It’s amazing how one gooey brown liquid can be so mouth-watering, and another not at all.
With Valentine’s Day coming up in less than a month, Japan has got chocolate on the brain. Standing by to satisfy the nation’s sweet tooth is convenience store 7-Eleven, which recently brought back its chocolate-filled, pink-colored steamed buns.
Those of you who can’t get enough of that chocolate, or that booty, may remember when we talked about these treats last year. Specifically, we pointed out that their unique shape and color had the unintended side effect of making them look like little tiny butts from certain angles. Still, they were popular enough to warrant a repeat appearance in 7-Eleven’s product lineup, so we’re sure their numerous fans are headed to their local branch for a delectable reunion.
However, there’s one little problem. When you buy the buns at 7-Eleven, the clerk takes them out of the steamer case and bags them up. At that point they’re still nice and warm, and thus at their maximum deliciousness. By the time you walk home through the chilly conditions of midwinter, though, your piping hot steamed buns may be a bit cold, and since most people don’t have a steamer in their home, you might decide to pop them in the microwave to warm them up again. As Twitter user @kenri_ discovered, though, while that may make the buns taste a little better, it also might make them look a lot worse.
https://twitter.com/kenri_/status/688685234972327936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
The dejected @kenri_ described the results as “tragic,” and online commenters have been voicing their agreements.
“Shouldn’t have done that.”
“I think they’d make you blur that out if you were showing it on TV.”
“That looks so dirty…”
“Aaaaaaaaaaagh!”
@kenri_ wasn’t the only one to witness this disturbing phenomenon, either.
https://twitter.com/714ma_co/status/688703053168381952However, one person chimed in saying that he had reheated his chocolate heart bun without it suddenly cosplaying as a leaky anus. Still, if yours has gone cold, it’s probably a good idea to double-check the integrity of the outer layer of the bun before you microwave it, and maybe to disable the rotating dish so that you don’t end up with the cheeks pointing at you when it’s finished.
Unless, of course, you’re having one of these buns as dessert after a meal of a very specific type of curry.
Source: Jin, Twitter/@kenri_

7-Eleven Japan now sells bagels…cooked in bamboo steamers
7-Eleven Japan now has plant-based vegetarian steamed “meat buns”
European YouTuber tries all of the food on the counter in Japanese 7-Eleven, loves it all
7-Eleven Japan’s new microwaves know how long your bento should be warmed up, even if you don’t
We investigate 7-Eleven’s new Crunchy Chocolate Mille Crêpes Cake, shiver with decadence
Silicone testicle covers banned from Japanese sauna following cups being left behind and on shelves
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
Japanese government planning higher ticket prices for foreign tourists at Tokyo National Museum
Studio Ghibli now sells Ursula’s backpack from Kiki’s Delivery Service at its anime shop in Japan
7-Eleven Japan now sells bagels…cooked in bamboo steamers
New vending machines at Shinjuku Station emit scent, play projection mapping with your purchase
Visiting Japan’s one-and-only, and only-for-a-limited-time, Dragon Ball noodle restaurant[Photos]
Japan’s cherry blossom season predicted to start earlier than we’d thought, especially in Tokyo
Uniqlo brings cultural cuteness to Edo animals T-shirt line with Japanese history’s greatest artists
Pal World developers make timely announcement of adults-only romance simulator with naked pals
Is Tokyo Station’s startlingly expensive wagyu bento boxed lunch worth its high price?[Taste test]
One Piece creator has hidden secret of anime treasure’s identity in chest at bottom of real-world ocean
Starbucks Japan releases first-ever Hinamatsuri Girls’ Day Frappuccino
Japanese restaurant chain serves Dragon Ball donuts and Senzu Beans this spring
Live-action One Piece’s Luffy teaches Sesame Street’s Elmo a Japanese word for friendship[Video]
Sakura Festival in Chiyoda mixes illuminations, boats, music, and Rilakkuma in the heart of Tokyo
Japan’s craziest burger chain takes menchi katsu to new extreme levels
Viral Japanese cheesecake from Osaka has a lesser known rival called Aunt Wanda
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
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
The 10 most annoying things foreign tourists do on Japanese trains, according to locals
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]
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
To celebrate 7-Eleven Day, here are seven 7-Eleven Japan items that need more love
Not just matcha, but Meccha Matcha! 7-Eleven Japan marks first tea harvest with new sweets lineup
Three great mint chocolate sweets to buy at 7-Eleven while the summer heat gives us an excuse
The Fuwatoro Yamaimo Teppan just might be 7-Eleven Japan’s dish of the year【Taste test】
7-Eleven Japan’s most popular product with foreign tourists is…a unique chocolate gummy
Here comes Japan’s newest fruit dessert sandwich: 7-Eleven’s purple Blueberry Sandwich!
7-Eleven Japan’s sakura sweets show cherry blossom beauty can be found all over【Photos】
7-Eleven Japan releases new must-try sweets that are a hit with customers
Mint chocolate whipped cream sandwiches poised to become Japan’s latest convenience store hero