ACG BASE - The New Destination for Anime, Comics & Games in Malaysia

ACG BASE at LaLaport BBCC is fianlly opened! ACG BASE, a dedicated destination for Anime, Comics & Games (ACG) developed by LaLaport BBCC and Zensekai Holding, has officially launched as the first daily ACG hub in Malaysia and it's located at LaLaport BBCC.

Designed as a long-term cultural ecosystem, ACG BASE brings together a variety of shops, F&B, creators and community activities in one zone. It is set to leveling up KL’s pop-culture scene.

Unlike other weekend ACG events, ACG BASE operates daily, offering fans a permanent space to shop, dine and enjoy an immersive fan experience. During the launch week, it has features exclusive IP pop-ups, creator markets, themed menus, official merchandise launches and interactive zones for all the fans.

On 19 Nov 2025, the grand launch event was held at Mori mory. “ACG BASE is not just an event, it is a long-term cultural project developed to grow with the community,” said Zensekai Holding.

HEAVENSAKE Debuts in Malaysia with an Intimate Chic Soiree

In an understated yet exquisite setting at ENSO Izakaya & Bar within Hyatt Regency Kuala Lumpur at KL Midtown, HEAVENSAKE made its Malaysia debut with quiet elegance. A handpicked guest list of media, sommerliers, and tastemakers gathered for an intimate, chic soiree that blended conversation, craft, and culture in perfect balance.

Hosted by K2 Marketing Sdn Bhd, the exclusive distributor of HEAVENSAKE in Malaysia, the afternoon unfloded in the presence of Joshua Kalinan, HEAVENSAKE's Regional Ambassador for Southeast Asia and 2018 Sake Sommelier of the Year. All the guests were guided through refined journey through Franco-Japanese artistry, where sake meets the spirit of Champagne.

A Toast to Balance and Beauty

Co-created in 2017 by Swiss entrepreneur Carl Hirschmann and French cellar-master Régis Camus (famed in the Champagne world); HEAVENSAKE became the first Sake in the World conceived by renowned Champagne maker.

Designed for the modern Western palate & cuisine each HEAVENSAKE blend is all-natural: crafted with no added distilled alcohol, sugar, sulfites, gluten, or addictives, and remarkably three times less acidic than wine.

Camus, an eight-time Winemaker of the Year, applied the assemblage technique (a method used to blend fine Champagnes) to the centuries-old art of sake-making. The result is sake reimagined: pure, modern, and efforlessly refined.

"HEAVENSAKE is more than a drink. It's an emotion, it captures harmony, precision, and purity, expressed in the language of both Japan and France," Kalinan shared during the tasting.

A Journey Through Taste and Terroir

The soiree unfolded as a journey through taste and terroir, where guests were guided through HEAVENSAKE's four distinctive expression, each a poetic meeting of French precision and Japanese mastery.

The First Japanese-styled Alpro スギ Pharmacy in Malaysia

Consumers in Malaysia can now immerse in the renowned Japanese drugstore shopping experience, minus the pricey cost of travel and worry of overweight luggage, right here in the heart of Petaling Jaya at Alpro スギ Pharmacy (Alpro Sugi Pharmacy) !

Located at The Starling Mall, the sprawling 3,888 sq. ft store is a milestone for the joint venture between Sugi Holdings Co., Ltd., a leading Japanese pharmacy chain with 1600 stores, and Alpro Pharmacy Group, the holding company of Malaysia’s largest prescription pharmacy chain.

At the exclusive media preview, Ph. Lee Yin-Chen, Branding, Promotion and Trade Marketing Director & E-Commerce Lead of Alpro Pharmacy said, “We understand that stocking up on healthcare and personal care products at drugstores is one of the most popular itineraries when visiting Japan. This exclusive partnership with Sugi enables us to extend our offering beyond acclaimed ‘Made in Japan’ health and beauty products to ingenious homecare and baby care products, right here in Malaysia, hassle-free.”

Additionally, the holistic Japanese drugstore shopping experience is not just limited to Klang Valley folks, the second Alpro スギ Pharmacy in Malaysia will also open its doors to the public at Paradigm Mall, Johor Bahru.

Tokyo Street Celebrates 12th Anniversary with ‘Harajuku Kawaii' Celebration

Award-winning cultural precinct Tokyo Street is set to burst with colour and vibrancy as it celebrates its 12th anniversary with an exciting 'Harajuku Kawaii' themed campaign. The event is made even more special as Pavilion Kuala Lumpur celebrates their 15th anniversary, making it a double celebration for all to enjoy!

