The Ise Shop, offering products from one of the most beautiful coastal cities in Mie Prefecture, is now open at Aobadai Tokyu Square in Aobadai Station, Yokohama, from February 2 until February 27, 2022. The store sells items that are usually only available in Ise!

Akafuku Mochi (8 pieces): ¥760 (Tax Included)/Akafuku Mochi(12 pieces): ¥1,100 (Tax Included)

The Ise Shop sells about 100 food items and other goods, but the most popular item by far is Akafuku mochi. Only sold on Saturdays, these treats are often sold out by the afternoon!

Available on February 19, February 26

ISE Cardamon Cola (720ml): ¥4,860 (Tax Included)

Traveling Ise Tea Assortment Pack: ¥900 (Tax Included)

Ise Shrine houses the guardian deity of food, so these foods and drinks on offer are extra tasty. ISE Cardamom Cola is a healthy soda that contains no added color, preservatives, or flavors. It includes a blend of over a dozen spices and lemons from Mie Prefecture. The tea assortment pack is made with tea leaves from Mie, which offer plenty of natural sweetness.

Nakano Yogurt: ¥216 (Tax Included)

This yogurt is made from Nakano Milk, which has been producing and selling milk in Ise since the Taisho Era. Served in a retro-style jar, it has a low acidity and is well-loved by the locals.

Ise Shrine Guidebook: ¥1,100 (Tax Included)

The shop also has a number of goods related to the famous Ise Shrine.

Ise Lululun (Tree Scented / 7 packs x 4 bags): ¥1,870 (Tax Included)

Hand Cream with Water from the Isuzu River (50g): ¥1,100 (Tax Included)

Ise Lululun is a face mask containing Sakaki leaf extract from Ise Sakaki trees. The moisturizing ingredients help brighten the skin. 

The Ise Shop also provides guests with information on sightseeing in Ise City! With travel still restricted due to the pandemic, this is a great way to feel as though you’re getting away to this lovely seaside town.

Naked’s DANDELION PROJECT is now open at the Taiwan Lantern Festival until February 28, 2022! Visitors to the Weiwuying Metropolitan Park in Kaohsiung City can enjoy the popular installation along with Naked’s Flower Cleansing experience during the event. 

The Taiwan Lantern Festival is the main event of the Chinese New Year festivities in Taiwan. Established by the Taiwan Tourism Bureau in 1990, the 2022 event will be held on an even larger scale. It will also be the first time the Lantern Festival is being held in Kaohsiung City.

The DANDELION PROJECT has been set up in the Children’s Area of the park, inviting both young people and their parents to enjoy the experience together. By blowing on a dandelion displayed on visitors’ smartphones, dandelion fluff will be carried digitally to other locations around the world. This symbolizes peace and togetherness in a time of separation, and it’s no wonder that these powerful installations have been so inspiring to so many people.

This also marks the first time that Naked Flower Cleansing will be available to experience overseas. The act of Tsukubai, or cleaning your hands in a basin before entering a tea room, has been updated by NAKED to suit the modern era, shining colorful floral imagery across visitors’ skin.

Far Yeast Brewing Co., Ltd., a craft beer maker that shares original Japanese beer with the world  beer, will be opening their first directly managed overseas store in Taiwan. The Far Yeast Taiwan Craftbeer Gasteopub will be celebrating its grand opening in Taipei City, Taiwan on October 16 2021. 

The Far Yeast Taiwan Craftbeer Gastropub is the fourth directly managed store following the Tokyo-Gotanda, Shizuoka-Atami, and Fukuoka branches, as well as the first overseas location.

The Far Yeast Taiwan Craftbeer Gastropub” will have 15 taps, offering not only the core brands Kawa KAGUA and Far Yeast, but also their special Japanese craft beer that can’t be found anywhere else in Taiwan. You can enjoy the beer alongside a selection of modern Japanese-themed meals.

Far Yeast Lychee Haze 

To commemorate the opening, the company has brewed the Fruited Hazy IPA ‘Far Yeast Lychee Haze’ in collaboration with Taiwanese brewery UGLY HALF BEER, using Taiwanese lychee to flavor. The drink will be pre-released in Japan, available from  September 30 with preorders opening from 13:00 on September 21.

The combination of Nelson Sauvin hops with a grape-like aroma and the tropical scent of the citrus and coconut Sabro hops compliment the gentle and sweet flavor of lychee, enticing all craft beer enthusiasts to Taipei.

