McDonald’s Japan locations with ‘McCafe by Barista’ areas will begin selling special spring treats for a limited time starting April 6, 2022. Customers will be able to grab the ‘Strawberry Uji Matcha Frappe’ and the ‘Uji Matcha Mont Blanc Tart.’

McCafe by Barista invites guests to enjoy high-quality frappes and smoothies. The Uji Matcha Frappe was added to the regular product lineup in June 2021, and features a mellow matcha flavor. The Strawberry variant is coming back for the first time in three years. The Mont Blanc Tart is a new addition, and is a perfect treat to enjoy with this popular frappe! 

Strawberry Uji Matcha Frappe: ¥490

The Strawberry Matcha Frappe mixes together the full-bodied flavor of matcha together with sweet and sour strawberries. It includes both a strawberry paste made from whole strawberries and a strawberry whipped cream at the bottom. The drink is topped with more strawberry whipped cream and a sprinkling of matcha powder. The refreshing taste of the strawberry sauce coupled with the whipped cream serves to elevate the great flavor of the Uji Matcha even more.

Uji Matcha Mont Blanc Tart: ¥390

The Uji Matcha Mont Blanc Tart is made with Uji Matcha batter, Uji Matcha whipped cream, white bean paste, and green tea cream. The refined sweetness is complemented by the mellow aroma and slight bitterness of Uji Matcha.

How would you like to enjoy these treats beneath the cherry trees?

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

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

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

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

MATCHA Jelly Cider: ¥660 (Tax Included)

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

MATCHA Cotton Candy Milkshake: ¥748 (Tax Included)

MATCHA Affogato: ¥660 (Tax Included)

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

Supreme MATCHA Terrine: ¥660 (Tax Included)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Starbucks Coffee Japan is releasing its new summery GO Pineapple Frappuccino® and GO Peach Frappuccino® at all branches on August 4.

Starbucks Japan’s first pineapple beverage, plump and sweet

Left: GO Pineapple Frappuccino® | Right: GO Peach Frappuccino® | Tall ¥680 (Takeaway), Tall ¥693 (Have-In)

The two fruity drinks arrive in time for the height of Japanese summer this August. This also marks the first time Starbucks Japan is serving up a pineapple Frappuccino®. The GO Pineapple Frappuccino® is loaded with ripe and fresh pineapple pieces along with a pineapple puree and pineapple sauce. When you’ve sipped about half the cup, mix in the whipped cream to transform the drink into smooth and milky heaven.

The GO Peach Frappuccino® is also loaded with its titular fruit, making it so refreshing it’s like eating a whole juicy peach. Enjoy a combination of fresh peach pieces, puree, and sauce, one which maintains the rich original flavour of this summer-classic fruit.

Reusable Coffee Cup With Changeable Coloured Lids (437ml) | ¥385 (Tax Included)

August 2nd will mark 25 years since Starbucks arrived in Japan, bringing to the country a culture of walking around with your coffee in hand. This summer, the coffee chain is also releasing a new collection of seasonal tumblers, as well a new reusable coffee cup which you can swap out with different coloured lids. While the new beverages are on sale, if you buy one of them together with a reusable cup, you can get a free size upgrade on your Frappuccino®.

Bubble tea shop XIE XIE PEARL is collaborating with San-X and their popular corner-dwelling characters Sumikko Gurashi with a line-up of drinks and merch until August 23.

Fruit is the theme of the collaboration which arrives in a line-up of colourful beverages served in limited-time cups. Each character’s drink is loaded with toppings.

Shirokuma’s Peach Milk | ¥756 (Tax Included)

Neko’s Jewel Berry Lemonade | ¥756 (Tax Included)

Tonkatsu’s Caramel Banana Milk | ¥756 (Tax Included)

Penguin’s Jewel Mint Lemonade | ¥756 (Tax Included)

Original collab goods

Large Stickers | 4 Designs | ¥330 (Tax Included)

Mini Tote Bag | ¥990(Tax Included)

Mirrors | 5 Designs | ¥550 (Tax Included)

Re-release of previous collab merch

Free novelty stickers and pouch

If you order one of the collab drinks you’ll receive a free sticker, and if you order all four drinks, you get an original Sumikko Gurashi pouch. All you need is your receipt to show at the register.

