If you’re a Peanuts fan, you can’t miss out on the gorgeous Christmas menu which will served up at the PEANUTS Cafe Nakameguro, PEANUTS DINER Yokohama and PEANUTS DINER Kobe from December 2 – 25. 

Order the Christmas Dinner course for a large angus beef steak drizzled with a sweet and tangy sauce made of berries and raspberry vinegar.

After your dinner enjoy the luxurious Christmas desserts plate of bite-sized treats such as a soft and tender canelé and sweet madeleine. The plate is decorated with a Christmas Snoopy pick where Snoopy’s face can be seen peeking through a wreath. 

You don’t have to book in advance but we recommend you do. This can be done via the links in the information section below.

Order the Salmon Cheese Gratin Christmas Plate for a luxurious course of mains, salad and dessert all on one tray. The sautéd salmon is the steal of the show as it sits in a bath of creamy stew and is topped with a generous layer of cheese. This is served alongside fluffy bread branded with Christmas designs that will definitely put you in the Christmas spirit. A Snoopy pick replaces the traditional cherry on the sundae that will leave you with a sweet aftertaste after your meal.

The White Hot Chocolate is the perfect way to ward off the cold of winter. Like a white blanket of snow, white chocolate milk fills the cup and is topped with the traditional colours of Christmas. Allow yourself to be soothed by the drink’s mild sweetness.

Make the most of your Christmas with Snoopy and friends. 

© 2019 Peanuts Worldwide LLC

The KIRBY CAFÉ will be releasing its second CD soundtrack called Sound of Kirby Café 2 on December 12. The soundtrack will be available to purchase from the KIRBY CAFÉ and KIRBY CAFÉ THE STORE in Japan.

The KIRBY CAFÉ has only ever been a temporary café that makes an appearance now and again. However, it is finally sticking around for good from December 12. To celebrate, the café has a whole lineup of new songs. 

HAL Laboratory, Inc. is the official sound team behind the Kirby’s Dream Land game series They have carefully selected 15 original songs from the game and arranged them specifically for use in the café.

A team of six musicians, some of which are new, got together to create a variety of Kirby song arrangements. From sophisticated yet relaxing cafe-style songs to cute songs which represent the pop colours of the mains and desserts, each song perfectly preserves the catchy features of the original. From the careful song selection, the sound direction was done by Kirby’s Dream Land’s general director Shinya Kumazaki from HAL Laboratory, Inc.

​The KIRBY CAFÉ and store are also giving away free stickers decorated with the special design on the CD. These stickers are in limited supply and can only be obtained by purchasing the soundtrack from the café or official store. Information on general sales and online sales will be announced in the future. 

Whether you’re cosying up on the couch or on the way to work, let the ​KIRBY CAFÉ’s official soundtrack create the perfect atmosphere for you. 

© 2019 HAL Laboratory, Inc. /Nintendo

The Harajuku, Yokohama and Umeda branches of the Pompompurin Cafeーthe cafe chain centred on Sanrio’s popular character Pompompurinーis serving up two cute Christmas menu items this year from December 1 to 25.

*Food names below are translated from Japanese

Hurry Up Santa – Pompompurin Cheese Keema Curry – ¥1,290 (Before Tax)

This rich and spicy keema curry is made with Parmesan cheese, cheddar cheese, and natural cheese. The colourful stars are made from carrot and paprika, while the spiralled Christmas cheese is a combination of spinach and mashed potato. Purin is made of rice and is waiting in anticipation for Santa to deliver his present. You’ll see he’s holding a stocking which is a made from bread and walleye pollack mayo. A hearty dish that is both delicious and adorable

Snowman Pompompurin – Snow Covered Chocolate Tart ¥1,190 (Before Tax)

Pompompurin has turned into a vanilla ice cream snowman and is standing next to a pistachio cream Christmas tree. They are both atop a rich chocolate tart. This cute dessert is like a Christmas garden straight out of a children’s picture book.

