With the string of holidays known as Golden Week coming up in early May, all of Japan is looking forward to a couple of days off to spend with friends and family. Whether you’re visiting a friend’s apartment or going back to your hometown for a couple of days, Japanese manners dictate that you should bring a gift, with food being the most popular choice.
If you’re stumped for what kind of food to bring, here’s an easy way to play the percentages. Almost everyone likes cake, and almost everyone in Japan likes Disney characters, so odds are this set of Disney cakes will make just about everyone happy.
The special set of miniature-sized cakes goes on sale this week at branches of popular bakery chain Cozy Corner. Exactly 2,160 yen (US $21.20) gets you nine different varieties, each with an elegantly understated design inspired by a different Disney character.
The top row features (from left) happy-go-lucky chipmunk Dale, accounted for with his bright red nose, Peter Pan (or at least his hat and devoted Tinker Bell), and Dale’s more level-headed counterpart, Chip.
Alice in Wonderland’s Cheshire Cat appears in the center left, while Winnie the Pooh’s ears are poking out in the exact center, with a bee we’re a little worried could sting the honey-loving bear at any moment. At the far right are the unmistakable hair bow and polka dot pattern favored by Minnie Mouse.
Finally, at the front are cakes based on Donald Duck (or his tail, at least), Mickey, and Marie, the kitten from The Aristocats who’s got a huge following in Japan.
Your first chance to get your hands on the set, which comes in a special box featuring an unusually anime-like and cute version of Peter Pan, will be April 25. The Disney Cakes will only be around until May 5, which also happens to be Children’s Day, the holiday that marks the end of Golden Week.
Sources: Narinari, Cozy Corner
Images: Cozy Corner