Japanese Kit Kat are in a category of their own. You might know that Kit Kat are incredibly popular in Japan. But, have you ever wondered how or even why, exactly, a chocolate brand from England became so popular all the way across the waters in Japan?
A LUCKY CHARM: KITKAT
The magic of Kit Kat in Japan begins with a linguistic twist. In Japanese, “Kit Kat” is pronounced as “kitto katto,” which sounds almost identical to “kitto katsu,” a phrase that means “you will surely win.” This happy coincidence turned Kit Kats into a good luck charm, especially among students who are about to take exams.
Imagine this: a parent, wanting to wish their child the best of luck before a big test, hands them a Kit Kat and says, “You’re going to do great!” The Kit Kat isn’t just a snack; it’s a symbol of confidence and good fortune. Over time, this practice became so widespread that Kit Kats became the go-to gift for students during exam season.
But here’s the fun part—many students didn’t actually eat their Kit Kats! Instead, they kept them as a good luck charm, believing that the chocolate bar would help them pass their exams.
MAILING SWEET SUCCESS : KITKAT
In 2009, Nestlé took this idea further. They partnered with Japan Post to create special Kit Kat packages that could be mailed as good luck messages. With a space for a stamp and a personal note, these packages became an instant hit, selling out within a month. The concept of sending a Kit Kat to wish someone luck became so popular that it even played a role in the aftermath of the 2011 tsunami, where people used Kit Kats to send messages of hope and recovery.
A WORLD OF FLAVORS : KITKAT
One of the most exciting things about Japanese Kit Kat is the incredible variety of flavors. While most of us are used to the classic chocolate version, Japan takes Kit Kat flavors to a whole new level. There are over 300 different flavors of Kit Kat in Japan.
Fancy something traditional? How about a green tea Kit Kat? Feeling daring? Try the wasabi flavor. And if you’re visiting a particular region of Japan, you might find unique flavors that you can’t get anywhere else. These regional flavors make Kit Kat a popular souvenir, with travelers picking them up as a way to say, “I thought of you while I was exploring.”
The fun doesn’t stop there. For those with a taste for luxury, Tokyo is home to the Kit Kat Chocolatory, a shop dedicated to high-end, versions of the classic treat. Here, you can indulge in flavors that are as fancy as they are delicious.
MORE THAN JUST A CHOCOLATE BAR!
So, why are Japanese Kit Kats so loved? It’s a combination of luck, creativity, and a row of new flavors to discover. Whether they’re being used as a good luck charm, a thoughtful gift, or just a tasty snack, Japanese Kit Kats have become more than just a chocolate bar, they’re a cultural experience.
So, next time you bite into a Kit Kat, remember—you’re not just enjoying a chocolate bar; you taste a piece of Japan’s rich culture.
