Houjicha Milk Tea and Genmaicha Milk Tea Made With Japanese Tea Leaves Serving at Gong cha
22.June.2020 | FOOD
Gong cha’s limited-time “Houjicha Milk Tea” and “Genmaicha Milk Tea” beverages are popular each year, and they returned once again on June 17.
Japanese Tea
Gong cha’s menu item “Japanese Tea” was released in 2018 exclusively for Japan, and is enjoyed every year during its annual limited-time run. Made using tea leaves from Japan, its authentic taste and aroma has people begging for more when the year’s run is up.
2 Flavours This Year
Houjicha Milk Tea (Regular Size: ¥470) / Recommended Topping: Milk Foam (+¥70) | Serving: From June 17, 2020 for a limited time
The Houjicha Milk Tea is the iconic drink of Gong cha’s “Japanese Tea” series. It’s a blend the best high quality houjicha and kukicha tea leaves, both of which are grown in Shizuoka Prefecture. Roasting and using them together gives a sweet and deeply rich aroma. Add milk foam as a topping and you’ve got yourself a rich milk tea.
Genmaicha Milk Tea (Regular Size: ¥470) / Recommended Tapioca (+¥70) | Serving: From June 17, 2020 for a limited time
The Genmaicha Milk Tea is an original blend of Japanese genmai rice and tea leaves from Shizuoka Prefecture. This milk tea keeps the original delicious flavour of the tea and wafts a fragrant rice aroma.
Information
Gong cha Official Website: https://www.gongcha.co.jp
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Japanese Puré Gummy Candy Releases Promo Videos With Original Song Featuring Asaginyo
06.March.2021 | FOOD
To promote the release of 20 new colourful packages of the popular Japanese gummy candy series Puré, Japanese sweets company Kanro released 20 videos on Tuesday (March 2) featuring popular YouTuber Asaginyo.
Asaginyo dresses up for a kaleidoscope of colourful Puré promos
The videos play to the tune of the famous Japanese 80’s track Koi no Jumon wa Suki Tokimeki to Kiss with original lyrics written for Puré. On mic is Asaginyo, a YouTuber and video and music producer. The videos, which were directed by another popular YouTuber by the name of Bunkei, can be watched over on Puré’s brand website.
And if you too want to learn the Tokimeki Puré Dance, head on over to Asaginyo’s TikTok page.
Information
Suki Tokimeki to Puré – 2o Videos
Release Date: March 2, 2021
Official Website: https://www.kanro.jp/pure/tokimeki/
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Meiji Chocolate Announces the Results of its 2020 National Confectionery Elections
06.March.2021 | FOOD
In 2018 and 2019, Japanese snack and confectionery brand Meiji held its own National Elections for its long-selling chocolate brands Kinoko no Yama and Takenoko no Sato. In 2019, Jun Matsumoto and Akihiro Miwa represented each of these chocolate snacks respectively by helming the Kinoko Party and Takenoko Party. People across Japan would listen to each side’s case and vote for which party, and therefore which chocolate, they liked the most.
The 2020 elections however took a different approach, instead spreading a message of love across Japan rather than a heated debate on which snack is better. The votes opened on September 15 last year and ran for four months where data was collected for each of Japan’s 47 prefectures to see where each snack was more popular in each part of the country.
The 2018 and 2019 elections saw an accumulative total of 26,518,982 votes submitted. People passionately made their cases for which snack they liked the most. For 2020, Meiji wanted to bring people together and cheer them up by holding a survey that was catered most towards understanding people’s love for their snacks.
Chiba hails as the place in Japan where Kinoko and Takenoko are most popular
46 of Japan’s prefectures saw more love poured for Takenoko in 2020. The remaining prefecture, Fukuoka, saw more love given to Kinoko.
The 2020 elections saw participation by 300,161 more people than previous years.
Illustrations drawn of Team Kinoko and Team Takenoko supporters
The survey ranked each prefecture by popularity, and special illustrations were drawn for four prefectures each where Kinoko and Takenoko were the most popular.
Survey Database
Meiji published the data breakdown which can be downloaded for free.
It contains a wealth of information related to what people voted for.
Have you tried either of these popular snacks? If you travel to Japan, be sure to pick them up at any convenience store near you.
Information
Kinoko no Yama & Takenoko no Sato 2020 National Election Results
https://www.meiji.co.jp/sweets/chocolate/kinotake/cmp/daichosa2020/?link=kie20081801
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Dean & DeLuca Releases Strawberry Desserts and Drinks For Spring 2021
05.March.2021 | FOOD
The fresh juice season is back for spring at Dean & DeLuca cafes in Japan this year where they have a very special selection of drinks and desserts lined up for customers as well as an exclusive tumbler.
