Blast your taste buds to hell and back this summer with extreme spicy Japanese snacks.
Kara Mucho is Japan’s most popular spicy potato chip snack. Over the 30 years since they launched in 1984, they have appeared in various permutations of flavors, and this summer the company behind the snack, Koikeya, is launching a super spicy hot chili flavor that’s apparently eight times spicier than the regular product.
Snackers can expect a delicate balance of flavour and “gekikara” extreme spice that, in Koikeya’s own words, “goes beyond spice” to compete with the fast-approaching summer heat. Go ahead; your colon may not love you for it but your mouth will!
The price has yet to be announced but the chips are due to go on sale at convenience stores nationwide on June 6 and supermarkets from June 13. We can’t wait to try them and see if they really are as spicy as their maker claims!
Source & Images: NariNari
Japanese mandarin-orange-flavored potato chips make a comeback!
New “barefaced” potato chips hit Japanese shelves, boast zero salt and customizing potential
Mikan flavored potato chips sound gross, but may actually be genius marketing
Matcha green tea potato chips coming soon to make snack time in Japan cultured and delicious
“Most luxurious consommé potato chips” on the way, flavored with wagyu, lobster, white wine
Kyoto temple bans visitors from wearing kimono
Lego PlayStation recreates Sony’s original console, makes unusual choice for games to salute
Japan’s first fall color forecast for 2026 is here!
Starbucks Japan adds new Sweet Potato Frappuccino and Latte to the menu, but do they deliver the taste of autumn?
American tourist in Japan arrested on charges of attempted murder and arson
Starbucks Japan reveals new Tsukimi Moon-Viewing drinkware and gifts for autumn 2026
A real-world Pokémon Poké Ball hotel is opening in Japan at a still-secret location [Video]
Solo travel in Japan: $3 all-you-can-drink deal at this conveyor belt restaurant is a fun time for one
Japanese Starbucks that’s also an art gallery hosts exhibition by painters from Tokyo’s top art school
Japan’s revolving sushi restaurant king Sushiro coming to U.S. this fall with high prices, no tipping
Studio Ghibli unveils new anime calendars and diary planners for 2027
Solo travel in Japan: Hidden beer garden in Tokyo is a haven for single visitors
Japan’s final Penguin Suica train cards have already shipped, and when they’re gone, they’re gone
Family Mart releases new Human Made Cup Noodle in Japan, with freebies for Nigo fans
Hobonichi unveils new 2027 planners, diaries and stationery with One Piece, Suica Penguin, Hello Kitty and a must-buy Mini Techo
One Piece Day 2026 brings new art, music, and new cast announcements
Tamagotchi evolves into a ring for its 30th anniversary, preorders now open
12-year-old British girl who went missing in Tokyo found safe after visiting anime sites around Yokohama
7-year-old boy left behind on Mt. Fuji by his own dad
Sushi Bus: Japan’s first conveyor-belt bus lets you eat sushi while sightseeing around Tokyo
Japanese toilet aims to attract foreign tourists but not everybody is happy about it
New Japanese vending machine at Shinkansen station sells cups of ice on platform
Study finds hundreds of people in Indonesia legally named after Naruto, Inuyasha, other anime stars
Japan approves foreign resident visa renewal fee increases of up to 967 percent, starts soon
Japan tripled its departure tax to fund tourism but is using the money on cherry blossoms and bears
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Calbee goes spicy with two new potato chip flavors — Thai tom yum kung and Sichuan-style tofu!
“Japanese steak sandwich” flavour potato chips have us slavering over our keyboards!
Pikachu-flavor potato snacks pack two different kinds of Thunder Punch【Taste test】
New “wet” potato chips revolutionise the snack industry in Japan
Koikeya giving snackers a chance to compare chips made from potatoes in 3 Japanese regions
Japanese snack company gives us portable mashed potatoes with a soft inside, crunchy outside
Our natto maniac verifies the legitimacy of fermented soybean-flavored potato chips【Taste test】
A call to arms: 5 Japanese potato chip flavours the west badly needs
Japanese snack food maker introduces new potato chips…for women!
These super thick, extra-crunchy potato chips are the answer to your salty snack cravings
We try out super spicy “Raging Fire Wasabi” rice crackers that allegedly cause “pain” and “death”
KFC Japan creates spicy summer fried chicken chips together with Calbee
Limited-edition Kukure Curry-flavored potato chips coming to celebrate its 50th anniversary
Japan’s new KFC-flavor potato chips don’t taste like KFC, but they do taste like chicken【Taste test】
Pringles Japanese egg sandwich-flavor potato chips on sale now, said to taste AND smell the part