Market Wonderland

Since 2004, I've been in love with my Market Wonderland.

 

Just inside the gleaming glass doors: a long, long candy bar. Filled with all the unfamiliar and fully charming candy selections. (This is only one short section of it. It's all I could fit in my iPhone camera view.)

 

A dozen Pocky varieties await you at Zipang. But right now, there's a matcha theme. 

 

Matcha is an acquired taste, I know. The Japanese green tea is heralded for its health benefits because the finely ground powder boasts 137 times the antioxidants than regular green tea. Adding that component to decadent chocolate truffles and bonbons is genius, and so delicious, too. In my humble opinion.

 

Above, I said 'genius and so delicious, too'. It sounds like the incredible Japanese descriptions found everywhere in Japan! For a case in point, read the description on the package of Muscat gummy candies above.

 

Maybe lychee gummy candy would be more to your liking? No worries. Plus about 8 other varieties, all waiting to please you with their alluring flavor and gentle, soft texture.

 

Not all are old enough to eat matcha bonbons or savor gummy candy. No problem! Just look at these happy baby cookies! Perfect for teething little beings.

 

For older children, how about a funny lady mask for playtime make-believe?

 

And for you, how about small silk purses in every configuration, size, and shape?

 

It's a bit odd and I'm not a fan. But, c'mon! How charming is this?!

 

However, I am a fan of roasted barley tea. And also buckwheat tea, but they didn't have any buckwheat tea this time. 

 

This is a non-carbinated soft drink. It's popular in Japan. I haven't tried it -  yet. Here's a little more info about it (and if you have tried it, send me a note!) - Calpis.

 

This is where my heart starts to really sing. Loudly. It's only one portion of the marvelous wall of storage containers. I have literally dozens of these in the studio for all my art supplies. And in the kitchen. And in the bathroom. I love, love, love these excellent storage containers. I always buy more. Because love them so much.

 

At the checkout counter, pick up some Felix bubble gum. And blow happy, goofy bubbles all the way home.

That's what I do.

 

Zipang. My happy and good for you, too, market and variety wonderland.