1,Introduction
Japanese dagashi has long been a friend of Japanese children because of its diversity, uniqueness, and affordability. They also have great appeal to foreigners because they offer a taste of old-fashioned Japan.
The lineup of Japanese dagashi is extremely diverse and includes chocolate, gum, gummies, candies, snacks, and many other genres.
Foreigners can also enjoy the unique flavors and shapes that only Japan can offer.
In addition, dagashi are extremely inexpensive, costing from tens to hundreds of yen.
Just by going to a candy store with 100 yen in hand, you can easily try many different kinds, making them popular as souvenirs.
500 yen is a lot of money to spend in a candy shop.
The packages of dagashi are often colorful and fun designs, often with characters or cartoon illustrations.
This makes the dagashi more attractive and photo-worthy, making them popular on social networking sites.
Many of the dagashi contain elements and surprises that can be played with as well as eaten.
For example, some contain small toys, candy that changes flavors, and you can get another piece when you hit a prize, which doubles the fun.
Dagashi is deeply connected with the culture of the common people of Japan and childhood memories.
Through dagashi, you can feel the culture and history of Japan, as well as the unique flavors of the region.
2, Hue ramune
The first is the fueramune. Hue Ramune is not just a Ramune candy, but is in the shape of a flute that makes a sound when blown.
It has the element of a toy that can be enjoyed by both children and adults, and is attractive in that it can be played with as well as eaten.
The shape of the fueramune is circular with a hole in the center, which is the secret to its sound as a flute.
If you’re a teacher, I recommend using a Huehlamune as a substitute for a whistle and using it in physical education class.
Since it is a disposable form, there is no hygiene problem.
You can work while licking the Ramune, and if the glucose in the Ramune reaches your brain, sleepiness will fly away and your concentration on your work will improve.
It is more than worth the price because it allows students who are preparing for exams or who are too confined to their rooms to concentrate on what they want to do, and it can be used as a signal for parents to deliver a nighttime snack or meal to your room by blowing a whistle.
The packaging is also colorful, cute, and eye-catching.
Huey Ramune is small and lightweight, making it easy to take home as a souvenir.
They also make great little gifts for friends and family.
Price Ramune 8 pieces, approx. 70 yen
3, kibidango
The second is Kibidango.
Kibidango is an old traditional Japanese confectionery, especially famous for its appearance in the story of Momotaro.
The sense of history and culture is attractive to foreigners.
If you find someone you want to be your friend like Momotaro, just give them a kibidango and they will become your friend.
Shy children will find it easier to communicate with you if you give them a kibidango.
People can’t help but smile when they eat something sweet, so you can win their hearts.
You may even be able to use it to seduce a girl. With a smug look on your face, say, “Want some?” and try saying it in a cool way.
Kibidango is made from millet and glutinous rice flour, and is characterized by its natural sweetness and rustic flavor.
They are not overly sweet and allow you to enjoy the flavor of the ingredients.
Kibidango is a confectionery that offers a sticky, glutinous texture.
This unique texture is an attraction not found in foreign confections, and provides the pleasure of eating it.
Kibidango is made with relatively simple ingredients and contains few additives, making it easily accepted by health-conscious people.
They are good for you and do not make you fat.
Price Approximately 60 yen per piece
4, 10 yen gum
The third is 10-yen gum.
Japanese 10 yen gum is a charming candy filled with nostalgic flavor and fun.
This little gum is a symbol of Japan’s candy culture and is loved by children and adults of all ages.
As the name suggests, 10 yen gum is a reasonably priced snack that can be purchased for only 10 yen.
Since it can be easily enjoyed with pocket money, children can easily buy it with their allowance.
Another feature of 10 yen gum is that it comes in a variety of flavors, such as fruit, soda, and cola.
The bite-size pieces are easy to eat, and there is also the fun of collecting several kinds to compare and contrast.
Since it is different from toothpaste gum, chewing 10 yen gum when you forget to brush your teeth or when you are worried about bad breath is not effective.
However, if you are short on money, you can save money by chewing 10-yen gum diligently to satisfy your satiety.
Some 10-yen chewing gum comes with a prize.
This is a special treat for children because it is a small surprise that they can get another piece of gum if they hit a prize.
Some children are so eager to win that they will buy 10-yen gum until they get a hit.
I am worried about the future of these children who may end up going to pachinko parlors.
Ten-yen gum is a staple of Japanese candy stores.
It is a nostalgic way to experience the atmosphere of an old-fashioned candy store.
It is also recommended as part of your exposure to traditional Japanese candy culture.
Lightweight and not too bulky, 10-yen gum is a great souvenir for your trip to Japan.
It will be a great little gift while experiencing Japan’s candy culture.
Price 10 yen per piece
5、Introduction to a candy store
Here are three stores in Tokyo where you can get candy.
- Ichise Shoten (Arakawa-ku, Tokyo)
Address: 5-3-11 Minami-Senju, Arakawa-ku, Tokyo
Description: Ichise Shoten is a place where you can enjoy nostalgic video games along with old-fashioned candy in a retro Showa-era atmosphere.
In addition to an assortment of old-fashioned dagashi, it is also a place where game enthusiasts can have fun.
- yorimichiya (Edogawa-ku, Tokyo)
Address: Proud Mizue 102, 2-4-3 Mizue, Edogawa-ku, Tokyo
Description: Yorimichiya is a safe place for people who have withdrawn from society.
At the place, you can relax on the sofa, watch TV, and eat snacks from the candy shop next door.
The candy shop also offers work experience, aiming to promote social connection and independence through work.
- manekiya (machida city)
Address: 4-5-12 Haramachida, Machida City, Tokyo
Description: Manekiya is a candy shop located near Machida Station.
With a large selection of candy and toys, visitors can enjoy the retro Showa-era atmosphere while choosing from a wide variety of candy.
It is a fun place to visit with family or friends.
6, Summary
The diversity, unique designs, ease of use, and fun tricks of the trade make Japanese dagashi very appealing to foreigners.
The candy shops introduced above have a retro atmosphere that dates back to the Showa period, and the moment you step into the store, you will be transported back to the Japan of old.
The shop also offers a wide variety of candy and toys.
It is a warm community place where local children gather with 100 yen in their pockets.
Rich kids have 500 yen.
If you have 1,000 yen in your pocket, you are a rich man.
Please feel free to visit us.
Because you can feel the joy of Japanese culture and daily life through dagashi, it is a popular souvenir for tourists and foreign students alike.
