In July 2018, after a little food tour at Umeda Food Hall in Hankyu Sanbangai, I peeked into "Ultraman World M78" on the B1F of Hankyu Sanbangai North Building. I was worried it would be all kids, but there were quite a few adult customers too, which was a relief. I must admit that I haven't really watched the Ultraman series much. I only had Leo and Astra figures when I was a kid. (By the way, I was more of a Kamen Rider Amazon fan). Anyway, I quickly browsed through the store. They had clothes, toys, and more lined up, but they also had snacks and drinks that seemed like they could be good for a review on Tabelog. So, I bought the following items: - Galaxy Sparkling Champagne 450 yen - Handmade Rice Crackers (Ume Chidori) 800 yen I bought the Champagne because I remember having it at birthday parties when I was a kid, but I haven't had it in at least 30 years. I wanted to see what flavor it was, exactly. By the way, Champagne is a sparkling drink with a cork like Champagne, made and sold by companies under the National Champagne Association, and apparently, major beverage manufacturers don't produce it due to regulations. I brought it home, chilled it, and had it for breakfast. The taste was like a slightly sweet, fizzy drink, not quite like soda or Champagne, more like a diluted grape Fanta. It's actually quite tasty though. The rice crackers were also good, with a nice sourness from the plum flavor. They were delicious. (Although I felt like the container was a bit overpriced). Thanks for the meal!

Yesterday, following lunch, I attacked a 250g "sirloin steak" and a large serving of rice with "tantanmen" at the Umeda Food Hall on the 2nd floor of the north building of Hankyu Sanbangai. I ate so much that my stomach was bulging, and I couldn't eat anymore. As I went up to the 1st floor of the north building to do some shopping, I came across an exciting store - "Ultraman World M78 Osaka Store" and couldn't help but stop by. I was obsessed with the Ultraman series by Tsuburaya Productions, from Ultraman Q to Ultraman to Ultraseven, during my childhood when I watched them on black and white TV. Although I don't know anything about the recent series, I pushed through the crowd of parents and children to browse the store. I found the following items, all including tax: "Children's beer" for 300 yen, "Character bottle water" for 350 yen, and "Ultraman gum" with 2 pieces for 100 yen. The name "M78" in the store name refers to the fictional setting of Ultraman's home planet "M78 Seiun," located 3 million light years away from the Milky Way galaxy. In fact, it actually exists next to the three stars lined up in the center of the Orion constellation. I remember buying a telescope in my first year of junior high to look for it. The "Children's beer" naturally has 0% alcohol and looks like beer with caramel coloring, but the foam disappears immediately without waiting for the 3-minute color timer. It is a carbonated drink made with glucose solution, sweet and easy to drink, but it might make children feel more grown-up to toast with dad. The more expensive "Character bottle water" shocked me when I found out the price at the register, as there was no price displayed on the shelf. It's just a regular mineral water in a bottle shaped like Ultraman. I couldn't think of any use for the empty bottle. The "Ultraman gum" contained 4 grape-flavored gummies molded into the shape of Ultraman. Even if you try to peel it off the plastic mold with your fingers, it's impossible as it sticks tightly. I had to bite it off and eat it as it is. Even if a child managed to take it out with sticky fingers, it would stretch and lose its Ultraman shape. Ultraman was my favorite, followed by "Astro Boy" and "Star of the Giants." It was fun to time travel back over half a century ago. Enjoy your meal! (●^o^●) ===========