#Japan #Nagoya #Club Harie #Mushroom Mountain #Bamboo Shoot Village

Sweet Valentine’s Showdown: Mushroom Mountain vs. Bamboo Shoot Village

As Valentine’s Day approaches, a sweet rivalry is set to unfold at the annual "Amour du Chocolat" event in Nagoya. This year’s twist features a delicious collaboration between Meiji’s iconic snacks, Mushroom Mountain and Bamboo Shoot Village, and two acclaimed pastry chefs: Takao Yamamoto from Club Harie and Takeshi Shibata from Chez Shibata.

The Duel of the Chefs

From January 16 to February 14, 2026, visitors to the JR Nagoya Takashimaya will be treated to special editions of these beloved snacks crafted by the renowned chefs, making this event a must-visit for chocolate lovers. Yamamoto-san presents "MONTAGNE À LA TRUFFE," a rich fusion of black truffle and porcini mushrooms, while Shibata-san showcases the "Ultimate Takenoko," featuring three distinct chocolate varieties inspired by the original Bamboo Shoot Village.

These limited-edition treats are tailor-made for Valentine’s enthusiasts looking for a unique culinary experience. The collaboration came to life thanks to the connection between the two chefs’ names and the iconic snack brands, highlighting the playful question, “Which one do you prefer?”

Exceptional Flavors Await

Yamamoto’s "MONTAGNE À LA TRUFFE" combines the earthy richness of real mushrooms and the depth of dark chocolate. The two-layer ganache filled with robust chocolate will entice your taste buds and keep you coming back for more. This treat emphasizes the full-bodied flavors of both the black truffle and the sizable porcini cookie base, meticulously crafted for chocolate aficionados.

On the other side, Shibata’s innovation, "Ultimate Takenoko," tempts with expertly blended chocolate from the Dominican Republic, Mexico, and Venezuela, each providing a burst of unique flavors such as strawberry spice and salted matcha.

Additionally, the event features more innovative combinations, including Meiji's "Hazelnut Praline & Matcha Crunch Candy" from Mushroom Mountain and Shibata’s "Yuzu-Scented Hazelnut Praline with Rock Salt" from Bamboo Shoot Village. These treat combines traditional flavors with contemporary twists, elevating the original essence of these beloved snacks.

A Culinary Collaboration

Both chefs, renowned for their contributions to Japanese cuisine, lend their expertise to this unique collaboration. Takao Yamamoto was born in 1972 in Oumi Hachiman and honed his skills under Chef Mikio Miwa before ascending to the role of Grand Chef at Club Harie. His accolades, including victories at prestigious pastry championships, have solidified his reputation in the culinary world.

Similarly, Takeshi Shibata has made a name for himself with exquisite sweets inspired by the high-quality ingredients of Japan. With his establishments expanding internationally, he has become an ambassador for Japanese pastry, bringing innovation and a unique perspective to traditional recipes.

A Valentine’s Experience Like No Other

In addition to the featured treats, customers can indulge in assorted packages that include both limited-edition flavors. An assortment box containing six of each variant will also be available starting February 1, 2026, allowing chocolate lovers to experience the best of both worlds.

This Valentine’s Day, the exciting rivalry between Mushroom Mountain and Bamboo Shoot Village promises to delight palates and spark sweet conversations. Celebrate love, friendship, and the joy of unique culinary creations at the "Amour du Chocolat" event. Don't miss out on this scrumptious exploration of flavor and fun!

Join the sweet showdown and decide, do you favor the earthy delights of Mushroom Mountain or the innovative treats from Bamboo Shoot Village? The answer might just be a delicious bite away!