Sega's logo-shaped taiyaki: Classic flavor with a vanilla twist

In an uninspired yet surprisingly tasty twist, video game-maker Sega is offering taiyaki (usually fish-shaped pancakes filled with adzuki bean jam) at a special stand outside its Ikebukuro arcade until Sept. 30.

Considering the roster of the company’s characters (Sonic the Hedgehog chief amongst them), the actual appearance of this limited-edition taiyaki (¥300) isn’t particularly thrilling for anyone besides the folks who have stockpiled copies of “Shenmue” in their apartment. It’s just a fried-batter version of the company’s recognizable, but plain, logo. But I guess there’s a market for it somewhere out there, as they seem to be selling OK.

To be fair, the taste is surprisingly solid. Don’t expect major deviations from your usual fish-shaped sweet, but the highlight here comes from the use of vanilla bean, making the filling inside all the sweeter and memorable. It’s a goofy exterior, but enjoyable nonetheless.

LATEST FOOD & DRINK STORIES

Chef Zaiyu Hasegawa (second from right) and his team from Japanese restaurant Den receive the Art of Hospitality award at the World's 50 Best Restaurants awards ceremony on Wednesday at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore.

Two Tokyo eateries included on World's 50 Best Restaurants list: Two restaurants in Tokyo were included on an annual list of the World's 50 Best Restaurants, in 11th and 22nd place, respectively, in a ceremony Tuesday in Singapore. Japanese restaurant Den jum...

Hustle and bustle: Osaka Ikuno Koreatown's Miyuki-dori shopping street has around 120 stores selling Korean food and products.

Discovering a Japanese-Korean fusion feast in Osaka Ikuno Koreatown: Miyuki-dori is a 500-meter-long shopping street that runs between Sokaido Street and the Hirano River in Osaka's Ikuno Ward. Since the beginning of the Showa Era (1926-89), when Korean settlers in ...

Punk and proud: Before opening Shokudo Marushin, Shintaro Nakamura was a founding member and vocalist for punk band First Alert.

Shokudo Marushin: Light, flavorful teishoku meals: Shokudo Marushin is Shintaro Nakamura's second act. Now 50, the rake-thin chef's story has alternated between cooking and music. From sushi and punk to power pop and teishoku (set menu cui...