Model, DJ, and photographer Hikari Shibata will hold her first photo exhibition in five years, THROUGH THE WINDOW, at the FLOAT Gallery in Tokyo for four days starting September 8, 2023.

The exhibition’s title was inspired by Shibata’s shyness, which has always led her to photograph landscapes rather than people. Many photos were taken through windows, and both the view and reflections are meaningful and personal to Shibata herself.

This year’s exhibition features photos of daily life taken in Copenhagen, Denmark’s largest city, where Shibata stayed for a total of three weeks in March 2023. It will also feature photographs snapped in Berlin, Los Angeles, and New York City.

Shibata will visit the gallery in person to present her creations. In addition to the sale of exhibited photographs, guests will also be able to purchase T-shirts, hats, and Shibata’s first photobook, the latter of which is available in limited quantities. The self-published 112-page hardcover book was entirely designed by Shibata herself. T-shirts will be available in two colors and feature the title of the exhibition, while hats will come in three colors with an embroidered graphic image of the sun reflected in a window.

Japanese glasses brand Zoff has announced the release of a Summer Collection in its popular Zoff CLASSIC series which will hit Zoff stores across Japan on April 30, 2021.

The Line-Up

ZA191010_13A1 | ¥5,500 (Tax Included/Includes Lens Set)

ZA191019_50A1 Light Yellow/ZA191019_21A1 Pink | ¥8,800 Each (Tax Included/Includes Lens Set)

ZA201011_21A2 Pink | ¥5,500 (Tax Included/Includes Lens Set)

ZA201012_60A1 Light Green | ¥5,500 (Tax Included/Includes Lens Set)

ZC191009_64A1 Olive/ZC191009_11A1 Light Grey | ¥8,800 Each (Tax Included/Includes Lens Set)

ZC191010_40A1 Ivory/ZC191010_00A1 Clear | ¥8,800 Each (Tax Included/Includes Lens Set)

ZH211001_50A1 Light Yellow/ZH211001_49B1 Tortoiseshell/ZH211001_42A1 Light Brown/ZH211001_14E1 Black | ¥8,800 Each (Tax Included/Includes Lens Set)

ZH211002_72A1 Navy/ZH211002_49A1 Tortoiseshell/ZH211002_23A1 Dark Pink/ZH211002_00A1 Clear | ¥8,800 Each (Tax Included/Includes Lens Set)

ZH211003_72A1 Navy/ZH211003_64E1 Olive/ZH211003_50A1 Light Yellow/ZH211003_18E1 White & Black/ZH211003_12A1 Grey | ¥5,500 (Tax Included/Includes Lens Set)

ZN211006_50A1 Light Yellow/ZN211006_48A1 Brown Gradation/ZN211006_20A1 Light Pink/ZN211006_12A1 Grey/ZN211006_00A1 Clear | ¥8,800 (Tax Included/Includes Lens Set)

ZY212001_57F1 Antique Gold/ZY212001_14F1 Black | ¥8,800 (Tax Included/Includes Lens Set)

ZY212002_43E1 Brown/ZY212002_21E1 Pink | ¥8,800 (Tax Included/Includes Lens Set)

ZY212010_57F1 Antique Gold/ZY212010_56E1 Gold/ZY212010_21E1 Pink/ZY212010_14E1 Black | ¥8,800 (Tax Included/Includes Lens Set)

ZF213005_14E1 Black/ZF213005_48E1 Brown Gradation/ZF213005_68F1 Green Gradation | ¥13,300 (Tax Included/Includes Lens Set)

ZF213006_14E1 Black/ZF213006_21E1 Pink/ZF213006_43E1 Brown | ¥13,300 (Tax Included/Includes Lens Set)

ZF213007_14F1 Black/ZF213007_24E1 Dark Red/ZF213007_41F1 Beige | ¥13,300 (Tax Included/Includes Lens Set)

Zoff CLASSIC is a popular series with a line-up of around 150 different glasses options at any given time, with designs ranging from detailed and authentic vintage looks to more seasonal and trendy modern takes. Also as part of the bigger series is the Zoff SMART CLASSIC range. This one has 44 models made from a fusion of high-functioning titanium and ultem which make each pair a comfortable wear. With glasses and face masks being a common combination today, Zoff’s Summer Collection this year is a fresh line-up that doesn’t weigh heavily on the eye area, allowing them to stand out above face masks.

