Takashimaya Osaka’s "Amour du Chocolat": A Confectionery Extravaganza, January 23 – February 14 🍫

Takashimaya Osaka’s "Amour du Chocolat"

From January 23 to February 14, 2025, Takashimaya Osaka will host its annual Valentine’s Day event, "Amour du Chocolat." This "Chocolate Festival," as many affectionately refer to it, will showcase a curated selection of over 100 brands in-store, with an even more expansive collection of up to 400 brands available online. The event will feature a diverse array of chocolates, ranging from the creations of world-renowned chocolatiers to exciting newcomers.

Among the highlights are Takashimaya-exclusive offerings and first-time appearances from international brands. Attendees can look forward to experiencing the creations of Laurent & Kyoko Duchêne, a husband-and-wife team renowned for their expertise in pastry and chocolate. Additionally, <Beliška>, a Slovenian brand known for its spirits and liqueurs, will present its unique chocolate offerings. Representing domestic talent, <Lavance> will make its Takashimaya debut, showcasing chocolates crafted from Japanese ingredients by a Belgian chocolatier.

A Curated Selection of Unique Offerings

"Amour du Chocolat" goes beyond the ordinary, presenting a range of unique and innovative chocolate experiences. A "Luxury Collaboration Box by Unique Japanese Chefs" will make its debut, featuring a curated selection of six brands in a single box. Another noteworthy addition is "upcycled chocolate," a sustainable initiative that repurposes leftover "hoshiimo" (dried sweet potato) in collaboration with top chocolatiers and popular brands.

The event will also feature exclusive offerings from international and domestic chocolatiers. Spain’s Basque <La Peña Dulce>, a buyer’s pick, will be present, alongside <Julien Dechenaud>, a rising star in the French chocolate world celebrated for his skillful use of ingredients. <Le Chocolat de H> will present "Blessings of Noto’s Land," a collection that incorporates ingredients from Noto, expressing a wish for the region’s recovery.

Osaka-Exclusive Delights

In anticipation of Osaka’s increased global attention in 2025, the event will showcase Osaka Takashimaya-exclusive products. These special offerings will feature carefully selected Osaka ingredients and will be crafted by chefs active in the city.

Event Details

• Event Period: January 23 (Thursday) – February 14 (Friday), 2025
• Event Time: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
• Location: Takashimaya Osaka Store, 7th Floor Special Venue (5-1-5 Namba, Chuo-ku, Osaka City)
• Admission: Free
• Contact: 06-6631-1101 (Main)
• Website: Amour du Chocolat Event Page

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What is Takashimaya?

Takashimaya is a Japanese department store chain established in 1831. It is recognized for its focus on quality and customer service, positioning itself as a luxury retail destination in Japan. The store offers a variety of products, including fashion, cosmetics, home goods, and gourmet foods, appealing to a broad range of customers. Its flagship store in Osaka is notable for hosting events and exhibitions, such as the annual Amour du Chocolat, which features a selection of premium chocolates and confections from around the world. With its refined shopping environment, Takashimaya remains a popular choice for both locals and tourists interested in high-quality retail experiences.

JAPAN! Exhibition: A Celebration of Japanese Art and Culture

Immerse Yourself in the Essence of Japan at Design Festa Gallery Harajuku

From January 12th to February 8th, 2025, the Design Festa Gallery Harajuku will host the "JAPAN!" exhibition, a vibrant showcase of contemporary art inspired by the multifaceted culture of Japan. This event offers a unique opportunity to experience the country’s rich heritage and modern dynamism through the eyes of 14 talented artists.

Located in the heart of Harajuku, a globally recognized hub for fashion, art, and youth culture, the Design Festa Gallery is a prominent venue that consistently attracts both local and international visitors. With the recent surge in inbound tourism, Harajuku is more animated than ever, making it the perfect setting for an exhibition that encapsulates the spirit of Japan.

A Diverse Array of Artistic Expressions

The "JAPAN!" exhibition features a diverse range of artistic mediums, including illustrations, paintings, three-dimensional objects, and even clothing. Each artist brings their unique perspective to the theme of "Japan," resulting in a captivating collection of original works.

