Hey, readers. It’s Midori again, from MMN’s editorial team.
Summertime in Harajuku means the cafes and ice cream shops start serving up some seriously kawaii and tasty ice creams. It’s always nice to grab a cone to enjoy while walking around shopping, but relaxing in a cafe to enjoy it is fun too♡
If the latter sounds like your kind of thing, then I’ve got a new recommendation for you. I visited STRAWBERRY MANIA recently, cafe located along Takeshita Street in Harajuku that specialises in strawberry desserts.
You’ll find it right above the 7-Eleven on Takeshita Street. Look for the strawberries!
There’s also a sign outside showing a few of the desserts. Go up the staircase right next to it and you’ll come to the cafe entrance.
No matter where you turn while you’re here, your eyes will be met with strawberries. It looks so cute♡
The shopfront showcase is shelved with lots of succulent strawberry treats. The chef whips up other desserts to order besides these too. Everything’s almost too cute to eat!
For the strawberry soft serve ice cream you can pick between three flavours: milk, strawberry or mixed. I couldn’t pick between them so I went for mixed.
The combination of the bright red strawberry ice cream and pure white milk ice cream makes for a beautiful colour contrast.
It’s also topped with a huge fresh strawberry.
I took no time at all in taking a spoonful. The strawberry ice cream has a really rich flavour. It’s sweet but has that sour kick too, like you’re eating a real strawberry. The milk ice cream has a milder sweetness and a real milky taste, the kind you’d imagine if it was sold at a farm with cows.
Everything is packed snug into the cone right down to the bottom, making it a filling treat. It can be ordered for takeout if you like, and if you do that you can get your ice cream straight away so you don’t have to wait for seats.
They serve other things besides soft serve too, like shaved ice and parfaits. There’s so much to choose from, I think you’ll be spoiled for choice! Be sure to visit if you’re in Harajuku.
Information
STRAWBERRY MANIA Harajuku
Address: ITO Bldg. 2F, 1-6-12 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo
Opening Hours: 10:00-20:00 (Last Orders 19:30)
Official Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/strawberrymania_harajuku15/
RECOMMENDED ENTRIES
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Kyoto-based Uji tea store Itohkyuemon released its new Matcha Parfait Bars at its new branch in Gion Shijo on August 7. The bars proved so popular that all 1,500 in stock sold out on the first day. The store is currently being piled with orders for future sales. There are five flavours to enjoy: the classic matcha parfait flavour as well as cherry blossom, tropical, mont blanc, and strawberry.
Matcha Parfait Bar - Matcha The matcha flavoured bar retains the original rich flavour of the Uji matcha, which has been passed down since the Muromachi period, and combines it with a delicious assortment of parfait toppings including raw matcha chocolate, mini daifuku, coarse sweet red bean paste, and more. Matcha Parfait Bar - Sakura (Cherry Blossom) For another traditional Japanese twist there is the springtime sakura parfait bar which is made with cherry blossom pink rice flour dumplings and ice cream. It's also topped with cherry blossom cream and salted cherry blossom petals for a cute finish. Matcha Parfait Bar - Tropical Tropical flavours like pineapple and mango blend together in this bar which is drizzled in a sweet, sour and refreshing tropical sauce. Topped with fresh tropical fruits, this is the ultimate summertime luxury. Matcha Parfait Bar - Mont Blanc This bar incorporates a sense of autumn with its mix of candied chestnut, astringent chestnut skin, and melt-in-the-mouth mont blanc cream. Matcha Parfait Bar - Strawberry Strawberry lovers will delight in the handmade strawberry sauce and strawberry meringue of this bar. The meringue elevates the sumptuous flavours of the parfait even more, including the fresh strawberry, raspberry and blueberry toppings which provide a sweet and sour kick. Which of these Matcha Parfait Bars do you want to try the most? Information
Matcha Parfait Bars
Released: July 10, 2019 (On August 7, 2019 at the Gion Shijo branch)
Prices
Matcha Parfait Bar – Matcha: ¥540 (Tax Included)
Matcha Parfait Bar – Sakura (Cherry Blossom): ¥590 (Tax Included)
Matcha Parfait Bar – Tropical: ¥590 (Tax Included)
Matcha Parfait Bar – Mont Blanc: ¥590 (Tax Included)
Matcha Parfait Bar – Strawberry: ¥640 (Tax Included)
Participating Branches: Uji Honten, JR Uji Station, Gion Shijo, Byodoin, Kyoto Station, and online shop
Online Shop Product Page: https://www.itohkyuemon.co.jp/site/parfait-bar/index.html
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Character-inspired Japanese confectionery series Tabemas has unveiled its new Snoopy, Joe Cool and Charlie Brown wagashi confections that will go on sale at Lawson convenience stores across Japan on August 20.