©︎2021 San-X Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

KYOTO YURA HOTEL MGallery is now serving a new cocktail and afternoon tea menu in collaboration with Perrier Promotion.

KYOTO YURA HOTEL MGallery is a hotel group based in Paris, France which operates over 5,000 hotels and resorts in 110 countries worldwide. Together with the mineral water brand Perrier, the two companies launched the ‘Perrier Promotion with KYOTO YURA HOTEL MGallery’ on July 21 which includes a special cocktail and afternoon tea line-up being served up at Lounge & Bar 1867.

Perrier x MURAKAMI Tote Bag

Perrier Cacao & Orange Asian Fizz Mocktail | ¥1,300 (Tax Included)

Perrier Umami & Ryokucha Green Tea Sour Mocktail | ¥1,300 (Tax Included)

Perrier Citrus Iced Tea Mocktail | ¥1,300 (Tax Included)

Perrier Evening Iced Coffee Cocktail | ¥1,700 (Tax Included)

Perrier Flower & Fruit Afternoon Cocktail | ¥1,700 (Tax Included)

Perrier Promotion with KYOTO YURA HOTEL MGallery is an all-day special event taking place at the hotel. At both the hotel entrance, as well as Lounge & Bar 1867, an artwork collaboration by Takashi Murakami and Perrier is being displayed for the duration of the event, adding a colourful vibe to the spaces.

The drinks line-up includes three mocktails which are available on the free flow drinks menu when ordering the hotel’s popular afternoon tea. The afternoon tea set was conceived by pastry chef Jennie Chiu and is packed full of summer fruits like passion fruit and mango.

During the collaboration, the first 200 people to order either the afternoon tea set or high tea set will also receive a free novelty tote bag featuring the Takashi Murakami’s characters Kaikai and Kiki.

In the evenings, the Perrier Pop-Up Bar are serving two alcoholic cocktails alongside the mocktails.

AWESOME STORE & CAFE IKEBUKURO is now serving up two new summer-exclusive dessert drinks inspired by the Japanese Showa era. The ‘Imitation Gold’ and ‘Blue Light Awesome’ are both available now until September 26.

Imitation Gold: ¥467 (Tax Included) / Blue Light Awesome: ¥467 (Tax Included)　*both served in plastic cups (see below)

The Imitation Gold’s flavour is reminiscent of an energy drink. It’s topped with vanilla ice cream and colourful gummies. The Blue Light Awesome is a Blue Hawaiian syrup-infused pineapple juice topped with vanilla ice cream and a cherry. Both of these cute dessert drinks are the perfect refreshments for the summer.

Those who buy both drinks will also receive an original black straw to make the drinks even more Instagrammable. These are available while supplies last.

Some other popular must-tries

Other classics on the menu to try include soft and chewy bagels, coffees, and more.

Chocolate High | ¥396 (Tax Included)

Ebi Avocado | ¥396 (Tax Included)

Fuwa Toro Bacon Omelette | ¥396 (Tax Included)

AWESOME Organic Coffee (Hot/Iced) | From ¥217 (Tax Included)

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

Strawberry & Condensed Milk Frappe | Regular: ¥490

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

Banana Caramel Frappe | Regular: ¥490

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

Uji-based matcha tea shop Matcha Republic is taking their menu to Tokyo for the first time with a pop-up shop inside Shibuya Hikarie which will run from July 15-28.

Matcha Ink Hikarie Exclusive Version Premium Matcha Latte | ¥681 (Tax Included)

Original Clear Shopping Bag

Matcha Republic’s ink bottle matcha lattes are super popular on Japanese social media. For their Tokyo pop-up shop, their premium matcha latte arrives in an exclusive design. The dirnk is made from only the best picked matcha leaves to make a smooth, milky beverage. The bottle is also sold in an original shopping bag.

Matcha Panna Cotta Hikarie Exclusive Version | ¥681 (Tax Included)

The brand’s popular panna cotta set also arrives in a Hikarie exclusive design. The delicious dessert is made with fragrant Uji matcha.

