“A-KU-MU” Arrives at Chiikawa Restaurant?! The Tobatsu Fair Brings “That Happy Friend’s Pancake” and a Sasumata-style Fork!
A brand-new “Tobatsu Fair” (Subjugation Fair) has just kicked off at the “Chiikawa Restaurant,” a delightful event currently running at THE GUEST cafe＆diner in Ikebukuro PARCO. The team at Anime!Anime! was fortunate enough to attend a preview tasting event, getting a first look at all the exciting new offerings!
The Ever-Popular World of Chiikawa
For those unfamiliar, Chiikawa is a beloved manga that started on X (formerly Twitter), created by the talented illustrator Nagano. Since its serialization began in 2020, the heartwarming, sometimes melancholic, and occasionally challenging daily adventures of its uniquely charming characters—like Chiikawa, Hachiware, and Usagi—have utterly captivated readers. Its popularity truly knows no bounds, earning affection from all generations and an impressive three “Japan Character Grand Prize” awards. The anime adaptation, which premiered in 2022, has also become a global phenomenon, with its YouTube on-demand streams boasting over 400 million views, attracting immense attention not just from Japan but worldwide.
This time around, the permanent collaboration cafe, “Chiikawa Restaurant,” is proudly launching its “Tobatsu Fair.” All the new menu items are wonderfully inspired by various episodes where Chiikawa and friends encounter and bravely “subjugate” different adversaries.
A Taste of the Tobatsu Fair
Our editorial team eagerly ordered the “Chiikawa no ‘A-KU-MU’ no Colorful Doria” (Chiikawa’s “Nightmare” Colorful Doria). This dish makes quite an entrance with a large panel of Baku striking a “Staring Contest!” pose, looming over a pot filled with a vibrant, swirling doria where Chiikawa sports an unusually unsettling expression. While it was a delicious doria generously loaded with cheese, its dazzling colors vividly brought back the chilling terror we felt when first reading that particular manga chapter. And we can’t forget to mention, the fried gyoza that came with it were absolutely scrumptious!
Next up, we tried the “Nanka Oookii Tobatsu Seikou! Cream Soda” (Successfully Subjugated Something Big! Cream Soda). The Usagi version, featuring a mango-based soda crowned with creamy mango ice cream, offered a truly refreshing taste. A fun bonus: the decorative picks and straw tags that come with the menu items are yours to keep. They make for adorable mementos to cherish and take home!
Beyond our selections, the menu is packed with other exciting “subjugation” themed delights. You’ll find items like “Hachiware Tobatsu Seikou! Dry Curry Omurice” (Hachiware’s Successfully Subjugated! Dry Curry Omurice). For those with a sweet tooth, desserts include the “Marron Glace no Mori Plate” (Forest of Marron Glace Plate) and “Gokigen na Anoko no Pancake” (That Happy Friend’s Pancake). Drinks range from the intriguing “Kabutomushi no Ice Cocoa” (Rhinoceros Beetle Iced Cocoa), while side dishes boast “Hachiware no Piiman no Nikuzume” (Hachiware’s Stuffed Green Pepper) and the “Mushi (Midori) Tobatsu Ice Plate” (Green Bug Subjugation Ice Plate). These dishes aren’t just tasty, they all pack a serious visual punch! You might just find yourself wonderfully torn, wondering which “subjugation” to embark on first!
As a special 来店特典 (attendance bonus) for visiting the cafe, guests receive a “Machigaisagashi Lunchonmat” (Spot the Difference Placemat). I personally took on the challenge with illustrations of Rakko, Shiisaa, and Kurimanjuu, and finding all 15 differences proved to be quite a task! Additionally, with every drink order, you get a charming clear coaster. The transparent material gives them a lovely, cute feel.
Exclusive Tobatsu Fair Merchandise
New original merchandise items are also making their highly anticipated debut! The lineup features a range of practical goods, including the unique “Sasumata-fuu Fork” (Sasumata-style Fork) charmingly adorned with Chiikawa and Hachiware. There’s also the impressive “Nanka Oookina Tobatsu Seikou Tumbler” (Successfully Subjugated Something Big Tumbler), which boasts an iconic illustration of the duo combining their strength with an enthusiastic “Nantoka Naree!!” (Let’s make it work!!) shout. Other fantastic items include a “Hachiware no Piiman Nikuzume Sara” (Hachiware’s Stuffed Green Pepper Plate), a “Rubber Smartphone Stand,” and a handy “Silicon Pouch.”
So, don’t miss out! Make sure to visit and indulge in all the exciting new menu items and exclusive merchandise from the “Tobatsu Fair” yourselves! Please remember that the “Chiikawa Restaurant” operates on a reservation-only basis, so be sure to check their official website for all the important details before your visit.
Chiikawa Restaurant Event Overview
Period: Currently ongoing
Venue: THE GUEST cafe＆diner Ikebukuro PARCO Store (Ikebukuro PARCO Main Building 7F, 1-28-2 Minami Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo)
Operating Hours: 11:00～21:30 (Last Order for cafe: 20:30)
*Business hours during New Year’s holidays will follow Ikebukuro PARCO’s schedule and will be announced as soon as they are decided.
*Operating hours may change in accordance with Ikebukuro PARCO’s schedule.
*Operating hours may change in accordance with the facility’s schedule.
*The cafe operates on a reservation-only system. Please refer to the official website for reservation details.
（C）nagano
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