
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
Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Don’t judge this Kiki’s Delivery Service book by its cover, because it’s not actually a book!
Starbucks Japan teams up with Converse Tokyo for a new limited-edition collection in honour of Tanabata
One Piece docking at Round 1 amusement centers in both Japan and the USA
The quest for Dragon Quest Yoshinoya figure sets: Worth taking for fans, tricky for scalpers[Pics]
Studio Ghibli releases a musical diorama based on a touching anime scene from My Neighbour Totoro
Japanese overnight sightseeing train returns for summer with ramen stops and ocean views
KFC Japan creates spicy summer fried chicken chips together with Calbee
Sanrio Character Poll announces winners, Hello Kitty absent from top 10 in many countries
Live-action Spirited Away stage play announces world tour with first-ever U.S. and Canadian dates
Tokyo has only two barley tea makers, and we visited one to see how mugicha is made
Pikachu brings electric style to brand-new Pokémon G-Shock watch featuring every stater trio
Blind Tokyo commuter explains the easiest place for him to stand while riding the train
Sleep at Hoshinoya Nara Prison, one of the most unique hotels in Japan
Japanese man’s gross conveyor belt sushi social media prank video gets him a 500,000-yen fine
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America
New Japanese overnight train coming to connect Tokyo with Tohoku in sleep-travel style
Japan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summer
Japanese sweets shop sells an ohagi so exquisite it sells out by noon
Even at twice regular Daiso price, this handy item is still great for summer travel in Japan
Forget Tokyo go-karts – there’s a new way to sightsee on four wheels in Japan
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
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
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
Our natto maniac verifies the legitimacy of fermented soybean-flavored potato chips【Taste test】
Japanese snack company gives us portable mashed potatoes with a soft inside, crunchy outside
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