If you decide you want to spend your Christmas with Pompompurin this year, then you’ll receive a free lunch mat when you order food and a free coaster when you get a drink. These are both limited in quantity, so don’t miss out!

©1996, 2019 SANRIO CO., LTD. APPROVAL NO.S603310

If you’re looking for a cool café experience in Tokyo then head to Nakameguro for a goldmine of craft beer taprooms, coffee roasters and restaurants. One café to consider adding to your list of must-go places is music café and wine bar epulor. The café has added a number of exquisite and unique items to its menu this November including a matcha drink, black bean paste and butter toast and craft cola.

Take a seat and admire the walls of old records which create a soothing artistic atmosphere while sipping your cup of the café’s specialty hand drip coffee or sommelier-selected wine as the music of old records fills the air. When you have finished, feel free to take a gander at the gallery corner to appreciate the cafés art. 

The November menu introduces a high-quality matcha by UK brand Matchæologist®, providing the opportunity to make and enjoy your own matcha drink. From the high-quality rich flavour to the contemporary design of the tea vessel, Matchæologist® lives up to its reputation as artisanal matcha green tea specialists.

Fans of epulor’s popular Red Bean Paste and Butter Toast are in for a treat as the café is now serving up the Black Bean Paste and Butter Toast. The bread is a charcoal bread from the bakery Lotus baguette, which uses only natural yeast, Japan-produced wheat and no additives. The binchotan charcoal used to prepare the bread is a traditional charcoal which has been used since the Edo period. The appearance is just as striking as its taste. 

The café has also started to sell Japan’s craft cola TOMO COLA. The cola is spiced with flavours from around the world including kola nut, nutmeg, Japanese herbs and Japanese citrus fruits. This natural cola contains no additives so you can indulge in the taste of nature and enjoy a unique flavourful experience of Japan. 

epulor is the perfect spot to enjoy a luxurious moment of relaxation during your busy day while immersing yourself in an artistic and cultural experience. 

In this edition of The Café That You Want to Visit to See Someone, I visited J-COOK in Gaiemmae, a place I visited one time while off work which ended up in me wanting to absolutely feature it in the series!

It’s just a 5-minute stroll from Gaiemmae Station.

The cafe enjoys lots of sunlight, which is brightened further by all the plants scattered through the shop. The cafes I have visited to date are often a little darker with only a little light seeping through the windows to create a certain atmosphere, and they are wonderful, but this was the first I have ever visited with so might light and so many plants. The air felt clear, adding to the level of comfort in the cafe, perhaps because there are so many plants adorning the interior.

The cafe also has a space with a slightly more darker light and atmosphere on the left side. I haven’t sat in that area yet, so I think I’ll try it out on my next visit.

When I come to J-COOK, my eyes always wander over to the marzipan creations (¥450).

These ones here were actually all individually handmade by the owner’s husband from the early morning.

If you look really closely, you’ll notice all the dog designs are different. When ordering, get to pick out which one you want, so try finding your perfect pup!

I had mine together with an iced coffee (¥450). The sweet marzipan is a delicious combination with the bitterness of the coffee.

I also got some potted cream (¥450). It’s kind of like a Japanese custard pudding with just a moderate amount of sweetness.

I had mine with a bit of brandy which had fragrant vanilla notes. They’ve had this brandy for 33 years since the store first opened.

The cream was sensational, and the gentle notes linger afterwards.

They have a lot of different homemade soups too which are perfect for the coming cold weather. I got the New Orleans-style gumbo soup. It’s spicy with clam and okra in it.

Relaxing jazz music plays in the cafe while you sit and enjoy your drink and meal.

J-COOK is a wonderful little cafe run by a husband and wife. When I first came, the wife came and talked to me. She’s super friendly, and although it was our first meeting, she made me feel really comfortable and welcome. She must be full of happiness, which in turn naturally gives people who visit the strength to be positive and work hard.

