Experience a Cool Japanese Summer in Asakusa: Limited-Edition Summer Sweets from 'Tajima no Kurotarou' Collaboration at ENGAWA ASAKUSA

ENGAWA ASAKUSA (Engawa Asakusa), a lifestyle complex where visitors can experience the beauty and creativity of Japan, will offer two original Japanese sweets created in collaboration with 'Tajima no Kurotarou,' a specialist shop for premium Tajima black soybeans, as a summer-limited offering starting Saturday, July 11.

Additionally, a commemorative event showcasing products that have received the Grand Gold Award in the 'OMOTENASHI Selection'—a program dedicated to promoting outstanding Japanese products and services to the world—will be held for one month from Thursday, July 2, to Tuesday, August 4. Guests can enjoy the cool charm of summer in Asakusa alongside carefully curated specialty items from across Japan.

◇ Two Limited-Edition Summer Sweets | Original New Menu Created with 'Tajima no Kurotarou,' a Specialist in Tajima Black Soybeans

At the cafe and bar of ENGAWA ASAKUSA, two exclusive Japanese sweets developed in collaboration with 'Tajima no Kurotarou' will be available this summer only. These refreshing desserts combine the rich, aromatic flavor unique to Tajima black soybeans with Japanese tea and chewy white mochi, perfect for the hot season.

Tajima black soybeans are a premium variety of large, glossy black soybeans cultivated primarily in the Tajima region, spanning Hyogo Prefecture and Kyoto Prefecture. Valued for their deep umami and rich sweetness, they have long been cherished as an auspicious ingredient in traditional Japanese New Year dishes. 'Kanezen,' the company behind 'Tajima no Kurotarou,' is a long-established food producer founded in 1930 that has supported Japanese cuisine nationwide for over 90 years. Enjoy the full depth of flavor that only a master craftsman with profound knowledge of ingredients can deliver.

Sales Period: July 11 (Sat) – August 13 (Thu)

① Mini Parfait with Beans

A delightful dish featuring organic soy milk ice cream layered with fragrant sencha sauce and chewy white mochi, accompanied by a black soybean soy-milk kinako cracker made with Tajima black soybeans. This summer dessert offers a refined sweetness crafted from authentic Japanese ingredients.

・Standalone: 600 yen

・Set with iced sencha or iced coffee: 1,000 yen

Mini Parfait with Beans

② 'Wanotsubu' (Japanese Essence)

The jelly made with generously used Tajima black soybeans captures the gentle aroma of black soybean tea, with a subtle bitterness and clean aftertaste. Paired with a zenzai (sweet red bean soup) filled with mildly sweet black and red beans and white mochi, this refreshing Japanese dessert embodies the spirit of summer. The delicate fragrance of black soybean tea lingers softly, offering a touch of luxurious relaxation.

・Standalone: 600 yen

・Set with iced sencha or iced coffee: 1,000 yen

'Wanotsubu' (Japanese Essence)

◇ Limited-Time Event! Commemorative Exhibition of 'OMOTENASHI Selection'

At the select shop, a limited-time commemorative event celebrating the announcement of the 'OMOTENASHI Selection' winners will be held from Thursday, July 2, to Tuesday, August 4. In the first phase of the 2026 OMOTENASHI Selection, announced on June 23, 149 products and services from 37 prefectures across Japan were honored. At ENGAWA ASAKUSA, the seven items awarded the highest distinction, the 'Grand Gold Award,' will be gathered in one place for display and sale.

The 'OMOTENASHI Selection' is an award established in 2015, where only products and services recognized by experts as embodying 'the unique charm of Japan worth sharing with the world' are selected. Among the 149 recipients in the first phase of 2026, only seven achieved the top-tier 'Grand Gold Award.' This is a rare opportunity to experience, taste, and purchase the pinnacle of Japanese hospitality, carefully selected from across the country, right here in Asakusa.

