Tokai Kiosk Company has announced a Kyushu and Okinawa themed fair which will run at all branches of Tokai Kiosk from Tokyo Station to Shin-Osaka Station starting on March 2. Customers will be able to enjoy a range of local foods and products from Kyushu and Okinawa.

Kyushu Okinawa Fair Poster

A Look at Some of the Available Products

Salted Shiroi Tabekko Doubutsu

Sugar Butter Sand Tree – Amaou Strawberry Butter

Okinawa Bireley’s Ishigaki Island Pineapple

Sausage & Egg Yuzu Kosho Sandwich

This is just a peek of what will be available to try from Kyushu and Okinawa this spring. If you’re travelling in Japan this March, then don’t miss out.

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) 

Tama Plaza Terrace, a shopping centre in Yokohama, opened a limited-time pop-up shop on Tuesday (February 9) called ISE SHOP which is selling goods and products from Japan’s city of Ise.

The shop opened in response to the reduction of sales of foodstuff, traditional handicrafts, and more in Ise due to the pandemic. Ise is known for its bounty of diverse products, and so this is a way to continue supporting it. Free tourist pamphlets are also being handed out detailing information about the city’s wonders.

Some of the must-grab items

The store is a showcase of Ise’s history, traditional, and food culture. Shoppers will find staple souvenir items like Ise udon, sea lettuce, hijiki seaweed, pearls, and more. Other touches of Ise include a popular hand cream made with water drawn from the Isuzu River, a fragrance mist also made from the same water, all-new cosmetic items, cookies inspired by the oshiraishi stones spread over the most holy part of Ise Grand Shrine—the list goes on. 58 Ise-based businesses are stocking around 100 products inside the store, so it’s a must-visit for anyone interested in the ancient city.

Tokyo Neko Neko will open a new branch at ecute Keiyo Street inside Tokyo Station on January 25, 2021.

The launch comes just 6 months after the bakery opened its store in Ginza, attracting customers from all over for its line-up of cat-shaped pastries. Both of these bakeries are the result of yet another branch, Kyoto Neko Neko, which opened in June last year as the first in the line of these cute locations.

Tokyo Station Exclusives: Neko Neko Jam Bread – Marmalade, Caramel, Strawberry, Blueberry

Tokyo Neko Neko Bread – Plain, Chocolate, Caramel Almond, Tsubu-an, Matcha, Soybean

As well as the classic Tokyo Neko Neko Bread—which is like a croissant being loaded with French butter, crunchy on the outside, and moist on the inside—the new Tokyo Station branch is also serving its own exclusive pastry treat: the Neko Neko Jam Bread, made with plenty of milk, and arriving in four irresistible flavours including marmalade, caramel, strawberry, and blueberry. And most important of all: everything is shaped like an adorable kitty.

If you’re travelling through Tokyo Station then don’t miss out on a trip to Tokyo Neko Neko, opening January 25.

Marushin Honken is an old soy sauce maker based in Wakayama, the birthplace of Japanese soy sauce, which has teamed up with chocolate sommelier Tani Kanako who is the spearhead of the chocolate company TomoeSaveur and was a judge at the 2014 International Chocolate Awards, and the French chocolate brand Erithaj Chocolat, to launch the world’s first chocolate soy sauce seasoning. The product is called Cacao Jang and was released on Wednesday (January 20).

Left: Paste Type / Crunchy Type

The condiment uses a soy sauce called Kuyo Murasaki and steeps in it roasted cacao to create a rich, complex flavour combination. A completely unique seasoning, it’s available in two types – paste and crunchy. Chocolate is typically seen as a sweet food, but this condiment uses no sugars, allowing for the deep-bodied flavour of the chocolate to shine through. It goes well with as a sauce seasoning for duck and chicken, as well as white fish.

Discover a flavour like never before with a pot of Cacao Jang.

Tokyo Banana World recently added its special Dengeki Box (Electric Box) of Pikachu Tokyo Banana confections to its official website which is available to order in Japan until January 30, 2021 at 17:00 (JST).

Tokyo Banana is Tokyo’s official souvenir sweets brand and it launched its new Pokémon Tokyo Banana series of confections in November last year with the first catch being Pikachu. It subsequently added Eevee to the collection in December. The Pikachu confections are also available to buy at Tokyo Station.

