Japan is known for its creativity, especially in food and candy. Some Japanese sweets are simple and traditional. Others are newer creations that have become very popular. Some are even used as thank-you gifts by Japan’s royal family. Here are some of the most unusual Japanese candies and sweets. They could be funny gifts for friends back home or local treats you might end up liking. Remember, each one is unique and special in its own way. So, don’t be afraid to try something new. You might just find your new favorite sweet treat! Enjoy exploring the world of Japanese confections. It’s a journey full of surprises and delicious discoveries. Happy tasting!
KitKat
The famous Japanese KitKat is available in many flavors. You can find everything from the slightly bitter taste of matcha to the strong flavor of hot-pepper yuzu, a type of citrus. There’s also Yubari melon and pumpkin, but without the spice. Most of these flavors are not sold outside of Japan. That’s what makes the Japanese KitKat so special. It has become a popular souvenir. Many tourists buy the special editions to send to their friends and family.
So, if you ever visit Japan, don’t forget to try these unique KitKat flavors. You might find a new favorite! And remember, it’s not just about the taste. It’s also about the experience of trying something new and different.
Popin’ Cookin’
You can use these candy-making kits at home to make cute, tiny versions of sweet treats or even savory ones. Unlike an Easy Bake Oven, where the treats are just smaller versions of the real thing, these creations are all made of candy. Two of the most popular kits are the sushi and doughnuts ones. The sushi kit comes with candy that looks like ikura, which are fish eggs. The doughnut kit comes with a flexible ‘dough’ to shape the donuts.
So, if you’re looking for a fun and tasty activity, why not give these kits a try? You can have fun making them and then enjoy eating your creations. Plus, you can share them with your friends and family. They’ll be amazed at your candy-making skills!
Konpeitō
Konpeitō, also spelled as kompeitō, are small candies that look like confetti. They have a rich history. Portuguese traders introduced them in the 16th century. Because they needed a lot of sugar, they were expensive and considered a luxury.
People even used them as a way to bribe others with large amounts. Today, anyone can buy these sweet, but not very flavorful, snacks. Despite this, the Imperial House of Japan, which is like their royal family, still gives konpeitō as a thank-you gift to visitors.
Wagashi
Wagashi — tea-time confections – exist in a variety of forms and sizes, and frequently resemble natural things or complete settings. Yōkan is one of the most traditional kind of Japanese wagashi sweets. It’s a gelatin dish prepared with agar, sugar, and red bean (adzuki) paste. This sort of wagashi has turned into a piece of beauty thanks to modern gelatin-making recipes. The wagashi artist can create a lifelike scene with transparent gelatin that you’ll want to keep on display rather than eat.
Local Specialty Drops
These unusual candies look and feel like regular drop sweets. But what makes them different are their unique flavors. They are called regional specialty drops because they taste like local foods. For example, you can find candies that taste like takoyaki (grilled squid balls) or okonomiyaki (savory cabbage pancakes) from Osaka. There are also candies that taste like noodles from Kumamoto. These candies are a fun and strange idea.
Some people might not like the taste, but they make great souvenirs. They remind you of the places they come from. So, if you’re ever in Japan, why not try these candies? You might find a flavor you like. And even if you don’t, you’ll have a fun story to tell about the time you tried a candy that tasted like noodles or squid balls!
Usagi Manju (Rabbit Bun)
Manju is a type of sweet treat from Japan. It’s more like a cake, but it’s still considered a candy. It’s made from rice flour, just like mochi, which are sticky rice cakes. Manju is loved in Japan because it’s affordable and versatile. It has been a favorite snack in Japan for over 700 years. The most famous type of manju is shaped like a bunny. You can often see it in popular culture. People usually eat manju during special events in the fall, like the autumn moon-viewing or fall festivals.
Moko Moko Mokolet toilet bowl candy
Moko Moko Mokolet is a fun DIY kit. When you put it together, it makes a tiny toilet bowl that has sweet foam coming out of it.
Each kit comes with 5 plastic pieces to make the toilet bowl. It also has 2 packets of sugar powder, a straw, and stickers. You have to build the toilet bowl yourself. Then, you can decorate it with the stickers.
Next, you put the candy powder and some water into the toilet tank. Stir it with the straw that comes with the kit. Then, watch as the candy foam starts to flow out of the toilet bowl. Yummy!
There are at least 8 different versions of this candy toilet DIY kit. The flavor of the candy powder changes depending on the kit. Some flavors are strawberry, cola, and melon. And don’t throw away the plastic toilet bowl when you’re done. You can use it again or just keep it as a decoration.
