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Showing posts from March, 2023

Asahi Beverage Releases Clear Strawberry and Melon O-Latte Drinks

 Asahi Beverages will release the limited edition "Sheer Oh-LE Strawberry" (480ml PET) and "Sheer Oh-LE Melon" (480ml PET) at Seven-Eleven stores nationwide from May 23. The products feature the catchphrase "Transparent yet Strawberry/Melon milk tea." It is believed that the aim is to explore new demand by incorporating the fun element that comes with refreshing beverages. "Sheer Oh-LE" is a new milk-based drink that was created with the concept of "enjoying the gap between appearance and taste," and the word "sheer" as an adjective means "transparent-like." Asahi Beverages has achieved a translucent liquid color despite it being a dairy product through its proprietary technology. The company claims that the drink's "mild and refreshing taste of milk and fruit, combined with the transparent appearance, creates a fun and exciting experience." The products were also co-developed with members of the popula

Kyocafe Chacha Launches Kyoto Waffle Series with Cherry Blossoms and Strawberries

 Kyocafe Chacha, a waffle specialty store operated by Japan Resort Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture), is set to launch their new line of Kyoto Waffles on April 1st, 2023 (Saturday). The waffles feature a rich milk tea aroma infused with cherry blossoms and strawberries, and come in two flavors: Hana Yaka Sakura Milk Tea and Maroyaka Ichigo Milk Tea. The dough is kneaded with plenty of Earl Grey tea leaves and topped with pickled cherry blossoms and dried strawberries, making it a perfect treat for spring outings such as cherry blossom viewing and picnics, or as a gift for someone starting a new life. The Kyoto Waffle Series will be available for purchase at Kyocafe Chacha Arashiyama store, Kyocafe Chacha Sanjo store, and the Kyocafe Chacha official online shop.

Aeon Retail and Local Brewery Collaborate to Develop Craft Beer for Young People

Aeon Retail's Tokai Company is selling a limited edition craft beer called "Wakamono ni Okuru Ale" (Ale for Young People) at 38 Aeon and Aeon Style stores in partnership with local brewery Weimar Market and students from Chukyo University in Nagoya, starting on March 24. Fourth-year students at Chukyo University, Kazuma Sugita and Taro Ozeki, proposed the development of a new product targeting young people during their investigation of Weimar Market for their graduation thesis. They focused on a "refreshing aftertaste" rather than bitterness after conducting tastings and surveys at the university. Weimar Market then developed a craft beer with a soft mouthfeel, using Belgian wit that is low in bitterness and new New Zealand hops called "Nectaron," which provides a slight peach-like aroma. The name "Wakamono ni Okuru Ale" was chosen from over 200 candidates, meaning "Ale for Young People" to support the younger generation. Weimar Mar

Ito En to release TULLY’S COFFEE BLACK&SODA GASSATA, a black coffee carbonated beverage

On May 8th, Ito En will release a black coffee carbonated beverage called "TULLY'S COFFEE BLACK&SODA GASSATA" (370ml bottle can) under the TULLY'S COFFEE brand. This move is in response to the expanding black coffee category and the increasing diversification of the preferences of black coffee drinkers, aiming to bring a new wind to the black coffee market. The product features carbonation that enhances the richness of coffee, creating a refreshing and exhilarating taste. It is made with 100% Arabica coffee beans, and espresso coffee with a concentrated deliciousness is added to the carbonation. The "black foam" that appears when poured into a glass is also a unique feature, and a limited quantity of the product will be sold as a set of three bottles and one original "black foam glass" under the name "TULLY'S COFFEE BLACK&SODA GASSATA Black Foam Glass Set." The package design features a neon design that shines on a black base,

Okushiri Winery's new brand "Fuyuyu 139.4, 42.1 Merlot 2022" to be released

 Okushiri Winery in Hokkaido will be releasing a new brand of wine called "Fuyuyu 139.4, 42.1 Merlot 2022". The event pre-sale will start from March 9th, and the factory-limited sales will begin from March 10th. The price is 4,800 yen (including tax). "Fuyuyu 139.4, 42.1 Merlot 2022" is a jointly developed wine produced by Okushiri Winery using ONKYO's vibration system, which shakes the tank during the fermentation period with Mozart's music and the sound of the waves in Okushiri. While it has a delicate light body, the taste of this wine is characterized by the unique mineral feel and long aftertaste of Okushiri wine, and aims to offer a taste that is uniquely Japanese, with the concept of pairing well with Japanese cuisine. This new brand of wine is only available for purchase at the Okushiri Winery factory, and not available anywhere else. For fans of Okushiri wine and those who want to experience the unique taste of Japan, we recommend getting your hands

