gum
Anyone who has tried salty watermelon Pepsi, yogurt-flavored water or whitebait ice cream can tell you that the Japanese love weird flavors. If it’s new and outlandish, the Japanese market wants to get a taste.
I can only assume that’s what confectioner Lotte was banking on with their newest creation, because there surely couldn’t have been that many voices clamoring for hot cola chewing gum!
Part of the reason smartphones have become so popular is the way in which they combine the functions of so many other devices people used to lug around instead. With the ability to browse the Internet, listen to music, play games, and take high-quality photos, it’s becoming increasingly harder to convince people they need to shell out the cash for a dedicated camera, handheld video game system, or music player.
But why is it that as more people buy smartphones, fewer of them are buying chewing gum?
The word “frisk” usually means “to pass the hands over someone in search for hidden weapons, drugs, or other items,” and don’t even get us started on the meaning of “frisky.” But in Japan, the naughty English word refers to something a little different: breath mints.
Frisk mints are commonly found in convenience stores and supermarkets across Japan. Although originally created in Belgium, the tiny yet powerful mints burst onto the fresh breath scene in Japan in 1992 and have since dominated the market. But now the brand is getting a little frisky with gum, arguably the cousin of breath mints. Oh my!
Gum can be a great way to freshen your breath or relieve stress, but by the time you’re old enough to have huge amounts of stress and coffee-breath, chewing gum can look kind of immature.
But food and candy maker Lotte is looking to shatter that stereotype by producing a gum target directly at women over the age of 50. Oddly enough their strategy seemed to be making it taste like a woman in her fifties.
It’s widely known that Japanese people love to eat fish (although in recent years, hamburgers and pizza have become increasingly a part of our diet). But even in a country where fish is treasured – so much so that a single tuna can fetch hundreds of thousands of dollars at the fish market – you normally wouldn’t expect to see a product this “fishy” – fish flavored chewing gum! Read More
MOST POPULAR
Now
Man arrested for violating Japan’s anti-dueling law in downtown Tokyo
Giant hotel rooms in Osaka reflect the new non-niche face of travel in Japan.
Researchers in Japan give mouse glowing sperm
Convenience store robot pilots wanted, wages start at 1,450 yen per hour
As more foreign visitors visit Kyoto’s top sights, Japanese travelers increasingly staying away
Giant Clodsire Pokémon plushie comes with up to 32 Woopers in super size, super cute set【Pics】
Super Crazy Kun wins seat in Toda City Council election
Step back in time with Japanese-themed rooms at rare vintage love hotel in Osaka【Video】
Mr Sato’s Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day at Doo Wop Chicken Burger in Tokyo
We eat green fried chicken that looks like broccoli from a Shibuya chicken shop【Taste test】
Weekly
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Umamusume anime girl plushie recalled for having parts she absolutely should not have【Pics】
Princess Mononoke magnets return just in time to treat yourself to awesome anime decorations
Top Japanese cosplayer Enako returns to Comiket after 6 years, creates mayhem with admirers- Giant hotel rooms in Osaka reflect the new non-niche face of travel in Japan.
We ate sushi made from Japan’s most expensive tuna ever【Taste test】
Japanese beef bowl chain Sukiya’s 2026 Smile Box lucky bag basically pays for itself
Monthly
- 10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches- Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo- Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month- Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Yearly
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
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
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Human washing machine pods coming to Japanese hotels【Photos】
RECOMMENDED STORIES
Giant Clodsire Pokémon plushie comes with up to 32 Woopers in super size, super cute set【Pics】
Super Crazy Kun wins seat in Toda City Council election
Step back in time with Japanese-themed rooms at rare vintage love hotel in Osaka【Video】
Mr Sato’s Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day at Doo Wop Chicken Burger in Tokyo
We eat green fried chicken that looks like broccoli from a Shibuya chicken shop【Taste test】
Game of Jenga filled with high-grade whiskey goes on sale in Japan for nearly 2 million yen
10 Japanese phrases for travelers that will help, amuse, or just plain confuse
What’s the best way to spend 1,000 yen at the Seria 100-yen chainstore in Japan?
Pokémon Lego kits are finally on their way!【Photos】
Japanese foaming bottom soap: An eco-friendly alternative to wet wipes
Eight Ways You Really, Really Shouldn’t Use a Japanese Toilet
Bamboo trees vandalized near Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari shrine, foreign graffiti prevalent
Village Vanguard tries to tickle us pink with a Pink Lucky Bag
Ruru Cafe Shibuya wows customers by serving coffee and sweets on unique water tables
-