The characters are made from a type of dough called "nerikiri" which is used in making traditional Japanese wagashi sweets. Each of their charm points have been recreated, including Snoopy's collar, Joe Cool's shades and folded arm pose, and Charlie Brown's instantly-recognisable outfit. Their cute designs make it hard to decide where to start eating from, with Snoopy's beady eyes, Joe Cool's composed manner, and Charlie Brown's smiley face. Each character is filled with different flavoured bean pastes, maintaining that traditional wagashi touch. Snoopy is chocolate flavoured, Joe Cool is salted vanilla, and Charlie Brown is custard. The three of them line up perfectly for a cute Instagrammable photo. They are limited in stock so if you're in Japan this summer be sure to stop by a Lawson store. ©️2019 Peanuts Worldwide LLC Information
Tabemas – Snoopy Series
Flavours: 3 Snoopy (Chocolate) / Joe Cool (Salted Vanilla) / Charlie Brown (Custard)
Price: ¥259 Each (Before Tax)
Release Date: August 20, 2019
Available: At chilled desserts section of Lawson convenience stores across Japan
*Not available at Natural Lawson or Lawson Store 100
*Available while supplies last
*Stock date may differ from branch to branch
*Select stores not participating
Product Page: https://www.bandai.co.jp/candy/products/2019/4549660393474000.html
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With just a small bit of ingenuity, turn everyday food into something cute using Kaori’s easy recipe! With a few simple ideas, an ordinary recipe magically transforms into a cute dish.
Today, I will show you the perfect recipe for making chocolate Minnie Mouse cakes using the Mickey Mouse Tezukuri Okazu Maker kit which you can buy on Belle Maison. 1. Ingredients About 3-4 prep bowls 1 large egg 40g sugar Oil or 10g melted unsalted butter 15ml milk 50g weak flour (sifted) 10g cocoa 5g baking powder 2. ①Crack the egg into a mixing bowl, add the sugar and whisk well. ②Add a drizzle of oil or melted butter and milk and whisk again. ③Add the sifted flour and stir in gently with a rubber spatula. 3. Oil the silicone cake moulds and spoon in your mix. 4. Steam on a high heat for about 10 minutes. 5. Now it's time to make Minnie's ribbon. I got this ribbon mould from Daiso. Place it onto some baking paper and outline the shape with a pen. Fill the outline with red-coloured chocolate and leave to set in the fridge. Once it has completely set, add the polkadots. 6. Once the cake has finished steaming, stick her onto a lollipop stick so it the cake be eaten like a lollipop, and fix the ribbon onto the top of Minnie's head. And she's finished! It looks cute when you put a Mickey and Minnie one together side by side. You can make a lot of cute recipes using the Okazu Maker, so get your hands on one and try making your own! Kaori invites you into her world of character-themed food dishes in her recipe series. Be sure to check out her Instagram where she has uploaded many pictures of her character dishes! ©️Disney Profile Kaori Kubota (@kaopan27) I live in Hokkaido and I love to make character themed foods, desserts and pastries♡ I want to see my family smile, so I enjoy putting in a bit of effort to make character foods and changing food into something cute♡ You can see more of my character foods and character bento boxes on my Instagram page→@kaopan27Information
Silicone Tezukuri Okazu Maker (Mickey Mouse)
Price: ¥990 (Tax Included)
RELATED ENTRIES
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Illustrator BEY’s solo exhibition ‘NEW WAMERICAN’ will be held at TRUNK (HOTEL) in Shibuya starting November 1. BEY is known for his illustrations inspired by the ‘Wamerican’ theme, a blend of Japanese culture, including ukiyo-e, and American pop culture. Currently, he is attracting attention as an up-and-coming creator who also works on CD jackets for artists and window art for apparel brands. Canvas works newly painted for the exhibition will be exhibited and sold, and new merchandise such as teacups and Palo Santo with limited edition packaging will be available. [Comment from BEY] “I hope to approach this exhibition as the first of its kind to showcase the new expressions of ‘WAMERICAN,’ a style which has continued to evolve over the past seven years, with a focus on original paintings on canvas. I hope tons of people will come to visit!”