I reckon their smiles have saved a lot of people.

I can’t wait to visit again!

Writer/Model: Ema Tanioku

Photographer: Haruka Yamamoto

Design: Yuko Abe (ASOBISYSTEM)

Translator: Joshua Kitosi-Isanga

teamLab has announced a new digital art event entitled “teamLab: Digitized Fukuoka Castle Ruins” which will bring interactive digital art to Fukuoka Castle from November 29 to February 2.

Breathing Resonating Stone Wall – Fukuoka Castle Ruins, teamLab, 2017, Digital Installation, Endless, Sound: Hideaki Takahashi

Construction of Fukuoka Castle began in 1601 and took place over the course of 7 years. The historical landmark is lined with hundreds of meters of stone walls, which has led the castle to be nicknamed Stone Castle.

Animals of Flowers, Symbiotic Lives in the Stone Wall – Fukuoka Castle Tower Ruins, teamLab, 2017, Interactive Digital Installation, Sound: Hideaki Takahashi

The exhibition is a part of teamLab’s Digitized City art project, the concept of which is that non-material digital technology can turn a city into art without physically altering it.

The castle’s enormous span of 20,000 square meters will be decorated with interactive digital art that reacts to people’s presence.

Crows are Chased and the Chasing Crows are Destined to be Chased as Well in the Stone Wall – Fukuoka Castle Tower Ruins, teamLab, 2019, Digital Installation, 4 min 20 sec (loop), Sound: Hideaki Takahashi

Sketch Kuroda Kanbei, teamLab, 2019, Interactive Digital Installation, Sound: Hideaki Takahashi, Kenta Matsukuma, Jun Tanaka (Big Cats Creatives) 

7 installations will make up the exhibition, including 4 new ones such as Crows are Chased and the Chasing Crows are Destined to be Chased as Well in the Stone Wall – Fukuoka Castle Tower Ruins, where three-legged crowds from Japanese mythology known as Yatagarasu are rendered in light and fly across the castle walls, and Sketch Kuroda Kanbei, where people can draw Kuro Kanbei and historical figures and see them come to life.

If you’ve not yet been to the Pompompurin Cafe, or this is your first time hearing about itーthemed entirely on Sanrio’s popular character Pompompurinーthen their two new menu items, available this autumn for the entire month of November, is sure to pull you in.

As the leaves turn red and gold and people order pumpkin spiced lattes for takeout, the Harajuku, Yokohama and Umeda branches of the Pompompurin Cafe want to get in on the autumnal action too. So they have created a special chicken stew and fruit gratin, served as colourful as the season itself is and perfect during any time of the day when your belly is calling for nutrition.

Chicken Brown Stew: Strolling Along While Looking at the Autumn Colours – ¥1,290 (Before Tax)

This chicken stew features Pompompurin and his best friend and hamster Muffin. The dish depicts a scene of both of them strolling and getting along while looking at the autumn leaves. Purin is made from rice and sits inside the rich stew while a mashed potato Muffin perches on top of him wearing his hat.  They are surrounded by carrots and other veggies made to look like the vibrant leaves of Japan’s maple and ginkgo trees.

Fruit Gratin: Hot Spring Warm-Up – ¥1,090 (Before Tax)

If you’re looking to satisfy your sweet tooth but also want to warm up then look no further than at Pompompurin and Muffin relaxing together in the hot spring that is this fruit gratin dessert. Purin is made from pumpkin flavoured ice cream while Muffin is of the vanilla kind. They are warming themselves up in a fruit-packed custard cream sauce. The fruit is drizzled in sauce and cooked to make the fruit even sweeter and intensify its flavour. Did you see the cute towels on their heads too? Many people do this in Japan when getting into the hot spring (or “onsen”), and you might have seen it if you watch anime too.

The fall fun doesn’t stop there however, as all people who dine at the cafe will receive the lunch mat pictured below, and everyone who orders a drink will get a coaster. Available while supplies last.

