Minion-themed Sweets Return to Lawson Convenience Stores Across Japan
Bandai Candy’s Tabemas series of Japanese sweets are releasing a fan favorite yet again! Minion-themed wagashi are making a triumphant return to Lawson convenience stores in Japan (excluding Natural Lawson and Lawson Store 100) on August 10, 2021.
The line-up includes popular characters from the Despicable Me and Minions film series: the childish Bob, prank-loving Stuart, and the leader of the group, Kevin. After a popular release in 2020, it’s no wonder they’re back!
Tabemas, a portmanteau of ‘edible’ and ‘mascot,’ is a series of traditional confections made to look like well-known characters, crafting them out of ingredients such as red bean paste, rice flour, and sugar. Each Minion is faithfully crafted in edible fashion, from the goggles to the hairstyles.
While the sweets are filled with red bean paste, a traditional flavor in Japanese sweets, each character has a different flavor: Bob is banana (his favorite), Stuart is strawberry, and Kevin is chocolate. As delicious as these treats may be, they’re almost too cute to eat! We’d recommend taking a few snaps for Instagram before digging in.
The Minions aren’t the only characters the Tabemas series has made into edible creations: other popular releases include familiar faces from Rilakkuma, Sumikko Gurashi, One Piece, Snoopy, Kirby, Doraemon, Yo-kai Watch, Sailor Moon, Detective Conan, and a collection of beloved Sanrio and Disney characters!
Which Minion is your favorite flavor?
Minions Franchise (C) Universal City Studios LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Information
Tabemas Minion 2021 Bob/Stuart/Kevin
Release Date: August 10, 2021
Where to Buy: At the chilled desserts section of Lawson convenience stores across Japan
Details: https://www.bandai.co.jp/candy/tabemas/minion02/
Product Lineup: https://www.bandai.co.jp/candy/tabemas/
*Not available at Natural Lawson or Lawson Store 100
*Available while supplies last
*Stock date may differ from branch to branch
*Select stores not participating
*Tabemas is a registered trademark of Bandai Co. Ltd
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Japanese Artist VERDY Releases Minions Collaboration Collection
To commemorate the upcoming film Minions: The Rise of Gru, a new apparel collection has been unveiled! The new items were made by VERDY, the artist behind popular projects like Girls Don’t Cry and Wasted Youth, both of which have been noticed by celebrities overseas. Prior to the collection’s launch online on July 1, fans can buy items from the limited-edition collection at Universal Studios in Los Angeles starting June 17 and at Universal Studios Japan starting June 24.
VERDY is an incredibly popular artist who has garnered attention around the world, and his products are often seen with celebrities and big names in Japan and abroad. He has collaborated with a number of top brands in the past.
Collection
The first collaboration between the two, Minions x Vick, was released in 2020 to huge popularity, selling out within one minute of release. This second collaboration was created to satisfy huge fan demand, offering up tons of items featuring Otto, a Minion who will appear in the new film, and VERDY’s signature character Vick. Fans can purchase T-shirts, hoodies, long sleeve shirts, hats, keychains, skateboards, and more.
This is the only time you’ll be able to snag these unique items, so don’t miss out!
WIZARDING WORLD and all related trademarks, characters, names, and indicia are © & ™ WBEI. Publishing Rights © JKR. (s22)
Minions and all related elements and indicia TM & © 2022 Universal Studios. All rights reserved.TM & © Universal Studios & Amblin Entertainment
Universal Studios Japan TM & © Universal Studios. All rights reserved.
© NintendoInformation
Minions x VERDY
Where to Buy: Universal Studios Japan, Studio Style
Available: June 24 – June 30, 2022
*Items only available while supplies last.
Available Online starting July 1Available at Universal Studios Hollywood starting June 17
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Pocky on the Rocks, Popular Since the 1970s, Reimagined for Modern Tastes
13.June.2022 | FOOD
Pocky is one of the most popular Japanese snacks around the world, and a new way to enjoy it is here. Since the 1970s, Pocky on the Rocks has been a popular way to enjoy the tasty treats during the summer. A modern version has just been unveiled, and six special boxes with exclusive designs will be released on June 14 along with a new campaign, recipe submission contest, and a collaboration with select cafes around Japan.
