TZEN, a company dedicated to promoting traditional Japanese culture around the world, has teamed up with Yamamasa Koyamaen, a tea wholesaler in business since the Edo period, to open a new matcha cafe in Tokyo!

ATELIER MATCHA, a quick walk from Ningyocho station, is harnessing the concept of ‘the third wave of matcha,’ serving up premium matcha in a cozy atmosphere. 

MATCHA Cookies & Cream Shake: ¥748 (Tax Included) 

MATCHA with Warabimochi and Red Bean Topping: ¥748 (Tax Included)

MATCHA Jelly Cider: ¥660 (Tax Included)

MATCHA Granola and Yogurt Latte: ¥715 (Tax Included)

MATCHA Cotton Candy Milkshake: ¥748 (Tax Included)

MATCHA Affogato: ¥660 (Tax Included)

MATCHA Shot (Espresso Style): ¥220 (Tax Included) / MATCHA Water: ¥275 (Tax Included) / MATCHA Green Tea: ¥330 (Tax Included)

Supreme MATCHA Terrine: ¥660 (Tax Included)

(This is a partial menu, all prices are for those dining in.)

Matcha is becoming popular around the world. ATELIER MATCHA was created to offer customers a unique experience which showcases the true taste and culture of this beloved tea grown in Japan. 

Yamamasa Koyamaen is a Kyoto institution, cultivating and grinding matcha tea leaves for 160 years. Over 1,000 tea retailers, department stores, domestic and international trading companies and hotels stock their high-grade matcha, gyokuro, sencha, and other specialty teas, making them one of the most recognized and respected names in this traditional Japanese art. The company even prefers to call themselves a ‘studio’ rather than a ‘factory’, using the 800-year history of tea cultivation in Uji, Kyoto as a starting point to create their masterpieces. 

ATELIER MATCHA is Yamamasa Koyamaen’s first cafe, and also the company’s first experience selling directly to consumers. 

Blending the highest-grade matcha with locally made sweets, the cafe hopes customers will enjoy these original creations while surrounded by the relaxing aroma of tea. 

The matcha used in the cafe includes signature Yamamasa Koyamaen blends, including Ogurayama and Tennozan, both varieties often used in tea ceremonies. For a limited time, the cafe is offering a single-origin blend with one rare variety of matcha, as well as a beverage made with tencha, which are the leaves used to make matcha before being ground down in a stone mortar. Visitors can also enjoy gyokuro and hojicha teas, made from carefully selected leaves. 

Pulling recipes from Yamamasa Koyamaen’s book ‘Kyoto Uji-Koyamaen: Simple Matcha Drinks to Enjoy at Home,’ the menu features refreshing drinks blending the traditional with the modern, with unexpected combinations of soda, fruit and yogurt. Seasonal drinks will also be making an appearance, including shaved ice in summer and chocolate drinks in winter. 

The name MATCHA SHOT packs a punch, using matcha instead of espresso for a needed pick-me-up. MATCHA WATER, a refreshing cup of watered-down tea, offers a way to fully enjoy the fullness and more hidden flavors of this popular Japanese tea. 

As expected, ATELIER MATCHA also has a sweets menu set to impress: these sweet treats feature only the best, created with the top 0.03% of total national matcha production. This insanely high-quality matcha is a part of Yamamasa Koyamaen’s ultimate matcha experience project, titled “ALL FOR ONE,” which provides these rare leaves to some of the country’s top professionals in various fields. 

At opening, only limited qualities of the Supreme MATCHA Terrine, made by well-known pâtissier Toshi Yoroizuka, will be available. 

These authentic matcha creations are perfect for a hot summer’s day, or as a gift for a friend. When in Tokyo, don’t miss it!

Jambuka Abeno Q’s Mall is the only place in Osaka where locals can enjoy the incredible pancakes created by the fresh cream desserts specialist shop MILK. This summer, they are now serving a new seasonal treat: the ‘Sweet Summer Mikan & Lemon Pancakes.’

Sweet Summer Mikan & Lemon Pancakes | ¥1,089 (Tax Included)

Fresh Cream Milk Pancakes | ¥858 (Tax Included)

Fresh Cream Strawberry Milk Pancakes | ¥1,089 (Tax Included)

Fresh Cream Chocolate Banana Milk Pancakes | ¥979 (Tax Included)

All pancakes are made-to-order and are covered in a rich, creamy sauce made from fresh cream from Hokkaido. Enjoy them plain or topped with fresh fruit.

The new Motosue Hanare has opened next to Motosue Kurakuen in Hyogo where they are selling a range of desserts including the Milkshake Shaved Ice and Milk Frozen.

