A special story has been released for Salon du Chocolat 2016, the chocolate festival to be held at the Shinjuku NS Building from January 27th to 31st. This year's Salon du Chocolat, with its theme of "The Temptation of Cacao, the Adventure of Chocolate," features a hidden story titled "Princess Latier's Great Adventure: Three Chocolates that Bring Happiness." The story begins when a series of disasters destroy the cacao trees in Chocolan, the land of chocolate. Princess Latier and her friends then embark on a journey to find the "three most mysterious chocolates in the world." Princess Latier's companions include TEO, Chocolan's most handsome man; NIBU, a glutton who only eats chocolate; NOIR & AULAIT, twin boys and girls who adore Princess Latier like an older sister; DUYA, an elder with extensive knowledge of chocolate and cacao; and OW, also known as the royal bird. So, what are these "three mysterious chocolates"...? Details of this story are updated every Wednesday on the Salon du Chocolat Japan official website (see below). The visuals for this story were created by illustrator and graphic designer Benicco. Benicco's style is reminiscent of Japanese painting, using Bézier curves to create linework that depicts fashionable, stylish, and sexy women.

In addition, at the event space counter in the central hall on the basement floor of the building where the event will be held, this storybook will be sold in a set with natural water (485ml) as a "gift from Princess Latier" (limited to 800 sets per day, 500 yen including tax).

This year's Salon du Chocolat will bring together approximately 100 chocolate brands from 19 countries around the world, including the popular bean-to-bar chocolate, chocolates made with fruits that go well with cacao, and limited edition chocolate boxes created by members who represented Japan at the international chocolate competition, the World Chocolate Masters.