I, hiikun, love sweets.
Through this blog site, I have featured a variety of sweets so far.
Of course, I took cakes, too.
About two years ago, I wrote about a strawberry shortcake from a certain shop.
Reference: Introducing the most delicious strawberry sponge cake｜Happiness and healing through sweets!
In this article,
I will talk about “mille-crêpe”.
It’s one of my favorite kinds of cake.
What’s more,
what I am focusing on this time is not just any mille-crêpe.
This is said to be the original mille-crêpe.
Its name is “Hajimari*.” *beginning
It is offered by the mille-crêpe specialty shop ≪CASANEO≫ .
This is their signature product.
Drawn in by the phrase “the origin of mille-crêpe,”
I actually bought it and gave it a try.
It was delicious, and I was deeply moved.
This time, we’ll explore the original mille-crêpe “Hajimari” of CASANEO.
I’d like to introduce this to my readers.
This article is intended for the following readers.
・For those looking for delicious mille-crêpes
・For those interested in the dessert said to be the origin of mille-crêpe
・For those looking for the perfect treat—whether as a treat for yourself or a gift for someone special
I hope that, by reading this article,
you will surely come to appreciate the charm of the original mille-crêpe.
Since this is the original, I really hope you’ll try this mille-crêpe—it has a special something to it.
Thank you for your cooperation.
What is a mille-crêpe?
Some of you may not know what a mille-crêpe is.
Here, I’d like to explain what a mille-crêpe is.
*If you already know this, feel free to skip ahead.
Crepes themselves are a baked dessert that originated in the Brittany region of northwestern France.
It is said that crepes were introduced to Japan in the 1970s.
As the name “milk crepe” suggests,
a mille-crêpe is a cake made by layering multiple crêpes and cream alternately.
The French phrase “mille crêpe,” which means “a thousand crepes,”
Apparently, that’s where the name comes from.
Between the layers, there’s not just cream,
but also other ingredients such as fruit, chocolate, and more may also be used.
I had always thought that mille-crêpes, like crêpes, originated in France.
However, as I looked into it further, I was surprised to learn that this cake actually originated in Japan.
In 1988 (Showa 63), at the restaurant “L’Eau de Durière” in Azabu, Tokyo,
it is said to have been created by Chef Toshishige Sekine, who used to work there.
First, let’s take a look at what a mille-crêpe is.
This is a mille-crêpe.
The item I have shown as example is:
This is a mille-crêpe from “Pâtisserie Lier,” a Western-style pastry shop in Taisho Ward, Osaka City—my hometown.
*This is one of the shops featured in a previous article I wrote introducing recommended sweets in Taisho Ward.
If you’re interested, please take a look at the article below.
Reference: 【Recommended by locals】 Three recommended gourmet shops and restaurants in Taisho Ward｜Sweets
As you can see,
this is a very simple cake made solely of crepe batter and cream.
It seems there are also products that use ingredients other than cream, such as fruit and chocolate.
But, I, hiikun, like the ones made with just cake and cream the best.
Now that you understand what a mille-crêpe is,
let’s get to the point.
In the next section,
I would like to introduce “Hajimari,” CASANEO’s signature product,
which was created by Toshishige Sekine, known as the inventor of the mille-crêpe
CASANEO’s Mille-Crêpe “Hajimari (The Beginning)”
There are only three CASANEO brick-and-mortar stores nationwide.
One of them is in Tokyo, another is in Kanagawa, and the remaining one is in Osaka.
(As of October 2026)
In Osaka,
It is located on the first basement level in the food section ofthe Hankyu Department Store Umeda Main Store.
The package also states, “Milk Crepe was created in Japan in 1988.”
After finishing dinner, it was time to dig in.
This is the “Hajimari” mille-crêpe, supervised by Toshishige Sekine,
who is said to be the creator of the mille-crêpe.
Since the product name is 【Hajimari/Beginning】,
this is truly the original mille-crêpe.
Captivated by its beauty,
I just stood there staring at it for a few minutes.
Well then, let’s enjoy it with some coffee.
Compared to the mille-crêpe from “Pâtisserie Lier” introduced in the previous section,
I got the impression that the amount of cream was on the light side.
Not only is there less cream, but it’s also less sweet.
Fresh, light cream, and,
The subtle bitterness and toasty aroma created by the caramelization.
They bring out the flavor of the crepe batter.
The mille-crêpe from Pâtisserie Lier, mentioned earlier, is also quite delicious.
I’ve also tried mille-crêpes from various other shops.
They were all unique and delicious.
CASANEO’s “Hajimari” mille-crêpe was absolutely amazing.
Crepe batter, cream, and the bitter and toasty notes from the caramelized surface.
Everything was in perfect harmony.
It was really delicious, and,
I was very impressed.
I’d say this is the best mille-crêpe I’ve ever had.
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I polished off the last one in the blink of an eye.
Well,
the mille-crêpe I has this time wasn’t just a simple after-dinner dessert.
Since I had pretty hectic days in work in late September,
it was a wonderful reward for all my hard work.
I was able to enjoy a moment of pure bliss with the best mille-crêpe.
Thank you for the meal. Gochisousamadesita!
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Summary
This time,
I introduced CASANEO’s mille-crêpe.
What did you think?
As someone who loves mille-crêpes—hiikun—
I am so happy to have discovered the original mille-crêpe.
It was much more delicious than I expected.
It really satisfies me.
I really hope all of you readers will give it a try.
As a little treat for yourself after working hard,
As a gift for someone special
I highly recommend it.
Since the number of stores that carry this product is limited,
it might be hard to just pop out and buy it.
However,
you can also purchase it online.
If the opportunity arises,
please give it a try.
I sincerely hope that all my readers will have a wonderful time eating this delicious mille-crêpe,
which holds a special status as the original mille-crêpe.
Thank you very much for reading to the end once again.
See you in the next article.
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