Another can’t-miss new product is arriving at Japanese convenience stores. The popular potato chip brand Calbee has announced the release of “Kata-age Potato Takumi: Fragrant Spiny Lobster Salt Flavor,” a luxurious treat made with the high-end ingredient “Ise-Ebi” (spiny lobster), which is in season during autumn and winter.
These special potato chips will be available for a limited time starting Monday, December 1, 2025, at convenience stores all across Japan. Part of the fun of Japanese convenience store culture is the constant stream of these kinds of limited-edition products.
What is “Kata-age Potato”? Its Meticulous Production Method
“Kata-age Potato” is a popular series that holds a unique place among Japanese potato chips. Its roots lie in the traditional “kettle-cooked” method, which originated in America in the mid-19th century. By carefully and slowly frying thick-cut potato slices at a low temperature, a distinctly hard, “karikari” (crunchy) texture is created. This texture, which brings out the potato’s natural flavor the more you chew, has captivated many fans.
Within this line, the “Takumi” series is an even more special lineup. The name means “artisan’s taste,” a title earned by its commitment to using domestically grown potatoes and seasonings made from carefully selected ingredients from various regions across Japan. This limited series, available only at convenience stores, is supported by those seeking an authentic flavor that sets it apart from ordinary snacks. The craft-paper-style packaging also visually conveys this dedication to quality ingredients.
The Rich Aroma of Spiny Lobster: A Winter Delicacy
The star of the new “Kata-age Potato Takumi: Fragrant Spiny Lobster Salt Flavor” is, without a doubt, the “Ise-Ebi” (spiny lobster). In Japan, spiny lobster has long been known as a symbol of good fortune and a luxury food item enjoyed at celebrations. It is especially in season from autumn to winter, when its rich umami and sweetness are exceptional.
This new product is characterized by a savory aroma, as if the spiny lobster were slowly grilled over charcoal. The moment you open the bag, an appetizing scent wafts out. With the first bite, the rich umami of the spiny lobster fills your mouth. A simple salt flavor further enhances this umami, creating a taste that is both deep and sophisticated.
In fact, when this flavor was test-marketed in select stores in September 2024, it received extremely high praise, with comments like, “It feels so luxurious,” and “A taste truly worthy of the Takumi series.” Now, it’s making its highly anticipated nationwide debut just in time for winter—when spiny lobster is at its most delicious—and the end-of-year holidays, when people are in the mood for “a little indulgence.”
This presents a perfect opportunity to easily enjoy an authentic taste of winter at a Japanese convenience store.
Product Information
Product Name
Kata-age Potato Takumi: Fragrant Spiny Lobster Salt Flavor
Contents
60g
Price
Open price (estimated price around 215 yen, tax included)
Release Date and Sales Area
Scheduled for release at convenience stores all across Japan starting Monday, December 1, 2025. This is a limited-time product expected to be discontinued in mid-January 2026, so if you see it, be sure to try it early.
Please note that the release date may vary slightly by store, and some stores may not carry the product.
These special, winter-only potato chips are packed with the essence of Japan’s changing seasons and food culture. If you’re in Japan, why not visit a nearby convenience store to experience this “artisan’s taste” for yourself?
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