Here’s a glimpse into what each artist has to offer:

• Samon: Presents a collection of traditional Japanese crafts, including intricately designed objects, obi-remake bags, and kanzashi hair ornaments.
• Katsuki Kuzuya: Showcases delicate Japanese-style watercolor paintings and offers a selection of related merchandise for purchase.
• Marina Sato: Exhibits illustrations that capture the essence of everyday life in Japan, with a particular focus on the country’s culinary delights.
• Lydia Nunez: Features paintings inspired by the unique charm of Sapporo, a major city in Hokkaido.
• Tachibana Minton: Displays fabric works, detailed depictions, T-shirts, and traditional jika-tabi split-toe shoes.
• Shiho: Presents small art pieces that evoke a distinctly Japanese atmosphere, featuring depictions of local animals and scenery.
• KATOYURI: Offers a variety of items inspired by Shinto shrines, including torii gates and shide paper streamers. Additionally, visitors can find risograph prints featuring Mount Fuji and deities, lucky charms, Inari fox deity items, goldfish, and uniquely Japanese yokai.
• AS IF TOY: Debuts the brand-new "Mount Fuji Beckoning Cat" product, a playful fusion of two iconic Japanese symbols.
• Nisshin: Exhibits acrylic badges crafted using traditional Japanese washi paper.
• #DONXCUP: Showcases the "#DONXCUP®" mascot figures, which ingeniously transform from rice bowls.
• Chiaki Nagashima: Plans to exhibit letterpress printed cards and sell a portfolio ZINE.
• Hyaku-iro no Kyobi / Hyaku Kyomu Muni: Presents illustrations and merchandise featuring original characters.
• Hirozwald ~Shiki Oriori~ / Hirozwald Chamomile Forest: Exhibits and sells a collection of illustrations.
• Arisa Ootera: Offers a selection of paintings and three-dimensional works for exhibition and sale.

Event Details

• Venue: Design Festa Gallery Harajuku
• Nearest Stations: Harajuku Station (9-minute walk) / Meiji-jingumae <Harajuku> Station (5-minute walk)
• Address: 〒150-0001 Tokyo, Shibuya-ku, Jingumae <WEST> 3-20-18 1st & 2nd Floors <EAST> 3-20-2 1st, 2nd & 3rd Floors
• Map: Google Maps
• Event Period: January 12th, 2025 (Sunday) – February 8th, 2025 (Saturday)
• Hours: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
• Admission: Free
• Official Website: Design Festa Gallery

Please note that the information provided is subject to change. For the most up-to-date details, please refer to the official website of the venue or the event organizers.

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What is Design Festa Gallery?

Design Festa Gallery is an art space in Harajuku, Tokyo, known for its open and inclusive approach. It provides a platform for artists to display their work without the usual restrictions of traditional galleries. This non-curated policy allows both new and established artists to present their creations freely.

The gallery is part of the Design Festa community, which also organizes a major art festival in Asia. This connection highlights the gallery’s role in promoting creativity and offering a space for diverse artistic expression. Visitors can see a wide range of art forms, including paintings, sculptures, installations, and multimedia projects, showcasing contemporary Japanese art and culture.

Located in a multi-story building with colorful murals, Design Festa Gallery itself is visually engaging. Its layout includes various exhibition rooms, each offering a different experience. This constantly changing environment ensures that each visit is unique, making it an interesting destination for art lovers and cultural enthusiasts.

Design Festa Gallery is a place for creativity and artistic exchange, reflecting the lively spirit of Harajuku. Whether you’re an artist wanting to display your work or a visitor interested in Japanese art, the gallery offers a memorable experience that highlights Japan’s cultural vibrancy.

My Melody & Kuromi Anniversary Party

A Special Exhibition at Ikebukuro PARCO

The special exhibition "MY MELODY♡KUROMI ANNIVERSARY PARTY" will be held at Ikebukuro PARCO from January 10th to January 27th, 2025. This interactive exhibition invites attendees to a celebratory party for the two characters, themed "Even more cute together."

