Hi, I’m Shiota, the director of the MOSHI MOSHI BOX Harajuku Tourist Information Center.
One of the biggest questions that has been raised since spring this year by people who stop by the MOSHI MOSHI BOX is about “squishy” toys. This boom has lit a fire over on YouTube and is hugely popular among young teenage girls.
Squishies comes in all shapes and sizes, but the big hits both in Japan and overseas are the food squishies. Known as “squeeze” in Japan, they got their name from fans for how nice they feel and satisfying they are to squeeze.
In this article, we’re going to take a look at some of the shops in the squishy holy land that is Harajuku where you can get you hands on some!
“Nihon Squeeze Center” – A super famous shop that everybody knows about
To reach this place you need to pass through Takeshita Street located opposite the Takeshita Exit of Harajuku Station accessible via the JR Yamanote Line. Make a left at Murasaki Sports along Meiji Dori and you will see a shoe shop by the name of Kickers on your left. the Nihon Squeeze Center is located on the second floor of the building.
The shop was originally called “Harajuku Accessory Market” and was a popular shop on Takeshita Street that sold miscellaneous items. However, it relocated and rebranded as a shop specialising in squishies.
One of the store’s most popular products are the squishies made in collaboration with Tokyo Bakery. You can’t buy these at any other shop.
Newer squishies have a smell to them, but the squishes at this shop don’t have that factory smell – they have the scent of the real thing! The quality is too good, I just can’t contain myself.
You have to book online to enter the shop on Saturdays, Mondays, national holidays, spring, summer and winter holidays, and any other days where the shop is expected to be overcrowded. Be sure to check the store’s homepage before heading to see if you need to book or not.
▼Information
Nihon Squeeze Center
Address: Harajuku MY Bldg. 2F, 3-24-2 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Access: 10-minutes’ walk from Harajuku Station via the JR line / 5-minutes’ walk from Meiji Jingumae Station via the Tokyo Metro Line
Hours: 10:30-17:30
Closed: Irregular holidays *closures will be announced via the store’s official homepage and Twitter
Homepage: https://r.goope.jp/sukusen
“MOOOSH” – Enjoy squeezing all the squishies to your heart’s content in a spacious store
As you come out of the 4th exit of Meiji Jingumae Station via the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line you will see a ramen shop by the name of “Ichiran” (一蘭) on your left. MOOOSH is on the third floor of the same building. The entrance looks like the entrance to an office building.
MOOOSH is a place where you can buy every squishy sold by the famous squishy brand “BLOOM.” It’s a very spacious shop and even has an all-you-can-squeeze squishy area.
Their range of customers has been on the increase recently, with people coming from Japan and even overseas to visit. There’s also an online shop for people who aren’t able to stop by, so be sure to check that out too.
▼Information
MOOOSH
Address: 6-5-6-304 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Access: 5-minutes’ walk from Harajuku Station via the JR Line / 1-minute walk from Meiji Jingumae Station via the Tokyo Metro Line
Hours: 10:00-17:00
Telephone: 090-4705-8080
Closed: Irregular holidays
Online Shop: https://mooosh-squishy.stores.jp/
“Picnic” – Get distracted by a range of affordable squshies
To find this shop, take the Takeshita Street Exit of Harajuku Station coming from the JR Line and enter Takeshita Street. Take the first left and you will find an arcade. Here you will find “Picnic.”
Picnic is a talk-of-the-town store that has even featured on TV. They stock a wide range of affordable squishes – something we can all be happy about.
▼Information
Harajuku Picnic
Address: Harajuku Le Ponte 1F, 1-17-114-2 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Access: 1-minute walk from Harajuku Station via the JR Line
Hours: 10:15-21:45
Telephone: 03-3746-1269
Closed: Irregular Holidays
“FANCY POCKET Harajuku” – Right near Harajuku Station
Head straight down Takeshita Street from the Takeshita Street Exit of Harajuku Station via the JR Line. Make a left turn at the corner of the cream puff store “Beard Papa’s” and take the white staircase in view on your right. The first floor is a clothes shop called “CONOMI.”
The store is affiliated with “Sun Houseki,” a shop selling bargain-priced miscellaneous goods. It’s highlight are the super cute squishy designs you can get your hands on – and best of all it’s easy on your wallet.
▼Information
FANCY POCKET Harajuku
Address: Minowa Bldg. 2F, 1-19-2 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Access: 5-minutes’ walk from Harajuku Station via the JR Line
Hours: 10:00-19:00
Telephone: 03-5414-1288
Closed: Irregular Holidays
HP：http://www.sunhoseki.co.jp/shop/shop_detail.aspx?shopid=1
So, what do you think of this squishy store collection? There’s a lot of shops to choose from all very close to each other, meaning you can run from shop to shop to find your favourite♪
And if you get lost at any point during your Harajuku trek, then stop by the MOSHI MOSHI BOX where we’re happy to guide you on your way!
