Our lists of character cafés opening in Japan continue as we approach March.
Character cafés are an exciting experience in Japan which sees a café collaborate with well-known anime series, game series and various franchises by decorating the café interior with designs and illustrations based on them and meals and drinks inspired by them.
Before continuing this article be sure to check out our February 2019 list of characters cafes as some are still running.
Jin Akanishi & Gudetama Collaborative Café (Permanent Café)
Japanese musician and singer-songwriter Jin Akanishi and popular Sanrio character Gudetama opened a collaborative cafe on January 4 in the Sangenjaya area of Tokyo. There are lots of fun dishes to enjoy such as the “Jin & Gudetama’s Sleeping-In Omurice” and “Mango Jin-kun’s Treat Parfait,” as well as a selection of exclusive merchandise. Reservations are very crowded right now so be sure to book ASAP!
Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/167180
◼︎Information
Jin x Gudetama Café
Address: 1-40-5 Sangenjaya, Setagaya Ward, Tokyo
Opening Hours: 9:00-21:30
No Fixed Holidays.
Official Website: http://jingudetamacafe.com/
Reservations: https://www.tablecheck.com/shops/jingudetamacafe/reserve
Pop Team Epic & Sanrio Collaboration Cafe (February 7 – April 14)
Internationally beloved anime series Pop Team Epic has joined hands with the Sanrio cast to open a limited time themed cafe at Dining Park Ikebukuro which is located on the 8th floor of Seibu Ikebukro. Enjoy themed meals such as the “Badtz-Maru VS Popuko Noodles” and “Popuko & Pipimi’s Hello Kitty Burger Set” as well as desserts and drinks which are also inspired by both franchises. Of course, there’s plenty of cute original merch to grab too♡
Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/167253
◼︎Information
Pop Team Epic x Sanrio Characters Cafe Ikebukuro
Address: Gourmet Stadium II, Seibu Ikebukuro Floor 8F, 1-28-1 Minami-Ikebukuro, Toshima Ward, Tokyo
Running: February 7, 2019 – April 14, 2019
Opening Hours: 11:00-23:00 (open from 10:300 on weekends and holidays)
Last Orders: Food – 21:30 / Drinks – 22:00
TEL: 03-5949-5675
Pop Team Epic Official Website: http://hoshiiro.jp/
Sanrio Official Website: https://www.sanrio.co.jp/
©O/T・K
©’76,’84,’93,’96,’01,’05,’19 SANRIO CO., LTD. APPROVAL NO.S593879
The Prince of Tennis x Namja Town (March 1 – April 14)
The theme park Namja Town is set to hold an event in collaboration with the anime series The New Prince of Tennis. As well as tasty themed food and desserts, there will also be a limited time birthday menu to celebrate the birthdays of the characters Shūsuke Fuji and Kuranosuke Shiraishi. A free illustration will be given to each item bought on this menu. There will even be mini games so everyone from kids to adults can have a fun time.
Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/174696
◼︎Information
The Prince of Tennis 2 Sweets Party in Namja Town
Location: Namco Namja Town, World Import Mart Bldg, 3-1-3 Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima Ward, Tokyo
Running: March 1, 2019 – April 14, 2019
Event Page: https://event.bandainamco-am.co.jp/namja/tenipuri_sweet_party/
Namja Town Official Website: https://bandainamco-am.co.jp/tp/namja/
© Takeshi Konomi / Shueisha Inc, NAS, The Prince of Tennis Project
BT21 Café (March 2 – April 21)
Four branches of the BT21 Café are set to open in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya and Hokkaido. The BT21 Café is based on the BT21 character brand, a collaboration between South Korean boy band BTS and LINE FRIENDS. To celebrate 1 year since arriving in Japan the cafés will be decorated with 1 year anniversary art. Fans can get their hands on exclusive limited edition merchandise, character themed toast, pancakes and more. The cafés are reservation-only and tables are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations opened on February 15.
Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/171283
Tokyo
Location: OMOTESANDO BOX CAFE & SPACE
Running: March 2, 2019 – April 21, 2019
Address: PINE UNDER FLAT Floor B1F, 5-13-2 Jingumae, Shibuya, TokyoOsaka
Location: TOWER RECORDS CAFE Umeda NU Chayamachi
Running: March 7, 2019 – April 14, 2019
Address: NU Chayamachi Floor 6F, 10-12 Chayamachi, Kita Ward, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture
Nagoya
Location: NAGOYA BOX CAFE&SPACE
Running: March 8, 2019 – March 26, 2019
Address: LACHIC Floor B1F, 3-6-1 Sakae, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture
Hokkaido
Location: TOWER RECORDS CAFE Sapporo Pivot
Running: March 12, 2019 – April 14, 2019
Address: Pivot Floor 5F, 4 Chome Minami 2 Jonishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Reservation Fee: ¥650 (Before Tax)
Café Website (Reservations): https://box-cafe.jp
Detective Conan Café (March 26 – June 2)
To celebrate the release of Detective Conan: The Fist of Blue Sapphire coming on April 12, 2019, a string of themed cafés are set to open in Tokyo, Osaka, Hokkaido, Sendai, Saitama, Chiba, Nagoya, Hiroshima and Fukuoka. “Party” is the theme of this year’s café which will be inspired by Singapore, the setting of the film. Tuck into “Kaito Kid’s Illusion Pasta” served in a white top hat, sip on “Conan Edogawa’s Necktie Cream Soda” and more. The menu is an absolute must for fans of the series!
Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/ja/170838
◼︎Information
Detective Conan Café 2019
Pre-bookings for users of the Detective Conan app are now open until February 19. General bookings open on February 27 at 10:00AM (JST).
*Bookings will close once all seats have been taken.
Locations
Tokyo ①: March 26, 2019 – June 2, 2019 @ SHIBUYA BOX CAFE & SPACE (Shibuya BOX/Shibuya LOFT)
Tokyo ②: April 4, 2019 – June 2, 2019 @ THE GUEST Cafe & Diner Ikebukuro PARCO
Osaka ①: March 26, 2019 – June 2, 2019 @ Abeno Contact (Abeno Q’s Mall Floor 4F)
Osaka ②: March 28, 2019 – June 2, 2019 @ DEL SOLE (Osaka Station City)
Nagoya: March 30, 2019 – June 2, 2019 @ NAGOYA BOX CAFE&SPACE (LACHIC Floor B1F)
Fukuoka: April 2, 2019 – June 2, 2019 @ 4TOWER RECORDS CAFE Fukuoka Tenjin (Solaria Stage)
Hiroshima: April 4, 2019 – June 2, 2019 @ TRATTORIA CACCiNU (SOGO Hiroshima Floor 10F)
Sendai: April 6, 2019 – June 2, 2019 @ SENDAI BOX CAFE&SPACE (Sendai BOX/Sendai LOFT)
Chiba: April 6, 2019 – June 2, 2019 @ Character Cafe SOGO Chiba
Hokkaido: April 9, 2019 – June 2, 2019 @ Cafe Interlude, Coach and Four Shinkawa
Saitama: April 9, 2019 – June 2, 2019 @ BOX CAFE＆SPACE (Aeon Lake Town)
Detective Conan Café Website: https://conan-cafe.jp/
There are many collaborations to look forward to this spring break. Which café do you want to dine at most next month?
RELATED ENTRIES
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To commemorate the 20th anniversary of Rilakkuma and his adorable friends, the Rilakkuma 20th Anniversary Cafe will open in Omotesando, Tokyo from March 9 until April 16, 2023. You’ll want to come and spend a peaceful time looking back at two decades of everyone’s favorite lazy bear! The menu features colorful and festive dishes inspired by Rilakkuma, Korilakkuma, Kiiroitori, and Chairoikoguma. The characters express their thanks for 20 successful years, and fans can enjoy floats topped with Rilakkuma and friends wearing ribbons and topped with ice cream, a jelly soda inspired by Chairoikoguma and his friends in the honey forest, and a hot drink inspired by Rilakkuma's favorite pudding.
Menu
Rilakkuma’s Honey Mustard Hamburger
コリラックマのクリームパスタ
Korilakkuma’s Cream Pasta
Kiiroitori’s Egg Burger
Chairoikoguma’s Cheese Curry
Rilakkuma and Friend’s Celebratory Cake
Congratulatory Flower Parfait
You Can Choose♪ Rilakkuma and Friends Mini Ice Cream
You Can Choose♪ Rilakkuma and Friends Floats
Honey Forest Jelly Soda
Relaxing Pudding Drink
Take-Out Drink Bottle
Original Merch
Acrylic Clip (7 varieties, random)
Acrylic Keychain (5 varieties, random)
Mini-Bottle / Muddler with Charm (4 varieties)
Lunch Tote / Drawstring Bag
Acrylic Stand with Clip / Cork Coaster
Stuffed Animal
In addition, the cafe will offer original goods, special offers, and a Twitter campaign to celebrate Rilakkuma's 20th anniversary.
Come enjoy the elaborate original menu and goods while sharing memories at this limited time themed cafe!
