Nostalgic ice cream from the Showa era. From today’s classic staples to old-time favorites.
A cold ice cream eaten under the blazing midsummer sun.
Back in the Showa era, countless ice creams with unique flavors and shapes captivated children’s hearts.
What resurfaces along with those nostalgic memories are the smiles from sharing with friends and the excitement of choosing a treat at the candy shop, clutching pocket money in your hand.
From timeless classics still loved across generations to nostalgic ice creams you hardly see anymore, we’ll introduce a rich array of sweet, chilly flavors from days gone by.
Nostalgic ice cream from the Showa era. From today’s classic staples to the old-time favorites (1–10)
Azuki Bar
A familiar ice cream treat! Let us introduce the Azuki Bar.
Imuraya’s long-selling product, the “Azuki Bar,” from a company founded in 1896, is beloved by both children and adults.
Many fans adore its unique flavor and texture, made possible by applying traditional Japanese confectionery techniques.
Having surpassed its 50th anniversary, this ice cream is sure to continue being loved by many people for years to come.
Why not enjoy an Azuki Bar again this summer and rediscover the unchanging charm that comes from choosing not to change?
Italiano
https://jp.pinterest.com/pin/678776975082051030/The packaging is nostalgic too! Let me introduce Italiano.
Many of you may remember Italiano, which was also Lotte Co., Ltd.’s first lacto ice cream.
Released in the late 1960s, it seems to have been loved from around 1965 to 1974.
One reason for its popularity was likely the rich variety of flavors, such as strawberry, chocolate, and vanilla.
If you look up the commercials, it’ll bring back even more nostalgia—highly recommended!
Garigari-kun
A summer classic! Let me introduce Garigari-kun.
When you think of ice cream you want to eat in summer, what comes to mind? Garigari-kun, known for its refreshing flavors and signature crunchy bite, remains a hugely popular product.
Often considered the flagship item of Akagi Nyugyo, Garigari-kun was first released in 1981.
The character featured on the packaging is familiar and endearing, and even aspects like his family backstory were unique and well-liked.
With its timeless flavors that people love and buzzworthy, adventurous varieties, Garigari-kun is something we’ll probably be enjoying again this summer without getting bored.
Vanilla Blue
https://www.instagram.com/p/CNtSc6ehaHI/An ice cream that’s been loved by everyone for so long! Let us introduce Vanilla Blue.
First released around 1953, Vanilla Blue stayed on the market for many years, with a few package changes along the way.
These days it seems you can buy it in Hokkaido, though availability may depend on the time of year or season.
Some of you might remember clutching your allowance and heading out to buy Vanilla Blue back in the day.
Thinking about those childhood memories of eating ice cream really fills your heart with nostalgia, doesn’t it? Every now and then, taking a moment to remember and reminisce can be time well spent.
Panapp
The key is the fruit sauce! Let us introduce Panapp.
Speaking of Panapp, it’s the hugely popular ice cream first launched in 1978 by Ezaki Glico Co., Ltd.
It’s memorable for the way the sweet, melt-in-your-mouth vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with a tangy, fresh-tasting fruit sauce.
Many people were surely charmed by the fruit sauce that looked like a smiling face when you opened the cup lid.
Nowadays, there are renewed versions of the product and a variety of flavors available.
Pino
Happy to introduce Pino, the perfect bite-sized treat! First released in 1976, Pino is beloved for its just-right size that both kids and adults can pop into their mouths in a single bite.
The name “Pino” appears to be adapted from the Italian word for “pine cone.” In recent years, there’s also the fun thrill of occasionally finding a star-shaped Pino if you’re lucky, which keeps it popular to this day.
Plus, with options like assorted packs, there are lots of ways to enjoy it.
Home Run Bar
Look for the package wrapped in silver paper! Let us introduce Homerun Bar.
With its catchy name and affordable price, Homerun Bar has been popular since its launch in the 1960s, and it’s a nostalgic ice cream for both kids and adults.
You may associate it with vanilla or chocolate chip flavors, but nowadays there are also assorted packs featuring soda and strawberry flavors.
Finding the word “Winner” printed on the ice cream stick is a nice bonus, too.
These days, it seems you can use winning sticks in limited-time campaigns.