Perfect for Japanese souvenirs! Introduction of 11 varieties of regional “Souvenir Hi-chew” from Morinaga

Each region of Japan has unique features and culinary specialties. For example, Yubari melon in Hokkaido, cherries and apples in Tohoku and Amaou strawberries and Sumo Mandarin (a type of orange) in Kyushu. Additionally, the ‘citrus depressa’ is famous in Okinawa, southern Japan.
There are area-limited hi-chews made from these tasty fruits grown in each climate, which are called “Souvenir Hi-chew”. “Hi-chew” is Japan’s popular soft candy and I will explain each of these varieties – 11 in total – and introduce all in this article.

Hokkaido Limited Yubari Melon Flavor

Located at the northernmost tip of Japan, Hokkaido is surrounded by the sea on every side and famous for having delicious seafoods. Hokkaido is blessed with a rich agricultural climate, thus delicious fruits and vegetables are abundant. Among these, Yubari melon is one of the most rich fruit known by Japanese. This is “Hokkaido Limited Yubari Melon flavored Hi-chew” made with Yubari melon juice. Its rich and elegant taste spreads in your mouth immediately when you taste it.

Tohoku Limited Tohoku Apple Flavor

Tohoku area is one of the most popular areas of apple production in Japan. It gets very cold in winter, but this harsh climate allows the growth delicious apples. This hi-chew is filled with fresh and sweet juice of red apples, and will makes you happy when you eat it.

Tohoku Limited Cherry Flavor

Tohoku area is also famous for cherry production, and there are cherries that costs tens of thousands yen for one grain. The one that includes delicious cherries from Tohoku region is “Tohoku Limited Cherry flavored Hi-chew”. Please enjoy the juicy cherry taste upon chewing this candy.

Shinsyu Limited Shinsyu Apple Flavor

Shinsyu is the old name for the present Nagano prefecture. Various fruits are produced through four seasons such as grapes and persimmons. Among them, apples from Nagano prefecture are popular because they are delicious, and its juice is used in “Shinsyu Limited Shinsyu Apple flavored Hi-chew”. It is a popular taste using apple juice loved by Japanese who grew up in this area.

Metropolitan Area/Chubu/Kansai Limited Mt. Fuji Hi-chew, Yamanashi Peach, Shizuoka Mandarin Flavor

The most prominent package among “Souvenir Hi-chews” is “Metropolitan Area/Chubu/Kansai Limited Mt. Fuji Hi-chew, Yamanashi Peach, Shizuoka Mandarin flavor”. As you can see, the box is the shape of Mt. Fuji. This taste includes Yamanashi peach and Shizuoka mandarin, both prefectures which are famous for their production. This hi-chew’s taste and the package’s appearance is a good souvenir to remember Japan.

Cyugoku/Shikoku Limited Setouchi Lemon flavor

Setouchi refers to the area of the Seto Inland Sea surrounded by Western of Honsyu, Shikoku and Kyusyu in Japan. The feature of this area is annual fine weather and less rainfall through the year. In Setouchi, good quality lemons are grown thus there are many special products using lemon. “Cyugoku/Shikoku Limited Setouchi Lemon flavored Hi-chew” has a moderate sour taste and a sunny lemon flavor.

Kyusyu Limited Amaou Strawberries

Amaou strawberries are special products in Fukuoka prefecture, Kyusyu. The name Amaou is an acronym for red(Aka), round(MAru), big(Okii) and tasty(Umai). As the name describes, it is a very sweet and delicious strawberry, is (and) also a popular brand for strawberry lovers. This Amaou strawberry is used for “Kyushu Limited Amaou Strawberry flavored Hi-chew”. A sweet smell of strawberries spreads in your mouth.

Kyusyu Limited Sumo Mandarin flavor

Sumo mandarin is a kind of citrus raised in Kyusyu. Quality control is thorough enough so that it can not be named Sumo mandarin if the sugar content is does not succeed 13 percent. The Sumo mandarin is used for “Kyusyu Limited Sumo Mandarin flavored Hi-chew”. You can enjoy the sweet, refreshing and rich flavor and a subtle scent.

Okinawa Limited Citrus Depressa flavor

For Okinawa fruits, the cirrus depressa, pineapple and mango are famous. Hi-chew also has this three flavors. Citrus depressa is a sour fruit, but you can enjoy its refreshing taste.

Okinawa Limited Pineapple

Next, I will introduce “Okinawa Limited Pineapple flavored Hi-chew”. They have a Pineapple park in Okinawa, so a lot of their foods and drinks are made from pineapple. You can taste sweetness and sourness of the pineapple from Okinawa prefecture.

Okinawa Limited Mango flavor

Finally I will introduce “Okinawa Limited Mango flavored Hi-chew”. Rich sweet mango grew up with plenty of the sun in Okinawa are used in this candy. Please enjoy the rich flavor and refreshing scent unique to Okinawa Mango.

What did you think? Hi-chew using local specialties in each region of Japan can only be purchased in each specific area. While enjoying your trip to Japan, please try to find and purchase the area-limited Hi-chew.