Pikachu Tokyo Banana – Dengeki Box | Box of 12 Packs (24 Confections) | ¥3,456 (Tax Included)

The limited-time addition of the Dengeki Box to Tokyo Banana’s official website means that anyone in Japan can get a taste of the electrifyingly delicious sweet fluffy custard-filled sponge cakes without having to travel to Tokyo.

Waiting inside the Dengeki Box are 12 packages each with two cakes in and each in one of six different Pikachu designs to greet hungry Trainers, all of which are positively kawaii. The box itself also features these adorable illustrations.

Left: Front of Box | Right: Back of Box

The box even has a handle attached to it so you can reuse it after to store all your bits and bobs.

©2021 Pokémon. ©1995-2021 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..

Suntory has announced the release of a special edition of its single malt whisky, Yamazaki Limited Edition 2021, which will be released in Japan in limited quantities from May 25, 2021.

The whisky comes from Japan’s first and oldest malt distillery, multi-layered with fruit and Mizunara aromas. It is rich in Japanese nature and craftsmanship and has gone on to become one of the most popular whiskies in Japan for its delicate flavour. The prestige of the drink has also led it to be praised by whisky lovers around the world. The malt is carefully aged over the years and throughout the four seasons in its casks.

The new limited-edition version has been prepared in new Mizunara malt casks and is perfect as a gift. It’s also limited in stock making it a rare must-grab for drinkers of the brand.

ALL HEARTS COMPANY, a Japanese company that develops bakeries and patisseries across Japan, opened its new bakery and confectionery shop Tokyo Neko Neko in Ginza, Tokyo on July 22, 2020. The shop has replaced Heart Bread ANTIQUE, another bakery also run by ALL HEARTS COMPANY, which was previously at this location.

At Tokyo Neko Neko, they are serving cat-shaped pastries and desserts including Tokyo-exclusive products from their Neko Neko Bread brand and Neko Neko Cheesecake shop. This is the second branch to open following the opening of Kyoto Neko Neko last month.

A stylish bakery

Tokyo Neko Neko’s pastries and interior design takes on a completely different look from Kyoto Neko Neko, with the walls acting as a canvas to display their food like an art museum. The bakery’s line-up centres on seeing as well as eating, adding an extra level of deliciousness to the products. If you’ve visiting Tokyo, you don’t want to pass up on the opportunity to visit Tokyo Neko Neko.

Tokyo Neko Neko Bread

Tokyo Neko Neko’s cat-shaped bread is palm-sized and so is a perfect gift and takeaway snack. The outside is crunchy while the middle is kept nice and moist. The secret behind the bread’s tastiness is the use of fermented butter which they get from France. The use of lots of almond cream adds a tasty kick too.

Tokyo Neko Neko Bread – Plain: ¥1,000 (Before Tax)

Made using croissant pastry and loaded with fermented butter.

Tokyo Neko Neko Bread – Caramel Almond: ¥1,200 (Before Tax)

Caramel almonds and almond slices are added to this version, also made with lots of fermented butter.

Tokyo Neko Neko Bread – Praline Rose: ¥1,200 (Before Tax)

This flvour is filled with praline rose, a traditional French confection of caramelised sugar-coated almonds.

Tokyo Neko Neko has lots of other tasty foods to offer too, like their Neko Neko Cheesecake, Neko Neko Butter Sandwiches, and more.

Japan’s popular confectionery souvenir shop Tokyo Banana is collaborating with Disney for one week from July 29 to August 7 at the Hankyu Umeda branch of Tokyo Banana in Osaka.

Officially named the “Disney SWEETS COLLECTION by Tokyo Banana,” the line-up brings together the iconic Disney characters and centres them around the company’s brand concept which is to bring happiness to all who see and taste their products.

Mickey Mouse Pancake Sandwich: ¥1,080 for 4 / ¥1,382 for 6 (Tax Inclusive)

A box of “Mickey Mouse Pancake Sandwiches” contains baked, deliciously fluffy treats filled with soft cream. They come in two shapes: Mickey’s face and the iconic Tokyo Banana. The Mickey ones contain caramel cream and roasted almonds while the Tokyo Banana designs are filled with banana milk cream and chocolate chips.

Mickey Mouse Chocolate Sandwich: ¥1,080 for 12 / ¥2,160 for 24

The “Mickey Mouse Chocolate Sandwich” are crunchy cat tongue biscuits which have Tokyo Banana’s distinct milky flavour. They are made to be like a delicious banana milkshake you can eat and contain rich chocolate.

