Experience Japanese Culture #2: Comparing Tastes of Unique Japanese Chocolates – From Matcha to Sake
Japanese model Yuri Sugunama, a.k.a “Yurippa,” is taking us on her next trip in this series where she goes to personally experience Japanese culture and cultivate new hobbies. Yurippa loves chocolate – she eats one tablet of the stuff day. In this Valentine’s-special second entry, Yurippa sampled different chocolates that are popular right now.
For Valentine’s Day in Japan, it’s custom for girls give guys chocolate and convey their feelings towards them. Guys return the favour on a day called White Day, which falls on March 14. So, since there’s one month to go before the big day, that means the most delicious chocolate in the world is about to hit shelves in Japan – popular both in Japan and overseas.
The first pick was the classic “KitKat,” a very well-known brand in over 100 countries. The Japanese brand of KitKat is actually made in Japan. It’s received much attention around the world for its original flavours. It’s also known for being associated with exam season for students – the word KitKat in Japanese (kitto katto) almost sounds like the phrase “Kitto Katsu!” which means “You will surely win!”
Yurippa tried out the new “KitKat Chocolatory” series, created by the chef and owner of “La Patissier Takagi,” Yasumasa Takagi. The “Sublime Valentine’s Assortment” costs ￥2,400 (tax excl.) and includes 7 KitKat bars with 6 different flavours. There’s dark chocolate, milk chocolate, white chocolate, matcha, raw, and a pink coloured ruby flavour. It’s a great selection to share and eat together with people.
The centerpiece of the collection is new Ruby KitKat, developed by the Swiss chocolate makers Barry Callebaut over a period of more than 10 years. The chocolate uses no colouring agents – the pink colour is made naturally to create an entirely new chocolate. Yurippa gave it her stamp of approval, saying it’ll be popular with girls for its vivid pink colour. She couldn’t contain her surprise for this newfound chocolate, saying “The berry flavour has a sour taste, but it’s different from strawberry chocolate. It’s something I’ve never tasted before.”
Next on the list is “Tea Chocolate Premium Matcha 7”. Costing just ￥1,000 (tax excl.), these chocolates are made by Shizuoka Matcha Sweet Factory “Nanaya,” who are known for producing the world’s most rich flavoured matcha gelato. These matcha chocolates don’t hold back on the milk so as to bring out the fragrance and taste of the tea leaves to the max. The set comes with 7 different matcha chocolates of varying intensity and 1 houjicha flavoured chocolate.
Yurippa expressed her excitement for the delicious chocolate before opening it. “When you open the packaging, the fresh smell of the tea whets your appetite so much you can’t wait to tuck in!”
The chocolate and tea leaves have a good combined balance of 3.1%, and the smell and taste of the leaves kicks in with a strong flavour combination of 21%. “The tea leaf combination is different but my impression of the chocolate changed dramatically!”
“If you eat the chocolates in order as written on the packaging, you can understand each flavour’s intensity much better! This chocolate would go better with hot milk or soy milk than coffee. The richer chocolate flavours are fairly moderate when it comes to sweetness, so if you’re on a diet then you can eat them without feeling guilty.”
The last pick is from the long-standing chocolate maker Mary Chocolate. The KANADE Japanese Sake Truffles (￥1,000) come in 3 flavours – milk, sweet and white – and are topped with carefully selected Japanese sake. Only the finest sake from Japan is used, such as Gokyo Junmai Sake from Yamaguchi Prefecture. Since the truffles contain alcohol, be wary not to hand them out to minors or people that are driving.
“There’s a good balance between the chocolate and sake, and depending on which brand of sake is used, you can enjoy a different flavour on your taste buds from each!”
Yurippa’s favourite was the milk truffle topped with Koyama Shuzo. She was very satisfied having recently acquired a taste for sake. “It brings out the enduring qualities of refreshing Japanese sake and a fruitiness. I really want people who like Japanese sake to try these! If you’re not too good with sake from Japan, then I recommend the white chocolate truffle with Ichiro from Dewazakura. The subtle fragrance of sake that you can feel inside the smooth texture of the white chocolate makes it really sophisticated.”
Yurippa gives friend chocolate to everyone on Valentine’s Day, guys and girls. Why don’t you try tasting this unique Japanese collection of chocolates recommended by Yurippa with everyone?