Limited Time Offer: Tokyo Peas in Four Flavors with Eco-Bag Set by Eitaro Sohonpo

 Eitaro Sudo Shoten Co., Ltd. is currently selling a limited quantity "Tokyo Peasen Special Set with Eco Bag" exclusively on their official online store until April 14th. This set includes all four flavors of Tokyo Peasen, along with a drawstring bag featuring an illustration of the iconic Eiffel Tower of Tokyo Peasen. There are only 100 sets available, so don't miss your chance to purchase this limited edition set! [Contents] Tokyo Peasen Crunchy Plain (6 bags) Made with peanuts from Chiba prefecture for a crispy texture and a savory flavor. It is seasoned with "kaiso salt", which is the best match for the aroma of the dough and peanuts. Tokyo Peasen Crispy Shrimp (6 bags) A crispy shrimp-flavored snack with a hint of the sea, with a deep and satisfying taste that can be enjoyed by savoring the scent of the ocean. Tokyo Peasen Moist Cheese (6 bags) A moist and flavorful snack with a Gouda cheese sauce, enhanced by a hint of black pepper for an adult taste. It a

JALUX to Release Limited Edition Leather Goods Made from Reused Class J Seats

 JALUX has released a limited quantity of pouches and L-shaped wallets made from recycled leather from JAL's Class J seats, which were actually used on domestic flights. The soft and supple genuine leather used in the Class J seats was carefully removed by hand from the seats, thoroughly cleaned, and then handmade by craftsmen in Japan. Because each piece of leather has a unique expression due to its use in the Class J seats, users can enjoy the changes that occur over time as the leather becomes familiar to their hands. The pouches are priced at 9,900 yen, and the L-shaped wallets at 13,200 yen.

"Cikera": Ukrainian Honey Wine Now Available for the First Time in Japan

 Ukrainian honey wine "CIKERA" is set to be sold for the first time in Japan. The honey wine comes in three varieties - red, white, and rosé - and will be sold in limited quantities on the Ukrainian wine specialty shop website " Vino Pioner ". Ukraine is an agricultural powerhouse with vast fertile plains and is also one of the world's top beekeeping countries. Ukrainian honey, made mainly from sunflowers and acacia, has a subtle acidity within its sweetness. With an annual production of about 70,000 tons, Ukraine is the largest honey producer in Europe. Honey wine, fermented from honey as a raw material, is also known as "mead" and is made using a method similar to that of wine. It is older than wine and beer, having been produced for more than 14,000 years. The "CIKERA" being sold this time is a honey wine made using a unique Ukrainian method without the addition of alcohol or sugar. Only natural honey and juicy fruits that have received th

Ina City to Sell Limited Edition Pink Stone Buddha Figure Capsule Toys

 Limited edition pink stone Buddha mini-figures in the form of capsule toys will be sold in Ina City during the Takato Joshi Park Cherry Blossom Festival this spring. The reddish Takato Okohiganzakura cherry trees that bloom in the park inspired the design of these figures. Since 2021, the city has been creating miniature figures in the shape of stone Buddhas to promote tourism and showcase the many stone Buddhas that can be found at temples and along the roads in Takato Town. These figures have become so popular that visitors from outside the prefecture have traveled to the city to see them. During last year's Sakura Festival, a limited edition gold-colored version was also sold. The mini-figures come in eight different types, including "Daisho Fudo Myoo," which was created by Moriya Sadaharu, a master craftsman of the Takato Ishiko, a group of artisans from the Edo period. The gray mini-figures will be sold at two locations: in front of the Takato Kaku Genseki in Takato

Suntory's 60th Anniversary Plum Wine Release

 On May 16th, Suntory will release a limited quantity of "Suntory Umeshu Yamazaki Distillery Storage Umeshu EXTRA BLEND" (700 ml) to commemorate the 60th anniversary of its plum wine making. This plum wine has a mellow taste and is stored in old barrels used for whiskey aging for five years at the Yamazaki Distillery. It is then blended with malt whiskey that has been aged for a long time in barrels where plum wine was stored, which enhances the flavor and creates a long-lasting aftertaste. Suntory's aging and blending techniques create a rich aroma and a soft, mellow taste that can be enjoyed. The bottle has a rounded shape that expresses the flavor of aging, and the outer box is designed with a painting by Yokoyama Taikan. Suntory has been developing a series of flavorful plum wines that utilize the knowledge and technology gained through Western liquor making. Particularly, the "Yamazaki Distillery Storage Umeshu" series, which is stored in barrels previously