Pocky on the Rocks was first introduced in an ad campaign in 1976. People began putting Pocky sticks in a cool glass filled with ice or using the sticks as muddlers for alcoholic drinks. This stylish summer snack has been reimagined for 2022, and customers are inspired to pair the sticks with their favorite drink, stick them into ice cream, or add them to a cup of seasonal fruit!
Pocky on the Rocks in the 1970s
Pocky on the Rocks Today
Collaboration with 5 Cafes in Tokyo and Kansai
Cafe Roman – Takadanobaba, Tokyo
Cream Soda
Cafe Negura – Shimokitazawa, Tokyo
Dark Cherry SodaDORSIA – Sannomiya, Kobe
Heart Strawberry MilkSunshine Cafe – Higashi-Umeda, Osaka
Almond Mixed JuicePoem Cafe – Motomachi, Kobe
Lemon Squash
Pocky’s limited edition packaging, coming June 14, will feature a recipe for the 2022 Pocky on the Rocks. A recipe submission contest will also be held on Instagram, and anyone can participate. On the campaign website, fans can find collaboration recipes made in conjunction with five different cafes around Tokyo and the Kansai region. Of course, you can also grab these treats at each shop!
Fans can win retro goods in another ongoing campaign simply by snapping a picture of a Pocky receipt.
You’ve probably tried Pocky before, but have you ever tried Pocky on the Rocks?
Information
New ‘Pocky on the Rocks’ Campaign
Running: June 14 – July 7, 2022
Details: https://cp.pocky.jp /2022ontherock/
New ‘Pocky on the Rocks’ Campaign – Win Retro Goods!
Running: June 14 – August 29, 2022
Details: https://cp.pocky.jp /2022smr/
Official Site: https://www.pocky.jp/
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Kyary Pamyu Pamyu Collaborates with Famous Poeme Sweets in Ehime Prefecture
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu made waves with music lovers around the world last month when she performed at Coachella, one of the largest and most famous music festivals on Earth. On May 28, Kyary will perform in Ehime, and the artist has released details about another collaboration as part of the LOCAL POWER JAPAN Project, launched to energize Japan through the appeal of regional towns and cities.
In Ehime Prefecture, Kyary is teaming up with Poeme, a famous sweets shop in Setouchi close to the Seto Inland Sea. The shop itself opened in 1950 with a different name and quickly became popular for its Butter Manju. The buns, baked in a buttery biscuit dough with red bean paste, were an extravagant confectionary at the time. In the late 1950s, a friend of the founder Okada Kazutarou tasted the Butter Manju and said “This is a poem,” hence the current name of the location. After 76 years, the name of the shop still reflects Poeme’s mission that has been present since the company’s founding just after WWII.
The collaboration logo for the project was inspired by Kyary’s 2018 album Japamyu, which was released after four successful overseas tours. The album cemented the artist as one of Japan’s top talents, and the logo combines Poeme with Japamyu to make Poemyu.
A collaborative T-shirt is also on sale featuring the new logo and the singer’s 10th-anniversary logo. The shirt is only available until June 8 on the official LOCAL POWER JAPAN Project website.
Information
Ehime’s Poeme x LOCAL POWER JAPAN Project
Collaboration T-shirt
Price: ¥3,300 (Tax Included)Where to Buy:
LOCAL POWER JAPAN Project Online ShopAvailable until June 8 at 23:59
https://store-localpowerjapan.com/Official Site: https://localpowerjapan.com
*Please allow two weeks to one month from order completion to product shipment.*A portion of T-shirt sales will be donated to local projects and social programs.
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Kyoto Sweets Shop Otabe Rereleases Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Snacks with New Designs
19.May.2022 | ANIME&GAME / FOOD / SPOT
Otabe, one of the most popular sweets souvenir shops in Kyoto, Otabe, is known for its delicious matcha and mini-desserts. Starting May 12, the company has released nine uniquely packaged sweets inspired by Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba. The limited-edition packaging will feature popular characters from the series. Previously, the company released matcha cakes for the crossover–this time, fans can enjoy choco-an flavor!
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Choco-an
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Matcha
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Otabe (with Original Sticker)
Original Sticker: 15 varieties, 1 given at random
Focusing on the hashira from the series, fans will want to be on the lookout for their favorite character. These sweets can be bought at select stations in the Kyoto and Osaka area, major Kyoto tourist attractions, and online. In addition, matcha flavored treats will also be on sale featuring Tanjiro Kamado, Nezuko Kamado, Zenitsu Agatsuma, Hashibira Inosuke, Kagaya Ubuyashiki, and Muzan Kibutsuji.