■MOSHI MOSHI BOX Harajuku Tourist Information Center
We are a tourist information center located at the crossing of Takeshita Street, Meiji Dori and Harajuku Dori. Our staff know all there is to know about Harajuku and can give you all the information you need from the latest and most recent news to more detailed information.
Services Offered:
・Free wi-fi ・Free water
・Free PC charging ・Luggage storage
・Souvenirs ・Money exchange
Hours: 10:00-18:00
Closed: New Year’s Holiday
Telephone: 03-2225-6447
Twitter・Instagram: @mmb_harajuku
Writer: Nao Shiota (MOSHI MOSHI BOX)
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LINE is a communication app popular in Japan and other countries, similar to WhatsApp. The flagship LINE FRIENDS character merchandise stores has just re-opened in Harajuku Zero Gate.
There are currently 100 LINE FRIENDS stores open worldwide, stocking merchandise from popular LINE stamp characters such as Brown, Choco and Cony. There's a huge selection of items available in-store from stationery to plush toys, tableware made in collaboration with world famous brands, snacks and candy only available at the stores, and much more. Upon arriving at LINE FRIENDS, you'll also be greeted by a giant plush of Brown the bear. Head to LINE FRIENDS and get your hands on some super cute merch! ■Information LINE FRIENDS Flagship Store in Harajuku Address: 4-31-12 Shibuya, Tokyo Opening Hours: 11:00-21:00 No Fixed Holidays. TEL: 03-4360-9069 Website: https://www.linefriends.com/?lang=en -
Hi, everyone. I'm Midori Blackmore and I work at the MOSHI MOSHI BOX in Harajuku. A shop opened up recently in Harajuku that sells slime from South Korea, something which is steadily becoming a fad right now. So I went to take a look! The name of the shop is SLIME NYANDA by Japan Slime Land.
You will find it on the third floor of the building next to Princess One Spoon. It's between Roll Ice Cream Factory and Nihon Squeeze Center. Look for the sign on the ground floor. Once you head up to the shop you'll be greeted by the cute pink interior! This is how it looks inside. Lots of different slimes line the shelves. They're colourful and cute and cost around ¥600. They were even selling kits to make Nata de Coco slime, a jelly cube type of slime. I bought the light blue Nade de Coco slime. It's really soft and elastic to touch, I can't get enough! I wonder if slime will be bigger a bigger boom than squishies? Be sure to check the shop's opening times and more on their official Twitter account. ■Information SLIME NYANDA by Japan Slime Land Address: 4-27-3 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo Access: 1-minute on foot from Takeshita Street Official Twitter: https://twitter.com/japanslimeland -
Over at the MOSHI MOSHI BOX, Harajuku's tourist information center, we are always asked about ice cream and soft cream shops. These cute and Instagrammable shops are currently experiencing a huge boom with the younger generation!
Here are 7 popular ice cream and soft cream shops that you can visit during your trip to Harajuku.
Eddy’s Ice Cream
Located in Ura-Harajuku, Eddy's Ice Cream completely is pasted in pink and white. Wherever you turn to look, you're going to want to take a photo. The grand menu of Eddy's Ice Cream, where the toppings are already chosen, is super popular, but you can also customise to your liking - there are 10 cones and 3 soft creams to choose from as well as 13 different toppings. The most popular item on the menu is the "Unicorn" (￥1,200), a magical delight wrapped in pastel coloured cotton candy and milk soft cream. This one promises a new kind of sensation for the taste buds!
Full Details: http://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/55526/2
■Information
Eddy’s Ice Cream
Address: Eddy’s Ice Cream 1F, 4 Chome-26-28 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo (住所：東京都渋谷区 神宮前4-26-28 1F)
Opening Hours: 11:00-20:00
Closed: No fixed holidays
TEL: 03-6438-9742
Access: 10 minutes’ walk from Harajuku Station via the JR Line / 8 minutes’ walk from Meiji Jingumae Station via Tokyo Metro
Official Homepage: http://eddysicecream.jp/Roll Ice Cream Factory
This unique rolled ice cream is mixed together with liquid ice cream and other ingredients on a cool plate. You can order from the regular menu or customise your own. The shop's recommendation is the "Cookie Monster"! Not only can you take great pictures of the finished ice cream piece itself, but also the process as it is made in front of you.
Full Details: http://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/57051
■Information
ROLL ICE CREAM FACTORY
Address: Just harajuku 1st floor, 4-28-12 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Phone Number: 03-3470-0227
Closing Dates: No scheduled holidays
Open time: 10:00-21:00
Official Homepage: http://rollicecreamfactory.com/Nanaya (Aoyama Branch)
Nanaya sells luxurious gelato made using matcha sourced from Fujieda in Shizuoka. It offers seven varying levels of matcha intensity – level 1 begins with a more moderately sweeter flavour, but as you progress up the scale to level 7 the flavour of the matcha becomes richer and deeper. The no. 7 gelato is the most popular item and claims to be the most matcha intense flavoured ice cream in the world. It uses matcha that received an award from the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. It boasts a deeply rich and bitter matcha flavour inside which lies a hint of refreshing sweetness.
