The shelves of Japan’s Konbini are once again getting an exciting and enticing makeover for the Christmas and New Year’s holiday season. Today, December 15, 2025, the renowned potato chip brand Koikeya has announced two limited-time-only flavors from its “Koikeya Strong” series: “Ultimate Umami Fried Chicken” and “Spicy Umami Shrimp Chigae.” These special snacks are appearing exclusively in Konbini stores nationwide across Japan to elevate the holiday spirit.
As its name implies, “Koikeya Strong” is a potato chip brand built on the concept of powerful, rich flavors. It’s characterized by a satisfyingly crunchy texture and has earned immense popularity among Japanese consumers as a personal reward for moments of relaxation or as a perfect snack (otsumami) to pair with alcoholic beverages. These new products have been developed with a theme of luxurious taste, fitting for the dazzling party season.
A Christmas Classic in Chip Form! “Koikeya Strong Ultimate Umami Fried Chicken”
First up is the “Ultimate Umami Fried Chicken” flavor. In Japan, eating fried chicken for Christmas has become a popular custom. This flavor can be described as a product that reflects this unique aspect of Japanese Christmas culture.
The moment you open the bag, an appetizing aroma of spices fills the air. Koikeya has masterfully blended five select spices to maximize the juicy umami of the chicken. With just one bite, a rich and complex flavor, as if you were eating real fried chicken, spreads throughout your mouth. This rich chicken flavor is the perfect treat for the holiday season. You can easily savor the excitement of Christmas with these potato chips.
A Spicy and Savory Kick Perfect for Winter! “Koikeya Strong Spicy Umami Shrimp Chigae”
The other flavor, “Spicy Umami Shrimp Chigae,” features a spicy taste that will warm you up on a cold winter night. Chigae is a spicy hot pot dish of Korean origin that is also extremely popular in Japan. It’s a staple menu item offered in many restaurants and enjoyed in homes, especially during the winter.
This flavor isn’t just spicy. It luxuriously blends the umami of seafood, starring shrimp along with scallops and squid, creating an incredibly deep flavor profile. A sharp spiciness is followed by the rich body and sweetness of the seafood, creating a lingering deliciousness. This “addictive” sensation pairs exceptionally well with drinks like beer or chuhai (shochu highball), making it a perfect otsumami for gatherings with family and friends during the New Year holidays.
Limited-Edition Design to Boost the Party Mood
These new products are not only about taste; they also feature meticulously crafted package designs. A dazzling, eye-catching design has been adopted to express the glamorous and festive mood of Christmas and the New Year. Just seeing them on the shelf will make you feel the arrival of the party season.
With a satisfying content volume of 75g, they are perfect for enjoying alone while watching a movie or for sharing with everyone at a party.
One of the major appeals of Japan’s Konbini is their continuous release of unique products tailored to seasons and events. If you happen to be visiting Japan during this time, why not stop by a Konbini like Japan’s 7-Eleven, Japan’s FamilyMart, or Japan’s Lawson to look for these limited-edition “Koikeya Strong” flavors? It will surely be a unique opportunity to experience a taste of the holiday season that is distinct to Japan.
For those interested in more details, please check out the brand’s official website.
https://strong.koikeya.co.jp/ (Japanese Link)
Experience a part of Japan’s festive culture through these special, winter-only flavors.
Source (Japanese): 【クリスマス＆年末年始を彩る、濃厚で贅沢な味わい】「湖池屋ストロング 極旨フライドチキン／辛旨 海老チゲ」12月15日に全国コンビニエンスストアで期間限定発売
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