Far Yeast Taiwan Craftbeer Gastropub is expected to have an international customer base, as the gastropub is located in Taipei’s East District, an area with a high population of foreign nationals and business people. Now that overseas travel has become much harder, the new branch will allow customers to enjoy the varied tastes of Japanese craft beer and the richness of Japanese food.

Hotel Gracery Taipei, which can be found inside Taiwan’s TOKYU HANDS Tailung, have opened the new ‘HANDS CONCEPT ROOM’ which offers the experience of visiting Japan without having to get on a plane.

‘Take a Vacation to HANDS’ Room

‘Go Camping at HANDS’ Room

Coupon

TOKYU HANDS Tailung have created two new concept rooms, the ‘Take a Vacation to HANDS’ room and the ‘Go Camping at HANDS’ room. While it is difficult to visit Japan at the moment, these rooms provide an authentic Japanese experience which allows guests to experience the culture and feel the charms of Japan.

The ‘Take a Vacation to HANDS’ room is based on Mount Fuji, Japanese railways, and vending machines, which are popular even in Taiwan. Popular tourist spots are also recreated using famous characters. 

The ‘Go Camping at HANDS’ room is inspired by glamping, which has become popular in Taiwan, using outdoor equipment to create a fun, indoor camping experience.

The guest-limited service also offers guests two 10% coupons, one that can be used while shopping at TOKYU HANDS Tailung and one that can be used for accommodation. During the campaign period, guests who spend over 5,000 Yuan at TOKYU HANDS Tailung will be entered into a lottery to win a one-night stay in the new themed rooms.

 Try Japanese-inspired indoor camping with the new ‘HANDS CONCEPT ROOM!’

Taiwan-based e-commerce platform Pinkoi, one of Asia’s largest, is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a special project! Virtual model imma is the face of the campaign as a character named ‘Pin Tripper,’ and a new web commercial featuring the personality along with a song written by popular artist Daoko is now available! In addition, the newest issue of the web magazine ‘Pinkoi Zine’ is also available on the official Pinkoi website, featuring a tour of unique items from cities around Asia in the style of a travel report. 

For the campaign, the Pantone Color Institute defined Pinkoi’s two corporate brand colors, ‘Pinkoi Navy’ and ‘Pinkoi Salmon Pink.’ Japanese illustrator Noritake then designed the Pinkoi x Noritake Limited Collaboration line of goods using these unique shades. These will only be available for a short time, so be sure to snag some while you can!

Comments

imma

“Pinkoi is fun to use, because it allows you to find trendy items from cities all over Asia. I found lots of items I don’t come across very often, and items that made me feel as though I were travelling around the continent. (laugh) I hope that you’ll enjoy the new web commercial and the special ‘Pin Trip Report’ in the newest Pinkoi Zine issue! And, of course, enjoy shopping at Pinkoi too.

Daoko

For this campaign, I was able to create a new song with trackmaker Yohji Igarahi. The theme was ‘sense of speed.’ I think I was able to express my identity as a rapper, while also maintaining the important image of neon lights shining at night. My impression of Pinkoi is that it has a huge variety of products not available on typical Japanese sites, and as someone who loves online shopping, I was super excited to work with them!

In celebration of their 10th anniversary, Taiwanese design gift site Pinkoi has launched a commemorative project, with pre-orders for a series of items open until July 25. The collection will release on July 26.

Pinkoi x Noritake Beer Glasses (Set of 3) | ¥8,930 (Tax Included)

Pinkoi x Noritake PVC Vinyl Bags | 3 Designs | ¥5,070 Each (Tax Included)

Pinkoi x Noritake Drip Coffee (10 Bags) | Flavours: Classic, Mandheling, Brazil | ¥3,440 Each (Tax Included)

Pinkoi x Noritake Folders | 3 Designs | ¥1,200 Each (Tax Included)

Pinkoi x Noritake iPhone 12 Smartphone Cases | 3 Designs | ¥4,460 Each (Tax Included)

Pinkoi Navy

Pinkoi Salmon

The first entry to the project invites Noritake on board, a popular Japanese illustrator, who is supervising the “Pinkoi x Noritake Limited Collaboration” and its capsule collection which features the theme “In The City.”  The collection is based on the three cities Tokyo, Taipei, and Hong Kong and features two of Pinkoi’s brand colours: Pinkoi Navy and Pinkoi Salmon, both created by Pantone.