Full Details: http://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/58538
■Information
Nanaya Aoyama
Address: Nanaya 1F, 2-7-12 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 03-6427-9008
Hours: 11:00〜19:00
Closed: Tuesdays (but open on Tuesdays when it’s a national holiday)
Website: http://nanaya-matcha.comMatcha Café Maiko
The same matcha - just imported from Hawaii! "MATCHA Stand MAIKO" has been in business in Hawaii since July 2016, and it has made its way to Omotesando in Japan. Matcha Café Maiko uses the highest quality matcha produced in "Harimaen," a tea brand from Uji in Kyoto, aka the birthplace of Japanese tea. The matcha-flavored soft served ice cream of Matcha Café Maiko extracts the umami and texture of matcha to the fullest, meaning you can enjoy a matcha soft ice cream unlike any other!
Full Details: http://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/47577
■Information
“Matcha Café Maiko – Omotesando”
Address: B1 of GYRE, 5-10-1, Jingumae, Shibuyaku, Tokyo
Open: 11:00-20:00
Website: http://www.matchacafe-maiko.jp/
"MATCHA Stand MAIKO"
Address: 2310 Kuhio Ave. #143 Honolulu, HI 96815
TEL: (808) 369-8031
Open: 11:30-21:00 ※Time in Hawaii
Website: http://www.matchacafe-maiko.com/"Milk" - Fresh Cream Specialty Shop
When "Milk" opened in Shibuya it was a roaring success, bringing in 30,000 people in the first month. Fresh cream usually plays the supporting role of sitting on top of something like pancake, but "Milk" promotes it to the lead role by drawing out its flavour to the fullest. "Milk" serves a range of sweets with the fresh cream as the main acts, including "Milky Cream Chiffon Cake" (￥780), "Milky Soft Cream" (￥540), "Milky Soft Parfait" (￥780), and more. The shop is only open for a limited period, so don't miss out.
Full Details: http://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/54370
■Information
"Milk" - Fresh Cream Specialty Shop (生クリーム専門店 ミルク)
Popup Shop in Harajuku Justin
Opening date: August 3rd ※Takeout available from August 10th
Address: Harajuku JUSTIN Gingumae 3-25-18 Shibuya-ku Tokyo
Open: 11:00-18:00（※JUSTIN’s normal business hour starts from 18:00）
Takeout specialty shop in LUMINE EST Shinjuku
Opening date: August 20th, 2017
Address: LUMINE EST 1F Shinjuku 3-38-1 Shinjuku-ku Tokyo
Open: 11:00-22:00 （10:30-21:30 on weekends and holidays）
Official Website: http://www.opefac.com/milk/sorama
Affogato (￥550), a definite recommendation to those people who find normal ice cream a tad bit boring. It's made with rich wholesome ice cream that melts its way into strong coffee. Even people who aren't adjusted to coffee can enjoy this one. What's more is that "sorama" is a café situated away from the hustle and bustle of the busy streets of Harajuku where time flows calmer, allowing you to take a breather. It's a place where you can enjoy more "grown-up" ice cream.
Full Details: http://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/32960
■Information
sorama gallery+coffee
1-12-6 Dohi Bldg., Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
TEL: 03-3423-2370
OPEN: 9:30～11:00/12:00～19:00 (Closed: Mondays, Tuesdays, National Holidays)
Homepage: http://sorama.tokyo/coffee/
coisof（コイソフ）
Ice cream and dairy specialists "Morinaga Milk Industry" teamed up with "GOMAYA KUKI," a store specialising in sesame ice cream, to open the soft serve ice cream shop "coisof." Their sesame ice creams strive to stand superior to ice creams all over the world and are topped with colourful "oiri," a traditional candy from Kagawa prefecture that brings good luck. Once you have one you won't be able to stop!
Full Details: http://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/54778
■Information
Coisof (コイソフ)
Address：OZ Harajuku Building 1st floor, 1-8-24, Jingu-mae, Shibuya, Tokyo
Open: 10:00-20;00
Telephone number: 070-1185-1309
【Select Menu Items】
・Coi soft (white) ￥600 (tax included)
・Coi soft (mix) ￥600 (tax included)
・Coi soft (black) ￥600 (tax included)
GOMAYA KUKI Website: http://gomayakuki.jp/
Harajuku - the home of the "kawaii" culture. Know you know some of its most photogenic ice cream shops. So what are you waiting for? Have your fill♡
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Writer: Ellie
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A “zoo” beside a Harajuku Denki Shokai ?! An ice cream store, “Dobutsuen” which use the motifs of animals was opened
“Dobutsuen” which sells cute animal-shaped ice cream under the theme of “the smallest zoo of the world” was opened on the 23rd of September.Each item is 500 yen! Below are the items which are suitable to be uploaded on your SNS. Buta (strawberry) Buhtaro (5oo yen / tax included) Panda (cookie and cream) Runrun (5oo yen / tax included) Zou (soda) Umeko (5oo yen / tax included) Koara (Vanilla) Ocean Hiroko (5oo yen / tax included) Tora (blueberry cheese cake) Eijikun (5oo yen / tax included) 3 Biki no Kobuta (random flavor) (1,000 yen / tax included) Why not try these cute animal-shaped ice creams after drinking Denkyu Soda. ■Information Dobutsuen Address: 150-0001, B1F 3-20-10, Jingumae, Shibuyaku, Tokyo TEL: 03-6434-5074 Business hours: 11:00 to 19:00 URL：https://twitter.com/__doubutsuenn -
In today's installment of Tokyo Café, we head to Nanaya in Aoyama, a popular café that sells sweet and refreshing matcha gelato, perfect for the summertime.
