Cupid is readying his arrows for Valentine’s Day 2020 which is right around the corner. It’s the time of the year to show your special someone that you love them with some tasty chocolatey treats.
If you’re wanting to make a grand gesture this year by making your own gifts, but are struggling for ideas or are intimidated by the task, the Kai Corporation in Japan has you covered with its collection of Rilakkuma goods. Now you can make some Instagram-worthy gifts with little effort. Let’s take a look.
Make lots of Rilakkuma chocolates with this simple tool
Rilakkuma Silicone Chocolate Maker – ¥850 (Before Tax) – Buy Here
Five different patterns of Rilakkuma, Kiiroitori, and Korilakkuma make up this silicone tray, allowing you to make lots of bite-sized chocolates at once. This is perfect for sharing between you and your loved one or amongst friends. It can be used for making gummy treats and ice for drinks too, meaning it’s useful for the entire year.
Make cute cookies by simply pressing your dough
Korilakkuma Cutter Set – ¥650 (Before Tax) – Buy Here
Anyone can make cute Korilakkuma cookies easily with this cutter set which you simply press the dough with. It comes with two different poses so you can make an assortment of them. If you know someone who’s not a fan of chocolate, then this is a perfect alternative.
Decorate your sweets and desserts with this mini chocolate tray
Mini Chocolate Tray – ¥650 (Before Tax) – Buy Here
This chocolate tray makes makes chocolate bears which can hold things like nuts and candy. They can be used in a lot of creative different ways. The tray was made in collaboration with Cookpad.
Super simple recipes that take out the work
Here are some super simple recipes that remove the labour out of making and decorating sweet treats. Learn how to make Instagrammable delights with these items and techniques.
Korilakkuma Cookie Marshmallow Sandwich – Item Used: Korilakkuma Cutter Set
All you need to do is warm some marshmallows in a microwave and stick them between two cookies for a gooey and crunchy treat. At some toppings like freeze-dried strawberries for colour and to make them even cuter.
Gateaux Chocolate Cupcakes – Item Used: Rilakkuma Face Cupcake Paper Wraps (5 Included)
Make your Valentine’s cupcakes even more adorable with these paper wraps with Rilakkuma’s kawaii face on them.
Tiny Bear Chocolates: Item Used – Mini Chocolate Tray
There are many creative ways you can utilise these tiny bear chocolates. Make them hold small candy, nuts, and other delicious bites, or just simply top them on another dessert.
Take the stress out of making something for Valentine’s Day this year with this range of items from Kai.
Information
KAI Online Store: https://www.kai-group.com/store/
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Drama Series Zenra Meshi, Starring Yutaro, to Get Official Photo Book in June
The Kansai Television drama Zenra Meshi, starring Yutaro, is getting an official photobook release on June 23, 2023 titled Zenra Meshi Official Photobook -Our Recipes Start Here-.
The unusual romantic comedy follows an elite businessman hiding an incredible secret–he loves to eat naked to relieve his stress. One day, this habit is revealed, and Ichijo finds himself quickly falling in love.
The official photobook will include over 30 pages of gravure photos of Yutaro (Miki Mahiro) and Shori Kondo (Futa Ichijo). Set as an epilogue taking place after the main story shown in the series, Futa and Miki can be seen enjoying a picnic date with a handmade bento and spending cozy time together in PJs at home.
Also included are 20 pages of solo photos of Futa wearing a suit and posing in front of a beautiful night scene and Miki wearing a hoodie in a restaurant that smells of spices. Both shoots were intended to look as though a lover snapped the images. The photobook also includes Mizuchi’s Recipe Notebook, highlighting recipes from around the world with comments by popular cookbook author Yummy. Fans can also look forward to plenty of interviews with the cast and crew along with behind-the-scenes filming and production details.
Information
Zenra Meshi Official Photobook -Our Recipes Start Here-
Release Date: June 23, 2023
Price: ¥3,850
Publisher: Tokyo News
*The book may be released on a different date depending on the area.■Purchase Bonus
Amazon: Limited Edition Cover
We! Premium Limited Store: Photo (Shori Kondo)
Seven Net Shopping: Autographed Photobook (Shori Kondo or Yutaro)<Notes>
*The start date and time for orders may vary depending on the store. Check each company’s website for details.