©吾峠呼世晴/集英社・アニプレックス・ufotableInformation
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Choco-an
Release Date: May 12, 2022
Price: ¥432 (Tax Included)
Where to Buy: Train station in Kyoto & Osaka area, Major Kyoto tourist attractions, online.
Details: http://www.otabe.kyoto.jp/kimetsunoyaiba/ -
Fruit Cakes from Patisserie Giraud Available at Gotanda Station for a Limited Time
Those passing through Gotanda Station in Tokyo might want to keep an eye out for some tasty treats on sale for a limited time. Patisserie Giraud has opened a limited-time pop-up location inside the aptly-named shop Have You Eaten This Before? The pop-up will be open until May 31, 2022.
Have You Eaten This Before? features a rotating selection of products perfect as gifts, souvenirs, or as a treat for yourself. Along with six cakes made to look just like fruits, a selection of other baked goods will also be available.Lineup
Strawberry
Orange
Lemon
Red Apple
Green Apple
Melon
While it might be difficult to eat these beautiful cakes, you’ll never forget the way the juice-filled mousse and crispy pastry fill your mouth. Which one would you like to bring home?
Information
Patisserie Giraud Limited-Time Shop
Open: May 16 – May 31, 2022
Hours: Weekdays 10:00-22:00 / Weekends & Holidays 10:00-21:00
Location: JR East Gotanda StationOfficial Site: https://www.giraud.co.jp
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Hilton Osaka to Hold Cinnamoroll and Sanrio Character Sweets Buffet
Folk Kitchen, a restaurant on the second floor of Hilton Osaka, will hold the Sanrio Characters Sweets Buffet ~Joyful Summer Festival~ from May 20 until September 11, 2022. The event is being held to celebrate Cinnamoroll, Pompompurin, and Pochakko coming in first, second, and third in the Sanrio Character Awards. A lineup of 25 different sweets will be available, including those filled with summer fruits like mango, peach, and watermelon! In addition, a “Zero Leftovers Campaign” will be implemented–so be sure to clear your plate!
Happy Festival Heart Mousse
Joyful Pink Cake / Lime & Raspberry
Fluffy and Crunchy Mango Pavlova
Decorated with chocolate and adorable character designs, the Happy Festival Heart Mousse is a scrumptious dish blending the flavor of banana, caramel, and rum. The Joyful Pink Cake will be a smash-hit with Sanrio lovers, featuring the soft taste of white mousse and raspberry compote with a fresh lime flavor. Tons of other original sweets will be available, including everything from gingerbread to orange tarts.
Visitors can also find plenty of vegan sweets. Summer Blue Sky Jello features contrasting colors of pineapple pulp and soymilk cream that look like clouds floating against a summer sky. Be sure to try the Almond & Watermelon Jello and Grapefruit and Lychee Jello too!
Information
Sanrio Characters Sweets Buffet ~Joyful Summer Festival~
Venue: Hilton Osaka 2F / Folk Kitchen
Running: Every Day from May 20 – September 11
Hours: 15:00-16:30
Details: https://osaka.hiltonjapan.co.jp/plans/restaurants/sweetsbuffet/folkkitchen-2205Official Site: http://www.hiltonosaka.com
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Confectionery Brand ‘Edible Mascot’ Celebrates Kirby’s 30th Anniversary with New Sweets
01.May.2022 | ANIME&GAME / FOOD
It’s hard to believe that Kirby is turning 30 today, bursting onto the video game scene back in 1992. To commemorate this special occasion, Bandai’s Candy brand Tabemas (meaning ‘Edible Mascot’) is selling some adorable sweets inspired by the character at Lawson stores nationwide starting April 26, 2022. The items will be available in the chilled dessert section, and these items won’t be available at LAWSON STORE100.
Edible Mascot Kirby 30th: ¥353 each (Tax Included)
The Kirby sweets are made of mochi, the perfect food to express the character’s round and squishy form, and the Warp Star is made of nerikiri. Nerikiri is a traditional Japanese sweet made from mochi flour and white bean paste, and it’s especially easy to mold and carve into detailed shapes.
Kirby (Strawberry Flavored) Warp Star (Chocolate Flavored)
*Image for reference only.