Marushichi Seicha is a tea producer that estalished in 1988 in Shizuoka, Japan's number one tea-growing district. They were the first in Japan to sell freeze dried matcha, which has since come to prove very popular and enjoyed throughout homes in Japan due to its ease of preparation. Marushichi Seicha set out to open "Nanaya" to take advantage of the flavour of matcha, something loved by people of all ages in Japan.
The shop's special menu features a list of gelato, or ice cream, using this same delactable matcha. It offers seven varying levels of matcha intensity - level 1 begins with a more moderately sweeter flavour, but as you progress up the scale to level 7 the flavour of the matcha becomes richer and deeper. The menu also includes a range gelato using other teas too, such as houjicha (roasted green tea) and genmaicha (brown rice green tea).
The most popular item on the menu is the no. 7 level matcha gelato (￥560, tax incl.), which claims to be the most matcha-intense ice cream in the world. It uses matcha that received an award from the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. There's a reason it has become so renowned, with its deeply rich and bitter matcha flavour inside which lies the right hint of refreshing sweetness.
As well as matcha flavours, Nanaya serves up other gelato too, such as the Genmaicha Gelato (pictured above on left / ￥370), a fragrant brown rice green tea that is popular among guys that visit the shop. You can customize your ice cream cups too and get double scoops (pictured above on right / ￥470) and even triple scoops (￥500), meaning you can order a variety of different flavours to try at once.
If you you're thinking of ordering another gelato flavour to go with matcha, then you should try getting it with houjicha, which has a subtle fragrance of tea in its sweetness!
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Although the café has a Japanese taste to it, the interior of Nanaya all French casual combined with the local colours of Aoyama. The camel standing outside the shop is actually a box for disposable cups. It's a really cute and fun objet and something that makes anybody that comes to visit smile.
Nanaya also has a rich collection of tea grown in the city of Fujieda that you can buy. You don't need to use a teapot, just simply add it to water and enjoy - perfect as a souvenir to beat the summer heat.
It also comes in cute, pop packaging, so it doesn't give that so called old fashioned Japan impression.
The unique t-shirts that the staff wear feature a picture of Einstein whose tongue has changed colour after eating matcha. You can purchase your own t-shirt at the café, so be sure to check them out after finishing your gelato.
Although it's summer here in Japan, the rainy season persists, so how about treating yourself a Japanese-style summer treat to light up that summertime vibe again?
Photo：Kayo Sekiguchi
Edit：Namiko Azuma
Text：Ryoichi KOMABATranslation：Joshua Kitosi-Isanga
Source：She magazine
■Information
Nanaya Aoyama
Address: Nanaya 1F, 2-7-12 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 03-6427-9008
Hours: 11:00〜19:00
Closed: Tuesdays (but open on Tuesdays when it's a national holiday)
Website: http://nanaya-matcha.com -
Each month, a new themed café or menu is introduced in Japan in collaboration with popular characters. There's a whole list of kawaii ones that make an appearance every time. Let's take a look at some character cafés you can look forward to in August 2018.