*Purchase bonuses and limited-edition copies are available while supplies last.
*Additional retailers and special offers may be added in the future.
*Availability will vary by store. Please check with each location for details.Official Photobook Release Event
Date: June 24, 2023
Venue: Tokyo
More details will be released later in TOKYO NEWS magazine&mook (https://zasshi.tv/) -
Rilakkuma 20th Anniversary Cafe Be Held in Omotesando, Tokyo in March and April
06.March.2023 | ANIME&GAME / FOOD / SPOT
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 -
Akiyoshido Cave in Yamaguchi to be Illuminated for Christmas & Valentine Theater Event
26.December.2022 | SPOT
The Mine City Tourism Association has announced a Christmas & Valentine’s Day event at Akiyoshido Cave, one of the largest limestone caves in Japan. The event will see the natural wonder illuminated by a number of colorful lights. The Christmas event will run from December 21 to 25, 2022, while the Valentine’s Day event will run from February 10 to 14, 2023.
Akiyoshido Cave is one of Yamaguchi Prefecture’s most popular tourist attractions. The interior will be decorated with colorful lights and unique soundscapes, creating a once-in-a-lifetime setting for visitors. These illuminations and sounds were directed by world-renowned lighting designer Motoko Ishii, known for her work on Tokyo Tower and the Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge.
Information
Christmas & Valentine Theater ~ Akiyoshido Cave ‘Fantasy of Light and Echoes’
Dates:
Christmas Theater: December 21 – December 25, 2022
Valentine Theater: February 10 – February 14, 2023
Times: (1) 10:00-11:00 (2) 12:00-13:00 (3) 14:00-15:00
3 events per dayVenue:
Akiyoshido Cave, Shuhocho Akiyoshi, Mine, YamaguchiTickets/Details: https://karusuto.com/event/christmas-valentine-theater-2022/
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Rilakkuma Celebrates 20th Birthday with Strawberry Buffet at the Keio Plaza Hotel
The Keio Plaza Hotel in Tokyo is celebrating Rilakkuma’s birthday in the sweetest way! The Strawberry Collection with Rilakkuma sweets buffet will be available from January 7 until March 31, 2023 at All-Day Dining Jurin on the hotel’s second floor.
The most popular strawberry buffet will be back and better than ever in 2023. Sweets featuring Rilakkuma and his friends will be on full display, including strawberry tarts, tiramisu, and other strawberry-filled sweets. The lazy bear’s favorite pudding and pancakes will also be available along with soothing hot tea for the cold winter months. This will mark the first time that Rilakkuma’s sweets buffet will appear at a hotel.
Small tartlets featuring Korilakkuma and Kiiroitori will be too cute to eat, and Chairoikoguma will appear on cookie sandwiches.
The dessert plate will include gorgeous fondant chocolate with images of Rilakkuma and each of his friends to set the mood for the opening of the event.
The location itself will also be decked out in sweet decorations, with guests being welcomed at the door. Taking pictures is encouraged, so make a reservation today if you’re looking to impress on Instagram!
©2022 San-X Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
Information
Strawberry Collection with Rilakkuma
*Reservations required
Running: January 7 – March 31, 2023
Venue: All-Day Dining Jurin / 2FTimes: (1) 15:00-17:00 (Last order at 16:30) / (2) 15:30-17:30 (Last order at 17:00)
Details/Reservations: https://www.keioplaza.co.jp/event/strawberry-sweets/
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Godiva Japan Launches Animal Crossing: New Horizons Valentine’s Day Collection
06.December.2022 | ANIME&GAME / FOOD
Godiva Japan has announced an exclusive collaboration with Animal Crossing: New Horizons for Valentine’s Day 2023! Products in the collection will be available in limited quantities and for a limited time starting January 6, 2023 at Godiva stores nationwide, Godiva Online, the Godiva cafe, and convenience stores nationwide.
