We held another session of “Poached Egg” this month! Here is a report on the latest trends discovered by our members.
“Poached Egg” is a morning meeting where volunteer members of different departments and ages gather to casually introduce anything from recent news and trends to hot PR promotions and personal interests.
This session began while enjoying sandwiches from “POTASTA,” a popular shop located near the SUNNY SIDE UP office.
With a wide variety of fillings ranging from savory to sweet, it was difficult to choose…
These voluminous sandwiches are incredibly satisfying.
(By the way, I chose the Acai Banana! It was delicious♪)
This time, we had an abundance of food-related topics. (Laughs)
Let’s dive right in!
Guilt-Free Treats: Checking Out the Latest “Guilt-Free Sweets”
https://style.nikkei.com/article/DGXMZO15113170Q7A410C1000000?channel=DF260120166502
In recent years, organic products and superfoods have become hot topics in Japan, with many people incorporating them into their daily lives. Currently, “guilt-free sweets” are gaining popularity overseas.
Guilt-free sweets refer to treats that can be eaten without feeling any guilt. Since they do not use additives or chemical seasonings and are made from naturally derived ingredients, they are low in calories and good for the body. Dates are an ingredient frequently used in these guilt-free sweets lately.
Dates are the fruit of the date palm and are an essential food staple in the Middle East. Rich in vitamins and minerals, they are a superfood currently attracting significant attention. While some may have the impression that “healthy sweets equal bad taste,” many people say that the latest popular guilt-free sweets available in Japan are delicious and made with great care. I would certainly like to incorporate them into my diet.
Drinking Cakes and Puddings? A Succession of New Dessert Drinks!
https://matome.naver.jp/odai/2149661038344650901?page=1
Next up is the polar opposite of guilt-free! (Laughs)
I will introduce the latest sweet treats that bring happiness the moment they enter your mouth, even if you might feel a little regret afterward!
Dessert drinks are currently appearing one after another and garnering much attention.
The famous chocolate brand Godiva has released a drinkable chocolate mousse, and Starbucks, known for its highly anticipated limited-time Frappuccinos, even offered a rich Frappuccino topped with a whole chocolate cake! (The sales period has ended.)
Additionally, Komeda’s Coffee offers something called “Drinkable Pudding,” and Okage-an, operated by Komeda, has introduced “Drinkable Shaved Ice” for a limited time during the summer.
FRANZÈ & EVANS LONDON Omotesando, a deli cafe that is very popular in London and opened in Omotesando last January, offers a luxurious dessert drink called the “Eton Mess Pavlova.” It features a shake base of raspberry gelato and yogurt ice cream topped with two layers of meringue, offering a satisfying volume in both appearance and taste!
As the hot days are expected to continue for a while, even if you don’t have much of an appetite for solid sweets, these cold dessert drinks look like something you could gulp down easily, so I would like to try them!
Pink “Rosé Pineapples” Released in the United States
http://youpouch.com/2017/07/23/436842/
In the United States, a pink pineapple called the “Rosé Pineapple” was recently released and has become a hot topic, particularly on social media.
Major U.S. food manufacturers such as Dole and Del Monte have reportedly been working on its development for over 10 years. Pineapples naturally contain lycopene, the red pigment familiar in tomatoes, but an enzyme in the pineapple usually converts it to yellow.
Through genetic modification to fully utilize the lycopene element, this pink pineapple was born. There are reports that it is sweeter than regular pineapples.
The day may come when we can purchase them in Japan as well.
“Traveloco”: A Service Connecting Travelers with Japanese Residents Abroad
When traveling or going on a business trip abroad, many people feel anxious about foreign cultures and languages. In such times, many have felt that having a Japanese resident living locally to help would be very reassuring. “Traveloco” is a service that fulfills that need.
Approximately 11,000 Japanese residents living in 140 countries worldwide are registered as “Locos” (helpers), and users can search the site for a “Loco” that fits their purpose. Prices start from 500 yen and are determined through consultation between both parties based on the nature of the request. Requests range from light tasks such as “booking a local restaurant” to more extensive needs like “interpreting for business negotiations” or “finding an apartment for study abroad.” This service helps travelers achieve what they want to do; it might be worth considering as an option when planning a trip abroad.
Arriving in Japan! The Co-working Space “WeWork”
“WeWork” is a co-working space that started in the United States and continues to expand globally.
It operates on a membership basis. By registering as a member, you can not only freely use stylish, quiet spaces that are easy to work in, but you can also meet many like-minded peers, making it popular among startup entrepreneurs and freelancers.
WeWork is finally arriving in Japan. Members can use any WeWork location worldwide for a monthly fee of $45 (approximately 5,000 yen). (Other plans are available, allowing for arrangements based on specific needs.)
In addition to high-speed internet, facilities such as printers and coffee are well-provided.
Recently, various companies have been promoting work-style reforms. At SUNNY SIDE UP, in addition to the recent Telework Day (see here for details), we have a system called “Happy Sunny Day” once a month that encourages teleworking and off-site activities. Such working spaces seem very useful! It is also great not to have to struggle to find a cafe with power outlets.
While details for WeWork in Japan have not yet been fully released, we are looking forward to its full-scale launch.
That is all for this time. We hope you enjoyed it.
Look forward to the next update!
