roll cake
June 6 was Roll Cake Day in Japan, and while we’ve never needed an excuse to stuff ourselves full of cake, we took full advantage of the occasion anyway by sampling TEN convenience store roll cakes!
Each prefecture in Japan has its own claim to fame when it comes to locally produced products. Whether it’s lemons or sea salt, you’re sure to find something delicious sprinkled around the country. With this in mind, the Lawson chain of convenience stores has just announced eight roll cakes that each feature two different flavors from across Japan.
Bright pink polka dots, zebra print, and purple stripes are printed on these oblong objects. They look so showy and colorful, but what could they be? A handkerchief? A fancy sponge?
Believe it or not, these colorful circles are roll cakes (rolled sponge cake and cream filling), and yes, they are edible. They’re so cute and tiny we could eat a hundred of them, but the sad realization that we can’t sit around all day snacking on these beautiful pastries without gaining some junk in the trunk has got us down. At 271 yen (US $3.47) for one mini roll cake, these little guys will slim down your wallet while expanding your waist.
You can find these sweets at irina, a bakery that specializes in roll cakes. Our reporter visited irina’s Ginza store to check out these amazing little pastries.
MOST POPULAR
Now
Tsujihan sushi bowl restaurant goes viral with foreign tourists, but is it worth the hype?
Studio Ghibli launches huge new anime movie T-shirt collection with special design details
Tifa’s Final Fantasy VII bar is going to pop up in real-world Tokyo
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Japanese convenience store gives away free ice cream with creative ad at Shinjuku Station
New Kyoto Converse sneakers celebrate Japan with traditional kimono fabrics for your feet
This market is the birthplace of the “selfish” sashimi bowl, and it’s awesome【Photos】
Starbucks Japan opens new Kyoto store in Place of Scenic Beauty
Two food hacks take Japan’s convenience store fried chicken to amazing new sandwich heights
We visit the full-scale Evangelion statue in Kyoto and particularly delight in the food tie-ins
Weekly
- Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Brand-new Pokémon manhole covers coming to help the recovery of a disaster-stricken part of Japan
Japan’s awesomely beautiful Alpen Route snow corridor is now open- New Kyoto Converse sneakers celebrate Japan with traditional kimono fabrics for your feet
Move aside, convenience store egg sando – there’s a better version of the iconic sandwich in Japan- Studio Ghibli launches huge new anime movie T-shirt collection with special design details
Pokémon hot spring footbath opening in Japan this spring
Studio Ghibli croquettes not to eat, but to keep your stuff in, going on sale in Japan[Photos]
Secret staff cafeteria in Tokyo is a hidden gem you won’t find in travel guides
Tinder just opened a convenience store in Japan, aimed at adults only
Monthly
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Wisteria season starts early with blooming of Japan’s Great Wisteria in its beautiful garden- Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
Japan’s best conveyor belt sushi restaurant of seven years ago has now, finally, come to Tokyo- Brand-new Pokémon manhole covers coming to help the recovery of a disaster-stricken part of Japan
Famous Tokyo cherry blossom spot installs view-blocking screens to fight overcrowding[Video]- Japan’s awesomely beautiful Alpen Route snow corridor is now open
Uniqlo announces new T-shirts for One Piece, Naruto and more for manga publisher’s 100th birthday
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
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
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】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
RECOMMENDED STORIES
New Kyoto Converse sneakers celebrate Japan with traditional kimono fabrics for your feet
This market is the birthplace of the “selfish” sashimi bowl, and it’s awesome【Photos】
Starbucks Japan opens new Kyoto store in Place of Scenic Beauty
Two food hacks take Japan’s convenience store fried chicken to amazing new sandwich heights
We visit the full-scale Evangelion statue in Kyoto and particularly delight in the food tie-ins
Elephant nose ice cream: The treat with a trunk
Tokyo’s city hall changes dress code, workers now allowed to wear shorts[Videos]
Japan is so hungry for workers it used up its five-year visa quota in record time
Just when you thought anime marketing couldn’t be any more bust-focused: character breast weights
Bill Gates Building a Mansion in Japan!? We Investigate!
Burger King Japan’s new Crown The One Pounder is like a cheeseburger on steroids
“Raw Pepsi,” the most refreshing flavor ever, is out in Japan, but how does it taste?【Taste test】
-