Donning the looks for Zoff’s summer promo shoot is all four members of the Fukuoka-based Japanese band yonawo as well as model and camerawoman Hikari Shibata. This marks the first time the yonawo members have come together to feature in a promotion like this and is a chance for fans to see them all in glasses.

Zoff is hosting a campaign for 10 lucky people to win a wear of glasses from the Zoff CLASSIC Summer Collection. Check the link below.

PEANUTS Cafe Nakameguro is now serving up two new cherry blossom beverages for the spring season: the Sakura Lemonade and Sakura Charred Marshmallow Latte, both of which are now available to order until April 11.

Sakura Charred Marshmallow Latte ¥700 (Before Tax) / Sakura Lemonade ¥650 (Before Tax)

PEANUTS Cafe Nakameguro serves limited-time drinks every cherry blossom season in Japan, and this year is no different. Both beverages capture the cute pink tones of the country’s national flower which invite feelings of springtime walks and Hanami flower viewing.

(C) 2021 Peanuts Worldwide LLC

Six branches of the hugely-popular PEANUTS Cafe in Japan are welcoming a collection of tasty new seasonal menu items this Saturday which are set to be served until March 14.

The Limited-Time Line-Up

Brownie Charles’s Brownie Chocolat | ¥950 (Before Tax)

Strawberry Whipped Hot Chocolate | Eat In ¥750 – Takeout ¥700 (Before Tax)

The collection includes a chocolate brownie inspired by the scene when Charlie Brown meets Peggy Jean for the first time. He is very nervous and mistakenly introduces himself as “Brownie Charlies.” There’s also a sweet strawberry hot chocolate topped with a squirt of whipped cream and drizzle of strawberry sauce.

(C) 2021 Peanuts Worldwide LLC

Starbucks Coffee Japan has announced that the holiday season at Starbucks Reserve®︎ Roastery Tokyo is set to begin on November 13, 2020. “Special Roastery Holiday” is the theme this year, for which the specialist coffee branch will be serving a line-up of unique beverages for the holiday season, as well as decorating each of its three floors.

Eggnog Latte ¥900 | Butterscotch Chai Tea Latte ¥950 | Nakameguro Porthole Winter ¥4,200 | Strawberry Chai Nog ¥2,000 (Before Tax)

This autumn and winter, the Roastery is serving a variety of seasonal flavours for its “STARBUCKS RESERVE® CHRISTMAS 2020” line-up. Customers can look forward to the smell of warm cedar fragrance, orange marmalade, spices, and butterscotch. These beverages, each of which is served on a different floor at the coffee shop, are so beautiful they almost seem a waste to sip.

Bottom Right: Cornetti Lampone Chocolate ¥420 | Bottom Left: Maritozzo Lampone & Fragola ¥380 | Top Left: Holiday Panettone ¥5,400 | Top Right: Zuppa Inglese ¥580

Popular Italian bakery Princi® has baked up a selection of authentic Italian treats for the holiday season too, including a classic panettone.

Red Stainless Steel Tumbler 473ml ¥3,800 | Red Round Mug 355ml ¥2,500 | Small Red Tote Bag ¥2,300 | Round Tumbler 355ml ¥2,500 (Before Tax)

Starbucks Reserve®︎ Roastery Tokyo is also selling some limited-edition merchandise too both in-store and on their website so everyone can enjoy delicious drinks at home too.

In this edition of The Café That You Want to Visit to See Someone, I visited Kayaba Coffee, a coffee shop in Yanaka, Tokyo, which is a perfect example of the old and traditional shitamachi neighbourhoods.

Kayaba Coffee is just a 10-minute walk from both Nezu Station and Nippori Station.

This is a place I’ve visited in my private time out of work and I’m always excited to go. Kayaba Coffee was established in 1938, and actually closed in 2006. But due to public demand, the cafe reopened just two years later in 2008. It’s a popular coffee shop loved by people of all generations.

Time to head on in.

The first floor houses the counter and table seats, while the seating on the second floor is traditional zashiki style on tatami flooring. Although it’s a cafe, you I feel so relaxed in there that it’s like I’m visiting my grandma’s house. The sun shines through the big windows, making you all warm and want to take a nap.