The celebration promises to showcase the best of kawaii culture, featuring Instagrammable props, enchanting decorations, captivating pop-ups, and myriad engaging activities. Shoppers are invited to indulge in a remarkable fusion of Japanese culture, dining, shopping, anime, cosplay and festival – all at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur.

(Left to Right) His Excellency Mr. Katsuhiko Takahashi, Puan Sri Cindy Lim and Madam Mami Takahashi partaking in a Kagami Biraki sake breaking ceremony to mark Tokyo Street’s 12 anniversary

For the second consecutive year, Pavilion KL is thrilled to collaborate with AniManGaki, one of Malaysia's largest animation, comics, and games conventions, bringing forth an array of exciting events, including highly anticipated competitions, runway shows, and captivating displays. Adding to the excitement, international cosplay sensation KNITE, hailing all the way from Sydney, will be gracing the event and hosting meet-and-greet sessions with fans on 29th July from 5pm to 7pm.

Photo of international cosplay star KNITE

The grand launch of Tokyo Street's 12th anniversary celebration took place yesterday (27th July) at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur. The event was attended by esteemed guests of honour, including His Excellency Mr. Katsuhiko Takahashi, the Japanese Ambassador to Malaysia; Madam Mami Takahashi, wife of the Japanese Ambassador; and Puan Sri Cindy Lim, Executive Chairman of Pavilion Kuala Lumpur. Other guests include Ms Mai Onozawa, Managing Director of Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO); Mr. Daisuke Tanaka, Secretary-General of Japanese Chamber of Trade & Industry, Malaysia; Mr Masashi Shiraishi, President of the Japan Club of Kuala Lumpur; Ms Fumi Matsumoto, Executive Director of the Japan National Tourism Organisation, Kuala Lumpur Office; Mr B Ravintharan, Heads of Cards, Group CFS, Maybank; and International cosplay sensation KNITE.

Tokyo Street Celebrates 11th Anniversary in Conjunction with 40 Years of The Look East Policy

Look east and celebrate all things Japanese at Tokyo Street, Pavilion KL’s award-winning themed precinct, as it celebrates its 11th anniversary. In conjunction with 40 years of the Look East Policy (LEP), Tokyo Street’s celebrations this year promises plenty of Japanese activities, culture, shopping and dining, right in the heart of Bukit Bintang!

The stunning ‘Art of Kimono’ exhibition is the main highlight of Tokyo Street’s 11th Anniversary. The inaugural ‘Art of Kimono’ exhibition features more than 100 pieces of Japanese kimonos, yukatas and fusion Japanese dresses that blend pop culture and Malaysian batik elements. A selection of these beautiful pieces are showcased in a spectacular ‘Art of Kimono’ fashion show from Tuesday to Sunday at the Centre Court.

Plenty of authentic Japanese shopping awaits at Centre Court! Indulge yourselves at the specially curated Japanese artisanal pop-up stores. Browse through a variety of intricately handcrafted tableware, decorative items, accessories, bags, towels, skincare and beauty products.

This Anniversary, immerse in Japanese cultural activities with experiential workshops, such as Traditional Japanese Fabric Making, Traditional Japanese Fabric Accessory Making, Japanese Lolita Accessory Making, How to use Furoshiki, and Traditional Japanese Game Katanuki experience. Get made up as Lolita, or try on a traditional Japanese Yukata to take photos while admiring the Japanese décor at Centre Court and Tokyo Street.

Ainz & Tulpe Welcomes Japanese Beauty Enthusiasts to its Brand-New Store

Ainz & Tulpe (A&T) rolls out the red carpet and welcomes beauty enthusiasts to its first ever Southeast Asian store in BUKIT JALIL TSUTAYA BOOKS at Pavilion Bukit Jalil. Officially opening its doors on 20th May, A&T brings with it the best of Japan made beauty products, all meticulously lined up on the shelves in its 3,569 sqft store.

Ranging from skincare, make-up and fashion, A&T brings together 4,000 products from 250 unique Japanese brands that are set to make a debut here in the Malaysian market. Get lost in time while browsing the products and immerse in A Time to Discover as A&T strives to take customers on a journey of self-discovery to bring forth beauty from within with their quality products.