Information
BEY SOLO EXHIBITION ‘NEW WAMERICAN’
Dates: November 1 ~ November 4, 2024
Hours: 10:00~20:00
Venue: TRUNK (HOTEL) CATSTREET
5-31 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo[Reception Party]
Date: November 1, 2024
Hours: 19:00~24:00
Admission: Free
DJs: Yuuna Yabe / 50minimals[GOODS]
・L/S TEE
・Hat
・Hand Towel
・Hanafuda Playing Cards
・Teacup Mug
・Original Palo Santo
・StickersBEY’s Instagram：@beytaro_0912
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Harajuku-based Brand KAWAII MONSTER CAFE Opens a Traveling Shop, Halloween Pop-Up Shop Opens in Harajuku
The Harajuku-based brand KAWAII MONSTER CAFE has announced a traveling store, KAWAII MONSTER SHOP. As the project’s first event, a Halloween pop-up shop named ‘KAWAII MONSTER SHOP - Colorful Halloween’ will open for 10 days starting October 19 in the birthplace of the brand, Harajuku. KAWAII MONSTER CAFE is an entertainment restaurant that embodies the vibe of Harajuku in Tokyo, a town that swallows fashion and culture from places around the world and reimagines them into unrestrained originality. Originally opened in 2015 and produced by artist Sebastian Masuda, the colorful and crazy space offered photogenic food and drinks, and guests were served by the iconic Monster Girls clad in future Harajuku fashion. It became a ‘new Tokyo landmark,’ attracting over 700,000 visitors from both Japan and abroad. Even after the restaurant closed in January 2021, its one-of-a-kind concept has lived on in pop-up shops, events, and collaborations with various brands and creators. The pop-up shop, open in Harajuku for a limited time starting October 19, offers food and drinks, merchandise, special experiences, and photo spots themed around the spooky Halloween season. Additionally, a collaboration with the popular Harajuku accessory store 6%DOKIDOKI will be held from October 19-22. Colorful hair accessories will be on sale, and shop girls with Monster Girls makeup experience will be giving seasonal makeovers to visitors.■FOOD & DRINK
During the first half of the event, the pop-up shop will be serving food made in collaboration with the hot dog specialty restaurant HOTDOG CAFE STAND STATION TOKYO. The limited-edition menu includes the crazy Monster Dog, consisting of a monster holding a sausage in its mouth, and the monstrous Philly Cheesesteak, made with juicy tenderloin and tons of cheese. The second half of the event will feature the Colorful Pop Burger Blue Monster (Teriyaki Chicken) from KAWAII MONSTER CAFE’s popular menu, along with French Fries with Monster Dip served with five different colorful sauces. Visitors are welcome to get into the Halloween spirit by enjoying the Monster Float during the pop-up event.<10/19~10/22 Exclusive Menu> Monster Dog: ¥880 (Tax Included) *In collaboration with HOTDOG CAFE STAND STATION TOKYO Philly Cheesesteak: ¥1,350 (Tax Included) *In collaboration with HOTDOG CAFE STAND STATION TOKYO <10/26~10/31 Exclusive Menu> Colorful Pop Burger Blue Monster (Teriyaki Chicken): ¥1,200 (Tax Included) French Fries with Monster Dip: ¥700 (Tax Included) Monster Float: ¥800 [Rose/Passionfruit/Kyoho Grape] ■GOODS
