

The popular casual Italian restaurant Capricciosa is ready to round up the season with tomatoes! Among the many ingredients – from veggies to meat and seasonings – tomatoes have always been the key player for Capricciosa since its opening back in 1978. Their tomatoes come from a contracted farmer in Foggia, Puglia in southern Italy, where they are grown with great care for the perfect balance of moisture content, sweetness and sourness. Made from such selected tomatoes, Capricciosa’s tomato sauce has a tender and deep flavor and are used in many of their most popular dishes, represented by their top favorite Tomato & Garlic Spaghetti.

“Buono! Pomodoro!” is an annual promotion that offers those tomato lovers new & limited tomato menus that can be enjoyed with Tomato & Garlic Spaghetti and many other Capricciosa favorites. The new tomato dishes have been created reflecting opinions from their regular customers at a tasting event.
The fourth launch includes a plate of fritto misto of ripe tomatoes and succulent shrimp, topped with plentiful veggies and dressed with a special tomato and vinegar dressing. For those who like it a bit more spicy, their Hot Caponata Gratin, a Capricciosa-original variety of traditional Italian vegetable stew using salsa, is a recommend. Both of these dishes are season-limited, only offered between January 7-March 24, 2013.

During this “tomato year”, Capricciosa offers you a chance to win gorgeous prizes such as a trip to Italy, an assortment of Italian food, or a dining ticket! To register for these, visit their website (it’s in Japanese only so have a friend help you if you’re not confident with your Japanese) or enjoy a meal at Capricciosa.
But before that… there is also a chance here at The Expat’s Guide to Japan for you to win a dining ticket that you can use at any of the Capricciosa branches in Japan! Check out the details below!!
Capricciosa Website: http://www.capricciosa.com/
***********************************************************************************************************************
How to register: Apply by sending us an e-mail to present[at]mais.co.jp (please mention in the e-mail that you are registering for Capricciosa Dining Ticket Giveaway).
Application period: December 18, 2012 – January 6, 2013
Prize: A dining ticket for two people (worth 4,000 Yen… with the ticket, the pair can enjoy 1 drink each, 1 salad for two, 1 plate of pasta each OR 1 pizza each OR 1 plate of pasta and 1 pizza, and 1 coffee each).
Number of winners: 2 winners (2 pairs, 4 people)
This campaign is over. E-mails are sent to winners. If you have registered for the giveaway, please check your inbox. Thank you to all who registered!
*Winners will be sent an e-mail from Mais Co., Ltd. (e-mail domain @mais.co.jp) and will be asked for mailing address only via e-mail after the application closes. There will be no announcements made anywhere on this website or on Facebook.
*The ticket can be used at any of the Capricciosa branches in Japan.
*The ticket is for eating in only (cannot be used for take-aways).
*Ticket expiry date: March 31, 2013
*For Privacy Policy please see here.
Posted: November 16, 2012