Kirby is filled with strawberry-flavored filling, while the Warp Star is stuffed with chocolate. Fans can find eight different expressions on Kirby’s face, including a big smile and a sleeping expression. The Warp Star features a 30th-anniversary logo, perfect for photos. Which one is the most adorable?
What’s your favorite Kirby game?
© Nintendo / HAL Laboratory, Inc. KB22-P3638
Information
Edible Mascot – Kirby 30th
Available Now
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Tapioca and Crepe Store ‘Pearl Lady’ Collaborates with Sanrio Character Cogimyun
13.April.2022 | FOOD
Pearl Lady, a tapioca and crepe specialty shop, will begin selling a special crepe inspired by the Sanrio character Cogimyun starting April 8, 2022! These gorgeous treats will be available at participating Pearl Lady locations while supplies last.
Cogimyun’s Sparkling Strawberry Crepe
Cogimyun’s Sparkling Strawberry Crepe, topped with a Cogimyun cookie, includes sweet and sour strawberry cream.
The dough, made with tapioca flour, offers a slightly chewy texture with a rich milk and butter flavor. Customers will also receive a special sticker as a purchase bonus. Be sure to enjoy the new Cinnamoroll drink available at Pearl Lady’s sister shop CHABAR!
CHABAR x Cinnamoroll Collaboration Drink
Information
Pearl Lady x Cogimyun Crepe
Available: April 8 ~ While Supplies Last
Where to Buy: Pearl Lady Locations Nationwide (Sales period may differ depending on the store.)
Details: http://www.pearllady.jp/cogimyun2022/
CHABAR x Cinnamoroll Collaboration Drink
Details: http://chabar.jp/cinnamoroll2022/Official Site: http://www.pearllady.jp/
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Japanese Confectionary Series Tabemas Releases Chiikawa Sweets at FamilyMart Stores
12.April.2022 | FOOD
Bandai’s Japanese confectionary project Tabemas has been transforming popular characters into tasty treats for years. Starting April 5, over 16,600 FamilyMart stores nationwide will offer sweets inspired by illustrator nagano’s popular characters Chiikawa and Usagi!
This is the first time these characters have been featured in the Tabemas series. Fans can grab Chiikawa with sparking eyes or smiling with red cheeks, a sparkly-eyed Usagi, and the adorable cat Hachiware. It will be difficult to eat something so painfully cute, but each is sure to taste delicious! The Chiikawa sweets are milk and custard flavored, Usagi is sweetened with caramel, and Hachiware offers the taste of strawberry milk.
(C)nagano / chiikawa committee
Information
Chiikawa & Usagi Tabemas
Price: ¥398 each (Tax Included)
Release Date: April 5 ~
Where to Buy: Chilled Dessert Corners at 16,600 participating FamilyMart Stores Nationwide
*Limited quantities available.
*May not be available at all locations.
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Kyo Hayashiya and Hayashiya Shinbei Offering Special Parfaits Perfect for Spring
Hibiya Hayashiya Shinbei in Tokyo Midtown Hibiya is now offering a scrumptious Strawberry Matcha Parfait until April 24, 2022! If that’s not up your alley, four Kyo Hayashiya locations in Shinjuku, Omiya, Yokohama, and Ikebukuro will begin offering a Matcha and Berry Mascarpone Parfait from April 1 until May 8, 2022.
Strawberry Matcha Parfait
The Strawberry Matcha Parfait is an eye-catching mix of green and pink, reminiscent of cherry blossoms and bright green grass. Green tea blends with rose jelly and lychee sorbet, offering a refreshing taste with a hint of bitterness. The sweet accent of crunchy chocolate feuillantine gives each bite a little kick.
Matcha and Berry Mascarpone Parfait
The Matcha and Berry Mascarpone Parfait mixes the deep, bitter taste of Uji matcha, the sweet and sour taste of berries, and the gentle sweetness of mascarpone cream. The berry sauce is blended with crunchy chocolate feuillantine, a layer of whipped cream, green tea jelly, green tea ice cream, and milk panna cotta. To finish, it’s garnished with refreshing raspberry sorbet, bittersweet matcha ice cream, and fresh strawberries.
