Itohkyuemon is a green tea store based in Uji, Kyoto that was founded in 1832 at the end of the Edo period. It has continued to specialise in Uji green tea including a range of desserts also made from the tea. Their newest product is a parfait based on the colours of Japan’s autumn leaves.
Uji is a popular place during the season season. Tourists from far and wide visit the city to see the red and yellow leaves themselves. There are many places in Uji famous for their autumn colours such as Kōshōhōrin-ji, the first independent zen temple in Japan. Itohkyuemon is a popular location for people to visit after seeing the colourful trees and plants – customers can be waiting up to 2 hours to get in.
The store’s new Koyo Parfait (“Autumn Coloured Parfait”) uses a matcha parfait as the base. This is topped with Naruto Kintoki sweet potato, candied chestnuts and leaf-shaped jelly to evoke that autumnal spirit. The parfait also comes with matcha which gives a deeper flavour when poured over.
The autumn leaf parfait can also be ordered as a set with a drink that comes with one of four autumn leaf coasters. For drinks, choose from Uji matcha, an iced cappuccino or a hot cappuccino.
Enjoy this seasonal treat after seeing the leaves in Japan this autumn.
Information
Koyo Parfait
Available: October 22 until the autumn leaves fall
Price: Single Parfait ¥1,180 (Tax Included) / Parfait Set With Drink ¥1,680 (Tax Included)
Sold at the main Itohkyuemon branch and JR Uji Station branch.
RECOMMENDED ENTRIES
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Lindt Chocolat Cafe to Release Matcha Hot Chocolate This Winter
14.October.2018 | FOOD
Lindt Chocolat Cafe branches in Japan will release their new Lindt Matcha Hot Chocolate on November 1 for the winter season for a limited time.
As fall begins to fade and the winter cold sets in, Lindt will have us covered with their new cozy and warm beverage. It’s a combination of the cafe’s rich hot chocolate drink and matcha. It’s fragrant and has a deep flavour. It’s also made in the image of a Christmas tree with fallen snow on top, setting in that romantic white Christmas vibe.
There are two versions of the hot chocolate to choose from: bitter dark chocolate and a more sweeter milk chocolate. This is topped with a whipped cream made from matcha white chocolate, white meringue and chocolate shavings and drizzled with a bright red strawberry sauce.
At the Ginza branch of the cafe, your beverage is also topped with holly-shaped chocolate. The drink is like a dessert in itself with its combination of light and fluffy whipped cream, melt-in-the-mouth meringue and rich sauce.
All branches of the cafe will also begin selling Lindt Chrismtas chocolate from November 1.
Information
Lindt Matcha Hot Chocolate Drink
Running: November 1, 2018 – January 9, 2019
Avaliable: At Lindt Chocolat Cafe branches in Japan
Prices:
Ginza Branch – ¥1,234 (Tax Included) (Served in a glass mug. Eat-in service.)
Other Branches – ¥669 (Tax Included)
Shop Information: https://www.lindt.jp/contents/shop/
Lindt Japan Official Website: http://www.lindt.jp/
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The new Strawberry Matcha Frappe will be released on October 10 at McCafé by Barista outlets, the official McDonald’s cafés attached to numerous McDonald’s branches in Japan.
McDonald’s Japan has recently been selling a series of different matcha drinks for autumn. Following on from their Brown Sugar Syrup & Soybean Flour Matcha Frappe, a Japanese-style tasting drink, the new Strawberry Matcha Frappe uses strawberries for a more Western flavour.
The Strawberry Matcha Frappe is a brand new drink to McDonald’s, mixing together the full-bodied flavour 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. Sitting on top of these is a matcha latte frappe which uses slightly bitter Uji matcha from Kyoto and delicious milk farmed in Japan. Crowning the drink is more strawberry whipped cream and sprinkling of matcha powder. The refreshing taste of the strawberry sauce coupled with the whipped cream serves to elevate the great flavour of the matcha even more.
The beverage will be available from October 10. Until then you can enjoy McDonald’s Matcha Latte Frappe, Matcha Latte or Iced Matcha Latte.
