tax)

This fluffy chiffon cake is about 15 meters across in size, and is made with pudding cream, glazed in caramel sauce, and topped with a Pompompurin who’s just taking a little rest. *Available on weekends only

Shopper Bag Design (Available while supplies last)

When you order any of these desserts, you’ll receive an exclusive Pastel x Pompompurin collaborative bag which makes for a great gift or souvenir to friends.

Don’t miss out on these tasty Pompompurin treats.

May is the most colourful time of the year at Hotel de Yama near Lake Ashi in Hakone, when a total of 3,000 rhododendronsーcomprised of 30 different typesーbloom their beautiful flowers in the large Tsutsuji Garden, where one can enjoy a great view of Mount Fuji and Lake Ashi.

Tsutsuji Garden at Hotel de Yama

“Tsutsuji” is the Japanese word for rhododendron. The Tsutsuji Garden at Hotel de Yama was once the villa of Koyata Iwasaki, “the fourth and last president of a unified Mitsubishi.” During that time, numerous varieties of rhododendrons were planted in the garden, which have since been maintained. There are plants amongst them that are over 100-years-old, ones that tower over the human stature, and more; with petals that bloom pink, red, purple, and white.

A combined view of the kaleidoscopic rhododendrons and Mount Fuji

The staff who are experts on the garden have set up two photo frame stands in two of the best spots in the garden for taking picturesque photos. Snap some Instagrammable and memories with the colourful rhododendrons and Mount Fuji together.

Rhododendron Desserts: Saison a colorier – ¥1,634 / Tea Set – ¥2,360 (Before Tax)

Salon de thé Rosage, the dessert restaurant that sits in front of the hotel, is serving up a new special dessert called “Saison a colorier” in line with the full bloom of the rhododendrons. It captures the colourful pink, red, white, and purple appearance of the flowers, and looks like a mini version of the hotel’s garden on your plate. The main part of the dessert is the tea mousse, which has a bright red colour as it is coated beautifully in a strawberry puree nappage. The tea used in the mouse is an original rhododendron blend exclusive to the restaurant.

The white rhododendron dessert is a macaron that’s filled with raspberry sorbet. The red which contrasts with the white is a rhododendron milk tea cream and fresh raspberries. The rest of the plate is adorned with pink jelly and edible flowers. The perfect afternoon tea to finish off your time at Tsutsuji Garden.

R&K Japan, the overseas division of Aiwa, released a new line of 10 double walled glasses based on the popular character franchise Tama & Friends. The first ever double walled glasses to be made of the series, the line-up includes the characters Tama, Pochi, Tora, Beh, Momo, Koma, Nora, Gon, Kuro, and Buru.

Tama – ¥3,900 (Before Tax)

Pochi – ¥3,900 (Before Tax)

What is Tama & Friends?

Tama & Friends is an original character franchise that was created by Sony Creative Products in 1983. The world of Tama & Friends was first inspired from an actual missing cat poster with the phrase “Have You Seen My Tama?” Since then, it has grown into a full franchise with many popular characters. It spawned its first anime series in 1993 which helped its popularity grow in Japan.  A new 11-episode series entitled Uchitama?! Have you seen my Tama? aired in January this year and ended just last Thursday.

Tora – ¥3,900 (Before Tax)

Beh – ¥3,900 (Before Tax)

Tama & Friends Double Walled Glasses

The glasses are designed by double walled glass pioneers GOODGLAS. Each one is handmade and can be used for hot and cold beverages.

MUUN SEOUL is a cafe located along Tonchan-dori Street in Harajuku that serves Instagram-worthy South Korean food.

Photo by Nagisa Kobayashi @popo_318

Photo by Nagisa Kobayashi @popo_318

The cafe sells “fatcarons,” a South Korean-style macaron which have proven very popular with young women in Japan.

Photo by Taeco @taecostagram

Fatcarons are larger than the standard macaron. They are topped with things like strawberries, given marble textures, and more to give them a cute appearance. MOON SEOUL serves many different varieties, all of which are standout compared to normal macarons.

