Kikkoman Foods has appointed the adorable characters from Pui Pui Molcar as ambassadors for Del Monte Vegetable Juice! A new CG commercial began airing nationwide on June 12, 2022.

This is the third collaboration between Del Monte’s Vegetable Juice and Pui Pui Molcar. 

The commercial is getting fans excited for the newly-announced second season of Pui Pui Molcar, scheduled to air this autumn. It’s also the first official commercial showing the characters in CG.

Mizuho Misato voices the presenter in the new commercial; the actress also played Potato in the series.

Comment from Tomoki Misato (Director)

I’m so happy that Del Monte is teaming up with Pui Pui Molcar again!

The previous 2D animated web commercials were amazing, so when this project was starting to come together, I was shocked to find out that it would be made with CG!

This is probably the first CG Del Monte commercial to date!

Seeing my characters moving around on the screen, I immediately hoped that we could team up again in the future! 

This will also be the first time that Potato’s driver speaks! (My sister did the voice!)

McDonald’s Japan locations with ‘McCafe by Barista’ areas will begin selling special spring treats for a limited time starting April 6, 2022. Customers will be able to grab the ‘Strawberry Uji Matcha Frappe’ and the ‘Uji Matcha Mont Blanc Tart.’

McCafe by Barista invites guests to enjoy high-quality frappes and smoothies. The Uji Matcha Frappe was added to the regular product lineup in June 2021, and features a mellow matcha flavor. The Strawberry variant is coming back for the first time in three years. The Mont Blanc Tart is a new addition, and is a perfect treat to enjoy with this popular frappe! 

Strawberry Uji Matcha Frappe: ¥490

The Strawberry Matcha Frappe mixes together the full-bodied flavor of matcha together with sweet and sour strawberries. It includes both a strawberry paste made from whole strawberries and a strawberry whipped cream at the bottom. The drink is topped with more strawberry whipped cream and a sprinkling of matcha powder. The refreshing taste of the strawberry sauce coupled with the whipped cream serves to elevate the great flavor of the Uji Matcha even more.

Uji Matcha Mont Blanc Tart: ¥390

The Uji Matcha Mont Blanc Tart is made with Uji Matcha batter, Uji Matcha whipped cream, white bean paste, and green tea cream. The refined sweetness is complemented by the mellow aroma and slight bitterness of Uji Matcha.

How would you like to enjoy these treats beneath the cherry trees?

Fans of the popular girl’s group NiziU won’t want to miss out on this new Fanta campaign. Snagging one of these delicious beverages could mean winning some awesome NiziU merch.  

Campaign Prizes

Round 1: 
FANTA meets NiziU Signed Reusable Bag (9 varieties): 1,800 winners
FANTA meets NiziU Original QUO Card worth ¥500: 5,000 winners

Round 2: 
FANTA meets NiziU Signed Tumbler (9 varieties): 1,800 winners
FANTA meets NiziU Original QUO Card worth ¥500: 5,000 winners

The campaign began on March 14, and a total of 13,600 prizes are up for grabs! To enter, just scan the 2D code on the front or size of a NiziU-themed Fanta bottle. There are a total of nine different bottles per flavor, each featuring one member. Be sure to grab your favorite one!

Try to win one of these colorful prizes and be sure to tell your friends and family!

Fanta Grape, Fanta Orange, and Fanta YogurRush bottles will feature the popular girl group NiziU for a limited time nationwide starting March 14, 2022.

There are a total of nine different bottles per drink, each featuring one member. There will also be a campaign to win original NiziU original merchandise by scanning the QR code on the packaging. While retaining the typical Fanta coloring, the new designs emphasize each member’s personality even more than the previous campaign held in 2021. 

Who is your favorite member of the group?

Cosmetics brand KOSE has announced that popular girl group NiziU will act as brand ambassadors for a new collection of Visée eyeshadow, Glossy Rich Eyes N.

Visée Glossy Rich Eyes N  – Available in 8 shades + 2 limited edition shades

Photo Shoot

「Visée AVANT」Limited Edition Seasonal Visual with MAYUKA＆NINA

The theme for this year’s campaign was ‘Find the Color Just for You.’ By trying all possible shades, even those which seem out of the consumers comfort zone, they will absolutely find the perfect color. For this photo shoot, NiziU applied makeup inspired by their respective member colors, showing off their individuality.

A special web movie and visual for Glossy Eyes Rich N featuring the NiziU girls is available on the special product website and through the official social media channels. The eyeshadows will be available at drugstores and other retailers, as well as online, beginning September 16. Members Mayuka and Nina will also appear in limited season ads for Visée AVANT.

An original movie featuring all members is also available to view on the official TikTok brand account and the Glossy Rich Eyes N special product website.

