Japan’s Long Reigning Chocolate Brand Releases Limited Edition Flavour to Celebrate 40th Anniversary
Takenoko No Sato is a popular type of chocolate-covered small biscuit snack sold in Japan. This year, the mini bamboo shoot-shaped biscuit brand has been busy celebrating its 40th anniversary with the Anniversary Dessert Series. Lucky for us, that means the release of a second irresistible limited edition flavour. The new flavour, which is called Takenoko No Sato Strawberry Shortcake, will be released countrywide for a limited time only starting on August 20, 2019.
Takenoko No Sato was born in August 1979 as the younger brother of Kinoko No Yama; a miniature mushroom snack made of a crunchy biscuit stalk and chunky chocolate mushroom head which was released in September 1975. These long-selling chocolate brands have been a popular hit since the day they hit the shops and have won the hearts of everyone from children to adults.
Takenoko No Sato Strawberry Shortcake consists of a crunchy biscuit covered in a layer of tangy strawberry chocolate that tastes like fresh cream and sweet yet sour strawberries.
If you have never tried this iconic Japanese brand of chocolate before, you definitely need to try it to see what all the hype is about. Don’t forget to try the Strawberry Shortcake flavour which is only available for a limited time only.
Information
Takenoko No Sato Strawberry Shortcake (たけのこの里いちごのショートケーキ味)
RRP: ￥200 (before tax) /￥216 (after tax)
Release Date: August 20, 2019
To be released countrywide.
Meiji Co., Ltd. Official Website: https://www.meiji.co.jp/
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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/
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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→@kaopan27
Information
Silicone Tezukuri Okazu Maker (Mickey Mouse)
Price: ¥990 (Tax Included)
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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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Orders are now open for some tasty chocolates inspired by the many handsome characters from Touken Ranbu ONLINE! These sweets come in decorative tins, and while they can be ordered now from Premium Bandai, they will also be available in supermarkets and other shops starting December 26, 2022.
Chocolate Tins / Touken Ranbu ONLINE
These tins feature many popular characters, and customers can choose from Yamanbagiri Chogi, Nankaitarou Chouson & Hizen Tadahiro, Suishinshi Masahide & Minamoto Kiyomaro, Kokindenjunotachi & Jizou Yukihira, or Ichimonji Norimune. These gorgeous tins contain three types of chocolate: rolled chocolate, fan-shaped chocolate printed with the swordsman’s crest and motif, and cherry-blossomed-shaped strawberry chocolate.
Assorted Chocolate Tin / Touken Ranbu ONLINE
These assorted chocolate tins are available in four designs. The first depicts Mikazuki Munechika, Kogitsunemaru, Ishikirimaru, Iwatooshi, and Imanotsurugi. The second features Kashuu Kiyomitsu and Yamatonokami Yasusada, while the third depicts Taikogane Sadamune, Shokudaikiri Mitsutada, Ookurikara, and Kuninaga Tsurumaru. The fourth shows Higekiri and Hizamaru. The chocolates in each tin are inspired by these characters, and these would make perfect gifts for fans of the mobile and online game.
Variety Chocolate Tin / Touken Ranbu ONLINE
Those who can’t choose a favorite character will want to snag one of these assorted tins, filled with familiar faces from the series. Grabbing all three will net you all 101 swordsmen!
(C)2015 EXNOA LLC/NITRO PLUS
Information
Chocolate Tins / Touken Ranbu ONLINE
Price: ¥972 each (Tax Included, Shipping and Handling Not Included)
5 varieties total
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Specialty cafe chain ‘Bread, Espresso &’ will begin selling special items as a part of its chocolate fair at the Harajuku location, ‘Junkissa Bread, Espresso &’ starting June 1!
Many of the existing items on the shop’s menu will be available in chocolate versions. The Chocolate Mint French Toast is chilled and perfect for summer, drizzled with chocolate cream and mint sauce. Additional mint can be added to your heart’s content!
The mint cocoa (pictured top right) features blended mint cream on top with cocoa on the bottom. The two halves blend effortlessly as the top warms and the bottom cools.
Come enjoy these chocolate treats during the warm summer months!
Information
Bread, Espresso &
Address: 6-25-5 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 8:00-18:00 (Last order at 7:30)
Open Every Day
Homepage: http://www.bread-espresso.jp/ -
The luxury hotel Grand Hyatt Tokyo will offer Easter sweets and baked goods at the on-site Fiorentina Pastry Boutique from April 1 until Easter, April 17, to celebrate the arrival of spring.
