dot science launched a new brand on Wednesday called ‘THE OMOCHI.’ Together with the brand’s partner Kasaharamochiーa Miyazaki-based mochi making companyーthey are aiming to update one of Japan’s most recognised traditional confections: mochi.
Kasaharamochi make their mochi using an old-fashioned method that is almost extinct which makes use of a kamado BBQ and firewood. They shoot towards making the ultimate mochi.
In the video below, one of the staff members at Kasaharamochi discusses the cooking techniqueーthe oldest method, but the one that creates the most delicious mochi around.
Ingredients are carefully selected and placed carefully into the fire to steam. Kasaharamochi has continuously sought this ancient technique to cook the perfect mochi, a flavour which has been eaten by emperors and the imperial family during celebrations. This mochi has now been dubbed THE OMOCHI.
For the first line-up of the THE OMOCHI brand there will be 5 different types of mochi.
Pickled Egg Yolk & Soy Sauce
Cinnamon Honey Bar Mochi
THE OMOCHI website is also showcasing how best to eat and enjoy mochi as well as what is possible with this sweet treat. The website offers wine pairings, what to eat mochi with, original recipes and more, so be sure to check out the website.
THE OMOCHI Original Recipes: https://theomochi.com/#recipe
Information
THE OMOCHI Line-Up (10 Included)
01. Plain – ¥1,200 (Before Tax)
02. Genmai Rice – ¥1,200 (Before Tax)
03. Shrimp – ¥1,500 (Before Tax)
04. Walnut – ¥1,400 (Before Tax)
05. Soy – ¥1,400 (Before Tax)
THE OMOCHI Official Website: https://theomochi.thebase.in/
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These Hello Kitty Kintsuba Japanese Confections are the Perfect Souvenir From Japan
05.November.2019 | FOOD
Confectionery company Nakataya has teamed up with Sanrio to release the Hello Kitty Kintsuba.
Kintsuba is a type of traditional Japanese confection of sweet beans wrapped in wheat-flour dough. Nakataya is famous for their kintsuba, which are made with large-grained beans and red bean paste. They have maintained the flavour and quality of these confections, each of which is made with the utmost precision, and all individually.
This year marks the 85th anniversary since Nakataya opened. The long-standing store hopes to bring in more foreign and younger customers by collaborating with Hello Kitty.
They have crafted several flavours. Pictured above is the apple pie flavour, Hello Kitty’s favourite. It’s made with fuji apples from Aomori Prefecture which is known for its incredible apples. It’s mixed with white bean paste and is lightly flavoured with cinnamon.
The mixed berry flavour is a fruity sweet and sour mix of strawberries, raspberries and blueberries which have been mashed together with white bean paste.
The confection comes in two kinds of packaging: one designed by Nakataya’s founder Nakata (中田憲龍), and a Hello Kitty version where she is dressed as a dragonーa symbol of the shop. This is a completely original Hello Kitty design made specially for the collaboration.
The outer packaging is made with a wrapping cloth to both pass down an aspect of traditional Japanese culture while also catering to the eco-friendly lifestyle of the modern age. It’s made from amuzen fabric and can be reused. The inner packaging is a simple paper tray so can be recycled. And if you take the wrapping cloth back to the store, they can refill it with the three Hello Kitty kintsuba confections at a discounted price.
Information
Hello Kitty Kintsuba
Released: November 1, 2019
Contains: One box of 6 (x3 mixed berry/x3 apple pie)
Price: Hello Kitty Kintsuba – ¥2,500 (Before Tax) *Comes with wrapping cloth
Hello Kitty Kintsuba Refill – ¥1,800 (Before Tax)
*The refill is only available to those with a wrapping cloth
Available: At participating Nakataya branches and the online shop
Official Website: www.kintuba.co.jp
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Laforet Harajuku Announces 2019 Christmas Market, Menu & More
Laforet Harajuku is set to hold LAFORET CHRISTMAS 2019 from November 15 to December 25. Stores throughout the shopping centre will sell various holiday season fashion items that make perfect Christmas gifts, and up on the second floor at GOOD MEAL MARKET, you can look forward to the Laforet Christmas Menu.