Photo by Sara @__sar310

But the fatcaron experience at MOON SEOUL isn’t complete without ordering the drink above. It’s strawberry milk flavoured, but the milk is whipped until it’s fluffy, giving it a taste like no other strawberry milk you’ve tried. It also has sliced strawberries inside and on top, so if you love strawberries, you’ll love this.

Photo by Yuina @popochan726

You can order your fatcarons for takeout too in a clear takeaway box so you can go have a dessert picnic with your friends, and get a great photo of them all together too.

Dandelion Chocolate and IYEMON SALON ATELIER have joined sticky fingers to bake up their new “Tea & Cocoa Brownie” which is now being served at IYEMON SALON ATELIER KYOTO and Dandelion Chocolate Kyoto Higashiyama Ichinenzaka.

This collaboration came about to celebrate 1 year since IYEMON SALON ATELIER KYOTO opened. The chocolates fuse IYEMON SALON’s tea with Dandelion Chocolate’s organic, single origin bean to bar chocolate.

Tea & Cocoa Brownie (Uji Matcha/Houjicha) – ¥1,800 (Before Tax) *Contains 2 of each flavour

The two different flavoured brownies, Uji matcha and houjicha, are filled with a ganache made from Japanese tea and carefully selected chocolate from the Dominican Republic. The chocolate has a strong, rich flavour like that of coffee and cherries, but is still easy to get without it tasting overwhelming. The brownies are also vegan-friendly and gluten-free, containing no eggs, dairy products, wheat, or white sugar. They are the perfect accompaniment to both tea and a mild-tasting sake.

The vegan lifestyle is slowly gaining recognition in Japan, so don’t miss this chance to treat yourself to some melt-in-the-mouth vegan delights.

©Dandelion Chocolate Japan

Harry Winston and Park Hyatt Tokyo are joining hands to release a special afternoon tea set titled “Winston in Bloom.” It will be served at Peak Lounge on the 41st floor of Park Hyatt Tokyo from April 1 to 30 and be inspired by Harry Winston’s floral jewellery.

Known as the “King of Diamonds” and “Jeweler to the Stars,” Harry Winston founded his brand in New York in 1932. He was captivated by the beauty of flowers and how they produce themselves naturally, a beauty which is represented in his jewellery.

The collaborative “Winston in Bloom” afternoon tea is made in the image of a high-class flower garden adorned with diamonds and coloured stones.

This is the Harry Winston brand’s first afternoon tea collaboration in Japan, and offers an elegant taste experience for anyone who wishes to munch through this garden.

Special gifts are also prepared for anyone that orders this afternoon tea. These are available while supplies last.

The MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON editorial team took a trip to Q-pot CAFE. to try out their new afternoon tea experience, the “SAKURA Romantic Tea Party,” where we were treated to a pink kawaii tea party experience. This afternoon tea is available now until April 26, 2020.

The cherry blossom designed decor and decorations welcomed us to an early spring. We ate in the cafe’s “SAKURA Room” for this review, which takes the Q-pot’s springtime cherry blossom experience to the next level.

Romantic SAKURA Afternoon Tea Set w/ Drink – ¥2,400 (Serves 1) (Tax Included) *Photo shows tea set for two

The top plate is beautifully adorned with cherry blossom St. Honoré cakes which are filled with a sumptuous gorgeous cherry blossom cream. There is also peach bavarois, strawberry cookies, and Q-pot CAFE.-original rich, cream ganache-filled macarons. The fallen cherry blossom petals on the plate are also in fact chocolate.

Everything on the plate screams kawaii with the considerate attention that is given to all the little details.

The bottom plate is the savoury stuff. We have hearty croissants filled with duck pastrami and cucumber that has been dressed with white wine vinegar. They are served with a white asparagus cream potage soup and skewered olives, mini tomatoes and pickles.

The balance of flavours between the top and bottom plates is exquisite; the savoury food refreshes your palate after the sweet treats on top.

The set comes with a cup of pink cherry blossom tea. Floral and fruity fragrances fill your nose as you go to take a sip, after which your taste buds are treated to the notes of cherry blossom and raspberry. This subtly sweet and refreshing drink is the perfect accompaniment to your dessert and meal line-up. It even comes with a little chocolate petal.