New KAWAII MONSTER CAFE goods will make their first appearance at this pop-up shop! Guests can visit the Sweets Factory to create their own candy assortment by filling their favorite containers with chocolates, gummies, and other goodies. Harajuku Icing Cookies will also be available in collaboration with SHONPY, a popular cake shop. Be sure to grab some incredible souvenirs! In addition, popular KAWAII MONSTER CAFE collaboration items from years past will be available, along with adorable plushies from the globally beloved brand Ty. Visitors can also snag some unique zipit pouches and flexible PLUS PLUS blocks starting October 26.■EXPERIENCE
During the event, KAWAII MONSTER CAFE’s iconic Monster Girls and the character Choppy will greet guests and take photos, as well as shoot cute Halloween-inspired videos together. Visitors wishing to be transformed into Monster Girls themselves can speak to the store girls, clad in Decora fashion and rocking accessories from 6%DOKIDOKI. These ladies will provide POP Harajuku Monster makeovers featuring original tattoo stickers and unique hair accessories to get you ready for Halloween.■PHOTO SPOT
At the event, guests will find the 3-meter tall Sweets Cake Balloon inspired by the Sweets-Go-Round Cake, the symbol of KAWAII MONSTER CAFE. Surrounded by colorful decorations and captivating monsters, visitors are sure to leave with plenty of special memories.Guests of all ages are invited to spend the Halloween season surrounded by the unique wonders of Harajuku! Information
KAWAII MONSTER SHOP – Colorful Halloween
Running: October 19, 2023 – October 22, 2023/ October 26, 2023 – October 31,2023
Open: 12:00〜19:00
Venue: ASOBIFACTORY（3-21-8, Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo)
Access: 7 minutes walk from JR Harajuku Station, 5 minutes walk from Tokyo Metro Meiji-jingumae StationBe sure to follow where the pop-up shop will appear in the future!
Interested companies are welcome to contact us.
Learn more about KAWAII MONSTER CAFE here
https://asobisystem.com/brand/kawaiimonstercafe/ -
FRUITS ZIPPER Holds First Anniversary Concert, Announce Appearance at the ‘Sayonara Nakano Sunplaza Music Festival’ in June
On May 4, the 7-member idol group FRUITS ZIPPER held the first Tokyo performance of their first-anniversary concert tour at Toyosu PIT.
Tickets for both the Tokyo and Osaka shows sold out immediately after they went on sale. To celebrate the first anniversary of the group's debut, the lucky fans who were able to snag tickets came together at Toyosu PIT.
In the year since their debut, FRUITS ZIPPER has skyrocketed in popularity, performing live at several idol festivals and some of Japan's largest fashion events, and successfully touring Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka. Their show at LINE CUBE SHIBUYA garnered incredible attention.
For the first anniversary concert, the stage was transformed by a special set and the member appeared in new never-before-seen costumes. They performed a total of 17 songs, and each member expressed their gratitude to their fans during the MC segments.
During the performance, it was announced that the group would perform at the Sayonara Nakano Sunplaza Music Festival on June 26. The venue, which has seen countless performances over its long history, will be demolished and replaced to commemorate its 50th anniversary. Fans are excited to see their favorite artists perform on this legendary stage, and many are curious to see how it will be transformed in the future.
