Category Archives: Food & Drinks

McDonald’s Japan introduces three new variations of classic items

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Check out the new Case Closed! / Detective Conan collaboration at McDonald’s in Japan, starting Wednesday, April 17.

Customers can now enjoy two types of burgers at McDonald’s in Japan: the classic Chicken Tatsuta and the new You Lin Ji Cheese Chicken Tatsuta. Both will be available simultaneously, along with Rice Chicken Tatsuta and the new Rice Chicken Tatsuta, starting from 5:00pm; with the collaboration actually beginning on Wednesday, April 17.

A total of 7 options, including new offerings like Shaka Shaka Potato (R) Grilled Corn Flavor and McFizz (R) / McFloat (R) 3 Types of Citrus Mix, will be accessible at McDonald’s outlets nationwide starting on the 17th, but only for a limited time.

Chicken Tatsuta, a beloved product for over 30 years since its debut in 1991, is now part of a collaboration with the popular TV anime Case Closed! aka Detective Conan, marking the first of its kind.

This burger features a tatsuta patty flavored with ginger soy sauce, crunchy shredded cabbage, creamy and slightly spicy sauce, all sandwiched between fluffy original buns. The new You Lin Ji Cheese Chicken Tatsuta combines flavorful You Lin Ji sauce with mellow white cheddar cheese.

Also from 5:00pm, customers can savor the evening-exclusive Rice Chicken Tatsuta, served between 100% Niigata Prefecture Koshihikari rice buns, along with the new Rice Chicken Tatsuta You Lin Ji Cheese.

As a complementary side or dessert, the Shakashaka Potato Grilled Corn Flavor offers a fragrant soy sauce sauce and sweet corn aroma.

For beverages, McFizz and McFloat, available in three types of citrus mix each, provide a refreshing blend of Satsuma mandarin orange, Amanatsu, and Hinata summer fruit juices, offering a delightful carbonated drink experience.

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Check out this fan book for the cat-shaped delivery robot, BellaBot

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The very cute cat-shaped delivery robot, BellaBot | Photo: Livedoor News


Step into a family restaurant like GUSTO or Jonathan’s in Japan and you’re likely to find these serving robots slowly making their way down the aisles. And now BellaBot is getting its own fan book!

The hot topic appears to be the Cat-shaped Premium Delivery Robot BellaBot Appendix 4-piece Set (1,265 yen), which features a paper craft of BellaBot, and is set to be released from Takarajimasha on April 15th. This will be the first time an official fan book of BellaBot has been released.

Alongside newly drawn manga like Teach Me! BellaBot and Super Amazing Bella-chan’s Secret, the magazine promises to be a treasure trove of fun, including a Nekorobo cosplay course and a sneak peek into the latest robot trends.

The 4-piece set includes a paper craft replica, 6 types of face monitors, 7 types of interactive food crafts, and 9 adorable Bella-chan facial expression stickers, all of which will be irresistible for fans.

The paper craft body, which is about 29cm, has a notable presence for the craft medium. All parts are easily hand-cut, making it a delightful activity to enjoy with your children.

Paying attention even to the smallest details, this fan book recreates familiar food items like fries and parfaits and even includes a receipt holder and intricate machine details.

Even before its release, social media buzzed with comments such as:

  • Oh, how cute lol I need to get it!!
  • This is just too adorable!!
  • That food-serving robot is too cute!! I’m thrilled about this
  • I’ve already made a reservation too!

Be sure to check it out if you’re interested!
Reading this fan book might just make you fall in love with BellaBot, too!

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Kiiroitori Kama-meshi: A cute collaboration with Rilakkuma, available now from Awajiya

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Kiiroitori Kamameshi x Rilakkuma lunchboxes from Awajiya | Photo: Livedoor News


Getting into the spring season, you can now find this cute collaborative item between Kiiroitori Kama-meshi and Rilakkuma from the Awajiya line of station bento (ekiben) lunchboxes.

In collaboration with Rilakkuma, Awajiya has launched a new Rilakkuma Ekiben series called Kiiroitori Kama-meshi. Check out how cute it is!

Kiiroitori Kama-meshi marks the latest collaboration Kama-meshi, the first in about 8 years since the fall of 2016 when Rilakkuma Dararan Kama-meshi (currently sold out) debuted.