©2023 San-X Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved.Information
RILAKKUMA 20th Anniversary Cafe
Venue: BOX cafe&space Omotesando
Running: March 9 – April 16, 2023
Address: Pine Under Flat B1F (5-13-2 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo)
Reservation Fee: ¥715 (Tax included) *Reservations include bonuses.
*Reservations can be made for up to four guests per application.Online Shop: https://rilakkuma20th-cafe.jp/online_store/
Sales Open: March 9, 15:00 – April 16, 23:59
(Items will ship starting in early May 2023.)
Official Site: https://rilakkuma20th-cafe.jp -
Kobe is filled with famous sightseeing spots like the nostalgic Ijinkan neighborhood and port. The city is packed with fashionable shops and restaurants and is highly regarded for its selection of tasty sweets!The port city, with over 150 years of history, has fostered a unique and diverse culinary culture. Recently, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu began starring in a series of promotional videos for the Gastropolis Kobe project. The artist traveled to the city to partake in plenty of delicious treats, and MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON went along for the ride! Here are some of the singer's favorite spots around town.
Kobe, known as a city where East meets West, is lined with sweets shops that are unique to the area. The tea salon TOOTH TOOTH Dekoboko Sabo opened in 2019 in the Kobe City Museum and offers a menu that mixes Western food and sweets with tea and ingredients from traditional Japanese cuisine. Kyary ordered the Dekoboko Sabo Afternoon Tea Set, a collection of western sweets blended with the essence of traditional Japanese flavors. Guests are invited to enjoy their tea and sweets in a one-of-a-kind space filled with Meiji period flare and retro Western furniture. Those interested will need to make a reservation, so be sure to remember the next time you’re in Kobe. TOOTH TOOTH Decoboco SaboAddress: 24 Kyomachi, Chuo Ward, Kobe (Inside the Kobe City Museum)Hours: 9:30-17:30 (Last Order at 16:30) Closed MondaysOfficial Site: https://toothtooth.com/restaurant/decoboco-sabo The next stop was Kobe Nankin-machi, one of the three major Chinatowns in Japan. Kobe MILK is known nationwide for its Apricot Pudding, which is made with local ingredients. The raw apricot pudding is mixed with milk brought from the foot of Mt. Rokko and other ingredients from Hyogo Prefecture. Of course, Kyary ordered some, and was amazed by its fluffy texture. You can only enjoy it in Kobe–also, the shop sells other puddings mixed with seasonal fruits, so don’t miss those either! Kobe MILKAddress: Shin-Motomachi Building 1F (1 Motomachi-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe)Hours: Weekdays 9:30-19:00 / Weekends 9:30-19:30Official Site: https://kobe-milk.com For Kyary’s final stop, the singer visited the Moore House, a cafe located in a building with over 100 years of history. Guests are surrounded by greenery, and the Western-style building is incredibly elegant. The Strawberry Mille-feuille Kyary ordered was created by an expert patissier and based on the strawberry mille-feuille recipe from the legendary French restaurant Maxim’s de Paris in Ginza. A generous amount of custard cream complements the crispy pie crust and enhances the sweetness of the fresh strawberries. We’d recommend it with a glass of champagne–if you’re of age. Kitano Ijin-kan Moore HouseAddress: 2-9-3 Kitanocho, Chuo-ku, KobeHours: 11:00-17:00Closed TuesdaysOfficial Site: https://www.kitanomoore.com/cafe/ The streets of Kobe are packed with sweets that you can only enjoy if you visit. Why not come experience these incredible spots like Kyary did? Kobe Sweets Trailer: https://youtu.be/Sx9B1ZdAvlI -
To celebrate the return of Urusei Yatsura after 36 long years, a themed cafe will be coming to four cities in Japan for a limited time! The first cafe will open on December 1, 2022. Urusei Yatsura is a manga series by Rumiko Takahashi that ran in Weekly Shonen Sunday from 1978 until 1987. An anime series aired in 1981 and became a massive hit with audiences, and understandably, it is still loved by anime and manga fans today. The cafe features newly-drawn illustrations of six main characters including Ataru Moroboshi, Lum, and Ten.
