Chiba Prefecture’s two best-known mascot characters are Funassyi and Chiba-kun. Funassyi appeared frequently on television and became widely recognized, but how familiar are people with Chiba-kun?
Because I travel to Chiba often and make a habit of checking souvenir shops, I see Chiba-kun regularly. Even so, people outside the prefecture may not realize that he is Chiba’s official character.
His body represents the shape of Chiba Prefecture, but he also has the classic appeal of an adorably simple mascot. That makes Chiba-kun merchandise particularly suitable as a souvenir for children.
Chiba-kun Peanut Chocolate Crunch (Yamasu)
A box of ten cost 650 yen, or 702 yen including tax.
Chiba has a chain called Fusa no Eki whose souvenir selections often feel more consistently high-quality than those at roadside stations. I bought this box at the Kamagaya location.
Chiba’s mascot Chiba-kun is printed prominently over the entire package. The words “Made with peanuts grown in Chiba Prefecture” are reassuring. 🙂
I once bought processed peanuts at a roadside station in Chiba.
Just before eating them, I checked the ingredients and found “peanuts (China)” printed there, which left me feeling rather conflicted.
Since then, I always check the origin before buying. (Laughs)
The product contains 505 kcal per 100 grams. The best-before date is printed on the back and appears to be roughly 60 days.
The pieces are packed inside a plastic bag.
Ten crunch chocolates sit inside silver wrappers printed with Chiba-kun.
Each piece is individually wrapped and clearly carries the mascot design, making the box easy to share.
My Impressions After Trying Chiba-kun Chocolate Crunch
Each rectangular chocolate crunch is a tiny, one-bite piece.
The cornflakes are crisp and create a light texture.
The chocolate has a milky sweetness and tastes very good.
Finding a whole round peanut inside is another welcome surprise. 🙂
However, because each piece is so small, one alone is not particularly satisfying. The bite-size shape is easy to eat, but it left me wanting more, and I could finish an entire box by myself. The flavor is good; the quantity is the concern.
Ten miniature crunch chocolates for 650 yen—or 702 yen with tax—felt somewhat expensive.
Still, the cute Chiba-kun box became my child’s toy for a while, so I will count that as a success. 🙂
Chiba offers many souvenirs besides Chiba-kun products too.
Chiba-kun Chocolate Crunch Product Info, Expiration Date, Manufacturer
| Product Name | Chiba-kun Chocolate Crunch |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer / Seller | Yamasu |
| Address | 7-16-2 Kokubunjidai Chuo, Ichihara, Chiba |
| Expiration Date | Approx. 60 days |
| Place of Purchase | Kamagaya Fusa no Eki |
| Price | ¥650 (10 pieces) |
