Turn Amabie into latte art!
I had the popular youkai "Amabie" made into latte art at the shop and drank it. This is a cup I ordered at the latte art cafe "Reissu" in Harajuku, Tokyo.
Amabie is a mermaid-like character that once emerged from the sea. At the end of the Edo period, the reading material "Kawaraban" at that time was picked up and attracted attention. The topic soon subsided over time, but now that 160 years have passed, it suddenly came into the limelight again.
Source: "Newspaper Bunko / Picture" (Kyoto University Library)
The Kawaraban version of Kudan is available in the "Newspaper Bunko / Picture" section of the Kyoto University Digital Archive of Rare Materials. The following is a reading of the text attached to the side of the illustration.
In mid-April 1846, an object that glowed in the sea appeared every night in Higo Province (Kumamoto Prefecture), so when an official went to see it, he said, "I am an Amabie who lives in the sea. For six years from this year, we have a good harvest in each country, but the plague is also prevalent, so please take a picture of me and show it to the people. " The official copied the figure and sent it to Edo.
It's really a mystery, but on Twitter and Instagram, people who post humorous figures as pictures and stuffed animals are appearing one after another. Well then, this time I decided to have Amabie become latte art.
To Harajuku Reissue
Harajuku Reissue, where you can make latte art, is just a few minutes away from JR Harajuku Station or Tokyo Metro Meiji Jingu Station. It's on the 2nd floor of the building, but you can easily see it because there is a signboard under the stairs.
Depending on the time of day, it may be full and you may have to wait for a while, but the atmosphere inside the shop is relaxing.
Amabie latte art
I chose caramel latte because latte art can be ordered with various drinks. The total price is 1,100 yen (tax included).
I also asked the shop staff to make latte art. The artist in the shop draws the mysterious figure of Amabie on the bubbles with skillful hands.
From the hair to the scales, the beak and the eyes, the delicate reproduction of the youkai that was taken by an official of Higo Province long ago is so divine.
The finished latte art is taken to the table. Looking back, Amabie has a very funny face. This somewhat laid-back look may be a popular secret.
Let's go to the candy package
An interesting face even when viewed from the opposite side
Even the scales are beautifully reproduced with latte art
The design doesn't collapse easily, so first scoop up the amabie's skirt. The soft and gentle mouthfeel and subtle sweetness, the aroma of caramel and the taste of coffee combine to make you feel comfortable.
Latte under a fluffy bubble
The latte under the foam is also delicious. After that, put your mouth directly on the cup and drink Amabie very much. By the time it's completely empty, I feel like I'm feeling more energetic than the dark news. However, you might not have thought that Amabie would become latte art and be drunk 160 years later.