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

Blue Bottle Coffee Japan has announced that its new lounge space The Lounge -Kyoto- will open on the second floor of its Kyoto cafe on March 20, 2021.

An Exclusive Course at The Lounge -Kyoto-

KYO-TO-TO x Blue Bottle Coffee Original Hand Towel

¥1,700 (Exclusive to Blue Bottle Cafe Kyoto)

Blue Bottle Coffee opened its Kyoto-based cafe in March 2018 as its eighth branch. The first by the coffee chain to open in the Kansai region of Japan, the cafe is located near the famous Nanzen-ji Temple. The cafe building itself is renovated from a traditional two-storey Kyoto-style house which has a history spanning over 100 years. Blue Bottle Cafe retained many of the building’s traditional charms like the thick beams and pillars which are both rough yet refined and tasteful.

The Lounge -Kyoto- is also a renovation that maintains the warmth and welcoming atmosphere of the Kyoto-style house. This exclusive area seats just seven people, with seats needing to be booked in advance. Customers can enjoy Blue Bottle Coffee’s new coffee course menu which includes three different freshly-made coffees and two seasonal desserts. The cafe recommends trying each coffee as it is first to enjoy the flavour before customising it.

If you’re heading through Kyoto this spring or in the future, be sure to book seats at Blue Bottle Coffee’s new lounge space.

Sanrio and Warner Bros. Japan have announced the release of the first-ever Hollywood adaptation Hello Kitty movie which will be directed by animation veterans Jennifer Coyle and Leo Matsuda. New Line Cinema and Flynn Picture Company are on board for the film which will be a hybrid fusion of live-action and animation. The film’s title and release date have yet to be announced but it has been confirmed that it will be released worldwide.

Ⓒ 2021 SANRIO CO.,LTD.

Jennifer Coyle and Leo Matsuda are top-class artists and directors who bring their incredible history in and experience working with animation to the project. This marks their first collaboration, both of them beating many other directors to the job.

Jennifer Coyle

Coyle’s early days are rooted in series such as King of the Hill where she was a storyboard artist. She worked as a producer for the HBO Max animated series Harley Quinn and has also directed episodes in the hit animated series Bob’s Burgers, lent her penned her art for The Spectacular Spider-Man, and more.

Jennifer Coyle Photo by Andrew Marlin

Jennifer Coyle | Comment

“This is not only a rare chance to bring a beloved character to life, but also to spread the message of love, friendship and inclusivity that Hello Kitty stands for. The world so needs her brand of joy and happiness.”

Leo Matsuda

Matsuda is a Brazilian director whose career began at Walt Disney Animation. He has worked on films such as Big Hero 6, Zootopia, Ralph Breaks the Internet and most recently Abominable for DreamWorks Animation. 

Leo Matsuda Photo by Peter Lefevre Photography

Leo Matsuda | Comment

“Growing up in Brazil with a Japanese family, I was surrounded by the whimsy of Hello Kitty and it served as a reminder that it’s okay to be different. Along with Jen, FlynnPictureCo. and New Line, I am delighted by this incredible opportunity to work with one of the most universally beloved characters and expand their relatable Sanrio stories even further.”

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.

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

Benelic Co., Ltd. has announced the opening of a pop-up shop version of Doraemon Future Department Store, the world’s first official Doraemon shop, at Ginza Mitsukoshi in Tokyo from March 17.

Doraemon Future Department Store first opened back in December 2019 in Odaiba, Tokyo. Dedicated to the beloved manga and anime character Doraemon, the store has opened various pop-up shops across Japan including Fukuoka, Osaka, and Nagoya. The new pop-up shop will be the first to open in Tokyo and will be stocked with the usual fan must-grabs, items exclusive to the Odaiba shop, Ginza exclusives, pre-sales, and more.

Ginza Mitsukoshi Exclusives & Pre-Sales

1. The Exclusives

The Ginza Mitsukoshi pop-up shop will sell four exclusive items including a T-shirt, handy tote bag, and more.