Creamy Italian maritozzi
Indulge in a tempting maritozzi this spring season which has a fluffy brioche bun stuffed loaded with fresh cream stuffed with sweet strawberries. This famous Italian delicacy is usually enjoyed in the morning but the addition of milky cream and tangy strawberries makes it a perfect dessert.
Every bite treats the taste buds to a combination of buttery brioche, melt-in-the-mouth cream, and a choice of either fresh cream and strawberries or fromage blanc and sweet and sour apricot jam.
Left: Maritozzi Strawberry ¥410 / Right: Maritozzi Apricot Jam & Fromage Blanc Cream ¥367
Serving: From March 1, 2021 while supplies last
Participating Market Branches: Shinagawa/Yurakucho/Shinjuku/Ebisu/Hiroo/Yaesu/atré Kawasaki/CIAL Tsurumi/Yokohama/Nagoya/Osaka
Participating Cafe Branches: All
A taste of spring with fresh strawberry juice
This year, Dean & DeLuca are serving up the “Strawberry & Fruit Tomato” smoothie which is made with freshly-picked whole strawberries and tomatoes. Tomatoes are generally seen as a summer vegetable, but the most delicious time to enjoy tomatoes grown in Japan is the spring season just like strawberries. The strawberries and tomatoes take on plenty of sugar content during the winter season which brings a rich sweetness best enjoyed right now.
The juice is prepared fresh for every order, with whole fruits put into a mixer and then served.
Left: Strawberry Juice ¥583 / Right: Strawberry & Fruit Tomato ¥605
Serving: From March 1, 2021 while supplies last
Participating Market Branches: Roppongi/Shinagawa/Yurakucho/Shinjuku/Ebisu/Hiroo/Yaesu/atré Kawasaki/CIAL Tsurumi/Yokohama/Nagoya/Osaka/AMU Plaza Hakata
Participating Cafe Branches: All
Spring-exclusive Strawberry Apple Pie
Japanese apple pie chain GRANNY SMITH APPLE PIE & COFFEE is also providing a seasonal strawberry and apple pie filled with in-house custard.
GRANNY SMITH APPLE PIE & COFFEE’s Strawberry Apple | ¥648
Serving: March 2, 2021 – April 30, 2021
Participating Cafe Branches: All (Except Yurakucho LUMINE STREET)
Enjoy spring with a spring-coloured tumbler
Dean & DeLuca’s popular tumblers return in seasonal colours and fitted with an airtight screw cap. They’re available in “Tokyo Pink” and “Charcoal Grey” colours.
Tumblers: ¥3,080 Each
Released: From March 1, 2021
Participating Cafe Branches: All
*Cafe-exclusive, not available for purchase online
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Japanese company JO, which operates seven restaurants serving Japanese-style food in Japan, launched its new anko red bean paste dessert brand Ankoto on February 28. The brand’s first product to be released is the “Anko Cheesecake.” All products will be released via their online store.
The launch of Ankoto
Ankoto launched after seeing many people in Japan calling for their desire to eat the same kinds of high quality anko sweet red bean paste desserts that they can in restaurants at home. The brand aims to bring many different sweet treats to its menu in collaboration with various other brands and satisfy customers’ sweet-toothed needs.
Ankoto also hopes to create all-new desserts using anko, an ingredient loved by the Japanese for years.
High-quality anko used in all desserts
The bean paste is made by hand every day over a period of two hours by Ankoto’s bakers. They use specially-selected beans grown in Tokachi, Hokkaido. No bad stuff is put in Ankoto’s desserts, the naturally sweetness comes from the sugar beet used in the cooking process.
The First Release: Anko Cheesecake
Ankoto’s first dessert to be released is the Anko Cheesecake, a popular mix of sweet red bean paste and cheese. This dessert was perfected after much trial and error over the course of half a year where over 100 iterations were tested. It’s made using creamy, full-bodied Brie de Meaux, a cheese that’s been called the king of cheeses. This cheesecake is gluten-free, using absolutely no wheat, and has a fresh sweetness brought about by the sugar beet. It’s an addictive amalgamation of sweet and salty and contains no nasty additives.