A thumbs up for the opening of Ainz & Tulpe at BUKIT JALIL TSUTAYA BOOKS. Front row: Ms. Ishikawa Kaori, Director of Ain Pharmaciez Inc.; His Excellency Mr Takahashi Katsuhiko, Ambassador of Japan to Malaysia; Ms Kimei Rieko, Chief Executive Officer of AMC Retail Malaysia; and Mr Miyasaka Tomoyuki, First Secretary of Health, Labour & Welfare Attaché at Embassy of Japan in Malaysia. Back row: Mr Kato Seiji, Director of AMC Retail Malaysia; Mr Sato Okibumi, Managing Director of Marubeni Malaysia; Mr Ogata Shinya, General Manager - Wellness Business Department, Next Generation Business Development Division of Marubeni Corporation; and Mr. Takeuchi Kazuhiro, Senior Manager - Wellness Business Department, Next Generation Business Development Division of Marubeni Corporation.

“We are thrilled to showcase the best of Japan made beauty and cosmetic products here in Malaysia at our first ever Southeast Asian outlet. At A&T, we believe that we are on par, if not better than other skincare or beauty brands from other countries and our growing fan base is a testament to that. To all our loyal customers, thank you for making this expansion possible and to all our new customers, come explore the best of Japan made products that have been meticulously selected specially for you. Our one wish is to help bring out the inner beauty in all our customers and I hope everyone will be able to rediscover the best versions of themselves with our products when they shop at A&T,” said Kimei Rieko, Chief Executive Officer of AMC Retail Malaysia Sdn Bhd at the store’s launch.

Power Up Your Glow with New Melano CC Essence, Japan's Vitamin C Premium Essence

Dark spots, acne marks and uneven skin tone are annoying. However, many of us including myself have been having these skin concerns for years. Some of us thinking of going for laser treatments or chemical peels sound and that sounds intimidating to us. In fact, we can get rid of them with daily usage of Melano CC Essence!

Leading Japanese brightening skincare brand Melano CC by Rohto Mentholatum, known for its Vitamin C Brightening Essence that can reduce dark spots and acne scars, has the answer to your woes. This brand uses a stable form of Vitamin C – L-ASCORBIC ACID – the purest and most powerful form of Vitamin C to give you brighter, smoother and even skin tone.

Melano CC Essence has been the No. 1 whitening essence in Japan for 5 consecutive years and it has come up with a new Premium Brightening Essence that is formulated with 4 types of vitamin C, designed to fight stubborn dark spots, lighten stubborn pimple marks, acne scars, minimize pores, revive dull skin and rebalance skin tone for a visibly brighter and more radiant complexion. Incorporate the Melano CC Vitamin C Premium Essence in your daily skincare routine for an instant boost of skin radiance today! The brightening ingredients within Melano CC Premium Brightening Essence is able to penetrate deeply into the skin layers to fight stubborn dark spots and promote a healthy glowing skin using a high penetrating technology that ensures full absorption.

The Essence combines 4 types of Vitamin C – PURE Vit. C, Penetrating Vit. C, Oil Soluble Vit.C and Long Lasting Vit. C. to penetrate into the skin to actively fight Stubborn dark spots, lighten stubborn pimple marks, lighten acne scars and improve uneven skin tone. It also contains vitamin B6 that can help control excess oil production and minimise large pores as well as vitamin E that softens and hydrates the skin for glowing, radiant and healthy skin. 

Other ingredients in the Essence include:

Melano CC Vitamin C Brightening Gel for a Hydrated, Spotless Fair Skin

Do you know that Vitamin C supports the skin to perform vital cellular function and provides a hydrated, spotless fair skin. Melano CC, the popular Japan’s Vitamin C skincare brand by Rohto Mentholaum, with its famous Vit.C Brightening Essence which sustains the NO.1 Whitening Essence in Japan for 4 continuous years, has introduced a new Vitamin C Brightening Gel - a moisturizer formulated with Vitamin C, Fruits extracts and Deep Penetration Technology to brighten dull skin, even out skin tone, fight dark spots, lighten pimple marks and minimize pores while keeping the skin hydrated – all for a radiantly brighter, youthful skin. With the latest vitamin C Brightening Gel that completes the Melano CC skincare range, you are now a step away to achieving spotless fair skin!

