Adorable mini maneki neko chocolate balls

Maneki Neko Chocolate Ball

Brand: Newest

Price: 151 yen

Place of purchase: Furindo

Rating:

These maneki-neko themed sweets are so cute. You can pick them up in most Dagashiya, which is an old or traditional type of candy (sweet) shop. At just 151 yen for ten, they are good value. Because they feature the maneki-neko (Lucky Cat) they feel festive and are certainly fun. They'd make an interesting souvenir for people not familiar with Japan. Equally, people interested in Japan would surely be thrilled to receive these Lucky Cat chocolates. The very first flavor profile you taste is an intense, crisp sweetness before you even hit the chocolate core. They crispier outer shell offers a lovely contrast of texture. The chocolate is surprisingly good.

The manufacturer and brand details weren't very clear on the packaging. I think the brand / manufacturer is "Newest". But it could be "Ash" or "Kyoin Seika". The origin of manufacturing also wasn't very clear, but an Internet search suggested that they are made in Japan with the sugarcane coming from Thailand. They are really small and ten aren't nearly enough! But the good news is that you can buy them in bulk online, on Amazon for example. Dagashiya (traditional candy shops) tend to sell them in smaller packets to keep them affordable and fun for kids.