Local Chocolatiers – Connecting Emotions This Valentine’s

Last year, the first-floor food area at Hanshin Umeda Department Store was transformed into an event space dedicated to showcasing local flavours from across Japan. In the lead-up to Valentine’s Day, Food Festival Terrace is offering a selection of local and regional craft chocolates that highlight unique flavours and innovative approaches.

The event is divided into two periods – January 14–27 and January 28–February 14 – with different chocolatiers featured in each period. However, Royce, the renowned Hokkaido brand famous for its luxuriously creamy fresh chocolate, will be present throughout the event as the headliner.

The first half of the event (January 14–27) features brands such as Nahui Xocolatl, a bean-to-bar maker from Hiroshima; K-Type Chocolate Company from Wakayama, celebrated for its beautiful packaging illustrated by local artists; and Filament Chocolate & Tea from Nara, which incorporates local fruits and tea into its creations.

The second half of the event (January 28–February 14) brings five exciting chocolatiers including Hinanoya from Ehime, known for its rice puff and chocolate treats, as well as KiiKa from Wakayama, which collaborates with local farmers to create premium fruit-infused chocolates.