The Story of Marion Crêpes

Beginnings in Shibuya

Marion Crêpes was founded in 1976 on Koen-Dori in Shibuya, bringing a touch of Parisian charm to Tokyo. At the time, Japan was embracing Western culture while developing its own style.

Founder Iwao Kishi spent seven years in France after university before returning to Japan. The idea for crêpes came to him as he recalled the feeling of autumn. In 1976, he opened the first shop in a corner of a parking lot. Eating crêpes wrapped in paper was a new concept in Japan, and the shop quickly drew attention from the media.

Establishing a Presence in Harajuku

In 1977, a second shop opened on Takeshita Street, where it still stands today. Harajuku was beginning to transform into a hub of youth culture, and Marion Crêpes became part of that trend.

Originally made with a touch of liqueur, the crêpes evolved to include whipped cream, ice cream, and fruit—helping to create what’s now known as the “Japanese-style crêpe.” Marion became a pioneer in shaping the cheerful, colorful image of crêpe shops across Japan.

Growth and Sharing Our Crêpes Abroad

After expanding to locations like the resort town of Karuizawa, Marion Crêpes continued to grow in popularity. Although many shops adopted a similar style, few stood the test of time.

While the founder eventually stepped back, the brand has remained dedicated to the pursuit of high quality crêpes, now operating around a hundred shops across Japan.
We are also delighted to now be available in Malaysia, where we hope customers will enjoy the same beloved crêpes that have been popular in Japan for decades.

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