'Over Action Rabbit' x VANDALISM Shibuya Over Action Rabbit is a popular stamp series used on the LINE and Kakao Talk messenger apps that has gained much attention in Japan and particularly with young people in South Korea. The cute and lovable rabbit is getting his own themed café that will be open for a limited period between July 21 and August 26. This is the first time a café has collaborated with Over Action Rabbit in Japan. The kawaii café will take the form of his surreal world and be decorate in pastel-coloured decor. They also have a takeout menu. Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/118092 ■Information LINE Stamp “Over Action Rabbit” Character Café Running: July 21, 2018 – August 26, 2018 Location: VANDALISM Shibuya Address: B1F Ota, 26-9 Udagawacho, Shibuya, Tokyo Opening Hours: 11:00am-9:00pm Official Homepage: http://dk311.jp/Extremely-Rabbit/cafe/The Very Hungry Caterpillar x Marione Gate Ginza The internationally beloved children's picture book The Very Hungry Caterpillar has its own café in Japan, and they've introduced some eye-catching new menu items for the summer. Everything delicious thing on the menu recreates the wonderful world of the story down to the finest of details that are sure to leave you smiling! Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/107654 ■Information The Very Hungry Caterpillar Café Address: Sunday Brunch, Marione Gate Ginza 1 (4F), 2-2-14 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo Running: January 18, 2018 - August 31, 2018 Opening Hours: 11:00am-9:00pm *Reservations must be made for those who want to visit the cafe before 5:30pm. Making reservation is unnecessary for those who are planning to visit the café after 5:30pm. TEL: 03-3567-3366 Website: http://www.harapecocafe.comGudetama x Dining Park Ikebukuro To celebrate Gudetama's 5th anniversary, he's launched into space to bring us a very special space-themed menu packed with dishes perfect for Instagram feeds, such as the Zero Gravity Gudetama Burger, Black Hole Jar Parfait, and much more. Drink and dine at the café to receive a limited edition Gudetama fan and coaster. Keep in mind these are limited in quantity, so you'll want to visit quick! Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/112954 ■Information Gudetama Café – Ikebukuro Address: Gourmet Stadium II, Seibu Ikebukuro Main Store 8F, 1-28-1 Minami Ikebukuro, Toshima, Tokyo Running: June 26, 2018 – September 4, 2018 Opening Hours: 11am-11pm (Open from 10:30am on weekends & holidays) *Last Food Orders: 9:30pm / Last Drink Orders 10pm No fixed holidays except where Seibu Ikebukuro is closed. TEL: 03-5949-5675 ©2013, 2018 SANRIO CO., LTD. APPROVAL NO.S590710Chiitan☆ x Harajuku Kawaii-ya Located down Takeshita Street, Harajuku's iconic shopping spot, is Harajuku Kawaii-ya, a café that has teamed up with the kawaii otter mascot Chiitan☆. Running until September 9, the menu is filled with dishes with very unique names in Japanese which translate to things like "I'm Chiitan, the One Who Destroyed the Trampoline Someone Bought For Me... Hot Pie." You don't need to make any reservations. It's first-come, first-served all day making it an easy place to get into if you're unsure how to book in Japanese. Experience the world of Chiitan☆ in Harajuku! ■Information Chiitan☆ x Harajuku Kawaii-ya (Produced by Animate Cafe) Running: August 8, 2018 - September 9, 2018 Location: Harajuku Kawaii-ya (CUTE CUBE HARAJUKU 3F, 1-7-1 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo) Official Page: http://kawaiiya.jp/collabo-chitan.htmlCinnamoroll x Sapporo PARCO Sanrio’s popular character Cinnamoroll recently won the 33rd Sanrio 2018 Character Awards so to celebrate, he received his very own themed café which is open at Sapporo PARCO until September 10. Enjoy the Soratobu Cinnamoroll Curry featuring Cinnamoroll flying through a green curry sky with his big ears. The dish is topped with cotton candy clouds which, when mixed with the curry, creates a unique flavour of sweet and spicy. There's a whole list of cute dishes on the menu. Cinnamoroll and his pals will also be there to greet you as staff. Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/116613 ■Information Cinnamoroll Café Sapporo PARCO 4F・THE GUEST cafe&diner Address: Sapporo PARCO 4F – THE GUEST Cafe&Diner, 1-3-3 Minami, Chuo-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido Running: July 27, 2018 – September 10, 2018 Opening Hours: 10:00am-8:00pm (Food Last Orders 7:00pm / Drinks Last Orders 7:30pm) Official Website: http://the-guest.comCardcaptor Sakura x Sakura Fantasy Cafe The Sakura Fantasy Caf is a new collaborative café themed on the latest entry to the Cardcaptor series, Cardcaptor Sakura: Clear Card, now open for a limited time in Tokyo (Harajuku), Osaka (Abeno) and Saitama (Koshigaya). The cafés have a photogenic themed menu as well as a photo spot and more, all with original illustrations. There's even a line-up of original Cardcaptor merchandise you can’t get anywhere else. The menu includes a selection of cheese toast, roast beef, smoothies, pancakes and more. Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/116035 ■Information Sakura Fantasy Cafe Tokyo: Harajuku Box Cafe&Space Osaka: DELASOUL CHARBON Saitama: Koshigaya Box Cafe&Space Dates Tokyo: July 12, 2018 – September 2, 2018 Osaka: July 27, 2018 – August 28, 2018 Saitama: September 6, 2018 – September 30, 2018 Opening Hours Tokyo: 11:00am-9:40pm Osaka: 11:00am-9:20pm Saitama: 11:00am-8:00pm (Last Orders 7:00pm) Entry Online reservations must be made (¥600 + tax) to access the Tokyo and Osaka cafes. 80 minutes allowed. Reservations not taken for Saitama cafe. Reservation Bonuses Free luncheon mat randomly selected from 3 designs. Menu Order Bonus Those who order from the themed menu will receive an original coaster randomly selected from 9 designs. Official Website: https://sakura-fantsy-cafe.jpDid you enjoy this list? Be sure you get a chance to visit a character café while you're in Japan.
