Character cafés are growing in popularity, where cafés take collaborate with popular characters from anime, games and more to serve up themed food and sell original merchandise. Let’s take a look at some of the character cafés happening in January and February this year.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar × Marronnier Gate Ginza
The world of “The Very Hungry Caterpillar,” one of the most loved picture books in the world, is about to become a café. The café will open in Ginza on January 18th for a limited period. The colourful and vivid mind of illustrator and children’s book writer Eric Carle will be brought to life through food. The items on the menu promise to excite the fun aspect of eating. Expect to tuck into everybody’s favourite French toast, omurice, hamburgers, pasta and more, all themed on the wonderful world of the world’s beloved caterpillar.
Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/84934
◼︎Information
Harapeko Aomushi Café
Date: January 18, 2018 – August 31, 2018 (*closed February 19th)
Address: MARRONNIER GATE GINZA 1 (4F), Sunday Brunch, 2-2-14 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Opening Hours: 11:00-21:00
*Reservation required before visiting the café by 17:30. You can sit at any seat after 17:30
Homepage: www.harapecocafe.com
TM & © 2018 Eric Carle LLC.
Attack on Titan × CHARUM CAFE
This café opened to celebrate the release of the “Attack on Titan” movie. You can look forward to tucking into some themed food and getting your hands on a range of merchandise. There’s also a photo spot to commemorate your visit. A must-visit for fans of the internationally acclaimed series.
◼︎Information
Attack on Titan Collaboration Café
Address: Charaum Café, Saito Building 1F, 3-13-8, Higashi Ikebukuro, Toyoshima-ku, Tokyo
Running: December 5, 2017 – January 31, 2018
Opening Hours: 11:30-21:00 (last orders 20:30)
Homepage: https://www.charaum.com/
Shinagawa Monjiro × Sawawa (Kyoto)
The Shijō Kawaramachi and Ginkaku-ji branches of the sweet shop Sawawa in Kyoto are collaborating with the rare Sanrio character Shinagawa Monjiro. Not only can you go and eat a tasty food menu themed around Shinagawa Monjiro, you can also get your hands on one of the 8 different key rings available too. They are also selling manjuu with Shinagawa Monjiro branded onto it and matcha warabi mochi (matcha bracken-starch dumplings).
Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/79119
■Information
Sawawa – Shijō Kawaramachi branch
Address: 13-3 Otabimiyamotocho, Shimogyo, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, 600-8003
Open: 11am-7pm
No fixed closures – open all year round.
Access: 5-minutes by foot from Kawaramachi Station via Hankyu / Get off at “Shijō Kawaramachi” on the Kyoto City Bus /
TEL: 075-255-9704
Sawawa – Ginkaku-ji
Address: 14-8 Ginkakujimaechō, Sakyō-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, 606-8407
Open: 10am-5pm
*Business hours will run from 9:30am-5:30pm on December 9th and 10th.
No fixed closures – open all year round.
Access: Get off at “Ginkakujimae” on the Kyoto City Bus / Get off at “Ginkakujidou” on the Kyoto City Bus
TEL: 0120-975-316 (Telacoya)
Company Website: http://www.telacoya.co.jp
Monchhichi × Asakusabashi
The “plus secret” café underneath JR Asakusabashi Station will hold its grand opening in collaboration with “Monchhichi,” a line of stuffed toy monkeys from Japan, on January 20th. The café will be filled with limited edition goodies and there’ll even be a workshop space. Monchhichi is an internationally loved character that first appeared in 1974. JR Asakusabashi Station is a bustling location situated nearby Asakusa and Akihabara. Enjoy your time together with Moncchichi underneath the station in a cute and stylish space.
■Information
plus secret (プラススクレート)
Address: 1-17-5 Asakusanashi, Taito, Tokyo
Opening Hours: 11:00-20:00 (last orders 19:30)
Closed: Wednesdays
Website: https://plussecret.shopinfo.jp/
©2018 sekiguchi Co.,Ltd.
Jalan × Hands Cafe
Travel information website Jalan’s official cat mascot “Nyalan” is making his way to Hands Cafes around Japan. From January 17th, a total of 8 Hands Cafe branches, including Omotesando Harajuku and Umeda, will serve up a Nyalan themed menu. Six tasty and original meals and beverages will be available including omurice, hamburgers, paw-style parfait, café au lait with cute art and more. The store will become Nyalan’s world with decorations and a photo spot.
