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.

As the almighty creator of the chilled chocolate drink called the Chocolixir, GODIVA has now transcended to a whole new level with its Tea Magic Series which pairs luxurious GODIVA chocolate with a specially made tea. The fourth and final heavenly Chocolixir drink for the Tea Magic Series has now been revealed to be called the Chocolixir Uji Matcha Kiwami. This is a pairing of GODIVA white chocolate and Uji matcha. A limited number of these will be released for sale from October 1, 2019 to November 30, 2019.  

The GODIVA Tea Magic Series is made using the finest GODIVA chocolate. The chocolatier considers the most appropriate tea to enhance the flavour of the chocolate and only uses the finest tea leaves to make the drink. The result is a chilled chocolate tea which is filled with a flavour that will enlighten you. Hojicha Chocolate tea was the first tea of the series and was released on July 1st.

Chocolixir Uji Matcha Kiwami (270ml): ¥602 (before tax)

GODIVA’s mildly sweet and velvety white chocolate is blended with rich uji matcha tea and then chilled to a perfectly refreshing temperature. A light cloud of whipped cream floats on the surface and is sprinkled with carefully made uji matcha powder. Matcha chocolate sticks garnishe the drink. 

From your first sip to your last, your mouth will be filled with a rich and luxurious matcha flavour. From time to time, your tongue will discover the exciting texture of small pieces of smashed white chocolate pieces.

This is the perfect opportunity to indulge in the luxurious flavour of mild white chocolate blended with rich uji matcha. 

Here at MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON, we have never failed to provide you with the essentials: updates on the best bubble teas around Kyoto. However, today we have a special sweet treat for you. After consulting expert Instagrammer kyoto cafe life tiara, we have compiled a list of Kyoto’s top purin that will fill you with satisfaction and as well as nostalgia. Purin is a type of Japanese custard pudding loved by the Japanese for generations. When it comes to searching for the best desserts in the Kansai region, kyoto cafe life tiara leaves no stone unturned . 

Cafe Yamamoto, Higashiyama

Pudding (Set): ¥750

The bitter and fragrant caramel sauce of this purin is to die for. This purin has a rich eggy flavour and is stiffer than a traditional purin. Enjoy your purin served in a silver plate which will fill you with the nostalgia of the retro Showa Era.

One thing I do at least once a week without fail is treat myself out to some delicious food or dessert. It’s very important time well spent in order to live a happy life.

Today, I went and got my lunch early ahead of my morning work. I visited dotcom space Tokyo, a café in Harajuku where you can indulge in a laid-back experience.

©️photo Takumi Ota

The café is just a 4-minute walk from the Takeshita Street exit of Harajuku Station. Its atmosphere is so peaceful and related that you wouldn’t believe it’s right next to noisy and busy Takeshita Street. It’s a spacious place with simple and stylish furniture and furnishings. I fancied something sweet this time, so I went and ordered the Peach & Yoghurt bread.

©️photo Takumi Ota

©️photo Takumi Ota

The interior decorating scheme is based on wood; you can feel how particular they were about the furniture. It’s easy to wind down at this café due to its spacious interior. It’s common to see workers scattered throughout too. It’s a nice place to leave your desk for a little bit for lunch for a change of pace.

Peach & Yoghurt ¥680 / Iced Café Latte ¥550

The bread is piled with a generous serving of yoghurt cream and shiny peach which the light shines on.

I feel happy just looking at this delicious treat. Just spellbinding!

I sliced my first piece and popped it into my mouth. The bread is deliciously chewy, and the refreshing yogurt cream and sweet peach filled my mouth. The bread itself is a thick-cut slice and made by Pelican, a bakery in Asakusa. It has a chewy and moist texture you can’t find anywhere else.

The yogurt cream isn’t overly sweet, instead having a more refreshing flavour to it. When eaten together with the sweet ripened peach, the gorgeous mix blends together around your taste buds and melts in your mouth. Depending on the season, you can pick fruits other than peach too. They always have seasonal choices. I’m looking forward to their autumn and winter line-up.

