thunder

The name “éclair” comes from the French word éclair, meaning “lightning.” There are several theories: one is that the surface of the baked pastry looks like lightning-like cracks. Another suggests it’s because you’re meant to eat it quickly so the cream doesn’t squeeze out, hence the comparison to lightning.

Napolitan (Japanese-style ketchup pasta)

“Napolitan” is a pasta dish born in Japan. It is said to have originated in Yokohama after World War II, characterized by its distinctive ketchup-based seasoning, and it often includes ingredients like onions, green peppers, and sausages. In contrast, “carbonara” and “amatriciana” are pasta dishes that originated in Italy.

Kaki no Tane

It all started when the founding couple of Naniwaya Seika were working together and the wife accidentally stepped on an oval mold used to make arare rice crackers, bending it out of shape. That deformation gave rise to the “kaki no tane” shape. It’s been popular since it first went on sale and remains well-loved today—especially as a snack to go with drinks.

Silk Sweet

Silk Sweet was created by crossing the varieties Harukogane and Benimasari. Seedling sales began in 2012. As its name suggests, it is characterized by a moist, silky-smooth taste. It becomes tastier after being stored for a certain period, and it’s said to be best enjoyed from around November to February.

Blue

You’ve probably heard of “rare,” “medium,” and “well-done,” but color names…? Many people might think that. Doneness for meat is actually divided into very fine stages—ten levels in total! Among them, the state where only the surface is quickly seared and the inside is almost raw is called “blue.” Roughly speaking, the doneness increases in this order: raw → blue → rare → medium → well-done.

cucumber

The answer is cucumber. It’s more than 90% water, and while it’s not that it has no nutrients, its key point is being low in calories. You might think “hmm…” when you hear it’s the least nutritious vegetable in the world, but it does contain potassium and dietary fiber. It also pairs perfectly with ume (pickled plum) and salted kelp, making it an essential vegetable in summer.

cabbage

Cream puff, originally from France. The name comes from the French word “chou,” meaning “cabbage.” It was named this because the baked pastry puffs up into a shape resembling a cabbage. Before knowing this, you might think, “No way,” but once you hear it, it really does look like a cabbage, doesn’t it?

Because college students liked to eat it.

There are various theories, but it is said to have originated from being sold in Tokyo’s student districts from the Taisho through the Showa era, where it became extremely popular among students. In particular, shaved ice from a shop called Mikawaya, an ice vendor said to have operated in front of the University of Tokyo’s Akamon (Red Gate), is believed to have been especially well received by UTokyo students.