Information
Strawberry Matcha Frappe
Price: Regular ¥490 / Large ¥530 (Tax Included)
Running: October 10, 2018 – Mid November (Subject to Change)
Available: At McDonald’s branches across Japan with a McCafé by Barista (Approx. 89 branches as of October 2018)
*The branch list can be viewed on the official McDonald’s Japan homepage (Japanese).McDonald’s Official Homepage: http://www.mcdonalds.co.jp/menu/barista/
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Miffy Sakura Kitchen & Bakery to Open in Arashiyama, Kyoto
The new takeout bakery Miffy Sakura Kitchen will open in Arashiyama, Kyoto on October 3, fusing traditional Japan with Dick Bruna’s cute bunny character.
The bakery faces the main street that runs from Togetsu-kyo Bridge through the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, the most iconic tourist spots of Arashiyama.
Vintage Mugs – ¥1,200 (Pre-Tax)
Lunch Bowls – ¥2,000 (Pre-Tax)
At the bakery you can get your hands on a range of Miffy licensed merchandise as well as a string of exclusive Miffy Sakura Kitchen made in the style of traditional Kyoto pottery and more.
Of course, there’s plenty of delicious goodies to get your fingers on too like anpan sweet bread, danish pastries, ice cream, drinks and more, all inspired by Miffy.
Miffy Anpan – ¥260 (Pre-Tax)
The Miffy anpan is shaped like Miffy’s face which is filled with sweet adzuki bean paste.
Miffy Fuku Daruma Bread – ¥350 (Pre-Tax)
This cute and round Miffy bread is made in the image of a daruma doll and is filled with rich matcha cream. Limited quantity available.
Carrot Bread – ¥310 (Pre-Tax)
Miffy loves carrots, so this one’s dedicated to her. It’s made with carrot puree and contains an egg salad.
Miffy Danish Pastry – ¥500 (Pre-Tax)
When you sink your teeth into this crunchy toasted pastry your mouth is filled with the sweet taste of butter. You can order it as French toast or enjoy it as a sandwich.
Miffy Cube (Matcha & White Chocolate) – ¥230 (Pre-Tax)
This cubed shaped bread bears the shop’s logo and Miffy on the front. You’ll get addicted to the sweet white chocolate and bitter matcha inside!
The bakery itself will also be decorated with all things Miffy, so if you’re a fan of the cute bunny yourself you’ll definitely want to go and visit.
■Information
Arashiyama Miffy Sakura Kitchen
Address: 20 Sagatenryuji Tsukurimichicho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto PrefectureGrand Opening: October 3, 2018
Opening Hours
Miffy Kitchen: 10:00am-6:00pm
Miffy Bakery: 10:00am-6:00pmContact
Miffy Kitchen: 075-863-2022
Miffy Bakery: 075-496-4244Miffy Sakura Kitchen Offiみっふぃー桜きっちん公式サイト:http://www.miffy-sakurakitchen.jp
RELATED ENTRIES
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Final Fantasy Artist Yoshitaka Amano Holds Art Exhibition at Myoshin-ji in Kyoto
Yoshitaka Amano, known by international fans as the artist behind the legendary Final Fantasy video game series, is celebrating his 70th birthday with a unique art project from November 23 until December 8 at Myoshin-ji in Kyoto.
On the first day of the event, the venue, decorated with autumn leaves, was crowded with visitors including foreign tourists, who marveled at the fantastic space filled harmoniously with gold and blue. The exhibition will be held at Myoshin-ji, the head temple of the associated branch of Rinzai Zen Buddhism. This collection of works was designed to question visitors’ sensibilities and provide a new kind of art exhibition for fans to enjoy.
After the exhibition, the main art piece by Yoshitaka himself will be converted to 3DCG, and a Virtual Golden World will be developed in collaboration with the Yoshitaka Amano VR Museum. By integrating traditional and modern art methods, guests will be able to engage more deeply in the art by enjoying digital works, the metaverse, and NFTs.
Don’t miss this curious exhibition!
Information
Golden World: Infinite Light by Yoshitaka Amano
~GOLDEN VIEW OF THE WORLD~
Running: November 23 – December 8, 2022
Venue: Myoshin-ji
Hours: 9:00-12:00 / 13:00-16:00
Tickets on sale until 15:30 each day.
