The basement food floor of Isetan Shinjuku will offer a wide selection of auspicious food items themed around the 2015 zodiac sign, the sheep (sheep), and the New Year.
The highlight of the liquor section is the Mouton Cadet Classique Mouton Cover (750ml, released January 2nd, 2,900 yen) from Baron Philippe de Rothschild. This wine is a direct descendant of Chateau Mouton Rothschild, one of Bordeaux's top five châteaux. The wine comes with a stylish wine cover, named after its name, designed to resemble a sheep, making it perfect for the Year of the Sheep. Enjoy both the look and the drink.
There's a story behind this Mouton Cadet. 1930 was a year of poor grape harvest. The wine was far from ready to be bottled as Chateau Mouton Rothschild. Baron Philippe de Rothschild made a decision in this crisis. He decided to sell the failed grapes under the name "Mouton Cadet" (youngest child). Since then, this wine has been loved worldwide. The "Cadet" in the name refers to the Baron's status as the youngest child (cadet) of the family and his direct lineage to Mouton. Wouldn't it be stylish to enjoy such a "wine that withstands adversity" this New Year? In the Japanese sweets section, we recommend Akasaka Kakiyama's "Lucky Lucky Warai" (1,000 yen). In addition to rice crackers with sheep designs, the shop also offers individually wrapped New Year's-themed rice crackers shaped like battledores and Fukuwarai (fun game). This perennial bestseller brings a sense of nostalgia and a smile to the face upon opening. Similarly, Akasaka Kakiyama's Zodiac Wrapping (Red and White) (700 yen) is a Mitsukoshi Isetan exclusive, with its red and white colors elevating feelings of celebration.
Ryokuchiya Korekiyo's Zodiac Yokan "Sheep" (800 yen) is made with three types of yokan to depict a cute sheep playing in a meadow. The white sheep part is made of Jyonankan, which has a pleasant texture. NAVARASA's celebratory teas, exclusive to the Isetan Shinjuku store, come in auspicious packaging and contain 10 tea bags each. The lineup includes Daruma (Hojicha Apple/1,250 yen), Fuji (Domestic Black Tea, 2014 Native Yamagata/1,650 yen), and Tai (Sencha Earl Grey/1,250 yen).
Fruits Jellyfie's ceramic konpeito candy (1,000 yen) is available exclusively at Isetan Shinjuku, and features six lovely coloured konpeito candy wrapped in a simple ceramic presentation box, making it perfect for gift-giving. As you'd expect from a fruit jelly specialist, each colour has a subtle fruit scent.
Sasaya Iori's okiagari koboshi Rakuraku Fukuju (1,300 yen) is an auspicious candy, with a round Momoyama figure peeking out from the striking daruma wrapping, and the kimi-an (sweet bean paste) wrapped around it resembles Otafuku beans.
There are a variety of items that look like they'll bring smiles and good fortune.
