Japan Crate is a monthly subscription box service that sends candy and snacks straight from Japan. The box aims to “recreate the excitement of exploring Japan through fun candy and everything kawaii."
There are 3 crate sizes to choose from: Mini ($12/month), Original ($25/month), and Premium ($30/month).
This review is for the Premium, $30 a month, crate.
This box was sent to us at no cost for review. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes.)
The Subscription Box: Japan Crate
The Cost: $12 a month for the Mini crate, $25 a month for the Original crate, $30 a month for the Premium crate. Free shipping to the U.S. Save with 3, 6, and 12-month subscriptions
The Products: Candy and snacks from Japan!
Ships to: Internationally with exceptions found here.
Check out all of our Japan Crate reviews and the Food Subscription Box Directory!
Keep Track of all Your Subscriptions: Add Japan Crate to your subscription list or wishlist!
Each box comes with a “manga-zine” that provides details around the snacks included in each box. There are also some pages devoted to Japanese culture and fun facts. This month's is the "3 Year Anniversary Issue."
Super Mario Mega Gummies
The first snack in August's anniversary Japan Crate is somewhat interactive in that you must make the gummies yourself. I wish that I enjoyed this trend in Japanese candy more than I do. I get that it's supposed to be a fun activity, but I just want to, I don't know, eat my snacks without putting in too much effort (commonly known as 'snack laziness'). These gummies would be absolutely ideal to prepare with kids, though -- especially with the fun Mario backdrop to set your finished candy on.
Tsunaage Arare: French Dressing
These crispy twists were delightfully airy. They tasted like corn to me, though the description stated that the "refreshing taste of French Dressing on crisp, light rice crackers will remind you of a summer salad!" ...so I guess they're made of rice!
Blueberry & Strawberry Nodo Ame
These sweet hard candies had a bit of tang to them, and they also contain Vitamin A. Both fruit flavors were really awesome, but I think I preferred the blueberry version. Love that they're individually packaged too.
Mike Popcorn: Noodle Broth Base Flavor
Last month, I got to try Mike Popcorn's lemon flavor (delicious!). This month's version was much more savory. The noodle broth flavor of this popcorn had a real umami quality that was super unique.
Hi-Chew Shizouka Crown Melon
This chewy melon candy had a really dense texture that I wasn't expecting. Despite its thick consistency being sort of off-putting, the flavor was nice! I think this melon thing happening with so many Japanese candies is starting to grow on me.
Fanta Kiwi + E
This Japan-only flavor was sweet and tropical. I don't normally drink sodas, but I guess the added vitamin E made the experience a bit less guilt-inducing.
Chip Star: Seaweed Salt
I found the "norishio," or seaweed salt flavor, of these chips to be quite subtle. They were super airy, and I can't help but draw a comparison to Pringles.
Biroroon Pop
This grape lollipop has a Ring Pop-like vibe -- you are supposed to stick a finger through the plastic coil to eat. Sort of silly, but another fun kid treat!
Tiny Bakauke: Seaweed
Now, I love seaweed flavor, but these were quite strong. The little banana-shaped rice crackers are crunchy and more substantial than I was expecting, and they definitely pack a punch. Must love seaweed!
Fu Ramune + Bonus Toy Box
I can't say that I totally understood this candy. The packaging described it as "whistle candy," so I was, maybe gullibly, expecting some sort of... noise? Instead, these are sort of crumbly candy rings in a "grape ramune" flavor. Maybe I missed something.
Grape Gummies
Definitely sensing a bit of a grape theme in this month's box! These gummies are familiar and very tasty. Nothing too unusual here!
Puchi Puchi Uranai Chocolate: Strawberry
The idea behind this candy's packaging was right up my alley! I just wish that I could read Japanese to understand the fortunes! The candy's name means "pop-pop fortune-telling chocolate," and you are to match the secret symbol on each candy's foil backing to a key in order to reveal your fortune. The candy is delicious even if I didn't get a glimpse into my future!
7 Stick Milk Cream
Crispy wafers filled with milk-flavored cream! Yum! I just wish that there were more cream and less wafer. The ratio seemed to be a bit off with the filling.
Kawarimi Gyogyo Gum
With 4 gum sticks in a package, you are to mix and match flavors to find your perfect combo. Choose from green apple (green), grape (purple), yogurt (blue), and peach (pink).
One Piece Pen BONUS!
Decorated with the popular anime One Piece, this pen has different ink color options and a handy attached cord.
Verdict: I enjoyed this month's Japan Crate a lot! It would have been nice to receive more of a mix of savory and sweet (this box definitely skewed toward the candy side), but I also felt that there was more substance in this box compared to previous months, with larger-sized items. Perhaps this was because it was the 3-year anniversary crate, or maybe I am just imagining things. There were 14 snacks in my box, plus a bonus toy, so the value per item in this month’s shipment is $2 (same as previous months). Totally worth it if you're interested in Japanese snacks and culture. As fun as it is to explore new snack flavors, the packaging of all of these treats is still my favorite part of the experience!
What did you think about the products in this month's Japan Crate?
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