Japan Envy: Sake Kit Kats

2 / 2 / 16

As regular readers of Chic Pixel are well aware, I am a huge fan of Japanese Kit Kats. Well, Nestlé Japan has just announced that the latest in exclusive Japanese Kit Kat flavors is none other than nihonshuu, or the classic Japanese alcohol sake! According to Rocket News 24, these special Kit Kats contain “sake powder which has been kneaded into the white chocolate-encased wafers, giving the chocolates all the flavour and aroma of a top-quality rice wine, while providing a light and refreshing aftertaste.” Fancy!

The sake Kit Kats will come packaged in two versions, the three stick pack at the top of the post, and this nine stick pack featuring an actual sake bottle design! I really like the contrast of the pink package with the blue bottle, and the added cherry blossom flourish definitely screams Japan.

I’ve tasted my fair share of Japanese Kit Kats, and in my noble pursuit to try them all, I think I’ll have to add sake Kit Kats to my list. Luckily Jlist is currently taking preorders for the nine stick pack for only $9, so now’s your chance to grab some too! Maybe I’ll add some red sweet potato Kit Kats and wasabi Kit Kats to my order while I’m at it…

Note: Jlist is a Chic Pixel affiliate. Thanks for your support!

Japan Envy: Nerdy Christmas Cakes

12 / 12 / 15

Christmas is just around the corner, and in Japan that means reservations for Christmas cakes are everywhere you look. While most western cultures probably associate fruit cakes with Christmas, Japan has popularized a light, usually white cake with strawberries and cream as a common Christmas eve treat. Now, Christmas cakes are so popular that they come in nearly every flavor imaginable, and every decoration imaginable, too! From Monster Hunter to Yowamushi Pedal, all kinds of nerdy fandoms are represented in Christmas cake form… And I’ve rounded up some of the best to share with you today.

New Video: Tasting Cheese… Sweets?!

11 / 11 / 15

It’s been ages since I’ve done an Apricotsushi Samples video, but now I’m back in the saddle! I have a huge pile of candy looming in the corner that has yet to be tasted, and I’d love to make a dent in it before my upcoming move… So expect many more where this came from!

In today’s video, I’m tasting two Japanese sweets featuring cheese: cheese Country Ma’am cookies and white chocolate cheese mochi. Are they delicious? Disgusting? Find out in the latest Apricotsushi Samples:

Now my question for you: have you ever had any cheese-flavored candy? Aside from dessert cheese platters and cheesecake, I can’t really think of any other examples! Let me know if you’ve come across any in the comments!

How to Have the Ultimate Cute’n Nerdy Halloween

10 / 23 / 1510 / 16 / 17

Ah, Halloween! The time of ghosts, goblins, and all things orange. As an adult, I’ve had to get a little creative with how I celebrate this spooky holiday (they won’t let me trick or treat anymore, fancy that). How do I manage to do it in true Chic Pixel fashion? Read on to see the four things that make up my perfect Halloween, and let me know how you celebrate in the comments!

Happiness Tastes Like Butter Chips

9 / 16 / 15

Happiness is a bag of chips, right? Well, apparently Calbee thinks so… Butter potato chips, to be precise. It’s been a long time since I’ve posted an Apricotsushi Samples, but here’s one I filmed back when my hair was nearly at my shoulders and it was cold enough to wear scarves!

I was quite surprised at how sweet these were! There wasn’t really any of the saltiness I expected, but that’s because I was silly and didn’t read that one of the ingredients was honey before chowing down. (Fun fact: I record the audio for the package close up portion in post production, so I clearly didn’t read what was on the bag until much after the fact this time…)

Are butter-flavored potato chips something you’d like to try? How about… mandarin? I’m always looking for weird new food products to try, so if you find anything, send them my way!

Japan Crate Review

9 / 10 / 154 / 20 / 18

It’s been a while since I’ve done a Japanese snack subscription review! A while back I was contacted by Japan Crate to cover their service, and of course I happily obliged. I was particularly excited for this one because they offer a “mini,” “original,” and “premium” crate, allowing you to choose what box fits your needs and budget. Let’s see what’s inside!

American Envy: Doraemon x House Foods Tofu

2 / 2 / 159 / 13 / 15

I know what you’re thinking: “American Envy? I thought this column was about promotions and merchandise exclusive to Japan!” Well, in a very strange turn of events, North America is receiving a special House Foods tofu campaign in honor of everyone’s favorite Japanese blue robot cat, Doraemon! 2015 marks Doraemon’s 45th anniversary, and House Foods is not only celebrating by plastering Doraemon all over their advertising, but with a sweepstakes, as well.

I’m honestly amazed that Doraemon is finally hitting North America after enjoying so much popularity internationally. It’s currently airing on Disney XD, and as part of the House Foods campaign, his adorable face will be plastered all over everything from buses to billboards. If you live in North America, send in your Doraemon sightings! I would love to see them.

Of course, this is the Doraemon House Foods packaging itself. All of the designs are super cute, and as a fan of tofu, I would definitely buy at least one! I think I like how the red background of the medium tofu contrasts with Doraemon’s blue the best.

If you’re a Doraemon fan living in the U.S, be sure to enter the sweepstakes for a chance to win a Doraemon t-shirt or Amazon Kindle! And, if you’re in New York City for Japan Week from Feb 18th – 20th, be sure to stop by House Foods’ Doraemon booth at Grand Central Terminal for some tofu samples and chances to win some fun Doraemon-themed prizes.