FRUITS ZIPPER has also released the song Cho Medetai Song ~Konnani Shiawasede Iinokana? ~ (The Super Joyful Song ~Is It Okay to Be This Happy?~) on all major streaming services. The track was co-written by Sho Yamamoto, who wrote the group’s hit song Watashino Ichiban Kawaiitokoro, currently with over 700 million views on TikTok, and Gento Miyano, who has written songs for numerous popular artists. The super-happy pop tune has a sound reminiscent of idol tracks from the 2000s and has been a smash hit at live shows, stirring the fans into a frenzy.
Information
<Sayonara Nakano Sunplaza Music Festival Performance Information>
Sayonara Nakano Sunplaza Music Festival
Date: June 26, 2023
Venue: Nakano Sunplaza (Tokyo)Ticket information and additional information will be posted on the official FRUITS ZIPPER Twitter page（@FRUITS_ZIPPER）as it becomes available.
<Release Information>
FRUITS ZIPPER New Single
Cho Medetai Song ~Konna ni Shiawase de Iinokana?~
Streaming Date: May 4, 2023
Streaming URL: https://kawaiilab.lnk.to/CSKSI
Available on all major music streaming and download sites1. Cho Medetai Song ~Konna ni Shiawase de Iinokana?~
2. Cho Medetai Song ~Konna ni Shiawase de Iinokana?~ -Instrumental-<FRUITS ZIPPER Tour Information>
FRUITS ZIPPER Japan Tour 2023 AUTUMN
9/3 – Zepp Namba (Osaka)
9/5 – Zepp Nagoya (Aichi)
9/8 – Zepp Fukuoka (Fukuoka)
9/10 – BLUE LIVE HIROSHIMA (Hiroshima)
9/13 – PENNY LANE24 (Hokkaido)
9/16 – KT Zepp Yokohama (Kanagawa) -
ZEROTOKYO, an entertainment mecca known for heating up Tokyo nights, is teaming up with ASOBISYSTEM to create an exciting new party! ASOBIZA, named after the origin of Kabukicho, will be held on April 28. The lineup includes music artists as well as charismatic figures at the top of their fields in fashion, beauty, and art. Transcending musical genres and generations, this night will embody ZEROTOKYO's concept of being a true “Entertainment Junction.” Additional performers may be announced in the future.
Information
ASOBIZA
Date: April 28, 2023
Venue: ASOBIZA (Tokyo)
Time: 21:00
Admission: ¥3,000 (Presale) / ¥3,500 (Day-of)Buy Tickets
https://zerotokyo.zaiko.io/e/ASOBIZA-230428Event Details
https://asobisystem.com/schedule/43726/ -
HARAJUKU COLLECTIVE, a Collaboration Between Hot Topic & Studio Ghibli, Gets Pop-Up Store at Shinsaibashi PARCO
Last year, the HARAJUKU COLLECTIVE collaboration appeared at AF Gallery in Harajuku from August 10 until August 28, garnering massive acclaim from fans. The collection is now being sold at Shinsaibashi PARCO until March 12, 2023.
HARAJUKU COLLECTIVE is a Studio Ghibli-inspired apparel collection by the popular American counterculture chain Hot Topic. Bringing more Japanese culture to the ongoing Studio Ghibli collaboration launched in 2014, Hot Topic stores began selling original items produced by nine Japanese creators and brands, as well as some original American items produced by Hot Topic’s executive designers.
The lineup of Japan-original items includes T-shirts, tote bags, and other items featuring exclusive artwork by up-and-coming creators. These items depict beloved characters from Studio Ghibli’s works, as well as logos created for the collaboration. Fans won’t want to miss grabbing these unique items!