Interview with NiziU

Q1. Visée has partnered with a number of women before, each symbolizing the current era. What are your thoughts on being chosen as brand ambassadors for Visée now?

Mako: I’m turning 20 this year, and I’ve really wanted to show a different side of myself now that I won’t be a teenager anymore. I was so happy when I was chosen for this project, since it gave me the perfect chance to do just that!

Maya: We’re so incredibly honored to be chosen as ambassadors for Visée! I use their products regularly, but there are so many different colors of product available. I think this will inspire people to make use of colors they may not use often, and to try new things!

Q2. How did you feel after shooting wrapped?

Ayaka: It felt like something totally different than what NiziU has tackled in the past. I typically wear more cutesy makeup, but this time I tried to show something more mature. It was refreshing. It was a blast getting close-up shots taken of my eye makeup!

Q3. The theme for this year’s campaign is ‘Find the Color Just for You.’ It calls on people to find a color that best matches their personality. After the first ad shoot, what were your impressions of your fellow members’ new makeup looks?

Riku: Maya was the one getting her pictures taken first, and she looked so gorgeous that Ayaka and I couldn’t stop staring at her! Honestly, we were staring at her so much that when she finally looked over at us, she did that typical Maya smile, and it was like we fell in love with her. (laugh)

Q4. This year’s visuals are impressive, with the NiziU members showing off very different expressions than usual. Is there anything you refer to or try to do personally, to find new facial expressions?

Mayuka: It can be really difficult, but I find it useful to look at photos of some of the more senior members and practice copying their expressions.

Q5. Again, this year’s theme is ‘Find the Color Just for You.’ Each of the nine members of NiziU have their own distinct personalities, so with that in mind, what do you think makes you stand out as an individual?

Rima: For me, it’s my different worldview. It allows me to converse in a very unique way, and to really adjust how I carry myself depending on the location. My member color is red, which also has many meanings: it can be powerful, or mature, or energetic, or mischievous. I’m like a chameleon. I hold many different personalities that I can switch to at the drop of a hat.

Q6. As a member of NiziU, you’ve had many different and unique experiences. Have you found any unexpected sides of yourself during your time as a member?

Rio: I used to think I was one of the cool girls, but during this photo shoot, I was given a makeup look and outfit that was more cutesy. That’s a side of myself I haven’t explored, and this is something that happens frequently during the many events and challenges we take on as a unit.

Q7. During the makeup shooting sessions, we were able to see very different sides of the NiziU members. Is there anything new you’ve learned about the other members recently?

Miihi: Compared to how we all were when we all joined, everyone is really starting to show their true selves! We’ve so close, there’s nothing that we don’t know about each other at this point!

Q8. The Glossy Rich Eyes N products that you used this time come in a wide variety of colors, making it possible for anyone to meet their perfect shade. Speaking of ‘meetings,’ what do the members of NiziU want to meet more than anything right now?

Nina: I want to meet with WithU (the name for NiziU fans). We haven’t been able to meet them face to face yet, and I hope we’re able to soon.

TZEN, a company dedicated to promoting traditional Japanese culture around the world, has teamed up with Yamamasa Koyamaen, a tea wholesaler in business since the Edo period, to open a new matcha cafe in Tokyo!

ATELIER MATCHA, a quick walk from Ningyocho station, is harnessing the concept of ‘the third wave of matcha,’ serving up premium matcha in a cozy atmosphere. 

MATCHA Cookies & Cream Shake: ¥748 (Tax Included) 

MATCHA with Warabimochi and Red Bean Topping: ¥748 (Tax Included)

MATCHA Jelly Cider: ¥660 (Tax Included)

MATCHA Granola and Yogurt Latte: ¥715 (Tax Included)

MATCHA Cotton Candy Milkshake: ¥748 (Tax Included)

MATCHA Affogato: ¥660 (Tax Included)

MATCHA Shot (Espresso Style): ¥220 (Tax Included) / MATCHA Water: ¥275 (Tax Included) / MATCHA Green Tea: ¥330 (Tax Included)

Supreme MATCHA Terrine: ¥660 (Tax Included)

(This is a partial menu, all prices are for those dining in.)

Matcha is becoming popular around the world. ATELIER MATCHA was created to offer customers a unique experience which showcases the true taste and culture of this beloved tea grown in Japan. 

Yamamasa Koyamaen is a Kyoto institution, cultivating and grinding matcha tea leaves for 160 years. Over 1,000 tea retailers, department stores, domestic and international trading companies and hotels stock their high-grade matcha, gyokuro, sencha, and other specialty teas, making them one of the most recognized and respected names in this traditional Japanese art. The company even prefers to call themselves a ‘studio’ rather than a ‘factory’, using the 800-year history of tea cultivation in Uji, Kyoto as a starting point to create their masterpieces. 

