Minimal - Bean to Bar Chocolate -, a Japan-born specialty chocolate shop operated by βace Inc. (Shibuya, Tokyo), is set to release the "Amanatsu Mikan Nama Gateau Chocolat" for a limited period. Sales begin March 24, 2026 via the Minimal online store, followed by the Yoyogi-Uehara and Sengawa stores from April 1, 2026.
A Juicy Spring Treat Made with Whole Amanatsu Sweet Summer Oranges
This season, the popular amanatsu mikan gateau chocolat returns with a refined recipe. The dessert makes generous use of amanatsu sweet summer oranges sourced whole from Zenbee Farm in Wakayama Prefecture, expressing every facet of the fruit — from the subtle bitterness of the peel to the bright acidity of the flesh and its gentle sweetness.
A light Italian meringue and a silky-smooth nama (fresh) gateau chocolat base are layered with a refreshing, nuanced citrus finish that carries through with each bite.
Tree-Ripened Amanatsu from Zenbee Farm, Wakayama
The amanatsu from Zenbee Farm are left to ripen fully on the tree, resulting in a concentrated sweetness and depth of flavor beyond what is typically found. The farm benefits from sun-drenched hillside terraced fields with excellent drainage and mineral-rich soil — ideal conditions for citrus cultivation. The growers also produce their own organic fertilizer using locally sourced tuna scraps, adjusting the blend each season to suit the trees' needs.
The amanatsu is incorporated into three distinct elements of the dessert:
- Jelly: Cooked peel provides a subtle bitter aroma, balanced with the bright freshness of the fruit flesh
- Curd: Made with an abundance of amanatsu juice, striking a balance between sweet-tart and mellow sweetness
- Italian Meringue: Grated amanatsu peel folded into the meringue releases a delicate citrus fragrance with every bite
High-Cacao Chocolate Base
The gateau chocolat layers beneath are made from an 80% cacao chocolate crafted from Ghanaian cacao beans. The bold, pleasantly bitter notes of Minimal's signature high-cacao chocolate provide a perfectly balanced counterpoint to the brightness of the amanatsu and the lightness of the meringue.
Fluffy Italian Meringue Topping
Topping the dessert is a generous layer of Italian meringue infused with amanatsu peel. The lightly torched meringue adds a subtle sweetness and fragrance that ties the whole dessert together.
Sales Information
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | ¥3,990 (tax included) |
| Online Store Launch | March 24, 2026 |
| In-Store Launch (Yoyogi-Uehara / Sengawa) | April 1, 2026 |
| Sales Period | Until approximately the end of May 2026 (while supplies last) |
| Available At | Online store, Yoyogi-Uehara store, Sengawa store |
About Minimal - Bean to Bar Chocolate -
Minimal's chocolatiers and patissiers travel to cacao-growing regions around the world, crafting chocolate by hand from carefully selected beans. With a philosophy of "precise simplicity — drawing out the maximum aroma from the finest ingredients," the team includes pastry chefs and chocolatiers trained at Michelin-starred restaurants and top patisseries. Minimal has received a cumulative 103 awards at international competitions over 10 consecutive years.
Store Information
Minimal The Baking Yoyogi-Uehara
Address: 1-34-5 Uehara, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Access: 2-minute walk from Yoyogi-Uehara Station (all lines)
Hours: 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM, open daily
Minimal The Edition Sengawa (Opening March 28, 2026)
Address: 1F Forest Square Sengawa, 3-1-17 Sengawacho, Chofu-shi, Tokyo
Access: 2-minute walk from Sengawa Station (Keio Line)
Hours: 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM, open daily