Official Site: https://www.myoshinji.or.jp/
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Collaboration NFTs Highlight Drafts of Kyoto’s Traditional Painted Silk
28.November.2022 | FASHION
The NFT marketplace HINATA will start selling collaborative pieces on November 25, combining classical drafts of Kyoto printed silk images with modern art pieces by up-and-coming creators.
Kyoto Printed Silk Draft x Modern Ukiyo-e Artist Ono Tako
Draft (Left) and Spring Dreamland – Sunshine by Ono Tako
Ono Tako is a modern-day ukiyo-e artist who creates unique paintings combining Eastern and Western elements.
A beautiful woman stands in front of lush spring scenery in this gorgeous piece.
Although this is clearly an ukiyo-e piece, it has a more modern flare, expressing a more universal standard of beauty while also infusing traditional elements.
A total of six works will be available in two variations: the soft and warm Sun and the calm and tranquil Shade.
Ono Tako: https://twitter.com/ono800Kyoto Printed Silk Draft x Illustrator Omulettomato
Draft (Left) and Full Moon by Omulettomato
Omulettomato is an illustrator who is rapidly gaining popularity for their feminine portraits.
Three different drafts depicting beautiful Japanese nature have been combined and transformed into a modern lady with moe elements.
A total of eight works will be available in three variations: Daybreak, Sunrise, and Full Moon.
Omulettomato: http://omutoma.tumblr.comEnjoy this curious collaboration and own a piece of classical and modern Japanese culture.
Information
NFT Marketplace HINATA
Release Date: November 25, 2022
Official Site: https://hinata-nft.com/company
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NAKED GARDEN ONE KYOTO to be Held at Ninna-ji, a World Heritage Site
From December 10 until December 18, 2022, creative company NAKED will hold NAKED GARDEN ONE KYOTO at Ninna-ji! The event is part of a larger next-generation art project being held around Kyoto until Christmas Day.
This exhibition marks the first metaverse-centered event at Ninna-ji, and guests will be able to enjoy a virtual fashion show in collaboration with Jotaro Saito, a kimono designer from Kyoto. Participants will begin by creating their own avatar by snapping a photo of their face. After that, they will be able to choose a kimono by Saito to use as clothing for their avatar before taking to the runway with other visitors from all around Japan.
NAKED’s goal is to bring traditional Japanese kimono culture into the digital space, and the company believes that this is only the beginning. In the future, NAKED hopes to bring other artists into the metaverse as well.
NAKED Distanced Lanterns
NAKED TsukubaiFive-Storied Pagoda Projection Mapping
DANDELION PROJECTVirtual Fashion Show
Limited Edition Paper GoshuinThis year’s event also includes the DANDELION PROJECT, popular with art fans around the world. Created by Ryotaro Muramatsu, the art project has appeared in a number of towns and cities around the world, inviting participants to create flowers and send them around the globe digitally as a hope for peace. Visitors can use their smartphones to send dandelion fluff digitally to other participants around the world, sharing a wish for world peace.
This year, the participatory art piece was installed in the main temple. Why not visit this stunning exhibition in Kyoto this winter?
Information
NAKED GARDEN ONE KYOTO Ninna-ji
Venue: Ninna-ji (Five-storied Pagoda, Main Temple)
Running: December 10 – December 18, 2022
*No admission on December 17 due to a private event.
Hours: 17:30-21:30 *Last entry at 21:00
Official Site: https://garden.naked.works/kyoto/ -
monopo Collaborates with Kyoto-Based Brand Shokuraku Asano to Share Traditional Japanese Textiles with the World
21.November.2022 | FASHION
Global creative agency monopo is teaming up with Shokuraku Asano, a 100-year-old obi maker from Kyoto! The company is working to create a digital experience for interested viewers, sharing each artisan’s personal story. Those who love Japanese culture are welcome to enjoy traditional Japanese crafts in an entirely new way!
Using a one-of-a-kind QR obi, a new storytelling method is showing off the hard work and love that goes into the company’s textiles. A special website and video allow interested viewers to experience the process of making an obi digitally, simply by using their smartphone. Even those unable to visit Japan to see these obi in person can dive into the history of the area’s textiles and become more acquainted with one part of Kyoto’s manufacturing culture.
