Twentythree

Two star brands join forces to celebrate the Japanese festival of star-crossed lovers.

Stars have a special significance in Japan at the start of summer, as the Tanabata Festival is celebrated on 7 July. This annual festival marks the mythical reunion of celestial lovers Orihime (represented by the real star Vega) and Hikoboshi (represented by real star Altair), who were separated and forced to reside on opposite sides of the Milky Way by Orihime’s father, the King of Heaven, as punishment for neglecting their duties. According to the myth, the two lovers are now permitted to meet only on the seventh night of the seventh month of every year.

This celestial love story been passed down through the generations in Japan, permeating the public consciousness and sprinkling it with a touch of mystery and romance at this time of year. It’s also a prime opportunity for a certain star-associated coffeehouse chain to do something special for customers, and this year Starbucks is doing just that with a new limited-edition collection at its Reserve Roastery Tokyo branch, which is known for its star logo.

▼ Starbucks Reserve Roastery Tokyo

Image©SoraNews24

Like the meeting of star-crossed lovers at the centre of the Tanabata festival, the Reserve Roastery will be joining forces with another starry brand, Converse Tokyo, to produce the special collection in honour of Tanabata. Converse Tokyo is a Japanese lifestyle brand created by Converse Japan to produce clothing, accessories and lifestyle products that feature the brand’s iconic star motif in cool and contemporary ways.

Based around the concept of “Go Out with Iced Coffee”, the range covers 10 items with the theme of heading out into the city or nature with an iced coffee in hand. With cool hues, metallic textures and designs inspired by Tanabata and the streets around the Meguro River, where the Roastery is located, the collection aims to add a stylish, starry flair to summer outings.

▼ The first item in the lineup is the Converse Tokyo Stainless Steel City Bottle (532 millilitres [18 ounces]), which is priced at 6,000 yen (US$37).

Made for enjoying iced coffee on the go, this large-capacity bottle features a wide opening for easy cleaning and a street-inspired graphic based on the area around the Meguro River.

▼ Next up is the Converse Tokyo Mesh Pocket Black Nylon Backpack (22,000 yen).

This stylish backpack features a front mesh pocket with a tag showcasing the same artwork as the bottle, and a roomy design that makes it ideally suited for a range of outings, from casual city walks to outdoor events.

▼ Converse Tokyo 2-Way Shopping Tote Bag (15,500 yen)

This tote comes in a choice of two colourways – Silver and Beige (above), which pairs a latte-inspired brown lining with a metallic exterior, and Navy (below), which combines a blue-grey lining with a more subdued exterior.

With a star motif on the front and an embossed Starbucks Reserve logo on the back, the bags can be carried by hand or worn over the shoulder using the included strap.

▼ Converse Tokyo Twill Navy Cap (8,500 yen)

This cap will complete your summer look while also providing you with protection from the sun’s scorching rays. The star on the front represents the Starbucks Reserve brand, while the star on the side is the logo for Converse Tokyo.

▼ Converse Tokyo Packable Black Safari Hat (8,500 yen)

Designed for both everyday outings and outdoor adventures, this hat can be folded down to a compact size and it comes with a chin strap that can be converted into a shoulder strap for easy carrying.

Rounding out the collection are a couple of hand towels, in blue or navy (3,000 yen), both of which are tagged with the same artwork as the stainless steel bottle…

 …and the Converse Tokyo Star Pouch, in silver or navy (8,500 yen each), which is handy for holding small items like earphones and can be attached to a bag using the included carabiner.

With so many different products to choose from, this range is a great choice for fans looking for a unique Tokyo souvenir or a gift for someone special. Everything in the collection has been beautifully designed, reflecting the quality and attention to detail of the two brands behind it, and it will be available from 3 July at the Starbucks Reserve Roastery Tokyo and the official Starbucks online store, while stocks last.

Store information
Starbucks Reserve Roastery Tokyo / スターバックス リザーブ ロースタリー東京
Address: Tokyo-to, Meguro-ku, Aobadai 2-19-23
東京都目黒区青葉台2丁目19-23
Open 7 a.m.-11 p.m.
Website

Source, images: Press release unless otherwise stated
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Looks like someone told Hello Kitty and friends how to get (how to get) to Sesame Street.

We recently took a look at the results of this year’s Sanrio Character Ranking election, in which fans from around the world cast their votes to determine the cutest stars in Japan’s most prominent kawaii character community. But while it has dozens upon dozens of adorable icons, the company is always happy to collaborate with characters from outside the Sanrio family too, and their latest partner is Sesame Street!

Specifically, it’s Sesame Street Market, Japan’s Sesame Street specialty store and cafe, that Sanrio is collaborating with. Each side is contributing four characters to the crossover merch and food line, with the parings being Elmo and Hello Kitty, Cookie Monster and Cinnamaroll, Big Bird and Pompompurin, and Oscar and Pochacco.