The merchandise will feature an illustration based on the designs of the shopping bags given at Doraemon Future Department Store. Take a look below.

Ginza Mitsukoshi Exclusive T-Shirt (5 Colours) | ¥3,520 (Tax Included)

Sizes: S・M・L

Ginza Mitsukoshi Exclusive 2-Way Tote Bag | ¥2,860 (Tax Included)

2. The Presales

Fans can get their hands on pre-sales of 7 items in the “Flying to Department Store” series of kitchen, cookware, and other items, as well as 12 accessories that both kids and adults alike can enjoy.

Flying to Department Store Series – Kitchen Apron | ¥4,400 (Tax Included)

Flying to Department Store Series – 21cm Plate | ¥3,850 (Tax Included)

Doraemon & Dorami Back Earrings | ¥2,200 (Tax Included)

Customisation Service

The pop-up shop will offer a customisation service which lets customers have different embroideries put into the T-shirts, tote bags, and key rings. The work is done on the spot by hand so you can see the result of what will be a very special item of which only one exists in the world. Perfect for Doraemon fans and gifts to friends and family.

Freshly-Made Dorayaki

The Ginza Mitsukoshi pop-up shop will also serve freshly-baked dorayaki stamped with Doraemon’s cute face. They will be made in limited quantities each day.

Dorayaki | ¥290 (Tax Included)

Bonus Items For Spending

1. Every purchase at the Doraemon Future Department Store pop-up will earn customers a free sticker. These are available in limited quantities.

2. The first 300 people at the pop-up shop to take their receipts to the main Doraemon Future Department Store in Odaiba between March 17 and 29 will receive a different limited-edition free sticker.

Ginza Mitsukoshi Original Doraemon Sticker

Odaiba Doraemon Future Department Store Sticker

Nippon Animation’s 1995 anime series Romeo and the Black Brothers is opening four pop-up shops in Japan selling a variety of themed merchandise. And for every ¥3,000 spent at the shops, customers will receive a special shopping bag with a design from the series.

商品一覧

Original Shopping Bag

Epos Card Holders Exclusive Items

A-Prize: Canvas Board

B-Prize: Complete Postcard Set

C-Prize: One Postcard (6 Designs)

The Marui City Yokohama branch pop-up shop will also feature a special exhibition of illustrations, photos, and artwork that take a look back over scenes from the series.

Sanrio has finally announced news about the 36th annual Sanrio Character Ranking. This year’s award event, the 2021 Sanrio Character Ranking, will open initial votes on April 9 to May 24 when fans can vote for their favourite character from Sanrio’s roster. As with previous years, the 2021 run will also welcome the “Collaboration Category” of the awards which will feature 27 character entries from those who have collaborated with other companies and businesses over the past year.

Ichigo Shimbun is a monthly magazine published by Sanrio. It not only includes information about the latest character merchandise, but is also the place where the Sanrio Character Ranking first began in 1986. From Sanrio’s long list of over 450 characters, just 80 are entered into the awards each year. Cinnamoroll took first place for the 3rd year in a row at the 2020 Sanrio Character Ranking which we covered in detail, including the initial first round up of winners and second round up.

Normally, the results are announced in-person at a big event. This year’s announcement gathering was originally scheduled for June 8, but was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It will now be hosted online instead, and fans will also be able to vote using the new Sanrio members service Sanrio+.

This year’s 80 entrants are now being rolled out over on the official Sanrio Character Awards Twitter page.

This Year’s Award Theme: “The Witness of a New World – Your Support Will Change the Future”

Every Sanrio Character Awards has a theme, and this year’s is, “The Witness of a New World – Your Support Will Change the Future.” The “new world” refers to the future of Sanrio—which celebrated its 60th anniversary last year—that fans will bear witness to. The key visuals for the 2021 Sanrio Character Awards have the characters holding a magnifying glass with which they are peeking into that new world.

New Entrants Announce Everyday On the Official Twitter Page

The Sanrio Character Rankings’ official Twitter page will post the key visuals and personal messages from all 80 entrants on its official Twitter page between February 26 to March 31. Leading this year’s awards ceremony are the popular characters Kuromi, Badtz-Maru, and Hangyodon. Voting opened on February 25.