■Information
Jalan × Hands Cafe
Running: January 17, 2018 – February 25, 2018
Please note that store times and holidays vary across branches.
Hands Cafe Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku
Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku 5F, 4-30-3 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo
Hands Cafe Shibuya
Tokyu Hands Shibuya 7A, 12-18 Udagawacho, Shibuya, Tokyo
Hands Cafe etomo Chuorinkan
etomo 2F, 4-6-3 Chuorinkan, Yamato, Kanagawa
Hands Cafe Umeda
Tokyu Hands Umeda 10F, 3-1-1 Umeda, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
Hands Cafe Morinomiya Q’s Mall
Morinomiya Q’s Mall BASE 2F, 2-1-70 Morinomiyachuo, Osaka-shi, Osaka
Hands Cafe Piole Akashi
Piole Akashi West 1F, 1-1-23 Oakashi, Akashi, Hyogo
Hands Cafe Hiroshima
Tokyu Hands Hiroshima 2F, 16-10 Hatchobori, Naka-ku, Hiroshima, Hiroshima Prefecture
Hands Cafe San-A Naha Main Place
San-A Naha Main Place 1F, 4-4-9 Omoromachi, Naha, Okinawa Prefecture
Hands Cafe Website: https://www.handscafe.jp/event.html
Street Fighter × GINZA PLACE
Street Fighter’s muay thai expert Sagat is getting his own themed shop in Ginza on January 22nd. Valuable Street Fighter II prints will also be displayed in the shop. The shop is called “Sagatto Shouten” (Sagat Shop), which they have written as a pun in Japanese (佐賀ット商店) to refer to Saga Prefecture. Sagat has been inaugurated as a tourist ambassador and the shop’s manager where he will promote Saga Prefecture to locals and tourists coming to Ginza. Full details have yet to be announced, but it seems like there’s a collaborative menu, so be sure to check it out.
Full Details: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/85211
■Information
Location: GINZA PLACE 3F, common ginza RAMO FRUTAS CAFÉ
Address: 5-8-1 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Running: January 22, 2018 – January 28, 2018
*Merchandise, art display and collaborative menu available
Opening Hours: 10:00-21:00 (open 15:00-21:00on January 22nd)
Sagat (Costumed) Appearance Times:
・January 22nd: 15:30-16:00/16:30-17:00/17:30-18:00
・January 26th-28th: 13:00-13:30/14:00-14:30/15:00-15:30/16:00-16:30
Saga Prise! Official Website: http://sagaprise.jp/
Street Fighter V Official Website: http://www.capcom.co.jp/sfv/
Character cafés are a popular trend in Japan, so be sure to drop by one of them if you get the chance!
RELATED ENTRIES
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To commemorate the 20th anniversary of Rilakkuma and his adorable friends, the Rilakkuma 20th Anniversary Cafe will open in Omotesando, Tokyo from March 9 until April 16, 2023. You’ll want to come and spend a peaceful time looking back at two decades of everyone’s favorite lazy bear! The menu features colorful and festive dishes inspired by Rilakkuma, Korilakkuma, Kiiroitori, and Chairoikoguma. The characters express their thanks for 20 successful years, and fans can enjoy floats topped with Rilakkuma and friends wearing ribbons and topped with ice cream, a jelly soda inspired by Chairoikoguma and his friends in the honey forest, and a hot drink inspired by Rilakkuma's favorite pudding.
Menu
Rilakkuma’s Honey Mustard Hamburger
コリラックマのクリームパスタ
Korilakkuma’s Cream Pasta
Kiiroitori’s Egg Burger
Chairoikoguma’s Cheese Curry
Rilakkuma and Friend’s Celebratory Cake
Congratulatory Flower Parfait
You Can Choose♪ Rilakkuma and Friends Mini Ice Cream
You Can Choose♪ Rilakkuma and Friends Floats
Honey Forest Jelly Soda
Relaxing Pudding Drink
Take-Out Drink Bottle
Original Merch
Acrylic Clip (7 varieties, random)
Acrylic Keychain (5 varieties, random)
Mini-Bottle / Muddler with Charm (4 varieties)
Lunch Tote / Drawstring Bag
Acrylic Stand with Clip / Cork Coaster
Stuffed Animal
In addition, the cafe will offer original goods, special offers, and a Twitter campaign to celebrate Rilakkuma's 20th anniversary.
Come enjoy the elaborate original menu and goods while sharing memories at this limited time themed cafe!
