Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on July 2013

Purveyors of green gold the Nanaya Matcha Sweets Factory have diversified their portfolio to include large animals of the savannah and grassy plains. Their new Animal Tea Party set of cuddly shapes sit soaking in your cuppa while it steeps. A groovin’ giraffe, happy hippo, eager elephant, movin’ monkey and laid-back lion will all kick back in your cup of matcha-infused green tea when you need something genki. For insomniacs, an almost-awake alpaca, snoozing sheep, bedded bear, and one very relaxed raccoon will soak in the caffeine-free hojicha (roasted green tea) night-time version—which is also child friendly, if you’re worried about monkeys jumping on the bed all night. The company also offers matcha gelato, matcha roll cake, matcha senbei, matcha cookies, matcha fresh cream daifuku… You get the idea.

¥525 per five-bag set; six sets for ¥3,000. www.nanaya-matcha.com