The iced latte has a slight acidity to it, my favourite kind of flavour. It went really well with the Peach & Yogurt bread. The café is also particular about its coffee bean selection; one of its baristas is noted to be a past “Japan champion” when it comes to coffee. I’ve got to try the hot coffee the next time I visit.

A set meal, burger or the likes would have been good too, but I had my eyes set on a sweet dessert lunch. Getting a moment to chill out and enjoy something sweet made me happy today. I recommend enjoying some autumn fruit-topped bread too as the seasons change.

Today’s Presents

Apple Juice ¥450

I’s important to share the happiness between family and colleagues on when you get the chance to enjoy something tasty. I bought them some apple juice, which is poured into a cup with a smiling face on the side. It’s made from 100% apples from Nagano. The straw is made from environmentally-friendly sugarcane.

Writer:Sayuri Mizuno（MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON）

Hello, readers of MMN! I’m Banako of the MOSHI MOSHI FRIENDS program.

Today, I’m here to show you a unique and stylish sandwich shop I visited in Shibuya called BUY ME STAND. Shibuya is home to countless restaurants and cafes, but if it’s sandwiches you’re looking for, this place is the one people are going to recommend. That’s how famous it is!

You can reach it in just a brisk 5-minute stroll from the New South Exit of Shibuya Station’s JR Line building. You’ll know it by the big windows and green and white stripes.

The store is managed by apparel brand SON OF THE CHEESE. The entire interior is coloured in mint green, and it has a vintage American vibe to it. Both the outside and inside are nothing short of stylish-looking. It has a second floor too which has table seats.

I ordered the shop’s most popular menu item: “Apple Cheeks.” The sandwiches are cooked to order in an open kitchen in full view of the customers.

BUY ME STAND typically serves hot sandwiches. Most of them are filled with cheese which is grilled until melted and oozing.

This is the Apple Cheeks, which costs ¥1,200. Take a look inside, what do you see?

That’s right. Just as the name of the sandwich suggests, is stuffed with apple slices. As well as apple, it also contains pork belly, onions, and Camembert cheese.

Apples and sandwiches are seemingly an unlikely combination, but by my first bite into the crunchy toast I was already hooked. The melted cheese coils itself delicious around the pork belly and onions while the apple adds a favourable sweetness to the combination of flavours. It was like happiness in my mouth.

It’s quite a hearty sandwich, but it comes with a crunchy coleslaw salad which is a great palate cleanser and changes up the flavour party on your tongue, so you can get through it all no problem

Since there’s a lot of ingredients packed inside their sandwiches, they are also served with a burger bag like when you eat a hamburger, so you can wrap it up to ensure nothing falls out.

Sandwiches are generally seen as a quick and light meal, but BUY ME STAND has redefined their image by making their sandwiches fat and filling.

BUY ME STAND is open from 8am, and breakfast is sold until 11am where they serve a range of food options in addition to sandwiches. I wanted to try everything.

The menus differ slightly for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

BUY ME STAND is in fact a chain sandwich shop and has branches not only in Shibuya, but Yokohama, Fukuoka, and even Okinawa too, and all of them are just as fancy as one another.

Pay a visit to BUY ME STAND yourself and find your sandwich of choice!

Coffee brand Beasty Coffee by amadana, which uses the same coffee-making equipment and by the the top baristas in the country, as well as has delivered high quality coffee beans like them, is opening its new flagship store Beasty Coffee [ cafe laboratory ] in Shibuya on September 27.

Beasty Coffee [ cafe laboratory ] boasts inventory of stock developed by the company themselves, including its own hand-drip coffee tools, as well as original coffee bean blends, an espresso machine, and coffee roaster. The coffee house will also host workshops and other experimental activities, creating a new way to enjoy your cafe experience.

