Special eateries celebrate animated hit’s 30th anniversary.
The Pokémon collectible card game is enjoying its 20th anniversary right now, but it’s not the only iconic Japanese pop culture franchise that’s reaching a milestone. This November also marks 30 years since the very first episode of anime hit Dragon Ball was broadcast on Japanese TV, and in recognition of that three Dragon Ball Cafes will be opening in Japan.
A collaboration with Tower Records, three branches of Tower Records Cafe will be serving food and drinks inspired by creator Akira Toriyama’s martial arts epic, and just like with the Jojo’s Bizzare Adventure Cafe,the interiors will be decorated with art from the series.
At the Dragon Ball Cafes in Tokyo’s Shibuya and Osaka’ Umeda neighborhoods, the fare will include Vegeta Salad, Yamcha Spaghetti, and Bulma’s “I’ll Give You Romantic” Cake, all featuring character artwork. On the drink menu, you’ll find beverages based on Goku’s Flying Nimbus cloud and the mystic Dragon Balls themselves, plus latte art coffee featuring Master Roshi’s insignia and the Dragon Ball logo.
▼ Food prices range from 1,000 to 1,500 yen (US$9.70-$14.60), while drinks run from 700 to 800 yen.
Tokyo’s second Dragon Ball Cafe, located on the swanky avenue of Omotesando in the Harajuku neighborhood, has a separate lineup of food and drink, such as Goku’s Finishing Technique Kaio-ken Red Curry, Majin Buu’s Turn You Into Candy Sweets Plate, Flying Nimbus Pancake, and Piccolo’s Ma Junior Soda.
As is quickly becoming the standard at otaku-centric themed cafes in Japan, customers will also receive special coasters, while supplies last.
▼ Coasters for the Shibuya (left), Umeda (center), and Omotesando (right) Dragon Ball cafes.
And, of course, there’ll be plenty of limited edition merchandise on sale, such as towels, bags, and T-shirts.
The Dragon Ball Cafe, like most eateries of its ilk, will only be around for a limited time. The Omotesando and Umeda branches open November 1, while the Shibuya restaurant starts operations on November 8, and the Dragon Ball festivities wrap up at each on November 30.
Restaurant information
Tower Records Cafe (Shibuya branch) / タワレコカフェ （渋谷店）
Address: Tokyo-to, Shibuya-ku, Jinnan 1—2-14
東京都渋谷区神南1−22−14
Open 10 a.m-10 p.m.
Website
Tower Records Cafe (Omoteando branch) / タワレコカフェ （表参道店）
Address: Tokyo-to, Shibuya-ku, Jingumae 6-3-9, Imon Building 2nd floor
東京都渋谷区 神宮前6丁目3-9 井門原宿ビル2階
Open 11 a.m-10 p.m.
Website
Tower Records Cafe (Umeda NU Chayamachi branch) / タワレコカフェ （梅田NU茶屋町店）
Address: Osaka-fu, Osaka-shi, Kita-ku, Chayamachi 10-12, NU Chayamachi 6th floor
大阪府大阪市北区茶屋町１０−１２ NU茶屋町 6F
Open 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Website
Source: IT Media
Top image: Tower Records (edited by RocketNews24)
Insert images: Tower Records (1, 2)