Feature | News-worthy Chocolates for Valentine's Day Gallery
From new creations exclusively for Valentine's Day by renowned chocolatiers and pâtissiers, OPENERS picks out "news-worthy" chocolates. What new ingredients are top chocolatiers challenging? What limited editions are announced to celebrate an anniversary of their arrival in Japan? Furthermore, who are the notable chocolatiers making their debut in Japan? We introduce "news-worthy" chocolates that will deliver a delicious and delightful surprise to your special someone on a special day.
"Salon du Chocolat," the world's largest chocolate festival originating in Paris, grows in scale each year. Isetan Shinjuku, which celebrated its 10th anniversary last year, has set its theme for this year as "Renaissance (Rebirth of Knowledge)." They will present a "Chocolate Renaissance" that fuses a return to origins with further evolution through various projects. Featuring "Sébastien Gaudard," a話題 of a French patisserie making its Japan debut, over 70 brands and a total of more than 25 top chocolatiers and pâtissiers will gather, offering a unique opportunity to check out the "latest chocolate trends" all at once. The annual Japan-exclusive selection box, featuring works by notable chocolatiers, is a must-have gift for chocolate-loving men. In addition to the "Sélection Renaissance" pictured, which includes 15 chocolatiers, there are four types in total.
Sélection Renaissance (15 pieces, one from each of 15 brands) ¥6,930
Sales Period | January 23 (Wed) - 28 (Mon) *Closes at 6 PM on the final day
Sales Location | Isetan Shinjuku Main Building 6F Event Hall
3-14-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Tel. 03-3352-1111 (General Inquiries)
http://www.isetan.co.jp/sdc
Among the "Salon du Chocolat" events, which gather top chocolatiers and pâtissiers from around the world, "Sébastien Gaudard" is currently the hottest name in France. After succeeding Pierre Hermé and becoming the chef pâtissier at Fauchon at the age of 26, he continuously proposed cutting-edge pastries within "Le Bon Marché." At his eponymous store, opened in 2011, he has shifted his focus to pursuing classical confectionery. Enjoy the profound flavors in an assortment.
Chocolat Assortiment (8 pieces) ¥2,835, (4 pieces) ¥1,575
Sales Period | January 23 (Wed) - 28 (Mon) *Closes at 6 PM on the final day
Sales Location | Isetan Shinjuku Main Building 6F Event Hall
3-14-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Tel. 03-3352-1111 (General Inquiries)
http://www.isetan.co.jp/sdc
Jean-Paul Hévin, the renowned chocolatier, celebrates his 10th anniversary in Japan. This season's anniversary theme is "Playing with Fire." The limited-edition collection for Valentine's Day and White Day features playful, "fiery" chocolates. The tablet, featuring the Roman numeral X (10) inside a candle, is a special chocolate commemorating the 10th anniversary. Why not gift your passionate feelings with this tablet, adorned with a candle motif drawn by Hévin himself, to the man with a playful spirit?
Tablet Cara cao ¥735
*Available at department store locations and online boutiques
Sales Period | January 16 (Wed) - March 14 (Thu)
Sales Location | Jean-Paul Hévin Isetan Shinjuku Main Store
B1, Isetan Shinjuku Main Store, 3-14-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Tel. 03-3352-1111 (General Inquiries)
http://www.jph-japon.co.jp/
" title="04_jeanpaulhevin" data-src="/galleries/images/000/112/217/medium/e5847c6a-5b7c-421d-b7a9-195413f54a3f.jpg">JEAN-PAUL HÉVIN | Jean-Paul Hévin
In line with the theme "Playing with Fire," the Valentine's collection features a rich variety of designs, including a heart with a lit match and illustrations of burning hearts. The "Boîte à Chocolats," a gift box filled with limited-edition bonbons chocolat inspired by "Playing with Fire," is available in sizes from 2 pieces to 37 pieces, allowing you to choose the perfect one for your recipient.
