Top Vegan Spots in Tokyo

Hey Subbies,

Tokyo, Japan is know for it's food culture that revolves around Seafood. However, today I got a list that I put together after year plus of research. I would like highlight some restaurants but I will also include a map like my last post for reference. Happy Cow as they say.

Loving Hut

Loving Hut is a vegan restaurant chain that serves vegan foods and dishes. It was founded by Ching Hai. Wikipedia

T's Tan Tan

"T's Tan Tan" from Jiyugaoka offers noodles with rich flavor and rich taste without using meat, fish and shellfish, dairy products, eggs at all.

Itosho

Itosho is small restaurant that has been serving shojin ryori (Buddhist temple cuisine) remaining one of the city’s better kept secrets.

Hallogallo

COSY & FRIENDLY VEGAN BAR IN THE HEART OF NAKANO
hallogallo is a small & cosy bar in the heart of Nakano, just 3 minutes walk from the station. Everything on our menu is 100% Vegan, including our homemade food. The decor is cheerfully eclectic & so are the music choices (you can click on the Playlists link for an idea of what we’re listening to). We host several DJ events each month where enthusiastic music lovers play a wide range of genres. Please click on the Events menu for details. We speak English & our customers are usually a friendly mix of Japanese & international people. There is no Table Charge.

Bar BoTaniCal

It is close to Akebashi, a shop casually drops in anytime on the first floor of a building facing Morizaka Dori in Tsu Araki Town in Shinjuku Ward. Modern interior decorated calmly with woodgraining kept away from the bustle of the Shinjuku neighborhood and forgetting to be in the city. While arranging abundant sake such as whiskey and homemade liqueur, also stick to healthy dishes ahead of the use of chemical seasonings and additives 【Bar BoTaNiCaL】
Gentle cuisine and alcohol drinks everyday fatigue in a warm lighting shop, directing a soft and fun space.
With your loose time.
A talk with a lively companion.
Please enjoy your favorite space.
There is a time when everyone who has visited is satisfied.

Ripple - Ain-soph

From AIN SOPH. Ripple to you; from you to further on...
Just as ripples spread when a single pebble is dropped into water, the actions of individuals can have far-reaching effects.
In hopes for each one of you to realize that you yourself can be the pebble causing the ripple effect.

Kaemon Asakusa

ランチの詳細はこちら
“Kaemon Asakusa” : Oriental Vegetarian Vegan restaurant. Certified Restaurant of HALAL.
We offer handmade dishes made mainly of pesticide-free rice and vegetables – dishes with plenty of vegetables – 100% vegetable dishes.
Our restaurant has “food barrier-free” environment and are suited for anyone with special diet. We offer dishes for vegans – dishes made without meat, fish, eggs, or dairy products – dishes for oriental vegetarians – made without five pungent roots such as garlic, Chinese chives, onion, Welsh onions, or Chinese scallions – dishes for Muslims.
Hours;  Lunch  11:00-15:00 (Wed-Mon) (L.O.14:30)
​Close; Tuesday Wednesday

Read More

2018 Mid-year Top Japanese Cosmetics [ Fall / Autumn ]

There are many articles about Japanese history and the evolution of cosmetics with the passage of over 2 millenniums. It has become a cultural ritual that the look and feel have been the forefront of the Japanese women's skin, even when foreign makeup made it to the isolated stratovolcanic archipelago island. Japan's sensibilities were embraced have been written by scribes with illustrative descriptions. After WWII, Japan became very influenced by American mass media and fads (trends). Toady makeup has become all about the individual and multi-usefulness of products to fit their needs.

That being said let's move on to the Top brands for Fall 2018. I found out that websites that I always wanted to use to find Japanese cosmetic trends are now available in English. This site is used to find out what are the Top Cosme クチコミランキング. Please check out both links:
https://www.cosme.com/
https://us.cosme.net/
https://www.cosme.net/

Skin Care
Cleanser

• Shu Uemura | Porefinist2 Sakura Fresh Cleansing Oil 4.9
• SENKA | Perfect Whip U 4.6

Lotion / Essence / UV(SPF)

