red bean
Zeitaku is one of those lovely Japanese words that sounds as elegant as its meaning. As the word for luxury, it conjures up images of high-class ryokan accommodations with private outdoor rotenburo baths, multi-course kaiseki meals served by elegant ladies dressed in kimonos and extravagant purchases at department stores on the Ginza shopping strip.
While most of those luxuries are, sadly, out of reach for many of us, there’s one affordable item that comes to mind when Japanese people are looking for a bit of zeitaku when a friend decides to visit or as a treat after a long day. That small symbol of luxury is the rich, creamy ice cream of Häagen-Dazs, and now they’re releasing an amazing new chestnut and azuki red bean Japonais flavour to add a bit of class to the upcoming fall season.
Yes, we love our Häagen-Dazs here at RocketNews24, but you really can’t blame us when they keep throwing creative and tantalizing flavors at us, can you? Like this newest installation in their Japonais line of cup ice cream — in a strawberry and azuki (red bean) flavor!
That’s right, another delightful frozen creation with a Japanese twist is coming out from the masters of ice cream. And we really can’t see any reason why we wouldn’t find the new flavor thoroughly delightful!
This week in Japan, people around the country are celebrating a special event known as tsukimi, literally “moon-viewing”. Celebrated on the 15th day of the lunar calendar (which lands sometime between September and October) it is the best time to look at the moon because the position of the earth, sun and moon make it appear especially big and bright. Just as with cherry blossom viewing, it’s a time to honor the beauty of nature with food, drink and friends.
One of the most traditional foods to celebrate with is called tsukimi dango which are sweets made of mochi (Japanese rice cake). But just as the Japanese dialect isn’t the same from Hokkaido to Okinawa, the look and taste of tsukimi dango vary from region to region. Here are three of the most interesting versions from across Japan!
MOST POPULAR
Now
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
“Bear” voted Japan’s Kanji of the Year for 2025 in extremely close race
Evangelion original anime studio Gainax is now completely dissolved, Eva’s creator mourns ruined friendships
7-Eleven Japan has a hack for creating insanely delicious potato chip rice meals
U.S.A. now the fastest-growing market for Japan’s high-tech toilets, now selling quicker than ever
What’s at the top of this giant escalator in Japan?
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Japan’s first hotel with a human washing machine is now ready for you to come and bathe in it
This hot springs town in Japan sets fire across a mountain every winter in a beautiful tradition
Japanese woman sues man for 1.5 million yen for violating her “right to chastity”
Weekly
Stamina-destroying “Paralysis Noodles” are Tokyo’s newest over-the-top ramen innovation
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort- Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning seems to be affecting Osaka’s Namba and Dotonbori neighborhoods- Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Uniqlo Ukiyo-e Blue T-shirts: A cool-hued reinterpretation of some of Japan’s greatest paintings- Japan’s first hotel with a human washing machine is now ready for you to come and bathe in it
Studio Ghibli adds new Kiki’s Delivery Service music box to its anime merchandise shop in Japan
Studio Ghibli mixes with sporty street styles of New Era to put No Face on your head in cap series
Japanese company selling bear-proof automatic doors
Monthly
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas goods and a rhinestone tumbler that costs 19,500 yen
Real-world Nausicaa Ghibli anime glider completes its final flight in Japan【Video】
Japanese train company is letting fans buy its actual ticket gates for their homes
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowds in Tokyo’s Asakusa neighborhood?
The 10 best day trips from downtown Tokyo【Survey】
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
Japanese government considering tripling departure taxes to combat overtourism
A guide to visiting Sagamiko Illumination, one of the three biggest light-ups in Kanto
Giant new nine-floor arcade opens in Tokyo, wants to welcome new and old games fans alike
Yearly
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer- Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
RECOMMENDED STORIES
What’s at the top of this giant escalator in Japan?
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Japan’s first hotel with a human washing machine is now ready for you to come and bathe in it
This hot springs town in Japan sets fire across a mountain every winter in a beautiful tradition
Japanese woman sues man for 1.5 million yen for violating her “right to chastity”
Kyoto samurai house wants to share its history of seppuku, torture and gold coins with visitors
Maybelline New York releasing special Japan-only Pokémon Pikachu Collection
McDonald’s Japan’s Gurakoro burger faces a giant rival in Komeda’s Gurakuro
How to find a lost cat: Unique method from Japan proves to be surprisingly effective
Japanese group to hold fashion show of colostomy bags and other stoma equipment in Paris
Absolutely nothing but knee-highs at Akihabara’s new sock emporium
Studio Ghibli unveils new goods that tip the hat to The Cat Returns
Once you hear this lady sing “Yooooooghurppe”, you may never stop hearing it
Starbucks’ newest Chilled Cup drink comes with more coffee jelly than ever before
-
