With rising cocoa prices and the growing variety of chocolate products, "chocolate sweets" combining chocolate with various ingredients are gaining attention this Valentine's season. Odakyu Department Store Shinjuku is launching a special "Chocolate × Banana" feature as part of their Valentine's event "Chocolat × Chocolat." The store will offer original chocolate-banana sweets created by famous basement floor brands, all featuring bananas from Tanabe Farm in Ecuador, the world's largest banana exporter.
During the event period, César Montaño, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Embassy of Ecuador, and "Nanana" (TV Tokyo Banana Employee) will make special appearances to give away Tanabe Farm's Ecuadorian bananas to visitors.
About Tanabe Farm's Ecuadorian Bananas
Tanabe Farm was established in 1991 by farm owner Masahiro Tanabe at an elevation of approximately 300 meters in Ecuador, South America, one of the world's leading banana exporting countries. The farm aims to preserve the natural environment and pursue sustainable agriculture, maintaining conditions as close to nature as possible while cultivating bananas using their unique natural circulation farming method, also known as the "Tanabe Method." Tanabe Farm bananas are characterized by their elegant, rich sweetness and depth of flavor, combined with a refreshing acidity.
This Valentine's Day: Focus on Chocolate-Banana
A collaboration between bananas, a beloved fruit in Japan, and chocolate. Limited-edition chocolate-banana sweets are making their debut. Beyond cakes and baked goods, special attention should be paid to eat-in exclusive desserts that can be enjoyed fresh.
● Kaz Bake "Sonna Banana" (1 plate/Eat-in) ¥2,200 [Odakyu Exclusive]
※ Available: February 4 (Wed) to 8 (Sun), Basement 2F
A creative dish featuring banana paired with "bonito flakes" and "caramel," along with Keemun Chinese tea and avocado. Experience a "Sonna Banana!!" (Really?!) moment as you discover banana's depth and sweetness from a new perspective.
● Michel Blan "Moelleux Chocolat Banane" (1 piece) ¥540 [Odakyu Exclusive]
※ Available: January 21 (Wed) to February 14 (Sat), 7F
Moist, rich chocolate cake generously filled with Ecuadorian bananas. Inside, caramelized banana adds extra delight. The crispy chocolate crumble topping provides a textural accent. Enjoy the elegant, deep flavor created by the harmony of banana and cacao.
● Vanilla Beans "ショーコラ・Fresh Banana" (1 piece) ¥496 [Odakyu Exclusive]
※ Available: January 21 (Wed) to February 14 (Sat), 7F
Rich banana flavor wrapped in white chocolate made from Ecuadorian Arriba cacao, sandwiched between crispy cocoa cookies.
● Wittamer "Ecuadorian Banana and Strawberry Gateau" (1 piece) ¥810 [Odakyu Exclusive]
※ Available: February 4 (Wed) to February 14 (Sat), Basement 1F
A cake combining rich, aromatic chocolate cream and chocolate sponge with Ecuadorian bananas and sweet-tart strawberries.
● Patisserie Mon Cher "Rich Banana Prince Roll Half Decoration" (1 piece) ¥1,500 [Odakyu Exclusive]
※ Available: February 4 (Wed) to February 14 (Sat), Basement 1F
The famous "Dojima Roll" transformed into Prince Roll with chocolate, filled with banana custard and decorated with lightly caramelized bananas. The chocolate cream flavor perfectly complements the rich sweetness of the banana.
● Biscuiterie Bretonne "Financier <Banane・Chocolat>" (1 piece) ¥324 [Odakyu Exclusive]
※ Available: February 4 (Wed) to February 14 (Sat), Basement 1F
Batter made with richly sweet Ecuadorian bananas and deep-flavored muscovado sugar, topped with chocolate chips and streusel before baking.
● Le Bien "Chocolate Banana Bread" (1 piece) ¥1,404 [Odakyu Exclusive]
※ Available: February 4 (Wed) to February 14 (Sat), Basement 2F
Banana bread with cocoa mixed into the batter, combined with Ecuadorian bananas and chocolate chips before baking.
Ecuadorian Ambassador and "Nanana" Visit! Ecuadorian Banana Giveaway
◎ Ecuadorian Ambassador and "Nanana" Store Appearance!? "Tanabe Farm Ecuadorian Banana" Giveaway ♥
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary César Montaño from the Embassy of Ecuador will visit the store with his amigo (friend) "Nanana" (TV Tokyo Banana Employee). The first 100 visitors will receive "Tanabe Farm Ecuadorian Bananas" used in the "Chocolat × Chocolat" limited banana sweets.
<Date & Location>
(1) January 21 (Wed) 2:00 PM to (approximately 20 minutes) 7F Event Space, Shinjuku Store
(2) February 7 (Sat) 2:00 PM to (approximately 20 minutes) Basement 2F Event Corner, Shinjuku Store
◎ Happy Valentine's ♥ "Nanana" is Coming!
"Nanana" (TV Tokyo Banana Employee), the amigo (friend) of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary César Montaño of the Embassy of Ecuador who provided the Tanabe Farm Ecuadorian bananas, will visit the store.
<Date & Location>
(1) January 21 (Wed) 3:00 PM, 4:00 PM (approximately 20 minutes each) 7F Event Space, Shinjuku Store
(2) February 7 (Sat) 3:00 PM, 4:00 PM (approximately 20 minutes each) Basement 2F Event Corner, Shinjuku Store
※ Please check the company website for details.
[7F Event Space "Chocolat × Chocolat"]
For details about the "Chocolat × Chocolat" event at the 7F Event Space, please refer to the following release:
◎ A Collection of Premium Chocolates! "Chocolat × Chocolat" Opening January 21 (Wed)
Location: 1-5-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo (Shinjuku West Exit HALC)
Access: Right outside Shinjuku Station West Exit
TEL: 0570-025-888 (Navi Dial)
