Ginza Mitsukoshi will be holding the Valentine's Day fair, "GINZA Sweets Collection 2016," from January 27th to February 15th in the store's 7th floor event space, selling approximately 70 brands. (Note: Dates may vary depending on the brand and product.) The store's Valentine's Day theme is "GIRLS TALK." The store will introduce chocolates that discerning Ginza girls will want to talk about and brag about. From RUYSDAEL's Japanese Artisan series, they will be introducing the "Uogashi Chocolat" (2,400 yen), a sushi-themed treat. It combines three types of chocolate—milk, sweet, and white—with nutty gianduja. The packaging box contains five "SUSHI" varieties, including shrimp, sea urchin, and egg. Seeing this visual is sure to make you want to share it on social media. Chocolates made with traditional Japanese ingredients will also be featured. The Japan Selection Box "wa no kokoro" (2,639 yen, on sale from February 2nd) contains chocolates from six of Japan's most iconic brands, including ORIGINES CACAO, LE CHOCOLAT DE H, and this year's first Ek Chuah. Each piece is packed with Japanese flavors, including sake, soy sauce, Japanese pepper, and summer mandarin oranges. Meanwhile, from overseas, MAJANI, a chocolate maker founded in Bologna, Italy in 1796, has released the FIAT Chocolate "Pouch" (1,800 yen, includes one original pouch and one miniature car ornament). This rich chocolate, originally created as a private chocolate for the Italian car manufacturer Fiat, is sold as a set with a car-patterned pouch and rich, hazelnut- and cacao-scented chocolate. This is also recommended for car-loving boyfriends, and since it can be used as a pouch after gifting, it would make a great gift for fellow Ginza girls.
Chocolats Francois, headquartered in Lyon, France, where many Japanese chocolatiers come to train, is making its first appearance in Japan. The brand's chocolatier, Francois Gimenez, was a finalist in the chocolate category at the 2015 M.O.F. (Meilleur Ouvrier de France) Awards. This time, Ginza Mitsukoshi will be introducing a "Chocolat Assortment" (4 pieces for 1,200 yen, 8 pieces for 2,300 yen) and tablet almonds (1,100 yen).
And finally, don't miss the classic Belgian chocolate. PIERRE MARCOLINI, which reopened in Ginza in December 2015, is a shop that has been renovated. The brand's "Valentine Selection Limited Edition Yellow" (3,200 yen) contains nine types of pralines, including three new heart-shaped varieties, and will be sold in a yellow heart-shaped tin exclusive to Isetan Mitsukoshi.