Fans of chocolate and this beloved Nintendo Switch title can find unique assortments of tasty treats decorated with images of different characters and logos from the Nintendo Switch game. Certain bundles also come with an original pouch, and some assortments are only available at certain locations or at convenience stores nationwide. A total of six items will be available.
These products will also be sold in an original collaboration-only box depicting Godiva’s 2023 Valentine’s Day collection theme, a merry-go-round, and characters from the game.
~Godiva meets Animal Crossing~
Heart
Leaf Symbol
Chocolate with Game Logo
Tom Nook
Timmy and Tommy
Isabelle
Dom
Marshall
Rosie
Godiva meets Animal Crossing Assortment (6 pieces)
Godiva meets Animal Crossing Assortment (6 pieces) with Original Pouch
Godiva meets Animal Crossing Assortment (9 pieces)
Godiva meets Animal Crossing Assortment (9 pieces) (Events Only)
Tom Nook
Isabelle
Timmy & Tommy
Chocolate with Game Logo
Godiva meets Animal Crossing Assortment (4 Pieces) *Convenience Store Exclusive
Godiva meets Animal Crossing G Chocolate Assortment & Tin (7 pieces)
©2020 Nintendo
Information
Godiva meets Animal Crossing
Release Date: January 6, 2023
Where to Buy: Godiva stores nationwide, Godiva Online Shop, Godiva Cafe, Convenience Stores nationwide
*Limited quantities available
Official Site: https://www.godiva.co.jp/
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Report: Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s Tasty Time in Gastropolis Kobe – Sweets Edition
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 Sabo
Address: 24 Kyomachi, Chuo Ward, Kobe (Inside the Kobe City Museum)
Hours: 9:30-17:30 (Last Order at 16:30)
Closed Mondays
Official 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 MILK
Address: Shin-Motomachi Building 1F (1 Motomachi-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe)
Hours: Weekdays 9:30-19:00 / Weekends 9:30-19:30
Official 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 House
Address: 2-9-3 Kitanocho, Chuo-ku, Kobe
Hours: 11:00-17:00
Closed Tuesdays
Official 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
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Touken Ranbu ONLINE Inspires Original Chocolate Candies
12.October.2022 | ANIME&GAME / FOOD
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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ANNA’S by Landtmann in Shibuya Scramble Square Now Offering Halloween Sweets
11.October.2022 | FOOD
ANNA’S by Landtmann, a cafe located inside +Q Beauty on the 6th floor of Shibuya Scramble Square, has begun selling two Halloween cakes! These spooky sweets will be available until October 31, 2022.
Halloween Mont Blanc
Halloween Poison Apple
Guests will be able to snag the Halloween Mont Blanc and Halloween Poison Apple cakes, available for ¥580 each including tax. The Mont Blanc is filled with pumpkin custard and Chantilly cream. The Poison Apple is a sweet and sour cake featuring a blend of chocolate mousse covered in red glaze and applesauce with apple pulp.
Which of these two adorable cakes would you like to enjoy this autumn?
Information
ANNA’S by Landtmann Halloween Cakes
Available: October 4 – October 31, 2022
Official Site: https://www.giraud.co.jp/annas/
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Second Sylvanian Families Sweets Buffet to Open with a Christmas Theme
11.October.2022 | FASHION
Keio Plaza Hotel in Tokyo will hold a special Christmas-themed Sylvanian Families buffet starting November 1, 2022. This is the second Sylvanian Families event following the previous Halloween-themed buffet, which became extremely popular. Some guests even bring their own Sylvanian Families dolls!
Starting in November, visitors can enjoy a full lineup of 20 scrumptious dishes inspired by the cake shop found in Sylvania Village. Some sweets are also inspired by the many beloved characters found in the series, and anyone wanting to get into the Christmas spirit won’t want to miss this exclusive event. For those without a sweet tooth, some light lunches will also be available.
The restaurant will also erect a decorative display of Sylvanian Families enjoying a Christmas party and a sweet diorama made exclusively of desserts by the pasty chef. Guests can enjoy tea time while getting lost in this magical world, so get excited about the Christmas season!
