If the idea of an eyeball panacotta and a sundae topped with maggots doesn’t have you screaming in terror, the stomach-churning Shojo Tsubaki cafe might be up your alley.
The café “holy” in the Daikanyamachō area of Shibuya is getting a menu makeover from May 24-31 to mark the debut of the live-action “erotic grotesque” film based on Suehiro Maruo‘s Shojo Tsubaki horror manga.
A store inside the cafe will sell related goods while art by Maruo is on display throughout the venue. The real eye-catcher is the menu though, with items like “Midori-chan Cake,” “Kanabun’s Centerpiece Panna Cotta,” “Muchisute’s Maggot Float,” and character-themed drinks.
Fashion model Risa Nakamura is making her film acting debut as the protagonist Midori in the film. Other cast members include Shunsuke Kazama, Misaki Morino, rock band SuG frontman Takeru, Daichi Saeki, Motoki Fukami, and Akihiro Nakatani.
The original manga’s “erotic grotesque” story centers on a girl named Midori, who becomes an orphan after her mother dies due to sickness, and is then sold to a traveling freak show, where the members proceed to physically and sexually torment her. The manga’s title refers to a recurring stock girl character in Shōwa-erakamishibai performances.
Maruo published the manga in 1984, and publisher Blast Books released it in the United States in 1993 with the title Mr. Arashi’s Amazing Freak Show. It was adapted into an anime film in 1992 by director Hiroshi Harada, with music by Revolutionary Girl Utena composer J. A. Seazer. The anime film’s content was illegal at the time and it no longer exists in its complete, original format.
More from Anime News Network






Beautiful exclusive Totoro tenugui towel is a gift from Disney to Ghibli physical media buyers
Brand new Shinkansen bullet train unveiled in Japan… but it won’t carry passengers
Sanrio eco-friendly plushies are here for the earth-conscious lovers of all things kawaii
Japanese convenience store releases Japanese convenience store-flavor fried chicken
Cup Noodle releases cold-water instant ramen in Japan, but can it really be made with just cold water?
Beautiful exclusive Totoro tenugui towel is a gift from Disney to Ghibli physical media buyers
Brand new Shinkansen bullet train unveiled in Japan… but it won’t carry passengers
Sanrio eco-friendly plushies are here for the earth-conscious lovers of all things kawaii
Japanese convenience store releases Japanese convenience store-flavor fried chicken
Cup Noodle releases cold-water instant ramen in Japan, but can it really be made with just cold water?
Studio Ghibli releases anime T-shirts that pay homage to one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most personal films
Giant Snorlax, other snoozing Pokémon appear in Yokohama for Pokémon Sleeping Faces Research [Pics]
Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]
Japan’s “edible fireworks” wagashi sweets return, but only for a limited time [Photos]
Studio Ghibli’s new moving keychains are the angry, adorable bugs from Nausicaa [Photos]
Japan now has human refrigerators inspired by Japanese vending machines
Cup Noodle unveils first-ever cold-water instant ramen in Japan
Family Mart’s new Tokyo flagship convenience store doesn’t feel convenient, but is that a problem?
Starbucks Japan releases new Discovery Series collection celebrating local regions and traditions
Teen girl in Japan refuses to be victim, personally escorts train pervert to police for arrest
Is Japan’s tourism boom slowing down? Foreign visitor numbers fall for first time in five years
Evangelion beautifully reimagined as iconic classical Japanese folding screen art series [Photos]
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Japan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summer
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Family Mart opens new “Famima” flagship store in Tokyo that’s like a tourist attraction
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Studio Ghibli releases anime T-shirts that pay homage to one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most personal films
Giant Snorlax, other snoozing Pokémon appear in Yokohama for Pokémon Sleeping Faces Research [Pics]
Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]
Japan’s “edible fireworks” wagashi sweets return, but only for a limited time [Photos]
Studio Ghibli’s new moving keychains are the angry, adorable bugs from Nausicaa [Photos]
Teen girl in Japan refuses to be victim, personally escorts train pervert to police for arrest
Japanese curry rice burger gets all the attention in Mos Burger’s new birthday celebration campaign
Japan now has human refrigerators inspired by Japanese vending machines
Family Mart’s new Tokyo flagship convenience store doesn’t feel convenient, but is that a problem?
Japan’s popular curry chain Cocoichi has an elusive delivery-only noodle menu
Starbucks Japan unveils new peach milk pudding drink that’s like a decadent dessert
Taco sandwiches appear in Japan with new Lunch Pack sandwich pocket flavor[Taste test]
Mos Burger opens Mosh Burger & Bar in Ginza, but is it fated to be a short-lived sensation?
Starbucks Japan releases new Discovery Series collection celebrating local regions and traditions