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Harajuku-based Brand KAWAII MONSTER CAFE Opens a Traveling Shop, Halloween Pop-Up Shop Opens in Harajuku
The Harajuku-based brand KAWAII MONSTER CAFE has announced a traveling store, KAWAII MONSTER SHOP. As the project’s first event, a Halloween pop-up shop named ‘KAWAII MONSTER SHOP - Colorful Halloween’ will open for 10 days starting October 19 in the birthplace of the brand, Harajuku. KAWAII MONSTER CAFE is an entertainment restaurant that embodies the vibe of Harajuku in Tokyo, a town that swallows fashion and culture from places around the world and reimagines them into unrestrained originality. Originally opened in 2015 and produced by artist Sebastian Masuda, the colorful and crazy space offered photogenic food and drinks, and guests were served by the iconic Monster Girls clad in future Harajuku fashion. It became a ‘new Tokyo landmark,’ attracting over 700,000 visitors from both Japan and abroad. Even after the restaurant closed in January 2021, its one-of-a-kind concept has lived on in pop-up shops, events, and collaborations with various brands and creators. The pop-up shop, open in Harajuku for a limited time starting October 19, offers food and drinks, merchandise, special experiences, and photo spots themed around the spooky Halloween season. Additionally, a collaboration with the popular Harajuku accessory store 6%DOKIDOKI will be held from October 19-22. Colorful hair accessories will be on sale, and shop girls with Monster Girls makeup experience will be giving seasonal makeovers to visitors.■FOOD & DRINK
During the first half of the event, the pop-up shop will be serving food made in collaboration with the hot dog specialty restaurant HOTDOG CAFE STAND STATION TOKYO. The limited-edition menu includes the crazy Monster Dog, consisting of a monster holding a sausage in its mouth, and the monstrous Philly Cheesesteak, made with juicy tenderloin and tons of cheese. The second half of the event will feature the Colorful Pop Burger Blue Monster (Teriyaki Chicken) from KAWAII MONSTER CAFE’s popular menu, along with French Fries with Monster Dip served with five different colorful sauces. Visitors are welcome to get into the Halloween spirit by enjoying the Monster Float during the pop-up event.<10/19~10/22 Exclusive Menu> Monster Dog: ¥880 (Tax Included) *In collaboration with HOTDOG CAFE STAND STATION TOKYO Philly Cheesesteak: ¥1,350 (Tax Included) *In collaboration with HOTDOG CAFE STAND STATION TOKYO <10/26~10/31 Exclusive Menu> Colorful Pop Burger Blue Monster (Teriyaki Chicken): ¥1,200 (Tax Included) French Fries with Monster Dip: ¥700 (Tax Included) Monster Float: ¥800 [Rose/Passionfruit/Kyoho Grape] ■GOODS
New KAWAII MONSTER CAFE goods will make their first appearance at this pop-up shop! Guests can visit the Sweets Factory to create their own candy assortment by filling their favorite containers with chocolates, gummies, and other goodies. Harajuku Icing Cookies will also be available in collaboration with SHONPY, a popular cake shop. Be sure to grab some incredible souvenirs! In addition, popular KAWAII MONSTER CAFE collaboration items from years past will be available, along with adorable plushies from the globally beloved brand Ty. Visitors can also snag some unique zipit pouches and flexible PLUS PLUS blocks starting October 26.■EXPERIENCE
During the event, KAWAII MONSTER CAFE’s iconic Monster Girls and the character Choppy will greet guests and take photos, as well as shoot cute Halloween-inspired videos together. Visitors wishing to be transformed into Monster Girls themselves can speak to the store girls, clad in Decora fashion and rocking accessories from 6%DOKIDOKI. These ladies will provide POP Harajuku Monster makeovers featuring original tattoo stickers and unique hair accessories to get you ready for Halloween.■PHOTO SPOT
At the event, guests will find the 3-meter tall Sweets Cake Balloon inspired by the Sweets-Go-Round Cake, the symbol of KAWAII MONSTER CAFE. Surrounded by colorful decorations and captivating monsters, visitors are sure to leave with plenty of special memories.Guests of all ages are invited to spend the Halloween season surrounded by the unique wonders of Harajuku! Information
KAWAII MONSTER SHOP – Colorful Halloween
Running: October 19, 2023 – October 22, 2023/ October 26, 2023 – October 31,2023
Open: 12:00〜19:00
Venue: ASOBIFACTORY（3-21-8, Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo)
Access: 7 minutes walk from JR Harajuku Station, 5 minutes walk from Tokyo Metro Meiji-jingumae StationBe sure to follow where the pop-up shop will appear in the future!
Interested companies are welcome to contact us.
Learn more about KAWAII MONSTER CAFE here
https://asobisystem.com/brand/kawaiimonstercafe/ -
HARAJUKU COLLECTIVE, a Collaboration Between Hot Topic & Studio Ghibli, Gets Pop-Up Store at Shinsaibashi PARCO
Last year, the HARAJUKU COLLECTIVE collaboration appeared at AF Gallery in Harajuku from August 10 until August 28, garnering massive acclaim from fans. The collection is now being sold at Shinsaibashi PARCO until March 12, 2023.
