
Pixar’s highly anticipated Monsters University finally opened in Japan on July 6, and to celebrate FamilyMart have launched an edible collaboration of delicious pork buns. We rushed out to buy a few and put them to the taste test, all for the benefit of our dear readers, of course!
There are two types of nikuman pork buns on offer: one featuring lovable blue giant Sully, and the other wise-cracking, one-eyed Mike. There are only 500,000 of each type of bun being made, so coupled with the low price tag of 190 yen (US$1.90), they’re sure to sell out quickly. Oh, and despite those bright blues and greens, you can be reassured that the dough contains no synthetic colourings!
The Sully nikuman is soy sauce flavoured, with pork, bamboo shoots, mushroom, and cabbage. Don’t let Sully’s pointy fangs put you off – he’s absolutely yummy.
Mike on the other hand is salt flavoured, combining pork, bamboo shoots, mushroom and onion with a salty base. He looks so cute with his big cheeky grin! And he tastes just as good as his big blue friend.
Monsters University is the prequel to Pixar’s 2001 hit Monsters Inc. Although it arrives 12 years after the original (who else feels old now!?), it actually takes us back in time to when Sully and Mike first met at university. Why not grab a nikuman and settle down to watch the first movie, before heading out to catch the sequel? Sounds like a great way to spend an afternoon!
▼ Don’t look at me like that, Sully! You know I have to eat you eventually!
▼ Sully’s insides – yummy!
▼ Do I detect a hint of fear in that huge eye?
▼ Omnomnom.
▼ That turned out creepier than I expected…
Photos: Pouch
[ Read in Japanese ]






Which Japanese convenience store has the best steamed pork buns?【Taste test】
Baskin Robbins Japan releases eye-catching Monsters University ice cream cake
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Want to eat ramen and sushi together? New restaurant in Tokyo makes culinary dreams come true
W.T.F. Japan: Top 5 most difficult kanji ever【Weird Top Five】
Nearly one in ten young adults living in Japan isn’t ethnically Japanese, statistics show
Only in Japan: handwritten love letters from high school girls now available in crank machines
Say hello to Japan’s new stationmaster cat!【Video】
New program lets you rent a house in a coastal Japanese town for less than 200 bucks a month
What’s inside Starbucks Japan’s fukubukuro lucky bag for 2026?
Japan tops list of countries with shrinking population projection, but no one’s surprised
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Japanese beef bowl chain Sukiya’s 2026 Smile Box lucky bag basically pays for itself
Top Japanese cosplayer Enako returns to Comiket after 6 years, creates mayhem with admirers
Umamusume anime girl plushie recalled for having parts she absolutely should not have【Pics】
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
We ate sushi made from Japan’s most expensive tuna ever【Taste test】
Princess Mononoke magnets return just in time to treat yourself to awesome anime decorations
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
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
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
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Human washing machine pods coming to Japanese hotels【Photos】
Leave a Reply