While I was in Japan, I had a chance to check out Tohoshinki’s “Begin After Cafe” at the Ikebukuro Parco, while also seeing the setup for the duo’s concert that would be at Tokyo Dome.
Because of their “TOHOSHINKI LIVE TOUR 2017 -Begin Again-” in Japan, the duo announced that they would have a “Begin After Cafe” in Sapporo, Fukuoka, Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya.
For those who are not familiar with Tohoshinki (TVXQ), the K-Pop/J-Pop duo consists of U-Know Yunho and Max Changmin. While in Korea, they are known as Dong Bang Shin Ki (DBSK) and are part of S.M. Entertainment.
The group started back in 2003 as a five-member boy band and the group met success with a string of hits. But in 2010, members Jaejoong, Yoochun and Junsu split from S.M. Entertainment and formed their own group known as JYJ.
And while some people may be surprised to see Tohoshinki on my blog, the reason why I support this group and their music is because I was the first in the U.S. to interview them and write a 500-page book in English based on the group and their worldwide fandom back in 2008. It was a wonderful collaboration with fans from 38 countries and it remains one of the most downloaded interviews that I have done with over 1.25 million downloads.
As one could expect from a short-standing cafe, products are niche but at the same time, they are meals and desserts or drinks that fans will surely enjoy.
The Bolero is a paella rice dish for Y1,290 and the TB Curry is a white curry with a teddy bear on top for Y1,390. And you can get a Begin Again HOT Burger, for those who like more of a kick, thanks to its jalapenos on the burger.
When I was there, I saw two types of fans. Those experiencing the sweets and drinks such as the Duet~Colorful Macaron for Y1,390 or the Wedding Dress Heart Cake and there was also a Sakura cotton candy plate for Y1,290.
Drinks include the B.U.T. (BE-AU-TY) Caramel Macchiato Cream Pie, the other was a “With Love” Soda and the Begin Again Latte.
I saw a group of girls looking at what items they purchased. I’m not sure if it was the Tohoshinki Memorial Snow Dome Collections that went on sale.
But overall, the pop-up cafe for Tohoshinki was well-planned and they did a great job with the set-up for something quick and easy, as it will be coming down on January 3rd. But if anything, it was a cafe that surely pleased their fans.