PREMIUM GOLDEN UJI MATCHA CASTELLA | ¥2,381 (Tax Included)

Matcha Republic’s moist matcha castella is sprinkled delicately with gold leaf, creating a luxurious dessert.

As part of Coca-Cola System’s ‘Coca-Cola Summer Campaign,’ the drinks giant is releasing a new summer entry to their Kono Shunkan ga, Watashi (Me in This Moment) TV commercial series on June 28, promoting the start of a new summer. The commercial features the members of Japanese music group NiziU enjoying the hot weather and includes their new song Super Summer which doesn’t have a release date yet.

NiziU’z shoot for the commercial

On set, NiziU arrived with smiles and said to the staff, ‘We look forward to working with you!’ This shoot took place by the sea. The scene begins on the beach, and because the members were so engaged in the shoot, they didn’t notice the wave rolling up to them, making them scream out ‘Cold!’ when it hit their feet. When they’re running along the beach, all the members showed how each of them runs in their own unique way. There’s also a scene when they’re flying a kite, and when they were filming it, a bee appeared out of nowhere. The shoot was full of smiles from start to end, and it shows in the final cut.

NiziU | Interview

How did the shoot go on this ‘New Summer Start’ commercial, and what were some fun moments?

―RIKU
“We had fun being our normal, natural selves, and I think it shows in the commercial. I experienced at lot of first-time things in this one, so it was a lot of fun.”

―RIO
“Drinking Coca-Cola by the beach makes tastes super good! I enjoyed how refreshed I felt after it took the heat away.”

―RIMA
“I was able to enjoy feeling summer nice and early with the other members and some Coca-Cola!”

All of you are your normal, natural selves in this commercial. How did you find doing the activities together?

―AYAKA
“Everyone took the coke dropping way too seriously, it was a little scary <laughs>, but I enjoyed how natural we were!”

― MIIHI
“It’d been a while since I flew a kite and the other stuff, so I was hypnotised. It was fun, so I’d love to go to a lodging house with everyone if we get time and do it all again! <laughs>”

 ―MAYA
“It was my first time flying a kite. You need to be able to run a lot to keep it up high, so I was running around all over the place <laughs>.”

What parts of the commercial would you want people to look out for?

―MAKO
‘New Summer Start’ was the theme, so we showed us enjoying the summer in the moment, so I hope people look out for that! I’d also love for it to encourage people to try something new!”

―NINA
“You get to see all of us looking natural in this commercial, so I definitely want people to check that out!”

―MAYUKA
“I personally think the part where we’re all enjoying drinking Coca-Cola at the beach is a must-see part.”

 

With the core message of the commercial mind, is there anything you too want to try doing this summer?

―MAKO
“Going to the beach with everyone!”

―MAYUKA
“You’re here now, aren’t you? <laughs>”

―ALL MEMBERS
<Laughs>

―MAKO
“We’re here! <laughs> But I want to come here in our free time too! <laughs>”

 ―RIKU
“I want to try dares! A lot of the members aren’t good with them, so I want to go and have fun doing that with everyone! <laughs>”

―MAYUKA
“I want to eat a big shaved ice with everyone!”

―RIKU
“We’re gonna get brain freeze! <laughs>”

 ―MAYUKA
“It’ll make a good memory though!”

―ALL MEMBERS
“For sure! Sounds fun!”

 ―AYAKA
“I want to try making a watermelon dessert!”

―MAKO
“I love that! You’re the best, AYAKA! <laughs>”

―NINA
“I love ice cream, so I wanna try making some myself to enjoy with everyone!”

―RIO
“I’m bad at swimming, so I want to learn to swim this summer!”

 ―MAYA
“I want to go to a summer camp with all the members, with a BBQ and campfire, and to try out new things together!”

―MIIHI
“I really love summer festivals, so I want to eat something at home with someone you can only get at summer festivals, like whole pickled cucumbers!”

―RIMA
“Summer means nagashi somen noodles, so I really want those!”

―MAKO
“Shall we go get some bamboo then? <laughs>”

―RIKU
“Let’s all get some together! <laughs>”

As part of the Coca-Cola Summer Challenge, NiziU had a go at the summer Coke mix challenge in a video which shows you how to best into Coke in summer.

