Shopping Guide
On Dec. 20, a gigantic 128,000m 2 shopping mall called Aeon Mall New Makuhari City Center opened on the 192,000m 2 site of Makuhari Messe in Chiba Prefecture. It has become popular as a one-stop shopping experience. On the other hand, it is also picking up attention for its complete array of core pop culture items. An area that introduces the world of Toei’s special effects heroes in a museum form called Toei Hero World, a Gundam Cafe themed solely after the Zeon Army, a shop dedicated to otome games and the four Otomate titles that have gathered tremendous support - there is no doubt that such a lineup will stop many in their tracks.
One unique shop is Charayaki, which is set up inside the Cospa Asia New Makuhari City Center store on the third floor of the Grand Mall. Charayaki is similar to the present ningyoyaki, confections made in the shape of dolls. They create delicious baked goods in the shape of cute characters. As a part of its pre-opening, Charayaki Aeon Mall Makuhari released charayaki of Kyubei from the popular anime Puella Magi Madoka Magica, which proved to be very popular. Starting on March 1, they have added more popular characters. The five magical girls from Madoka Magica––Madoka Kaname, Homura Akemi, Sayaka Miki, Mami Tomoe, and Kyōko Sakura––have become cute baked goods. They are so undeniably cute, you will eat them without even thinking.
The taste is also a point to look forward to. The outside is crunchy and savory, while the inside has a soft and mellow taste and an elegant level of sweetness. They are being sold as a pack of 8 for ￥400 or a pack of 18 for ￥800. Though there is much to see and do at the new city center, it would be a good idea to stop into Charayaki if you happen to visit Makuhari.
Source: animeanime
© Magica Quartet / Aniplex Inc., Madoka Movie Project