Lunch Mat (3 Designs)

Coaster (1 Design)

Stay warm while its cold at the Pompompurin Cafe this autumn.

©1996, 2019 SANRIO CO., LTD. APPROVAL NO.S602780

Hi, MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON readers! Banako here again from the MOSHI MOSHI Friends group.

I have a question to ask you all. If you’ve been to Japan, did you ever dress up in a kimono or yukata to go sightseeing? It’s become common to see not only Japanese people, but foreign travellers and tourists clad in traditional Japanese ware snapping photos in the country’s historical locations. Dressing up in a kimono and walking the streets really immerses you in that Japanese spirit and transforms your experience entirely.

I visited kesatokyo in Asakusa which rents out kimono that are somewhat different from the norm, got myself a kimono, and took a trip to Denkiya Hall, a long-standing cafe in Asakusa.

Denkiya Hall is located along Senzoku-dori Shopping Street which is a 10-minute walk from the Tsukuba Express side of Asakusa Station. The street is quiet and peaceful since it’s away from the hustle and bustle of the station front.

The kimono at kesatokyo are renowned through the town as they give off cute retro-antique vibes with their combination of things like lace necks, head dresses and berets.

You can get some romantic co-ords which you won’t find with other kimono by matching with your friend in terms of design and accessories. I headed into the cafe excited with my kimono choice which matches the old-fashioned design of the cafe exterior.

A standout feature of this cafe is that some of the tables have arcade games attached to them. If there’s a free seat at one of them, pick your favourite-looking, slot in a coin and start playing! Be sure to ask the staff to switch it on for you beforehand.

While gazing through the nostalgic games, I ordered the cafe’s popular omumaki (¥700) and cream soda (¥650) while my friend got hot cakes.

Stuffed and wrapped inside the omelette is a hearty serving of fried noodles. The noodles themselves are on the thicker side and have a rich seasoning like that from the Showa period. You can also pick between different noodles.

The cream soda had deliciously sweet syrup and vanilla ice cream inside it.

Your kimono will match the atmosphere of the cafe really well, so you can take some really great pictures at any time.

Denkiya Hall opened over 100 years ago and incorporates styles from three different historical periods: Meiji, Taisho and Showa, giving it a nostalgic feeling.

Another one of Denkiya Hall’s specialities is their boiled adzuki, the perfect treat to warm yourself up as the weather gets colder.

It was fun strolling around Asakusa after our cafe visit, as well as searching for more modern towns like Ginza and Omotesando.

We returned our kimono to kesatokyo at 18:40, right before the final return time. The basic rental plan for one person is ¥6,050 and it even includes hair styling! You can make reservations either via DMs on the store’s official Instagram or by telephone. You’re certain to get a reply on Instagram so it’s recommended going that route. The shop has more details on their plans on their website.

Wearing a beautiful kimono and warming up inside a cafe during wintertime. How does that sound?

Japanese confectionery brand Minamoto Kitchoan will open a new cafe and restaurant called “K. MINAMOTO” on October 19.

K. MINAMOTO will be located on floors 2-5 at THE HOUSE, Minamoto Kitchoan’s new company building which it just moved to on October 3. The cafe-restaurant’s menu concept is dubbed “Ginza Sunny Fruits.” It takes into consideration how daily fruit consumption has greatly decreased today by serving up a luxurious fresh fruit-packed line-up.

Minamoto Kitchoan is a company that has made full use of fruits since its establishment, including the suikanshuku, a Japanese wagashi confection made of whole dried domestic persimmons. We can trust then that K. MINAMOTO will provide us with our 5-a-day.

Roast Beef Sandwich w/ Fruit Soup – ¥2,420 (Tax Included)

Seafood Lemon Cream Fedelini w/ Fruit Soup – ¥1,650 (Tax Included)

Each and every dish on the menu has fruit, all grown in Japan to ensure the a high level of quality. Since the dishes have fruity flavours, prepping them is simple, and they enjoy the colours and textures of each fruit.