An exhibition on everybody’s favorite, chocolate, started this month at the National Museum of Nature and Science in Ueno. 6 zones are dedicated to the wonder and attraction of chocolate, starting with a single bean of cacao and leading to an “experience-being-a-cacao-bean” chocolate factory. At the entrance of the venue welcomes you a chocolate-made miniature of the NMNS building, its symbol blue whale and a steam-locomotive, and after exploring the history of chocolate, chocolate-making and its flavors and creations, chocolate made T-rex, Hachiko and Panda bear statues see you off. There is also a place where you can have your picture printed on a chocolate wrapping paper.
The Expat’s Guide to Japan is giving away tickets for 5 pairs (10 people total) to our online readers. If you would like to enter for the draw, please see below for details and instructions.
Chocolate – The Exhibition –
Dates: November 3, 2012 – February 24, 2013
Hours: 9:00am-5:00pm (-8:00pm on Fridays / last admission 30 minutes before closing)
Holidays: Mondays (or the following Tuesday if a public holiday falls on a Monday), Dec 28-Jan 1 *Open on December 25, 2012
Place: The National Museum of Nature and Science [Map]
Access: 5-10 min. from Ueno Sta. (JR/Tokyo Metro) or Keisei-Ueno Sta. (Keisei Line).
Tickets: Adults (uni students and above) 1,400 Yen / elementary-high school students 600 Yen / Friday night pair ticket (2 adults / entry between 17:00-19:30) 2,000 Yen
Website: http://www.kahaku.go.jp/english/
This exhibition was originally created by The Field Museum, Chicago with support from the U.S. National Science Foundation.
***********************************************************************************************************************
How to enter: Apply by sending us an e-mail to present[at]mais.co.jp (please mention in the e-mail that you are registering for Chocolate Exhibition ticket). In your application e-mail you do NOT need to include your address or any personal information other than your name and e-mail. We will only ask the mailing address to the winners of the tickets after the draw is over.
Application period: November 16 – December 9, 2012
Prize: Admission ticket (pair) to the “Chocolate – The Exhibition – ” at the National Museum of Nature and Science
Number of winners: 5 winners (10 tickets total)
*Applicants must have a valid address in Japan.
*The winners will receive an e-mail from Mais Co., Ltd. (domain: @mais.co.jp). There will be no announcements of the winner made anywhere on this website. (No names posted.)
*The prize will be sent to the winner by December 16, 2012.
*For Privacy Policy please see here.
*By sending the application e-mail, Mais Co., Ltd. assumes that the applicant has read and agreed with the privacy policy.
Posted: October 15, 2012

The “Breakfast Queen of New York” Sarabeth’s will open its first Japanese branch in Tokyo on November 1, 2012, inside Lumine 2 at Shinjuku Station. Since its opening in Upper West in 1981, Sarabeth’s has grasped the tongues and hearts of New Yorkers, and currently runs 9 locations in New York and 1 location in Florida. Its fans include a number of celebreties, and the store is also known for supervising cooking and offering the store site to

the film “It’s Complicated” (2010) starring Meryl Streep.
Menus offered include Sarabeth’s famous dishes such as Fluffy French Toast, Lemon and Ricotta Pancakes, Pumpkin Waffles, Classic Eggs Benedict, Farmer’s Omelette, Velvety Cream of Tomato Soup, and Four Flowers Juice.

The other reason for Sarabeth’s to become so popular is their award-winning fruit spreads which the recipe hasn’t changed since 1780.
Celebrating the opening of Sarabeth’s in Tokyo, we are offering three lucky people a jar of Sarabeth’s Legendary Spreadable Fruit to enjoy at your home! See below for conditions and how to register.
Sarabeth’s Shinjuku Lumine 2
Place: 2F, Lumine 2 at Shinjuku Station [Map]
Hours: 9:00am-10:00pm (orders close at 9:30pm)
http://www.sarabethsrestaurants.jp/ (to be opened in late October)
***********************************************************************************************************************
How to enter: Apply by sending us an e-mail to present[at]mais.co.jp (please mention in the e-mail that you are registering for Sarabeth’s Legendary Spreadable Fruit). In your application e-mail you do NOT need to include your address or any personal information other than your name and e-mail. We will only ask the mailing address to the winners of the tickets after the draw is over.
Application period: October 15-November 11, 2012
Prize: One jar of Sarabeth’s Legendary Spreadable Fruit
Number of winners: 3 winners
*Applicants must have a valid address in Japan.
*The winners will receive an e-mail from Mais Co., Ltd. (domain: @mais.co.jp). There will be no announcements of the winner made anywhere on this website. (No names posted.)
*The prize will be sent to the winner by the 3rd week of December 2012.
*For Privacy Policy please see here.
*By sending the application e-mail, Mais Co., Ltd. assumes that the applicant has read and agreed with the privacy policy.
Posted: September 28, 2012

Come One…. Come All !!!!!! Kids of all ages from 0 to 100
To the Rainbow Garden Party at…Gregg International School.
Enjoy Fun and games, International Foods, Family Photo Studio, International arts and crafts
Special entertainment: The Yokosuka 7th Fleet Naval Band on Sunday, October 7th

Dates: October 7-8, 2012
Place: Gregg International School (Jiyugaoka, Tokyo) [Map]
Time: 11:00am-3:00pm
See here for school information.
Posted: July 2, 2012

Eddie Bauer Japan’s online store is now available in English. The Main menu, product name, product information such as size and color, process of shopping cart and error messages are all displayed in English. These functions will help non-Japanese customers to enjoy online shopping at rest.

