Patrons will be able to immerse themselves in the world of a classic shojo manga through this collaborative cafe. 

Glass Mask, known as Garasu no Kamen, is one of the most beloved and timeless shojo manga series of all time. Penned by Suzue Miuchi and first serialized in 1976, the story revolves around two aspiring actresses who both yearn to play the coveted role of “The Crimson Goddess” on stage. Despite its slow release schedule, the series is still going strong 40 years later and has inspired more than one anime TV series, a live-action drama, and various other media.

▼ Collected volumes of Glass Mask after being published in Hakusensha’s Hana to Yume semi-monthly magazine

As the series is one volume shy of the publication of its 50th volume, now is as good a time as ever to celebrate the classic story in the form of a collaborative themed cafe so commonly found in Japan. In fact, a Glass Mask cafe had previously opened for a limited time in Tokyo in early 2016, but this iteration marks the first time it will come to Osaka, which is where series creator Miuchi was raised. The Osaka restaurant hosting the collaboration, Cheers & Cafe Dining, also held a Rose of Versailles-themed cafe in December of last year, so its staff will be no strangers to the world of sparkly shojo manga when the Glass Mask cafe opens on its premises on July 19.

Let’s take a look at some of the collaborative menu items derived from notable characters and scenes in the series: 

▼ “I’m Always Looking at You“ Mr. Purple Rose Burger – 1,590 yen (US$14)

In honor of protagonist Maya’s (not so) secret admirer, indulge in this juicy beef burger planted between two purple buns. Maybe you’ll even discover a hidden surprise while eating it…!

▼ The Crimson Goddess: White Swirls and Red Swirls–Heaven and Earth-ravaging Cold Pasta – 1,490 yen

Treat yourself to this pasta dish mixed with red tomatoes, crunchy plums, and topped with champagne jelly. It’s a perfectly refreshing treat for a hot summer day.

▼ “Cold eyes parfait…!” – 1,290 yen

This dish pays homage to the frequent “cold eyes scenes” found in the pages of Miuchi’s original manga. In food form, the “cold eyes parfait” translates into decadent layers of vanilla ice cream, white bean paste, and mascarpone cream, topped with white currants. This one is said to be highly recommended by Miuchi herself!

▼ “Maya Kitajima, is that Mud?! Smoothie” – 990 yen

This rather Japanese-style parfait features adzuki (red bean paste) and rice flour dumplings–much better than eating real mud, for sure.

Each patron to the themed cafe will receive one random coaster out of a total of six different types. Four types of key chains, postcards, pens, pins, and other themed goods will also be for sale:

▼ Four key chains for purchase

Don’t miss this special shojo opportunity if you’ll be in Osaka this year between July 19 and August 29!

Restaurant Information
Glass Mask Cafe
Cheer’s Cafe & Dining / チアーズ カフェ アンド ダイニング
Address: Osaka-fu, Osaka-shi, Kita-ku, Kakuda-cho 8-7 Hankyu Umeda Main Store 4th floor
大阪府大阪市北区角田町 8‐7  阪急うめだ本店 4F
Open: 10 am-8 pm (Sunday-Thursday); 10 am-9 pm (Friday, Saturday)
Website

Source: Entabe
Top image: PR Times
Insert images: PR Times, Amazon Japan