New Products
Squeezable veggie ice cream from Papico is healthy spin on a kids’ favorite
Ezaki Glico's Papico ice cream has been a kids' favorite since 1974. Whether it's the form factor of squeezable plastic tubes which make them easy to eat and carry around, the fact that they come in pairs which you snap apart and have snap-off plastic caps, or the fact that… Read
Koinobori carp streamer chocolates by Tirol are a fun way of celebrating Children’s Day
Since they first appeared on the market in 1979, Tirol chocolate squares have become ubiquitous in Japan. The inexpensive little chocolates are found everywhere from supermarkets and grocery stores to convenience stores and station kiosks. Although they come in a variety of flavors, it's the incredible variety of their wrappers… Read
Non-alcoholic matcha beer mixer makes debut in Kyoto
The new alcohol free Uji Matcha Beer Base makes it easy for anyone, alcohol lover or not, to enjoy the taste of authentic Uji Matcha Beer from long established tea wholesaler, Hekisuien Co Ltd. For over 150 years since its founding in 1867, Hekisuien has manufactured and sold Uji tea,… Read
Cat hanko seals make stamping your documents a lot cuter
Whenever you need to prove your identity in documents, you might think to use a signature, but in Japan, people use a hanko (判子) instead. Hanko are personalized name seals that are stamped on to documents, and since they need to be unique to the person using them, you’ll often… Read
Beauty face mask uses matcha and fermentation to support healthy skin
In 2019, Mindwave Co Ltd, headquartered in Osaka launched the Luxury Bihada™ cosmetics brand, specialising in beauty products that support healthy and plump skin. The product was a huge hit and this spring, Mindwave has followed up by unveiling the new Luxury Bihada™ Matcha de Beautiful Skin face mask. The new product… Read
Sakura Oreos set to blossom in Japan this spring
Sakura season is shaping up to be a little different in Japan this year. With coronavirus transmission still a legitimate health concern, health officials have been discouraging large public gatherings, and that means that cherry blossom parties in parks, one of the surest signs of spring in Japan, are going to… Read
Lindt & Sprüngli unveil strawberry chocolate drinks
Chocolate lovers behold, Lindt & Sprüngli Japan (Lindt), the Swiss premium chocolate brand loved in over 120 countries across the globe has announced the launch of two new drinks for their cafe menu. Lindt Strawberry Iced Chocolate and Lindt Strawberry Hot Chocolate will be debuting on the Lindt Chocolat Cafe… Read
Famous souvenir sweet Tokyo Banana release sakura variation
Souvenirs, called omiyage, are a big deal in Japan. Huge. If you go on a single trip, even just back to your hometown for a few days, and don’t bring back some boxes of sweets for your co-workers? You’re basically a monster. Perhaps I’m exaggerating slightly, but it really is the done… Read
Kendo armor chopstick rests
Quirky and cute goods retailer Village Vanguard will never run out of accessories to store your goods with, as evidenced by hamster cheek and butt stationery holders, but just in case you're a sword enthusiast, they're adding a new option to their lineup. Their latest release are handcrafted kendo-themed chopstick rests.… Read
Show off your space cowboy flair with this 'Cowboy Bebop' necktie
Space Cowboy fans have been well served lately, with an amazing collaboration cafe in 2018, and very cool Spike and Faye figure last fall, among other collaboration goods being released. Naturally, many fans are also eagerly (or perhaps anxiously) awaiting Netflix's live action adaptation which may be coming out next year. If you're looking… Read