Kyoto was the ancient capital of Japan. The city is known for its history and preservation of Japanese culture, and prior to the pandemic, the city was constantly filled with visitors from around the world anxious to learn more about the country’s traditional culture. When the pandemic hit the world in 2020, it changed the city forever–tourists disappeared and the city became much quieter. Now that Japan has opened its borders, however, tourists are returning in droves.
While Shokuraku Asano upholds tradition, it also seeks to leave a mark on new generations by embracing new technology. This unique project is worth noting, so get your smartphone out and start learning!
We applaud monopo’s attempt to share this incredible traditional Japanese craftsmanship with people around the world.
Information
monopo × Shokuraku Asano
Official Site: https://obiproject.monopo.net/
Video Link: https://vimeo.com/724915502 -
Special Jujutsu Kaisen Exhibition Highlights Attractions and Products from Kyoto
16.November.2022 | ANIME&GAME / SPOT
From November 11 until December 8, a series of Kyoto-inspired Jujutsu Kaisen goods will be on sale outside the West Gate at JR Kyoto Station! Along with the merchandise, fans will also be able to snag local foods at the exhibition.
Collaborative Packaging: Local Products from Kyoto
*The products shown are under development and may change slightly.
Purchase Bonus: Limited Edition Kyoto Postcard
*The postcard’s design will change during the first and second halves of the exhibition.
*Postcards from the Sendai venue will not be available.
*Postcards will only be available while supplies last.
Be sure to grab some of these Jujutsu Kaisen products packed with Kyoto charm!
©芥見下々/集英社・呪術廻戦製作委員会
Information
Jujutsu Kaisen Product Exhibition: Kyoto
Running: November 17 – December 8, 2022
Venue: Special event space in front of West Ticket Gate at JR Kyoto Station
Official Site: https://bussan-ryoikitenkai.com/
Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/bussanryoiki
*More information will be shared on the official website, so check back often. -
Kyoto National Museum Decorated by NAKED and Kojima Shouten’s Famous Lanterns for Special Event
From December 10 until December 25, the Light and Food Ensemble event will be held in the garden of the Kyoto National Museum.
A new projection mapping show featuring enormous flowers will be shown on the wall of the Meiji Kotokan Hall, unchanged since its opening in 1897. The history of Kyoto will take center stage, however–NAKED is only there to make it all the more impressive.
NAKED will also collaborate with Kojima Shouten for the first time, decorating the venue with the local company’s famous lanterns.
At the venue, local shops from Kyoto will be selling sweets to guests. Come enjoy Kyoto in a whole new way during this exclusive winter event!
Information
Light and Food Ensemble
Running: December 10 – December 25, 2022
Hours: 18:00-21:30 (Last entry at 21:00)
Light and Food Ensemble ~Evening Flower Banquet Directed by NAKED~
Venue: Kyoto National Museum
Tickets / Official Site: https://ensemblekyoto.com/
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Final Fantasy Artist Yoshitaka Amano Holds Art Exhibition at Myoshin-ji in Kyoto
10.November.2022 | FASHION
Yoshitaka Amano, known by international fans as the artist behind the legendary Final Fantasy video game series, is celebrating his 70th birthday with a unique art project in Kyoto.
The exhibition will be held at Myoshin-ji, the head temple of the associated branch of Rinzai Zen Buddhism. Stepping into the temple, guests will be met with colorful autumn leaves and a sea of gold and blue art pieces.
“I want people to enter this world of light and experience being part of it,” Amano said. “Rather than art being something flat on a wall, I want to present something new and unique.” This collection of works was designed to question visitors’ sensibilities and provide a new kind of art exhibition for fans to enjoy.The main art piece, newly painted by Amano himself, will be on display in the Dharma Hall, which was decorated by one of Kano Tan’yu’s masterpieces. Tan’yu was an Edo-period painter.
The three meter tall column features Amano’s own interpretation of Hiten, part of Mount Meru, a part of Buddhism cosmology considered to be the centre of all the physical, metaphysical and spiritual universes. Four smaller pieces will be displayed on all four sides to create a three-dimensional mandala.