▼ There’s an argument to be made that Badtz-Maru is the Sanrio character with a personality closest to Oscar’s, but that doesn’t mean they’d necessarily become friends.

The designs are divided into two motifs, starting with plushies in which the Sesame Street characters are wearing Sanrio headgear. Pictured above are the plushie charms (3,520 yen [US$22] each), which can be clipped to your bag if you’re headed out together for the day. The same design also shows up in plushie pins (1,650 yen)…

…and zippered pouches (3.850 yen), which can be used for holding cosmetics, small devices, and other sundry items that you want to keep not only organized, but organized in a cute way.

Rounding out the plushie collection are pass cases (2,970) for keeping tap-and-go rail passes, like JR’s Suica.

Switching gears to the illustrated items, each pair has their own tote bag (3,520 yen), with the two characters hanging out together.

The drawings are also featured on T-shirts (5,940 yen) with some ‘80s retro vibes to them…

…and, finally, stickers (660 yen each).

As mentioned above, Sesame Street Market is a combination shop and cafe, and so Sanrio is also getting in on the sweets action with “collaboration donuts” (690 yen).

Each donut comes with a heart-shaped dropper filled with extra sauce to drizzle on for a decadently gooey treat.

Beverages can also be purchased with special Sesame Street/Sanrio drink sleeves.

Everything goes on sale July 2, and while you’ll need to make your way to a physical Sesame Street Market cafe for the sweets and drink sleeves, the other items will also be available through the chain’s online store here.

Related: Sesame Street Market official website, online store
Source: PR Times
Top image: PR Times
Insert images: PR Times, Sesame Street Market
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Amongst all the viral convenience store food finds, this is a hidden gem.

7-Eleven Japan is known for many things, like coffees, sandwiches and smoothies, but one thing you might not know about the chain is it does a mean burrito. First launched in 1983, 7-Eleven’s burrito range has been a bestseller for more than 40 years, and now there’s a new Mexican-inspired flavour with a hot and spicy kick that’s said to be great for summer.

Called “Tacos Meat Salsa Cheese”, or “Pork Taco Meat & Cheese” to use its English name, the new burrito was released on 10 June. Keen to find out if it really was as good as online commenters have been saying, we picked one up and followed the instructions to open the bag slightly and microwave it for one minute at 500 watts before eating.

After heating it up, we took the burrito out of the bag and admired the convenience of the paper sleeve it was housed in. This is one of those small details that make the range so popular, as the sleeve protects your fingers from mess and heat, creating a more enjoyable eating experience.

Taking a bite, we found that the tortilla immediately stood out on the palette, with a soft and slightly chewy texture. What really surprised us, though, was the taste of the filling, with the spicy taco meat delivering a pleasant kick, while the tomato added a hint of sweetness and tanginess to the mix. It was a bold, flavourful combination, beautifully brought together with a good amount of melted cheese, which added a rich, creamy texture to help dial back the heat just enough to make each bite an indulgently pleasant one.

Since burritos originated in Mexico, it’s no surprise that taco meat and salsa make for a great filling. Having eaten our fair share of 7-Eleven burritos over the years, though, we used to think the classic Ham & Cheese filling was the best in the range, but this new flavour might have just knocked it off the top spot. The heat is fairly mild, leaving just a gentle tingle on the tongue so it’s spicy enough without being overwhelming, giving it wide-ranging appeal.

Priced at 311 yen (US$2.10), the Burrito Taco Meat Salsa Cheese is a spicy burrito that’s perfect for summer, and it’s a lot less divisive than the matcha burrito released at 7-Eleven last year.

Photos ©SoraNews24
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Clever use of sagara embroidery gives the beautiful black feline a fur-like feel. 

Not every outing calls for a large bag, especially in Japan where many people shop for groceries regularly or carry a bento boxed lunch to work or school. Here with a cute solution for those everyday occasions is Studio Ghibli specialty chain Donguri Kyowakoku, with the release of a mini bag featuring Jiji from Kiki’s Delivery Service.

▼ Kiki’s Delivery Service “Jiji and Broom” Mini Bag

Made from soft corduroy, the bag features Jiji rendered in fluffy Sagara embroidery, a traditional Japanese embroidery technique that creates a raised, textured finish.

Surrounding the black cat are familiar motifs from the film, including Kiki’s broom and radio, her signature red bow and dress, as well as her shoes and shoulder bag.

The combination of corduroy fabric and tactile Sagara embroidery gives the bag a warmth that perfectly suits the cosy charm of Kiki’s Delivery Service.

▼ On the back is an embossed label printed with the name of the film.