• Recipist | Moist Lotion 4.2
• ALBION | INFINESSE WHITE WHITENING PUMP MILK 5.4
• SKIN AQUA | TONE UP UV ESSENCE 4.3
• ELIXIR | BALANCING OSHIROI MILK 4.3
• Ipsa | THE TIME RESET AQUA 5.2
  

Serum

• D Program | ALLERBARRIER MIST 5.4
• HAKU | Melano Focus V 5.5

Cream

• Lululun | Moist Gel Cream 5.4
• NAMERAKAHONPO | CREAM BN 5.2
• IHADA | Medicated Balm 5.5

Makeup
Base / Foundation / Concealer

• PORE PUTTY | MINERAL BB CREAM NATURAL MATTE 5.2
• SOFINA | Primavista LONG KEEP BASE UV 3.9
• Ipsa | CREATIVE CONCEALER  4.7
• P.N.Y. DIVISION | SE SOFT MAT BB CREAM 5.1
• EXCEL | Silent Cover Concealer 4.0

Powder

• Maquillage | Dramatic Powdery UV 5.1
• ALBION | SMART SKIN WHITE RARE 4.7
• KATE| Powdery Skin Maker | ONLY MINERALS, MINERAL FACE POWDER SHIMMER 4.4

Eyes

• Deja Vu  | LASTING-FINE A CREAM PENCIL EYELINER 5.0

Lips

• CANMAKE | YOU LIP ONLY GLOSS 5.2
• Clé De Peau | BEAUTÉ BRILLANT À LÈVRES ÉCLAT RADIANT LIP GLOSS 5.7

Body Care

• HOUSE OF ROSE | OH! BABY BODY SMOOTHER N 5.2
• Naturie | SKIN CONDITIONING GEL 4.9

Hair Care

• Ahalo Butter | AHALO BUTTER PREMIUM SCALP HAIR PACK 5.1

Goods & Accessories

• @Cosme Store | @Cosme Store Cotton Pads 4.8

Tools & Devices

• MTG | REFA CARAT 5.2

Kits & Sets

• Mogans | Silicone-Free Amino Acid Shampoo/Conditioner 5.5

Check out my older post about Japanese Cosmetics.

Read More

Top Kawaii Things to do in Tokyo

Hey Subbies,

Here are list of Top Kawaii Cute and sprinkle of Family Friendly things to do in Tokyo.

Chiba Prefecture

Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea are the two theme parks that make up Tokyo Disney Resort, and both are considered a "rite of passage" for young Japanese people. japanvisitor.com

• Tokyo DisneySea | 1-1 Maihama, Urayasu-shi, Chiba-ken 279-0031, Japan www.tokyodisneyresort.jp
• Tokyo Disneyland | Maihama, Urayasu, Chiba Prefecture 279-0031, Japan

Chiyoda

It started with cats and exploded into wide a ray of animal cafes. Timeout has updated their article with a list of cruelty-free animal cafes in Tokyo if you are worried about the treatment of the animals. Even though the one I had chosen was not on the list, it was the first one I found during my research and it had great reviews from spectators. This I guess is foreign's right of passage when they visit Tokyo.

• OWL cafe Akiba Fukurou | 101-0022 67, Neribeicho, Kanda, 神田練塀町 千代田区 東京都 101-0022, Japan akiba2960.com
• Precure Pretty Store | 1 Chome-9-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tōkyō-to 100-0005, Japan www.toei-anim.co.jp
• Tokyo Character Street | Japan, 〒100-0005 Tōkyō-to, Chiyoda-ku, Marunouchi, 1 Chome−9−１ 東京駅一番街 B1 www.tokyoeki-1bangai.co.jp

Saitama Prefecture

Every wished to meet Totoro. Well, you can once you get to Tokyo and head North West to Saitama Prefecture. 

The Totoro no Furusato Foundation
We are a legally incorporated foundation with the purpose of preserving the beautiful natural habitat and cultural assets of Sayama Hills and its surrounding areas.

