
It’s nearly Christmas! And that can mean only one thing: romantic dates on December 24th!
What? Did you think we were talking about the pagan festival-cum-Christian holiday on December 25th? No, no, no; the 25th is just a normal working day here in Japan, and everyone’s already forgotten about Christmas. People without plans for December 24th, however, might as well join the ranks of those who use trains on dates and pay money to sleep next to strangers.
With the romantic dates of December 24th, Valentine’s Day and March 14th’s White Day in its sights, snack maker Koikeya is about to launch a new range of potato chips — or crisps to backwards Brits like me — made especially for couples. And thanks to some clever packaging, Koikeya guarantee that these new chips will be the most romantic salty snack you’ve ever enjoyed…
Featuring the somewhat bizarre combination of Lemon Pepper and Sugar Butter flavours, the matching chips are scheduled to go on sale across Japan from next Monday, with an RRP of 120 yen (US$1.50).
What makes them special? We’re glad you asked! As well as the bags containing special heart-shaped potato chips, by placing their bags side-by-side, snuggling couples are able to complete the heart design emblazoned on them, resulting in a brief but unforgettable moment of pure, unadulterated romance. Forget interlocking necklaces and carrying a photo of your loved one in your wallet; carefully aligning snack packaging is where the real passion is today.
Described as having a “gentle, romantic flavour,” the Sugar Butter chips sound a little sickly for our tastes and aren’t something that we’d ordinarily pick up. The Lemon Pepper variety, however, would be here at Rocket Towers any time.
As one might expect, Japanese netizens had plenty to say about the new couple-centric snacks, and very little of it positive:
“Those heart-shaped chips look awfully fragile. I can see lots of broken hearts on the horizon!”
“Maybe Koikeya just hate couples and this is their way of telling us?”
“But… but why?”
“WTF?”
“I seriously do not see the point of these.”
“Not to worry, guys; I very much doubt Koikeya are aiming these chips at the average bulletin board user…”
Some genuine food for thought there, we’re sure you’ll agree. But like them or not, we fear that these “couple chips”, as they’re already coming to be known here in Japan, are here to stay…
Source: 暇人速報




We mix banana and peach potato chips with toast, yoghurt and granola for a new Japanese breakfast
Japanese mandarin-orange-flavored potato chips make a comeback!
Matcha green tea potato chips coming soon to make snack time in Japan cultured and delicious
Mikan flavored potato chips sound gross, but may actually be genius marketing
“Japanese steak sandwich” flavour potato chips have us slavering over our keyboards!
Starbucks Japan releases first-ever Hinamatsuri Girls’ Day Frappuccino
Japan Extreme Budget Travel! A trip from Tokyo to Izumo for just 30,000 yen [Part 1]
Japan Extreme Budget Travel! A trip from Tokyo to Izumo for just 30,000 yen [Part 2]
Japanese drugstore sells onigiri at pre-stupid era prices, but how do they compare to 7-Eleven?
Highest Starbucks in Japan set to open this spring in the Tokyo sky
Yu-Gi-Oh! creator apologizes for drawing characters making political statements ahead of elections
Psyduck teapot produced by Japanese craftspeople is here to serve up a headache-soothing cuppa
Kyoto Board of Education administers English test for teachers with disheartening results
Does this video about an abandoned dog leave you wiping your eyes or shaking your fist?
Brand-new Pokémon park opens in Japan with larger-than-life-size Lapras【Photos】
The 10 most annoying things foreign tourists do on Japanese trains, according to locals
Tokyo Skytree turns pink for the cherry blossom season
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s new “Cunte” contact lenses aren’t pronounced like you’re probably thinking they are
Shibuya Station’s Hachiko Gate and Yamanote Line stairway locations change next month
Yakuzen ramen restaurant in Tokyo is very different to a yakuza ramen restaurant
Starbucks Japan adds new sakura Frappuccino and cherry blossom drinks to the menu
Japan just had its first same-month foreign tourist decrease in four years
Burning through cash just to throw things away tops list of headaches when moving house in Japan
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Foreigners accounting for over 80 percent of off-course skiers needing rescue in Japan’s Hokkaido
Super-salty pizza sends six kids to the hospital in Japan, linguistics blamed
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura Frappuccino for cherry blossom season 2026
Foreign tourists in Japan will get free Shinkansen tickets to promote regional tourism
Take a trip to Japan’s Dododo Land, the most irritating place on Earth
Naruto and Converse team up for new line of shinobi sneakers[Photos]
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Man documents Christmas date with virtual girlfriend, proudly shows ass to the world
Gold-leaf seasoned potato chips are Japan’s newest edible salute to the new emperor
In the mood for love and pizza? Domino’s will deliver your pie with romantic kabe-don wall pound
Green tea chocolate-covered potato chips arrive in Japan! 【Taste test】
Calbee will have you clawing (literally) for their new cola-flavored chips
We try the latest crazy chip flavour from Japan: Strawberry shortcake 【Taste test】
One bag of wasabi potato chips, hold the wasabi
Tonkotsu ramen potato chips coming from Japan’s most popular Hakata ramen chain
Say “I love you” with exclusive Sailor Moon gifts this Valentine’s Day
Japan’s Valentine’s chocolate Slimes let you say you say I love you like the Dragon Quest mascot
Calbee goes spicy with two new potato chip flavors — Thai tom yum kung and Sichuan-style tofu!
Like good-looking men? Now you can get your own ikemen hot guy in a bag…of chips!
Do Ippudo’s new tonkotsu ramen potato chips taste as good as their noodles?
This Valentine’s Day, tell him you don’t love him with Japanese women’s “chocolate maggot” recipe
Video game arcade in Japan invites you to resist Christmas…with fists…