Drinks haven’t been left out either. They are made with fruit purees and syrup, or are tossed in as they are, allowing for maximum fruity goodness.

Smoked Salmon, Fruit Salad & Potato Galette w/ Fruit Soup – ¥1,980 (Tax Included)

Autumn Fruit Almond Pudding – ¥1,760 (Tax Included)

All the staff at K. MINAMOTO have a wealth of knowledge about the menu and the fruits used in each dish. Their service creates a comfortable atmosphere, and though they are polite they are incredibly friendly, so you can call out to them without worry.

Get your fill of fruit from the all-new K. MINAMOTO, opening October 19.

LEGS COMPANY opened two cafes themed on the hit anime film Weathering with You in Tokyo and Osaka on October 8 and October 10 respectively. The cafes will run for a limited time only.

We paid a visit to the Tokyo branch which opened inside OMOTESANDO BOX CAFE & SPACE which is only a 7-minute walk from Omotesando Station.

The new blockbuster hit from internationally-acclaimed animator and film director Makoto Shinkai Weathering with You dropped back on July 19 and has since amassed over 13 billion yen (approximately US$131 million) in the box office. It was seen by 7.5 million people in the first 34 days of its release, and over 10 million after 75 days. Its huge success has cemented itself in the Japanese animated film industry as another monumental masterpieces from Shinkai. The film has also been nominated for Best International Feature Film for the upcoming 92nd Academy Awards set to take place on February 9, 2020.

While sat in the cafe you can watch scenes from the film on the giant screens while the main songs performed by RADWIMPS play.

The cafe menu features a line-up of drinks, dishes and desserts inspired by the characters and moments in the series, including the chahan set prepared by Hina for Hodaka, the Hodaka Welcome Party Set, and more.

Teru Teru Omurice – ¥1,490

This is the dish I ordered to eat. I couldn’t resist how cute it was. It’s inspired by the teru teru bōzu that Nagi makes, a traditional Japanese doll used to prevent rain and bring good weather. The doll’s head is made of mashed potato. He’s sat on a bed of ketchup rice filled with vegetables and bathed in a delicious sauce. This one’s too cute it almost seems a waste to eat♡

Nagi’s Teru Teru Bōzu À La Mode – ¥1,490

For dessert I ordered another teru teru bōzu treat. This one is made from gyūhi, a type of Japanese confection made from rice flour. Its head is filled with vanilla ice cream, and if you turn it over, you’ll find Japanese pudding underneath, and under that granola. It’s finished with a lining of bright blue lychee jelly around the outside for a hint of freshness.

The cafe offers plenty of other dishes that will leave any Weathering with You fans spoiled for choice.

Hina’s Handmade Sesame Oil Infused Pea Sprout Potato Chahan Set – ¥1,490

A chahan set lovingly prepared by Hina for Hodaka. Chop up the spring onions that come on the side and add them to the soup just like Hina does in the film! This is a hearty set sure to fill you up.

Hodaka’s Welcome Party Set – ¥1,590

This one-person set was made lovingly by Natsume when Hodaka comes to work at the same company as her, K&A. If you’re looking for a healthy green meal packed with veggies then you’ll love this one.

Clearing Up Weather Tiramisu – ¥1,490

This refreshing matcha tiramisu is inspired by the scene when Hina and Hodaka reunite, with the sauce representing the sunlight and the cotton candy the rainy clouds. Pour the sauce over the cotton candy and watch the clouds clear up.

Acai Bowl of the World’s Secrets – ¥1,390

Enjoy the main key visual of the film right on top of your plate. The mild flavour of the yogurt coupled with the refreshing kiwi is a mouth-watering combination. The colours are really beautiful, too.

Swirling Snow Whipped Latte – ¥990

Inspired by the immense snow that spirals around Tokyo in the film, a cup of this whipped cream latte is perfect as a post-meal wind-down.