The new Melano CC Vitamin C Brightening Gel is infused with Vitamin C and E derivatives that work hand in hand to lighten dark spots, reduce redness and soothe skin for a healthy glowing skin from the inside out. Moreover, its Deep Penetration Technology also includes high-stability and high concentration properties that helps ensure full absorption of its derivatives into the skin. The gel absorbs quickly without leaving behind a sticky or greasy residue.

Other vital extracts contained in the moisturizer are as follows: 

• Alpinia Seed Extract – A ginger extract that helps brighten and even out skin tone 

• Cornus Officinalis (Japanese Cornel) Fruit Extract – Deeply Hydrates and Soothes Skin 

• Lemon Extract – Helps hydrates skin for a significantly soft, smooth and supple skin 

• Citrus – Adds fragrance to the moisturizer

If you are looking for a skincare range that helps revive dullness, even out skin tone and promote healthy skin, look no further than the Melano CC Range, which includes a Face Wash, Lotion, Essence and now the latest Brightening Gel.

The following steps can be included in your daily skincare regimen to achieve desired results.

Step 1: Cleanse with Melano CC Enzyme Face Wash The Melano CC Face Wash is an ultra-fine mousse cleanser with that combines Vitamin C, E, lemon fruit extract and grapefruit extract to deep clean pores and gently polish away blackheads, impurities and dead skin cells to restore skin’s natural, healthy radiance.

How to Look Younger Than Your Age - Dr. Sheva Erage Gel

Many of you asked me, how to look younger than my age? In fact, do you know that after the age of 20, a person produces about 1 percent less collagen in the skin each passing year. Skin becomes weaker and and wrinkled as fibroblasts produce less collagen and elastin. That's the time when aging started and it's important to replenish skin's collagen to maintain a youthful appearance. It's never too early to start young for this.

I have recently discovered Dr. Sheva’s Erage gel that restores youth to our skin, from both inside and out via transdermal absorption and stimulating the production of new collagen and elastin from within.

Since many of you are new to Dr. Sheva brand, let me tell you more about it. Dr. Sheva is born in Shizuoka prefecture, Japan, which is a renowned fishing township and home to Dr. Sheva's laboratories.

As we know, Japan is one of the world’s largest consumer of tuna fish. In line with sustainable fishing and farming efforts globally, Dr. Sheva's laboratory sought ways to reduce aquaculture waste, especially of such a precious natural resource. Then, they discovered a secret to this nutritious treasure of the sea - its scales are especially rich in collagen!

New Samurai in Action at Hotel Maya

Located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, the 5 star Hotel Maya Kuala Lumpur has recently appointed Chef Zainurin bin Mohd Salleh as the new Executive Sous Chef. With over 30 years of culinary experience garnered from working in several renowned hotels and Japanese fine dining restaurants, Chef Zainurin was born and raised in Masjid Tanah, Melaka. He started his passion for food and cooking at a tender age after years of helping his mother. When he was 19, he entered Akademi Laut Malaysia (ALAM) in Melaka to further his culinary study. Upon graduation, he began his culinary journey at 1987 and developed his skills in Japanese cooking. “To me, Japanese cuisine teaches us to be disciplined, respectful, creative and honest. It is the art of preparing the dishes which makes it special and unique. We need to carefully use the right skills and techniques to get the best of its taste,” he said.

As introduction, Chef Zainurin brings together three of his signature dishes which are the ‘Hotate Mentai Mayo Yaki’ selling at RM22, ‘Dragon Roll’ (RM27) and ‘Beef Sirloin Steak’ (RM34). Besides that, 6 new dishes are also being introduced for customers who choose to eat at Hotel Maya’s Japanese & Cantonese cuisine restaurant, Still Waters. The dishes are Yaki Zakana Set, grilled salmon with salt or teriyaki sauce, served with rice, salad and miso soup; Salmon Sashimi Set, slices of fresh salmon, served with rice, salad and miso soup; and Tempura Set, deep fried prawn and vegetable with tempura batter, served with rice, salad and miso soup.

There are also Sashimi Moriawase Set, assorted raw fish, served with rice, salad, miso soup and steamed egg; Sushi Yaki Zakana Set, assorted fish slices with vinegar rice served with grilled fish, miso soup, salad and steamed egg; and Ramen Gyoza Set, ramen noodles with condiment, served with rice and salad. These sets are available from RM30.

If you’re looking for a fine dining Japanese restaurant in KL, Still Waters is the place to go. This Halal-certified Japanese restaurant has a little something to suit all budget types. Splurge on Chef Zainurin's menu for a fancy dinner, or attend the reasonably-priced buffet on the Saturday noon.

