Grand Castella, a Taiwanese castella specialty brand headquartered in Tamsui District, Taiwan, and now operating in eight countries around the world, is marking its 5th anniversary in Japan with a new challenge: a "Mochi QQ" specialty shop for a brand-new genre of baked sweet, opening for two weeks from September 16 (Wednesday) to September 29 (Tuesday), 2026, in a pop-up space at Yokohama Takashimaya separate from the brand's permanent store. "Fuwa" (fluffy), "pofu" (poofy), "mochi" (chewy) — a round, adorable new-sensation sweet that lets visitors enjoy all three textures at once is on its way.
5th Anniversary in Japan Brings a New Sweet: "Mochi QQ"
In 2026, sweets that layer multiple textures together — a "chewy," "crisp," "melting" combination seen in treats like Dubai chocolate cookies and バタートック — have become one trend after another.
At Grand Castella too, the "Taiwan Peanut Mochi Castella," which locks Taiwanese-style peanut mochi and a crisp, melting peanut filling inside a fluffy dough, became a major hit as a new-texture sweet in the first half of 2026, growing so popular that it was hard to find for a while.
Now, in the year marking its 5th anniversary since arriving in Japan, Grand Castella has developed "Mochi QQ" — a new genre of baked sweet inspired by Taiwan's "QQ mochi" treats — as its next challenge.
"Fuwa" (fluffy), "pofu" (poofy), "mochi" (chewy). A specialty shop for "Mochi QQ," which lets visitors enjoy all three textures and a rich flavor at once, is coming to Yokohama Takashimaya for two weeks only.
This time, the shop will be set up in a special space separate from Grand Castella's permanent store at Yokohama Takashimaya, delivering a new "texture sweet" from Grand Castella that goes beyond the boundaries of Taiwan castella.
A Round, Adorable New Sensation: "Poofy" Meets "Chewy"
The round, adorable dome-shaped dough is baked to Grand Castella's own signature "poofy" texture. A Taiwanese spice reminiscent of cinnamon is worked in subtly, with plenty of rich QQ mochi packed inside. "Fuwa" (fluffy), "pofu" (poofy), "mochi" (chewy) — in both looks and flavor, it's a baked sweet with a new sensation unlike anything before it.
There are three flavors in all: "Caramel Truffle," which pairs caramel-flavored QQ mochi with real truffle; "Strawberry Raspberry," coated in fragrant almonds and accented with the tart sweetness of raspberry and strawberry; and a rich "Cheese," combining cream cheese mochi with several types of cheese. All three will make their Japan debut at the pop-up space on Yokohama Takashimaya's basement first floor. Freshly baked Mochi QQ can also be enjoyed at the pop-up space.
The Brand's Origin, Taiwan Castella, in a Special Mini Size
For those who have not yet tried Taiwan castella, a special mini size not sold at the permanent store will be available in limited quantities, making it easy to enjoy the treat's appeal.
Taiwan castella, the brand's origin, and "Mochi QQ," born as a new challenge — tasting the two together lets visitors feel the passion and care Grand Castella puts into its baked sweets.
Mochi QQ Store Information
Location: Yokohama Takashimaya B1F, "Bakery Square" pop-up space
Hours: 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