In an interview on this collaboration, Noritake expressed his desire to love in a city filled with all kinds of gorgeous illustrations.

The popular Taiwanese face mask brand JIUJIU was released in Japan for the first time on Friday (February 26) via the company’s new Japanese website.

We now live in a time where face masks are a part of everyday life when commuting, going to the shop, walking in public places, working at the office, and so on. Japan is no stranger to face masks as they were always a part of the culture for hygienic reasons in the workplace when an employee is ill, as a fashion statement, for those suffering from hay fever, and so on, but even there has seen a major increased demand for face masks since the pandemic began.

JIUJIU’s face masks are used in medical professions in Taiwan. They are noted for not only they quality but fashion sentiment too, with over 60 style variations available. These masks are now available to buy in Japan in packs of 5.

Tokyo Banana World has revealed that its next sweet treat in its Pokémon Tokyo Banana series will be Eevee which Pokémon Trainers can expect to catch up and down Japan from January 2, 2021, including at the store itself as well as at 7-Eleven branches.

Pokémon Tokyo Banana Welcomes Eevee as Entry #2

Tokyo’s official souvenir sweets brand Tokyo Banana launched its new Pokémon Tokyo Banana series of confections in November with the first catch being Pikachu. Now Eevee is being added to the collection.

The fluffy sponge is a delicious caramel macchiato flavour and is filled with sweet banana custard cream. It can be eaten as it is, refrigerated, or even baked to create completely different flavour experiences.

6 Designs Including a Lucky Heart-Shaped Tail

The sponge cakes come in six different designs, all of which are adorable. The one to look out for though is the one with a cute heart-shaped tail.

Fluffy Eevee Design Packaging

Eevee Tokyo Banana Caramel Macchiato (Contains 2) | ¥291 (Tax Included)

The packaging features fluffy artwork of Eevee in six different designs, such as a waving Eevee and winking Eevee.

Where Can You Catch Eevee Tokyo Banana?

Eevee will roll out at 7-Eleven stores across Japan (excluding Okinawa) at the dates listed below. Each branch will have a limited stock so don’t miss out.

January 2, 2021 Release
Tokyo/Kanagawa/Chiba/Saitama

January 16, 2021 Release
Hokkaido/Aomori/Iwate/Akita/Miyagi/Yamagata/Fukushima/Ibaraki/Tochigi/Gunma/Niigata/Fuji/Ishikawa/Fukui

January 23, 2021 Release
Yamanashi/Nagano/Shizuoka/Aichi/Gifu/Mie/Okayama/Hiroshima/Tottori/Yamaguchi/Tokushima/Kagawa/Ehime/Kochi

January 30, 2021
Osaka/Kyoto/Hyogo/Shiga/Nara/Wakayama/Fukuoka/Saga/Nagasaki/Oita/Kumamoyo/Miyazaki/Kagoshima

©2021 Pokémon. ©1995-2021 Nintendo/Creatures Inc. /GAME FREAK inc.
ポケットモンスター・ポケモン・Pokémonは任天堂・クリーチャーズ・ゲームフリークの登録商標です。

HOSHINOYA Guguan in Taiwan was listed in the 2020 Hot List of Condé Nast Traveler on May 5, 2020.

Condé Nast Traveler is a travel magazine which showcases the latest information for travel, hotels, restaurants, and shopping around the world. HOSHINOYA Guguan was chosen as “The Best New Wellness Resorts in the World” in their 2020 Hot List which featured new hotels that opened in 34 countries and regions worldwide last year.

HOSHINOYA Guguan opened on June 30, 2019 as the first Taiwan-based luxury hot spring resort produced by Hoshino Resorts, which manages 42 branches outside Japan. It is also the second overseas branch of the company’s “HOSHINOYA” brand, whose concept is “taking a break from the modern world.” It’s located on the outskirts of Taichung in Guguan which is home to natural hot springs. There, it co-exists and blends in naturally with the landscape. All guest rooms have open-air baths, so guests can enjoy the warm water together with the breeze in a spacious environment. They also offer various programs for guests to enjoy Guguan’s culture and natural environment.

HOSHINOYA Guguan was also picked as one of Travel + Leisure’s “The Best New Hotels in the World (The It List)” on February 20.

If you’re planning a trip to Taiwan in the future, be sure to check out HOSHINOYA Guguan.

TAKAHASHI KOGEI has launched a new matcha making set called the Ippukubox which comes with everything you need to make authentic Japanese matcha.