New! FINE Japan Hyaluron and Collagen White

Attention to all beauty junkie, the renowned Japanese nutraceutical company FINE Japan Co. Ltd. (FINE Japan) launched FINE Japan Hyaluron and Collagen White in Kuala Lumpur recently!

FINE Japan Hyaluron and Collagen White is a dairy-free peach flavoured collagen supplement specially formulated for Malaysians with active ingredients L-Cysteine and Astaxanthin for the extra boost of antioxidant.

Jason Ti, Managing Director of Cason Trading Sdn Bhd says, “FINE Japan’s collagen supplement range is hugely popular in Japan, and Cason Trading is proud to be the exclusive distributor for its range of products in Malaysia. This dairy-free FINE Japan Hyaluron and Collagen White with natural peach flavour was specially formulated for Malaysians, great for consumers who are sensitive to lactose content but yearn to upkeep their youthful looking skin.” “We are glad that FINE Japan sees the massive potential in the Malaysian market and developed this product which caters to our unique needs. Together with a strong beauty retail partner like Sasa, we are confident that we can help more Malaysians in restoring their youth with this delicious and effective collagen supplement,” added Jason. Exclusively distributed by Cason Trading through Sasa beauty retailer in Malaysia, this brand new collagen supplement is now available at all Sasa stores nationwide as well as www.tokyoninki.com and other authorised online stores, retailed at RM 238* for each 240g can.

FINE Japan Hyaluron and Collagen White is the latest addition to FINE Japan’s collagen supplement range, which includes FINE Japan Hyaluron Acid and Collagen and FINE Japan Hyaluron and Ubiquinol (Q10) Premium Collagen. Besides fish collagen, hyaluronic acid and vitamin-C which are known to retain moisture and hydration, it also contains active ingredients L-Cysteine and Astaxanthin which are effective antioxidant boosters. L-Cysteine is an amino acid found in most protein based food as well as in the natural structure of our hair, skin and nails. It has excellent anti-aging properties as it stimulates the production of glutathione which is the body’s most important antioxidant. Astaxanthin is a natural carotenoids extracted from microalgae and it is known as one of nature’s most powerful antioxidants, effective in improving skin elasticity, reduces fine lines and wrinkles as well as preventing UV damage to skin.

Shop Preloved Goods From Japan at Jalan Jalan Japan @ M3 Mall

I am a Jalan Jalan Japan supporter since it's first opened in November 2016 at One City Sky Park, USJ. As a avid environmentalist, I support buying preloved goods. As recycling is very important as waste has a huge negative impact on the natural environment. So, rather than throwing things away, why not buy the unwanted items at very special price.

Jalan Jalan Japan sourced their preloved goods from Bookoff Corporation Japan. Hence the preloved items from Japan are usually very new and in good condition.

However, their outlets at One City, 1 Shamelin and CenterPoint, Seremban are quite far for me. Hence, when I know that Jalan Jalan Japan is going to open their number four outlet at M3 Mall, Gombak, I literally jump over joy. Yay, Jalan Jalan Japan has an outlet near my place finally!

When they invited us bloggers to pay a special visit last Saturday, I did not hesitate and RSVP myself to the special guest shopper party. We reached there early on that Saturday morning. We have met many other exciting bloggers and friends of Jalan Jalan Japan. Some of them even came all the way from Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, Kajang and other places.

New Matcha Sakura Tea Series Inspired by the Matcha Traditions of Japan @ The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf®

In recent years, as society progresses and our stress levels increase, more and more people are looking to cultural traditions to enhance their lives. From yoga and meditation to ancient superfoods, many practices from Asia’s oldest cultures are seeing a revival as people strive to embrace a life that is more balanced and holistic. As a result, it’s no longer unusual to find age-old beverages such as Japanese green tea on shelves and in eateries, and greater interest in experiencing the serenity of tea appreciation ceremonies.

Though it’s been around for a long time, many aren’t aware that green tea retains its beautiful colour because it’s unfermented and thus retains more of its nutritional benefits. It may also be revelation to some that Japanese green tea comes in different forms, with the most common being sencha and matcha; sencha is brewed as whole leaves while matcha is ground into a powder and mixed with water, resulting in a creamier flavour.