Celebrating a "Matching" Anniversary

2025 marks a special anniversary year for My Melody and Kuromi, two beloved Sanrio characters who embody different facets of "kawaii." My Melody, known for her cheerful disposition, innocent expression, and kind heart, contrasts with Kuromi, who is honest with her feelings and demonstrates the strength to move forward. Despite their contrasting looks, ways of thinking, and personalities, they complement each other perfectly, supporting and helping one another. This exhibition celebrates their unique "MeloKuro" relationship and invites fans to join in commemorating their "kawaii" matching birthday.

Exhibition Highlights

The "MY MELODY♡KUROMI ANNIVERSARY PARTY" is designed as an interactive experience, allowing visitors to feel as though they are guests at a party hosted by the two characters. The exhibition will showcase the unique charm of both My Melody and Kuromi, highlighting how their differences enhance their appeal when they are together.

Event Details

• Venue: Ikebukuro Parco
• Nearest Station: Ikebukuro Station (1-minute walk)
• Address: 1-28-2 Minami-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 171-8557 (MAP)
• Event Period: January 10, 2025 (Friday) – January 27, 2025 (Monday)

Please note that the information provided is subject to change. It is recommended to check the official websites of the venue and the organizer for the most up-to-date details.

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What is Ikebukuro PARCO?

Ikebukuro PARCO is a well-known shopping center situated in the lively district of Ikebukuro, Tokyo. It offers a wide variety of stores, catering to both locals and tourists interested in fashion, lifestyle, and entertainment. The complex spans several floors, featuring clothing boutiques, specialty shops, dining options, and pop-up events. Its proximity to Ikebukuro Station, a major transportation hub, makes it a convenient spot for shopping and cultural activities. This accessibility also makes it a suitable location for events such as the My Melody & Kuromi 2025 Anniversary Party.

Goldfish and a Fantastical Silver World (Winter Exhibition)

Art Aquarium Museum GINZA’s Winter Transformation: A Deep Dive into "Goldfish and the Fantasy Silver World"

The Art Aquarium Museum GINZA, a celebrated destination for its innovative fusion of living art and immersive environments, has unveiled its latest seasonal spectacle: the winter special exhibition, "Goldfish and the Fantasy Silver World." Running from December 27th, 2024, through February 26th, 2025, this exhibition offers a unique opportunity to experience the serene beauty of winter through the lens of aquatic artistry.

A Silver World Unveiled: Winter’s Embrace at the Art Aquarium Museum

As winter’s chill settles upon Tokyo, the Art Aquarium Museum GINZA undergoes a breathtaking metamorphosis. The museum’s interior is reimagined as a "silver world," a captivating landscape where the graceful movements of goldfish are interwoven with the ethereal ambiance of a snow-covered realm. This transformation is not merely a visual treat; it is a multisensory experience, carefully orchestrated through the interplay of light, sound, and fragrance.

Visitors will find themselves transported to a tranquil oasis, a stark contrast to the bustling metropolis outside. The exhibition spaces are adorned with white birch trees and glistening icicles, creating an immersive environment that evokes the stillness and wonder of a winter wonderland. The soft glow of carefully positioned lighting mimics the gentle fall of snow, casting an enchanting spell upon the swimming goldfish.

Seasonal Highlights: "Lanternrium" and "Goldfish Bamboo Grove" in Winter Garb

Two of the museum’s most popular installations, the "Lanternrium" and the "Goldfish Bamboo Grove," have been reimagined for the winter exhibition. The "Lanternrium," a space where goldfish-filled aquariums are designed as traditional lanterns, now evokes the serene atmosphere of a snow-covered sando—the approach to a Shinto shrine or Buddhist temple. This transformation offers a unique perspective on a familiar setting, inviting visitors to appreciate the interplay of light and shadow in a new context.

Further along the lantern-lined path, the "Goldfish Bamboo Grove" awaits, also transformed into a winter landscape. This installation, known for its verdant bamboo scenery, now presents a captivating juxtaposition of the vibrant goldfish against a backdrop of frosted foliage. The result is a harmonious blend of natural elements and artistic expression, showcasing the adaptability of the museum’s design.