Romantic SAKURA Mont Blanc Plate w/ Drink – ¥2,060 (Tax Included)

The pink mont blanc gives cherry tree vibes. It’s made with cherry blossom bean paste cream, rich matcha chocolate, Japanese waguri chestnut, and chestnut cream. When  you fork the fluffy bean paste, you get plenty of chestnut cream and matcha chocolate with it. The sweetness of the cherry blossom bean paste and the subtle bitterness of the matcha go really well together. Q-pot. CAFE offers a selection of original macarons too which you can pick from including strawberry, chocolate, lemon, and melon. We wanted to go as pink as possible, so we went for the strawberry one!

Romantic SAKURA Parfait w/ Drink – ¥1,850 (Tax Included)

This strikingly gorgeous parfait is topped with cherry blossom cookies, cherry blossom meringue, and more. Its tall beautiful form is built up by a selection of ingredients, including Japanese flavours like cherry blossom cream and houjicha sauce. 

But what we want to draw attention to is the transparent jelly in the middle of the glass. If you look really closely, it looks like dancing cherry blossom leaves.

Q-pot CAFE. also has a range of other limited-time menu items, as well as food that looks just like real accessoriesーsomething the cafe is famous for. They also have accessories that look like real desserts, like a sugar cookie or crunchy meringue. Perfect for coordinating a spring look this year.

Make sure to pay a visit to Q-pot CAFE. if you’re visiting Tokyo this spring!

To celebrate the release of their two new drinks, DyDo DRINCO, Inc. is collaborating with Dragon Ball Z to release a unique collection of convenient tools for computer desks. They will be released together with the drinks in limited quantities from March 9, 2020 at convenience stores and volume sellers across Japan.

*Pete Licata, 14th World Barista Championship Champion

①Super Saiyan Goku – Card Stand / ②Great Ape Vegeta – Cotton Swab Holder / ③4th Form Frieza – Eye Drop Stand / ④Raditz – Pen Stand / ⑤Captain Ginyu – Mechanical Pen Refill Stand / ⑥1st Form Cell – Clip Holder / ⑦Majin Buu – Phone Stand

Seven different tools will be sold, each a model of popular characters from Dragon Ball Z. They not only decorate your desk space, but also tidy it up and make things more convenient.

These are the perfect gift to all Dragon Ball Z fans as well as anime fans who like to nerd-up their desks!

©Bird Studio/Shueisha・Toei Animation

Doutor Coffee Shop is getting with the Japanese spring vibes with the unveiling of its new Uji Matcha Milk Bubble Tea and Milano C Smoked Chicken & Soft Boiled Egg which will hit branches of the cafe up and down Japan on March 19, 2020.

Tapioca ~Uji Matcha Milk~ / From ¥417 (Before Tax)〜

This tasty bubble tea is made with slightly bitter Uji matcha and subtly sweet milk and is finished with a serving of chewy tapioca pearls.

Milano C Smoked Chicken & Soft Boiled Egg ~Miso Ginger Sauce~ / From ¥382 (Before Tax)〜

This Japanese-style Milano sandwich is made with chicken that has been smoked with cherry blossom chips, a soft-boiled egg, and red onions. It’s drizzled with a miso ginger sauce which gives a sweet and spicy flavour to the sandwich.

Spring is right around the corner in Japan, so be sure to enjoy all the seasonal goodies that are to come!

Japanese makeup brand Zeitakubihadado™ Matcha de Bihada has announced the release of its new “Matcha de Bihada Premium Sheet Mask” product which will receive pre-sales at select Tokyu Hands and LOFT stores around Japan on March 12, 2020 before its general release.

100% Organic and High Quality Matcha Tea Leaves

Zeitakubihadado™ is very particular when it comes to its products being safe and secure to useーas well as the products being made in Japan. The cosmetic brand has delved deep into its research into what really is good makeup for women. Matcha, which is used in the company’s productsーincluding the new sheet masksーis packed full nutritional elements, including vitamins, minerals, theanine, and catechin, to name a few. It is also an antioxidant, a disinfectant, and is said to provide a relaxing effect. The matcha used in the Matcha de Bihado products is Uji matcha from Kyoto, a type which has garnered attention overseas too, all of which is 100% organic and harvested under strict management. The matcha powder, matcha extract, and hyaluronic acid help to leave the skin smooth and moisturised.

