Introducing the "été × HERALBONY｜Chocolat BOX" chocolate collection.

Collaboration with Chef Natsuko Shoji of "été"

Chocolate Box "été x HERALBONY | Chocolat BOX" is Born

The chocolate box was created through the collaboration between Natsuko Shoji, chef of été, and Heralbony. The box and shopper are adorned with "Father and Starry Sky 2," a work by contract artist Haruka Asano. This gift combines the feelings of someone thinking of another with the expression of the artist. It is a chocolate box where the creativity of disabled artists intertwines with été, which has transcended the boundaries of art.

HERALBONY x été Collaboration Background

Ms. Shoji has a younger sister with an intellectual disability. She hopes to become more involved in the world of people with disabilities in the future. This aspiration aligned with Heralbony's mission to "transform the perception of disability," leading to their current collaboration.

Furthermore, Ms. Shoji met Haruka Asano, the Grand Prix winner of the previous year (2024), at the awards ceremony for the HERALBONY Art Prize 2025, an international art award hosted by Heralbony. The moment they met, she felt that "they were destined to meet." This connection became the decisive catalyst for shaping this collaboration. The artwork adorning the box and shopper is "Father and Starry Sky 2" by Haruka Asano. It is a piece that captures Ms. Asano's thoughts on her father, depicting many images of him.

Special Talk Event to Be Held

To commemorate the release of "été × HERALBONY | Chocolat BOX," a talk event will be held at HERALBONY LABORATORY GINZA (Ginza Store) on Saturday, January 31st, "Diversity Day."

At this event, we will welcome Natsuko Shoji, Haruka Asano, and Takaya Matsuda to discuss the background of their collaboration, the creative process where art and food intersect, and the meaning of opening society to "diversity."

Participation in this talk event requires prior registration via the form below.
We encourage you to take this opportunity to join us.

Application Form
https://forms.gle/A5peQYw2SQUym7mVA

Application Deadline
January 25, 2026 (Sunday) 23:59

été × HERALBONY｜Chocolate BOX

Retailers
HERALBONY LABORATORY GINZA
Hours: 11:00-19:00
Address: 2-5-16 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
https://heralbony.com/pages/hlg

HERALBONY ISAI PARK
Hours: 10:00-19:00 (Cafe 10:00-19:00)
Address: 1-10-1 Saien, Morioka-shi, Iwate
https://isaipark.heralbony.com/

Price
5,400 yen (tax included)

Release Date
From January 23, 2026 (Friday)

*Not available on the official online store.
*Limited quantity available. Sales will end once stock runs out.

Flavor

Palet Cappuccino
A richly flavored hazelnut praline with the aroma of cappuccino.

Mandarine
A fruity ganache shaped like orange segments.

Antillais
A gianduja with crushed almonds, featuring the sweet aroma of coconut.

Citron Vert
A refreshing dark ganache with a lime aroma.
An elegant finish where acidity and rich cacao perfectly harmonize.

Truffe Chocolat
A 70% cacao dark chocolate truffle, made with carefully selected cacao beans.
A dark chocolate truffle characterized by the fruity acidity of "West African cacao beans," thinly coated with aromatic dark chocolate made from "Ecuadorian cacao beans."

Praliné Caramel Salé
A hazelnut praline with salted caramel, where the fragrant nuts and deep sweetness exquisitely blend.

After enjoying the chocolates, you can use the box to store jewelry or small accessories.

Natsuko Shoji
ete Inc.
Owner Chef, Restaurant "été"

Born in Tokyo in 1989. While still in high school, she trained at French restaurants in Tokyo. After graduating, she worked at "Le Jeu de l'Assiette" in Daikanyama and "Florilège" in Minami-Aoyama. In 2014, at the age of 24, she went independent and opened the patisserie "Fleur de été", followed by the restaurant "été" a year later. In March 2020, she became the first Japanese woman to win the "Asia's Best Restaurant Best Pastry Chef Award."

Haruka Asano (Miyagi Prefecture)

Haruka Asano creates works on the themes of illness and life, using motifs such as starry skies, coral, living creatures, family, and her original character, "Chibi." Diagnosed with schizophrenia at age 20, she searched for "what she could do" during repeated hospitalizations and discharges, and began painting seriously at age 29. Feeling anxious about a blank sheet of paper, she uses opened rice bags as canvases and begins by tracing their wrinkles. Utilizing the unevenness and tears in the material, she expands her unique world with delicate depictions. She continues her creative activities hoping that her works will foster a deeper understanding of herself and her illness. In 2024, she won the Grand Prix at the HERALBONY Art Prize. Her dream is to exhibit her works in an American museum.

Experience the unknown, taste the world anew: "été × HERALBONY | Chocolat BOX"

An interview with Natsuko Shoji and Haruka Asano.
Perhaps in these uncertain times, overflowing with complex values and countless "truths," we seek something that we can "truly feel." This year's Valentine's chocolates were born from this desire, a collaboration where sensitivities meet. Through their conversation, we delve into the background and inspirations behind this creation.