Found at a dagashi shop! A roundup of nostalgic and delicious popular snacks

Umaibo

For many people, this has been the classic dagashi snack, both then and now! First released in 1979, this dagashi originally came in three flavors: salami, curry, and sauce.

The package illustrations are memorable, and the fact that it’s easy to snack on makes it especially appealing to kids.

It’s still sold today at dagashi shops, supermarkets, and convenience stores, and there are also limited-time and premium versions of the flavors.

If you haven’t had it in a while, take this opportunity to pick up this nostalgic treat.

Snack Calpas

It’s one of the traditional snacks loved by both children and adults, first released in September 2002.

The panda illustration with its large eyes is striking, and the bite-sized pieces are just the right size.

Made with chicken and pork, it delivers a juicy flavor.

It seems that limited-time versions with flavors other than the regular one are sometimes released as well.

Buying them individually is fine, but you might also stock up by purchasing them by the box for a grown-up bulk buy.

kinako sticks

It brings back memories of that gentle sweetness and the excitement of wondering if you’d win a prize.

In 1986, with a focus on carefully selected ingredients—homemade kuromitsu (black sugar syrup) and brown sugar—combined with domestically produced roasted soybean flour (kinako), a soft-style kinako stick was created.

Many people probably remember it as a wagashi that children could enjoy easily.

You can almost instantly recall the atmosphere of the old candy shops and the fluffy aroma of kinako.

Nowadays, it seems they’re even sold in large bags, so why not pick some up and relive those old memories?

Wasabi Nori Taro

It’s a classic dagashi snack known for its sharp, nose-tingling wasabi aroma.

Despite the cute packaging, it leaves a striking, stimulating impression.

Many people probably remember tearing off small pieces and nibbling them as kids.

The balance between the wasabi’s sharp heat and the seasoning is exquisite—truly addictive.

It’s made from flattened, stretched fish paste and remains a long-selling product even today.

You might find it gives a different impression when you try it again as an adult.

Cabbage Taro

Why cabbage!? Many people have that very question about this dagashi snack, which has been on the market since 1981.

Despite the name “Cabbage Taro,” it doesn’t actually contain cabbage.

It’s said to be named because its round, plump shape sprinkled with aonori (green laver) resembles a cabbage.

There’s also a theory that, since there’s a culture of eating cabbage with sauce, the sauce flavor itself evokes cabbage.

With its addictive sauce flavor, plenty of people probably find themselves finishing a whole bag in no time.

Kuppy Ramune

The packaging featuring cute animals is striking! It was released in 1963, and it seems the original package depicted tropical fish.

Because a wholesaler mistook the tropical fish for guppies, the product name evolved into “Guppy Ramune” and “Kuppy Ramune,” which eventually stuck.

When you open the wrapper with the charming illustration, a sweet, gentle aroma wafts out.

The ramune candies slowly melt in your mouth, a flavor loved both in the past and today.

I hope it continues to remain a staple among traditional dagashi snacks.

Taratara Shitenjane~yo Stick

Despite its striking product name, this snack is one of the dagashi (cheap, nostalgic Japanese candies/snacks) sold by Yocchan Foods, and it appears to have been on the market since 1990.

The stick-type version has been available since 2005, and the packaging really leaves a strong impression.

The main ingredient is minced Alaska pollock (surimi), and the product name uses the word “tara” derived from pollock.

It has a bit of spiciness, but not too much—that’s the key—making it a dagashi that both children and adults can enjoy.