From left, Boîte à Chocolats Allumer (6 pieces) ¥2,730
Compression Allumer ¥3,990
*All available at department store locations and online boutiques
Sales Period | January 16 (Wed) - March 14 (Thu)
Sales Location | Jean-Paul Hévin Isetan Shinjuku Main Store
B1, Isetan Shinjuku Main Store, 3-14-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Tel. 03-3352-1111 (General Inquiries)
http://www.jph-japon.co.jp/" title="05_jeanpaulhevin" data-src="/galleries/images/000/112/218/medium/a26a6fc2-0f66-47ca-88b5-df531f81e521.jpg">PIERRE HERMÉ PARIS | Pierre Hermé Paris
Pierre Hermé, who has a passionate following worldwide and was hailed as the "Picasso of Pastry" by Vogue magazine, continuously creates artistic sweets by blending meticulous attention to ingredients with original ideas. For Valentine's Day, two new flavors have been introduced to the bonbons chocolat, including "Bonbon Chocolat Nuage," which uses salted butter with a smoky flavor. The delicate smoky aroma offers a new discovery in chocolate.
Bonbon Chocolat (6 pieces) ¥2,100, (9 pieces) ¥3,150, (15 pieces) ¥5,250
(*Includes "Bonbon Chocolat Nuage" in 9-piece and 15-piece sets. Not sold individually.)
*Scheduled to be sold at directly managed boutiques and online shop
Sales Period | January 23 (Wed) - (Scheduled to continue selling after February 14 (Thu))
Sales Location | Pierre Hermé Paris Aoyama
La Porte Aoyama 1-2F, 5-51-8 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Tel. 03-5485-7766
http://www.pierreherme.co.jp/" title="06_pierreherme" data-src="/galleries/images/000/112/219/medium/9fa34b98-3d7d-4bf2-8f42-a7fbe8ce1ac7.jpg">PIERRE HERMÉ PARIS | Pierre Hermé Paris
Pierre Hermé Paris's sweets bring happiness not only to the palate but also to the eyes, nose, and all five senses. For the art-savvy gentleman, consider macarons in packaging featuring illustrations by French artist Nicolas Vial. For the man sensitive to fragrance, try the limited-edition heart-shaped tart created with the concept of "a sweet reminiscent of rose and jasmine perfume."
From left, Cœur Tart Jasmin Rose ¥3,150
Macaron Assortment (12 pieces) ¥4,200 (The design pictured is a new version exclusive to "Salon du Chocolat." 3 designs in total.)
*All scheduled to be sold at directly managed boutiques and online shop
Sales Period | January 23 (Wed) - February 14 (Thu)
Sales Location | Pierre Hermé Paris Aoyama
La Porte Aoyama 1-2F, 5-51-8 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Tel. 03-5485-7766
http://www.pierreherme.co.jp/" title="07_pierreherme" data-src="/galleries/images/000/112/220/medium/86864f79-c2c5-4018-b561-d0e09fc445ef.jpg">pourjours | Pourjours
Pourjours is a new chocolatier helmed by Frédéric Madelaine, owner-chef of the popular patisserie "Le Pommier," and designed and directed by Claudio Colucci, a world-renowned designer who also works on boutiques for top maisons. The shop's name, "Pourjours," meaning "for the days that pile up," is symbolized by its signature product: seven colorful bonbons chocolat, each themed after a day of the week. Share these with someone you wish to spend your days with, and savor them slowly.
Bonbons Chocolat (7 pieces) ¥2,700 (Individual pieces available from ¥330)
Sales Period | Year-round
Sales Location | Pourjours
AOYAMA101 Building, 3-15-9 Kita-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Tel. 03-6418-9841
http://pourjours.jp/" title="08_pourjours" data-src="/galleries/images/000/112/221/medium/557e7444-2098-4974-b46c-ae097268176d.jpg">pourjours | Pourjours
Pourjours prides itself on not only taste but also visual appeal. From mendiants topped with various fruits like strawberries and iyokan oranges to tablets with colorful packaging, the lineup is designed to excite the recipient from the moment they receive it until they take their first bite. The tablet with dried raspberries offers a unique texture.