Lotteria Collaborates with Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba for Limited-time Offer

 Starting from April 7th, Lotteria will be selling a limited-time collaboration menu, "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Rice Burger Demon Onset," as the second wave of their collaboration with the anime series. Following their first collaboration menu "Ima mo Mukashi mo♪ Hidamari Kids Set" that went on sale on March 23rd, this second wave features three single-item rice burgers made with 100% domestically produced rice buns: "Teriyaki Rice Burger," "Shrimp Rice Burger," and "Delicious Cheese Rice Burger." Each set comes with "Demon On Fry (3 pieces)" and "Drink M," both inspired by Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, and all of which are served in an original packaging paper decorated with the designs of Tanjiro Kamado and Nezuko Kamado, the main characters of the anime.

Limited-time Pikachu Afternoon Tea at Strings Hotels in Nagoya and Omotesando

 Pocket Monsters, beloved around the world, including in Japan, inspire a limited-time Pikachu-themed afternoon tea at Strings Hotel Nagoya (located at 4-60-7 Hiraike-cho, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture) and Strings Omotesando (located at 3-6-8 Kitaaoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo). The patissiers at both hotels have collaborated to create seven high-quality and cute sweets that are inspired by Pikachu.  The stand sweets include a cute mousse chocolate where Pikachu pops up from an apple, a muffin with Pikachu ears, and a macaron with a design of Pikachu's back pattern. Don't forget to take a photo holding the lollipop with Pikachu drawn on it. Three savory items prepared by hotel chefs are also available, including a Smogbloom with addictive spiciness made with red biman des perettes pepper. Also, the original drinks (optional) including fruit aides, mocktails, and art lattes that express Pikachu are a must-see.

Shibata City in Niigata Prefecture releases "Hime no Temari" strawberry

 The city of Shibata in Niigata Prefecture is promoting itself as a strawberry producing region. They have released a large strawberry called "Hime no Temari", which weighs over 45 grams per fruit. Among the "Echigo Hime" strawberries, known for their soft flesh and sweetness, this particular strawberry has been specially commercialized for its size. The strawberry's name comes from its resemblance to the shape of a "temari" ball, with its bright vermilion color and roundness. Although it was only released last year, this year's version will have an even higher sugar content (above 10.5 on the Brix scale) when shipped. This strawberry can only be harvested at a ratio of one fruit per 1,000, so it has not been widely available outside the production area. However, the city has limited its sales in order to strengthen the "Echigo Hime" brand. A pack of three strawberries costs 1,296 yen including tax, and they will be sold in supermarkets a

Sankt Gallen to Release Shonan Gold Fruit Beer on Orange Day

 Sankt Gallen Brewery will release a juicy fruit beer called "Shonan Gold" on April 14th, which is the "third day of love" following Valentine's Day and White Day, using plenty of oranges "Shonan Gold" produced in Kanagawa prefecture. This product is a limited edition item for spring and summer, and will be sold at the company's online shop and department store liquor corners until the end of September. Shonan Gold is an original citrus fruit created by Kanagawa Prefecture over 12 years and was registered as a variety in 2003. It has a characteristic lemon-yellow color, but when you take a bite, a gorgeous aroma and sweet orange flavor spread in your mouth. The beer "Shonan Gold" for sale uses damaged and non-standard size Shonan Gold fruits, and about 500 kg of fruits are cut by the company and used entirely without throwing away the peel and juice. The beer has a refreshing flavor of orange that bursts in your mouth, and the aroma when

McDonald's Launches Limited-Time "Strawberry Daifuku Pie" for Spring Season

 McDonald's began selling a limited-time item "Strawberry Daifuku Pie" on March 22. This new hot sweet consists of strawberry paste with chunky red bean paste and strawberry-flavored mochi wrapped in a pie. It is likely aimed at promoting and attracting customers with sweets in red and pink colors, matching the cherry blossom season. The "Strawberry Daifuku Pie" comes in two limited-edition packaging designs. The package features a spring-like design inspired by strawberries, red bean paste, and mochi, and a decorative Mizuhiki knot is placed at the opening of the package.