For many of us, our time indoors has increased. When taking a break from remote work we head to the kitchen to make ourselves a drink. We’ve all had those moments when we’re torn between making coffee, black tea, herbal tea, and so on. In those undecided moments, why not try making a cup of matcha instead?

The Ippukubox is a 15cm box which comes with all the necessary gear for making mathca: a chawan cup, chasen tea whisk, chashaku teaspoon, and a natsume tea caddy for preserving your matcha.

The inside of the box is lined with Echizen paper from Fukui Prefecture which not only makes it look beautiful, but protects your matcha tools from becoming damaged as a result of rubbing together.

Generally in Japan, when you think about making matcha, the traditional tea ceremony springs to mind which follows strict rules when it comes to making the drink. But the Ippukubox is made for personal use, and so you can add as much or as little matcha or hot water as you like, and practice making it even if you don’t know the proper techniques. You can even add hot milk to make a matcha latte and enjoy a tasty treat with it.

The chawan teacup is Echizen ware from Fukui and was made specially for the Ippukubox. Its cute size makes it fit perfectly in the palm of your hand, but it’s also spacious enough for using the whisk.

The outside design of the box is also made in such a way that it fits seamlessly into modern living and dining spaces. Each wooden box is handcrafted individually and is layered in a matte coating to protect the wood.

*This chawan teacup is different to the one included in the set

The lid of the box can even be used as a tray as pictured above to fit your drink and snack.

Pascal Le Gac Tokyo is the first overseas branch of internationally-recognised French-based chocolate company Pascal Le Gac which released some breathtaking new desserts to its menu on Wednesday.

Chocolate Parfait Flurry / Phrase Parfait Flurry

The original Parfait Flurry desserts are made in the image of a bloomed flower. When they were released back in April 2019, they instantly garnered attention across social media and news websites for their gorgeous design. Pascal Le Gac Tokyo has brought them back to the menu, this time in the form of cakes.

Cakes that are like parfaits

The new desserts take the same concept of the original parfaits, but instead turns them into cakes. But that doesn’t simply mean taking the parfait ingredients as they are and turning them into a cake. Rather, the cakes recreate the taste of the parfaits, so it’s like eating the real thing. The wine glass that the parfaits were served in have been recreated using icing to give that shiny effect, and the chocolate flowers have been cut thin so they are easy to eat.

Chocolate Flurry – ¥864 (Tax Included)

Starting from the bottom upwards, the Chocolate Flurry is layered with chocolate cookie pieces, chocolate flavoured almond sponge, chocolate cream, chocolate mousse, cacao flavoured vanilla cream, more chocolate cream, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, and chocolate glaçage. Every part of this art piece is made with cacao.

Phrase Flurry (Tax Included)

Starting from the bottom upwards, the Phrase Flurry is layered with pistachio cookie pieces, almond sponge, pistachio mousse, strawberry mousse, lychee jelly, strawberry compote, raspberry flavoured fresh cream, strawberry chocolate, and red glaçage. The marriage of strawberry, lychee, and pistachio flavours is nothing short of heavenly.

*Please note that opening hours and closures are subject to change depending on the situation of the coronavirus outbreak. Check the cafe’s official website for the latest details.

Dandelion Chocolate and IYEMON SALON ATELIER have joined sticky fingers to bake up their new “Tea & Cocoa Brownie” which is now being served at IYEMON SALON ATELIER KYOTO and Dandelion Chocolate Kyoto Higashiyama Ichinenzaka.

This collaboration came about to celebrate 1 year since IYEMON SALON ATELIER KYOTO opened. The chocolates fuse IYEMON SALON’s tea with Dandelion Chocolate’s organic, single origin bean to bar chocolate.

Tea & Cocoa Brownie (Uji Matcha/Houjicha) – ¥1,800 (Before Tax) *Contains 2 of each flavour

The two different flavoured brownies, Uji matcha and houjicha, are filled with a ganache made from Japanese tea and carefully selected chocolate from the Dominican Republic. The chocolate has a strong, rich flavour like that of coffee and cherries, but is still easy to get without it tasting overwhelming. The brownies are also vegan-friendly and gluten-free, containing no eggs, dairy products, wheat, or white sugar. They are the perfect accompaniment to both tea and a mild-tasting sake.

The vegan lifestyle is slowly gaining recognition in Japan, so don’t miss this chance to treat yourself to some melt-in-the-mouth vegan delights.

©Dandelion Chocolate Japan