• Casa da Fundação Kurosuke da Cidade Natal do Totoro | Japan, 〒359-1164 Saitama-ken, Tokorozawa-shi, Mikajima, ３丁目１１６９−１  www.totoro.or.jp
• Totoro's Forest | 雑魚入-351 Kamiyamaguchi, Tokorozawa, Saitama Prefecture 359-1153, Japan www.totoro.or.jp
• Crayon Shin Chan Theme Park | 1 Chome-1-1 Minami, Kasukabe-shi, Saitama-ken 344-0064, Japan

Shibuya

Shibuya, literally "Astringent Valley", is a special ward in Tokyo, Japan. A major commercial and business center, it houses the two busiest railway stations in the world, Shinjuku Station and Shibuya Station

• Innisfree イニスフリー SHIBUYA109店 | 2階, SHIBUYA 109 2 Chome-29-番1号 Dōgenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tōkyō-to 150-0043, Japan www.innisfree.com
• 6 Percent Doki-doki | Japan, 〒150-0001 Tōkyō-to, Shibuya-ku, Jingūmae, 4 Chome−28, 神宮前4丁目28−16 dokidoki6.com
• Candy Syrup | Japan, 〒150-0001 Tōkyō-to, Shibuya-ku, Jingūmae, 3 Chome−22−７ 藤原ビル3F www.candyesyrup.com

Shinjuku

Sanrio Co., Ltd. is a Japanese company that designs, licenses and produces products focusing on the kawaii segment of Japanese popular culture. Their products include stationery, school supplies, gifts and accessories that are sold worldwide and at specialty brand retail stores in Japan. Wikipedia

• Sanrio | 1 Chome-1-4 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tōkyō-to 160-8321, Japan www.sanrio.co.jp
• STYLENANDA ISETAN SHINJUKU | Japan, 〒160-0022 Tokyo 新宿区 Shinjuku, 3 Chome−14, 新宿3-14-1 伊勢丹新宿店本館2階 イセタンガール jp.stylenanda.com
• Sanrio Gift Gate（サンリオギフトゲート） アドホック新宿店 ) | Japan, 〒160-0022 Tōkyō-to, Shinjuku-ku, Shinjuku, 3 Chome−15−１１ アドホック新宿 B1F www.sanrio.co.jp

Taitō

Taitō, literally "Plateau East", is a special ward located in Tokyo Metropolis, Japan. In English, it is known as Taitō City. As of May 1, 2015, the ward has an estimated population of 186,276, and a population density of 18,420 persons per km². The total area is 10.11 square kilometres. Wikipedia

• Birds House | 3 Chome-3-13-7 Yanaka, Taitō-ku, Tōkyō-to 110-0001, Japan www.birds-house.net
• MARION CRÊPES Asakusa | 1 Chome-25-15 Asakusa, Taitō-ku, Tōkyō-to 111-0032, Japan www.marion.co.jp
• Ueno Zoo | 9-83 Uenokōen, Taitō-ku, Tōkyō-to 110-0007, Japan www.tokyo-zoo.net 

Toshima

Toshima is a special ward in Tokyo, Japan. It is one of the eight central wards of the Tokyo Metropolitan area. Located in the northern area of Tokyo, Toshima is bordered by the wards of Nerima, Itabashi, and Kita wards, in the north, and Nakano, Shinjuku and Bunkyo in the south. Wikipedia

• Francfranc DESIGN FOR LIFE | 東京都豊島区南池袋1－28－2 池袋パルコ, 1 Chome-28 Minamiikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tōkyō-to 171-0022, Japan www.francfranc.jp 
• WEGO | 1 Chome-1-28-2 Minamiikebukuro, 豊島区 Toshima-ku, Tōkyō-to 171-0022, Japan www.wego.jp 
• Pokemon Center Mega Tokyo | Japan, 〒170-0013 Tōkyō-to, Toshima-ku, Higashiikebukuro, 3 Chome−1−２ サンシャインシティ 専門店街アルパ 2F www.pokemon.co.jp 

Yokohama

Anpanman, the hero of illustrated books by Takashi Yanase, has a face made of anpan, and is a strong and kind friend of just causes. Made into a television animated series in 1988, he immediately became a popular hero with children. The long-running series continues to this day. The theme of the Anpanman series is love and courage. Standing up to Baikinman, the representative of evil, Anpanman comes to the aid of those in trouble. Another side of the appeal of the series is the appearance of many delightful characters. The number of characters was recognized as being the largest in the world by Guinness World Records in 2009.
And again today Anpanman flies on to make children’s dreams come true.