'OMOTENASHI Selection' Winners Commemorative Event: July 2 – August 4, 2026

＜Lifestyle Goods & Daily Essentials＞

Reikan Sakura Series | Marumo Takagi Ceramics Co., Ltd. (Gifu Prefecture)

Crafted by a Mino ware manufacturer in Tajimi City, Gifu Prefecture, with over 130 years of history, these temperature-reactive tableware pieces change appearance when cooled. When a cold beverage below 17°C is poured, vibrant cherry blossoms bloom one after another on jet-black branches. Each pour brings surprise and elegance—an exceptional hospitality item worthy of global recognition.

Example Product: 'Reikan Sakura Champagne Pair' 6,600 yen

Oncha Kairo | Alolima (Saitama Prefecture)

A warming 'onka' heat pack invented by an aromatherapist who is also a perfumer, infused with the soothing scent of Japanese tea. The gentle fragrance and warmth of Sayama tea, hojicha, and black tea engage the senses, gently guiding relaxation for the eyes, neck, shoulders, and abdomen, tailored to different body parts.

Example Product: 'Oncha Kairo for Eyes (Green Tea)' 3,300 yen

Jet Monster Micro Dryer 02 | Ur.Salon (Tokyo)

Redefining the common notion of 'drying with heat,' this dryer uses powerful airflow to gently dry hair quickly. Weighing approximately 285g, it's ultra-lightweight and folds down to palm size. Compatible with international voltages, it's a beauty appliance perfectly suited to modern lifestyles, even while traveling.

Example Product: 'Jet Monster Micro Dryer 02' 13,297 yen

＜Food & Beverage＞

KOKO HOTELS Original 'Odashii' | KOKO HOTELS (Minashia Co., Ltd.), Shin Marumasa Co., Ltd. (Tokyo)

Born from a hotel welcome service, these teabag-style dashi packs allow guests to easily enjoy authentic Japanese broth in their rooms. Experience the globally celebrated 'umami' in a warm cup. With regional flavor variations and bilingual Japanese-English labeling, it's user-friendly for international visitors.

Products: KOKO HOTELS Original 'Odashii' – Hokkaido & Tohoku, Kanto, Hokuriku & Tokai, Kansai, Chugoku-Shikoku-Kyushu areas – 5 varieties, 162 yen each

YANAGI2022 / YANAGI2025 | HERLIX Co., Ltd. (Aichi Prefecture)

A premium hojicha liqueur inspired by the Edo-era chilled sake 'Yanagi-kage.' Combining authentic mirin and premium shochu with house-roasted first-harvest tea, then aged in oak barrels. With a gentle 20% alcohol content, it's a smooth drink perfect for pairing with ice or Japanese confections.

Products: 'YANAGI2022', 'YANAGI2025' – 13,200 yen each

Midori no Rayu | Wataya Co., Ltd. (Niigata Prefecture)

A vivid green chili oil created by a soba restaurant with over 100 years of history. Its beautiful color and refreshing spiciness come from 'Kagura Nanban,' a traditional vegetable from Niigata. With seeds and pith removed, it's approachable even for those sensitive to heat. A versatile condiment perfect for soba, hiyayakko, and salads.

Product: 'Midori no Rayu' 907 yen

Kono Kuni No-Bake Cheese Cake | Kobo Shushu (Shiga Prefecture)

A rare-style cheesecake made luxuriously with sake lees and local sake from six breweries surrounding Lake Biwa. The distinct aromas from each brewery blend with the rich flavor of cheese, creating a complex, layered taste. An adult dessert unique to Shiga, perfect for enjoying 'sake lees tasting.'

※ This product is not available for in-store purchase, but samples are on display.

The award introduced in this event, 'OMOTENASHI Selection (Omotenashi Selection),' is currently accepting entries for its second phase of 2026. We welcome applications from products and services brimming with uniquely Japanese charm.

https://omotenashinippon.jp/selection/oms2026_2/

※ This release introduces