CANDY TUNE, the newest group from KAWAII LAB, released their first album on March 7. KAWAII LAB is continuing to introduce Japanese idol culture to fans around the world.

The seven-member group is comprised of members Rino Fukuyama, Mizuki Kirihara, Natsu Minami, Nanako Ogawa, Bibian Murakawa, Shizuka Miyano, and Kotomi Tachibana. Just like candy, which comes in tons of different flavors and shapes, the members will bring their own unique personalities and quirks to their pop tunes as they carry on KAWAII LAB’s mission of sharing Harajuku style with the world.

Two songs on the group’s first album CANDY TUNE were produced by Naoki Kubo and Suu, former members of SILENT SIREN–the sweet and playful Kiss Me Patissier and the inspiring song hanamaru. Hirotaka Hayakawa, who has produced hit songs for countless artists, also contributed. Nanairo Prologue tells the story of the seven members moving forward across a rainbow-colored bridge, andMikan na Seishun (Unfinished Youth) has a fast-paced sound sure to be a hit with new fans. The group’s artist photo and the jacket art for the album were provided by Yuko Takayama (yenter).

CANDY TUNE will hold its debut concert titled KAWAII LAB. SESSION ~CANDY TUNE~ on March 14 at Spotify O-EAST. To commemorate the special occasion, IDOLATER and FRUITS ZIPPER will also perform. The three groups will perform the FRUITS ZIPPER hit track Watashi no Ichiban Kawaiitokoro together during the event, and tickets are now on sale.

Additionally, new interviews with the members and behind-the-scenes footage have been uploaded to CANDY TUNE’s official YouTube channel.

Sanrio has announced a line of adorable items inspired by retro candies. In Japan, dagashi refers to cheap candies, also known as ‘penny candies.’ Shops selling these treats still exist, but their heyday was in the Showa era. These adorable items will be available to purchase at Sanrio stores and department stores nationwide starting July 6, and they can also be found at select online stores. The lineup includes 22 items from fluffy keychains to drawstring pouches with a nostalgic feel. 

Goods Lineup

Mascot Keychain (6 varieties)

Secret Mascot (8 varieties)

Drink Case Display Shelf

Keychain with Mirror (6 varieties)

3-piece Drawstring Bag Set

Tissue Holder

Letter Set

Ramune & Glass Bottle (4 varieties)

Sticker Set

Fans can grab a mischievous mascot keychain of their favorite Sanrio characters holding classic treats. Available characters are My Melody, Pompompurin, Cinnamoroll, Kuromi, Pochakko, and Hangyodon. The Secret Mascot figures are sold randomly, so fans will want to grab a bunch to find all of the available characters! These can be displayed in the available Drink Case Display Shelf. 

Other items include keychains containing mirrors, a drawstring bag set, a tissue case, and plenty of fun stickers.

Hello everyone! This is Midori from MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON.

Candy apples are the staple food of summer festivals. A crunchy candy coating and a sweet, fruity apple is such a divine combination. It can be quite difficult to find candy apples outside of festivals. That’s where Candy Apple steps in. This is a brand new shop on the block that specialises in candy apples!

This is located just a five-minute walk from Shibuya Station’s west exit. If you check out their saved Instagram story, you probably won’t get lost. During the weekdays and on Saturdays, this is an Italian restaurant called Buonappetito. On Sundays, when the restaurant is closed, it transforms into a candy apple shop.

The shop interior is gorgeous.

Plain: ¥600

I ordered the plain apple without wasting any time. This is much larger than what you would usually get at a festival. Although these are usually eaten by immediately sinking your teeth in and biting out a big chunk, you can cut your apple here and enjoy it at your own pace. 

After taking your first bite, you will realise just how different this is to your normal candy apple. The apple is coated in a thin layer of candy, creating a delicious crunch. The apple is fresh, juicy and sweet. Some candy apples are made with mushy apples that are not fresh, however these apples are extremely fresh and delicious right to the last bite. 

These candy apples are full of a variety of flavours.

Cinnamon Sugar: ¥600

The apple with the dusting of beige-coloured powder is cinnamon-flavoured. The sweet cinnamon scent spreads everywhere as soon as you set it on the table. The sweet flavour of the apple and the fragrant cinnamon is a match made in heaven. 

Cocoa: ¥600

The apple covered in the brown powder is cocoa-flavoured. The slightly bitter flavour of the chocolate is a perfect match for the sweet apple. The colour contrast between the brown chocolate and white apple is also beautiful. ♪

Matcha: ¥600

The apple with the green powder is matcha as you may have already guessed! The flavouring of the Uji matcha used for this apple was carefully balanced to maximise the flavour when combined with the apple. After you take your first bite, you just won’t be able to stop. 

Blueberry Yoghurt: ¥600

The bright white dusting on this blueberry yoghurt-flavoured apple is beautiful. The blueberry scent is mild and is perfect with the yoghurt.

Black Cocoa: ¥600

The pitch black colour of the Black Cocoa Candy Apple is very appetizing. The black cocoa is even more bitter than the cocoa apple, which really brings out the flavour of the sweet apple even more.

You can even get chocolate fondue for your candy apple (¥400). By adding the fairly bitter chocolate to your candy apple, you can enjoy three different kinds of sweetness when it mixes with the chocolate, candy and the apple. 

You can even order your candy apple to go, making it the perfect summer souvenir. Taking it home to enjoy is also another wonderful way to make the most of your experience. 

This candy apple shop is only open on Sundays, but you can order to take away on other days. 

This is a flavour that a festival candy apple will never be capable of offering. You can tuck into your apple inside the beautiful shop, or take it home to enjoy at home at your own pace.