Starbucks Japan added three new teas to its drinks menu on June 16: the ‘Pink Frozen Lemonade & Passionfruit Tea,’ ‘Yuzu ‘Citrus & Tea,’ and ‘Houjicha & Classic Tea Latte.’ The beverages combine classic Japanese flavours like yuzu, matcha, and houjicha. Refreshing and relaxing are key components of this line-up.

Pink Frozen Lemonade & Passionfruit Tea

Takeout: Tall ¥529 / Have-In: Tall ¥539

The ‘Pink Frozen Lemonade & Passionfruit Tea’ uses a tea blend of hibiscus, orange peel, cinnamon, and liquorice, coupled with fruity pink grapefruit for a refreshing kick.

Yuzu Citrus & Tea

Takeout: Short ¥453／Tall ¥496／Grande ¥540／Venti®︎ ¥583

Have-In: Short ¥462 ／Tall ¥506 ／Grande ¥550／Venti®︎ ¥594

This is an update of Starbucks Japan’s iconic Yuzu Citrus & Tea. The use of fresh citrus fruits adds a refreshing layer to the drink, such as pink grapefruit, and combines deliciously with yuzu peel.

Houjicha & Classic Tea Latte

Takeout: Tall ¥496 / Have-In: ¥506

A blend of houjicha and black tea mixed with rich cream and sweet white mocha syrup.

WAX&WANE is the name of a new project that has launched in an effort to support ARCADE TOKYO, an ‘online shopping arcade’ stocking countless must-grab products from Tokyo, due to the impact COVID-19 has had on participating businesses having to close down, resulting in a drastic decrease in shipping and consumption.

12 breweries pour 12 unique sake beverages

Pair your drinks with foods outside Japanese cuisine to change things up

Bottle clothes with designs showcasing each sakes’ personality

The project was launched on June 10 via the crowdfunding website CAMPFIRE as a way to pay back thanks to 12 sake breweries in Japan who produce sake you can’t get anywhere else. It aims to spread the word of Japan’s sake culture the world to preserve its future and create even more brands, thereby adding new value to sake.

As part of the project, tie dye creator YUKIDYE, who has worked with many different street brands, has produced a collection of tie dye cloths which take inspiration from each of the 12 sake flavours and the characteristics of each brand.

In promotion of their new Ver.2.0.0 energy drink, which hit shelves in Japan last Tuesday, ZONe released a TV commercial featuring Japanese artists LiSA and yama. The new beverage, which is advertised as putting people in the zone of invincibility, contains the highest amount of caffeine put in a ZONe drink yet: 150mg of the stuff, which is sure to keep people buzzing throughout the day. The packaging has also been updated to feature the new ‘ZONe EYE’ which symbolises that you’re in the zone and nothing will stand in your way.

LiSA in the ZONe
　　　　　

Dive into the zone with LiSA who knocks back her drink and immediately takes on the ZONe EYE. She grabs her mic and belts out a hardcore performance, showing off her incredible voice, before winking at the camera.

yama in the ZONe

When yama chugs her can she says the words ‘Into the ZONe’ along with the futuristic-sounding voice. She is surrounded by a whirlpool of the energy drink which flows along to the sound of her gorgeous high-tone vocals. The track itself is titled Ketsuryu (‘Blood Flow’) and was written for this commercial.

Interview

LiSA

・What did you think of the commercial and your appearance?

“For me, it was a live performance. Even I was surprised at the show of power that ZONe has [in the commercial] when it turns on your switch. I enjoyed it like a real live performance, since the part when I switch into that invincible zone was filmed just as I look in the video.”

・Tell us about the song RUNAWAY which features in your commercial.
“The song is about quitting while you’re ahead in life. It’s the start of a new era, heading into that invincible zone to laugh lots, sing, dance, and enjoy everything.”

yama

・Tell us about the song Ketsuryu which features in your commercial

“ESME MORI kindly wrote this song for me. It’s a song that brings up the topic of being bored in life, and feeling lonely, but that you can still find someone special or something you can immerse yourself in to light up your life. It’s about keeping your heart moving even if those things disappear. I hope it encourages people, even if just a little.”