Menu
[Ataru Moroboshi] Don't Look This Way, Don't Look That Way Set
[Lum] Lum's Onion Gratin Toast Packed with Love
[Ten] Ten's Fire Curry
[Ataru Moroboshi x Lum] Shocking Pancakes
[Shinobu Miyake] A Girl's Monsterous Parfait
[Mendo Shutaro] Jiggly Octopus Pudding
Lum's Tiger-Striped Soda
Colorful Floats (Purple/Yellow/Green)
Ten-chan's Cotton Candy Soda
Coffee / Viennese Coffee
Drink in a Bottle with Charm (4 varieties)
Goods
Acrylic Keychain (6 varieties, Random)
Acrylic Magnet (6 varieties, Random) / Pin (6 varieties, Random)
Coaster (Lum, Ten-chan) / Sticker Set (7 pieces)
Long Sleeve T-Shirt (M, L) / Clear Pouch
Mug / Tote Bag
Hand Towel (2 varieties)
The cafe’s menu features a variety of items inspired by characters from the series, including a hilarious pancake that recreates the scene in which Lum throws electricity at Ataru. Be sure to take a photo before you dig in!Lum & Ten-chan Life-size Figure
Cafe Bonus for Guests with Advance Tickets: Original A4-size Clear File (7 varieties, Random)
Drink Purchase Bonus: Original Coaster (6 varieties, Random)
Life-size figures of Lum and Ten-chan will also be on display and guests are invited to take photos with them.
Come enjoy the world of Urusei Yatsura while you can!
©高橋留美子・小学館／アニメ「うる星やつら」製作委員会Information
Urusei Yatsura Cafe
Venues
■Harajuku, Tokyo: BOX cafe&space, Harajuku Alta / December 8, 2022 – February 5, 2023
Harajuku Alta 3F (1-16-4 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo)
■Abeno, Osaka: Abeno contact / February 9 – March 12, 2023
Abeno Q’s Mall 4F (1-6-1 Abenosuji, Abeno-ku, Osaka)■Nagoya, Aichi: BOX cafe&space, Nagoya LACHIC / March 16 – April 9. 2023
LACHIC B1F (3-6-1 Sakae, Naka-ku, Nagoya)
■Sendai, Miyagi: BALLER:S AEON Mall Shin-Rifu South Building / June 1 – June 25, 2023
AEON Mall Shin-Rifu South Building 2F (3-1-1 Shinnakamichi, Rifu, Miyagi)Online Shop: https://uy-allstars-cafe.jp/online_store
Official Site: https://uy-allstars-cafe.jp/ -
The second Tabekko Doubutsu Cafe Stand event opened in Omotesando on November 1, 2022. Paying homage to the classic snack first released in 1978, the cafe features a number of tasty snacks inspired by the thin animal-shaped cookies popular around the world. This second event will run through January 9, 2023. Reservations are required, and many dates were completely sold out prior to the event’s start date, particularly on weekends. We decided to visit, anxious to see what the fuss is all about.
We were first shocked to see the popular animals enjoying oden! Original goods featuring the characters enjoying the quintessential Japanese winter dish are only available at the cafe. From acrylic keychains to figures, visitors can snag some adorable merchandise to commemorate their trip to the exclusive event. Why not snag some items that would be useful on a daily basis, like a notebook or an apron? For food, visitors can snag a special Oden Set and Chinese Dumplings, both perfect for the winter. The oden features popular ingredients like egg, daikon, fish cake, and mochikinchaku, each branded with the popular animal characters. Drinks include soy milk, green tea milk, and milk tea. In addition to the exclusive Lion Cake which is limited to 25 servings a day, guests can find chocolate bananas and other sweets on the menu, including a Sweets Set limited to those reserving special seats at the venue. For every ¥1,000 spent on food and drink items, customers will receive one Tabekko Doubutsu trading card! The exhibition space is a must-see for fans of this legendary snack, filled with rare works including an adorable and very colorful print of every animal holding a bowl of oden. Of course, a photo spot has been set up for visitors to take some prime shots for social media! Don’t miss the animal meet and greet, which is making its triumphant return from the last event! Visitors can interact with different animals on different days, so check the official Twitter page (@tabekko_cafe) for the schedule and more information! The number of visitors per day is limited, so make a reservation as early as you can. Come enjoy these heartwarming treats while you have the opportunity! Information
Tabekko Doubutsu Cafe Stand Omotesando
Running: November 1, 2022 – January 9, 2023 *Reservation required
Closed: December 28, 2022 – January 3, 2023
Hours: 11:00 – 19:00
Address: SPAGHETTI Cultural Space 1F
5-3-13 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Closest Station: Omotesando
Reservations: https://t.livepocket.jp/p/tabekko_omotesando
Official Twitter: @tabekko_cafe https://twitter.com/tabekko_cafe
*Please see the official Twitter page for the latest information! -
DISH UP, a collaboration restaurant located on the 8th floor of Shinjuku Marui Annex, started its second collab with the popular anime series King of Prism All Stars -Prism Show ☆ Best Ten- on November 1, 2022.