All customers who spend over ¥3,000 (tax included) from November 15 onward will receive an original mirror, and those who spend over ¥5,000 (tax included) from December 14 onward will receive an original handkerchief. Both of these items will be available on a first-come, first-served basis until December 1 at Dinalog in Laforet Museum Harajuku.
Additionally, the main Christmas visual for this year’s event was designed by Japanese art director YUNI YOSHIDA.
A two-day market will take place on Saturday December 14 and Sunday December 15 in Laforet Museum Harajuku titled Laforet Market vol.9 “Christmas.”
CHRISTMAS GIFT
If you’re searching for the perfect surprise gift to friends, family, a special someone or yourself, you’re bound to find a fitting match for them during the event as stores in Laforet Harajuku display their Christmas goods in their windows.
Kailijumei/5F
Kailijumei 2019 Christmas Coffret – ¥5,500 (Tax Included)
Charles Chaton/4F
Flower Frill Cushion – ¥5,500 (Tax Included)
JUEMI Syncretic/1F
e.m.OrganicCollegeStarRing – ¥24,200 (Tax Included)
Les Merveilleuses LADURÉE/1F
Limited Edition Rose Ladurée – ¥13,200 (Tax Included)
CHRISTMAS FOOD “Laforet Christmas Menu”
“Pink” is the themed of the Christmas menus being whipped up at Laforet’s restaurants.
Chipoon /2F
Tomato Soy Milk Cream Noodles – ¥935 (Tax Included)
This vegan noodle dish combines the full-bodied taste of soy milk with refreshing tomatoes to create a tempting mild flavour.
machi machi /2F
Strawberry Cheese Tea (Taro Topping) – ¥858 (Tax Included)
A fusion of Jasmine green tea and fresh strawberries to create a unique and delicious beverage.
Cafe de paris /B1F
Kumono Smoothe – ¥605 (Tax Included) / Whipped Cream Topping +¥110 (Tax Included)
Cafe de paris opened on November 1 and will be selling their exclusive cute drinks.
Laforet Market vol.9 “Christmas”
The Laforet Market is an opportunity for 40 shops to come together to sell fashion, food and miscellaneous Christmas goods. There will be workshops carried out be creators and artists, performances, and more.
If you’ll be in Harajuku the holiday season then don’t pass up the opportunity to visit Laforet Harajuku this Christmas.
Information
LAFORET CHRISTMAS 2019
Running: November 15, 2019 – December 25, 2019
Laforet Harajuku Official Website: https://www.laforet.ne.jp/en/
Laforet Market vol.9 “Christmas”
Location: Laforet Museum Harajuku (Laforet Harajuku Floor 6F)
Running: December 14, 2019 – December 15, 2019
Market Webpage (Japanese): https://www.laforet.ne.jp/museum_event/market/
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Christmas Gifts, Delicious Desserts & More Coming to Tokyo Skytree Town This Holiday Season
The dessert shops and and bakeries on the second floor of Tokyo Solamachiーthe shopping facility at the base of Tokyo Skytreeーare reading themselves for Christmas by baking up a whole range of festive delights for the holiday season, perfect for parties, gifts, or as a little self-indulgence. Let’s dive in and take at what’s on offer this year.
The perfect cakes for spending Christmas at home
Bonheur du Noel – ¥6,480 @ Ginza BOUL’MICHI (Tower Yard Floor 2F) [Reservations: November 1 – December 13 / Serving: December 21-25] *Tokyo Solamachi exclusive
Macarons are in this year in Japan, so BOUL’MICHI has whipped up the perfect strawberry chocolate cake adorned with colourful macarons and fresh strawberries to give it that Christmas-y look. Only 50 of these precious cakes will be sold, so don’t miss out.
Fromage Citron @ – ¥2,970 Ginza Ginger (Tower Yard Floor 2F) [Reservations: November 1 – December 10 / Serving: December 23-25] *Tokyo Solamachi exclusive
This no-bake cheesecake is made with Oceania cheese and layered with an almond base followed by a sumptuously sour lemon cream.