1. Sweets Inspired by the World of Sylvanian Families
2. Become Enthralled by a Wonderful Winter World of Sweets
3. Exclusive! Sweets Diorama and Sylvanian Families Photo Spot
4. Light Meals Perfect for Winter and Burgers Featuring Original Illustrations
5. A Special Plan to Enjoy the Buffet with Sylvanian Families Babies
Information
Sweets Collection with Sylvanian Families
Running: November 1 – December 31, 2022
Venue: Keio Plaza Hotel’s Jurin Restaurant
Price: ¥5,500 (Adults) / ¥3,000 (Children 4-12) *Children under 3 free
Details/Reservations: https://www.keioplaza.co.jp/event/autumn-sweets/#event02
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Rilakkuma Cream Soda Appears at Maholova Minds Miura Tokyo Bay Hotel
Maholova Minds Miura, a hot spring resort on the Miura Peninsula in Kanagawa Prefecture, celebrated its 30th anniversary in June 2022. Royal Salon Yamato, a popular spot for coffee and parties since its opening, was transformed into the Rita Cafe this summer.
On September 23, Rita Cafe will begin selling its own original cream soda!Rilakkuma’s Miura Ocean Cream Soda / Korilakkuma’s Watermelon Cream Soda
Rilakkuma Room (Bedroom/Living Room)
To celebrate the special Rilakkuma room and Korilakkuma room, guests can enjoy two new drinks: Rilakkuma’s Miura Ocean Cream Soda and Korilakkuma’s Watermelon Cream Soda. The rooms aren’t too easy to book, but even if you can’t, at least you can see plenty of adorable pictures on social media!
Information
Rilakkuma’s Miura Ocean Cream Soda / Korilakkuma’s Watermelon Cream Soda
Available: September 23, 2022
Details: https://www.maholova-minds.com/lp/rilakkuma/lunch.php -
Hilton Tokyo Odaiba to Hold Second Touken Ranbu ONLINE Collaboration Sweets Buffet
20.September.2022 | ANIME&GAME / FOOD
From October 21 until November 30, 2022, Hilton Tokyo Odaiba will hold the Touken Ranbu ONLINE Special Buffet ~Black & White~ event! This second collaboration with the popular series will be held Grillogy Bar and Grill on the second floor.
Dessert Menu
Drink Menu
Drink Order Bonus: Original Coaster (8 varieties)
At the buffet, guests can enjoy luxurious dishes inspired by characters from the sword-centered game and anime series. The desserts blend Japanese and Western cuisine, and special cocktails will be available during the first phase, each coming with a special coaster as a bonus! In addition, original goods will be on sale at the venue, so don’t miss it!
Information
Touken Ranbu ONLINE Special Buffet ~Black & White~
Running: October 21 – November 30, 2022
Reservation Start Dates and Times:
Lottery Opens: September 16, 12:00~
General Reservations Open: October 6, 12:00~
*Lottery reservations and general reservations will be open
for the first and second runs.*Please see the official website for the full reservation schedule.
Venue: Hilton Tokyo Odaiba 2F Restaurant, Grillogy Bar and Grill
*Reservations required
Tickets/Details: https://odaiba.site/
Online Shop: https://touken-yorozuya.com/
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Yokohama Royal Park Hotel to Hold Halloween Sweets Fair in October
From October 1 until October 31, Yokohama Royal Park Hotel will hold a special Halloween Fair at its delicatessen and lounge Coffret. In addition to six playful sweets from the Halloween Frankenstein to the Halloween Mummy, two types of autumn bread featuring pumpkin and purple sweet potato will be available, allowing guests to enjoy the taste of the season!
Halloween FrankensteinHalloween Cat
Halloween Mont Blanc
Halloween Mummy
Halloween Pudding
Halloween Pound Cake
Pumpkin Cream Fondue / Halloween Anpan
Come enjoy this Halloween with some cute and silly sweets!
Information
Halloween Fair
Running: October 1 – October 31, 2022
Venue: Coffret Delicatessen and Lounge, 1F
Hours: Lounge 10:00-20:00 (*Cakes served starting at 11:00) /
Delicatessen 11:00-20:00
Reservations: 045-221-1111 (Representatives available 11:00-20:00)