Menu
Welcome PlateMain Dishes Taiga Kougami: Steamed Apples and Japanese Yellow Sauce Kakeru Juuouin: Nice-style Salad with Mango Dressing Alexander Yamato: Homemade Vegetable Curry Kazuki Nishina: Gratin with Genovese Dessert Plate Strawberry Shortcake / Muscat Mousse / Sachertorte / Basque Cheesecake / Fruit Tart Menu Order Bonus: 1 Waterproof Placemat (4 varieties) Drinks - Shin Ichijo: Rising Sunshine (Cranberry Juice)
- Yukinojo Tachibana: Yumemikokochi Koijigoku (Cassis Soda *Non-alcoholic)
- Minato Takahashi: Kimagure Caramelize (Dry Ginger Ale and Blue Syrup)
- Leo Saionji: Momoiro Kukukuru Lollipop (Peach Soda)
- Yu Suzuno: Jewel Spin Zeus (Orange Juice and Grape Juice)
- Louis Kisaragi: Aurora Rising (Peach Juice and White Water)
- Kouji Mihama: Jewel Spin Cross (Grape Juice)
- Hiro Hayami: Starlight Express (Orange Juice and Blue Syrup)
- Joji Takadanobaba: Never Ending Love Shower (Pineapple Juice)
Afternoon Set Original Collaboration Goods
Guests can enjoy a special course made up of savory and sweet King of Prism-inspired dishes, as well as a selection of drinks. The afternoon set is a cake and drink set only available on weekdays from 14:00 until 17:00. Those ordering a menu item will be given a waterproof placemat as a gift, while those ordering a drink will be given a special card. Original reproductions can only be viewed in the VIP room, so why not make a reservation while you can? ©CREST Inc. ©Ｔ－ＡＲＴＳ / syn Sophia / エイベックス・ピクチャーズ / タツノコプロ / キングオブプリズムAS製作委員会 Information
King of Prism All Stars -Prism Show ☆ Best Ten- × DISH UP
Running: November 1 – November 29, 2022
Hours: 11:00 – 21:00 (Last Order at 20:30)
Address: Shinjuku Marui Annex 8F (3-1-26 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo)
Reservations: https://www.tablecheck.com/shops/dishup/reserveNotice:
Please refrain from taking photos of the original reproductions and posting them on social media. These items are only displayed in the VIP room.*Feel free to take photos of the restaurant and dishes to post on social media.
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From November 11 until December 15, Capcom Cafe AEON LakeTown and the Ikebukuro branch will hold a collaboration with the mobile game Stand My Heroes. Fans of the title will find a special collaboration menu and a selection of new merchandise for sale. The details of the limited-edition goods and menu items have been revealed, and reservations are now open.
Merchandise
In addition to standard items like clear folders and keychains, fans can also find blankets and mask pouches decorated with original illustrations by Capcom Cafe. The Embroidered Tote Bag is subtle and perfect for daily use, and the stickers are great for school notebooks! Menu
① Matri’s Sigh Sandwich / ② Boom! Seo Lab’s Canele a la Mode / ③ Hiyama’s Gold Drink / ④ Makoto’s Chocolate Drink / ⑤ Seki’s Beer-like Drink / ⑥ Kujo’s Elegant Tea / ⑦ Seo’s Relaxing Soda / ⑧ Hattori’s Matcha Latte Drinks
Fans can also grab a drink in a special clear bottle decorated with images of their favorite character. Original Bonuses
One original lunch mat will be given to guests at the Capcom Cafe. One coaster will be given per each drink ordered. In addition, for every ¥2,000 (including tax) spent on the cafe menu, guests will be given a bromide-style postcard.Original Lunch Mat
Coaster (1 given at random)
Bromide-style Postcard (1 given at random)
If you're a fan of the game, you won't want to miss it! ©️coly ©CAPCOM CO., LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.Information
Capcom Cafe x Stand My Heroes
Running: November 11 – December 15, 2022
・Capcom Cafe AEON LakeTown
AEON LakeTown kaze 3F (4-2-2 Lake Town, Koshigaya, Saitama)
Reservations:
https://reserve.resebook.jp/resty/webrsv/rsv_vacants/vacant/s014341101/17014/1025?fixshop=1
Official Site: https://www.capcom.co.jp/amusement/capcomcafe/index.html
・Capcom Cafe IkebukuroGrandscape Ikebukuro 3F (1-30-3 Higashiikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo)
Reservations: https://reserve.resebook.jp/resty/webrsv/rsv_vacants/vacant/s014341101/20190/1025?fixshop=1
Official Site: http://www.capcom.co.jp/amusement/capcomcafe/ikebukuro/
Official Twitter: https://twitter.com/Capcom_Cafe/
Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/capcomcafe/