Easter Egg Macaroon
Easter Cookies with Icing
Easter Lollipop
Easter Bunny Brioche
This year, in addition to the new Easter Bunny and Easter egg macaroons, cookies with icing, lollipop chocolates, brioche in the shape of the Easter Bunny, and other sweets and bakery items will be available. Don’t miss it!
Information
Fiorentina Pastry Boutique
Available: April 1 – April 17, 2022
Location: Grand Hyatt Tokyo
Official Site: https://www.tokyo.grand.hyatt.co.jp/restaurants/
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From March 12 until April 3, chocolate lovers will want to visit Laforet Harajuku! 30 different stores are celebrating the 95th anniversary of Meiji Milk Chocolate with over 80 new pieces of collaborative apparel, toys, and snacks.
Collaboration Items at a Glance
Laforet Staff in Unique Collaboration Outfits
Wind and Sea Pop-up Shop
Laforet Harajuku continues to be a place to discover local fashion and culture. Meiji spearheaded this collaboration after realizing the potential to create new and exciting pieces for fashionable chocolate lovers to enjoy! A wide range of products from clothing to chocolate block-shaped home goods are available now, along with Meiji White Chocolate and Meiji Black Chocolate items!
A Wind and Sea pop-up shop will open for the first time at Laforet Harajuku during the event and will also be selling chocolate-themed items. Fashion model and YouTuber Noah Sato will also be featured in event ads as a Meiji Chocolate ambassador! Those purchasing collaboration items will receive a special Meiji Chocolate bar in unique packaging while supplies last.
Information
Meiji Milk Chocolate Collection in Laforet
Running: March 12 – April 3, 2022
Details: https://www.laforetharajuku.com/
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From January 19 until February 15, gelato pique cafe is selling four chocolate-based treats for Valentine’s Day! The theme of this new menu is ‘Melt,’ and guests are asked to enjoy the richness of melting chocolate during this sweet season.
Fondant Chocolat Crepe (Dine-in: ¥980 / Take-out: ¥970)
This crepe is topped with chocolate fondant that melts into a warm chocolate sauce inside. The chocolate whipped cream is combined with Royal Bourbon gelato, accented with blackberry and black currant sauce, and a bit of crunchiness from the cookie bits.
Chocolate Crepe (Dine-in: ¥980 / Take-out: ¥970)
This mouth-watering crepe includes plenty of whipped cream and a luxurious fresh chocolate sauce topping. Inside, dark chocolate gelato is mixed with cocoa-flavored chocolate whipped cream.
Hot Chocolate Chai (Dine-in: ¥640 / Take-out: ¥630)
This hot chocolate is a variation of the popular chai beverage. White chocolate is combined with Assam tea leaves, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves for that perfect chai flavor. The sweetness of the hot chocolate is enhanced by the rich spices, giving it a more mature flavor!
Hot Dark Chocolate (Dine-in: ¥640 / Take-out: ¥630)
Extra dark chocolate is only enhanced with a roasted flavor creating a less sweet hot chocolate beverage. Available toppings are less sweet whipped cream, milk chocolate, and chocolate sauce.
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Western confectionery brand Meine Rollen has begun selling a collection of Pokemon-themed Valentine’s day goods for 2022! Although some of these chocolates look too cute to eat, they’ll certainly earn top marks with your crush.
Chocolate Set L (Pokemon)
Sleeping Pikachu Pack (Pokemon)
Eevee & Friends Pack (Pokemon)
Last year’s designs focused on characters from Pokemon Red, Green, Blue, Gold, and Silver, released between 1996 and 1999. This year’s imagery was inspired by all games in the series, appealing to an even larger audience. Which design do you like the most?
Information
Meine Rollen Pokemon Designs
On Sale Now
Where to Buy: Department Stores nationwide
Official Site: http://www.matsukazeya.co.jp/syouhin/event/v-pokemon.html
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Godiva Japan has begun selling two special Chocolixir beverages for Valentine’s Day! The Chocolixir Valentine Limited Edition Strawberry White Chocolate drink will be available either hot or cold and sweets lovers will feel indulged by their decadent flavors.