The cafe itself is renovated from a buckwheat noodle restaurant which was deep-rooted in the local area. It has a Japanese-style aesthetic with a modern approach, using mortar as its main decoration.

The furniture is walnut wood, which looks gorgeous in both Japanese and western-style decor, while the entrance has a stylish sliding door with a black frame. There is also a partition inside the cafe. All of this makes for a calm and relaxed atmosphere.

Drip Coffee

Lemonade

If you’re interested in ordering the hand drip coffee, there are three types to choose from. They also sell an in-house original lemonade, is a mix of lemon, which uses no preservatives, and herb tea.

The espresso machine comes in a navy colour, which is the brand’s main colour, with which the baristas can make customers coffees like cappuccino using original blends.

Behind the partitions sits two coffee roasting tester machines where the cafe will research making original blend coffees day to day to create coffee that people will love.

When you heard about a cafe that is set on creating delicious coffee every time, you want to become a repeat customer. If you’re a coffee lover then make sure you pop into Beasty Coffee [ cafe laboratory ] when it opens in Shibuya, Tokyo on September 27.

Glasses brand Zoff teamed up with famous models Saki Shibata, Yuri Suganuma and Rinko Murata to produce a branded glasses series that is perfect to wear “All Day, Every Day”. The girls designed these glasses to fit into and enhance your everyday life experiences. The Zoff CLASSIC Girls Collection -All Day, Every Day- series will be released across Japan from October 11, 2019. 

The main theme of this series is All Day, Every Day. From this, the three sub themes of morning, midday and evening were created and each model was put in charge of the designs for one of these themes. Shibata was in charge of ‘morning’ designs, Suganuma was in charge of ‘midday’ designs and Murata was in charge of ‘evening’ designs. Each model carefully thought of how the user would wear the glasses during their sub theme time in order to fully enhance their daily experiences. Each model also created a unique personal design out of metal for the temple tips of the glasses they designed. 

Before being released in stores, the glasses will be available to preorder from Zoff’s official online store from 11am (JST) on September 20. From the same day from 9pm, there will be a one-hour-long live broadcast where the models will showcase their creations.  A limited number of the glasses will be available to preorder during this live broadcast. 

There is also a lottery taking place with the chance to take part in the Zoff CLASSIC Girls Collection Special Event which consists of two parts: A tea session where you can listen to the girls’ stories on how they produced the glasses and even get some pointers on how to coordinate your look, and a special photography session with the three models. 

Designs by Saki Shibata

ZH191011　Available in 3 colours　¥7,000

These compact and circular-shaped rims are the perfect way to highlight your classic look or even a tomboy look. However you decide to wear these glasses, you will always look good with minimum effort. 

ZO192024 　Available in 3 colours　¥9,000

The vintage style and matte coloured metal frame make these glasses perfect for both men and women. The carefully chosen size makes these extra special. 

Shibata’s statement on the personalised symbol:

“I want the wearer to feel good the moment they put on these glasses. I designed these glasses to give the wearer confidence to hold their head high and say: ‘Today is going to be a wonderful day and I am going to enjoy every moment of it.'”

Designs by Yuri Suganuma

ZP192020　Available in 3 colours　¥7,000

These frames are rectangular with soft round edges to make your face look smaller and your eyes look bigger. 

ZO191012　Available in 3 colours　¥9,000

A perfect mix between foxy and geeky, the roundness of these rims is subtle, adding a feminine touch to your look. Although you may get the impression that these glasses only go well with a few styles, they actually coordinate well with a surprisingly large range of styles.

Suganuma’s statement on the personalised symbol:

“My design is a heart rate to represent how the wearer will feel when they put these glasses on. I hope my glasses make your heart jump with excitement.” 

Designs by Rinko Murata 

ZP192019　Available in three colours　¥7,000

The metal frame is so beautiful that it is like wearing an accessory. The subtle colours of the frame make it perfect for casual clothing. If you are looking for something for everyday use, these are perfect. Big rims are trending right now. 