Eddie Bauer is an outdoor brand that offers signature outerwear; men’s and women’s clothing, gear and accessories; and world-class mountaineering gear. Their online store has colorful products with a wide variety of sizes, and starting June 22 they are having a summer clearance sale in which you can save up to 60% on their products. So if you live in Japan and need clothes in your size this would be a great opportunity.
To celebrate the launch of their English navigation function, we have prepared a special coupon code that will allow all Expat’s Guide readers residing in Japan to enjoy a 1,000 Yen discount* as well as free shipping**. Moreover, we are giving away special gifts to two of our readers! Check out application requirements and conditions below.
Eddie Bauer Online: http://www.eddiebauer.jp/
For the summer sale special discount, enter 848 when asked for the coupon code.
*1,000 Yen discount is only applicable to purchases over 8,000 Yen.
**Free shipping is only for purchases over 4,000 Yen.
The above coupon code is only valid for shopping (delivery) in Japan, and expires on July 23.
***********************************************************************************************************************
Special Giveaway

Present for Women (1 winner)
Long Tie Dress (Item number 3A 314849)
http://www.eddiebauer.jp/products/detail.html?productId=314849
Size: P4 (Bust 93.5cm, Length 98cm. Usual M-L Size)
Color: Cider
Summer’s easiest, most flattering piece: their cotton gauze dress is flowing, graceful, travel friendly and easy to care for. A slight A-line shape, princess seams and smocking at the waist create a beautifully feminine look.

Present for Men (1 winner)
Short-Sleeve Chambray Trim Striped Pique Polo (made with COOLMAX® fabric)
http://www.eddiebauer.jp/products/detail.html?productId=769174
Perfect on the course or at the office, their COOLMAX® fabric keeps a cool and dry fit.
- How to apply: Apply by sending us an e-mail to present[at]mais.co.jp In the e-mail, please mention that you are registering for Eddie Bauer’s Special Giveaway, and also include (1) your name, (2) prefecture of residence, and (3) which prize you are registering for. In your application e-mail you do NOT need to include your full address. We will only ask the mailing address to the winners of the tickets after the draw is over.
- Application period: July 2-July 22, 2012
- Number of winners: 2 winners
<Please note>
*Applicants must have a valid residence address in Japan.
*The winners will receive an e-mail from Mais Co., Ltd. (domain: @mais.co.jp). There will be no announcements of the winner made anywhere on this website. (No names posted.)
*For Privacy Policy please see here.
*By sending the application e-mail, Mais Co., Ltd. assumes that the applicant has read and agreed with the privacy policy.
Posted: June 7, 2012

Starting in spring this year, Tony Roma’s is continuing with their 40th anniversary time-limited special dishes. For July, they offer a taste of the tropical Caribbean, with the “Pirate’s Rib” and “Calypso Chicken and Shrimp Combo,” both extremely popular dishes from the “Caribbean Carnival” campaign held back in 2003.

The “Pirate’s Rib” is a voluminous barbeque rib plate seasoned with the spicy “Pirate’s Sauce” and Caribbean Jerk Seasoning, served with grilled vegetables and hot Carnival Rice. The other “Calypso Chicken and Shrimp Combo” lets you enjoy both grilled and marinated chicken and shrimp on one plate. Juicy and spicy, this plate is sure to leave you satisfied just like the rib menus.

