Meiji's iconic chocolate snacks, Kinoko no Yama (Mushroom Mountain) and Takenoko no Sato (Bamboo Shoot Village), have been winning hearts since their respective launches in the 1970s. But beyond their deliciousness, they sparked a legendary debate that still rages on today: which one is better?
Well, get ready for a plot twist! Meiji just announced a brand-new, AI-conceived snack called "Kita Kita Kinoko no Konoyama Sato" – and it's designed to finally bring the two rival flavors together. This limited-edition, limited-quantity treat hit convenience stores across Japan on April 14th.
This chocolate masterpiece aims to unite the long-standing "Kinoko Faction" and "Takenoko Faction," even catering to the "Team Both" crowd in the middle. Meiji officially admits this is the first time in the brand's 50-year history that they've achieved a "complete fusion" product.
To ensure "Team Both" could finally have their cake (or, well, chocolate snack) and eat it too, Meiji went through extensive discussions with AI. The ultimate conclusion? Just smash 'em together!
▼ Check out the current faction breakdown in Japan, according to official surveys.
So, how did they pull off this epic mashup? They took the crispy biscuit sticks from Kinoko no Yama and the crunchy biscuits from Takenoko no Sato, crushed them up, and mixed them with milky chocolate and wheat crisps. This delicious concoction is then formed into a bar and coated in a layer of slightly bitter chocolate, creating a multi-layered texture that's crispy on the outside and wonderfully complex within.
The packaging design is just as clever, boasting a theme of "Traditional Satoyama × Modern AI Civilization," and yes, it was also designed by AI. Look closely, and you'll spot both mushroom-shaped and bamboo shoot-shaped buildings in the artwork – it's hilariously creative!
▼ Meiji also revealed other AI-conceived packaging ideas.
"Kita Kita Kinoko no Konoyama Sato" is available at convenience stores nationwide in Japan for 284 yen. If you get the chance, definitely give it a try – it's a limited run, so who knows if it'll ever become a permanent fixture!
via： PR TIMES