Falo USA Okonomiyaki Pizza to Debut in March 2023 at FUGETSU USA

 「FUGETSU USA」, the operator of "Okonomiyaki Tsuruhashi" franchise, owned by Camellia Corporation, will be launching a revamped version of the popular 2001 dish, "Falo USA Okonomiyaki Pizza", exclusively at "FUGETSU USA" from March 20th, 2023.  The dish is a fusion of Japanese okonomiyaki and Western-style pizza, creating a new style of "neo-okonomiyaki". Guests can enjoy cutting and sharing the "okonomiyaki pizza" with family and friends, savoring the crispy cheese topping baked on the iron plate and even eating it like a snack. Product Name: "Falo USA Okonomiyaki Pizza" Release Date: March 20th, 2023 Price: 1,500 yen (tax included) Description: "Falo USA Okonomiyaki Pizza" is a fluffy "neo-okonomiyaki" that combines Japanese-style okonomiyaki with Western-style pizza toppings such as a special sauce and plenty of cheese. It will be available exclusively at "Okonomiyaki Tsuruhashi FUGETSU USA" st

GODIVA x Zen-Noh Collaboration Project: Nationwide Flavor Tour Set

 In March 2022, JA Zen-Noh marked its 50th anniversary by teaming up with Godiva Japan Co., Ltd. (located in Minato-ku, Tokyo and led by President Jerome Chouchan), which was also celebrating its 50th anniversary in Japan that year. The two companies collaborated on a project called "GODIVA x Zen-Noh Collaboration Project" that aimed to introduce novel combinations of tasty local ingredients from across Japan with chocolate.  As the project's finale, the "GODIVA x Zen-Noh Collaboration Nationwide Flavor Tour Set" was released, featuring two kinds of "Jure Chocolat" and three varieties of "Chocolate-coated Dried Fruits." These limited-edition items are available at select Godiva stores and online from March 20th (Monday), representing the culmination of the project and expressing gratitude for the companies' 50th anniversaries.

Japan McDonald's Releases Doraemon Happy Set Toys to Promote Science Interest in Children

 Starting from "From March 17th, Japan McDonald's has been selling limited-time Happy Sets featuring Doraemon toys." Japan McDonald's has started selling a limited-time Happy Set featuring Doraemon toys from March 17th. This set includes six types of toys inspired by the world of the popular character Doraemon from the movie "Doraemon: Nobita and the Legend of the Utopia." The toys feature items such as a Doraemon toy in costume from the movie and toys inspired by the movie's world. By leveraging the character's popularity, which is expected to gain more attention due to the movie adaptation, Japan McDonald's aims to encourage family customers to visit their stores. According to Japan McDonald's, these toys are designed to "promote recognition of geometric and spatial shapes, deepen interest in natural science, and foster logical thinking. Playing games like pinball with a lever and competing with friends or enjoying the challenge of lau

Limited Edition Stainless Tumbler of Super Cub Has Been Released

A stainless tumbler of Super Cub has been released as a limited edition of 180 pieces as a product planned by "FACE," which designs vehicle models goods. The tumbler comes in three color variations, white, matt sand, and dark green, all of which match the character of the Cub that can travel from the town to the outdoors. It is fun to choose the tumbler's color and use it according to the situation, such as at home, workplace, or outdoors. This product has a charming design with the silhouette of the Cub and slightly loose "Super Cub" font and has obtained a license from Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Furthermore, the tumbler is made of vacuum insulated stainless material, which can keep both cold and hot drinks warm for six hours, making it usable throughout the year. The tumbler can store R-size and L-size convenience store coffee cups and has a detachable lid on the drinking mouth, making it convenient to carry around. You can also drink directly from the tumbler with

The release of Premium Aged Sake Shima Arashi OCEAN, Arimura Shuzo

Yoron Island, situated at the southernmost tip of Kagoshima Prefecture's Amami Islands, is an idyllic "paradise" enveloped by stunning emerald green coral reefs. In this close-knit community, where "most of the residents know each other," the locals have been brought together by a locally-made sake called "Shimayusen." Through the act of drinking Shimayusen, the islanders express their gratitude to their ancestors and share their emotions, whether it be joy, sorrow, or anger, in a spirit of equality. Shimayusen is known not only as a communal beverage but also as a "hospitality sake." A unique Yoron Island tradition is "Yoron Kenpo," where locals share a large cup of black sugar shochu, and this important ceremony has been used to entertain visitors from afar with the island's sake, which includes Shimayusen. To commemorate the release of Premium Aged Sake Shima Arashi OCEAN, Arimura Shuzo is offering a limited-edition "Pre

Japan McDonald's launched a limited-time offer of "Shaka Shaka Potato"