■Information
KitKat Chocolatory – Sublime Valentine’s Assortment
Price: ￥2,400 (tax excl.) – Set of 7 (6 flavours)
Website: https://nestle.jp/brand/kit/chocolatory/
Enquiries: Nestle – 0120-00-5916
TEA CHOCOLATE PREMIUM MATCHA 7
Price: ￥1,000 (tax excl.)
Website: http://nanaya-matcha.com/?pid=113337997
Mary Chocolate KANADE Japanese Sake Truffles
Price: ￥1,000 (tax excl.)
Website: http://maryshop.jp/shop/g/g4068/
Model：Yuri Suganuma @yurippa93
Yuri Sugunuma is a model with a high fashion sense that has been picked up by various magazines. She receives much love and support from girls of the same generation as her to whom she is known by her nickname “Yurippa.” She has a huge influence across her social media. Recently, she has stepped into other fields outside of modelling, such as appearing in TV shoots and in music videos. She is skilled in make-up and involved in the development of cosmetics.
Writer：Ryoichi Komaba
Photographer：Haruka Yamamoto
Translator: Joshua Kitosi-Isanga
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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
Information
Chocolate Tins / Touken Ranbu ONLINE
Price: ¥972 each (Tax Included, Shipping and Handling Not Included)
5 varieties total
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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!
Information
Bread, Espresso &
Address: 6-25-5 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 8:00-18:00 (Last order at 7:30)
Open Every Day
Homepage: http://www.bread-espresso.jp/ -
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.
Information
Meiji Milk Chocolate Collection in Laforet
Running: March 12 – April 3, 2022
Details: https://www.laforetharajuku.com/
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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.
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Western confectionery brand Meine Rollen has begun selling a collection of Pokemon-themed Valentine’s day goods for 2022! Although some of these chocolates look too cute to eat, they’ll certainly earn top marks with your crush.
Chocolate Set L (Pokemon)
Sleeping Pikachu Pack (Pokemon)
Eevee & Friends Pack (Pokemon)
Last year’s designs focused on characters from Pokemon Red, Green, Blue, Gold, and Silver, released between 1996 and 1999. This year’s imagery was inspired by all games in the series, appealing to an even larger audience. Which design do you like the most?
Information
Meine Rollen Pokemon Designs
On Sale Now
Where to Buy: Department Stores nationwide
Official Site: http://www.matsukazeya.co.jp/syouhin/event/v-pokemon.html
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Godiva Japan has begun selling two special Chocolixir beverages for Valentine’s Day! The Chocolixir Valentine Limited Edition Strawberry White Chocolate drink will be available either hot or cold and sweets lovers will feel indulged by their decadent flavors.
Regular Size (270ml): ¥700 (Tax Included) / Large Size (350ml): ¥790 (Tax Included) / Hot (220ml): ¥700 (Tax Included)
These magical elixirs are perfect for the Valentine’s season. The gentle sweetness of the white chocolate and the elegant sourness of the strawberry sauce are perfectly balanced, and the whipped cream is topped with adorable pink hearts. Be sure to find a participating location near you to pick up one of these tasty treats while you can!
Information
Chocolixir Valentine Limited Edition Strawberry White Chocolate
Hot Chocolixir Valentine Limited Edition Strawberry White Chocolate
Available: January 12, 2021 – February 15, 2022 *While Supplies Last
Participating Stores: https://www.godiva.co.jp/boutique/storelist/
*Sales period subject to change. Store hours may change.
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The Westin Sendai is now offering four fashionable chocolates perfect for Valentine’s Day. These will be available at the Symphony Restaurant on the 26th floor until February 14, 2022.
Charming Rose (8 pieces)
Colore Label (8 pieces / 4 pieces)
Parfume (6 pieces)
Tablet Chocolate (2 varieties)
It wouldn’t be Valentine’s Day without chocolate, and the Charming Rose takes things to a new level. The handbag, which looks good enough to carry through town, is edible down to the handle and decorations. Inside the bag are eight lip-shaped chocolates in colorful cosmetic shades. Some are milk chocolate, others white, and others include fruits and nuts. Parfume offers a superb smoothness, while the Tablet Chocolate is topped with lavish nuts and dried fruits.
Information
Valentine Chocolate 2022
Available: January 25 – February 14, 2022
Location: Symphony Restaurant (26F)
Hours: 11:30-21:00
*Hours and menu items are subject to change.
*All prices include tax.
*Reservations are required by 20:00 at least three days in advance for the Charming Rose. Spots are limited.
