When I was a kid, I found myself relating to Maruko-chan a lot. I was bad at studying, I loved just kicking back and relaxing, was sly, was always spoiled by my mother. I’ve always thought I was just like Maruko. I spent my childhood together with her, reading Ribon magazine, reading manga, and watching anime. I love her so much that even to this day, when I’m at home on Sundays, I never fail to watch the show.

Then there was Coji-Coji, who has a mellow and laid-back outlook, whose lines are sharp and quick, and who, if you see him, is sure to get a surprised reaction out of you. I was raised reading Chibi Maruko-chan, meaning I was of course a fan of the author Momoko Sakura, so it was only natural that I loved Coji-Coji which she wrote too.

With that long introduction out of the way, it’s time for the main event. Combining the best of both worlds and my two favourites, the new MARUKO & COJICOJI CAFÉ opened at Ginza Marionette Gate 1 on January 31 and it’s set to run until July 31.

I form part of the editorial team here at MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON, and loving Maruko-chan as much as I do, I of course had to make a trip to the cafe. I was joined by Chinese model and talent Etsuna.

Artwork from the Markuko-chan and Coji-Coji picture book Ehon Maru Koji. The pictures have a gentle touch to them and are enough to make you feel at ease at the first glance.

You feel warm and fluffy seeing the two of them getting along together like this.

There’s huge pieces of artwork too like this one Etsuna is standing next to.

The tables have these lunch mats on them. There’s two designs; one of Maruko and Coji-Coji walking across a field of grass and another with them swimming in the ocean amongst the fishes. Both are just too precious♡ I feel happy seeing the two of them having fun together. Boy, am I glad I came here.

The menu line-up is overflowing with originality too, each like its own little art piece. I ordered the baked cheesecake with a drink and Etsuna got the parfait drink.

Coji-Coji Is Here Cheesecake (w/Drink) – ¥1,380 (Before Tax)

The cheesecake is topped with Coji-Coji and Mount Fuji cookies. You can get a Maruko-chan cookie instead of Coji-Coji too, but I went for the Coji-Coji one. The cheesecake has a refreshing taste with cream that’s not overly sweet. And when you add the berry sauce, it becomes a completely different delicious flavour.

I ordered a hot black coffee as part of the set, and the mug it was serve in had an original design on it in line with the cafe’s theme. You can buy these mugs new there too.

Onigiri Aliens & The Star Festival Parfait – ¥1,700 (Before Tax)

This drink is inspired by the Milky Way of Tanabata. It’s topped with Maruko-chan, Coji-Coji, and alien cookies.

Etsuna was spellbound by its gorgeous purple colour too♡

The parfait and drink come in separate vessels、so I recommend enjoying them one at a time. After tucking into the subtly sweet fruits, vanilla ice cream, and cream of your parfait, feel even more refreshed with a sip of your cream cheese-filled drink.

The Three Of Us Get Along – ¥1,880 (Before Tax)

There are plenty of colourful options to choose from the menu, but the one that struck my attention the most was this tomato cream and pumpkin sauce mix which contains seafood.

You get an edible Maruko-chan and Coji-Coji on the side too with tears in their eyes… what a melancholic expression. I feel sad just looking at this one.

The character cookies aren’t just printed on – each and every one is hand drawn carefully. Which means the both of them have lots of different expressions! And they seem such a waste to eat (though of course I ate them all…)

If you want to see what else is on the menu, check out our other article here: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/ja/289822

Mug: ¥1,200 (Before Tax)

The cafe sells its own exclusive merchandise too, like the mug I got when my coffee and cake arrived.

Masking Tapes – ¥350 Each / Ballpoint Pens – ¥600 Each

B6 Notebooks – ¥280 Each

I picked up a notebook, pen and some masking tape. Perfect for when the cherry blossom season starts.

Hand Towel: ¥400 (Before Tax)

Etsuna got her hands on a hand towel. Everything they have in stock is cute, so I urge you to get lost in the wares of the MARUKO & COJICOJI CAFÉ if you visit! It’s possible to book a table in advance, but the weekends are particularly busy, so if you have a day in mind don’t forget to book.

The MARUKO & COJICOJI CAFÉ is packed full of Momoko Sakura’s world. It was a mix of fun, cute, sad, and relaxing.

When I’m looking at Chibi Maruko-chan, I think of Sakura, and my chest feels tight and painful. But coming to this cafe made me think that when I look at Maruko-chan and her radiating personality, not just in the world of anime but in various different places, I feel that even if I’ve become an adult, I can always live my life together with Maruko-chan and Momoko Sakura, and that makes me happy. If you love Maruko-chan, Coji-Coji, and Momoko Sakura too, then be sure to jump into the picture book world of Ehon Maru Koji at MARUKO & COJICOJI CAFÉ.

©️Momoko Sakura ©️Sakura Production