Milkshake Shaved Ice Pudding | ¥1,290 (Tax Included)

Milkshake Shaved Ice Sweet Potato | ¥1,350 (Tax Included)

Milkshake Shaved Ice Matcha Adzuki | ¥1,200 (Tax Included)

Milk Frozen Chocolate Banana | ¥650 (Tax Included)

Milk Frozen Strawberry | ¥720 (Tax Included)

Eggy Bread | ¥750 (Tax Included)

Using milkshake as the base ingredients, the shave ice line-up gets its super fluffy texture from free range eggs. There are three flavours to enjoy, such as the pudding one which is topped with a whole Japanese pudding, adding a smooth and velvety texture to the fluffy shaved ice. Each is a perfect pick for cooling down during the summer season.

The ‘Milk Frozen’ desserts use frozen milk for the base and are topped with fruit. Each is made carefully handmade one by one, and they are even more refreshing than the shave ices. The eggy breads also come in a range of flavours including plain and custard.

Japanese anime and manga merch website Animo is selling a limited-edition collection of t-shirts based on the characters from Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba. The line-up of six tees is available to buy until July 22.

Tanjiro Kamado Long Sleeve T-Shirt | ¥3,900 (Before Tax)

Zenitsu Agatsuma Long Sleeve T-Shirt | ¥3,900 (Before Tax)

Kyojuro Rengoku Long Sleeve T-Shirt | ¥3,900 (Before Tax)

Tanjiro Kamado Big Silhouette T-Shirt | ¥4200 (Before Tax)

Zenitsu Agatsuma Tanjiro Kamado Big Silhouette T-Shirt | ¥4200 (Before Tax)

Kyojuro Rengoku Tanjiro Kamado Big Silhouette T-Shirt | ¥4200 (Before Tax)

© 吾峠呼世晴／集英社・アニプレックス・ufotable

Universal Studios Japan has announced the opening of a new XR ride based on the anime and manga series Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba. Set to run from September 17, 2021 to February 13, 2022, the ride will incorporate the use of VR technology to make guests feel like they are onboard the Mugen Train from the series’ anime film adaptation.

On the ride, riders will see images and voices of the series protagonist Tanjiro Kamado as well as other characters such as Kyojuro Rengoku who is a major character in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Mugen Train.

Another rollercoaster at the park called “Hollywood Dream The Ride” will also feature Demon Slayer, with fans able to hear the voices of Kamado and Rengoku as if they are all experiencing the coaster together. Two stories will be told across two periods, each featuring comical dialogue.

©吾峠呼世晴／集英社・アニプレックス・ufotable　TM & © Universal Studios. All rights reserved.

McDonald’s Japan released its new Strawberry & Condensed Milk Frappe and Banana Caramel Frappe beverages at McCafe by Barista® branches up and down the country on July 14. The fruity frappes and the perfect choice for the hot summer season.

Strawberry & Condensed Milk Frappe | Regular: ¥490

The strawberry frappe is made with a sweet and tangy strawberry sauce that has fresh strawberry pieces in it as well as juice taken from amaou strawberries grown in Fukuoka which are known for their fresh and sweet taste. Added to the cup is rich condensed milk along with a squirt of whipped cream for a milky and velvety finish.

Banana Caramel Frappe | Regular: ¥490

The banana frappe is filled with a banana puree sauce, banana syrup, and a crème brûlée syrup. It’s topped with smooth whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. The banana and caramel make for a delicious combination.

With just a small bit of ingenuity, turn everyday food into something cute using Kaori’s Easy Recipe! With a few simple ideas, an ordinary recipe magically transforms into a cute dish.

In this recipe, I’ll show you how to make a delicious banana cake that is tasty even if refrigerated!

Ingredients

Makes a 18cm pound cake

2 ripe bananas

100g unsalted butter

50g granulated sugar

2 eggs

100g weak flour

1

Bring the butter to room temperature and mix it with the sugar until it becomes white. I used unsalted margarine for this.

2

Gradually add both the egg whites and yolks and pour slowly into the mixture while mixing. Mash the banana with a fork, add to the bowl, and mix.

3

Sieve in the flour and mix lightly.

4

Bake at 160℃ for 40-45 minutes and it’s ready! I used a 15cm pound cake tin and muffin tin to make mine. If using a muffin tin, bake for 30 minutes.

Leave to cool and use the edge of the pound cake tin to cut ears. Finish by using a chocolate pen to draw on Rilakkuma’s face.

Kaori invites you into her world of character-themed food dishes in her recipe series. Be sure to check out her Instagram where she has uploaded many pictures of her character dishes!

The Japanese online anime and manga merchandise website Animo is now taking orders for a work shirt inspired by Nezuko Kamado from the anime and manga series Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba until July 22.

The front of the shirt features Nezuko’s name in Kanji and romaji while the back features a large embroidered design of the character with the words ‘PROTECT HUMANS!’