ATELIER MATCHA is Yamamasa Koyamaen’s first cafe, and also the company’s first experience selling directly to consumers. 

Blending the highest-grade matcha with locally made sweets, the cafe hopes customers will enjoy these original creations while surrounded by the relaxing aroma of tea. 

The matcha used in the cafe includes signature Yamamasa Koyamaen blends, including Ogurayama and Tennozan, both varieties often used in tea ceremonies. For a limited time, the cafe is offering a single-origin blend with one rare variety of matcha, as well as a beverage made with tencha, which are the leaves used to make matcha before being ground down in a stone mortar. Visitors can also enjoy gyokuro and hojicha teas, made from carefully selected leaves. 

Pulling recipes from Yamamasa Koyamaen’s book ‘Kyoto Uji-Koyamaen: Simple Matcha Drinks to Enjoy at Home,’ the menu features refreshing drinks blending the traditional with the modern, with unexpected combinations of soda, fruit and yogurt. Seasonal drinks will also be making an appearance, including shaved ice in summer and chocolate drinks in winter. 

The name MATCHA SHOT packs a punch, using matcha instead of espresso for a needed pick-me-up. MATCHA WATER, a refreshing cup of watered-down tea, offers a way to fully enjoy the fullness and more hidden flavors of this popular Japanese tea. 

As expected, ATELIER MATCHA also has a sweets menu set to impress: these sweet treats feature only the best, created with the top 0.03% of total national matcha production. This insanely high-quality matcha is a part of Yamamasa Koyamaen’s ultimate matcha experience project, titled “ALL FOR ONE,” which provides these rare leaves to some of the country’s top professionals in various fields. 

At opening, only limited qualities of the Supreme MATCHA Terrine, made by well-known pâtissier Toshi Yoroizuka, will be available. 

These authentic matcha creations are perfect for a hot summer’s day, or as a gift for a friend. When in Tokyo, don’t miss it!

Starbucks Coffee Japan is releasing its new summery GO Pineapple Frappuccino® and GO Peach Frappuccino® at all branches on August 4.

Starbucks Japan’s first pineapple beverage, plump and sweet

Left: GO Pineapple Frappuccino® | Right: GO Peach Frappuccino® | Tall ¥680 (Takeaway), Tall ¥693 (Have-In)

The two fruity drinks arrive in time for the height of Japanese summer this August. This also marks the first time Starbucks Japan is serving up a pineapple Frappuccino®. The GO Pineapple Frappuccino® is loaded with ripe and fresh pineapple pieces along with a pineapple puree and pineapple sauce. When you’ve sipped about half the cup, mix in the whipped cream to transform the drink into smooth and milky heaven.

The GO Peach Frappuccino® is also loaded with its titular fruit, making it so refreshing it’s like eating a whole juicy peach. Enjoy a combination of fresh peach pieces, puree, and sauce, one which maintains the rich original flavour of this summer-classic fruit.

Reusable Coffee Cup With Changeable Coloured Lids (437ml) | ¥385 (Tax Included)

August 2nd will mark 25 years since Starbucks arrived in Japan, bringing to the country a culture of walking around with your coffee in hand. This summer, the coffee chain is also releasing a new collection of seasonal tumblers, as well a new reusable coffee cup which you can swap out with different coloured lids. While the new beverages are on sale, if you buy one of them together with a reusable cup, you can get a free size upgrade on your Frappuccino®.

Bubble tea shop XIE XIE PEARL is collaborating with San-X and their popular corner-dwelling characters Sumikko Gurashi with a line-up of drinks and merch until August 23.

Fruit is the theme of the collaboration which arrives in a line-up of colourful beverages served in limited-time cups. Each character’s drink is loaded with toppings.

Shirokuma’s Peach Milk | ¥756 (Tax Included)

Neko’s Jewel Berry Lemonade | ¥756 (Tax Included)

Tonkatsu’s Caramel Banana Milk | ¥756 (Tax Included)

Penguin’s Jewel Mint Lemonade | ¥756 (Tax Included)

Original collab goods

Large Stickers | 4 Designs | ¥330 (Tax Included)

Mini Tote Bag | ¥990(Tax Included)

Mirrors | 5 Designs | ¥550 (Tax Included)

Re-release of previous collab merch

Free novelty stickers and pouch

If you order one of the collab drinks you’ll receive a free sticker, and if you order all four drinks, you get an original Sumikko Gurashi pouch. All you need is your receipt to show at the register.

©︎2021 San-X Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

KYOTO YURA HOTEL MGallery is now serving a new cocktail and afternoon tea menu in collaboration with Perrier Promotion.