• Yokohama Anpanman Children's Museum & Mall | 4 Chome-3-１ Minatomirai, Nishi-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa-ken 220-0012, Japan www.yokohama-anpanman.jp 
• Pompompurin Cafe Yokohama | Japan, 〒220-0005 Kanagawa-ken, Yokohama-shi, Nishi-ku, Minamisaiwai, 2 Chome−1, 南幸２−１−５pompom.createrestaurants.com 
• Yokohama Cosmoworld |  Japan, 〒231-0001 Kanagawa-ken, Yokohama-shi, Naka-ku, Shinkō, 2 Chome−8, 横浜市中区新港２丁目８−１ cosmoworld.jp

Check out my other post if you're planning a trip to Japan: https://ashleybcm.blogspot.com/2012/12/japan-planning.html

Read More

Produce 48 Finale: MyTwocents

Wow, I never thought I would be writing a post about Produced 48 and the latter PD101. I just wanted to congratulate the girls chosen to be in IZ*ONE, don't' like the name but is what is. Like the drama, with last season with Wannaone. I notice that these season formats and voting formats were very different causing a lot of fans to hate Mnet. I have one thing to say to Mnet if they going to be global at least have the global audience be apart of the voting or don't call them global at all. I think the final girls will do well in Korea and Japan because cute concepts do great there but internationally I don't know. If they find a nice medium they'll do great. Since watching the girl's strengths weakness I know it's going to be hard for some of them to change up concepts. I know when IOI debuted there was a lot of hate for Somi but to me Somi had a lot potential to be center. Now, people out here missing IOI as much we miss Obama in the states lol...I'm one of them. However, wasn't as invested in PD series as I am now. For those of you who do not know about PD101 here is a wiki summary:

Produce 101 is a reality television talent competition franchise created by South Korean entertainment conglomerate CJ E&M, based around the formation of a K-pop girl group or boy band. The format is noted for having no panel of judges, employing audience participation to make decisions, and for starting with a very large number of competitors, 101, narrowing that number down to a final 11. The franchise began in 2016 in South Korea and resulted in the formation of the girl group I.O.I. The franchise has since expanded to China, Japan, Thailand and Vietnam. A second season of the South Korean series titled Produce 101 Season 2 was aired in 2017 and resulted in the formation of the boy band Wanna One.

 This season:

Produce 48 (Hangul: 프로듀스 48) was a 2018 competition television show on Mnet. It was a large-scale project in which the public "produces" a girl group by voting for members out of a pool of 96 contestants from South Korea and Japan, as well as voting for the group's concept, name and debut single. The show was a collaboration between the Mnet series Produce 101 and the J-pop idol group AKB48. 

I read that Koreans fan picked the most cutest girls to be picked for the top 12, so that's we got is what we got [link]. So instead of saying my final list, I wanted to see what Ranking from overall show voting to see what should of happened. I was expecting a totally different out come of course. If you’re wonder why a girl is not here it's because the ranking they had overall and mainly due to the format of the show. This list was based on the top 6 and those who were able to reach the top 10. Those dropped from show were do not count. This is not the final line up!

1. Ga Eun [Pledis]- Leader, Vocalist (Sakura and she actually tied for this whole season.)

2. Sakura [HKT48] - Visual, Vocalist

3. Nako [AKB48] - Vocalist

4. Jan Wonyoung [Starship] - Vocalist

5. Chowon [Cube] - Lead Rapper, Sub-Vocalist

6. Miho [AKB48] - Vocalist

7. Hyewon [8D] - Visual, Rapper

8. Ahn Yujin [Starship] - Vocalist

9. Chaeyeon [WM] - Main Dancer, Vocalist

10. Yuri [Stone Music]- Main Vocalist

11. Eunbi [Woolim]  / Miru [NMB48]  - Vocalist, Sub Dancer

12. Miru [NMB48] / Miyu [AKB48] -Vocalist

I hope the girls who weren't picked for IZONE get a chance to be in there own group. There is a lot of support for "4tune8" online and a petition. The eight girls include Gaeun/Kaeun, Chowon, Miru, Miho, Juri, Haeyoon, Nayoung, Miu, Do ah, and Miyu. This whole experience reminds me of Winner vs. IKON and WannaOne vs. JBJ.

Read More