Measuring approximately 26 × 32 × 15 centimetres (10.2 × 12.6 × 5.9 inches), excluding the handles, the bag has a surprisingly roomy gusset despite its compact size, making it ideal for short trips or a quick outing with friends. Priced at 3,850 yen (US$23.74), it can be purchased at Donguri Kyowakoku stores and online, where you can also pick up a Jiji pouch and Totoro mini bag to add to your Ghibli collection.

Source, images: Donguri Kyowakoku
Featured image: Donguri Kyowakoku
Insert images: Donguri Kyowakoku 
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Mosh is a posh Mos.

Mos Burger has been a fixture in the Japanese fast food scene for decades, but as we’ve seen from chains that have found success and chains that just seem to fizzle, constant innovation is needed to thrive in this market. In that spirit, Mos Burger has reimagined itself in the form of Mosh Burger & Bar, which opened on 1 July in the ritzy Ginza district of Tokyo.

This version of Mos Burger operates on a bar & grill format with both full dining options and a bar section where people can simply enjoy drinks and appetizers or hang out while waiting to be seated for their full meal.

These meals are upscale versions of typical Mos Burger fare, such as the Mosh Cheese Burger. This is topped with both mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, as well as a special ketchup and sautéed onions. But what makes this burger really unique is the patty, which contains both ground and sliced beef for an exquisite combination of textures.

The Mosh Classic Burger has mozzarella with a hearty slice of tomato and the sophisticated taste of red wine blended into its Bolognese sauce, all topped off with some grated Parmesan cheese, making it nearly as cheesy as the cheeseburger.

And if all that still isn’t enough cheese for you, Mosh Burger & Bar’s dinnertime recommendation is the Nighttime Indulgence Cheeseburger. The burger holds cheddar on the bottom and Comté up top, and is doused with a Raclette-based cheese sauce of both sautéed and fried onions with crispy bacon.

For something slightly less indulgent, there’s also a pair of sliders made up of creative takes on hamburgers. The first one is topped with prosciutto, berries, and a blend of cream cheese and mascarpone.  The other is a pair of onion rings served filled with ricotta and honey-lemon sauce. Both are served on brioche buns.

These meals can also come with lemonade using the famed lemons of the Seto inland sea, a cafe au lait protein shake, and a variety of alcoholic drinks such as beer, wine, highballs, and mojitos.

Mos Burger was very forthcoming about their new restaurant in every way, except for what the hell “Mosh” is supposed to mean. My first guess was that it was a pun on the word “posh,” but that doesn’t really make sense since “Mos” is meant to be pronounced like “moas,” as in “Mos Def.” Then again, “poash” is a sort of posh way to say “posh” when you think about it.

The fact that “Mos” is an acronym for “Mountain Ocean Sun” might suggest that the “H” is meant to stand for something as well. “Hamburger” seems like an obvious choice, but then the name would be “Mountain Ocean Sun Hamburger Burger & Bar” and that doesn’t make much sense. The best I could come up with is either “hospitality” or “holy cow,” because the burgers are so fancy, that’s what you’ll probably remark.

Whatever it is, it’s probably fair to say that it has nothing to do with elbowing a guy in the face during the Limp Bizkit set at Woodstock ‘99… but we can’t rule it out entirely without an official explanation.

Restaurant information
Mosh Burger & Bar / モッシュ バーガー＆バル
Tokyo-to, Chuo-ku, Ginza 8-7 Ginza Nine Bldg. 2, 1F
東京都中央区銀座8-7 銀座ナイン2号館 1F
Hours: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. (holidays), 10 p.m. (Mon – Thurs, Saturdays), 11 p.m. (Fridays)

Source, images: PR Times
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This train turns the journey from Kyoto into a holiday highlight. 

One of Japan’s most unique sightseeing trains is about to return for another summer season, with the West Express Ginga set to begin operations on its Kii Peninsula route from 3 July.

Operated by West Japan Railway Company (JR West), the train runs between Kyoto and Shingu and offers a range of special onboard and station-based experiences. Designed as a rolling showcase of the region, the service combines coastal views with local food, cultural experiences and onboard entertainment, turning the journey itself into a highlight of the holiday.

▼ The train runs along the coast in the scenic Wakayama region.

Now in its sixth year on the Kii Peninsula route, the train will operate 24 round trips between 3 July and 30 September, with both daytime and overnight services available. The overnight service departs Kyoto at 9.13pm and arrives in Shingu at 9.35am the following morning, while the daytime return journey leaves Shingu at 1.05pm and reaches Kyoto at 8.53pm.

Passengers travelling on the overnight service can take part in a range of activities highlighting the attractions of southern Wakayama. Onboard staff will introduce notable destinations and regional specialties, while guides will provide commentary on local geoparks between Kushimoto and Shingu. There will also be talks related to rockets and space exploration, reflecting the area’s connection to Japan’s space industry.

