Why Kit Kat Is So Popular In Japan - The Daily Meal (2024)

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Why Kit Kat Is So Popular In Japan - The Daily Meal? ›

But, have you ever wondered how or even why, exactly, a chocolate brand from England became so popular all the way across the waters in Japan? Actually, in Japan, Kit Kats are actually known as a symbol of good luck. More specifically, a good luck charm for exam students.

Marketing. Marketing for Kit Kats in Japan is believed to have benefited from the coincidental false cognate with "Kitto Katsu", a phrase meaning "You will surely win" in Japanese. Some market research has shown that the brand is strongly correlated to good luck charms, particularly among students ahead of exams.

According to Bokksu, Kit Kats are pronounced "kitto katto" in Japanese, which sounds familiar to the phrase "kitto katsu," meaning "good luck" or "definitely win." Because of this, the country has popularized the chocolate candy bar as a sign of good luck.

KitKats originally became popular as a gift in a Japan because the name KitKat, in Japanese kitto katto, sounds a lot like kitto katsu 屹度勝つ which translates roughly into 'you'll certainly win'. For that reason, they were considered good luck charms and people would give them before important exams.

In the US, Kit Kat is sold by Hershey. In the rest of the world, Nestlé's in charge. That means different flavors across the globe, and different recipes — even two versions of a dark chocolate Kit Kat, Hershey's and Nestlé's, don't taste the same.

At these drug stores (Matsumoto Kiyoshi being one famous example), you can find Kit Kats sold in packs of 9-12 pieces, usually for 198-400 yen a pack. Don't expect a wide array of flavors at drug stores, though: they usually only sell regular Kit Kats, dark chocolate ones, strawberry, and matcha (green tea).

Kit Kat's success in the Japanese market is a testament to the power of cultural sensitivity, innovation, and strategic marketing. By embracing local traditions, flavors, and collaborations, Kit Kat has not only established itself as a beloved chocolate brand in Japan but has also created a unique niche in the market.

The increased and unpredictable costs for key ingredients is part of the picture behind the increased price of KitKats and other chocolate products. There are plenty of other factors to take into account as well, such as energy costs relating to the manufacturing process.

Have a Kit Kat!" The standard bars consist of two or four pieces composed of three layers of wafer, separated and covered by an outer layer of chocolate. Each finger can be snapped from the bar separately. There are many flavours of Kit Kat, including milk, white, and dark chocolate.

Other Kit Kat fans speculate that the name is an acronym for “Keep In Touch, Kappa Alpha Theta.” The wife of Kit Kat inventor Joseph Rowntree was a member of the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority, according to Mental Floss.

What does KitKat mean in Japanese? ›

This name closely resembles the phrase kitto katsutoo (きっと勝つとぉ), meaning 'you shall surely win'. In Japanese, kitto mean 'surely' or 'certainly' and katsu means 'to win'. For this reason, Kit-Kats are given to students not just as treats, but as good luck charms before important exams.

While KIT KAT^® Bars are a global confection, The Hershey Company has produced the candy in the U.S. since 1970. Today, KIT KAT^® Bars come in a variety of new and seasonal flavors to keep candy fans on their toes.

[rhy. sl.; kit-kat = prat n. 1 (5)] a fool, a general term of abuse.

The Kit Kat saga in Japan began in 1973 when Rowntree's, a British confectionery company, brought the iconic chocolate to Japanese shores. The Kit Kat found its sweet success when it struck a chord with the Japanese play on the words “kitto katsu.” It became an instant hit in the country!

Kit Kats were initially introduced to Japan in 1973, over 50 years after they were first invented in England by British confectioner Rowntree. Present-day, Kit Kat is owned by Nestle.

First off, they have the best texture. On the outside, a KitKat has a smooth and silky layer of chocolate that just effortlessly dissolves onto your taste buds. Then once you get further into this delicacy, you will hit three soft yet crunchy wafers that will bless your tongue with satisfaction until you need more.

Kit Kat in Japanese is pronounced “kitto katto” which actually sounds very similar to the Japanese phrase “kitto katsu”, which translates to “you will surely win”. The word “kitto” in Japanese means “surely or absolutely”, and the word “katsu” means “bound to win”.

The origins of what is now known as the Kit Kat brand go back to 1911, when Rowntree's, a confectionery company based in York, England, trademarked the terms Kit Cat and Kit Kat.

KitKat's biggest competitor in Japan is Pocky, known for its skinny chocolate-dipped biscuit sticks.

Unique selling points: chocolate fingers with the signature tagline: 'Have a break, have a KitKat.