Cooler weather is nicer to chocolate so in Tokyo not as many varieties of
chocolates are sold. Delicate "nama" chocolates tend to perspire and melt
due to the humidity and heat. Maybe that is why ROYCE' Ishigaki doesn't
have Nama. Anyway, I will be buying from the internet from September since I
haven't found any special event shops where I am located. Besides, the
September limited edition chocolate is Marron (chestnut) and I am sure that
it will be wonderful!


ROYCE' Ishigaki

On August 22-23, they held an Awa Odori Festival at Mitaka which I happened
to see. Actually Awa Odori is probably originating from Tokushima where they
have a huge 4 day dance fest. All the music is "live" with the shamisens,
drums, flutes and drums and each group has their own "band" and is
choreographed accordingly. I saw men doing backflips! They have a phrase for
the Awa dancers "Fools are dancing, fools are watching! Both are fools, so
you might as well dance!"


Awa Odori 1 Awa Odori 2


Awa Odori 3

Awa Odori at Mitaka!

Do you remember my blog about Karinto previously? This is the same Japanese confectionery karinto and is covered with Kukoto Chocolate (Brown Sugar Chocolate) instead of milk chocolate. The brown sugar from the southern islands has the aroma of molasses and the unrefined taste is great.


Kokuto Chocolate Karinto 1 Kokuto Chocolate Karinto 2


Kokuto Chocolate Karinto 3 Kokuto Chocolate Karinto 4

These 6 pieces of moist round cakes has raw chocolate kneaded into it so that it has depth yet a delicate cacao taste. Also they have added grind orange peel so that it has a freshness. The top of the cake has chopped hazelnuts so that you have a crunchy top and a soft bottom. This is all coated with a thin coating of chocolate which is bitter and balances well with the sweetness of the cake inside.


Gateau Ganache 1 Gateau Ganache 2


Gateau Ganache 3