HARAJUKU COLLECTIVE is a Studio Ghibli-inspired apparel collection by the popular American counterculture chain Hot Topic. Bringing more Japanese culture to the ongoing Studio Ghibli collaboration launched in 2014, Hot Topic stores began selling original items produced by nine Japanese creators and brands, as well as some original American items produced by Hot Topic’s executive designers.
The lineup of Japan-original items includes T-shirts, tote bags, and other items featuring exclusive artwork by up-and-coming creators. These items depict beloved characters from Studio Ghibli’s works, as well as logos created for the collaboration. Fans won’t want to miss grabbing these unique items!
Details on the Previous HARAJUKU COLLECTIVE Pop-Up Store: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/ja/625747
Information
HARAJUKU COLLECTIVE
Running: February 23 – March 12, 2023
Hours: 10:00-20:00
Venue: Shinsaibashi PARCO B1F Pop-Up Space (1-8-3 Shinsaibashisuji, Chuo-ku, Osaka)
Official Site: https://ghibli-harajukucollective-ec.com
Online Store (Open until March 31, 2023): https://ec.ghibli-harajukucollective-ec.com
HARAJUKU COLLECTIVE Official SNS:
Instagram: @harajuku_collective
(https://www.instagram.com/harajuku_collective）
Twitter: @harajuku_collect (https://twitter.com/harajukucollect)
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Laforet Harajuku will host a pop-up shop inspired by the up-and-coming idol group FRUITS ZIPPER from February 1 until February 14! The FRUITS ZIPPER Valentine Pop-Up Shop will be found on the 5th floor MAKE THE STAGE area. FRUITS ZIPPER debuted in April 2022 and embodies a simple concept: “From Harajuku to the World.” The group’s second single Watashino Ichiban Kawaiitokoro exploded in popularity on TikTok, pulling in over 600 million views. In February, the girls will embark on their first solo concert tour in Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka. This is the first FRUITS ZIPPER-inspired limited-time shop, and during the event, visuals of the group’s members will be displayed in the show windows found on the first floor of Laforet Harajuku.
◆About the FRUITS ZIPPER Valentine Pop-Up Shop
When entering the venue, fans will be greeted by a 5-meter-wide board where visitors can write and attach their messages to the FRUITS ZIPPER members on heart-shaped cards. Costumes that the members have worn on stage will also be on display, allowing fans to see each stitch up close. Exclusive items featuring new photos of the members will be on sale at the pop-up shop. Fans can enjoy seeing the girls in their own personal style, and these items will only be available during the event! Starting February 4, tour merch for the group’s upcoming solo concert series will also be available for purchase.◆Collaboration with Fruit Sandwich Specialty Store ‘Fruits Box Daikanyama’
Last year’s popular collaboration with Fruit Box Daikanyama, a well-known fruit sandwich shop, is happening again in 2023! Fans can find the Collaboration Gift Box for sale, including seven baked meringue goods each featuring one of the member’s colors. The box also comes with snapshots of the members, and for a few lucky fans, these snaps might be signed! The idol group and sandwich shop have also teamed up to create the Collaborative Lucky Grab Bag Lottery, including popular FRUITS ZIPPER goods and original items from Fruits Box Daikanyama. The lucky first-prize winner will receive a special set of all available February tour merchandise in all sizes.◆Member Appearance Planned on Valentine's Day
On February 14, the final day of the pop-up shop, the members of FRUITS ZIPPER will make an appearance! Guests will be able to participate in the first-ever hands-on event with the members, so keep an eye out for more details! Stay up to date with the latest FRUITS ZIPPER news at the official Twitter page (@FRUITS_ZIPPER). FRUITS ZIPPER Pop-Up Shop Exclusive GoodsRandom Photo - Valentine pop-up ver. (21 varieties): ¥330 (Tax Included) Random Pin - Valentine pop-up ver. (7 varieties): ¥500 (Tax Included) Random Purikura Stickers - Valentine pop-up ver. (14 varieties): ¥600 (Tax Included) Information
FRUITS ZIPPER Valentine POP-UP SHOP
Running: February 1 – February 14, 2023
Venue: Laforet Harajuku 5F MAKE THE STAGE
*Closed on February 7 and February 8[Fruits Box Daikanyama Collaboration Goods]
Collaboration Gift Box: ¥3,500 (Tax Included)
Collaborative Lucky Grab Bag Lottery: ¥1,500 per try (Tax Included)Check out more details about the pop-up below!