Bacterial Care With 5 Fermented Ingredients

Japanese beauty care has long since been deeply associated with “fermentation.” The Premium Sheet Masks harness the power of this fermentation method with a blend of five ingredients: rice ferment filtrate, soy milk ferment filtrate, collagen ferment filtrate, yogurt filtrate, and fruit juice ferment filtrate . Such fermented ingredients are said to promote the balance of indigenous bacterium in the skin, ensuring the skin stays healthy, smooth, and beautiful.

Opulent Essence & Super Thick Sheets

The essence has a thick texture, and the sheets themselves are extremely thick too which holds the essence together. Because the sheets do not easily drip or turn inside out, and because they fit firmly onto the fate, they are perfect for busy multitaskers out there.

Wash Away Face Pack & Premium Sheet Mask Combination

Those looking to really take care of the skin can get a combination of two Matcha de Bihada items: the Beautiful Face Pack, which keeps your skin clean, and the Premium Sheet Mask, which balances it. Using both will ensure your skin is left soft, moist, and restored. The cosmetic line aims to be one that people will want to continue to use, from early ageing in your 20s to later adulthood.

The sheet mask is easy to use: simply even out the entire sheet while it’s still in the pack with both your hands to that it is uniform all over. Remove from the pack, and turn up the outside from the eye part. Layer onto your face, making sure it’s correctly lined up with your eyes and mouth. Leave for 5 minutes and then remove. Rub in the essence left on your face. It’s recommended that you do this 1-2 times a week.

Try the new Matcha de Bihada sheet masks yourself and see the real benefits of Uji matcha.

Cafe & Dining ZelkovA is set to offer a new “Japanese Tea Set” service from March 3 to July 2 this year which gives customers a mini tea ceremony experience where they can enjoy a cup of matcha and tuck into some matcha sweets.

Japanese Tea Set – ¥2,600 (Tax Included) *Plus separate 12% service charge

This tea set comes with genuine a nanbu tekki cast iron kettle for pouring hot water and a chasen tea whisk for mixing the matcha powder. Authentic Uji matcha from Kyoto is used which has a wonderfully rich fragrance that reminds you just how good matcha really is.

The tea set also comes with an Uji matcha tiramisu and a rice flour dumpling anmitsu which comes with an assortment of fruits like the setoka citrus and melon, Tokachi adzuki beans, and brown sugar syrup from Okinawa.

Sit either on the sunny terrace or inside with the cafe’s high-end interior design and enjoy yourself luxuriously with a cup of matcha and some Japanese matcha treats.

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of EAT PARADISEーthe restaurant floor located on the 7th floor of Isetan Shinjuku in Tokyoーthe entire area, as well as restaurants and cafes throughout Isetan Shinjuku, are going pink from March 4 to 31. 

Chocolate Printanière – ¥2,860 (+Separate 10% Service Charge) @ Le Salon Jacques Borie / *5 served per day

Watch this animated chocolate dessert melt as you pour over the hot sauce and tuck in. The centre is filled with a fluffy berry cream.

Vacherin With Japanese Strawberries – ¥1,320 @ Cafe Rejiig

Located on the 8th floor of the men’s building, Cafe Rejiig is serving up a pink-coloured French dessert made up of a tower of meringue, ice cream, and various other delicious delights.

Strawberry & Cranberry Cream Mont Blanc Parfait – ¥1,211 @ latte chano-mama

latte chano-mama is a cafe popular with mothers who go there with their children. The cafe’s new mont blanc parfait is made with strawberries and sponge which has cranberry sauce hidden inside.

Left: Pink Non-Alcoholic Cocktail – ¥981 / Right: Pink Champagne Cocktail – ¥1,201 @ The Stand

These two cocktails are cherry blossom-inspired. As well as all of these cute pink delights, EAT PARADISE is celebrating with a range of other dishes other than desserts and drinks too, like soba and risotto.

There’s plenty of visually-striking items to tuck into at EAT PARADISE for their 30th anniversary, so be sure to pay a visit if you’re visiting Tokyo this spring.