 On March 8th, Japan McDonald's launched a limited-time offer of "Shaka Shaka Potato*". The aim is to appeal to customers with a flavored version of the side menu item, "McFry Potato", as a satisfying snack option. According to Japan McDonald's, this item is not only perfect to enjoy with burgers, but also goes well with favorite drinks as a snack when hunger strikes. As for the "McFry Potato", it is made using only a limited selection of potato varieties from around the world, and is cut into whole pieces. Japan McDonald's describes it as having a crispy golden-brown exterior and a fluffy texture on the inside as its distinctive features. *"Shaka Shaka Potato" is a limited-time offer by Japan McDonald's, which refers to a seasoned version of their popular side item, the "McFry Potato". The seasoning comes in a separate packet, and customers can shake it onto the fries to add flavor and seasoning. The name "Shaka Sh

A set of high-end caviar and Satsuma cut glass bowls will be sold for a limited time

 A limited set of rare Gold Caviar and Satsuma Kiriko Caviar Bowls is set to go on sale, and an unveiling event was held. The event, held at Sengan-en Palace, showcased the ultra-premium caviar "Gold Caviar" extracted from albino sturgeon, as well as Satsuma Kiriko caviar bowls made by Shimazu Corporation. The caviar bowl is finished in glittering gold and red to highlight the Gold Caviar. Gold Caviar was first successfully cultivated in Miyazaki Prefecture when the Republic of San Marino, surrounded by Italy, aimed to develop caviar that would pair well with their own wine. The set with Satsuma Kiriko was realized because Manlio Cadelo, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of San Marino to Japan and also a goodwill ambassador of Kagoshima, uses Shimazu Satsuma Kiriko, which is produced in Kagoshima.

Godiva Japan to Launch Three Limited-Time Strawberry Flavor Drinks

Luxury chocolate maker Godiva Japan will begin selling three new limited-time drinks featuring strawberry flavor from April 7. The new products, which incorporate fresh strawberries in a spring-themed lineup, are expected to attract customers. The new drinks to be sold are "Dark Chocolate Strawberry Chocolixir", "White Chocolate Strawberry Chocolixir", and "Cacao Fruit Juice Strawberry", all available at Godiva Chocolixir stores throughout Japan. The "Dark Chocolate" drink combines the rich flavor of dark chocolate with the sweetness and tartness of strawberry sauce to create a perfectly balanced taste. In the "White Chocolate" drink, the milky flavor of white chocolate is blended with the sweetness and acidity of strawberry sauce. The "Cacao Fruit Juice" drink uses the juice of the cacao fruit pulp, mixed with strawberry sauce to create a refreshing flavor.

Limited edition Sakura Ale made with yeast from Kenrokuen Garden to be exported to the US

 A locally grown barley-based beer using yeast extracted from the cherry blossoms at Kenrokuen Garden will be exported to the United States in May. The agricultural corporation "Wakuwaku Tezukuri Farm Kawakita" in Kanbe-cho, which has been collaborating with the Ishikawa Prefectural Industrial Research Institute on the development and commercialization of the yeast, will use locally grown barley to appeal to the taste of Made in Ishikawa. Starting from April 28 when cherry blossoms in major tourist spots in the prefecture, including Kenrokuen Garden, are at their best, the limited-edition "Sakura Ale" (330 milliliters) will also be sold at station stores such as Kanazawa Station to attract Ishikawa fans. The commercialized products include the overseas-oriented "SAKURA ALE" (330 milliliters) and the domestic-oriented "Kenrokuen Sakura Ale" (350 milliliters). The alcohol content has been kept low at 3.5% to appeal to a wide range of consumers, and

Starbucks Coffee Japan will release reusable cups

 Starbucks Coffee Japan will release reusable cups and two types of Starbucks cards in collaboration with "PEANUTS" at all Starbucks stores across the country, except for some, on March 29th. "PEANUTS" is a comic that began serializing in seven American newspapers on October 2, 1950. The author is Charles M. Schulz, and it is known for characters such as the beagle "Snoopy" and is currently serialized in 2,200 papers in 75 countries and 21 languages. The reusable cup and Starbucks cards released this time are the second set of products in the "STARBUCKS x PEANUTS Collaboration #2". They were developed based on the theme "HAPPINESS IS BEING WHO YOU ARE." The lineup of products available for purchase in stores is as follows: ◆Reusable Cup Off-White PEANUTS Snoopy Brothers 473ml (including tax 550 yen) ◆Starbucks Card PEANUTS Snoopy Brothers (can be issued with a deposit of 2,000 yen or more) ◆Starbucks Card PEANUTS Sally (can be issued wi