GRAND CASTELLA Pop-Up Store in Shibuya

World-Renowned Taiwanese Castella Shop Introduces 7-Color "Temari Castella"

The internationally acclaimed Taiwanese castella purveyor, GRAND CASTELLA, is set to open a pop-up store at the Shibuya Tokyu Food Show, introducing a novel take on their classic dessert: the "Temari Castella." This new offering features seven distinct flavors, each piece meticulously crafted into a charming, palm-sized sphere reminiscent of a traditional Japanese Temari ball. This marks the brand’s first endeavor in Japan to satisfy the frequent customer requests to sample multiple flavors, a feat previously unattainable with their standard, larger-sized offerings.

A New Spin on a Classic Treat

The Temari Castella maintains the traditional, slow-baking method that GRAND CASTELLA is known for, resulting in a delightful array of textures described as "fluffy," "jiggly," "airy," and "crispy." This limited-time event offers a unique opportunity to experience a new dimension of Taiwanese castella, where vibrant colors meet carefully selected ingredients, making each piece an ideal gift or personal indulgence.

Featured Temari Castella Flavors

Two standout flavors in the Temari Castella lineup include:

1. Reward Strawberry Condensed Milk Castella:
   This new creation, already a popular item at the Tokyo Solamachi and Yokohama Takashimaya stores, is now available in the Temari size. It features a crunchy crumble and strawberry topping, with a filling of condensed milk and a sweet-and-sour strawberry jam, offering a visually appealing and refreshingly flavorful experience.
2. Black Sesame Gravel Castella (Limited Revival):
   Originally a collaboration with Bensaiten that garnered significant attention on social media last September, this flavor is making a limited-time comeback. The rich, black sesame dough, known for its fluffy and chewy texture, is paired with Bensaiten’s special sweet and salty peanut paste, which has a unique gravel-like consistency. This castella successfully captures the essence of Bensaiten’s popular "Black Sesame Gravel Mochi" in both presentation and taste.

Product Offerings

The pop-up store will feature both whole and Temari-sized castella in a variety of flavors:

• Whole Size (1,501 – 2,376 yen including tax):
  • Plain
  • Cheese
  • Black Sesame Gravel
• Temari Size (637 – 918 yen including tax):
  • Plain
  • Cheese
  • Double Chocolate
  • Earl Grey
  • Matcha
  • Reward Strawberry Condensed Milk
  • Black Sesame Gravel

"Breakfast Castella": A Savory Delight

GRAND CASTELLA promotes the concept of "castella enjoyed for breakfast," a style that has gained traction in eight countries worldwide. While excellent as a sweet treat, their castella also complements savory dishes and pairs exceptionally well with coffee or tea. The "Cheese Castella," featuring two layers of melting cheddar cheese, offers a balanced sweet and salty flavor profile that has made it a long-standing favorite and a signature product, perfect for starting the day. Both whole and Temari sizes of the Cheese Castella will be available at the event.

Event Details

• Location: Shibuya Tokyu Food Show, Shibuya Station
• Address: 〒150-0043 Tokyo, Shibuya-ku, Dougenzaka 1-12-1, Shibuya Mark City 1st Floor THIS WEEK1 Counter (right by the entrance) (MAP)
• Event Period: January 9, 2025 (Thursday) – January 22, 2025 (Wednesday)
• Hours: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
• Website: Shibuya Tokyu Food Show

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

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What is Castella?

Castella is a traditional Japanese sponge cake with roots in the 16th century, introduced by Portuguese merchants. It is known for its light texture and subtle sweetness, made from flour, sugar, eggs, and starch syrup. Unlike many Western cakes, Castella lacks butter or oil, giving it a delicate crumb. Typically baked in a rectangular mold, it features a golden-brown top and moist interior. Over time, Castella has become a popular treat in Japan, enjoyed as a snack or dessert and often given as a gift. Its basic recipe allows for various flavor adaptations, such as matcha, honey, or chocolate, as seen in offerings from GRAND CASTELLA.