16cm Yule Log – ¥4,104 @ Sweet Heart Tree (Tower Yard Floor 2F) [Reservations: November 1 – December 20 / Serving: December 15-25]
A gourmet yule log made with rich chocolate and packed with fruits and nuts. This sophisticated dessert is one for the adults to enjoy.
Takeout Sweets & Christmas Merchandise
Tiny Waffles (Dark Chocolate/White Chocolate) – ¥486 Each @ RL waffle cake (Tower Yard Floor 2F) [Reservations: November 1 – December 23 / Serving: December 20-25]
If you’re looking for something a little smaller, perhaps as a Christmas present to friends and family or as a little gift to yourself, then check out these fluffy waffles made with strawberries, chocolate and whipped cream. Simple, but delicious!
Mamegui Towels (Santa Clause/White Christmas/Snowman) – ¥550 Each @ Mamegui (East Yard Floor 4F) [Available From November 1] *Gifts inside sold separately from ¥388
Mamegui are a type of towel used in Japan to wrap gifts in for people. These Christmas versions are perfect for wrapping up small presents for people, like Japanese snacks and candy.
Crispy Cakes (Happy Wreath/Santa/Reindeer) – ¥508 Each @ pon pon×Chris.P (East Yard Floor 2F) [Available From November 15]
These tiny crispy cakes are another great little bite to eat. The cute Santa version is cookie and milk flavoured and has marshmallows as the fluff of his hat.
Tokyo Skytree’s THE SKYTREE SHOP Christmas Items
THE SKYTREE SHOP is the official souvenir store of Tokyo Skytree®. This Christmas they are selling a new batch of themed items, including plenty featuring their cute official mascot Sorakara-chan.
TOKYO SKYTREE Premium Chocolates – ¥1,706 @ Tokyo Skytree Floors 345 & 450 [Available From November 7]
This luxurious assortment of Tokyo Skytree-shaped chocolates come in a variety of flavours, including ruby chocolate.
Left: Sorakara-chan Winter Collection S – ¥2,200 / Right: Sorakara-chan Winter Collection Mascot – ¥1,375 @ Tokyo Skytree Floors 1, 5 & 450 [Available From November 7]
You can’t leave Tokyo Skytree without a little memento, so why not pick up a cute duffle coat clad Sorakara-chan? Available this winter only.
Sorakara-chan Compact Mirrors – ¥968 @ Tokyo Skytree Floors 1, 5 & 450 [Available From November 7]
Also part of the Sorakara-chan winter collection are these compact mirrors which are filled with glitter that falls like stars or snowflakes depending which one you go for. They are small enough to fit into your pocket or bag making them super convenient.
And that’s not allーTokyo Solamachi has countless other goodies, from desserts to souvenirs, to pick up this Christmas too. If you’re in Tokyo this winter season and are planning a trip to Tokyo Skytree, be on the lookout.
*All listed prices include tax. Applicable tax rate may vary on certain products in line with Japan’s consumption tax increase.
*Products and sale periods subject to change. Products available while supplies last.
*Pictured photos are for illustrative purposes only.©TOKYO-SKYTREE
Information
Tokyo Skytree Town®
Address: 1-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida Ward, Tokyo
Official Website: http://www.tokyo-skytreetown.jp/english/
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Tiger & Bunny 2 Sparkling Sake Available Just in Time for Christmas and New Year’s
08.November.2022 | ANIME&GAME / FOOD
The online sake shop KURAND is now selling TIGER & BARNABY SPARKLING, a special sparkling sake made in collaboration with the TIGER & BUNNY 2 anime series.
TIGER & BARNABY SPARKLING is a sparkling sake that will surprise customers with its delicate bubbles and light flavor. The label features an outline of the city of Sternbild, the setting of TIGER & BUNNY, and each bottle will be delivered in a decorated box. This is perfect for Christmas and New Year’s celebrations!
Those who purchase TIGER & BARNABY SPARKLING will receive a TIGER & BARNABY Champagne Stopper as a gift. The bubbliness of this sake is sure to impress, so kick back and relax with friends and family this holiday season with a few glasses of this limited-edition goodness.