Details on the Previous HARAJUKU COLLECTIVE Pop-Up Store: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/ja/625747
Information
HARAJUKU COLLECTIVE
Running: February 23 – March 12, 2023
Hours: 10:00-20:00
Venue: Shinsaibashi PARCO B1F Pop-Up Space (1-8-3 Shinsaibashisuji, Chuo-ku, Osaka)
Official Site: https://ghibli-harajukucollective-ec.com
Online Store (Open until March 31, 2023): https://ec.ghibli-harajukucollective-ec.com
HARAJUKU COLLECTIVE Official SNS:
Instagram: @harajuku_collective
(https://www.instagram.com/harajuku_collective）
Twitter: @harajuku_collect (https://twitter.com/harajukucollect)
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The new Tokyo Diary Map series aims to introduce readers to awesome spots in Tokyo that they might want to visit! Each entry features locations recommended by a single artist or talent, and fans will get to not only discover new places to visit in Japan’s capital, but also get to learn more about the thoughts and feelings of these unique individuals.
The first participant in the Tokyo Diary Map series is Atsushi Ogata, a multi-talented TV personality and actor. Last year, he appeared as a beauty-concious man on Nippon TV’s DANCING SANMA PALACE, spurring a major buzz by revealing his cosmetic routine. He’s also a notable actor, having appeared in the papercraft theater company's 7th performance Sekai ga Asa wo Shiroutomo (Though the World May Know Morning), telling the story of a man and a woman, a couple of friends, and a certain woman “until morning.”
-Tell us about your favorite spot in Tokyo!
“Daikanyama T SITE TSUTAYA. I feel like I can really relax there. I love being surrounded by my favorite fashion magazines, and no matter what magazine you pick up, they’re all so exciting and educational. That's what I like about bookstores–you can pick up something you're not usually interested in and learn something new. It’s the best.”
Daikanyama T SITE TSUTAYA 16-15 Sarugakucho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo https://store.tsite.jp/daikanyama/
- How do you like to spend your time at Daikanyama T SITE TSUTAYA?
“I pick up a new book, find a seat, and take my time reading. I like people-watching and checking out people’s fashion too. Also, there’s a nice café called ivy place nearby, where I can read while having a relaxing cup of coffee.”
Ivy Place
東京都渋谷区猿楽町16-15
https://www.tysons.jp/ivyplace/
-You studied fashion design in the United States. How did that experience influence you? How do you want to make use of that experience going forward?
“Learning about fashion at art school was very inspiring. It was also very interesting to see how people with different ethnic backgrounds dress and to see their individual personalities. For example, I saw high school students wearing backpacks instead of using school bags. I just loved seeing people’s unique fashion. It made me realize something that I still believe in to this day–that there’s nothing more beautiful than wearing what you like in your own way. I’d actually like to create my own clothing brand in the future, so I hope to put my high school fashion design studies to good use.”
-Which apparel stores do you frequent?
I always peek into Dover Street Ginza!
Dover Street Ginza Ginza Komatsu West Building (6-9-5 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo) https://ginza.doverstreetmarket.com
-What fashion styles are you interested in lately?
“I like a lot of different genres, but lately I've been into chic styling, like pairing shirts and sweaters. I dream of dressing like Thom Browne. I want to try to buy at least one piece from his collection.
-You post a lot of illustrations on your Instagram. Do you usually like to draw? When do you lke to create?
“I bought an iPad to draw because I really wanted something to do something new during COVID. For me, when I plan time to draw something, it never goes well, so I tend to just draw when inspiration suddenly strikes. I have no particular style, I just draw whatever I want!”
-What inspires you as someone so expressive? What has piqued your interest lately?
“I get inspiration from a wide range of different people. It could be people walking on the street, people on the train…lately, I’ve been meeting the most inspiring and wonderful people. Listening to their stories is what inspires me the most. Fashion inspires me, humanity inspires me, people’s auras inspire me.”
-Finally, please give a message to those who are planning on coming to Japan!
“Japan is just wonderful. It’s the best. The food, the people, the scenery, all of it is incredible. Once you visit, you’ll definitely want to come back. Please come and enjoy!” (Laugh)
Information
Ryo Ogata
In 2021, Ogata began his career as an actor and model.
His upbringing exposed him to dance, English, and art from an early age, helping to craft his current appeal.公式Instagram：https://www.instagram.com/ryokun_39
公式TikTok：https://www.tiktok.com/@ryoogata