Left: The Fine Weather That Day (Grapefruit) – ¥1,690 / Right: The Sunset That Day (Cranberry) – ¥1,690

These two drinks are for takeout, and are based on iconic scenes in the film, specifically when the turns fine and the sunset. They are served in exclusive cafe-original bottles. Both flavours are sweet, sour and refreshing. Plus, you can reuse the bottles.

If you order one of the many drinks from the menu you’ll receive one of six possible coasters chosen randomly.

The cafe has plenty of exclusive merchandise on their shelves too.

Sparkly Rain Smartphone Case (7/8 Ver. & X Ver.) – ¥3,900 Each

When you shake these iPhone cases, it looks like the rain is falling.

Raindrop Stickers (10 Designs) – ¥400

Don’t you just want to collect all of these cute raindrop stickers?

If you book a seat in advance (¥650 before tax per person) you will receive one of six possible bromide pictures chosen randomly, so don’t forget to reserve in advance.

Plunge yourself into the world of Weathering with You at either one of these cafes, now running until November 17.

*Photos are for illustrative purposes only. All listed prices are pre-tax prices.

©️2019 “Weathering with You” Production Committee

CANVAS TOKYO is a cafe and open concept store based in Hiroo, Tokyo produced and managed by BLANCA ASSOCIATION. The cafe has announced that it is taking on a new monochrome theme on October 10 where the entire cafe will be decked out in white like a blank canvas. They will also sell new products as part of the transformation.

The idea behind this concept is to make the overall look simple while putting great care and attention into the little details. Everything from the cafe exterior to its interior, cups, cutlery and so on have been dyed black and white to give a plain yet sophisticated appearance.

The cafe will also stock a new range of merchandise under the same concept, like coats and bags, allowing the cafe’s stylish look to extend into the outside world too. As well as this, the cafe is introducing some new menu items, including a tea latte, bao, and more.

Black & White Sweaters – ¥12,000 (Before Tax)  *One size

Made into a loosely tailored size with wide ribbed sleeves, these sweaters have a design that makes them easy to coordinate, meaning you can pair them with countless outfits.

London Fog – ¥500 (Before Tax)

CANVAS TOKYO’s original London Fog beverage is an Earl grey tea mixed with natural maple syrup from Canada, warm milk and fluffy foamed milk, effectively creating a tea latte.

Left: Fresh Salsa & BBQ Pork – ¥430 (Before Tax) / Right: Coriander & TERIYAKI Pork – ¥430 (Before Tax)

These Chinese-style steamed meat buns, known as “bao,” are a popular snack item with people around the world. New York and London are known for having several stores specialising in bao.

This is just a small peek into the monochrome heaven of CANVAS TOKYO. To see it in all it’s black and white glory, head to the trendy district of Hiroo in Tokyo.

Pink Ribbon aims to spread knowledge about breast cancer and conveys the importance of breast cancer screening. In order to reach out to more people, Pink Ribbon has released special drinks for the month of October that are dyed completely pink. This limited edition series debuted at Cafe & Dining Zelkova which is located on the first floor of THE STRINGS in Omotesando.

The White Chocolate Strawberry Cappuccino consists of hot milk blended with white chocolate and strawberry syrup. The beautiful blend creates a pure pink-coloured cappuccino. The Pink Lemonade is a cocktail which consists mainly of refreshing grapefruit juice. Both these beautiful drinks are Instagram-worthy.

Those who order a drink will receive a free book which is full of essential information about breast cancer. There are also donation boxes for the Japanese Foundation For Cancer Research which provides customers with the opportunity to contribute towards research that saves lives.

On October 5, there will be the Pink Ribbon Smile Walk Tokyo event where part of the terrace area will be lit up with pink illumination in order to raise awareness for Pink Ribbon’s breast cancer campaigns. Make sure to get involved.