Information
TIGER & BARNABY SPARKLING
Order Period: November 4 – November 17 at 16:59
*Orders will be delivered by Christmas
Second Order Period: November 17 at 17:00~
*Orders will be delivered during or after January 2023
(Bottles available for Christmas are only available in limited quantities. Those ordering bottles for a January 2023 delivery should be aware that items are only available to order while supplies last.)Price: ¥8,600 (Tax Included)
Details: https://kurand.jp/collections/tigerandbunny -
New Sake ‘&Soda’ Made Exclusively to be Mixed with Soda Water
29.September.2022 | FOOD
Shiragiku Sake Brewery will release a special sake made exclusively to mix with soda water on October 1, 2022. The beverage will be available in Okayama Prefecture.
The company’s interest in creating a new sake culture led them to develop &Soda, a delicious sake made to be mixed with soda. This may be helpful for those who don’t know much about sake, or who may feel intimidated by the many different types. Being able to mix it with soda will make sake drinking feel more casual.
Sake Made Exclusively for Mixing with Soda Water, ‘&Soda’
“Many people may like to mix sake with soda water or drink it on the rocks. By doing this, however, a nice sake may lose its flavor, and the drinker might be wasting a nice sake for the sake of a more easy-drinking beverage. &Soda was made exclusively to be mixed. Using Asahi Rice, a specialty in Okayama Prefecture, and water from the brewery, we’ve created a sake that has the proper aroma and sweetness. These characteristics will come through even after being mixed! The alcohol content has been increased to 18 percent, and the package will make the product easy to find and understand,” a statement from the brewery reads.
For more information on how to enjoy &Soda, please see the special website below!
Information
Sake Made Exclusively for Mixing with Soda Water, ‘&Soda’
Release Date: October 1, 2022
Official Site: http://www.andsoda.jp/
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Japan’s Largest Sake Event TOKYO SAKE FESTIVAL to be Held in Shinjuku in October
Japan’s largest sake event, TOKYO SAKE FESTIVAL 2022, will run from October 4 until October 6 at the Shinjuku Sumitomo Building’s Triangle Square.
The event’s aim is to make sake more mainstream around the world, with the first festival taking place in 2020. Tokyo Sake Festival blends sake with entertainment, showing off the very best of Japanese culture to those who may be new to craft sake. For the third year, former NMB48 member Yui Takano will serve as ambassador. Takano is known for leaving her idol career to manage the sake specialty store Yui Sake Shop.
Tokyo Sake Festival 2022 is bringing together forty carefully selected sake breweries from around Japan, including Inoue Seikichi, winner of the Champion Sake award at IWC 2022. Tonoike Sake Brewery, winner of Kura Master 2022’s President’s Award, will also be in attendance. The full lineup can be found on the official website.
Popular influencers and artists from Raphael to BOYS AND MEN and Ukon Takafuji will take the stage during the event, so be sure to swing by if you’re a fan of Japanese spirits!
Information
TOKYO SAKE FESTIVAL 2022
Dates:
October 4: Part 1 13:30-16:30 / Part 2 18:00-21:00
October 5: Part 1 13:30-16:30 / Part 2 18:00-21:00
October 6: 16:00-19:00
Venue: Shinjuku Sumitomo Building Triangle Square
(2-6-1 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo)Buy Tickets/Details: https://tokyosakefestival.bitfan.id/
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Teppanyaki and Yakiniku Restaurant Honten Yamashina Opens in Ginza
On July 18, the upscale teppanyaki and yakiniku restaurant Honten Yamashina opened a new location in Ginza! The hybrid restaurant has taken over the entire top floor of GINZA PLACE, which is directly connected to Ginza Station. Overlooking the Ginza 4-chome intersection, it’s a gorgeous place to enjoy some authentic Japanese cuisine.
Honten Yamashina mainly uses fully-matured Omi beef, the highest grade available among Shiga Prefecture’s top-tier beef, from Okazaki Farm. The cows are allowed to fatten for a considerable amount of time and live stress-free lives for over 40 months. Less than 1% of all Wagyu cattle are shipped after 24 months of age, and this delectable meat is characterized by its sharp taste and fattiness.