At The Expat’s Guide to Japan, we are offering two lucky people a meal ticket for two to the value of 8,000 Yen. See below for conditions and how to register.
Tony Roma’s Website: http://www.tonyromas.jp/ (Japanese)
***********************************************************************************************************************
How to register: Apply by sending us an e-mail to present[at]mais.co.jp (please mention in the e-mail that you are registering for Tony Roma’s Dining Ticket Giveaway). In your application e-mail you do NOT need to include your address or any personal information other than your name and e-mail. We will only ask the mailing address to the winners of the tickets after the draw is over.
Application period: June 7-July 1, 2012
Prize: A dining ticket for two
Number of winners: 2 winners (2 pairs)
*The winners will receive an e-mail from Mais Co., Ltd. (domain: @mais.co.jp). There will be no announcements of the winner made anywhere on this website. (No names posted.)
*The ticket will be post mailed to the winner by July 8, 2012.
*The ticket can be used any Tony Roma’s branch in Japan.
(Roppongi, Aoyama, Sanbancho, Makuhari WBG, Aeon Mall Kyoto, Okinawa Mihama, Cross Tower A-BAY Aomori)
*Ticket expiry date: September 30, 2012
*For Privacy Policy please see here.
*By sending the application e-mail, Mais Co., Ltd. assumes that the applicant has read and agreed with the privacy policy.
Posted: April 23, 2012

Tony Roma’s family restaurant began forty years ago in North Miami, Florida. Customers loved their barbeque baby back ribs, which have become so popular that it has led to the company’s motto – “Famous for ribs!”. Since then it has expanded into over 30 countries, with more than 250 locations on 6 continents, quickly becoming a favorite of customers all over the world who just can’t get enough of their ribs.
To say thank you for their customers’ support, Tony Roma’s is introducing a special meal to help celebrate their 40th anniversary. Available in all stores worldwide, the “40th Anniversary Signature Combo” combines all the things you love about Tony Roma’s. Their famous ribs, two types of filet steak, and even seafood, all served on one plate. Don’t miss out on this one. It will leave you speechless.
But that’s not all! From June onward Tony Roma’s will be getting nostalgic, reviving some old favorites from the local menus. They’re planning on introducing a really exciting menu, so get ready, and watch this space!

40th Anniversary Signature Combo ¥3,480
Two filet steaks (one sauteed in butter with caramelised onions, the other in a French demi-glace sauce) with chipotle butter shrimp, served alongside their world-famous ribs.
Beautifully presented. Utterly decadent.
To celebrate Tony Roma’s 40th anniversary, The Expat’s Guide to Japan is offering 2 lucky winners a dining ticket for two to the value of 8,000 Yen. See below for present details and application.
Tony Roma’s Website: http://www.tonyromas.jp/ (Japanese)
***********************************************************************************************************************
How to register: Apply by sending us an e-mail to present[at]mais.co.jp (please mention in the e-mail that you are registering for Tony Roma’s Dining Ticket Giveaway). In your application e-mail you do NOT need to include your address or any personal information other than your name and e-mail. We will only ask the mailing address to the winners of the tickets after the draw is over.
Application period: April 23-May 13, 2012
Prize: A dining ticket for two for the following course: One Carafe of Californian wine, One Onion Loaf, One Caesar Romain Salad, One Original Baby back Rib Full Slab, Two cups of coffee.
Number of winners: 2 winners (2 pairs)
*The winners will receive an e-mail from Mais Co., Ltd. (domain: @mais.co.jp). There will be no announcements of the winner made anywhere on this website. (No names posted.)
*The ticket will be post mailed to the winner by May 25, 2012.
*The ticket can only be used at Tony Roma’s Roppongi and Tony Roma’s Aoyama.
*Ticket expiry date: August 31, 2012
*For Privacy Policy please see here.
*By sending the application e-mail, Mais Co., Ltd. assumes that the applicant has read and agreed with the privacy policy.
Posted: April 11, 2012