Regular Size (270ml): ¥700 (Tax Included) / Large Size (350ml): ¥790 (Tax Included) / Hot (220ml): ¥700 (Tax Included)
These magical elixirs are perfect for the Valentine’s season. The gentle sweetness of the white chocolate and the elegant sourness of the strawberry sauce are perfectly balanced, and the whipped cream is topped with adorable pink hearts. Be sure to find a participating location near you to pick up one of these tasty treats while you can!
Information
Chocolixir Valentine Limited Edition Strawberry White Chocolate
Hot Chocolixir Valentine Limited Edition Strawberry White Chocolate
Available: January 12, 2021 – February 15, 2022 *While Supplies Last
Participating Stores: https://www.godiva.co.jp/boutique/storelist/
*Sales period subject to change. Store hours may change.
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The Westin Sendai is now offering four fashionable chocolates perfect for Valentine’s Day. These will be available at the Symphony Restaurant on the 26th floor until February 14, 2022.
Charming Rose (8 pieces)
Colore Label (8 pieces / 4 pieces)
Parfume (6 pieces)
Tablet Chocolate (2 varieties)
It wouldn’t be Valentine’s Day without chocolate, and the Charming Rose takes things to a new level. The handbag, which looks good enough to carry through town, is edible down to the handle and decorations. Inside the bag are eight lip-shaped chocolates in colorful cosmetic shades. Some are milk chocolate, others white, and others include fruits and nuts. Parfume offers a superb smoothness, while the Tablet Chocolate is topped with lavish nuts and dried fruits.
Information
Valentine Chocolate 2022
Available: January 25 – February 14, 2022
Location: Symphony Restaurant (26F)
Hours: 11:30-21:00
*Hours and menu items are subject to change.
*All prices include tax.
*Reservations are required by 20:00 at least three days in advance for the Charming Rose. Spots are limited.
Official Hotel Website: https://www.the-westin-sendai.com/
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Takashimaya’s yearly ‘Amour du Chocolat’ Valentine’s Day event is known as the ‘Festival of Chocolates.’
Bringing together chocolates from around the world, this event is a way to highlight brands being introduced to Japan for the first time along with established favorites. This year’s lineup will also feature sustainable chocolates and more luxurious sweets to make 2022 feel more uplifting.
The First Chocolate Brand to Land in Japan
Luna Creation Paris Marble Collection
Yvan Chevalier Chocolate Assortment
Chocolatine Yoann Debray Snowflake & Edelweiss Assortment
Sustainable Chocolate
Toshi Yoroizuka Truffle Banane
Sils Maria Banana & Chocolate
Bvlgari Il Cioccolato Takashimaya Original Chocolate for Sustainability
MAAHA Flower Chocolate
Ma Priere Giandujas Selection
Message de Rose TOKYO Cone Fleury 2022
International Chocolates
Charbonnel et Walker Assortment Box for Takashimaya – England
Recchiuti Peanut Butter Confections / Sepia Box – United States
Vincent Vallee Chocolat Amour / Valentine Selection – France
Bubo Barcelona Chocolate Heart Sculpture – Barcelona
Takashimaya Specials
Takashimaya Limited Edition Jacques Genin Valentine’s Heart / Classic Selection
Takashimaya Limited Edition Julien Dechenaud Praline Etoile / Praline Nouveau
Luxury Chocolates
divan Valentine Box
The Peninsula Boutique & Cafe Bear Chocolate
Maison Mont Nord Assortment Box
Valentine’s Day at Home
Cacao Sampaka / Cacao Esplette
Information
Amour du Chocolat
Event Ongoing at Takashimaya locations nationwide
Takashimaya Online Store:
Order by 10:00 on February 9, 2022
*Certain items may be sold during different periods.
https://www.takashimaya.co.jp/shopping/gift/valentinesday/?utm_source=qr&utm_medium=pr&utm_content=2021&utm_campaign=valentinesdayEvent Details: https://www.takashimaya.co.jp/store/special/amour/index.html
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Starting January 8, Tokyu Hands stores in Tokyo are holding a special Valentine’s Day event called Chocolino Chocoliya featuring a variety of sweets! These aren’t just for giving to your sweetheart, but are perfect for friends and family too.