ZN191011　Available in three colours　¥9,000

There is a wonderful contrast between the different materials used and the circular-shaped lenses give a classic look. Switch the lenses for blue light blocking lenses to reduce the amount of blue light exposure from your computer and phone. 

Murata’s statement on the personal symbol:

“I etched my initials ‘rm’ into the design. I hope the wearer feels the power to transform into a brand new person whenever they put on these glasses. I hope my glasses provide a sense of comfort and confidence to the wearer.”

Whether you are a fan of the models or this is your first time hearing about them, you just have to check out their stylish designs which are suitable for men and women of all ages.

One thing I do at least once a week without fail is treat myself out to some delicious food or dessert. It’s very important time well spend in order to live a happy life.

Today, I went out for breakfast. I got up a little earlier than usual and headed to my favourite cafe, Bread, Espresso & which is located in Omotesando.

It’s really easy to get to: it’s just a 5-minute walk from the A2 exit of Omotesando Station. Mornings are quiet in Omotesando, you don’t see many people walking around, so it feels like a completely different place compared to its busy streets during the day.

When you enter the cafe, the smell of freshly-baked bread is the first thing to hit your senses. I sat down on one of the comfy sofa-seats and ordered myself the French toast breakfast set.

There’s plenty of space between tables, so it’s an environment that’s easy to kick back and relax in.

Inside and outside the cafe are cute signs with that day’s recommended menu items written on them. Next time I visit I think I’ll try one of the lunchtime desserts. That’s what I daydreamed about while waiting for my French toast to arrive.

French Toast Set w/Drink – ¥800

The French toast has a subtly sweet scent. It’s made with one of the cafe’s popular foods: the butter-loaded bread known as “Muu.”

The toast’s crusts were nice and crunchy while the middle part was fluffy. The soft bread just melts in your mouth when taking a bite, and your taste buds are treated to the sweet flavour of the egg.

The toast is delicious as it is, and you can totally leave it at that and enjoy your morning breakfast. But if you want to take it to the next level then you can drizzle the accompanying honey over the toast, giving the sweetness an even richer flavour.

I’m usually not good with the characteristic sweet taste that honey has, or the bitterness layered into the overall flavour, but this honey was on the milder side so I really enjoyed it.

After my food, I enjoyed the cappuccino the barista beautifully made for me which comes as part of the set.

My 1-hour morning was spent even more relaxed than usual here. It’s much different from lunchtime which is a much busier and hurried time, so I could sink in my chair and really enjoy my drink too.

Waking up early and enjoying a relaxing breakfast. That’s all I did, but it helped ease my busy mind and soul. I’m a simple person, and I think I’ll be able to face my week and work hard at it after this.

Today’s Presents

Futsu Furu Fig Sandwich – ¥420

Futsu Uni Fruits – ¥400

I wanted to share the happiness between friends and family on this fine day where I got to eat a delicious breakfast. These sandwiches are packed full of fruits―seasonal fruits which are best enjoyed right now. If you’re wondering what other sandwiches they sell then be sure to visit.

Writer: Sayuri Mizuno (MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON)

Translator: Joshua Kitosi-Isanga

The Sweet Caramel Pudding Latte will be infiltrating Starbucks’® Chilled Cup line of beverages from September 24 for a limited period.

The ghostly touch of sweet and smooth caramel pudding is accented with a dark base note of strong coffee. If you are looking for a creamy and luxurious flavour, this is the perfect autumn treat.

Starbucks never fails to raise our spirits with their adorable themed designs. This Halloween, the cup design been invaded with an army of ghosts, pumpkins and more Halloween-themed illustrations. The heavenly golden lid adds a touch of luxury to the design and is a premonition for the sweet and rich caramel that awaits underneath. 

The Sweet Caramel Pudding Latte from the Starbucks’ Chilled Cup series is bound to send chills down your spine this Halloween!