https://www.laforet.ne.jp/pop_up_shop/fruitszipper_2301/Stay up to date:
FRUITS ZIPPER Official Twitter
https://twitter.com/FRUITS_ZIPPER/<Tour Information>
FRUITS ZIPPER 1st LIVE TOUR 2023 WINTERDate: February 3, 2023
Venue: ReNY limited
Time: Doors open 17:30 / Show starts 18:30
Contact: Sunday Folk Promotion (052-320-9100) *Open daily 12:00-18:00Date: February 5, 2023
Venue: Nanba Hatch
Time: Doors open 16:30 / Show starts 17:30
Contact: Kyodo Information (0570-200-888)FRUITS ZIPPER 1st LIVE TOUR 2023 WINTER 〜FRUITS DAY〜
Date: February 9, 2023
Venue: Shibuya WWW X
Time: Doors open 18:00 / Show starts 19:00
Contact: HOT STUFF PROMOTION (03-5720-9999) *Open weekdays 11:00-19:00FRUITS ZIPPER 1st LIVE TOUR 2023 WINTER 〜ZIPPER DAY〜
Date: February 10, 2023
Venue: Shibuya WWW X
Time: Doors open 17:30 / Show starts 18:30
Contact: HOT STUFF PROMOTION (03-5720-9999) *Open weekdays 11:00-19:00FRUITS ZIPPER 1st LIVE TOUR 2023 WINTER -TOUR FINAL –
Date: February 12, 2023
Venue: LINE CUBE SHIBUYA
Time: Doors open 17:00 / Show starts 18:00
Contact: Sunrise Promotion Tokyo (0570-00-3777) *Open weekdays 12:00-15:00Buy tickets for all shows here: https://l-tike.com/artist/000000000899959/
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The Winter 2022-2023 issue of the revived fashion creator magazine Zipper went on sale on December 23. This issue focuses on this winter’s must-know trends and is packed with coordination tips, outfit plans through spring, snapshots, hair and makeup tips, and much more. Zipper ended its 24-year history in December 2017. In March 2022, ASOBISYSTEM teamed up with DONUTS Inc. to revive the magazine as a quarterly release. The fashion magazine, popular with Gen Z, is known for sharing details aspects of Harajuku culture and will continue to share more from the creative center of Tokyo for years to come.
Standard Edition (Cover: Nagisa Saito)
Another Edition (Cover: FRUITS ZIPPER）
Information
Zipper 2022-2023 Winter Issue
Release Date: December 23, 2022
Price: ¥700
Publisher: DONUTS
Publishing Company: ShodenshaAvailable at bookstores nationwide and online
Amazon
・通常版
・anotehr editionOfficial Site
https://www.zipper.jp/ -
The global online fashion brand SHEIN has become wildly popular, shipping goods to over 150 countries. The world’s first permanent brick-and-mortar SHEIN store will open in Harajuku, Tokyo on November 13, 2022, displaying popular styles and items perfect for the Japanese market. All items on display will be available for purchase on the official SHEIN app simply by scanning the QR code on the tag. While items won’t be available to purchase in-store, the location will be a place where curious customers can try things on and explore new trends. The store has two floors and carries women's and men's wear, as well as kids' wear, pet goods, and accessories. In addition to standard fitting rooms, there will also be a photo booth and SHEIN gacha machine! This summer, the brand held its first pop-up event in Japan, traveling to five cities over two days. In October 2022, the three-month-long SHEIN POPUP OSAKA event invited customers could try on clothes and discover new styles. “SHEIN TOKYO is planning to hold a number of events to make the SHEIN brand more familiar to new customers. Please visit us and enjoy perusing our reasonably priced but high-quality items,” an official comment reads.
Information
SHEIN TOKYO
Open: November 13, 2022
Address: b-town Building C, 1, 2F (4-25-9 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo)
Hours: 11:00-19:00 (Closed during New Year’s holiday)
Official Website: https://jp.shein.com
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Momoko Sakura’s popular series Chibi Maruko-chan is filled with beloved characters, and Coji-Coji has remained a fan favorite for decades. Starting in October 2022, fans will be able to grab goods from the new COJI-COJI BABY brand.
The made-for-babies merchandise line will feature new artwork. The first theme is ‘outer space,’ and little ones will love the pastel colors and playful illustrations. A promo video has also been posted to the official Coji-Coji YouTube channel. About COJI-COJI BABY
“A snooze on the moon…From childhood to the faraway future, Coji-Coji is always cozy-cozy.Such a valuable life.Grow together with your baby.Snuggle up with your family. Be there to relax with those you love. Spend irreplaceable time together.After all of these desires and thoughts came together,COJI-COJI BABY was born.”Product Release Information
Sales of COJI-COJI BABY products began on October 12, 2022 on the official Eightex Japan online store.Coji-Coji Costume Romper: ¥9,900
COJI-COJI BABY Fair Now Open!
Starting on October 15, the COJI-COJI BABY Fair is being held at Kiddy Land Harajuku and Kiddy Land Osaka Umeda. During the event period, those who purchase over ¥4,000 (including tax) on COJI-COJI BABY products will receive an original mini shikishi. This is a perfect frame for your baby’s handprint or footprint!Information
COJI-COJI BABY
Official Online Store: https://eightex.com/pages/cojicoji
COJI-COJI BABY Fair
Running: October 15, 2022 ~
Venue: Kiddy Land Harajuku, Kiddy Land Osaka Umeda
*Bonus goods are only available while supplies last
*COJI-COJI BABY products will be available starting October 15.
COJI-COJI BABY Promo Video: https://youtu.be/QyGTaz8geT0