This week, Valentine's Day news continued to circulate. We saw a wide variety of news, from collaborations between famous chocolatiers and fashion brands to ¥100,000 chocolates and handmade treats.
■Salon du Chocolat, the No. 1 food department store event, kicks off.
The 11th annual chocolate festival, Salon du Chocolat, kicked off on January 23rd at Isetan Shinjuku. This year, classic truffles and bonbons seem to be popular.
■Underwear and chocolate sets are LA-inspired; Diesel's Valentine's Day collaboration with Compartes
■Frédéric Cassel presents four vanilla flavors this Valentine's Day
■¥100,000 chocolates are here! Luxurious chocolatier Il Sangeis celebrates the first anniversary of its Ginza store opening.
■Gucci's 2013 Valentine's Day is full of hearts! Introducing chocolates with an interlocking G motif and heart-shaped sweets exclusive to the cafe.
■ Koyama Susumu's 2013 Valentine's Day collection is here. Featuring Salon du Chocolat award-winning works and new releases.
■ Many popular shops are participating in the Omohara Gift Fair. A selection of recommended Valentine's and White Day items.
■ Palace Hotel Tokyo's Valentine's Day collaboration with Le Creuset.
■ MUJI's first specialty sweets shop, "MUJI Sweets Market," opens exclusively in Omotesando. Tastings available, workshops, and more to support Valentine's Day.
It's about time to start preparing for spring events like Hinamatsuri (Girl's Day) and the start of the new fiscal year.
■ Hina doll sales are booming. High-priced items, compact items, and modern pieces are popular.
Department store Hina doll sales are booming. Late January seems to be the peak each year.
■ Montegrappa releases a limited edition Batman fountain pen. Gotham City unfolds from the nib of the pen.
The Italian fountain pen brand Montegrappa will release a limited edition Batman fountain pen (345,000 yen) in collaboration with Batman.
■The first-ever stationery fair in a Ginza department store will be held at Mitsukoshi. An experiential event will also be held to cater to customers who seek quality and design.
The Ginza Stationary Festa will be held for six days from January 23rd (Wed) to the 28th (Mon) at the event venue on the 8th floor of Ginza Mitsukoshi. This will be the first large-scale stationery event to be held in the Ginza area.