Information
Ankoto Anko Cheesecake
Released: February 28, 2021
Price: ¥3,500 (Before Tax) + Shipping
Ankoto Online Shop: https://www.ankoto.jp
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My Hero Academia Celebrates Japan’s White Day With Cakes and Macarons
03.March.2021 | ANIME&GAME / FOOD
Japanese cake company Priroll is celebrating White Day in Japan, the ‘sequel’ to Valentine’s Day, in collaboration with the popular TV anime series My Hero Academia with a collection of cakes and macarons.
There are seven sweet cakes to pick from which are baked with fruits such as peach and strawberry and finished with whipped cream or chocolate cream. There are also seven macaron sets which include chocolate, strawberry, pistachio, and orange flavours. These tasty treats are available from Priroll’s official website while supplies last.
White Day Cakes – ¥4,500 (Before Tax) / White Day Macarons 6 Set – ¥2,200 (Before Tax)
White Day day takes place in Japan annually on March 14, one month after Valentine’s Day, when people give reciprocal gifts to those who gifted them on Valentine’s Day. What better way to show your appreciation for your fellow anime-lover than with some sweet My Hero Academia love?
©堀越耕平/集英社・僕のヒーローアカデミア製作委員会
Information
My Hero Academia White Day Sweets
Orders: From February 24, 2021
Buy Here: http://priroll.jp/shopbrand/ct5007
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Aromatic Kamakura Raw Chocolate Brand to Open New Branch in Nagoya
MAISON CACAO, the company behind the aromatic raw chocolate brand of the same name, will open a store on floor B1F of JR Nagoya Takashimaya on March 3, 2021. It will be the brand’s first permanent shop in Japan’s Tokai region.
The company held a special Valentine’s event from late January to Valentine’s Day where MAISON CACAO made the second most sales. They also enjoyed other sold out products, and showcased some exclusive indulgences like the gold leaf-adorned “Aroma Raw Chocolate ARMOUR” and “Aroma Raw Chocolate STRAWBERRY” as well as the all-new “Cacao Butterland.”
The Nagoya Line-Up
Aroma Raw Chocolate AMOUR | ¥6,000 (Before Tax)
Exclusive to this new Nagoya branch of MAISON CACAO, these “AMOUR” chocolates are all handmade using techniques that have been passed down through the company. The dark chocolates are wrapped in luxurious gold leaf and have a fruity, sweet, and bitter combination. One box contains a generous serving of 16.
Cacao Butterland | ¥2,000 (Before Tax)
MAISON CACAO uses cacao beans from Columbia to bake its menu. These gooey treats are made with cacao butter and chocolate caramel with a double layering of dark and white chocolate. A rich and filling serving of six comes in a box.
Aroma Raw Chocolate STRAWBERRY | ¥2,200 (Before Tax)
Also a Nagoya-exclusive, these strawberry variants are made with intensely sweet JApanese amaou strawberries white combine with the fragrance cacao butter and white chocolate for a refreshing taste. You get 16 in a single box.
But Wait, There’s More…
Raw Chocolate Butter Cake | ¥3,500
A cake made with velvety chocolate butter cream packed with roasted nuts, raisins, and caramel chips.
Rich Raw Chocolate Tart STRAWBERRY | ¥2,000
Yet another exclusive to Nagoya, these crunchy tarts are lathered in amaou strawberry chocolate and filled with runny and fruity amaou strawberry cream. A box comes with three included.
Other Popular Goodies Available While Supplies Last
Aroma Raw Chocolate MAISON (Grape) | ¥2,400 (Before Tax)
Babka | ¥2100
Raw Gateau Chocolate | ¥2500 (Before Tax)
Information
MAISON CACAO
Grand Opening: March 3, 2021
Location: JR Nagoya Takashimaya Floor B1F
Address: 1-1-4 Meieki, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi
Opening Hours: 10:00-20:00
MAISON CACAO Official Website: https://maisoncacao.com/
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Uji Matcha Loaded Pancakes Get Served Up at Eggs ‘n Things Japan This Spring
27.February.2021 | FOOD
For the entire month of March this year, Eggs ‘n Things Japan is serving up “Uji Matcha Tiramisu Pancakes” and “Egg Scramble House Sandwich” at all branches.
The Seasonal Menu
Uji Matcha Tiramisu Pancakes | Eat In ¥1,480, Takeout ¥1,080
These rich tiramisu pancakes are made with a dough laced in delicious Uji matcha and topped with succulent strawberries.
*The takeout option doesn’t come with whipped cream
Egg Scramble House Sandwich | Eat In & Takeout ¥1,380
A classic BLT layered perfectly so every ingredient stands out for every bite.
