#Japan #New Year #Maison Cacao #Kamakura #Horse Motif

Maison Cacao's Tribute to Kamakura's Equestrian Legacy

As we approach the New Year, Maison Cacao, the renowned aroma-nama chocolate brand founded by Shinjiro Ishihara, unveils a stunning limited collection inspired by horses. Launching on December 26, 2023, just in time for the Year of the Horse (2026), this collection features three new items alongside two favorites from their existing lineup.

2026 marks the Year of the Horse in the Japanese zodiac, a symbol of good fortune. However, Maison Cacao's choice to highlight the horse goes beyond mere superstition. Kamakura, where the brand's roots lie, is steeped in history as a bastion of the samurai culture. For the samurai, horses were indispensable companions, and the grounds of Hachimangu Shrine once housed horse racing tracks, providing a venue for martial arts honing activities, including yabusame, the traditional horseback archery. Horses have long been revered as prestigious offerings, embodying pride and importance in this historical town.

Located at the entrance of Hachimangu Shrine, Maison Cacao respects and honors the town's enduring aesthetics and history through their spectacular offerings. By weaving horse motifs into their products, the brand aims to keep the legacy of Kamakura alive while presenting delightful gifts for the New Year.

Horses, as symbols of fortune and the spirit of Kamakura, make for a meaningful collection that encapsulates the essence of beginning a new year. Traditionally, the Year of the Horse is seen as a time for 'challenges' and 'passion.' Just as a horse gallops robustly upon the earth, Maison Cacao wishes that this new year propels everyone’s dreams and goals into motion.

Featured Products in the Collection

1. Aroma Nama Chocolate Zodiac (Kinako Anko) - Priced at 3,240 JPY (tax included)
This seasonal favorite reflects the zodiac theme with a delicate blend of sweet red bean paste and kinako (roasted soybean flour) enriched with white chocolate sourced from Colombia. The double interplay of flavors, accentuated by a hint of salt and a finishing touch of kinako, creates a refined, traditional Japanese sweet delight.

2. Hanare Monaka (2 pieces) - Priced at 1,620 JPY (tax included)
Shaped like horses, these monaka wafers feature a rich chocolate cream made with Colombian cacao, celebrated for its smooth consistency. Revered as symbols of 'leaping' in Kamakura, they present an ideal treat to celebrate the start of a new year.

3. Nama Chocolate Cookie (Amaou Strawberry, 2 types) - Priced at 2,808 JPY (tax included)
These cookies surprise with a unique combination of textures—crunchy on the outside and melting away like nama chocolate on the inside. This year, two delightful flavors, incorporating the rich taste of Amaou strawberries, are included in this limited-edition offering.

4. CHEVAL SABLE (24 pieces) - Priced at 5,400 JPY (tax included)
These adorable horse-shaped sable cookies, exclusive to the Kamakura flagship store, showcase a luxurious blend of textures and flavors—white chocolate and Marcona almonds create a creamy taste, while dark chocolate imbues depth and richness.

Furthermore, from January 1-5 at the Kamakura store, limited quantities of chocolate-coated CHEVAL SABLE will be available.

Availability

The Aroma Nama Chocolate Zodiac and Nama Chocolate Cookies will be available in all stores starting December 26, while the Hanare Monaka and CHEVAL SABLE will be exclusive to the Kamakura flagship store. The chocolate-coated CHEVAL SABLE will also be launched on January 1, 2024. Please note that all products are available in limited quantities and will be sold until stocks run out.

For those eager to experience these unique offerings, visit one of the following Maison Cacao locations:

• - Maison Cacao Kamakura Main Store
• - Maison Cacao Kamakura Komachi Store
• - Maison Cacao Marunouchi Store
• - Maison Cacao NEWoMAN Yokohama Store
• - Maison Cacao Gransta Tokyo Store
• - Maison Cacao Haneda Airport Store
• - Maison Cacao JR Nagoya Takashimaya Store
• - Maison Cacao Online Shop here

About Maison Cacao

Maison Cacao began its journey when founder Shinjiro Ishihara encountered rich cacao traditions in Colombia. He was motivated to create a chocolate culture in Japan that not only embodies exceptional taste but also enriches lives. With an unwavering commitment to craftsmanship, Maison Cacao engages in all aspects from cacao farming to fermentation and roasting to offer high-quality chocolates. The brand also emphasizes education and sustainability through initiatives in Colombia, fostering a better future through supportive agricultural practices and schooling.