Tokyo Stroll x Nada’s Five Sake Breweries: "Tokyo Stroll 2025" – Hanzomon to Mitsukoshimae Route

A Unique Walking Event Along the Tokyo Metro Lines

"Tokyo Stroll 2025" is a walking event that allows participants to explore unique areas along the Tokyo Metro lines. Due to the overwhelming popularity of last year’s revival special edition, held after a four-year hiatus, this year’s event will be held in collaboration with Nada Gogo, one of Japan’s premier sake-producing regions, encompassing parts of Kobe City and Nishinomiya City in Hyogo Prefecture.

The course begins at Hanzomon Station and winds its way through the scenic Chidorigafuchi Green Way, the historic Jinbocho area, and the revered Kanda Shrine, before culminating at Fukutoku no Mori. Participants who complete the walk will be rewarded with a completion prize consisting of original Tokyo Metro merchandise. In addition, they will receive a ticket for one complimentary tasting of "Nada no Sake" at the "Nada no Sake meets TOKYO.NIHONBASHI" event, which will be held concurrently at the Edozakura-dori Underground Walkway in the Mitsukoshimae area, the designated endpoint of the walk.

This walking event is free of charge, and 3,000 participants will be selected via an advance application process. Those interested in participating should visit the dedicated website of the "Tokyo Stroll Management Office" and apply after providing the necessary information. It is important to note that individuals who are not selected will be unable to participate. This event offers a unique opportunity to enjoy a healthy day out, taking in the beautiful scenery that is particularly striking during the colder months.

Event Details

Start

• Location: Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line Hanzomon Station

• Reception Times: Staggered between 9:30 AM and 11:50 AM. Participants can choose their preferred start time during the application process from the following options:

  1. 9:30 AM – 9:50 AM
  2. 10:00 AM – 10:20 AM
  3. 10:30 AM – 10:50 AM
  4. 11:00 AM – 11:20 AM
  5. 11:30 AM – 11:50 AM

  Please note that changes to the selected start time cannot be made after the application has been submitted.

• Additional Information: Details regarding the reception location and method on the day of the event will be provided in the "Winning Notification Email." Participants will commence their walk after completing the reception process.

Goal

• Location: Fukutoku no Mori
• Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
• Completion Prize: Participants who reach the goal will receive "Tokyo Metro Original Goods" and a ticket for one free tasting of "Nada no Sake" at the "Nada no Sake meets TOKYO.NIHONBASHI" event, held simultaneously at the Edozakura-dori Underground Walkway. The QR code attached to the winning notification email is required to exchange for the completion prize.
• Alternative Prize: Participants under the age of 20 and those who do not consume alcohol will receive sweets instead of the sake tasting ticket.
• Note: The completion prize can only be exchanged once per person.

Walking Course

The route is as follows: Hanzomon Line Hanzomon Station → Chidorigafuchi Green Way → Jinbocho Area → Kanda Shrine → Fukutoku no Mori.

Walking Distance and Estimated Time

The total walking distance is approximately 6.2 kilometers, with an estimated completion time of around 2 hours.

Notification of Lottery Results

In the event that the number of applicants exceeds 3,000, a lottery will be conducted under strict management by the "Tokyo Stroll Management Office." Only successful applicants will be notified of the results.

• Method of Notification: A "Winning Notification Email" will be sent to the email address provided during the application process.
• Notification Period: On or around Friday, December 20, 2024.

Basic Information

• Venue/Nearest Station: Hanzomon Station (Tokyo Metro)
• Address: 1-6 Kojimachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 102-0083 (MAP)
• Event Date: Saturday, January 11, 2025
• Application: Advance application is required.
• Application Period: Wednesday, December 4, 2024, 10:00 AM to Sunday, December 15, 2024, 11:59 PM
• Fees: Participation is free. However, participants are responsible for their own transportation costs to the starting point.
• Inquiries:
  • Tokyo Stroll Management Office: 03-6891-1142 (For inquiries regarding Tokyo Stroll, available 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM & 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, holidays, Obon, and New Year’s holidays)
  • Tokyo Metro Customer Center: https://www.tokyometro.jp/support/index.html (For inquiries regarding Tokyo Metro)
• Official Website: https://www.tokyometro.jp/news/2024/219581.html
• Weather Contingency: The event will proceed rain or shine. However, it may be canceled in the event of severe weather or at the discretion of the management office.