 © Disney

You’ve studied as much as you can for your exams and prepared as much as you can for that mid-term presentation but the nerves are still getting to you. How about some lucky items to help you succeed? As the exam season is approaching, Tokyo Station’s shopping centre GRANSTA is holding a fair from January 13 to February 14, selling a variety of lucky items and foods to fill you with the courage and strength you need to calm your nerves and boost your confidence.

 Katsu Sandwiches

As “katsu” also means “win”, a crunchy and juicy “winning” sandwich is the perfect way to boost your confidence and energy levels.

Kinokuniya Katsu Sandwiches (3 Sandwiches): ¥430 (After Tax)/KINOKUNIYA Entrée GRANSTA Marunouchi Floor B1 (Outside ticket barriers)

A crunchy katsu sandwich with a thick slice of juicy Japanese pork – This popular katsu sandwich will provide you with the stamina you need to do that presentation.

Katsu Fillet Sandwich (4 Sandwiches): ¥880 (After Tax) / Nagoya Meibutsu Misokatsu Yabaton: GRANSTA Floor B1 (Inside ticket barriers)

A soft southern Kyushu katsu meat fillet drizzled with Yabaton’s special sauce. Enjoy the juicy flavour with every bite. 

Egg and Shrimp Katsu Sandwich (1 Full Sandwich): ¥388 (After Tax) /Kyo no Gohan Wasai no Kuni: GRANSTA Marunouchi Floor B1 (Outside ticket barriers)

This pack includes a tender shrimp sandwich and a rich-flavoured egg sandwich. (Limited number sold per day)

Sangenton Katsu Sandwich Eat-In: ¥396, Take Away: ¥388 (After Tax)/ BOULANGERIE ASANOYA, GRANSTA Floor 1 (Inside Ticket Barriers)

The Sangenton Katsu Sandwich is a hearty meal that consists of pork of three origins. This is perfect to fuel up on energy before your big moment. (Limit of 40 sold per day)

Chestnut-Flavoured Talisman of Victory

Silver Bell Pancake Sandwich: ¥378 Each (After Tax)/ Colombin GRANSTA Floor B1 (Inside ticket barriers)

Chestnut-based foods as a victory treat date back to the end of the 15th century during the Warring States period of Japanese history. In this pancake sandwich, two fluffy pancakes hug a filling of delicious cream and chestnuts, creating the perfect victory snack. *Sold from January 13 – February 14, 2020

Lucky Iyokan Mikan Vinegar

Lucky Iyokan Mikan Vinegar (1:5 Dilution, 150ml): ¥1,296/ Drinking Vinegar expre・su Tokyo GRANSTA Floor B1 (Inside ticket barriers)

This mikan orange-flavored drinking vinegar is made from Iyokan mikan oranges, which is said to bring luck. “Iyokan” also means “good premonition”, which is sure to provide both an energy and confidence boost. *Limited sales: From January 13, 2020 while stocks last.

Lucky Pentagonal Chopsticks Set

Lucky Pentagonal Chopsticks Set: ¥3,300/ Nihonbo GRANSTA Floor B1 (Inside Ticket Barriers)

These lucky pentagonal (gokaku) chopsticks are a play on words with the word “gokaku”, which also means success. They are pentagonal right to the tip, making it easy to grip your food. This is the perfect present for your friend who is going to take an exam. Limited Selling Period: Until the beginning of March.

Tokyo Station GRANSTA is full of lucky items and foods to help you and your friends prepare for success.

PRESS BUTTER SAND released two new sandwich biscuit products on December 13. PRESS BUTTER SAND Kyoto Station will release the Tsutsumi Uji Matcha and PRESS BUTTER SAND Hakata Station the Tsutsumi Amaou Strawberry. Both are limited in stock.

Both boxes of these delicious treats contain five of the store’s famous “PRESS BUTTER SAND” sandwich biscuits, and they come gift-wrapped in an original furoshikiーa type of Japanese wrapping cloth. The appearance of both products in their packaging maintain an artisanal aesthetic and capture the vibe of their respective cities.

The furoshiki were designed by Yumiko Kakizaki (BAKE Inc.), the creative director at PRESS BUTTER SAND, and several creators active around Kyoto and Fukuoka. Each design was made to represent the characteristics of Kyoto and Hakata.

Also available is the Tsutsumi Black, a set each of 5 original and black flavoured butter biscuit sandwiches.

