Meiji's iconic chocolate snacks, Kinoko no Yama (Mushroom Mountain) and Takenoko no Sato (Bamboo Shoot Village), have been fan favorites since their respective launches in the 1970s. They even sparked an eternal debate over which one tastes better—a rivalry that still rages on today!
But hold onto your hats, folks! Meiji officially announced today (January 17) that due to soaring raw material costs and other factors, they're implementing price adjustments and capacity reductions on some products. And yes, that includes the beloved Kinoko no Yama and Takenoko no Sato chocolates, a revelation that has sent shockwaves through Japan!
While some products will see price hikes, the main event for Kinoko no Yama and Takenoko no Sato is a capacity cut—about 10% of their original volume. This change officially kicks in after May 20th.
Meiji stated that global raw material prices, labor shortages, and increased energy costs due to current social conditions have significantly driven up manufacturing and distribution expenses. This makes it challenging to maintain their current pricing model. The company plans to continue implementing measures to absorb the impact of rising costs and strive for a balance between business operations and product pricing.
Unsurprisingly, netizens are gutted that even these national snack staples are shrinking. Even without a price increase, the reduced size stings! Many fans are already planning to stock up before May, making the most of the time left to grab the full-sized versions.
This move comes as Japan's cost of living continues its upward creep, especially with the yen's persistent weakness. It seems these beloved national treats are just the latest to face inevitable adjustments. We might just have to brace ourselves for similar changes across a whole host of everyday snacks in the future.