Luxurious Wagyu and Sea Urchin Sushi
Early Summer Plate to Enjoy with Seasonal Flowers
Selected Extra-thick Beef Tongue Steak Made with Refined Attention to Detail
Grilled Spiny Lobster Made on a Charcoal Grill
The Playful Yamashina Wagyu Slider
Melt-in-your-mouth Sweet Amala Tomato (Vegetable of the Day)
Hand-selected Omi Beef Steak
Truffle Omurice
Japanese-style Teppanyaki
Guests can enjoy authentic Japanese teppanyaki cuisine with a modern twist. While sitting at the contour, visitors will enjoy a live performance by Taku Osada, a teppanyaki chef with over 20 years of experience.
The wide variety of meat can be enjoyed in a number of different ways, whether it be raw, grilled, stewed, or properly cooked. From tongue and rump to filet and sirloin, you won’t leave hungry. Visitors can also enjoy seafood and seasonal Japanese vegetables along with their meat, and the flowers and leaves that adorn each plate will change depending on the time of year.
In addition to rare teppanyaki dishes like skirt steak and 3cm-thick beef tongue, Honten Yamashina also offers some playful dishes such as sliders. As the temperature differs on different parts of the steel cooking plate, each item can be cooked to a temperature that maximizes its specific flavor. Honten Yamashina also has a massive cellar housin over 1,000 bottles of wine and hard-to-find spirits.
Japanese-style Yakiniku
For those looking for a more private experience, guests can enjoy yakiniku in a completely separate room. Each private room has a grill that will cook meat to the perfect temperature, and only at Honten Yamashina can you enjoy fully-matured Omi beef. The signature cutlet sandwich is made with chateaubriand cooked at a low temperature and deep-fried in a thin batter, then served on crispy bread with a soft, fluffy interior.
Teppanyaki and yakiniku are typically thought of as meat-based dishes, but the restaurant can accommodate vegetarian guests if contacted in advance.
When Japan opens up to tourism, will you be visiting this incredible restaurant in the heart of Tokyo?
Information
Honten Yamashina
Address: GINZA PLACE 11F (5-8-1 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo)
Hours: 17:00-23:00
Closed SundaysOfficial Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/honten_yamashina/
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Long-Established Sake Brewery in Yamagata Prefecture Helps Create SAKE COLA
13.July.2022 | FOOD
Aiming to create a new kind of drinking culture, Aika in Gunma Prefecture has started preorders for SAKE COLA, a new cola liquor, on the crowdfunding site Makuake.
People love cola for its strong carbonation, sweetness, and distinctive spicy flavor. SAKE COLA has a complex, multi-layered aroma and refreshing sweetness offering a unique taste that no one has tasted before.
In creating SAKE COLA, the company attempted to keep the authentic sweetness of sake. To this end, they decided to work with Rokkasen, a long-established sake brewery in Yamagata.
Rokkasen’s authentic rice-based shochu Goujoppari is brewed in the cold like sake and distilled like a ginjo sake. It has a beautiful citrus aroma and tastes similar in sweetness despite having zero sugar.
Using Goujoppari as a base, malted rice is used to produce a mild, natural sweetness, and the spices added to the drink meld with the citrus scent to create a flavor defying imagination.
The flavor and aroma of SAKE COLA spread in the mouth, with the spices and herbs lingering on the tongue. The spices were mixed by Hayashi Oki, who studied in Alsace, France before working as a pastry chef at one of Tokyo’s top patisseries.
Mace, the key spice, is characterized by its sweet and somewhat pungent aroma. It’s used to recreate the caramelized taste that is found in most cola.
Along with that, tonka beans, containing the natural sweeteners Vanillin and Coumarin, were blended into the mix to create a soft, lingering flavor. Customers are sure to enjoy it from the first sip to the last.
SAKE COLA can be enjoyed at any time. It’s perfect for enjoying as an aperitif, and it can also be enjoyed with a meal, like beer or wine.
Like whiskey, it can also be enjoyed while relaxing after a meal. At Christmas time, it can be added to warm red wine or served as an affogato with ice cream and a splash of liqueur. How would you like to try this unique creation?