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® (CB&TL) builds on this revival of cultural flavours with its latest beverage series Matcha Sakura, using ceremonial-grade matcha harvested with first-flush Tencha and stone-milled to preserve its superior quality, says David de Candia, Tea Master for CB&TL. These premium green tea leaves are sourced directly from a small-scale family farm in Shizuoka, Japan that has been around since 1923, in order to keep the traditional harvesting methods alive while the small batches ensure the quality of leaves. The tea leaves for this grade of matcha are shade-grown for almost 30 days, resulting in the vibrant green in colour, before being hand-plucked so that the leaves are not bruised. The leaves are then steamed and deveined, before being ground slowly to powder-like consistency in a granite mill over many hours.

To further enhance its flavour and to bring a new experience to tea drinkers, the matcha is then blended with a Japanese sakura syrup, made from the delicate flowers that bloom in spring, to create two Matcha Sakura beverages: Matcha Sakura Ice Blended® drink (RM17.50/S and RM18.50/R), topped with sakura whipped cream and drizzled with sakura blossom syrup, and Matcha Sakura as a hot or iced latte (RM15.50/S and RM16.50/R respectively).

A Sweet Strawberry Valentines with Jill Stuart Japan

I have been buying Jill Stuart products from Hong Kong and Macao years ago. Since I am a part of the Jill Stuart member I received their e-newsletter frequently.

This Valentines, I felt in love at first sight with their Strawberry Valentines range. Originated from Japan, Jill Stuart Strawberry Valentines range is so kawaii (Means cute). The sweet and cute dessert-like colors are to die for. They will be launch in Hong Kong and Macao from tomorrow, 1st Feb 2019 onwards.

[Review] Utena Skincare from Japan

When it comes to skincare, I adore Japan skincare brands because they are always produce with intense research and highest quality. When I know that Utena is coming to our shore, I was very delighted. Utena is one of the leading cosmetics manufacturer in Japan that provides innovative skincare, haircare, and bodycare products. Understands how important taking care of yourself is to lifelong health, satisfaction and happiness. Utena is now official launched in Malaysia not long ago.

Established since 1927, Utena has over 90 years’ experience in manufacturing beauty products in Japan, which are currently being distributed in Japan, China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Thailand, Singapore and now Malaysia.

Skincare is essential no matter how your routine is. It has changed dramatically over the years with the influx of immensely inventive and trendy solutions. This year we have seen the biggest skincare trend - Jelly masks and Utena was one of the first brands to infuse jelly essence (a premier ingredient for hydration) into skincare products.

Utena’s star product, the Premium Puresa Golden Jelly Series has made its debut at the Kuala Lumpur launch recently. The series was first launched in Japan four years ago, and has since won numerous awards such as @cosme, iVOCE and 女人我最大 (Nu Ren Wo Zui Da – Queen).

The number one best-selling golden jelly mask in Japan, the Premium Puresa Golden Jelly Mask is a luxurious, moisturizing product containing one of the highest-known concentration of beauty serum in a mask (33g, a box of 3's is retails at RM 39.90). It is a high-quality sheet mask that undergoes a 6-day soaking period to ensure that its serum is fully absorbed into the mask, which is free of artificial fragrance, artificial colorant, mineral oils, alcohol, silicon and UV absorbers.

[Food] Ishin Japanese Restaurant @ Old Klang Road

More than nine years after it first opened, Ishin Japanese Restaurant remains one of the city’s best restaurant serving genuine Japanese and Kaiseki style cuisines. We were happy to have visited the restaurant to indulge the above-average meal once again.

Situated within the metropolitan area of Kuala Lumpur, Ishin is a fine dining Japanese restaurant where diners would experience a warm and cozy ambience as Ishin's interior design and lighting will set the mood right to get you started on an exquisite Japanese culinary journey.

Diners could choose to sit at the Ishin's oval sushi counter, which is also one of Malaysia's biggest counters that gives you first-hand experience to witness the chefs' meal preparations and it also encourages face-to-face interaction with the chefs; or Private rooms and Tatami seating that give you flexibility to host private events and corporate functions in a comfortable setting.

Let us share with you what have we tasted at a fantastic dinner at Ishin Japanese Restaurant recently.

Tatami Iwashi (RM22)

Tatami Iwashi is a savory appetizer which we recommend to pair with beer. Plenty of dried baby sardines which have been entwined in a single layer to form mar-like sheet and fried to perfect. Tatami Iwashi not only smells good, it is crispy, and delicious too.