Art Aquarium Exhibits: A Closer Look at the Silver Transformation

The winter theme extends to several other exhibits within the museum, each offering a unique perspective on the "silver world" concept:

• Goldfish Corridor: This immersive space, featuring rows of goldfish aquariums that seem to stretch into infinity, is illuminated to simulate the gentle descent of snowflakes. The effect is both mesmerizing and calming, creating a sense of tranquility as visitors stroll through the corridor.
• Goldfish Waterfall: The waterfall-themed installation is enhanced with the addition of icicles, transforming it into a frozen cascade. This dynamic display captures the raw beauty of winter’s transformative power.
• New Goldfish Evaluation: In this exhibit, where various goldfish species are displayed for observation from above, the tanks are decorated with white birch and other winter-themed elements. This subtle yet effective touch brings a sense of seasonal harmony to the space.
• Goldfish Collection: This gallery-like setting, showcasing a diverse array of goldfish, is complemented by winter floral arrangements. The combination of aquatic life and seasonal flora creates a visually striking and thematically cohesive experience.

Essential Information for Planning Your Visit

• Venue: Art Aquarium Museum GINZA
• Nearest Station: Ginza Station
• Address: Ginza Mitsukoshi New Building 8F, 4-6-16 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 〒104-0061 (MAP)
• Event Period: December 27th, 2024 – February 26th, 2025 (Closed on Ginza Mitsukoshi closing days)
• Hours: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Last entry at 6:00 PM)
• Admission:
  • Web Ticket: 2,500 yen
  • Same-day Ticket: 2,700 yen (Available on the 9th floor of the Ginza Mitsukoshi New Building)
• Official Website: https://artaquarium.jp/news/detail/202412274125/

Please note that the information provided is subject to change. It is recommended to consult the official website for the most up-to-date details before your visit.

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What is Art Aquarium Museum?

The Art Aquarium Museum in Ginza, Tokyo, offers an art experience that merges traditional Japanese culture with aquatic life. Known for its goldfish displays, the museum features aquariums that function as both art installations and living exhibits. These are enhanced by lighting, music, and projection mapping, creating an engaging atmosphere.

Artist Hidetomo Kimura designed the museum to blend art and entertainment with the elegance of goldfish, a culturally significant creature in Japan. Each exhibit is crafted to highlight the fish’s beauty, incorporating Japanese aesthetics like traditional patterns.

Visitors can explore themed rooms and installations that showcase the charm of goldfish. The museum provides a visual experience and an opportunity to consider the relationship between humans and nature, making it a worthwhile visit for art and culture enthusiasts.

Strawberry Afternoon Tea at The Westin Tokyo

Indulge in a Refined Setting with the Fresh, Sweet, and Tart Flavors of Seasonal Strawberries at The Westin Tokyo’s Exclusive Weekend Event

The Westin Tokyo invites guests to experience its "Strawberry Afternoon Tea," a limited-time offering available exclusively on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. This event promises an elegant atmosphere coupled with the delightful taste of fresh, seasonal strawberries.

"The Lounge," the hotel’s lobby lounge, provides a serene setting for this unique culinary experience. Characterized by an open and airy design, the lounge seamlessly blends the natural beauty of the adjacent garden, visible through expansive windows, with the sophisticated marble pillars that are a hallmark of The Westin Tokyo. Here, guests can savor the "Strawberry Afternoon Tea," featuring an array of sweets that showcase the versatility of in-season strawberries. The "Strawberry Roll," a highlight of the top tier, presents a harmonious blend of sweet and sour strawberries and a rich yet crisp fresh cream, all enveloped in a moist and chewy roll. Another standout, the "Strawberry Flan," features a strawberry mousse encased in a delicate pie crust, topped with fresh strawberries and finished with a charming chocolate decoration.