©2023 San-X Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved.Information
RILAKKUMA 20th Anniversary Cafe
Venue: BOX cafe&space Omotesando
Running: March 9 – April 16, 2023
Address: Pine Under Flat B1F (5-13-2 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo)
Reservation Fee: ¥715 (Tax included) *Reservations include bonuses.
*Reservations can be made for up to four guests per application.Online Shop: https://rilakkuma20th-cafe.jp/online_store/
Sales Open: March 9, 15:00 – April 16, 23:59
(Items will ship starting in early May 2023.)
Official Site: https://rilakkuma20th-cafe.jp -
To celebrate the return of Urusei Yatsura after 36 long years, a themed cafe will be coming to four cities in Japan for a limited time! The first cafe will open on December 1, 2022. Urusei Yatsura is a manga series by Rumiko Takahashi that ran in Weekly Shonen Sunday from 1978 until 1987. An anime series aired in 1981 and became a massive hit with audiences, and understandably, it is still loved by anime and manga fans today. The cafe features newly-drawn illustrations of six main characters including Ataru Moroboshi, Lum, and Ten.
Menu
[Ataru Moroboshi] Don't Look This Way, Don't Look That Way Set
[Lum] Lum's Onion Gratin Toast Packed with Love
[Ten] Ten's Fire Curry
[Ataru Moroboshi x Lum] Shocking Pancakes
[Shinobu Miyake] A Girl's Monsterous Parfait
[Mendo Shutaro] Jiggly Octopus Pudding
Lum's Tiger-Striped Soda
Colorful Floats (Purple/Yellow/Green)
Ten-chan's Cotton Candy Soda
Coffee / Viennese Coffee
Drink in a Bottle with Charm (4 varieties)
Goods
Acrylic Keychain (6 varieties, Random)
Acrylic Magnet (6 varieties, Random) / Pin (6 varieties, Random)
Coaster (Lum, Ten-chan) / Sticker Set (7 pieces)
Long Sleeve T-Shirt (M, L) / Clear Pouch
Mug / Tote Bag
Hand Towel (2 varieties)
The cafe’s menu features a variety of items inspired by characters from the series, including a hilarious pancake that recreates the scene in which Lum throws electricity at Ataru. Be sure to take a photo before you dig in!Lum & Ten-chan Life-size Figure
Cafe Bonus for Guests with Advance Tickets: Original A4-size Clear File (7 varieties, Random)
Drink Purchase Bonus: Original Coaster (6 varieties, Random)
Life-size figures of Lum and Ten-chan will also be on display and guests are invited to take photos with them.
Come enjoy the world of Urusei Yatsura while you can!
©高橋留美子・小学館／アニメ「うる星やつら」製作委員会Information
Urusei Yatsura Cafe
Venues
■Harajuku, Tokyo: BOX cafe&space, Harajuku Alta / December 8, 2022 – February 5, 2023
Harajuku Alta 3F (1-16-4 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo)
■Abeno, Osaka: Abeno contact / February 9 – March 12, 2023
Abeno Q’s Mall 4F (1-6-1 Abenosuji, Abeno-ku, Osaka)■Nagoya, Aichi: BOX cafe&space, Nagoya LACHIC / March 16 – April 9. 2023
LACHIC B1F (3-6-1 Sakae, Naka-ku, Nagoya)
■Sendai, Miyagi: BALLER:S AEON Mall Shin-Rifu South Building / June 1 – June 25, 2023
AEON Mall Shin-Rifu South Building 2F (3-1-1 Shinnakamichi, Rifu, Miyagi)Online Shop: https://uy-allstars-cafe.jp/online_store
Official Site: https://uy-allstars-cafe.jp/ -
The Kirby Cafe has announced a warm and tasty new winter menu! New items will be available from November 17, 2022 until February 28, 2023, and are sure to warm up fans of the beloved video game series.