Information
The Japanese Craft Sake Cola
Preorder: https://www.makuake.com/project/sakecola/Details: https://xtrend.nikkei.com/atcl/contents/18/00619/00009/
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Anime Series Chibi Maruko-chan Inspires New Sake from Hatsukame Brewery in Shizuoka
23.May.2022 | ANIME&GAME / FOOD
Last year, Hatsukame Sake Brewery, a staple in Shizuoka Prefecture, released a collaborative special edition sake featuring Papa Hiroshi from the anime series Chibi Maruko-chan. The collab makes sense, as the anime series takes place in Shizuoka Prefecture. Bottles sold out incredibly fast, so it’s no wonder that the brewery has now opened orders for the 2022 batch! The special products will be available on June 4, just in time for Father’s Day. Customers can choose from the Junmai Ginjo or Junmai Daiginjo varieties.
Junmai Ginjo Papa Hiroshi Vintage 2022
Junmai Daiginjo Papa Hiroshi Vintage 2022
The Junmai Ginjo Papa Hiroshi Vintage 2022 was made with water, rice, and yeast from Shizuoka, where the series takes place. With a refreshing aroma and a gentle sweetness derived from the Homarefuji rice, the flavor is sure to arouse your palate!
The original label featured on the bottle shows Papa Hiroshi enjoying local sake with tuna sashimi from Shizuoka with Mt. Fuji in the background. All bottles will come with a paper box featuring a similar design. The turtle on the label is the symbol of Hatsukame Brewing! It’s recommended that customers drink their sake with local tuna–it’s the perfect combination.The Daiginjo variety is made from rare Aiyama rice, known as the ‘Diamond of Sake Rice.’ Polished and carefully prepared by hand, the aroma of the sake is reminiscent of tropical fruits. The final product has a rich sweetness.
Last year’s label showed Papa Hiroshi in a Kimono watching the first sunrise over Mt. Fuji. Be sure to grab a bottle to experience the taste of Shizuoka! Only 223 bottles will be available, so be quick!
©さくらプロダクション/日本アニメーション ©Hatsukame Sake Brewery Co., Ltd. ©Nexus Co., Ltd.
Information
Junmai Daiginjo Papa Hiroshi Vintage 2022
Now available to order
Release Date: June 4, 2022 *After the release date, orders will be shipped within 3 weeks from the order date.
Where to Buy: Saketsunagi Online Shop https://saketsunagi.base.shop -
Limited Edition Sake Released Alongside NFT Art to Share the Value of Japanese Spirits with the World
Two incredible new Junmai Daiginjo bottles, the highest-quality sake, have been released in limited quantities. Hitou ASCENDING and Touka ILLUMINATING were made by sustainable means and incorporate NFT art to share the process of sake creation with the world.
While sake companies keep traditional Japanese production methods alive, some are seeking to solve problems in the sake industry by turning to current technology, like the blockchain and NFTs. In this age of convenience and automation, this particular sake maker is aiming to show the true value and authenticity of Japanese craftsmanship to the rest of the world.
Certain types of sake can only be made and enjoyed at certain times of the year, as they are not suitable for storage at room temperature and can only be consumed for a brief period to get the best taste. Many sake fans around the world might not be aware of this, so the new NFT collaboration aims to educate!
The bottles contain unique ukiyo-e NFT art prints of a dragon and phoenix on the bottle, respectively. Those who purchase a bottle will also find the year of production and bottle number etched onto the glass with lacquer. Be sure to keep the bottle even after the delicious sake is gone!
Story
Rice / Tobe Rice
In Tokamachi, Niigata Prefecture, farmers have been cultivating this unique brand of Koshihikari rice without the help of pesticides or fertilizers for over two decades. The rice is called the best in all of Japan, and one-third of its yield is used to make sake.Water / Pure Groundwater
The Japan Median Tectonic Line, also known as the ‘Dragon’s Vein,’ is a massive fault line that is home to numerous sacred sites, including Suwa Grand Shrine, Toyokawa Inari Shrine, Tenkawa Benzaiten Shrine, Ise Grand Shrine, and the Koyasan Mountain. The groundwater found here is some of the purest found in Japan and flows from the Bungui Pass in Ina, Nagano Prefecture. The pass has been featured in many publications as one of the most famous power spots in Japan.
