May 2026: 10 Japanese Snacks Our Community Loved This Month

May has been a great month at Fuji Time. We shipped boxes to subscribers across 15 countries, discovered new dagashi to add to our rotation, and watched our community grow. As the month wraps up, here are the 10 Japanese snacks that got the most positive feedback from our subscribers this month.

1. Nerunerunerune Grape

The DIY color-changing candy was a smash hit. Subscribers love the visual transformation and the surprisingly good grape flavor. Many posted videos of their kids reacting to the color change for the first time.

Best response: "My six-year-old has watched ten YouTube videos about this. The actual candy did not disappoint."

2. Kinoko no Yama / Takenoko no Sato Combo

We included both in some May boxes, and subscribers immediately took sides. The Kinoko vs Takenoko debate played out in our community comments. Takenoko narrowly won this month's informal poll, 54% to 46%.

3. Pokémon Wafer Chocolate

The sticker inside became a conversation topic. Several subscribers reported their kids organizing trading meets at school. The chocolate wafer was a pleasant surprise — most expected lower quality.

4. Umaibo Corn Potage

The classic Umaibo flavor lived up to its reputation. Several first-time Umaibo eaters said they understood why this is the most popular flavor.

5. Fue Ramune

The whistle candy was the unexpected breakout star of May. Multiple subscribers said it was the first thing their kids ran to show grandparents over video call. Nostalgic adults loved it too.

6. Country Ma'am (Strawberry Limited Edition)

The seasonal strawberry version of Country Ma'am surprised subscribers who didn't expect Japanese cookies to be this soft. Several asked where they could buy more.

7. Manmaru Milk

Tiny, simple, and incredibly nostalgic. Subscribers compared them to American milk caramels but said the Japanese version was creamier and more "real."

8. Hi-Chew Mango

The mango variety of Hi-Chew converted several Starburst loyalists. The realistic mango flavor and softer texture were the main selling points.

9. Bisco

Multiple subscribers commented that Bisco tastes like "a healthier Oreo." Once we explained the 90-year history, they appreciated it even more.

10. Tabekko Doubutsu

The animal-shaped biscuits with English animal names became unexpectedly popular with English-language families. Several parents reported their kids learning new English animal names while snacking.

What We're Adding in June

Based on this month's feedback, we're adding more of these to upcoming boxes: more DIY candy kits (Popin' Cookin' selections), more limited-edition seasonal flavors as summer approaches, more Pokémon and character-themed snacks, a wider variety of Hi-Chew flavors.

What's Not Returning

A few snacks didn't perform as well this month, and we'll rotate them out: strong fish-flavored snacks (kabayaki-san style) — too polarizing for first-time subscribers. Bitter matcha-heavy snacks — pleasant for some, off-putting for others.

These will still appear occasionally, but won't be staples.

Community Highlights

This month's community engagement has been incredible. Subscribers are posting unboxing videos, reaction reels, and side-by-side snack comparisons. A few subscribers have even started their own Japanese snack content channels after discovering us.

We love seeing this. Japan's snack culture deserves to be shared, and our community is doing the work of spreading it across the world.

What's Coming in June

Summer in Japan means new snacks. Salt-flavored Kit Kats. Watermelon-themed candies. Frozen drinks. Ramune limited editions.

Our June Seasonal Surprise Box will feature an expanded summer lineup — get ready for some of Japan's best seasonal exclusives.

Thank you for an amazing May. Here's to discovering more Japanese snacks together.

Join us for June → https://fujitime-japan.com/products/seasonal-surprise-box