PRESS BUTTER SAND boasts over 2.5 million sales a year on average. If you’ve get to try their scrumptious biscuit sandwiches then don’t pass up the opportunity to try these new flavours.

HANAGATAYA is a souvenir variety shop that opened in Tokyo Station’s central passage back in July. After over 5 months of sales, the store has revealed its Top 10 most popular products based on sales.

The line-up features a selection of HANAGATAYA exclusives, as well as products from elsewhere which have received pre-sales at HANAGATAYA. You will be spoilt for choice with this selection, all of which are perfect for ringing in the New Year when travelling back home. Let’s take a look.

1st Place

Banana Custard Cream – Tokyo 2020 Olympic Emblem Design (Tokyo 2020 Official Licensed Product) – Contains 8 – ¥1,134 (Tax Included)

Officially licensed by the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, these chewy cakes are made from domestic Japanese rice, and are filled with deliciously creamy banana custard.

2nd Place

Tokyo Banana Butter Madeleine (Tokyo Banana World) – Contains 4 – ¥560 Tax Included)

Exclusive to HANAGATAYA come these all-new butter madeleine’s created by famous confectionery company Tokyo Banana. These baked treats feature a buttery fragrance and taste, and are made with a banana confiture and finished with fresh lemon.

*Exclusive to HANAGATAYA GRANSTA Tokyo Central Street

3rd Place

Toro One Press Chocolate Chick (Tokyo Hiyoko) – Contains 3 – ¥648 (Tax Included)

This year marks 107 since the company Hiyoko was established. The “Toro One Press Chocolate Chick” is a new confection from them: an adorable skyward-looking chick made up of three chocolate layersーeach with their own distinct flavour. At the heart of the chick is a moist chocolate paste.

*Exclusive to Tokyo Station

4th Place

Cheese Wich – Contains 5 – ¥594 (Tax Included)

These light and refreshing cheese cookies, called Cheese Wiches, are filled with a chocolate-coated melted cheese sauce. Three layers means an enjoyable amalgamation of flavours and textures.

*Exclusive to Tokyo Station

5th Place

Chocolate Chestnut Eggs (Ginza Tamaya) – Contains 4 – ¥800 (Tax Included)

“Goma Tamago” is a popular bite-sized egg-shaped confection. This chestnut flavour was created for HANAGATAYA, a mix of dark chocolate and vanilla flavoured chestnut paste.

*Exclusive to Tokyo Station

6th Place

Strawberry Cookie Sandwich (Berry UP!) – Contains 8 – ¥1,296 (Tax Included)

Berry UP! is a cute confectionery brand which creates baked strawberry sweets. Keeping with that theme, they have created a crunchy quintuple-layered cookie sandwich filled with sweet and sour strawberry chocolate.

7th Place

Shinjuku Curry Ebi (Shinjuku Nakamuraya) – Contains 6 – ¥600 (Tax Included)

If you’re looking for something more savoury, then this one’s for you: Shinjuku Nakamuraya’s light, fluffy and melt-in-the-mouth ebi, coated in curry spices. One nibble is enough to get you instantly hooked.

8th Place

Strawberry Polvorón (Berry UP!) – Contains 6 – ¥1,296 (Tax Included)

Another entry from Berry UP!, these polvorón shortbreads are made from lots of fresh strawberries mixed with condensed milk and mascarpone, creating a subtle sweetness that’s enough to have your mouth watering.

9th Place

BLUE MELTIN SAND (Tokyo Campanella) – Contains 8 – ¥1,200 (Tax Included)

What if herbal tea and cookies became its own snack? That’s what Tokyo Campanella asked too, and so make it a reality. Their BLUE MELTIN SANDs are cat’s tongue cookies stuffed with a herbal tea sauce that has a natural blue colour.

10th Place

Premium Cacao Full Sablé (Mary Chocolate) – Contains 18 – ¥1,350 (Tax Included)

Finally, we have a premium edition of chocolate company Mary Chocolate’s Cacao Full Sablés. This one’s for the adults, a sophisticated combination of bittersweet chocolate and berries.

*Exclusive to HANAGATAYA GRANSTA Tokyo Central Street

Did you enjoy this list? Which one takes your fancy the most? Whether as a souvenir for the folks back home, or as a treat to yourself to celebrate 2020, if you’re in Tokyo this year then be sure to give HANAGATAYA a visit.