A Refreshing, Fruity Springtime Drink
Tropical Fruit Mix | ¥650Customers can stay refreshed this spring with this tropical fruit mixed beverage of mango, pineapple, banana, and more.
Information
Eggs ‘n Things Japan Seasonal Menu
Running: March 1, 2021 – March 31, 2021
Available: All Eggs ‘n Things Japan branches
*Opening hours subject to change depending on the COVID-19 pandemic
Branch List: https://www.eggsnthingsjapan.com/store/
Seasonal Menu Info: https://www.eggsnthingsjapan.com/news/210224.html
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Classy Japanese Shrimp Senbei Crackers Release From Keishindo in Almond, Cheese, and Chocolate Flavours
25.February.2021 | FOOD
Japanese snack company Keishindo recently launched a new series of shrimp senbei rice crackers called “Ajiwau Wa” (The Taste of Japan). The snacks are deep in flavour, arriving in almond, cheese, and chocolate.
The Line-Up
Kongari Ebi Cheese (Contains 6) | ¥648 (Tax Included)
The shrimp crackers are topped with cheese and baked. The charred cheese brings out the flavour of the shrimp even more.
Ebi Almond (Contains 6) | ¥648 (Tax Included)
A rich and crunchy rice cracker made with in-house roasted almonds. With every bite comes more and more umami goodness.
Kutsurogi Yaki Chocolate (Contains 6) | ¥756 (Tax Included)
A harmony of sourness and sweetness delightfully adorns this chocolatey treat. The contrasting flavours results in a complex taste that could be called a completely new flavour.
Seasonal Kutsurogi Yaki Chocolate Strawberry | ¥756 (Tax Included)
Similar to the regular chocolate version but combined with sweet strawberry which gives the crackers a pink appearance.甘
Ajiwau Aji Assortment (Contains 9) | ¥1,080
Information
Ajiwau Aji
Japanese Product Name: 味わう和
Keishindo Official Website: https://keishindo-shop.com/
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Japanese Spring Cherry Blossom Desserts and Food Bloom Pink at Tokyo Solamachi This March
Spring is arriving early at Tokyo Solamachi where shops and restaurants will be serving up their own cherry blossom themed desserts and dishes from March 1.
The Line-Up: A Delectable Excerpt
Vibrant Cherry Blossom Desserts Welcome Spring
Hanami Soft | ¥800
Where: Gion Tsujiri (East Yard Floor 6F)
Serving: March 1, 2021 – April 30, 2021
Feel the warm breeze of Japanese hanami with a parfait serving of cherry blossom bavarian cream and jelly, Uji match soft serve ice cream, cherry blossom chocolate, white flour dango dumplings, high quality red bean paste, wafer, and other little assorted treats.
Sakura Mochi Flavoured Spring Pancakes | ¥935
Where: Coconoha (West Yard Floor 4F)
Serving: March 1, 2021 – April 11, 2021
Coconoha’s popular fluffy pancakes topped livingly with cherry blossom ice cream, chewy white flour dumplings, and sweet red bean paste.
Takeout Cherry Blossom Food
Sakura Sushi | Takeout ¥2,138, Eat-In ¥2,178
Where: Kirby Cafe Tokyo (East Yard 4F)
Serving: From March 19, 2021
A picnic serving of six springtime sushi rolls decorated with Kirby references which comes in a cute lunchbox.
Cherry Blossom Lassi | ¥520
Where: AMARI DELI (West Yard Floor 2F)
Serving: March 1, 2021 – April 11, 2021
A cherry blossom lassi in full bloom with fluffy whipped cream and finished with sprinkles of pink-coloured chocolate.
Cute Spring Cherry Blossom Snacks
Financier Sandwich Box – Sakura & Matcha | ¥1,500 (Contains 4)
Where: Afternoon Tea Room (East Yard Floor 3F)
Serving: February 25, 2021 – April 21, 2021
An assortment of two financier cakes: the Sakura Financier Sandwich which is cherry blossom flavoured and filled with white chocolate, roasted walnuts, and strawberry flakes, and the Matcha Financier Sandwich which is filled with milk chocolate, roasted walnuts, and pistachio. Available while supplies last.
Restaurant Menus Beckon Hanami
Spring Roast Beef Nigiri & Cherry Blossom Dashi Kishimen Noodles | ¥1,380
Where: Sugimoto (East Yard Floor 6F)
Serving: March 1, 2021 – April 11, 2021
Roast beef sushi rolls made with Nagoya Owari beef and served with slightly-salted flat kishimen noodles served in a cherry blossom flavoured broth. Limited to 10 servings per day.