©吾峠呼世晴／集英社・アニプレックス・ufotable

Baskin Robbins released a new collection of ice cream cakes inspired by the characters from the Pixar film Toy Story. There are 15 delicious flavours to enjoy, so let’s take a look.

Buzz Lightyear

Popping Candy / Chocolate Chips / Strawberry / White Sponge

Ham　

Love Potion / Chocolate / Chocolate Sponge
 

Rex

Matcha Cookie / Vanilla / Chocolate Sponge

Ducky & Bunny

Very Berry Strawberry / Chocolate Chips / White Sponge

Forky

Dark Chocolate / Chocolate Bits / Milk Chocolate / Chocolate Sponge

Little Green Men

Popping Candy / Melon / White Sponge

Bo Peep

Strawberry Cheesecake / Strawberry / White Sponge

Woody

Caramel Ribbon / Chopped Chocolate / Chocolate Sponge

Pick

Mat

The ice cream cakes include designs based on everyone’s favourite toys such as Woody and Buzz, as well as their new friends Forky, Ducky, and Bunny.

BAKE CHEESE TART has teamed up with Mister Donut to release CROQUANTCHOU ZAKUZAKU, a crispy cream puff by BAKE CHEESE TART’s sister company of the same name. They are being served from July 2 to August 1.

CROQUANTCHOU ZAKUZAKU is a crispy cream puff with a custard cream filling made from Hokkaido milk. It was first produced in Hokkaido. They are stick shaped and covered in almond crunch and ‘ZAKUZAKU,’ a coating combination of egg white and sugar.

Don’t miss the chance to enjoy both BAKE CHEESE TART and CROQUANTCHOU ZAKUZAKU’s tasty treats at the same time.

YOIYO is a chocolate brand created by confectionery company that fuses chocolate with sake. Online pre-orders for its second release opened on June 6, and it’s scheduled to release on June 13. This chocolate is made with Single Malt Komagatake Yakushima Aging, a whisky made at the Shinshu Mars Distillery in Miyada, Nagano.

YOIYO YAKUSHIMA NEW

YOIYO KOMAGATAKE 

限定TASING SET　KOMAGATAKE×YAKUSHIMA

YOIYO uses specially-selected sake from across Japan and infuses it with the brand’s own smooth and tasty milk chocolate. One bites makes it feel as if you have visited the region in which the sake is produced thanks to the combination of pure water, ingredients rooted in the land, and the use of traditional techniques. The brand’s name YOIYO is Japanese for ‘good evening’ as Lotte wants people to enjoy indulging in the chocolate at dusk or after dinner.

Single Malt Komagatake Yakushima Aging is a whisky that is aged for 5+ years, and Lotte picks only from the best barrels. A bite into the chocolate first invites the full flavour of the whisky before the sweet and rich beckon of the chocolate arrives.

Lotte is also releasing a limited-edition tasting set which includes a bar of their first YOIYO release so chocoholic and sake-lovers out there can enjoy taste testing both.

The Japanese amusement arcade chain GENDA SEGA Entertainment is set to collaborate with the anime series Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba from July 24 to September 12.

Crane Game

1st Run Prizes: July 24, 2021 – September 12, 2021 | Folders (10 Designs)

2nd Run Prizes: August 7, 2021 – September 12, 2021 | Pins (10 Designs)

3rd Run Prizes: August 21, 2021 – September 12, 2021 | Mini Art Panels (10 Designs)

*Available while supplies last

SEGA Exclusive Prizes

Releasing Late July 2021

Acrylic Fan Charms – Traditional Japanese Instrument Version (10 Designs)

Acrylic Snack Charms – Traditional Japanese Instrument Version (5 Designs)

Releasing Early August 2021

Mini Cushion Straps (10 Designs)

Big Acrylic Fan Charm (1 Design) – Exclusive to SEGA Ikebukuro GiGO

Twitter Retweet Campaign Prizes

Standing Panels

Complete Novelty Sets

1st Run Prizes: July 23, 2021 – July 29, 2021 | Complete Set of Folders (3 People Only)

2nd Run Prizes: August 5, 2021 – August 11, 2021 | Complete Set of Pins (3 People Only)

3rd Run Prizes: August 20, 2021 – August 26, 2021 | Complete Set of Mini Art Panels (3 People Only)

Select SEGA amusement facilities across Japan will feature Demon Slayer prizes in their crane game machines featuring exclusive designs. SEGA Japan is also hosting a retweet campaign where lucky fans of the anime series can enter for a chance to win even more merchandise by following their official account and retweeting the campaign tweet.

©吾峠呼世晴／集英社・アニプレックス・ufotable
©GENDA SEGA Entertainment Inc.