#Japan #Chocolate #Maison Cacao #Kamakura #ART OF PLAY

Celebrating Life and Play with MAISON CACAO's New Collection

On September 1, 2026, MAISON CACAO, a renowned chocolate brand from Kamakura, will launch its autumn collection titled "ART OF PLAY." This yearly release traditionally revolves around sports, drawing inspiration from the energy, passion, and cultural heritage associated with various athletic pursuits. This year, the focus is on basketball, a sport that embodies movement and excitement.

The Core Message of "ART OF PLAY"

The phrase "More play in life" underlines the essence of this collection. It's about diving into experiences with excitement and enjoying the thrill of passion. This theme invites individuals to embrace their creativity and freedom wholeheartedly. The collection symbolizes a journey into uncharted territories of enjoyment, transforming familiar scenery into new worlds. Moments spent wholly immersed in play become treasured memories for life.

Highlighted Treats from the AZURE Collection

This season offers two standout products from the AZURE collection, showcasing MAISON CACAO's innovative twist on traditional chocolate.

1. Aroma Raw Chocolate DUNK (3,240 yen, tax included)
A classic reimagined: A silky-smooth homemade caramel intermingles with robust milk chocolate that boasts a rich cocoa flavor. It presents a harmonious balance of sweetness with pleasant bitterness, offering a warm and hearty experience that envelops the palate in richness.

2. Aroma Raw Chocolate PLAYFUL (3,240 yen, tax included)
Crafting cola from cocoa: This adventurous chocolate features a unique blend of six spices such as cardamom and clove, infused with cacao husk. Combined with milk chocolate, this creation evokes the deep, aromatic notes of cocoa alongside exotic spice scents, resulting in a playful and imaginative treat for adults.

Unique Cookies from the ART OF PLAY Collection

One of the highlights from the ART OF PLAY collection is the PLAYFUL raw chocolate cookies, priced at 3,024 yen for twelve bags. These cookies playfully mix bitter and caramel flavors. Each cookie highlights the individual identities of three distinct cocoa varieties, showcasing an evolving taste experience with every bite. The bittersweet blends create a delicious contrast alongside the rich and smooth caramel, inviting you to enjoy this playful duality.

Beyond Chocolate: Investing in Community

For MAISON CACAO, basketball serves as more than just a theme for the collection—it represents a commitment to community engagement. The brand aims to develop spaces in Kamakura where children can engage actively, meet friends, and deeply immerse themselves in play. This vision has led to involvement in the construction of a basketball court at Yuigahama Sports Park, set to open on August 21, 2026. The words etched onto this court express the brand’s philosophy: "The memories spent in excitement become treasures for life." It aligns beautifully with the sentiment behind ART OF PLAY.

Availability and Locations

The Aroma Raw Chocolate DUNK, Aroma Raw Chocolate PLAYFUL, and PLAYFUL raw chocolate cookies will be available from September 1, 2026, to November 14, 2026, at all MAISON CACAO locations as well as online. Be sure to grab these creations before they are gone!

MAISON CACAO Locations:

• - Kamakura Main Store: 1-9-33 Yukinoshita, Kamakura, Kanagawa
• - Kamakura Komachi Store: 2-9-7 Komachi, Kamakura, Kanagawa
• - Marunouchi Store: 3-3-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda, Tokyo
• - NEWoMAN Yokohama Store: 1-1-1 Minami Sanko, Yokohama, Kanagawa
• - Gransta Tokyo Store: 1-9-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda, Tokyo
• - Haneda Airport Store: 3-3-2 Haneda Airport, Ota, Tokyo
• - JR Nagoya Takashimaya Store: 1-1-4 Meieki, Nakamura, Aichi
• - Online Store: MAISON CACAO Online Shop

About MAISON CACAO

Founded by Shin Go Ishihara, MAISON CACAO came into being as a response to the vibrant life associated with cocoa, first discovered in Colombia. The brand seeks to deliver exquisite chocolate combining traditional Japanese aesthetics with creativity. The aim is to make chocolate not only delicious but also a source of enrichment for people's lives. MAISON CACAO ensures quality through direct involvement in every process from cocoa cultivation to fermentation and roasting, connecting producers with consumers.

MAISON CACAO Foundation

The brand's vision is to cultivate a 100-year legacy that not only thrives but also contributes positively to society and the planet. This reflects in their efforts toward sustainable cocoa farming, establishing educational initiatives in Colombia, and preserving the culture of Shonan. Through these long-term commitments, the MAISON CACAO Foundation aims to create a brighter future for both communities.

Join MAISON CACAO in celebrating the joy of play and savoring the delightful experiences that each piece of chocolate brings. Step into a world where life is infused with more play!