On November 7th, Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings announced details for the 2015 Salon du Chocolat, a popular annual chocolate festival originating from Paris. This year's event will move from its usual location at the Isetan Shinjuku store to the Shinjuku NS Building's basement event hall, running from January 21st to January 25th, 2015 (10:00 AM to 8:00 PM each day). The event aims to recreate the authentic atmosphere of the Parisian Salon du Chocolat. The theme for this 13th edition is "Chocolat, Patrimoine Universel—Homage to the Future." The theme embodies the desire to pass on chocolate, which originated as a gift from the gods in the ancient Mayan civilization, to future generations as "Patrimoine Universel," a shared global heritage. Approximately 100 brands from 17 countries will gather at the venue, showcasing the creative chocolates of chocolatiers and pastry chefs who envision the future of chocolate.

The limited edition box, which is hugely popular every year thanks to the collaboration of top chefs, will be available again this year. The "Patrimoine Universel" (9,167 yen), containing 18 chocolates created by renowned chefs such as Henri Leroux, Sadaharu Aoki, and Jean-Paul Hévin, is expected to sell out. New this year will be a selection box featuring Japanese chefs who have competed in the "World Chocolate Masters," a global chocolate championship.

Also making their debut, brands like "Chocolat Cazenave" and "Olivier Vidal" will be appearing. After the event at Shinjuku NS Building, it will be held at JR Kyoto Isetan (January 28th to February 14th), JR Osaka Mitsukoshi Isetan (same), Nagoya Sakae Mitsukoshi (January 28th to February 3rd), Iwataya Main Store (January 29th to February 14th), Marui Imai Sapporo Main Store (January 31st to February 14th), and Sendai Mitsukoshi (February 3rd to February 15th).