Miyazaki Stone (RM 250)

The most premium and best wagyu beef steak from Miyazaki, Japan. Grill till perfect using the special stone in front of us.

Guardian Malaysia to Step Up Collaboration with Canmake of Japan

Guardian Malaysia will be stepping up collaboration with Canmake, one of Japan’s most popular affordable cosmetic brands by expanding the product range and making them available in more stores.

Head of Marketing, Guardian Health and Beauty Sdn Bhd, Ms Wong Vai Chi, said: “This decision to give more shelf-space to Canmake is aimed at meeting our shoppers’ ever-growing needs for constantly refreshed beauty products at great values.”

Canmake, available at Guardian stores since 2015, was launched 33 years ago in Japan, where it is extremely popular among all generations as it offers an amazing range of cute, trendy, quality products at inexpensive prices.

“In 2015, Guardian rolled out Canmake at 12 stores. Today, they are available in 55 stores and by the end of the year, this would be increased to 80,” she added.

Ms Wong, commenting on the collaboration in a statement today, said: “Guardian is proud and excited to be partnering Canmake to make this wonderful range of products available to more and more of our customers.”

Kimi-Ya Japanese Restaurant @ Old Klang Road KL

Ted on the ground floor of Avantas Residences Old Klang Road KL, Kimi-Ya is a Japanese restaurant that brings an authentic Japanese menu with reasonable price. I have heard a lot of good things about Kimi-Ya.

Being a great fans of Japanese food, we were excited to visit it for the first time not long ago. Kimi-Ya has a cozy environment including two private rooms which are perfect for authentic Japanese dining. Kimi-Ya has plenty of choices on their vast menu, from starter to main, desserts and beverages. Diners would be spoilt for the choices.

We had picked a few signature dishes below on our visit.

1. Tenzaru Inaniwa Udon

- Cold Thin Wheat Noodles with Assorted Tempura and Dipping Sauce.

An interesting Cold Thin Wheat Noodles with 3 different kinds of taste. Diners can either dip the cold noodles directly into the homemade dipping sauce for an unadulterated flavour, or pick up some wasabi, dip in the dipping sauce, and slurp the noodles up, or rather mix the sauce with the quail egg and spring onions for a sweeter, creamier touch. We like the uniqueness of the serving plus the smooth and refreshing taste of this noodle. Pair with our favourite fried assorted tempura, we would love to have this again and again.

2. Gyu Garlic Rice Ishiyaki

Tokyo Street 7th Anniversary & Japan Expo 2018

Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s premier shopping destination, unveils a month-long celebration to commemorate award-winning precinct, Tokyo Street as it turns 7! In conjunction with Visit Pavilion 2018, ‘Dream Japan Festival’ is the destination to enjoy all things Japanese, including exhilarating deals, fantastic food, fun workshops, amazing rewards, cool pop-ups, exciting arcade games and more this July!

Blending the traditional and modern experiences of Japan’s metropolis in one highly experiential destination in the heart of Bukit Bintang, Tokyo Street delights shoppers with:

DREAM EXPERIENCES

Get your cameras out for wefies with adorable life-sized LINE character mascots who return to Tokyo Street. Follow “Pavilion KL” on LINE, answer the daily quiz and stand a chance to win exclusive LINE merchandise! Fun workshops on sewing, bonsai-care and air clay are available all-day from 9 – 15 July. In this time, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur fulfil dreams for the community, in particular underprivileged single mothers, by showcasing their sewing craft at the ‘Tokyo Street Dream Japan Festival’.

DREAM INDULGENCES

Discover a plethora of deals at RM7 and offers from selected retailers.

Fashion & Accessories

Bling Bling Paradise offers quality hand-crafted and customized accessories, featuring beautiful Swarovski Crystals. Create a bracelet or a necklace, adorned with charms at Minimalist Lab, or at Vintage 1988 where you can customise your accessories from over 300 charm designs. Summer By Aisha is the ultimate swimming attire for all women and kids with trendy designs and affordable prices. Step into Su.Soku for hosiery, foot comfort products, leggings and body shaping garments. Vovarova To Minako’s accessible line of handbags, travel totes and messenger bags are made from lightweight fabric featuring excellent storage capacity. Simple Bean features fashionable ready-to-wear apparel from comfortable basics to classic-trendy and pieces at affordable price. De Keiko 14 carries Anello Bags that are trending like hot cakes in Japan and on Instagram. Add them to your wish list now!