Seven-Eleven Japan Co., Ltd. has upgraded the ingredients and recipes for their onigiri – or Japanese rice balls – that are on sale from February 25, 2020. Seven-Eleven Japan improved the rice milling method by adapting low temperature rice milling, which disperses the pressure applied to rice and brings out the savory taste and umami. By improving the seal of the film package, the seaweed's crispiness is maintained longer than before. The renewed package also has English titles, which makes non-Japanese readers easier to recognize the fillings. Some of the fillings have also improved. The “Tuna & Mayonnaise” uses high quality eggs that are produced through specific breeding methods for Seven-eleven products, and the “Grilled Cured Red Salmon” uses red salmon aged by the traditional Yamazuke process. The procedure of making the onigiri is based on the concept of “Onigiri made by mother,” and aims to reproduce the taste of the hand-rolled onigiri. Seven-Eleven Japan Co., Ltd. will also focus more on sustainability and develop packaging made of paper in the near future. Website: hyperurl.co/SevenElevenOnigiri

In a modern society fraught with all kinds of stress, people today seek comfort at home. With “relax” as a keyword, UCHINO relax is a concept shop that offers products with attention to light, soft and comfortable materials. In addition to a lineup that centers on soothing loungewear, the shop also offers pajamas, towels, aroma goods, gift items and more. Their most popular selection is the Urban Resort Line, which comprises of clothing that reflects style and sizing trends. Consumers can ease fatigue from their hectic urban lifestyle in comfort. Address: 9F Shibuya Scramble Square, 2-24-12 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku Website: uchino.co.jp/en/store/shop-list/uchino-relax    Tel: 03-6427-1220

Taking their inspiration from the Chinese expression, “food is medicine,” UCHINO TOUCH was developed to bring a healthy and pleasant culture of touch (a lifestyle enriched by the five senses) with the theme of "touch is medicine." By directly touching the skin, everything at UCHINO offers a sense of joy similar to skin care. Through meticulous work, UCHINO creates items that complement the skin of each customer. The beautiful materials and beautiful techniques used are nurtured with time and care. These products are not just for the moment; they lead to a healthy tomorrow, raising customers' lifestyle to another level. Address: West Walk 4F Roppongi Hills, 6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku Website: touch-e.com Tel: 03-5786-9611 ///fool.petition.vibrates

Address: 15-1 Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku Website: shibuya.parco.jp/    Tel: 03-3464-5111 ///mainland.pool.cape

Mitsukoshi department store is a giant in its field. While the Ginza and Shinjuku branches have become a must-visit if you’re going on a luxury shopping spree in Tokyo, the original store located in historically rich Nihombashi slips through the cracks. This results in many missing out on the beautiful architecture and services the flagship store has to offer. Nihombashi Mitsukoshi’s exterior echoes the buildings of 18th-century Europe and features decorative moldings above every entrance as well as a generous dose of marble from floor to ceiling. Considering its long history, which dates back to the 17th century, and its many innovative offerings that helped to define the department store as one of the best in the country, it’s no surprise the Nihombashi location was designated an Important Cultural Property in 2016 and won the title of the Hallmark of Japan. Address: 1-4-1 Nihonbashimuromachi, Chuo-ku Website: mitsukoshi.mistore.jp Tel: 03-3241-3311 ///walking.blues.applied

Address: 2-24 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku Website: shibuya-scramble-square.com/    Tel: 03-5468-5892 ///pulp.posting.roaming

Website: meganesuper.co.jp/ Address: Yamashitacho, Naka Ward, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture, Kanagawa Grand Bell Yokohama Building 1F Telephone: 045-661-2110

Kimono shop Ginza Iseyoshi was founded by the Chitani family in 1878 in Nihonbashi, a mercantile district in Tokyo. In 1933, along with several other shops, the business moved to the district of Ginza where it has remained until this day. Aside from offering custom-made kimono and a rental service, the store owner has also come up with a new, simplified kimono design. This version can be worn over normal clothing and takes about 10 minutes to put on. The main dress is divided into two separate pieces, the skirt and the tunic. This makes it easier to adjust the length. The obi belt is pre-folded and ready to attach to the waist in little time. After securing and padding the obi, the last thing to do is tie the obijime sash around the waist and the job is done. The final result creates a look and feel no different from a traditional kimono. Contact the store for more info about their rental service. Address: 8-8-19 Ginza, Chuo-ku Website: ginza-iseyoshi.co.jp    Tel: 03-3571-5388 Rental requests need to be booked in advance via email: [email protected] 

Sitting in the B2F floor of the upmarket Ginxa Six shopping center is Imadeya, one of downtown Tokyo's newer sake tasting stores. Imadeya's speciality is Japanese nihonshu, but they also have a healthy selection of alcohol from local wineries, shochu breweries, whisky distilleries and craft gin makers.   At Imadeya they typically have a limited selection of sake bottles available for tasting with their in-house experts. The price of the tasting experience is dependent on how much, and what variation of alcohol you wish to sample. The staff members can provide recommendations and information on the various liquors in English, Chinese, Spanish and other selected languages. Address: 6-10-1 Ginza, Chuo-ku B2 Website: imaday.jp Tel: 03-6264-5537

Address: 1-10-14 Musashino, Kichijoji Honcho 2F Website: chilllabo.tokyo Tel: 080-8700-8528

Address: 2-11-16 Hamamatsucho, Minato-ku Website: nihonshu.com Tel: 03-5405-4441

Esteemed French pâtisserie Christophe Michalak opened his new pastry store in the trendy district of Omotesando, Tokyo. The 2005 pastry chef world champion, who runs four shops in Paris, chose Japan for his first foray into the international market as he believes it is the world's leading country, along with his native France when it comes to pastries. The fashionable store has a wide range of sumptuous cakes and desserts to choose from including Michalak's specialty pavlova, delightful Mont Blanc cupcakes, and the Monkoeur, arguably the standout item at the shop, mixing passion fruits, chocolate and yuzu to create a heavenly sweet and sour taste. Another highlight at Michalak Omotesando is My Kosmik, a snack that can be ordered to go and enjoyed while strolling around the neighborhood. The jar is layered with mousse and sponge. You can then customize it with your own combinations, a service only available in Japan. Address: 6-2-9 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku Website: michalak.jp