I ordered their super popular egg sandwich! The menu was changed in May this year, and a new and improved version of their egg sandwich was put on there. It’s made using sourdough bread from VANER, a local bakery in Uenosakuragi not far from the cafe.

Breakfast Menu – Egg Sandwich | ¥1,000

The chewy, sour bread is the perfect combination with the fluffy eggs.

Lemon Squash | ¥600

The lemon squash has a cinnamon aftertaste. Everything on the menu is made with love and perfection; before I realised it, I was hooked on going there.

Strawberry Shaved Ice | ¥800

This was my first shaved ice of the year! I went with the classic strawberry flavour. The syrup is super juicy and nearly collapsed the fluffy shaved ice the moment I put it on. It has a syrupy texture and the strawberry juice has a sweet and sour kick that’s just simply delightful♡

And you can make it even sweeter by pouring over your desired amount of condensed milk. It was really tasty.

Kayaba Coffee is the same as it was back in the day, and continues to be loved dearly. I think even people who visit it for the first time will feel a sense of nostalgia. If you have a place you can go to relax on bad days or when you’re feeling down, it’s sure to give you the strength to work hard again. This cafe is a wonderful place that’s close to people’s hearts.

I want to visit there again already.

Writer/Model: Ema Tanioku
Photographer: Haruka Yamamoto
Design: Yuko Takayama (ASOBISYSTEM)

Translator: Joshua Kitosi-Isanga

RIVERSIDE CLUB officially opened on the first floor of “THE WORKS” along Meguro River in Tokyo on July 17, 2020. An all-day lounge which can be enjoyed from breakfast to dinner, its concept is a fusion of food, art, and music cultures which it calls “GOOD CULTURE SALON.”

RIVERSIDE CLUB boasts an incredible menu forged by chefs at the forefront of Tokyo’s food culture. Meals can be enjoyed while gazing at the various artwork on display, and customers can look forward to seeing collaborations with numerous apparel brands. It’s a unique space designed by adults for adults, the likes of which has never been seen before.

Comfort food is at the heart of RIVERSIDE CLUB’s menu design which they have cooked up using their own unique vision.

For breakfast, customers can enjoy a healthy smoothie made from a blend of kale, pineapple, kiwi and avocado. If they’re looking for something more classic, they can order the avocado toast served with bacon and eggs, or cold-pressed juice by SUNSHINE JUICE which hails as Japan’s first shop specialising in cold-pressed juice. The thought behind the morning menu is making sure to get both a tasty and nutritional meal down customers even if they’re in a rush.

If customers are looking for something a bit more hearty in the morning then they can check out the all-day menu where they’ll find the lounge’s fat and juicy 100% beef “RIVERSIDE BURGER.” There’s also the “Lemon Rice” provided by LEMON RICE TOKYO, a popular Shibuya-based restaurant owned by Yuhi Komiyama, the vocalist of Hoff Dylan and known as the gourmet chef of the music industry. Everything on the menu is made with Tokyo’s food culture in mind, and if you’re looking for something very Tokyo-esque, then there’s the “Hamburger Naporitan,” a bed of spaghetti topped with a hamburger.

Popular foods from NAKAMURA GENERAL STORE will also be served, such as scones, carrot cake, apple crumble, lemon pie, and more. NAKAMURA GENERAL STORE is a popular Hawaiian bakery which was originally in charge of pastries served at Diamond Head Market & Grill, which is famous for its Hawaiian lunches and scones, but subsequently opened its own store in Kyoto and became so popular that it often sells out its stock by evening time. Coffee made using specially selected coffee beans provided by Minami-Aoyama-based coffee rosters will also be served and goes perfectly with NAKAMURA GENERAL STORE’s food. Customers will be able to order their own coffees or buy their own bag of beans to take home.

RIVERSIDE CLUB has collaborated with numerous artists for graphics on show there. Their logo was created by “& Supply,” a Tokyo-based creative studio. Various artwork will be displayed, including a photograph of Lady Gaga taken by Nobuyoshi Araki for a bondage-themed photoshoot in Vogue Hommes Japan. Pieces by LEEGET, who creates graphics and illustrations, will also be displayed. RIVERSIDE CLUB will continue to serve its “GOOD CULTURE SALON” theme by promoting more artwork in the future.

RIVERSIDE CLUB also allows pets, so customers can enjoy a quiet time with their furry comrades. Pets will get their own pet-friendly menu, toys, and more in the future.