Menu
Winter Kirby Burger & Pasta with Powdered Snow Cheese (30th Anniversary Version)
Winter Waddle Dee Burger & Pasta with Powdered Snow Cheese
Waddle Dee's Dreamy White Stew
Chef Kawasaki's Winter Hors d'oeuvres with Roast Beef
Transform! Carby Cake
Kirby's Dream Ricotta Pancake
Whispy Woods Blessed Tart
Elfilin's Twinkle☆Frozen Drink
The Winter 2022 menu offers a variety of adorable and tasty menu items featuring Kirby and his friends all dressed up for the colder months. From a burger and pasta set to piping hot stew and fluffy ricotta pancakes, there’s sure to be something for every taste. The Carby cake, inspired by Kirby’s special transformation in the recent game Kirby and the Forgotten Land, has been reimagined in a winter version. Fans won’t want to miss out! This winter, come enjoy plenty of Kirby-inspired treats while you can! ©Nintendo / HAL Laboratory, Inc.Information
Kirby Cafe Winter 2022
Available: November 17, 2022 – February 28, 2023
Venues: Kirby Cafe TOKYO, Kirby Cafe HAKATA, Kirby Cafe NAGOYA
*The Nagoya location’s winter menu will be available until February 5, 2022.
Kirby Café THE STORE: https://kirbycafe.jp/thestore/‘Kirby Cafe Pop-Up Store’ Limited Time Online Store: https://kirbycafe-popup.com/
Official Twitter: https://twitter.com/KirbyCafeJP
Official Site: https://kirbycafe.jp
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The second Tabekko Doubutsu Cafe Stand event opened in Omotesando on November 1, 2022. Paying homage to the classic snack first released in 1978, the cafe features a number of tasty snacks inspired by the thin animal-shaped cookies popular around the world. This second event will run through January 9, 2023. Reservations are required, and many dates were completely sold out prior to the event’s start date, particularly on weekends. We decided to visit, anxious to see what the fuss is all about.
We were first shocked to see the popular animals enjoying oden! Original goods featuring the characters enjoying the quintessential Japanese winter dish are only available at the cafe. From acrylic keychains to figures, visitors can snag some adorable merchandise to commemorate their trip to the exclusive event. Why not snag some items that would be useful on a daily basis, like a notebook or an apron? For food, visitors can snag a special Oden Set and Chinese Dumplings, both perfect for the winter. The oden features popular ingredients like egg, daikon, fish cake, and mochikinchaku, each branded with the popular animal characters. Drinks include soy milk, green tea milk, and milk tea. In addition to the exclusive Lion Cake which is limited to 25 servings a day, guests can find chocolate bananas and other sweets on the menu, including a Sweets Set limited to those reserving special seats at the venue. For every ¥1,000 spent on food and drink items, customers will receive one Tabekko Doubutsu trading card! The exhibition space is a must-see for fans of this legendary snack, filled with rare works including an adorable and very colorful print of every animal holding a bowl of oden. Of course, a photo spot has been set up for visitors to take some prime shots for social media! Don’t miss the animal meet and greet, which is making its triumphant return from the last event! Visitors can interact with different animals on different days, so check the official Twitter page (@tabekko_cafe) for the schedule and more information! The number of visitors per day is limited, so make a reservation as early as you can. Come enjoy these heartwarming treats while you have the opportunity! Information
Tabekko Doubutsu Cafe Stand Omotesando
Running: November 1, 2022 – January 9, 2023 *Reservation required
Closed: December 28, 2022 – January 3, 2023
Hours: 11:00 – 19:00
Address: SPAGHETTI Cultural Space 1F
5-3-13 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Closest Station: Omotesando
Reservations: https://t.livepocket.jp/p/tabekko_omotesando
Official Twitter: @tabekko_cafe https://twitter.com/tabekko_cafe
*Please see the official Twitter page for the latest information! -
DISH UP, a collaboration restaurant located on the 8th floor of Shinjuku Marui Annex, started its second collab with the popular anime series King of Prism All Stars -Prism Show ☆ Best Ten- on November 1, 2022.
