The Valentine's Day event, "GINZA Valentine Avenue," will be held from January 27th to February 14th at the Event Square on the 8th floor of Matsuya Ginza.
The venue for "GINZA Valentine Avenue" is larger than usual. This year, the number of brands featured has increased dramatically from last year's 17, with a total of 50 chocolate brands on offer. From January 27th to February 2nd, the lineup will feature 30 brands recommended for "friend chocolate," "thank you chocolate," and "chocolate for yourself." From February 3rd to 14th, 20 new brands recommended for "chocolate for your special someone" will be added.
This year, a wide variety of bean-to-bar chocolates, made from the entire process from cacao beans to chocolate, will be available. Items on sale include the bean-to-bar "Artisan Tablet" chocolate and this year's popular "Marou 24g Bar 6-Piece Assortment" (2,538 yen including tax), made with Vietnamese cacao. Health-conscious people will also be able to enjoy "raw chocolate." These chocolates are made without sugar and with natural sweeteners by processing them at temperatures below 45°C. They include the "San Valentino 2016 'Lui et Ley'" (2 pieces, ¥3,801 tax included), made exclusively with rare Criollo cocoa beans by BVLGARI Il Cioccolato, and Matsuya-exclusive chocolates by Hau'oli Ola Chocolate, made with 100% Hawaiian cacao. Also available are chocolates in collaboration with fashion brands, including a collaboration between BABBI and ANTEPRIMA, and a Matsuya-exclusive chocolate assortment by Michel Chaudun and agnès b. Other products include those that emphasize the cuteness of the packaging and the chocolate itself. The selection includes a variety of humorous creations, such as chocolates inspired by candy apples, a symbol of happiness, and chocolates that look like real cosmetics.
The chocolate bar "GINZA Chocolat Bar" will be open for a limited time from January 27th to February 1st. Inside the store, you can enjoy the marriage of alcohol and chocolate. Original cocktails made with cacao, perfect for Valentine's Day, will also be available. In addition, products aimed at inbound tourists will include bonbon chocolates made with yuzu and Japanese chestnuts, as well as bonbon chocolates decorated with designs by Yoshikawa Dyeing, a renowned Kyoto hand-painted yuzen dyeing company. Magnolia Bakery Cafe will also be making its first appearance in Japan from January 27th to February 1st.