Rilakkuma Dararan Kama-meshi Bowl Ekiben | japanesestuffchannel

This new series showcases the beloved Kiiroitori from Rilakkuma. The kama-meshi containers, depicting the characters, are incredibly charming!

The ingredients incorporate unique ideas from the collaboration. Along with Kiiroitori-shaped kamaboko, there are sweet potatoes and chestnuts inspired by Kiiroitori’s hobby of coin collecting, which encapsulates the Rilakkuma universe.

What’s even better is that the containers can be reused after enjoying the meal. This collaboration product is simply irresistible for Rilakkuma fans.

Kiiroitori Kama-meshi will be available for purchase from April 1, 2024, both in stores and online!

©SAN-X CO., LTD.

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Meiji to end sales of its “Chelsea” candy in March after 53 years

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We’ve got some sad news for all you candy lovers in Japan. Apparently, the candy manufacturer, Meiji, will end sales of its “Chelsea” candy in March after 53 years due to declining sales.

On April 4th, Meiji announced that they will cease shipments of Chelsea by the end of the month. Chelsea is a long-standing brand of hard candy, originally released in 1971 and modeled after a candy tradition originating in Scotland and northern England. All sales will end once existing stock is depleted from stores. This decision came after continued declining sales, marking the end of over half a century of production.

Characterized by its rich, buttery taste, Chelsea was also known for its advertising slogan, “I want to give you Chelsea, too.” Meiji reported approximately 2.5 billion yen in fiscal 2002 which declining to about 500 million yen by fiscal 2022.

Photo: KTV News via YouTube

Expanding on the decision, the company stated, “Although it launched in 1971 and enjoyed long-standing customer support, profitability has declined due to changes in market dynamics and consumer preferences, necessitating the conclusion of sales. We regret this choice but remain committed to providing delicious treats for all.”

Initially featuring butterscotch and yogurt scotch flavors, Chelsea drew from traditional British and Scottish candy. Its distinctive black packaging adorned with floral patterns contributed to its appeal. The commercial jingle, known as the “Meiji Chelsea Song,” and the catchphrase “Here, have a Chelsea. One more Chelsea,” have been performed by various artists, becoming synonymous with the brand.

▲ Photo: KTV News via YouTube

Due to this announcement, instances of the candy popping up on auction sites have also made the news. Some scalpers have even spiked the price of the candy in bulk to an impressive 87,555 yen (roughly $575), which would average out to 700 yen ($4.50) a packet, which was originally only 150 yen ($1). That’s quite a hike!

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New Sakura items at Starbucks for the 2024 spring season

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The new sakura items at Starbucks are now available for spring 2024! Hurry on down to your local shop and pick one of these up today!

Part 1 of the Sakura items go on sale today, Thursday, February 15. The new lineup of sakura items feature the Hanami Dango Frappuccino, Sakurai AR, and more. The Hanami Dango Frap and its three-colored motif is meant to resemble the three colored dango, which is a classic item for hanami. Likewise, the Hanami Sakura Cream gives you the sensation of cherry blossoms in full bloom.

This year’s Sakura series revolves around the theme of “CHEERS to SAKURA.” Embracing the cherry blossom viewing season, Starbucks invites you to relish a delightful toast amidst thecherry blossoms in full bloom. Experience a distinctive hanami affair at Starbucks, where laughter, drinks, food, energy, and excitement come together seamlessly.

▶︎ The Menu

  • Hanami Dango Frappuccino, tall size only
    Prepared with soy milk but still contains dairy products
    Take-out: 678 yen, In-store: 690 yen
  • Hanami Sakura Cream
    Take-out: Short 540 yen, Tall 579 yen, Grande 624 yen, Venti 668 yen
    In-store: Short 550 yen, Tall 590 yen, Grande 635 yen, Venti 680 yen

In its 5th year, the beloved “Sakura AR” continues to captivate audiences. This time, Starbucks presents three new AR features, allowing you to customize Bearista’s attire and enjoy adorable dance performances.

▶︎ Available AR Content

  • Dates: Thursday, February 15 to Sunday, March 31
    　At select Starbucks stores nationwide
  • QR Code Distribution:
    Store Receipts: Thursday, February 15 to March 12
    Shopping Bag, Receipt, Delivery Luncheon Paper: From Thursday, February 15 while supplies last
    Online store packaging box: From Thursday, February 15 while supplies last
  • For more information, see the dedicated page here.

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Thanks, ORICON NEWS.