(Back) Mendiants (3 pieces) ¥1,050
(Front) Tablet Chocolat Framboise ¥1,100
Sales Period | Year-round
Sales Location | Pourjours
AOYAMA101 Building, 3-15-9 Kita-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Tel. 03-6418-9841
http://pourjours.jp/" title="09_pourjours" data-src="/galleries/images/000/112/222/medium/dc614909-ce9c-42bf-b0c2-dd36f5d7b3a7.jpg">PATISSIER eS KOYAMA | Pâtissier eS KOYAMA
Pâtissier eS KOYAMA, by Susumu Koyama, has won the Grand Prix in the Foreigner Category at Paris's "Salon du Chocolat" for two consecutive years, following 2011, and has also received the highest rating of 5 Tablets at the "C.C.C." competition, a prestigious French chocolate lovers' association, for two consecutive years. The "C.C.C. Dégustation 2012" assortment of bonbons chocolat, submitted to the competition, features chocolates using eS KOYAMA's original couverture, as well as innovative creations that fuse Japanese ingredients like sake, butterbur, and black sesame with chocolate. These can be purchased at the "Salon du Chocolat" held at Isetan Shinjuku.
C.C.C. Dégustation 2012 ¥1,501
Sales Period | January 23 (Wed) - 28 (Mon) *Closes at 6 PM on the final day
Sales Location | Isetan Shinjuku Main Building 6F Event Hall
3-14-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Tel. 03-3352-1111 (General Inquiries)
http://www.es-koyama.com/" title="eskoyama_main_0118" data-src="/galleries/images/000/112/223/medium/c7d51325-3ae1-4a34-9c7f-693b7261b0ac.jpg">PATISSIER eS KOYAMA | Pâtissier eS KOYAMA
Chef Koyama, born in Kyoto and raised amidst Japanese culture, also presented "DNA Kyoto 2012" at Paris's "Salon du Chocolat" alongside "C.C.C. Dégustation 2012." This box fuses traditional Japanese ingredients such as Daitokuji natto, Kyoto green tea, and black soybean soy sauce with cacao from the Southern Hemisphere and the chocolate culture cultivated in Europe. This can also be purchased at Isetan Shinjuku's "Salon du Chocolat."
DNA Kyoto 2012 ¥2,401
Sales Period | January 23 (Wed) - 28 (Mon) *Closes at 6 PM on the final day
Sales Location | Isetan Shinjuku Main Building 6F Event Hall
3-14-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Tel. 03-3352-1111 (General Inquiries)
http://www.es-koyama.com/" title="eskoyama_sub_0118" data-src="/galleries/images/000/112/224/medium/8d111b8b-dbc2-4cf3-9c80-b91068e40f13.jpg">GINZA MITSUKOSHI | Ginza Mitsukoshi
This year's Ginza Mitsukoshi Valentine's Day, themed "Fusion," brings together approximately 60 chocolatiers from around the world, from long-established houses to emerging artisans. Among them, two Belgian chocolatiers making their Japan debut are particularly noteworthy. One is Dominique Persoone, a "maverick" who opened his store at the young age of 24. His chocolate line has finally arrived in Japan! In addition to bonbons chocolat with innovative flavors, the lineup includes surprising items like lipstick and chocolate cream.
Sparkling Bruges (8 pieces) ¥2,940, (12 pieces) ¥3,990
Sales Period | January 30 (Wed) - February 14 (Thu)
Sales Location | Ginza Mitsukoshi 8F Event Hall
4-6-16 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Tel. 03-3562-1111 (General Inquiries)
http://www.mitsukoshi.co.jp" title="12_ginzamitsukoshi" data-src="/galleries/images/000/112/225/medium/8494b892-c883-40f8-b0a7-615352b76046.jpg">GINZA MITSUKOSHI | Ginza Mitsukoshi
The other Belgian chocolatier is Benoît Nihant, who has a unique background as a former engineer. He made a career change at age 30 and quickly became a sensation as a rare artisan who combines artistic and meticulous craftsmanship. He is one of the few chocolatiers in the world who makes chocolate from cacao beans himself. Ginza Mitsukoshi will also feature an abundance of limited-edition items from popular chocolatiers. The limited box from "Le Chocolat de H" by Hiroyuki Yamaguchi is also noteworthy.
