“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?
Even at twice regular Daiso price, this handy item is still great for summer travel in Japan
Ghibli’s No Face continues to demonstrate his generous character growth by dispensing soy sauce
Japanese convenience store shows us how to dress for the rainy season
Tokyo’s Pokémon Cafe reopens this month with brand-new sweets and Pikachu show
Japanese rice cooker recipe gives us a tasty new way to enjoy vegetables and wieners
A Japanese toast sandwich remix: The toasted rice rice ball[SoraKitchen]
Osaka is hosting a “hentai” event, but it’s probably not what you think
Uniqlo reveals third round of massive 100-year-anniversary manga T-shirts for Jump’s Shueisha
Japan Railways partners with Overwatch, heroes hit the Shinkansen for bullet train collaboration
Lawson opens a new mini supermarket, and the lucky bags can essentially stock your kitchen
New official Ghibli anime food cookbook will teach you how to make Ponyo’s ramen and more
Kyoto public junior high school becomes first in Japan with a hoodie school uniform
Starbucks Japan unveils new Frappuccino showcasing “mottainai” culture
What’s up with the Ghibli Park photo and video ban?
What’s it like to join Tokyo’s walking-and-talking-with-strangers club for a day?
Krispy Kreme releases a new Doughwich… at only one store in Japan
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam anime mecha statue will be removed this summer
Ichiraku Ramen-inspired ramen sets from Naruto anime pay homage to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura
Kanji ice cream becomes a sell-out hit in Japan
Japanese convenience store Lawson launches new “mini supermarket” chain, L Minimart
Japan’s real-world Pokémon hot spring’s first photos are here![Photos]
Japan now has gyoza doughnuts, and they taste like no other doughnut we’ve tried before
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]
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】
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]
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
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