Information
Golden World: Infinite Light by Yoshitaka Amano
~GOLDEN VIEW OF THE WORLD~
Running: November 23 – December 8, 2022
Venue: Myoshin-ji (1 Hanazonomyoshinjicho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto)
Hours: 9:00-12:00 / 13:00-16:00 *Tickets sold until 15:30
Admission: Adults ¥700 / Children ¥400
Details: https://goldenworld.jp/
Official Site: https://www.myoshinji.or.jp/
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NAKED GARDEN ONE KYOTO Night Walk Project Invites Guests to Stroll Through the Tale of Genji
28.October.2022 | SPOT
From November 11 until December 4, NAKED will hold the unique NAKED GARDEN ONE KYOTO event in Uji. The one-of-a-kind art project is being produced through a partnership with Kyoto City, Uji City, and Otsu City in Shiga Prefecture. Several events and art exhibitions will appear in the Kyoto area until December 25, 2022.
The project first began on September 15 at Kyoto City Hall, and it will move to Uji on November 11. NAKED’s unique digital art will bring color to Uji, a place steeped in Japanese history and the heart of Japanese tea culture. The Asagiri Bridge, appearing in The Tale of Genji, will be illuminated, and the Zen temple Kosho-ji will be offering tea ceremonies and a digital teamaking experience for guests to enjoy. NAKED’s popular Distance Lanterns will return, allowing visitors to explore Uji at night while properly socially distancing.
At Kosho-ji, guests can enjoy the renewed DANDELION PROJECT. Created by Ryotaro Muramatsu, the art project has appeared in a number of towns and cities around the world, inviting participants to create flowers and send them around the globe digitally as a hope for peace. Visitors can use their smartphones to send dandelion fluff with their name on it to the metaverse version of Kosho-ji and beyond, eventually causing a digital flower to bloom.
Why not come take a quiet walk through the streets of Uji, Kyoto?
Works
Urasenke Tea Ceremony and Digital Teamaking Experience
『DANDELION PROJECT』by RYOTARO MURAMATSU / NAKED
NAKED Distance Lantern®︎
Asagiri Bridge and Kotosaka Interactive Illuminations
NAKED Tsukubai®︎
Chazuna’s New Mobility C⁺walkT Experience
Information
NAKED GARDEN ONE KYOTO Uji
Venue: Uji, Kyoto (Near Kosho-ji)
Running: November 11 – December 4, 2022
Kosho-ji Exclusion Dates: 11/19-28, 12/3-4
Hours: 17:30-21:00*Kosho-ji is open from 17:30-20:00 (Last entry at 19:30)
Tickets: https://www.kkday.com/ja/product/134386
Official Site: https://garden.naked.works/venue_kyoto/1450/
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Sanrio Characters, Representatives of Japanese Pop Culture, Gather in Kyoto
09.October.2022 | SPOT
The 60th Anniversary Sanrio Exhibition: The Beginning of Kawaii will be held at the Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art from October 7 until December 11, 2022. Cinnamoroll, the grand prize winner of the 2022 Sanrio Character Awards, visited the event on opening day, and second place winner Pompompurin visited on October 8.
The exhibition itself traces the long and storied history of Sanrio, as the company celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2020. Guests will be able to learn more about ‘kawaii culture,’ something that has since garnered worldwide attention and become massively popular with audiences around the globe. Fans of specific Sanrio characters will be able to see how each was designed, and rare drawings and products will be on display.
Visitors will be able to trace how Sanrio developed each character’s personality and style over time, and will surely see how the company placed major importance on communication with audiences. Sanrio’s characters continue to transcend time, popular with people of all ages.Information
60th Anniversary Sanrio Exhibition: The Beginning of Kawaii
Venue: Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art, Main Building,
North Corridor 2F (124 Okazaki Enshojicho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto)
Running: October 7 – December 11, 2022
Details: https://www.ktv.jp/event/sanrio/
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Attack on Titan Playing Cards Win Big at the Ani-Monozukuri Awards 2022
02.October.2022 | ANIME&GAME
At the 5th annual Kyoto Ani-Monozukuri Awards 2022, a collection of Attack on Titan playing cards made in traditional Japanese style took the Gold Prize in the Craft Design category. In Japanese, monozukuri means ‘to make something by hand.’