KYOTO YURA HOTEL MGallery is a hotel group based in Paris, France which operates over 5,000 hotels and resorts in 110 countries worldwide. Together with the mineral water brand Perrier, the two companies launched the ‘Perrier Promotion with KYOTO YURA HOTEL MGallery’ on July 21 which includes a special cocktail and afternoon tea line-up being served up at Lounge & Bar 1867.

Perrier x MURAKAMI Tote Bag

Perrier Cacao & Orange Asian Fizz Mocktail | ¥1,300 (Tax Included)

Perrier Umami & Ryokucha Green Tea Sour Mocktail | ¥1,300 (Tax Included)

Perrier Citrus Iced Tea Mocktail | ¥1,300 (Tax Included)

Perrier Evening Iced Coffee Cocktail | ¥1,700 (Tax Included)

Perrier Flower & Fruit Afternoon Cocktail | ¥1,700 (Tax Included)

Perrier Promotion with KYOTO YURA HOTEL MGallery is an all-day special event taking place at the hotel. At both the hotel entrance, as well as Lounge & Bar 1867, an artwork collaboration by Takashi Murakami and Perrier is being displayed for the duration of the event, adding a colourful vibe to the spaces.

The drinks line-up includes three mocktails which are available on the free flow drinks menu when ordering the hotel’s popular afternoon tea. The afternoon tea set was conceived by pastry chef Jennie Chiu and is packed full of summer fruits like passion fruit and mango.

During the collaboration, the first 200 people to order either the afternoon tea set or high tea set will also receive a free novelty tote bag featuring the Takashi Murakami’s characters Kaikai and Kiki.

In the evenings, the Perrier Pop-Up Bar are serving two alcoholic cocktails alongside the mocktails.

AWESOME STORE & CAFE IKEBUKURO is now serving up two new summer-exclusive dessert drinks inspired by the Japanese Showa era. The ‘Imitation Gold’ and ‘Blue Light Awesome’ are both available now until September 26.

Imitation Gold: ¥467 (Tax Included) / Blue Light Awesome: ¥467 (Tax Included)　*both served in plastic cups (see below)

The Imitation Gold’s flavour is reminiscent of an energy drink. It’s topped with vanilla ice cream and colourful gummies. The Blue Light Awesome is a Blue Hawaiian syrup-infused pineapple juice topped with vanilla ice cream and a cherry. Both of these cute dessert drinks are the perfect refreshments for the summer.

Those who buy both drinks will also receive an original black straw to make the drinks even more Instagrammable. These are available while supplies last.

Some other popular must-tries

Other classics on the menu to try include soft and chewy bagels, coffees, and more.

Chocolate High | ¥396 (Tax Included)

Ebi Avocado | ¥396 (Tax Included)

Fuwa Toro Bacon Omelette | ¥396 (Tax Included)

AWESOME Organic Coffee (Hot/Iced) | From ¥217 (Tax Included)

McDonald’s Japan released its new Strawberry & Condensed Milk Frappe and Banana Caramel Frappe beverages at McCafe by Barista® branches up and down the country on July 14. The fruity frappes and the perfect choice for the hot summer season.

Strawberry & Condensed Milk Frappe | Regular: ¥490

The strawberry frappe is made with a sweet and tangy strawberry sauce that has fresh strawberry pieces in it as well as juice taken from amaou strawberries grown in Fukuoka which are known for their fresh and sweet taste. Added to the cup is rich condensed milk along with a squirt of whipped cream for a milky and velvety finish.

Banana Caramel Frappe | Regular: ¥490

The banana frappe is filled with a banana puree sauce, banana syrup, and a crème brûlée syrup. It’s topped with smooth whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. The banana and caramel make for a delicious combination.

Uji-based matcha tea shop Matcha Republic is taking their menu to Tokyo for the first time with a pop-up shop inside Shibuya Hikarie which will run from July 15-28.

Matcha Ink Hikarie Exclusive Version Premium Matcha Latte | ¥681 (Tax Included)

Original Clear Shopping Bag

Matcha Republic’s ink bottle matcha lattes are super popular on Japanese social media. For their Tokyo pop-up shop, their premium matcha latte arrives in an exclusive design. The dirnk is made from only the best picked matcha leaves to make a smooth, milky beverage. The bottle is also sold in an original shopping bag.

Matcha Panna Cotta Hikarie Exclusive Version | ¥681 (Tax Included)

The brand’s popular panna cotta set also arrives in a Hikarie exclusive design. The delicious dessert is made with fragrant Uji matcha.

PREMIUM GOLDEN UJI MATCHA CASTELLA | ¥2,381 (Tax Included)

Matcha Republic’s moist matcha castella is sprinkled delicately with gold leaf, creating a luxurious dessert.