This is just a sampled look at what’s to come at Tokyo Solamachi this spring – if you’re in Tokyo for the cherry blossom season, be sure to visit!
Information
Cherry Blossom Desserts & Dishes
Where: Tokyo Solamachi
Address: 1-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida-ku, Tokyo
Starting: March 1, 2021
TEL: 0570‐55‐0102 (11:00-19:00)
Tokyo Solamachi Official Website: http://www.tokyo-solamachi.jp/
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Milky Strawberry Sandwich Biscuits by Sugar Butter Tree Arrive Ahead of Spring
24.February.2021 | FOOD
Sugar Butter Tree, a shop by Grapestone that specialises in cereal sweets, released its new Strawberry Chocolate Sandwich at all branches of Sugar Butter Tree on February 15.
A Limited-Time Treat Made With Seasonal Japanese Strawberries
This strawberry-loaded biscuit is sold by Sugar Butter Tree every year. It’s made with only the best picked springtime strawberries to create a delicious chocolatey snack. If you love strawberries, then this is a treat for you.
Sugar Butter Tree Strawberry Chocolate Sandwich: Pack of 5 – ¥648 / Pack of 8 – ¥1,080 / Pack of 12 – ¥1,620 (Tax Included)
Milky, melt-in-the-mouth strawberry goodness
The chocolate ‘sandwich’ contains crunchy milk cream with a delicious sugar butter scent. This is wrapped in a strawberry chocolate coating, making for a mix of sweet and tangy.
Looks cute on the table served with tea
The design theme for the biscuit is “strawberry teatime.” Its pastel colour makes for a cute serving snack served with a cup of tea.
Information
Sugar Butter Tree’s Strawberry Chocolate Sandwich
Available: February 15, 2021 – Mid May 2021 (While supplies last)
Where: Sugar Butter Tree (Tokyo/JR Nagoya Takashimaya/Hankyu Umeda/Hakata Hankyu) + Gin no Budou (Daimaru Tokyo/Seibu Ikebukuro/Lazona Kawasaki)
Also Available Online: https://www.paqtomog.com
Sugar Butter Tree Official Website: https://www.sugarbuttertree.jp/
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Succulent Strawberry Tarts Get Baked Up at Andrew’s Eggtart This Spring
23.February.2021 | FOOD
Japan’s egg tart chain Andrew’s Eggtart is baking up some special handmade strawberry tarts this spring made with fresh strawberries farmed in Japan.
Spring Strawberry | ¥380 (Before Tax)
The tarts are triple-layered with a strawberry compote, strawberry cream, and an in-house original custard cream. Each tart is finished with fresh cuts of succulent strawberry to finish, adding a fruity flavour to the sweet treat.
Information
Spring Strawberry
Order Window: March 3, 2021 – May 31, 2021
Participating Branches: Dotonbori / Osaka Namba Station / JR Tsuruhashi / AEON Mall Osaka Dome City / Nagoya Meitetsu / Kagoshima Tenmonkan
*Available while supplies last
Andrew’s Eggtart Official Website: https://www.eggtart.jp
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HELIOS Rising Heroes x Marion Crêpes Collaboration Launching in Tokyo & Osaka This Spring
22.February.2021 | ANIME&GAME / FOOD
Japanese goods brand amie, which is managed by the same company that runs the popular online anime and hobby site Amiami, is set to host a collaboration between the popular mobile game HELIOS Rising Heroes and Harajuku’s quintessential crepe shop Marion Crêpes in Tokyo and Osaka from April 24 to May 9.
HELIOS Rising Heroes x Marion Crêpes
The collaboration will see crepes inspired by the characters from HELIOS Rising Heroes. There’s also some free novelties prepared for those who purchase any of the crepes.
A special illustration of Marion Blythe as well as Faith Beams, whose birthday fell on February 14, has also been drawn specially for this collaboration. 16 of the heroes from the mobile game have also been illustrated in Marion Crêpes staff uniforms which can be seen in-store. Fans can also get their hands on a variety of collab merch, and an in-game event is currently taking place.
Don’t miss this special collaboration between HELIOS Rising Heroes and Marion Crêpes.
©2019 Happy Elements K.K
Information
Marion Crêpes x HELIOS Rising Heroes
Running: April 24, 2021 – May 9, 2021
Amiami Official Website: https://www.amiami.jp/