How to Cast Your Vote

Votes for the 2021 Sanrio Character Ranking can be cast online, at Sanrio shops, and for the first time, on the new Sanrio members service Sanrio+. Votes for the Collaboration Category however can only be placed online. Last year’s vote was open to all fans worldwide. It is unconfirmed whether this year will be the same, but stay tuned as we follow the event.

1. Online Votes (Smartphone Only) *Cannot be cast on computers or tablets
2. Sanrio Shops
3. Sanrio Online Shop
4. Ichigo Shimbun (May 2021 Issue, on sale April 10 / June 2021 Issue, on sale May 10).

*Ichigo Shimbun voting open from April 10

5. Sanrio+ Members Smile Vote (Sanrio Shops/Online Votes)
6. Sanrio+ Members Ticket Vote (Online Votes) *More info TBA
7. Other Voting Methods (TBA)

Vote With Sanrio+

Sanrio+ allows members to exchange 100 Smiles (the currency on the Sanrio Shop) for two voting chips. Members can exchange a maximum of 1,000 smiles for 20 chips in one go. The chips are spent at the voting box on the Sanrio Shop. One chip counts for a total of three votes.

Additionally, when members first log in to Sanrio+ on the voting website, they can used 50 Smiles to cast one vote. Members can vote with a maximum of 500 smiles in one day. One Smile vote counts for a total of two votes.

Stay tuned for the latest news and updates on the 2021 Sanrio Character Ranking.

To promote the upcoming anime film Detective Conan: The Scarlet Bullet which is set to released in Japan on April 16, 2021, seven themed cafes will open in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Sapporo from March 24. The cafe is themed on a retro diner which will transport fans back in time to diners inspired by America in the 1950s and 60s.

Main Visual

Bonus Items

RETRO AMERICAN DINER MENU

DETECTIVE BURGER/SNIPER BURGER/ZERO BURGER/BOYISH BURGER/SHERRY BURGER/OSUSOWAKE BURGER – ¥1,599 Each (Before Tax), +¥500 For Acrylic Key Ring

DETECTIVE SUNDAE/SNIPER SUNDAE/ZERO SUNDAE/BOYISH SUNDAE/SHERRY SUNDAE/OSUSOWAKE SUNDAE – ¥1,099 Each (Before Tax), +¥500 For Acrylic Key Ring

DETECTIVE SODA/SNIPER SODA/ZERO SODA/BOYISH SODA/SHERRY SODA/OSUSOWAKE SODA – ¥899 Each (Before Tax), +¥500 For Acrylic Key Ring

CONAN CAFE CLASSIC Menu

APTX-4869 TROPICAL LAND CURRY | ¥1,400 (Before Tax)

COLUMBO MINT SAUCE PASTA ¥1,499 / DELICIOUS TO DIE FOR RAMEN ¥1,099 / POIROT CAFE SANDWICH ¥1,399 (All Prices Before Tax)

AI’S BERRY CHEESE FRENCH TOAST ¥1,200 / RAN’S LEMON PIE ¥1,499 / HIROSHI AGASA’S “SHIPPAI JA” PANCAKES VER.2 ¥1,199 (All Prices Before Tax)

CRIMINAL’S BLACK SESAME STRAWBERRY AU LAIT ¥999 / CRIMINAL’S SOUVENIR MUG +¥1,400 (All Prices Before Tax)

LEFT’S CAFE LATTE ¥899 / YOUNG DETECTIVE SHAKE ¥1,099 / RAN’S BERRY JELLY SODA ¥999 (All Prices Before Tax)

LIMITED EVENT MENU

1st Menu: Detective Conan: The Scarlet Bullet Menu | April 16, 2021 – May 31, 2021