Brewing / Ono Brewery
While dealing with some of the harshest winter weather in Japan, the brewery has continued to create sake the old-fashioned way–with human hands. For the creation of these two bottles, the brewers took on the challenge of making a very small amount of sake, something they had never done before. Based on the concept of “making the most of the environment,” the rice was prepared in a special room with no air conditioning under the watchful eye of the master brewer.
Bottle Art/ Ukiyo-e Artist, Shun
The art displayed on the bottle is printed in a unique way, allowing it to be put on display separately. The Japanese-style art is perfect for the collaboration and was inspired by one specific hope: that a new path will open to those who work hard after the many difficulties and troubles caused by the pandemic.Bottle Making / Maruyoshi Kosaka Wood & Urushi Works
The circular label symbolizes the moon (water) and the sun (fire), each representing a world where different values are not only accepted but welcomed. Hand-painted and made with pure platinum and gold leaf by the talented craftsman at Maruyoshi Kosaka Wood & Urushi Works in Shiojiri, Nagano, these advanced painting techniques are sure to impress.
Each Bottle Features the Brewing Year, Number Printed in Lacquer
Marked with a unique serial number, all proceeds from the sales of these special sakes will be used to maintain and promote sustainable agriculture, support sake brewers, and bring traditional Japanese craftsmanship to the world.
Information
Junmai Daiginjo – ‘Hitou ASCENDING,’ ‘Touka ILLUMINATING’
Limited Quantity
Official Site: https://hitoutouka.com/ -
Japanese traditional confectionery brand OKOSHIYA TOKYO opens in Marunouchi Building
Japanese traditional confectionery Okoshiya Tokyo, a brand specializing in okoshi (rice cake), opened in the Marunouchi Building on December 15, 2021.
OKOSHIYA TOKYO is a brand specializing in okoshi, operated by a small Japanese confectionery manufacturer in downtown Tokyo which is celebrating its 60th anniversary. OKOSHIYA TOKYO opened in Tokyo’s Marunouchi Building as a store where customers can directly purchase the long-established okoshi, which has been sold only through the online store.
OKOSHIYA Maple Almond(60g)
aun 18 pieces (6 types x 3 pieces)
OKOSHIYA TOKYO’s crispy okoshi is a new texture that can be eaten easily. The sweetness is kept low so that you can enjoy the natural flavor of the ingredients. It has a nostalgic and comforting taste.
Marunouchi (3 types x 3pieces) *Marunouchi Building Limited Edition
There are many theories about the origin of the word “okoshi”, but it comes from the word “koshi”, which means “to rise”, and has been eaten as a confectionery for good luck. It can be used as a “friendship blessing” for friends who meet again after a long absence, a “cheering blessing” for those who are working hard towards their dreams and goals, a “love blessing” for a beloved partner, or to ” bring good fortune” to newlyweds who are starting a new chapter in their lives. Let’s convey not only the delicious taste but also your feelings to your loved ones through OKOSHIYA TOKYO’s okoshi.
Information
OKOSHIYA TOKYO
Where: B1 1-4-2 Marunouhi, Chiyodaku, Tokyo, Maru Biliding B1F
Access: One-minute walk from Marunouchi South Exit of JR Tokyo Station, directly connected to Tokyo Station on the Marunouchi Line.
Opening Hours: Weekdays/Saturday 11:00~21:00 /Sunday/Bank Holiday 11:00~20:00
Official site: https://okoshiya.official.ec/
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Adorable Hamster-shaped Cakes from Kyoto Now on Sale
13.December.2021 | FOOD
Aoki Koetsudo, a 129-year-old confectionery shop in Kyoto, and 2:00, a Kyoto-based company specializing in unique products, have come together to create some incredibly cute hamster-shaped cakes. These pastries are called monaka, and feature azuki bean jam filling sandwiched between two crisp wafers made from mochi. Each set includes 6 wafers, six helpings of bean jam, and a bag of nuts, so customers can enjoy creating the pastries themselves!
How to Enjoy Hamster Monaka
Fill the Hamster-shaped monaka with as much azuki jam as you like.
Cover the monaka with the wafer and add one of the nuts provided.
Paint the eyes and ears with chocolate to give each pastry some personality!