In this edition of The Café That You Want to Visit to See Someone, I visited Sepia in Shibamata, a Showa-retro style cafe which I’ve always wanted to visit.

The cafe is just a 2-minute stroll from Shibamata Station which appears in the Japanese film Otoko wa Tsurai yo. The walk along the road that leads to Sepia, which is nearby the Buddhist temple Shibamata Taishakuten, is a pleasant one. Tokyo is a city consistently perceived as one that is cutting-edge in every aspect, but what I felt from each and every building surrounding Shibamata Station was a kind of warmth that you feel when something has history to it.

It’s been seven years since I came to Tokyo. Visiting Shibamata made me me realised how many places there are which I still don’t know about. It invigorated me. As my mind wandered with these pondering thoughts, I finally spotted the sign outside the cafe, and it sure is a cute one!

The moment I stepped inside, I stood, my mouth agape, and looked at my surroundings. It’s the first time I’ve entered such a bright, shining cafe. It was littered with characters I’ve never seen before, manga, magazines, and more.

When you hear the word kira kira (“glitter,” “sparkle”), the first thing that comes to mind for a lot of people is probably Harajuku and the Harajuku style, but Sepia’s version of kira kira is a nostalgic one betwixt 1965 and 1975 during the Showa Period. The cafe is incredibly delicate in every spot and corner, like I’m looking inside some grand treasure chest.

The owner of Sepia is Kiyoko Hasezawa. The cafe gets its name from the manga Milky Sepia Monogatari by Ako Mutsu. Ms. Hasezawa said that she wanted to bring to life the world of the manga she loved. The cafe is full of her dreams and is enjoyed by everyone, both children and adults alike.

The cafe menu is even inspired by the food that appears in the Milky Sepia Monogatari manga. The hard pudding I had, which combined caramel sauce and cream, was an absolute delight.

Homemade Showa Pudding & Cream Soda Set: ¥1,200

If we’re talking cafes, then you can’t go wrong with cream soda. The cream soda served at Sepia comes in seven different flavours and colours: melon, Blue Hawaii, strawberry, lemon, peach, grape, and orange. I was spoilt for choice on which to go for, but in the end I went with the pink-coloured strawberry. It had a sweet flavour and was really delicious.

Strawberry Cream Soda: ¥750

I devoured the hotcakes too. The pastry was so fluffy and tasty – I could have eaten a hundred of them. The second one I ate with honey.

Hotcakes: ¥600

At the back of the cafe, they also have the “Candy Candy Museum.” There’s a personal collection of items from Candy H Milky, a female fashion enthusiastic who used to be a customer at Sepia. There’s a photo spot for snapping a photo in the cafe too.

It’s a great time getting to go and look at the displays after eating. I recommend going to see the collection yourself with your own eyes. Entry to the museum is ¥300.

There’s a tearoom up on the second floor which has a nostalgic vibe to it. I felt warm and relaxed, like I’d been transported to my grandma’s house.

Humans can’t travel back in time, but if we look after mementos properly, we can go back there in our minds and memories. Sepia, a place that continues to be cherished and loved, is everybody’s treasure trove.

My oh my, I really want to go back there again.

Writer/Model：Ema Tanioku
Photographer：Haruka Yamamoto
Design：Yuko Takayama（ASOBISYSTEM）

Starbucks Reserve®︎ Roastery Tokyo boasts the most incredible location, sitting by the side of Nakameguro, one of Tokyo’s most famous spots for seeing the cherry blossoms in spring.

This year, the coffee roastery’s “Sakura Season” is set to begin on February 15, when its cherry blossom-inspired merchandise collection is released, along with a line-up of pink beverages and food.

The official Starbucks sakura merchandise ranges from tumblers and mugs to a key ring, handkerchief, and more, for a total of 10 items.

Strawberry Chia Oolong – ¥900

Poppun Sakura Jasmine Tea – ¥950

Floating Blossom – ¥900

Six beautiful beverages from last year’s Sakura Season at Starbucks are also making a return from the Teavana™️ brand, made with delicate and soft cherries, hibiscus, and tea leaves as refreshing as green grass.