From left, "Benoît Nihant" Benoît Mix (5 types) ¥2,100
"Le Chocolat de H" H Selection (7 pieces) ¥2,100
Sales Period | January 30 (Wed) - February 14 (Thu)
Sales Location | Ginza Mitsukoshi 8F Event Hall
4-6-16 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Tel. 03-3562-1111 (General Inquiries)
http://www.mitsukoshi.co.jp" title="13_ginzamitsukoshi" data-src="/galleries/images/000/112/226/medium/a232a9ed-ee7e-4ad3-873d-d498e57ffcea.jpg">PIERRE MARCOLINI | Pierre Marcolini
Pierre Marcolini, a leading Belgian chocolatier, is one of the few in the world who handles every step of chocolate making himself, from sourcing and selecting cacao beans to blending and roasting. He has created "adult-only" chocolates using single malts and rums he personally selected. Fruity single malts are paired with fruity cacao, while whiskies with notes of sea salt and peat are complemented by salt caramel that enhances the flavor. For the gentleman who enjoys fine spirits, offer a taste only adults can appreciate.
Whisky & Rum (9 pieces) ¥4,147
*Available at all Pierre Marcolini stores and online shop
Sales Location | Pierre Marcolini Ginza Store
5-5-8 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Tel. 03-5537-0015
http://www.pierremarcolini.jp/" title="14_pierremarcolini" data-src="/galleries/images/000/112/227/medium/515e0a6d-5795-47b6-93a9-cb98c060de30.jpg">PIERRE MARCOLINI | Pierre Marcolini
For those who want to gift a renowned chocolatier's creations with a unique twist, these two items are perfect. The first is an exquisite handmade kit that includes couverture, original chocolate molds, a gift box, and a spatula. The second is a collaboration box featuring Marcolini's heart-shaped "Cœur Framboise" chocolate and a bracelet from the Italian knitwear brand "Cruciani," the "Cruciani C." The bracelet is so cute, it makes you want to "ask for it in return."
From left, Pierre Marcolini x Cruciani C Limited Gift Box ¥3,675
Handmade Chocolate Kit ¥2,940
*Available at all Pierre Marcolini stores and online shop
(*Limited gift box available at Pierre Marcolini's 5 directly managed stores and 3 limited-time stores, as well as Cruciani shops and STRASBURGO.)
Sales Period | February 1 (Fri) - March 14 (Thu) *Sales period may change due to limited quantities
Sales Location | Pierre Marcolini Ginza Main Store
5-5-8 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Tel. 03-5537-0015
http://www.pierremarcolini.jp/
http://www.cruciani.jp" title="pierremarcolini_cruciani_sub" data-src="/galleries/images/000/112/228/medium/6127a08e-da09-4652-99a1-1b0761ba6335.jpg">pâtisserie Sadaharu AOKI paris | Pâtisserie Sadaharu AOKI Paris
Sadaharu Aoki, a popular pâtissier with boutiques in Paris, Tokyo, and Taipei, received the highest rating of 5 Tablets at the "C.C.C." competition held concurrently with the "Salon du Chocolat" in Paris last October. The award-winning Ganache Framboise is now part of a colorful assortment of bonbons chocolat. In addition, chocolates utilizing ingredients from both East and West, such as Spanish oranges and matcha from Nanzan En in Aichi Prefecture, are directly imported from Paris.
Bonbons Chocolat (12 pieces) ¥3,780
*Available at all directly managed stores
Sales Period | Year-round
Sales Location | Pâtisserie Sadaharu AOKI Paris Marunouchi Store
1F, Shin-Kokusai Building, 3-4-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Tel. 03-5293-2800
www.sadaharuaoki.jp" title="16_sadaharuaoki" data-src="/galleries/images/000/112/229/medium/06a087ac-9974-4a6d-9a9c-e271f1276409.jpg">pâtisserie Sadaharu AOKI paris | Pâtisserie Sadaharu AOKI Paris
For those who wish to gift the taste of a Japanese pâtissier who "crosses the skies" to their loved ones, these items are recommended. "Chocolons," macarons coated in chocolate, are a testament to skill and creativity. "Truffes Caramel Salé" feature a sweet and slightly bitter caramel ganache that melts elegantly in the mouth. Share the delicate textures and flavors with your special someone.