Information
Hamster Monaka
Details: https://note.com/notes/n6a961fd3b376
Sales Page: https://aokikouetudou.com/products/detail/3084
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Gyoza Festival 2021 Opens at Nagoya PARCO
Pan-fried dumplings, or gyoza, can be found all over Japan from fine restaurants to convenience stores. They’re cheap, easy to consume, and incredibly tasty. Those able to make it to Nagoya PARCO by December 26 can experience this year’s Gyoza Festival, bringing together some of the best examples of creative and mouthwatering gyoza in the country.
A number of participating restaurants within Nagoya PARCO have developed unique gyoza-centric menus, including Kimchi Gyoza from Yansando, Chicken Wing Gyoza with spicy tartar sauce from Kyoto Shijo Kuon, and Spicy Gyoza from ANDY CURRY, participating in the event for the first time. Yummy Hawaiian Barbeque is also offering nine new menu items only found at Nagoya PARCO, including Gyoza Pie.
Participating Shops
Yansando Ueno Honten
ANDY CURRY
Nagoya Chicken Noodle Shop
Longhu Patio
Kyoto Shijo Kuon
FUJIYAMA55 RAMEN STAND
Okuyama Yasuzou Himonoterasu
Yummy Hawaiian Barbeque
Information
Gyoza Festival 2021
Running: November 26 – December 26, 2021
Location: Nagoya PARCO West Building 7F
Official Site: http://www.parco.co.jp
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Niigata Prefecture Unveils Rurouni Kenshin Collaboration Sake
16.November.2021 | ANIME&GAME / FOOD
Rurouni Kenshin is one of the most popular anime and manga series around the world, hitting the scene in Japan back in 1994. Original manga author Nobuhiro Watsuki spent most of his childhood in Nagaoka, Niigata prefecture, an area known throughout the country for its delicious rice. Harasho, a liquor store in Nagaoka, has announced a new collection of Rurouni Kenshin-themed sake to celebrate the series.
The Rurouni Kenshin manga series was originally serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump from 1994 until 1999. The sequel, Rurouni Kenshin: The Hokkaido Arc, is currently ongoing in Jump Square. The series has been a smash hit, selling over 72 million copies and inspiring both animated and live-action film adaptations and an anime series.
The sake will be produced at three distilleries in Nagaoka city, and each of the three will feature unique characteristics. Each label features imagery from the manga series and would make the perfect gift for fans (as long as they are of age!)
Information
Rurouni Kenshin x Niigata Sake Series
Fukusen Natural Sake: ¥1,350
Koshino Hakugan Ginjo Sake: ¥1,500
Ofuku Shuzo Ginjo Sake with No Added Alcohol: ¥1,800
Special 3-bottle Set: ¥4,650
Number of Bottles Released: 2,000 of each type, special 3-bottle sets available until sold out
Preorders Now Open
Release Date: December 1, 2021
Details: https://echigo.sake-harasho.com/shopbrand/ct332/
Where to Buy:
Online Store: https://echigo.sake-harasho.com/
Liquor stores part of the Echigo Meimon Collective
Major tourist facilities in Niigata Prefecture
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Lottery Open to Snag ALIENS GALAXY 2021, a Sake That Traveled Through Space
05.October.2021 | FOOD
Want a bottle of sake that’s been to space? Liquor Innovation is opening a lottery through October 16 to snag a bottle of ALIENS GALAXY 2021, and as you would imagine the number of these items is extremely limited.
ALIENS GALAXY 2021 started brewing on October 1, 2005, also known as ‘Sake Day.’ Using Kochi-grown yeast and rice, this brew then spent ten days orbiting the Earth on the Russian spacecraft Soyuz. This is only the second year ALIENS GALAXY 2021 will be available, after an incredibly positive response in 2020. With a refreshingly light and dry taste, the sake is a great example of Kochi’s dry sake culture, and showing up to a party with this in hand is sure to have people talking!
Information
ALIENS GALAXY 2021
Price: ¥7,800 (Tax Included)
Lottery Period: October 1, 17:00 – October 16, 12:00
Details: https://products.kurand.jp/aliens-galaxy