The Kyoto Ani-Monozukuri Awards aims to revitalize business between the anime industry and local companies and organizations. It honors outstanding collaborative products, inviting those with a creative streak to try their luck at designing something uniquely anime-inspired. This year’s awards show saw 157 total entries, with one winning the grand prize, seven winning both gold and silver, and six winning bronze.
Charaditional Toys was launched this year, and the company aims to create items for adults who love anime characters. The Gold Award was granted to the company after judges were inspired by the traditional Japanese craftsmanship and high quality shown in the final product. Made by Oishi Tengudo, a company founded in Kyoto in 1800, the cards were made using classic methods. These 48 original playing cards are like nothing fans of Attack on Titan have seen before.
A second project is scheduled for release in winter 2022, so stay tuned!
©諫山創・講談社/「進撃の巨人」The Final Season製作委員会
Information
Attack on Titan x Original Playing Cards
Price: Wooden Box Version ¥3,800 / Framed Version ¥18,000 (Both Excluding tax)
Details/Purchase: https://charaditional-toy.myshopify.com
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Sound! Euphonium Collaboration Cafe Opens at Kyoto’s Hotel Keihan
27.September.2022 | ANIME&GAME / SPOT
Fans of the Sound! Euphonium anime will want to visit Hotel Keihan Kyoto Grande from September 23 until November 20, 2022! The second-floor restaurant Octava will be holding a special collaboration cafe with the series in conjunction with the Keihan Electric Railway. The project is part of the collaboration between the series and the local railway that began in August, and fans will be able to order food and drink items inspired by their favorite characters.
Collaboration Menu
Kumiko’s Omurice
Reina’s Pasta with Sweet and Spicy Tomato Sauce
Hazuki’s Matcha Ice Cream & Sapphire’s Macarons
Mr. Taki’s Spicy Curry Pizza
Sound! Tuba-kun’s Fruit Cake
Drink Menu
Kumiko’s Strawberry Milk
Reina’s Butterfly Pea
Hazuki’s Blue Soda
Sapphire’s Orange Juice
Band President & Vice President’s Matcha au Lait
Straw Tags
Bonuses
Bonus for Dining In-store: Lunch Mat
Drink Order Bonus: Coaster (5 varieties, 1 secret)
*Coasters will be given at random.
Life-size Panels
From omurice and pasta to fruit cake and spicy curry pizza, there is certainly a dish perfect for everyone at the cafe. Guests can also enjoy five different types of drinks, and a coaster will be handed out at random for each order. Those dining at the cafe will enjoy their meal on a special lunch mat, and life-size character panels will be perfect for snapping some photos for social media. Music from the series will be played on-site, so come enjoy while you can!
Information
Keihan Electric Railway x Sound! Euphonium 2022
Running: September 23 – November 20, 2022
Lunch: 11:30-14:30 (Last order at 14:00)
Dinner: 17:30-22:00 (Last order at 21:30)
*From 2:30 to 5:30, only items from the take-out drink menu are available.
Reservations Now Open
Reservations: https://bit.ly/3RFPf4i
Venue: Hotel Keihan Kyoto Grande, 2F Restaurant Octavar
https://www.hotelkeihan.co.jp/kyoto/restaurant/ -
Taisho Pharmaceuticals has announced a new flavor of Vicks Medicated Drops available only in Japan! The Matcha flavor will be available starting October 1, 2022.
VICKS Medicated Drops are lozenges perfect to relieve sore throats, and in an attempt to make a product for everyone’s taste, 14 flavors have been developed so far–five fruit types, three refreshing types, and six sugarless types.
Matcha has become a more popular flavor among both young and old people in recent years, and this Japan-only flavor is sure to be a hit. The active ingredient, CPC, disinfects and sterilizes the mouth, so the next time you feel a cold coming on, try one of these lozenges out.
Information
VICKS Medicated Drops (Matcha)
Release Date: October 1, 2022
Brand Site: https://brand.taisho.co.jp/vicks/