Complementing the sweets are freshly baked scones, prepared each morning with yogurt and buttermilk. These scones offer a delightful textural contrast, with a crispy exterior and a soft, tender interior, and are served with original clotted cream. The beverage selection is equally impressive, boasting approximately 20 varieties, including the fruity "Strawberry Royal Milk Tea," three exclusive mocktails, and a selection of eight TWG Teas served by the pot.

This afternoon tea is a testament to the skill and creativity of the pastry chefs, offering a rich symphony of strawberry desserts paired with the fragrant aroma of fine tea.

Menu Highlights

Top Tier

• Strawberry Tart
• Vanilla Cream with Strawberry and Cranberry Jelly
• Strawberry Macaron
• Strawberry Roll

Middle Tier

• Cream Puff
• Strawberry Cheesecake Terrine
• Basket of Strawberry and Fromage Blanc Cream
• Strawberry Flan

Bottom Tier

• Smoked Salmon and Cucumber Sandwich
• Burdock Powder and Parsley Focaccia
• Cream Cheese Sandwich
• Onion and Bacon Quiche Lorraine
• Prosciutto and Egg Salad Open Sandwich
• Olive and Dried Tomato Marinade

Scones

Served with clotted cream, honey, and fruit jam.

• Plain Scone
• Strawberry and Cranberry Scone: A richly textured scone made with strawberry dough and dried cranberries.

Drinks (Free Flow)

A total of 19 drinks are available with free refills, including eight kinds of TWG tea served in pots, and special offerings like the "Strawberry Royal Milk Tea."

TWG Tea Selection (Pot)

• Royal Darjeeling
• 1837 Black Tea
• Bai Mu Dan
• Vanilla Bourbon Tea
• Singapore Breakfast Tea
• French Earl Grey
• Sweet France Tea
• Chamomile

Recommended Drinks

• Strawberry Tea (Iced/Hot)
• Strawberry Royal Milk Tea (Iced/Hot)
• Diabolo Menthe
• Lemonade
• Peach Apple

Coffee/Tea

• Coffee
• Café au Lait
• Decaf Coffee
• Iced Tea
• Iced Coffee
• Iced Café au Lait

Event Details

• Location: The Westin Tokyo, within Ebisu Garden Place, 1-4-1 Mita, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-8580
• Nearest Station: Ebisu Station
• Venue: Lobby Lounge "The Lounge" (1F)
• Map: Google Maps
• Event Period: December 28, 2024 (Saturday) – April 29, 2025 (Tuesday/Holiday)
  • Available only on Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays
• Time Slots:
  • ①11:30 AM ②12:00 PM ③12:30 PM ④2:00 PM ⑤2:30 PM ⑥3:00 PM ⑦4:30 PM ⑧5:00 PM ⑨5:30 PM
  • 2-hour limit per session (Last order 30 minutes before the end)
• Reservation: Online reservation and online pre-payment are required.
• Price: 8,900 yen (tax and service included)
• Inquiries: Lobby Lounge "The Lounge," 03-5423-7287
• Official Website: The Westin Tokyo – The Lounge

Please note that menu content, business hours, and serving times are subject to change. It is advisable to check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

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Understanding Japanese Afternoon Tea Culture

Japanese afternoon tea is a blend of British tea traditions and Japan’s culinary practices. While afternoon tea began in England, Japan has adapted it into a distinct experience. In Japan, afternoon tea encompasses more than just the beverage; it includes presentation, ambiance, and the detailed hospitality for which Japan is known.

Typically offered in hotels and tea houses, Japanese afternoon tea includes a variety of sweets and savories, often using seasonal and local ingredients. These might feature pastries, matcha-flavored items, and finger sandwiches. Presentation is key, with items arranged on tiered stands or plates, reflecting Japanese aesthetics of simplicity and harmony.

Tea selection is crucial, with options ranging from Japanese green teas like sencha and matcha to black teas. The preparation and serving of tea are done with care, enhancing the experience.

Japanese afternoon tea is a time for relaxation and enjoyment, where guests can taste the flavors, enjoy company, and appreciate the calm setting. It combines elements from both Eastern and Western traditions, offering a unique way to enjoy tea.