Products at a Glance
Tokyo Zoological Gardens Association / Ueno Zoo
Panda Set with Petit Gaufre & Chocolate Crunch: ¥1,188 (Tax Included) / Panda Baked Cookies: ¥997 (Tax Included)
Urusei Yatsura
Tote Bag: ¥1,760 (Tax Included) / Mug: ¥1,760 (Tax Included) / Star Chocolate: ¥486 (Tax Included)
Chocolate Assortment (5 pieces): ¥756 (Tax Included) / Chocolate Assortment (15 pieces): ¥1,620 (Tax Included)
Merry Chocolate Company
Merry Candy Chocolate Box: ¥378 each (Tax Included) / Assortment: ¥1,944 (Tax Included)
Mint Style
30-piece Handmade Kit Series: ¥1,620 each (Tax Included)
Mint Style
Make-at-Home Kit Series: ¥697 (Tax Included)
Sumikko Gurashi
Silicon Mold Series: ¥935 (Tax Included)
This year’s project includes confections that can only be purchased at the Ueno Zoo, where twin baby pandas were recently born. Chocolates with retro-style packaging and those with motifs from popular anime series will also be available, so be sure to swing by and have a look! -
Mister Donut locations nationwide are now selling products from the ‘misdo meets Wittamer’ collection, developed in collaboration with the Belgian royal patisserie brand Wittamer. These tasty treats will be available at participating shops until late February.
Since 2017, under the brand slogan “Good Things Come to Mister Donut,” the brand has collaborated with a number of companies from around the world to invigorate its already delicious selection of sweets. To start 2022, the beloved donut chain is teaming up with Wittamer to bring their ‘Chocolat Samba’ and ‘Praline Chocolat’ to customers throughout Japan.
The newly-developed chocolate donut batter is made by applying the same method to make cakes to donuts, creating a light mouthfeel very much like taking a bite of chocolate cake. By combining it with ganache cream and whip, the flavor becomes even richer. It might be difficult to take a bite of something so beautiful, but if you’re near a Mister Donut, you should give these a try before they’re gone!
misdo meets Wittamer Collaboration
Chocolat Samba: ¥200 (Without Tax)
The donut’s chocolate dough is covered with ganache cream and filled with ganache whip. Pay close attention to the glossy texture inspired by the Chocolat Samba cake.
Chocolat Hazlenut: ¥200 (Without Tax)
Covered in graham cracker hazelnut cream and filled with ganache whip, the cocoa powder on top takes the flavor to new heights.
Chocolat Caramel: ¥200 (Without Tax)
Caramel mocha cream and ganache blend together with caramel chocolate and nuts for a decadent and luxurious treat.
Chocolat Blueberry: ¥200 (Without Tax)
Chocolate dough and blueberry jam blend seamlessly with ganache cream. Topped with raspberry-flavored chocolate flakes, this is a showstopper.Information
misdo meets Wittamer Collaboration
Running: January 7 – Late February
Available at Participating Mister Donut Locations NationwideOfficial Site: https://www.misterdonut.jp
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Japan-based chocolate specialty store Minimal is now offering a limited-edition set of gateau chocolates with fresh strawberries from Mei Strawberries in Kagawa Prefecture. These are available for preorder and are perfect for Valentine’s Day!
These sweets were a huge hit last year, selling out immediately. The rare variety of strawberries used is only found in 1 percent of Japanese strawberry farms, and these are blended with milk cream and specialty chocolate.
The strawberry jam found on the top of each chocolate piece is made from these rare Nyohou strawberries. Originally a small-grained variety, the Nyohou varietals send from Mei Strawberries in Kagawa Prefecture are larger with a beautiful dark-red color. Fragrant, juicy, and sweet, they also have a slight acidity that provide a more complex flavor.
To maximize the natural strawberry flavor, the chocolate is made from Madagascar cocoa beans with a more berry-like flavor. Only slightly roasted, the graininess is intact, leaving a more powerful and rich flavor. A milky sweet cream has also been added to the center to provide a better balance.
This is the second year that the company has worked with these strawberries from Mei, and after making a number of prototypes, Minimal has found the best possible way to express these unique flavors in harmony.
Information
Fresh Gateau Chocolate & Strawberries featuring Mei Strawberries
Price: ¥3,510 (Tax Included)
Release Date:Online Store/LINE Preorders: December 24, 2021~
Yoyogi Ueno Store: January 15, 2022
Sales Period: Until the End of February 2022
LINE: https://page.line.me/yrn4346m?openQrModal=trueOfficial Site: http://mini-mal.tokyo