Please note that the published content is subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the official website of the venue or organizer.

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What is Nada Sake?

Nada sake is a type of Japanese rice wine from the Nada district in Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture. This area is one of Japan’s key sake-producing regions, known for its high-quality sake crafted over centuries. The distinct qualities of Nada sake come from several factors: the use of superior sake rice like Yamada Nishiki, and the pure water from the Rokko mountain range, called "Miyamizu." These elements, combined with traditional brewing methods, create a sake that is balanced, with a clean and crisp taste. Nada sake is recognized for its robust and dry finish, making it popular among sake enthusiasts and a good match for various Japanese dishes. Whether you’re experienced with sake or trying it for the first time, Nada sake provides an insight into the heritage and skill of Japanese sake brewing.

Decomposable City: Exploring Urban Life in Harmony with Nature (Nagoya Exhibition)

Amid the frequent occurrence and worsening of environmental problems, such as the recent climate change crisis and the heat island phenomenon, the existing urban system, its values, and its structure are being questioned. Production, consumption, decomposition. Something is produced, consumed, and doesn’t just end there, but through "decomposition" becomes involved again in the production process. Originally, all matter circulated in this way. However, hasn’t "decomposition" alone been separated, isolated, and its value suppressed from urban life, as urban lifestyles have grown with production and consumption at the center of their values?

This exhibition introduces various initiatives that increase options for existing urban systems and lifestyles, using "decomposition" as a starting point. It invites attendees to explore design hints together, in order to gain a new perspective on the relationship between urban environments and the natural world.

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Event Details

The exhibition will be held at FabCafe Nagoya, located in RAYARD Hisaya-Odori Park. It is conveniently accessible from Hisaya-Odori Station, a mere three-minute walk from Exit 1A of the Nagoya Municipal Subway.

Dates: January 8th (Wed) – 31st (Fri), 2025

Closed: No closing days

Hours: 9:00-20:30 (Note: Subject to FabCafe Nagoya’s business hours. The exhibition will close at 17:00 on the last day.)

Venue: FabCafe Nagoya (RAYARD Hisaya-Odori Park, 6-18-3 Marunouchi, Naka-ku, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture)

Fee: Admission is free. Guests are encouraged to enjoy the exhibition with a drink in hand when using the cafe.

Contact: FabCafe Nagoya Inquiry Form – https://fabcafe.com/jp/nagoya/contact/

Website URL: https://fabcafe.com/jp/nagoya/

Access: Nearest Station: Nagoya Municipal Subway Hisaya-Odori Station Exit 1A, 3-minute walk

What is FabCafe?

FabCafe is a space that combines a café with a fabrication lab, offering a place where technology and creativity meet. Originating in Japan, it allows people to enjoy coffee while using digital fabrication tools like 3D printers, laser cutters, and CNC machines. This setup supports collaboration and experimentation, attracting designers, artists, entrepreneurs, and tech enthusiasts.

Visitors to FabCafe can join workshops, attend events, and work on projects that blend art, technology, and sustainability. The café builds a community by bringing together people from various backgrounds to share ideas and create. In Nagoya, FabCafe emphasizes urban harmony with nature, promoting projects that incorporate natural elements and sustainable practices into city design. By providing access to tools and inspiration, FabCafe encourages creative expression and exploration of new ideas in urban living.

FLOAT at TOKYO SKYTREE®! Hero Training Above the Sky! My Hero Academia × TOKYO SKYTREE®

A Unique Collaboration: My Hero Academia Takes Over TOKYO SKYTREE®

From January 8th to April 8th, 2025, TOKYO SKYTREE® will host its first-ever collaboration event with the popular TV anime My Hero Academia. This event offers fans a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of their favorite heroes, high above the Tokyo skyline.

Exclusive Experiences at 450 Meters

The main attraction of this collaboration takes place in the Tembo Galleria, situated 450 meters above ground. Visitors will find this area transformed with My Hero Academia-themed decorations, featuring event-limited key visuals. Numerous photo spots will allow fans to capture memorable moments alongside their beloved characters. Additionally, exclusive merchandise and a themed cafe menu, available only at TOKYO SKYTREE®, will be offered.