One of the highlights of the overnight journey is an extended stop at Wakayama Station, where passengers can pick up takeaway Wakayama ramen from a local restaurant. Further down the line, the train will stop for around an hour at Kushimoto Station, giving travellers the chance to enjoy a special tuna cutlet burger set (advance reservations required) or take a special shuttle bus to the Hashigui-iwa rock formations.

After arriving in Shingu, passengers can join a guided tour of Kumano Hayatama Taisha, one of the three grand shrines of the Kumano region.

Daytime services focus more on local interaction, with product sales, quizzes and other special events being held in the train’s communal space in carriage four. Stations along the route will also welcome passengers with regional treats and activities, and at Kushimoto, local businesses and tourism groups will set up stalls, while the town’s Japan-Turkey friendship mascot, MaguToru, will be on hand to greet passengers.

Another highlight of the journey is a stop at Kainan Station, where local delicacies including pike conger sushi and hayanarezushi, a traditional fermented fish dish, will be available to purchase, although advance reservations are required for some items.

The train’s close ties with the local community extend onboard, as members of Wakayama University’s Kinokuni Line Revitalisation Project will hand out specially produced route maps and host announcements and quiz events during the journey.

As a new feature this year, special West Express Ginga station stamps will be set up at stations along the route during the operating period, separate from the regular station stamp rally popular with railway enthusiasts.

According to JR West, tickets for the first service of the season have already sold out. The railway operator says the route’s combination of Pacific Ocean views, geopark sites and opportunities to interact with local residents continues to make it one of the most distinctive sightseeing rail experiences in western Japan.

All seats are reserved, with tickets available through JR West’s e5489 online reservation service, Midori no Madoguchi ticket offices and Midori no Kenbaiki Plus ticket machines. Fares range from at 8,670 yen (US$60) for a standard reserved reclining seat, through to 15,380 yen for a premium private room.

Source: West Japan Railway Company via Wakayama Keizai Shimbun 
Featured image: PR Times
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Pikachu, Eevee, and Piplup get new leases on life in Yokohama, and it’s thanks to fans.

After many days of gloomy conditions, the city of Yokohama finally got a break from the dark, rainy weather on Tuesday. The sunny skies came just in the nick of time, too, as June 30 was scheduled to be the final chance to see Yokohama’s awesome Pokémon mailboxes before their permanent removal, and it would have been a shame if fans’ last photos of the postal Pikachu, Eevee, and Piplup had to be taken in a downpour.

But instead of a bittersweet goodbye, those rays of sunshine ended up being a metaphor for something much more cheerful, with the sudden announcement that the Pokémon mailboxes won’t be going away with the end of June after all!

To recap, Yokohama, which is half an hour south of Tokyo by train, has three Pokémon mailboxes. Two of those are located outside the city hall building and attached to Bashamichi Station, with one box topped by a Pikachu couple and the other an Eevee.

The third Pokémon mailbox is a block away, in front of the Yokohama Sakuragi Post Office, where Piplup is standing by (sitting by, actually), to receive letters and postcards.

All three of them were first installed in July of 2021, and originally were only supposed to be in service until the end of June 2022. Because of how popular they were with visitors, though, Japan Post (Japan’s postal service) and the Pokémon Company decided to extend the Pokémon mailboxes’ service until June 30, 2026. Then, on the day that was supposed to be their last, came the news of yet another extension, and now all three boxes are scheduled to be in place until the end of June 2027.

Once again, the reason for the extension is the immensely positive reaction from the public. All of the mailboxes saw especially large numbers of visitors in June, with a spokesperson for the Yokohama Sakuragi Post Office expressing surprise at the turnout even though there had been no official reminder announcements or official farewell events being promoted. After seeing that the mailboxes are beloved as ever, Japan Post entered into talks with the Pokémon Company about once again renewing the arrangement, with the discussions wrapping up an agreement only being made right before the mailboxes were slated to go out of service.

▼ So if you were one of the fans who went to go see them, give yourself a pat on the back because you helped save these Pikachus!

Japan Post hasn’t said what aspects of the arrangement required extended conversations, but the Pokémon Company is famously committed to having its partnerships reflect well on the franchise’s image. With Yokohama’s Pokémon mailboxes being outside and exposed to the elements, the Pokémon Company likely has stipulations about keeping them suitably clean and maintained so that visitors aren’t met with the sight of a faded, cracked, or dirty Pikachu, Eevee, or Piplup. With the problems that have been occurring with the statues at the recently opened Pokémon-themed hot spring in Ishikawa Prefecture, the Pokémon Company is probably being extra cautious about infrastructure collaborations at the moment, but it’s great news for fans that an agreement was hammered out and the Yokohama mailboxes will be around for another year at least.

Source: Japan Post, Mainichi Shimbun
Photos ©SoraNews24
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