AKAI FAMILY BANQUET ¥1,499 / UNAGI’S KABAYAKI & TARE OKAWARI RICE ¥1,699 / SHUKICHI & YUMI’S DELICIOUS SHORTCAKE ¥1,399 / SCARLET OGURA STRAWBERRY TOAST ¥1,599 (All Prices Before Tax)

2nd Menu: Phantom Thief Kid & Aoyama Sensei’s Birthday Menu | June 1, 2021 – July 11, 2021

*Only available at Nagoya cafe from July 1-11

THE JEWEL GARDEN SALAD ¥1,499 / MAGIC SPICE PARFAIT ¥1,200 / AOYAMA-SENSEI BIRTHDAY CURRY ¥1,399 (All Prices Before Tax)

3rd Menu: Shuichi Akai Season 1 Menu | July 1, 2021 – August 15, 2021

4th Menu: Shuichi Akai Season 2 Menu | August 16, 2021 – September 26, 2021

*Menus 3 and 4 exclusive to Shinjuku and Umeda cafes

*Menus 3 and 4 are centred on the character Shuichi Akai

Original Merchandise

Pins (6 Designs) | ¥450 Each (Before Tax)

Acrylic Coasters (12 Designs) | ¥800 (Before Tax)

Mini Acrylic Stands (12 Designs) | ¥900 (Before Tax)

Acrylic Magnets (6 Designs) | ¥500 (Before Tax)

Folders (6 Designs) | ¥300 (Before Tax)

Bandanas (2 Designs) | ¥1,500 Each (Before Tax)

Eco Bag | ¥1,850 (Before Tax)

Chocolate Tin | ¥1,600 (Before Tax)

Fans can tuck into a Detective Conan-themed retro menu as well as get their hands on some exclusive merchandise featuring original chibi art.

Make sure you don’t miss Detective Conan: The Scarlet Bullet.

©青山剛昌／小学館・読売テレビ・TMS 1996

High-casual brand MOUSSY has collaborated with Disney to release the “Disney SERIES CREATED by MOUSSY.” The Spring/Summer 2021 collection dropped in Japan on Wednesday (February 24).

PALS TAPESTRY SH JKT | ¥34,980 (Tax Included)

PALS TAPESTRY SK | ¥19,910 (Tax Included)

MATCHING OUTFITS POJ | ¥8,250 (Tax Included)

ALWAYS COOL TSJ | ¥6,600 (Tax Included)

The collection combines 70s-80s vintage taste with a 90s street style to create a special retro fusion design. The items are crafted by Japanese artisans from the gobelin-stich fabric series PALS TAPESTRY and feature Minnie and Mickey Mouse in different attire including cute matching outfits.

©Disney

World tea brand LUPICIA launched its 7th collaboration with Sanrio on Thursday (February 25) featuring a range of tea gift sets. Every year, LUPICIA releases a wide variety of rea-related gift sets for White Day, the spring season, Mother’s Day, and more.

Four Fruit Fruity Tea With Lidded Mug

Hello Kitty LUPICIA Mug & Flavoured Tea | ¥3,300 (Tax Included)

My Melody LUPICIA Mug & Flavoured Tea | ¥3,300 (Tax Included)

Cinnamoroll LUPICIA Mug & Flavoured Tea | ¥3,300 (Tax Included)

Kuromi LUPICIA Mug & Flavoured Tea | ¥3,300 (Tax Included)

This year adds the dearly beloved Kuromi to the new collaboration which features a variety of fresh and fruity teas together with a mug that comes with a lid to keep your tea hot.

Will you be having tea with Hello Kitty, My Melody, Cinnamoroll, or Kuromi?

（c）’21 SANRIO 著作（株）サンリオ

Marc Jacobs is set to open a tote bag pop-up shop in Ginza Mitsukoshi from March 3 to March 16.

THE MESH SMALL TRAVELER TOTE BAG: ¥33,000 (Before Tax) / THE MESH TRAVELER TOTE BAG ¥36,000 (Before Tax)

The pop-up shop will include pre-sales of the brand’s newly-updated mesh tote bags made from lightweight material. Each bag on show will feature playful designs in many variations such as shoulder bags, purses, and more.