Beyond Valentine’s: Daimaru Umeda Unleashes a ‘Kawaii’ Animal Sweets Parade!

A ‘Kawaii’ Kingdom of Critter Sweets Blooms at Daimaru Umeda

Following the romantic buzz of Valentine’s Day, Daimaru Umeda’s underground food hall is set to transform into a delightful menagerie of edible art. From February 15th to 24th, leading up to Japan’s ‘Cat Day’ (February 22nd, or “Nyan Nyan Nyan” for cat lovers!), the “Cats, Sometimes Other Animals Feature” event will enchant visitors with an array of animal-motif sweets. This special showcase, located in the B1F OTB West East area, brings together small, independent stores primarily from the Kansai region, many of whom rarely participate in week-long events, offering a unique opportunity to discover new favorites.

What is “Okashi na Parade”?

The “Okashi na Parade” (Sweets Parade) is a vibrant, weekly rotating event designed to fill the hearts of Daimaru Umeda’s customers. With a theme of “a moment’s break with sweets,” it features a diverse lineup of confectionery, ensuring there’s always something new and exciting to discover.

Spotlight on the Artisans and Their Adorable Creations

Ahiru Kashiten: A Moment’s Respite from a Century-Old Home (Feb 15-17)

Making its debut in Umeda, Ahiru Kashiten, sister store to Ahiru Coffee in Hirano Ward, opened in July 2022. Nestled in a charming century-old traditional Japanese house, this bakery offers baked goods and cakes crafted to provide a comforting, relaxing moment. Their dedication to quality ingredients draws visitors from afar.

Among their highlights is the Ahiru no Cookie Can (3,500 yen including tax). Upon opening the tin, a signature duck sable sits at the center, surrounded by nine types of exquisite cookies. These include melt-in-your-mouth boule de neige and cookies piped with homemade jam, all made with carefully selected French wheat and Hokkaido Yotsuba butter. The assortment is a feast for both the eyes and the palate.

Another long-standing favorite since their opening is the Scone (Plain) (350 yen including tax per piece). Made with Hokkaido whole wheat flour and butter, these scones offer a delightful crispness on the outside and a moist tenderness within, with a distinct wheat aroma that makes them irresistible.

Patisserie Minette: Where Cat Maniacs Gather (Feb 18-19)

Opened in November 2019 by a cat-loving couple, Patisserie Minette (French for “kitten”) has become a nationwide magnet for cat enthusiasts. Their display cases burst with charming cat-themed sweets.

Featured items include the adorable Hachiware-san and Mikeneko-san shortcakes (650 yen each, including tax). These delightful creations are made with fresh cream, yellow peaches, and strawberry cream, shaped into endearing feline faces. For cat lovers, this event is more than just a sweet indulgence—it’s a celebration of their favorite felines, brought to life in delicious, artistic forms.

Hajimarini: Wholesome and Delicious Treats (Feb 15-19)

Hajimarini, making its Osaka debut, offers gentle and delicious sweets crafted with plant-based ingredients, each made with heartfelt care. Their philosophy centers on creating treats that are kind to the body and soul.

Their Oyatsu no Mori no Okurimono (Gift from the Forest of Snacks) (from 3,800 yen including tax) is a charming gift set designed for a delightful snack time, featuring Hajimarini’s baked goods alongside coffee or tea. These sets are wrapped in unique kinchaku (drawstring pouches) or furoshiki (wrapping cloths) adorned with quirky, endearing animal illustrations, born from collaborations with artists.

Also available is the Natural Yeast Donut (Plain) (300 yen including tax). These donuts boast a satisfyingly chewy, bagel-like texture and a subtle sweetness that allows the natural, fragrant yeast flavor to shine through with every bite.

NEKOLAB: Sweet Delights for Cat Enthusiasts (Feb 15-24)

NEKOLAB is a haven for cat lovers, offering a rich selection of cat-themed baked goods and merchandise. Their products are designed to bring a smile to any cat enthusiast’s face the moment they’re opened.

The Cookie Chu-kan (Medium Tin) (3,024 yen including tax) is perfect for a thoughtful gift. This tin is generously filled with an adorable cat-face cookie, a variety of other delicious cookies, and colorful konpeito (sugar candies), creating a truly satisfying and heartwarming assortment.

Mon Petit Poussin: Celebrating Paw Print Love (Feb 20-24)

Mon Petit Poussin, led by a chef with 26 years of patisserie experience, specializes in handmade baked goods, primarily featuring the beloved paw print motif. Their creations blend traditional French patisserie techniques with high-quality ingredients, resulting in visually appealing and delicious treats.

Their Mon Petit Blanc (1,944 yen including tax) offers Earl Grey-scented florentines shaped like paw prints, elegantly presented in a beautiful tin featuring the chef’s beloved cat, Blanc. These treats combine fragrant aroma with charming cuteness.

Also available is the Paw Print Strawberry Cake (432 yen including tax). This strawberry-flavored cake is made with Japanese wheat flour, fermented butter, and rare Higashiyama Honey, meticulously crafted by the skilled chef.

Yakigashi kokeka / woodman: Playful Animal Tarts (Feb 20-24)

Making its first appearance at Daimaru Umeda, Yakigashi kokeka is a home-based bakery from Osaka known for adding a “fun twist” to cute sweets. Their creations, from the detailed facial expressions to the charming packaging, are so delightful you might hesitate to eat them.

Their Doubutsu Tart (Animal Tarts) (540 yen each, including tax) feature adorable animal motifs like pandas and cats, each handcrafted with care. In addition to these baked delights, the event will also feature unique bags and small items from woodman, made from vinyl-coated and nylon-printed fabrics.

Supporting Feline Friends: “Neko to Shiawase DAYS”

Daimaru Umeda continues its heartwarming charity event, “Neko to Shiawase DAYS” (Cat and Happiness Days). Launched in August 2019, this event is held online every February and August with the aim of bringing happiness to cats and those who love them. This year’s iteration features approximately 10 cat-motif sweets brands, alongside eight artists from Art Gallery Umeda, including the main visual artist Harami Chiyo and glass product creator Atelier Keith. A portion of the proceeds from this event will be donated to cat protection activities, making every purchase a contribution to a good cause.

For more details on the “Neko to Shiawase DAYS” event, visit: https://www.daimaru.co.jp/umedamise/topics/260210catsday.html

A Sweet Future for Kawaii Culture

This “Cats, Sometimes Other Animals Feature” event at Daimaru Umeda highlights a growing trend in Japanese kawaii (cute) culture: the integration of charming animal motifs into everyday items, particularly food. By showcasing local artisans and supporting animal welfare, such events not only offer unique culinary experiences but also foster a sense of community and compassion. As these delightful, carefully crafted sweets gain international attention, they will surely continue to charm palates and hearts worldwide, further cementing Japan’s reputation as a hub for all things adorable and delicious.