Grand Central Oyster Bar & Restaurant’s Marunouchi and Shinagawa locations – the only two international branches of New York’s long-standing oyster bar – are having the annual Oyster Frenzy event on May 14&15. Just like at the home restaurant in New York, the event invites oyster and wine lovers to enjoy about 15 seafood dishes including fresh, top quality oysters, and 20 labels of wine from around the world, in an all-you-can-eat & drink buffet style. The extensive list of food menus include raw oysters from Japan and overseas, cooked oyster dishes such as fried oysters and oyster anchovy butter, as well as many other seafood choices. In addition, a variety of wine from France, Italy, US (California, Washington, Oregon, New York, etc.), Australia, New Zealand and more, will be served to accompany the mouth-watering food dishes. The event takes place just once at each location, and tickets are sure to be sold out in a flash moment! Don’t miss this chance!
Dates
Monday, May 14 (Marunouchi) / Tuesday, May 15 (Shinagawa)
Event Hours
6:30pm-9:00pm (Reception desk opens at 6:00pm. Last entry 8:00pm)
Price
10,000 Yen per person (tax and service charge included)
Event Details
Buffet style all-you-can-eat & all-you-can-drink, Draw with prizes including dinner tickets, Live jazz performance, etc.
Tickets
200 tickets per location, FCFS. Ticket sales start on April 14 and tickets are only sold at the Marunouchi and Shinagawa locations. PLEASE NOTE: Advance tickets only. There will be no tickets sold on the day of the event.
Locations
[Marunouchi] Address: Marunouchi MY PLAZA Meiji Seimei Kan B1F, 2-1-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku / Phone: 03-6212-6650 / Map
[Shinagawa] Address: Atre Shinagawa 4F, 2-18-1 Konan, Shinagawa-ku / Phone: 03-6717-0932 / Map
Website
http://www.oysterbartokyo.com/index.html
Posted: March 23, 2012

The popular casual Italian restaurant Capricciosa is ready to color up the year with tomatoes! Among the many ingredients – from veggies to meat and seasonings – tomatoes have always been the key player for Capricciosa since its opening back in 1978. Their tomatoes come from a contracted farmer in Foggia, Puglia in southern Italy, where they are grown with great care for the perfect balance of moisture content, sweetness and sourness. Made from such selected tomatoes, Capricciosa’s tomato sauce has a tender and deep flavor and are used in many of their most popular dishes, represented by their top favorite Tomato & Garlic Spaghetti.

“Buono! Pomodoro!” is an annual promotion that offers those tomato lovers new & limited tomato menus that can be enjoyed with Tomato & Garlic Spaghetti and many other Capricciosa favorites. The new tomato dishes have been created reflecting opinions from their regular customers at a tasting event.
The first launch includes a Tomato Salad Topped with Collagen Gelee which one whole tomato is marinated with dried tomatoes-mixed-in-cream cheese and a collagen jelly topping, and a Pizza Filled with Colorful Tomatoes and Swordfish topped with herb marinated swordfish and fresh tomatoes.

During this “tomato year”, Capricciosa offers you a chance to win gorgeous prizes such as a trip to Italy, an assortment of Italian food, or a dining ticket! To register for these, visit their website (it’s in Japanese only so have a friend help you if you’re not confident with your Japanese) or enjoy a meal at Capricciosa.
But before that… there is also a chance here at The Expat’s Guide to Japan for you to win a dining ticket that you can use at any of the Capricciosa branches in Japan! Check out the details below!!
Capricciosa Website: http://www.capricciosa.com/
***********************************************************************************************************************
How to register: Apply through our Facebook Page or send us an e-mail to info[at]mais.co.jp (please mention in the e-mail that you are registering for Capricciosa Dining Ticket Giveaway).
Application period: March 23-April 22, 2012
Prize: A dining ticket for two people (worth 4,000 Yen… with the ticket, the pair can enjoy 1 drink each, 1 salad for two, 1 plate of pasta each OR 1 pizza each OR 1 plate of pasta and 1 pizza, and 1 coffee each).
Number of winners: 2 winners (2 pairs, 4 people)
*Winners will be sent an e-mail from Mais Co., Ltd. (e-mail domain @mais.co.jp) and will be asked for mailing address only via e-mail after the application closes. There will be no announcements made anywhere on this website or on Facebook.
*Winners will receive the ticket by April 27, 2012, unless otherwise informed.
*The ticket can be used at any of the Capricciosa branches in Japan.
*The ticket is for eating in only (cannot be used for take-aways).
*Ticket expiry date: July 31, 2012
*For Privacy Policy please see here.

