Information
Strawberry Matcha Parfait
Price: ¥1,650 (Tax Included) / with Tea: ¥2,090 (Tax Included)
Available: March 18 – April 24, 2022
Available at Hibiya Hayashiya Shinbei (Tokyo Midtown Hibiya 2F)
Matcha and Berry Mascarpone Parfait
Price: ¥1,430 (Tax Included) / with Tea: ¥1,870 (Tax Included)
Available: April 1 – May 8, 2022
*Available until April 30 at the SOGO Yokohama location.
Available at the following 4 Kyo Hayashiya locations.
・Takashimaya Times Square (Shinjuku Takashimaya Times Square Main Building 2F)
・Seibu Ikebukuro (Seibu Ikebukuro Main Building 8F)
・SOGO Omiya (SOGO Omiya Main Building 9F)
・SOGO Yokohama (SOGO Yokohama 10F)
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McDonald’s ‘McCafe by Barista’ to Offer Uji Matcha Sweets for Spring
10.April.2022 | FOOD
McDonald’s Japan locations with ‘McCafe by Barista’ areas will begin selling special spring treats for a limited time starting April 6, 2022. Customers will be able to grab the ‘Strawberry Uji Matcha Frappe’ and the ‘Uji Matcha Mont Blanc Tart.’
McCafe by Barista invites guests to enjoy high-quality frappes and smoothies. The Uji Matcha Frappe was added to the regular product lineup in June 2021, and features a mellow matcha flavor. The Strawberry variant is coming back for the first time in three years. The Mont Blanc Tart is a new addition, and is a perfect treat to enjoy with this popular frappe!
Strawberry Uji Matcha Frappe: ¥490
The Strawberry Matcha Frappe mixes together the full-bodied flavor of matcha together with sweet and sour strawberries. It includes both a strawberry paste made from whole strawberries and a strawberry whipped cream at the bottom. The drink is topped with more strawberry whipped cream and a sprinkling of matcha powder. The refreshing taste of the strawberry sauce coupled with the whipped cream serves to elevate the great flavor of the Uji Matcha even more.
Uji Matcha Mont Blanc Tart: ¥390
The Uji Matcha Mont Blanc Tart is made with Uji Matcha batter, Uji Matcha whipped cream, white bean paste, and green tea cream. The refined sweetness is complemented by the mellow aroma and slight bitterness of Uji Matcha.
How would you like to enjoy these treats beneath the cherry trees?
Information
Strawberry Uji Matcha Frappe
Uji Matcha Mont Blanc Tart
Available: April 6 – Mid-May, 2022
Available at Participating McDonald’s Japan Locations with ‘McCafe by Barista’
Official Site: https://www.mcdonalds.co.jp/
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Fujiya Celebrates 111th Anniversary with Milky Sweet Retro Accommodation Plan
04.April.2022 | SPOT
Fujiya is celebrating 111 years with a special collaboration with Hoshino Resort! The sweets company is well-known for ‘Milky,’ one of the most popular candies in Japan, and now, fans of these sweets can surround themselves completely with retro vibes. To inspire younger generations to travel again, a Milky-inspired room plan is now available to book.
Four Unique Features of the Milky Sweet Accommodation Plan
1. A Milky Sweet Room with a Retro Feel!
This sweet room is completely covered with retro Milky style! The candy’s mascot Peko-chan takes center stage in Taisho clothing, and guests can enjoy a Milky snack set and Milky bath salts to complete this one-of-a-kind experience.
2. Become Peko-chan with Adorable Costumes!
Dress up as Peko-chan with your best friend and take some hilarious pictures! These tops and overalls are included with the room, but feel free to wear them out and about.
3. Milky-flavored Popcorn Available in Collaboration with TAMARIBA!
Popcorn sweetened with Milky powder is now available at TAMARIBA. Enjoy this tasty treat as you explore the grounds, and enjoy the special bag featuring Peko-chan.
Location: TAMARIBA / Available: 15:00-19:00 / Price: Free
*Available while supplies last4. Enjoy Special Experiences at BEB5 Karuizawa and BEB5 Tsuchiura
BEB5 Karuizawa
Find Retro Peko-chan in Karuizawa Hoshino!
All-you-can-eat French Toast with Milky Sauce
BEB5 Tsuchiura
Make a Milky Smoothy on a Bike!
Peko-chan Retro Photo Cycling Tour in Tsuchiura!
Information
Milky Sweet Room Plan
Available: April 1 – June 30, 2022
Reservations Now Open
*Reservations required at least 4 days in advanceReservations/Details: https://www.fujiya-peko.co.jp/hoshino_cp/