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.

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

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

Godiva Cafe has collaborated with Sanrio’s character unit Hapidanbui twice since February, and the third collaboration is scheduled to start on September 15! All locations nationwide will sell hot or cold cocoa milk with a special sleeve and sticker featuring everyone’s favorite Sanrio characters.

The third collaboration will focus on Badtz-Maru and Keroppi. The shop’s cocoa milk combines smooth Godiva chocolate with milk and fresh cream, so why not grab one this fall?

Godiva Cafe first collaborated with Sanrio’s Hapidanbui collective in February of this year. The second collaboration will begin on June 15, 2022!

Hapidanbui Chocolixer – White Chocolate Cacao 27% / Cacao 50%

Hapidanbui Godiva Cafe Original Pouch (with Godiva Soft Cookie)

The second collaboration will highlight the characters Pochacco and Pekkle. Godiva Cafe’s iconic drink, the Chocolixer, will be available in a special sleeve, and an original sticker will be handed out with each purchase.

Pochakko and Peckle pouches designed exclusively for the collaboration will also be available in-store while supplies last!

 © 2022 SANRIO CO., LTD. APPROVAL NO. L630772

Specialty cafe chain ‘Bread, Espresso &’ will begin selling special items as a part of its chocolate fair at the Harajuku location, ‘Junkissa Bread, Espresso &’ starting June 1!

Many of the existing items on the shop’s menu will be available in chocolate versions. The Chocolate Mint French Toast is chilled and perfect for summer, drizzled with chocolate cream and mint sauce. Additional mint can be added to your heart’s content!

The mint cocoa (pictured top right) features blended mint cream on top with cocoa on the bottom. The two halves blend effortlessly as the top warms and the bottom cools.

Come enjoy these chocolate treats during the warm summer months!

From March 12 until April 3, chocolate lovers will want to visit Laforet Harajuku! 30 different stores are celebrating the 95th anniversary of Meiji Milk Chocolate with over 80 new pieces of collaborative apparel, toys, and snacks.

Collaboration Items at a Glance

Laforet Staff in Unique Collaboration Outfits

Wind and Sea Pop-up Shop

Laforet Harajuku continues to be a place to discover local fashion and culture. Meiji spearheaded this collaboration after realizing the potential to create new and exciting pieces for fashionable chocolate lovers to enjoy! A wide range of products from clothing to chocolate block-shaped home goods are available now, along with Meiji White Chocolate and Meiji Black Chocolate items!

A Wind and Sea pop-up shop will open for the first time at Laforet Harajuku during the event and will also be selling chocolate-themed items. Fashion model and YouTuber Noah Sato will also be featured in event ads as a Meiji Chocolate ambassador! Those purchasing collaboration items will receive a special Meiji Chocolate bar in unique packaging while supplies last.

Godiva Japan’s ‘Godiva Cafe’ locations have started a special collaboration with Sanrio’s Hapidanbui team! Novelty items, special chocolixirs, and original goods will be available until the end of May. While there have been many collaborations with these characters, this is the first time they have appeared at Godiva Cafe. 

Hapidanbui includes Tuxedosam, Badtz-Maru, Hangyodon, Pochacco, Keroppi, and Pekkle. 

Hapidanbui Chocolixir – Left: Dark Chocolate Cacao 72% / Right: Milk Chocolate Cacao 31%

Hapidanbui Godiva Cafe Original Pouch with Godiva Milk Chocolate Cookie

Two characters from Hapidanbui will appear each season during the collab, with the first two being Hankyodon and Tuxedosam. Godiva’s iconic Chocolixir drink will be available with a specially designed sleeve. Original stickers will be gifted to those buying drinks!

© 2022 SANRIO CO., LTD. APPROVAL NO. L621965

As part of the ‘Chocolate Me’ event, Godiva Cafe is now offering a variety of Valentine’s Day items until March 15, 2022. The first 300 customers to spend ¥2,000 yen or more (including tax) during the event period will receive an original mini tote bag as a gift!

