We’re long-time fans of the Japan Centre in London’s Panton Street. Firstly, it has a mochi bar that also serves bubble tea, so is basically Kitty’s nirvana. Secondly, the depachika (food hall) is a must-visit for lunch – the sushi, gyoza and tempura (and the ramen at the restaurant) are amazing. Finally, the supermarket stocks every Japanese and Korean ingredient you could possibly wish for. I’ve previously bought chopsticks, Japanese snacks and origami paper for Kitty’s sushi party, but I must admit it’s not somewhere that would immediately spring to mind for gift shopping. The recently launched Coin Store range is set to change that. Based on Japan’s traditional 100 Yen store model, the collection comprises sweet stationery, cute toiletries and quirky household items, all under £10. My favourite goodies are the koi carp streamer, £6.99, doughnut stickers, £1.50, cat hand towel, £2.50, and animal bento picks, £5.98.
If you’ve got a mini trainspotter at home, they’ll love the new Skinkansen range, featuring Japan’s famous bullet trains on paper goods, pens, socks and even plasters, with prices starting from £6.39. The perfect place to pick up kawaii treats, Japan Centre also has branches at Westfield White City and Westfield Stratford or, if you prefer to buy online, you can get 20% off by signing up for the newsletter.
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