From left, Chocolons (6 pieces) ¥3,260, Truffes Caramel Salé (8 pieces) ¥2,205
*Available at all directly managed stores
Sales Period | Year-round
Sales Location | Pâtisserie Sadaharu AOKI Paris Marunouchi Store
1F, Shin-Kokusai Building, 3-4-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Tel. 03-5293-2800
www.sadaharuaoki.jp" title="17_sadaharuaoki" data-src="/galleries/images/000/112/230/medium/c309f160-06fd-418f-9c61-e47a4a41a567.jpg">Joël Durand | Joël Durand
Joël Durand holds the record for being the youngest chocolatier to receive the prestigious "C.C.C." award. With its main store in Provence, the chocolatier creates chocolates that capture the essence of the region's bounty. "Joël Durand Ginza Main Store" is the only location worldwide with an attached café, and the boutique always offers 26 types of bonbons chocolat, each printed with a letter from A to Z, air-freighted from France. This year, three years later, new additions have appeared for these bonbons chocolat. Heart-shaped chocolates generously made with yellow peaches from Provence will be available for Valentine's Day. Send a supremely sweet message to your loved one.
Bonbons Chocolat THANK YOU ♥ Selection (9 pieces) ¥3,915
Sales Period | Late January - until sold out
Sales Location | Joël Durand Ginza Main Store
Sakaguchi Bldg. 1-2F, 5-5-8 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Tel. 03-6251-9797
http://www.joeldurand.jp/" title="JOELDURND_main" data-src="/galleries/images/000/112/231/medium/89a79015-413f-46d2-9661-fed66d949ae7.jpg">Joël Durand | Joël Durand
This year's Valentine's Day features colorful boxes and unique balloon-shaped packages, available for a limited time, allowing you to choose based on the recipient's impression or the occasion. You can gift chocolates with the letters "LOVE," "MERCI," "THANK YOU," "DAISUKI," and heart motifs in seven-colored boxes (color varies by quantity) or in balloon-type packaging.
From left, Bonbons Chocolat Limited Package (5 pieces) ¥2,315, (9 pieces) ¥3,915
Heart Wrapping (for 9 pieces, for 5 pieces) ¥315
Sales Period | Late January - until sold out
Sales Location | Joël Durand Ginza Main Store
Sakaguchi Bldg. 1-2F, 5-5-8 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Tel. 03-6251-9797
http://www.joeldurand.jp/" title="JOELDURND_sub_0118" data-src="/galleries/images/000/112/232/medium/eb677071-4314-498f-a0ca-bb9ebdcc424c.jpg">HIRSINGER | Hirsinger
Hirsinger, a prestigious chocolatier with over a century of history in the Jura region of France, located on the Swiss border, has its overseas flagship boutique in Ginza. Bonbons chocolat, meticulously handcrafted by artisans over 5-6 days at the Arbois main store in Jura, are directly shipped here. To commemorate the Ginza boutique's first anniversary, a limited set featuring a pen and chocolates made by Jura artisans has been released. Why not share the limited winter flavors, such as "Winter Mikan" and "Cinnamon Ganache," with your loved one and dream of distant Jura?
les amoureux du Jura ¥25,000 (Set contents may change) *Limited to 200 sets
Sales Period | February 8 (Fri) - 20 (Wed) *Reservations accepted from January 20
Sales Location | Hirsinger Ginza Boutique
1F, Sakaguchi Bldg., 5-5-8 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Tel. 03-6251-9711
http://www.hirsinger.jp/" title="20_hirsinger" data-src="/galleries/images/000/112/233/medium/6335a421-83f1-4013-85bd-6a4ec9082dbe.jpg">HIRSINGER | Hirsinger
Hirsinger's limited-edition Valentine's items, said to be loved by past French Prime Ministers, have poetic and special names. The "Sélection de tablette," a set of all 10 types of tablets (7 bitter, 3 milk), allows you to savor the "perfect cacao" that the maison boasts. Furthermore, "Pour les enfants du monde," presented in packaging from 100 years ago, is a charity chocolate where all proceeds, except for the cost of the chocolate itself, are donated to child sponsorship. The esprit and flavors created by tradition will surely make Valentine's Day a special occasion.
From front, pour les enfants du monde ¥108,000 *Limited to 1 set
Sélection de tablette ¥35,000 *Limited to 100 sets
Sales Period | February 8 (Fri) - 20 (Wed) *Reservations accepted from January 20
Sales Location | Hirsinger Ginza Boutique
1F, Sakaguchi Bldg., 5-5-8 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Tel. 03-6251-9711
http://www.hirsinger.jp/" title="21_hirsinger" data-src="/galleries/images/000/112/234/medium/90b1c936-0433-4e19-9bb5-4583258320f8.jpg">