Clockwise From Left: Gianchetti & Sakura – ¥880 / Mini Panettone Sakura – ¥680 / Cornetti Sakura – ¥380 / Maritozzo Sakura – ¥540

Italian bakery Princi®︎ is also heading to Japan for the first time to serve up Italian food culture to people at Starbucks Reserve®︎ Roastery Tokyo. Enjoy the floral taste of cherry blossoms done in a Princi®︎ way.

Heading to Tokyo for Hanami and the cherry blossoms? Then make a stop at Starbucks Reserve®︎ Roastery Tokyo for this year’s Sakura Season.

Starbucks Coffee Japan has collaborated with BEAMS Creative Lab (ビームス創造研究), which is led by Kazuyoshi Minamimagoe, Senior Creative Director at BEAMS, to release a collection of merchandise to celebrate the coming New Year. The items arrived at Starbucks Reserve® Roastery Tokyo on December 17.

Since opening on February 28, 2019, Roastery Tokyo has collaborated with BEAMS Creative Lab on three separate occasions to release collections of merchandise themed on “Play,” “Travel,” and “Go out!” respectively. They have proven popular with both Japanese and foreign customers. For this fourth collaboration, the theme is “Lucky Charms.”

The line-up of items range from classic Japanese New Year’s celebratory items like pochibukuro mini envelopes and a towel with a New Year’s greeting design on it to Roastery Tokyo-exclusive Kewpie dolls coloured copper and silver like the roasters in the coffee shop.

Look over the past year and beckon the New Year with a cup of coffee at Starbucks and some festive goodies.

Starbucks Reserve® Roastery Tokyo released six new products on December 5 in collaboration with Shimada Koen Ningyo Kobo, a long-standing traditional maker of Japanese gosho-ningyo dolls.

Golden Cup, Shimada Koen Ningyo Kobo – ¥50,000 (Before Tax)

The relationship between Starbucks and Shimada Koen Ningyo Kobo began when Starbucks opened its branch at Kyoto Ninenzaka Yasaka Chaya in Kyoto, which is known for having tatami flooring, as the dollmaker’s studio is located near it. There is a waving cat wearing a green apron at that Starbucks which was designed by the 5th generation of Shimada Koen.

Waving Cat, Shimada Koen Ningyo Kobo – ¥30,000 (Before Tax)

Shimada Koen specialises in making gosho-ningyo, dolls with distinct features such as stout forms, pure white skin, tiny legs and hands, a big face, and an overall cute appearance reminiscent of a child. In the Edo Period they were developed as gifts associated with the Court.

Bell Rat, Shimada Koen Ningyo Kobo – ¥3,500 (Before Tax)

The line-up of six dolls feature Starbucks Reserve® Roastery Tokyo motifs and are made with considered thought in mind, including the bonds between people and enjoying happiness throughout the yearーdesires upheld by Starbucks.

If you’re looking for a cool café experience in Tokyo then head to Nakameguro for a goldmine of craft beer taprooms, coffee roasters and restaurants. One café to consider adding to your list of must-go places is music café and wine bar epulor. The café has added a number of exquisite and unique items to its menu this November including a matcha drink, black bean paste and butter toast and craft cola.

Take a seat and admire the walls of old records which create a soothing artistic atmosphere while sipping your cup of the café’s specialty hand drip coffee or sommelier-selected wine as the music of old records fills the air. When you have finished, feel free to take a gander at the gallery corner to appreciate the cafés art. 

The November menu introduces a high-quality matcha by UK brand Matchæologist®, providing the opportunity to make and enjoy your own matcha drink. From the high-quality rich flavour to the contemporary design of the tea vessel, Matchæologist® lives up to its reputation as artisanal matcha green tea specialists.

Fans of epulor’s popular Red Bean Paste and Butter Toast are in for a treat as the café is now serving up the Black Bean Paste and Butter Toast. The bread is a charcoal bread from the bakery Lotus baguette, which uses only natural yeast, Japan-produced wheat and no additives. The binchotan charcoal used to prepare the bread is a traditional charcoal which has been used since the Edo period. The appearance is just as striking as its taste. 

The café has also started to sell Japan’s craft cola TOMO COLA. The cola is spiced with flavours from around the world including kola nut, nutmeg, Japanese herbs and Japanese citrus fruits. This natural cola contains no additives so you can indulge in the taste of nature and enjoy a unique flavourful experience of Japan. 

epulor is the perfect spot to enjoy a luxurious moment of relaxation during your busy day while immersing yourself in an artistic and cultural experience.