Limited Edition Tickets and Character Greetings

For those seeking a truly special memento, a limited "Observation Deck Admission Ticket with Bromide" will be available for purchase. This set includes a TOKYO SKYTREE® admission ticket, granting access to both the Tembo Deck and Tembo Galleria, along with one of six unique bromides featuring event-exclusive illustrations.

Adding to the excitement, Sorakara-chan, the official mascot of TOKYO SKYTREE®, will make special appearances dressed as "All Might," a prominent character from My Hero Academia. This provides a rare photo opportunity with Sorakara-chan in a unique, limited-time costume.

Immersive Entertainment and Special Lighting

The collaboration extends beyond static displays. The SKYTREE ROUND THEATER®, located on the Tembo Deck at 350 meters, will screen a special video using its panoramic window glass as a giant screen. A photo service on the Tembo Galleria Floor 445 will allow visitors to create composite photos with the characters. Finally, the tower itself will be illuminated with special lighting inspired by the characters of My Hero Academia, creating a spectacle visible throughout the city.

Event Details

Here’s a breakdown of the event’s offerings:

1. Observation Deck Admission Ticket with Bromide: A combined ticket for the Tembo Deck and Tembo Galleria, including a collectible bromide.
2. Exhibition Decorations and Photo Spots: Themed displays and photo opportunities within the Tembo Deck and Tembo Galleria.
3. Event-Limited Photo Service: Available on Tembo Galleria Floor 445, allowing for composite photos with characters.
4. Sorakara-chan Greetings: Appearances by Sorakara-chan in a special "All Might" costume.
5. Special Video Screening: A unique video presentation at the SKYTREE ROUND THEATER® on Tembo Deck Floor 350.
6. Event-Limited Cafe Menu: Themed food and drinks at the SKYTREE CAFE on Tembo Deck Floor 340.
7. Event-Limited Goods: Exclusive merchandise available at the SKYTREE SHOP on Tembo Deck Floor 345.
8. Special Lighting: Themed illumination of the TOKYO SKYTREE® tower.

Please note that the event’s content is subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the official website.

Access and Practical Information

• Location: TOKYO SKYTREE®
• Nearest Stations: Tokyo Skytree Station / Oshiage ‘Skytree-mae’ Station
• Address: 〒131-0045 Tokyo, Sumida-ku, Oshiage 1-1-2 (MAP)
• Venue: TOKYO SKYTREE® Tembo Deck, Tembo Galleria
• Event Period: 2025/01/08 (Wed) – 2025/04/08 (Tue)
• Time: During the facility’s regular operating hours.
• Fees: Admission to the Tembo Deck and Tembo Galleria requires a separate observation deck admission ticket. Please check the official website for pricing details.
• Inquiries: TOKYO SKYTREE® Call Center at 0570-55-0634 (10:00-18:00)
• Official Website: https://www.tokyo-skytree.jp/event/special/heroaca/

The information provided is subject to change. Always consult the official website of the venue or organizer for the latest updates.

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What is TOKYO SKYTREE?

TOKYO SKYTREE is a broadcasting and observation tower in the Sumida City Ward of Tokyo, Japan. At 634 meters (2,080 feet), it is the tallest structure in Japan and ranks among the tallest towers globally. Completed in 2012, it serves as a key television and radio broadcast site for the Kanto region, succeeding the older Tokyo Tower in this capacity.

In addition to its broadcasting role, TOKYO SKYTREE is a notable tourist attraction, offering expansive views of Tokyo from its two observation decks. The Tembo Deck, at 350 meters, and the Tembo Galleria, at 450 meters, allow visitors to see the cityscape and, on clear days, Mount Fuji.

The base of the tower includes a shopping complex, dining venues, and an aquarium, making it a center for entertainment and culture. Its design, which draws from traditional Japanese architecture and modern engineering, represents Tokyo’s mix of tradition and innovation. The tower is often lit in various colors and themes, contributing to Tokyo’s skyline, particularly during events and celebrations.