Official Hotel Website: https://www.the-westin-sendai.com/
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Takashimaya’s yearly ‘Amour du Chocolat’ Valentine’s Day event is known as the ‘Festival of Chocolates.’
Bringing together chocolates from around the world, this event is a way to highlight brands being introduced to Japan for the first time along with established favorites. This year’s lineup will also feature sustainable chocolates and more luxurious sweets to make 2022 feel more uplifting.
The First Chocolate Brand to Land in Japan
Luna Creation Paris Marble Collection
Yvan Chevalier Chocolate Assortment
Chocolatine Yoann Debray Snowflake & Edelweiss Assortment
Sustainable Chocolate
Toshi Yoroizuka Truffle Banane
Sils Maria Banana & Chocolate
Bvlgari Il Cioccolato Takashimaya Original Chocolate for Sustainability
MAAHA Flower Chocolate
Ma Priere Giandujas Selection
Message de Rose TOKYO Cone Fleury 2022
International Chocolates
Charbonnel et Walker Assortment Box for Takashimaya – England
Recchiuti Peanut Butter Confections / Sepia Box – United States
Vincent Vallee Chocolat Amour / Valentine Selection – France
Bubo Barcelona Chocolate Heart Sculpture – Barcelona
Takashimaya Specials
Takashimaya Limited Edition Jacques Genin Valentine’s Heart / Classic Selection
Takashimaya Limited Edition Julien Dechenaud Praline Etoile / Praline Nouveau
Luxury Chocolates
divan Valentine Box
The Peninsula Boutique & Cafe Bear Chocolate
Maison Mont Nord Assortment Box
Valentine’s Day at Home
Cacao Sampaka / Cacao Esplette
Information
Amour du Chocolat
Event Ongoing at Takashimaya locations nationwide
Takashimaya Online Store:
Order by 10:00 on February 9, 2022
*Certain items may be sold during different periods.
https://www.takashimaya.co.jp/shopping/gift/valentinesday/?utm_source=qr&utm_medium=pr&utm_content=2021&utm_campaign=valentinesdayEvent Details: https://www.takashimaya.co.jp/store/special/amour/index.html
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Starting January 8, Tokyu Hands stores in Tokyo are holding a special Valentine’s Day event called Chocolino Chocoliya featuring a variety of sweets! These aren’t just for giving to your sweetheart, but are perfect for friends and family too.
Products at a Glance
Tokyo Zoological Gardens Association / Ueno Zoo
Panda Set with Petit Gaufre & Chocolate Crunch: ¥1,188 (Tax Included) / Panda Baked Cookies: ¥997 (Tax Included)
Urusei Yatsura
Tote Bag: ¥1,760 (Tax Included) / Mug: ¥1,760 (Tax Included) / Star Chocolate: ¥486 (Tax Included)
Chocolate Assortment (5 pieces): ¥756 (Tax Included) / Chocolate Assortment (15 pieces): ¥1,620 (Tax Included)
Merry Chocolate Company
Merry Candy Chocolate Box: ¥378 each (Tax Included) / Assortment: ¥1,944 (Tax Included)
Mint Style
30-piece Handmade Kit Series: ¥1,620 each (Tax Included)
Mint Style
Make-at-Home Kit Series: ¥697 (Tax Included)
Sumikko Gurashi
Silicon Mold Series: ¥935 (Tax Included)
This year’s project includes confections that can only be purchased at the Ueno Zoo, where twin baby pandas were recently born. Chocolates with retro-style packaging and those with motifs from popular anime series will also be available, so be sure to swing by and have a look! -
Mister Donut locations nationwide are now selling products from the ‘misdo meets Wittamer’ collection, developed in collaboration with the Belgian royal patisserie brand Wittamer. These tasty treats will be available at participating shops until late February.
Since 2017, under the brand slogan “Good Things Come to Mister Donut,” the brand has collaborated with a number of companies from around the world to invigorate its already delicious selection of sweets. To start 2022, the beloved donut chain is teaming up with Wittamer to bring their ‘Chocolat Samba’ and ‘Praline Chocolat’ to customers throughout Japan.
The newly-developed chocolate donut batter is made by applying the same method to make cakes to donuts, creating a light mouthfeel very much like taking a bite of chocolate cake. By combining it with ganache cream and whip, the flavor becomes even richer. It might be difficult to take a bite of something so beautiful, but if you’re near a Mister Donut, you should give these a try before they’re gone!
misdo meets Wittamer Collaboration
Chocolat Samba: ¥200 (Without Tax)
The donut’s chocolate dough is covered with ganache cream and filled with ganache whip. Pay close attention to the glossy texture inspired by the Chocolat Samba cake.
