Festival eats for teens in Japan being shaped by cost + aesthetics

Summer festivals aren't just about fun, and they really can turn into a bit of a wallet workout if you're not careful. A new survey by Wakamono Research looked into what Japanese teens aged 15 to 19 most want to buy at festival food stalls, and even though I'm personally well outside that demographic, I think the results say a lot about how money influences even what are otherwise lighthearted moments.

Not quite a summer festival (this is a winter one in our town!) but the food is always a fun highlight. Finances are playing more of a part with purchasing decisions, though!

Shaved ice came in first, with over 13 percent of teens listing it as their top pick. It's not just popular because it's a refreshing summer treat, with many respondents saying they chose it because it's affordable. With prices rising across the board lately, value for money is clearly on the minds of younger people.

Second place went to chocolate bananas, followed by yakisoba in third. The chocolate bananas were considered a "festival-only" food by respondents, which makes them feel like a special treat. In contrast, yakisoba got points for being a familiar comfort food that somehow tastes better when eaten at a festival.

Interestingly, Korean cheese hot dogs made it into the top ten too. They tend to be pricier, but their trendy appearance (points for Instagrammable content, perhaps?) and unique texture seem to justify the cost in the eyes of Gen Z.

What shapes your summer festival food purchases?

Research from: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000049.000162122.html