Baskin Robbins Japan are always quick to celebrate an occasion with a new ice cream flavour, or special ice cream set. They released a whole ice cream cake for the release of the latest Star Wars movie, and they’re also on the ball when it comes to holidays such as Halloween and Christmas.

Their latest celebratory product is the perfect treat for Hina-matsuri.

Hina-matsuri, also known as Girls’ Day, is a day of celebration in which Japanese people pray for the continued health and growth of their female children. It takes place on 3rd March.

The customary decoration of Girls' Day is a tiered stand called a 'hinadan', populated with ornamental dolls representing the imperial household. Two dolls representing the position of the Emperor and Empress, often flanked by blossom-adorned lamps, are to be found at the top. More elaborate sets will include a number of lower platforms, filled with dolls symbolising various attendants, musicians and helpers.

For their special Hina-matsuri inspired ice cream set, Baskin Robbins Japan have recast the emperor and empress figures as an instantly recognisable cartoon power couple, Mickey and Minnie Mouse.

The adorable take-out box has Mickey and Minnie in the ‘top’ row with a pink and floral background which mimics that of an actual hinadan decoration, even including the lanterns in the design. Then there’s three ‘attendant’ ice cream scoops, decorated with chocolate bows and a celebratory chocolate plate that reads ‘2020 Hina-matsuri’.

The outside of the box is decorated with Disney characters wearing the traditional court dress of the Heian period, just like Hina-matsuri dolls.

The set comes with five cups of ice cream all together, and any flavour can be chosen for the scoops. The 'Mickey and Minnie Hinadan Kazari' box will be on sale in branches of Baskin Robbins until Girls Day itself on 3rd March, and costs 1850 yen.


By - Jess.