“It’s like cutting up a monster and spilling its dark blood.” -Mr. Sato
Steamed buns are generally available year-round at convenience stores in Japan, but there’s something about the cold air in autumn and winter that makes them particularly desirable and delicious. Called chūkaman (中華まん) in Japanese, steamed buns most often come filled with ground pork, but can be filled with anything from pizza sauce and cheese to chocolate.
Character-shaped buns are also popular, as we’ve seen before, and this time it’s characters from popular children’s anime Yo-kai Watch that have been bunified! The steamed buns have just gone on sale at Family Mart stores from October 18 for 200 yen (US$1.92) each, so of course we had to inspect them for ourselves.
But… something seemed a little off.
Perhaps it was the overall shape of the bun looking somewhat flattened (as buns are supposed to, but not Yo-kai cats’ heads), giving the appearance that the head was deflating and the face sliding off.
Tomnyan still had some kitty cuteness to him, with his pointed ears and shiny pink nose…
…but Jibanyan was something else. The dark, soulless pupils layered onto the yellow irises made his eyes bug out from his flat, melted face.
▼ Be careful not to get sucked in
Cutting them in half to reveal their insides, though… that just made them both horrifying to look at!
RN24’s own Mr. Sato, who did the deed, explains that while he felt rather bad about cutting into Tomnyan, he felt no remorse halving Jibanyan. That it in fact felt like defeating a terrible monster, cutting him down to spill his black (chocolate) blood.
We’ll leave you to enjoy that thought as you chow down on one of these yourself!
Images © RocketNews24
[ Read in Japanese ]
Yo-kai Watch starts 2018 on a gloomy note with store closings
Kids rejoice! Universal Studios Japan to get Yo-kai Watch attraction this summer
Yo-kai Watch sales fall drastically in 2016, future does not look bright for fabled spirits
Which Japanese convenience store has the best steamed curry buns?【Taste test】
Japanese convenience store chain creates a burger-flavoured steamed bun, but is it any good?
Brand-new Square Enix Cafe to open in Tokyo…and in Los Angeles too!
What’s up with the “mosquito buzz” noise at Shibuya Station?
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
What are the worst things about living in the Japanese countryside?[Survey]
Japanese sweets souvenirs don’t get more beautiful than this
Japanese convenience store brings rice balls back to 100 yen – Is this deal worth it?[Taste test]
Hello Kitty is now a transforming truck robot[Photos]
Japanese film studio Toei announces first three video games from newly created Toei Games
Final Fantasy characters become giant plushies, take over Tokyo’s Shibuya Station 【Photos】
New Dragon Ball die-cast car toys bring Frieza’s pod to the Dream Tomica line【Photos】
New Kyoto Converse sneakers celebrate Japan with traditional kimono fabrics for your feet
Studio Ghibli launches huge new anime movie T-shirt collection with special design details
Tifa’s Final Fantasy VII bar is going to pop up in real-world Tokyo
Japanese convenience store gives away free ice cream with creative ad at Shinjuku Station
Secret staff cafeteria in Tokyo is a hidden gem you won’t find in travel guides
Tinder just opened a convenience store in Japan, aimed at adults only
Japan is so hungry for workers it used up its five-year visa quota in record time
“Disaster”: 2018 Kanji of the Year unveiled by Buddhist monk at Kiyomizudera temple in Kyoto
Tsujihan sushi bowl restaurant goes viral with foreign tourists, but is it worth the hype?
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Wisteria season starts early with blooming of Japan’s Great Wisteria in its beautiful garden
Japan’s best conveyor belt sushi restaurant of seven years ago has now, finally, come to Tokyo
Brand-new Pokémon manhole covers coming to help the recovery of a disaster-stricken part of Japan
Japan’s awesomely beautiful Alpen Route snow corridor is now open
Injuries on stairs in Tokyo highlight an overlooked design flaw
Famous Tokyo cherry blossom spot installs view-blocking screens to fight overcrowding[Video]
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
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
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
Which Japanese convenience store has the best steamed pork buns?【Taste test】
Family Mart and Mos Burger join forces for a special new steamed bun in Japan
Hotcake-man steamed pancake buns make their heroic return to Japanese convenience stores
Which Japanese convenience store has the best premium pork buns?
Pancake steamed buns coming to Japanese convenience stores, said to pair well with fried chicken
Famichiki Pancake Steamed Buns take Japanese convenience store food to a whole other level
Which Japanese convenience store sells the best pizza bun?【Taste test】
Final Fantasy fried chicken and Moogle Steamed buns set to become Japan’s newest snack hits
Japan’s favorite curry rice restaurant teams up with convenience store for Super Spicy Curry Buns