A small act of kindness from the cafe’s member of staff still warms our reporter’s heart when she thinks about it.
Moomin
The cozy photos of a fun day spent with a Moomin friend had everyone online clamoring for a visit, too!
The much-anticipated park will resemble the original park in Finland and allow guests to explore the world of the beloved characters.
A quirky adventure game, or a terrifying ploy to brainwash children of the world into becoming hippopotamus-like big-nosed creatures?
Thanks to years of espionage and international intrigue, Hattifatteners and Snufkin were first brought to Japan.
Over two years ago, the Finnish Ambassador to Japan announced that a Moomin theme park was being developed in Japan with the expected opening date in 2015. Some of our readers might be asking, “What the heck is a Moomin?” but these hippo-like fairies who originated in Finland have a very strong following and fan base in Japan. You might not be familiar with Moomin before you come to Japan, but once you get here, you grow to welcome them at your dining table.
Well, it’s already halfway through 2015, and there is still no Moomin theme park ready to take our money. Or is there? There might be a forthcoming announcement that has us all in a tizzy.
Theme restaurants can be a lot of fun. Whether you’re munching on Final Fantasy desserts or knocking back a cocktail while surrounded by witches and monsters, a little break with reality can be just the secret ingredient you need for a satisfying meal.
Except, what do you do if you can’t round up a posse to go with you? Playing make-believe in a group can be fun, when everyone is egging each other on and having a good laugh, but most people feel awkward enough eating in a normal restaurant alone, let alone one that’s recreating a fictional world.
Thankfully, the Moomin Café has a solution to the solo-dining dilemma: they’ll seat stuffed versions of the beloved cartoons’ characters at your table to keep you company.
MOST POPULAR
Now
Manga artist wants Japanese teachers to feel, for two seconds, how dumb their girls’ dress code is
This hidden cafe in Tokyo’s Haneda Airport has no crowds and really delicious food
Gacha machine backpack is Japan’s hottest new fashion statement
Sakura Frappuccino arrives at Starbucks Japan with a slew of cherry blossom treats
Mermaid mummy stored at Japanese temple has true identity revealed after year-long study【Video】
Japan’s top five retro hot springs for a time trip back to the onsen past, as chosen by travelers
Jimmy Choo and Sailor Moon collaboration brings us gorgeous high-fashion Sailor Scout shoes
Draft bill proposal seeks to curtail unconventional “kirakira” kanji name readings in Japan
Never oversleep again under the stern supervision of Japan’s Threatening Red Panda Nap Cushion
Japanese genius creates concept of the ultimate nap chamber
Weekly
- Manga artist wants Japanese teachers to feel, for two seconds, how dumb their girls’ dress code is
The sushi has stopped revolving at Japan’s biggest revolving sushi restaurant chain
Panasonic says to stop wearing socks while you sleep
Full cast of live-action Final Fantasy X play appears in costume for the first time【Pics】
Often-overlooked castle in Japan looks so beautiful in the snow that we can’t take our eyes off it
We try the new Asian Juicy burgers from McDonald’s Japan- Gacha machine backpack is Japan’s hottest new fashion statement
Is it the end of Japan’s conveyor belt sushi as we know it?- Japanese genius creates concept of the ultimate nap chamber
Beautiful live-action Final Fantasy X kabuki preview shows Yuna performing Sending【Video】
Monthly
- Manga artist wants Japanese teachers to feel, for two seconds, how dumb their girls’ dress code is
Kyoto Station is a bad place to be in a snowstorm, videos show- The sushi has stopped revolving at Japan’s biggest revolving sushi restaurant chain
- Panasonic says to stop wearing socks while you sleep
Pokémon-playing fish commit credit card fraud against owner in Japan via Nintendo eShop【Video】
Japan’s real-world One-Piece fitness gym is open, lets you pump giant manga meat
Tea with Totoro! Ghibli star gets his own green tea and drinkware line【Photos】- Full cast of live-action Final Fantasy X play appears in costume for the first time【Pics】
Former women’s world boxing champion confronts molester on bus in Japan- Often-overlooked castle in Japan looks so beautiful in the snow that we can’t take our eyes off it
Yearly
- Manga artist wants Japanese teachers to feel, for two seconds, how dumb their girls’ dress code is
Mandarin orange peels aren’t trash, they’re treasure! Three chimpi tips to reuse your mikan skins
Move over grilled cheese — we’ve discovered the tastiest toasted sandwich yet【Recipe】
One Punch Man manga artist’s amazing “practice” drawing is so good we think he might not be human
Sony’s wearable air conditioners selling like cold cakes in heat-stricken Japan
Travelling to Japan soon? Beware the “Three Small Hells” awaiting tourists upon arrival
How to use the new floating hologram registers at 7-Eleven
Japan ends travel ban on individual tourists, waives visa requirements for certain countries
One Piece’s Luffy spent years of manga’s publication without saying a word to one of his nakama
Princesses, fruits, and blacksmiths: Study reveals the 30 most unusual family names in Japan
RECOMMENDED STORIES
Japan’s top five retro hot springs for a time trip back to the onsen past, as chosen by travelers
Jimmy Choo and Sailor Moon collaboration brings us gorgeous high-fashion Sailor Scout shoes
Draft bill proposal seeks to curtail unconventional “kirakira” kanji name readings in Japan
Never oversleep again under the stern supervision of Japan’s Threatening Red Panda Nap Cushion
Japanese genius creates concept of the ultimate nap chamber
Jimmy Choo designs limited edition Crystal Boots for Sailor Moon’s 30th anniversary
Japanese arcade lets you win Kobe beef and “Japan’s number-one beef stew”【Taste test】
Tokyo cafe serves up the artsiest version of a drinkable roasted sweet potato that we’ve seen yet
Manga meat can be yours to eat in the real world with Manga Meat Bone kitchenware【Photos】
Does Shinjuku’s unusual golden lion statue really roar when you ‘feed’ it money? We find out
Darth Vader in Death Star armour brandishes lightsaber katana, joins the Samurai force in Japan
Is it the end of Japan’s conveyor belt sushi as we know it?
Every PreCure magical girl ever now appearing on awesome anime digital mural in Tokyo【Pics, vid】
A trip to hell on Japan’s ‘vomit ship’: Is it as bad as everyone says it is?
-