Godiva White Chocolate Strawberry Maritozzo

Godiva Chocolate Strawberry (White/Dark)

Chocolate Fondant

Whole Fruit Cacao Hot Chocolat (Valentine’s Version)

Godiva Cafe Limited Edition Valentine’s Item

Alto Luna / Antonieta Maragogype Coffee Beans (Original Bottle Designs)

In addition to last year’s popular chocolate strawberries, this year’s chocolate fondant chocolate will only be available for Valentine’s Day. The whole fruit cacao hot chocolate, currently available as a seasonal beverage, will feature a special heart topping, and two types of bottled coffee beans will be on sale! 

Which item would you want to share with your sweetheart?

The British claymation series Shaun the Sheep is celebrating its 15th anniversary in 2022. With Valentine’s Day almost here, the Shaun the Sheep Cafe in Tokyo will be offering a selection of limited-time Valentine’s treats perfect for enjoying with your sweetheart. 

Baby Shaun’s Chocolate Cake & Drink Set

Penne with Cream Sauce & French Toast

Shaun’s Crazy Waffle & Banana Milk

Workshop

New Goods

Valentine’s Recipe

How to Make a Shaun the Sheep Brownie Bar

How to Make a Large Shaun Cocoa Roll Cake

Located in Kichijoji PARCO, the Shaun the Sheep Cafe with Sunday Brunch is a permanent location initially opened to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the series.

The cafe offers plates inspired by Shaun’s world travels and seasonal offerings. Each month, the cafe hosts a sweets workshop to teach fans how to create Shaun-inspired goodies! These events are a blast with family and friends, and the February workshop will be teaching how to make Valentine’s cookies.

SHAUN THE SHEEP AND SHAUN’S IMAGE
ARE ™ AARDMAN ANIMATIONS LTD. 2022

From January 19 until February 15, gelato pique cafe is selling four chocolate-based treats for Valentine’s Day! The theme of this new menu is ‘Melt,’ and guests are asked to enjoy the richness of melting chocolate during this sweet season.

 Fondant Chocolat Crepe (Dine-in: ¥980 / Take-out: ¥970)

This crepe is topped with chocolate fondant that melts into a warm chocolate sauce inside. The chocolate whipped cream is combined with Royal Bourbon gelato, accented with blackberry and black currant sauce, and a bit of crunchiness from the cookie bits.

Chocolate Crepe (Dine-in: ¥980 / Take-out: ¥970)

This mouth-watering crepe includes plenty of whipped cream and a luxurious fresh chocolate sauce topping. Inside, dark chocolate gelato is mixed with cocoa-flavored chocolate whipped cream. 

Hot Chocolate Chai (Dine-in: ¥640 / Take-out: ¥630)

This hot chocolate is a variation of the popular chai beverage. White chocolate is combined with Assam tea leaves, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves for that perfect chai flavor. The sweetness of the hot chocolate is enhanced by the rich spices, giving it a more mature flavor!

Hot Dark Chocolate (Dine-in: ¥640 / Take-out: ¥630)

Extra dark chocolate is only enhanced with a roasted flavor creating a less sweet hot chocolate beverage. Available toppings are less sweet whipped cream, milk chocolate, and chocolate sauce.

Mister Donut has unveiled three new donuts as part of the ‘misdo meets Wittamer Heart Donut Collection!’ These will be available nationwide for a limited time only and were developed alongside the royal Belgian patisserie brand Wittamer. 

Rouge Heart

Noir Heart

Blanche Heart

These heart-shaped treats are a new take on Wittamer’s popular Coeur Lait donuts including crunchy pralines. The Rouge Heart donut is made with dough that will remind guests of a Belgian waffle. The Noir Heart contains macadamia nuts and almonds, and the Blanche Heart is accented with blueberry jam. 

Which do you think looks the tastiest?