Menu
Welcome PlateMain Dishes Taiga Kougami: Steamed Apples and Japanese Yellow Sauce Kakeru Juuouin: Nice-style Salad with Mango Dressing Alexander Yamato: Homemade Vegetable Curry Kazuki Nishina: Gratin with Genovese Dessert Plate Strawberry Shortcake / Muscat Mousse / Sachertorte / Basque Cheesecake / Fruit Tart Menu Order Bonus: 1 Waterproof Placemat (4 varieties) Drinks - Shin Ichijo: Rising Sunshine (Cranberry Juice)
- Yukinojo Tachibana: Yumemikokochi Koijigoku (Cassis Soda *Non-alcoholic)
- Minato Takahashi: Kimagure Caramelize (Dry Ginger Ale and Blue Syrup)
- Leo Saionji: Momoiro Kukukuru Lollipop (Peach Soda)
- Yu Suzuno: Jewel Spin Zeus (Orange Juice and Grape Juice)
- Louis Kisaragi: Aurora Rising (Peach Juice and White Water)
- Kouji Mihama: Jewel Spin Cross (Grape Juice)
- Hiro Hayami: Starlight Express (Orange Juice and Blue Syrup)
- Joji Takadanobaba: Never Ending Love Shower (Pineapple Juice)
Afternoon Set Original Collaboration Goods
Guests can enjoy a special course made up of savory and sweet King of Prism-inspired dishes, as well as a selection of drinks. The afternoon set is a cake and drink set only available on weekdays from 14:00 until 17:00. Those ordering a menu item will be given a waterproof placemat as a gift, while those ordering a drink will be given a special card. Original reproductions can only be viewed in the VIP room, so why not make a reservation while you can? ©CREST Inc. ©Ｔ－ＡＲＴＳ / syn Sophia / エイベックス・ピクチャーズ / タツノコプロ / キングオブプリズムAS製作委員会 Information
King of Prism All Stars -Prism Show ☆ Best Ten- × DISH UP
Running: November 1 – November 29, 2022
Hours: 11:00 – 21:00 (Last Order at 20:30)
Address: Shinjuku Marui Annex 8F (3-1-26 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo)
Reservations: https://www.tablecheck.com/shops/dishup/reserveNotice:
Please refrain from taking photos of the original reproductions and posting them on social media. These items are only displayed in the VIP room.*Feel free to take photos of the restaurant and dishes to post on social media.
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The 13th iteration of the BT21 Cafe will open at six venues in five cities around Japan. Fans in Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, Osaka, and Sapporo will want to visit this exclusive event titled ~MAGICAL TIME~. The first cafe opens in Shibuya on November 3. In celebration of BT21’s 5th anniversary, this special cafe is filled with joy and excitement and aims to give fans the best possible experience.
Cafe Menu
Magical Tea Time Set
Food Plate
Food Plate (7 varieties)
Dessert Plate
Dessert Plate (7 varieties)
Drinks
Magical Milk Tea
Black Tea
Iced Coffee / Hot Coffee
Original Goods
Acrylic Keychain (7 varieties, Random)
Acrylic Clip (7 varieties, Random)
Satin Sticker (7 varieties)
Clear Folder (2 varieties)
Handkerchief (7 varieties)
Tote Bag
Mug
Masking Tape / Balloon on a Stick
Dolomite Coaster (2 varieties) / Mirror (2 varieties)
[Online Store Exclusive] Acrylic Keychain (7 varieties, Random)
The cafe’s new menu includes afternoon tea, perfect for warming the body and soul during the cold winter months. The colorful food items and desserts are sure to be a hit on social media, and fans will enjoy the Magical Milk Tea and other dishes inspired by the popular BT21 characters. In addition to new merchandise and bonuses featuring newly-drawn art, a photo spot will welcome guests to the cafe and invite them to celebrate this five-year milestone. Why not take a break from everyday life to enjoy a magical time with these cute characters? ©BT21Information
BT21 Cafe #13 ~MAGICAL TIME~
Venue/Dates
■Shibuya, Tokyo:BOX cafe&space SHIBUYA109
Running: November 3 – December 10, 2022
Address: SHIBUYA109 B2F (2-29-1 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo)
■Oshiage, Tokyo:BOX cafe&space Tokyo Solamachi
Running: January 13 – February 19, 2023
Address: Tokyo Skytree Town, Solamachi 1F (1-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida-ku, Tokyo)
■Yokohama, Kanagawa:Collabo_Index Lumine Yokohama
Running: January 13 – February 5, 2023
Address: Lumine Yokohama 6F (2-16-1 Takashima, Nishi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa)
■Nagoya, Aichi:BOX cafe&space Nagoya LACHIC #1
Running: December 2, 2022 – February 5, 2023
Address: LACHIC B1F (3-6-1 Sakae, Naka-ku, Nagoya, Aichi)
■Shinsaibashi, Osaka:
Shinsaibashi contact
Running: November 11 – December 18, 2022
Address: 1-6-24 Kitahorie, Nishi-ku, Osaka
■Sapporo, Hokkaido:
Cafe Interlude, Coach & Four Shinakawa
Running: November 3 – December 29, 2022
Address: 18-chome 3-jo, Kita-ku, Sapporo
Reservations: https://box-cafe.jp/
Online Shop
Open: November 3, 11:00 – December 4, 23:59
https://box-cafe.jp/online_store/