Chocolat Hazlenut: ¥200 (Without Tax)
Covered in graham cracker hazelnut cream and filled with ganache whip, the cocoa powder on top takes the flavor to new heights.
Chocolat Caramel: ¥200 (Without Tax)
Caramel mocha cream and ganache blend together with caramel chocolate and nuts for a decadent and luxurious treat.
Chocolat Blueberry: ¥200 (Without Tax)
Chocolate dough and blueberry jam blend seamlessly with ganache cream. Topped with raspberry-flavored chocolate flakes, this is a showstopper.Information
misdo meets Wittamer Collaboration
Running: January 7 – Late February
Available at Participating Mister Donut Locations NationwideOfficial Site: https://www.misterdonut.jp
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Japan-based chocolate specialty store Minimal is now offering a limited-edition set of gateau chocolates with fresh strawberries from Mei Strawberries in Kagawa Prefecture. These are available for preorder and are perfect for Valentine’s Day!
These sweets were a huge hit last year, selling out immediately. The rare variety of strawberries used is only found in 1 percent of Japanese strawberry farms, and these are blended with milk cream and specialty chocolate.
The strawberry jam found on the top of each chocolate piece is made from these rare Nyohou strawberries. Originally a small-grained variety, the Nyohou varietals send from Mei Strawberries in Kagawa Prefecture are larger with a beautiful dark-red color. Fragrant, juicy, and sweet, they also have a slight acidity that provide a more complex flavor.
To maximize the natural strawberry flavor, the chocolate is made from Madagascar cocoa beans with a more berry-like flavor. Only slightly roasted, the graininess is intact, leaving a more powerful and rich flavor. A milky sweet cream has also been added to the center to provide a better balance.
This is the second year that the company has worked with these strawberries from Mei, and after making a number of prototypes, Minimal has found the best possible way to express these unique flavors in harmony.
Information
Fresh Gateau Chocolate & Strawberries featuring Mei Strawberries
Price: ¥3,510 (Tax Included)
Release Date:Online Store/LINE Preorders: December 24, 2021~
Yoyogi Ueno Store: January 15, 2022
Sales Period: Until the End of February 2022
LINE: https://page.line.me/yrn4346m?openQrModal=trueOfficial Site: http://mini-mal.tokyo
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Popular anime series World Trigger is getting a Valentine’s Day pop-up store at six LOFT locations starting January 7, 2022. The event will feature exclusive illustrations of the main characters with lots of chocolate motifs.
Replica Small Avatar Mascot: ¥1,100 (Tax Included)
World Trigger Acrylic Stand VD: ¥1,650 each (Tax Included)
Acrylic Keychain VD: ¥792 each (Tax Included)
World Trigger Acrylic Stand Heart Cat: ¥990 each (Tax Included)
World Trigger Acrylic Keychain Heart Cat: ¥792 (Tax Included)
World Trigger Heart Pins: ¥440 each (Tax Included) / BOX: ¥3,960 (Tax Included)
World Trigger Imabari Towel Replica: ¥990 each (Tax Included)
World Trigger Pen: ¥396 each (Tax Included)
World Trigger Clear Folder: ¥440 each (Tax Included)
World Trigger Hoodie: ¥5,720 (Tax Included)
World Trigger Crunchy Chocolate Pin Sweets: ¥864 (Tax Included)
World Trigger – Ikoma’s Eggplant Curry: ¥972 (Tax Included)
World Trigger Acrylic Stand Badge Sweets: ¥880 (Tax Included) / BOX: ¥7,920 (Tax Included)
World Trigger Plate: ¥1,650 (Tax Included)
World Trigger Chocolate: ¥880 each (Tax Included) *Available in February
World Trigger Masking Tape: ¥462 each (Tax Included) *Available in February
©葦原大介／集英社・テレビ朝日・東映アニメーション
Information
World Trigger POP UP STORE in LOFT
Running/Locations:
January 7 – January 27, 2022 (Nagoya)January 12 – January 25, 2022 (Sapporo)
February 5 – February 25, 2022 (Yokohama)
February 10 – March 1, 2022 (Umeda)
March 10 – March 31, 2022 (Shibuya)
March 15 – March 31, 2022 (Tenjin)
Details: https://www.muzzle.co.jp/world-trigger/loft20220107/
