For the first time in 50 years, Japan’s iconic national snacks—”Kinoko no Yama” (Mushroom-shaped chocolates) and “Takenoko no Sato” (Bamboo shoot-shaped chocolates)—are merging into one. Starting April 14, 2026, a new hybrid product born from the suggestions of cutting-edge AI, “AI-Inspired Combined! Kitakita Nokonoko no Yamasato,” will be available for a limited time and in limited quantities at convenience stores (Konbini) and railway station kiosks across Japan.
The AI’s Ultimate Answer for the 4.4% “I Love Both” Faction
In Japan, for decades, there has been a famous cultural phenomenon known as the “Kinotake War” (Kinotake Ronso), where fans of the mushroom-shaped chocolates and the bamboo shoot-shaped chocolates compete over which is superior. However, an analysis by the latest AI, “KINOTAKE MOTHER,” has proven that there is a significant group of people who belong to neither faction and instead “Love Both” (Dotchimo-ha).
According to data from March 2026, out of approximately 500,000 participants, 52.4% were “Kinoko fans” and 43.1% were “Takenoko fans.” On the other hand, there was a minority of 4.4% who identified as “Both-side fans.” Meiji took the voices of this minority seriously and arrived at the answer of “Perfect Fusion,” breaking the long-standing brand sanctuary.
The Shock of the “Kinotake Marriage”! Over 200 Ideas Proposed by AI
During development, Meiji utilized approximately 1.67 million data patterns built from the preferences of their employees and held numerous discussions with the AI. Among the more than 200 ideas presented was the unique keyword “Kinotake Marriage” (the marriage between the two brands).
This concept of “Kinotake Marriage” serves as the core of this product. While respecting each other’s identities, an innovative method of “crushing and mixing” was adopted to create a new kind of deliciousness.
A Dual-Texture Performance! A Luxurious Two-Layer Chocolate Bar
This new product uses luxurious materials so that you can enjoy the charm of both snacks in a single bite.
- The “Crunchy” light cracker characteristic of Kinoko no Yama
- The “Crumbly” melt-in-the-mouth cookie that Takenoko no Sato is proud of
- Wheat puffs to support the texture
- Milk-flavored chocolate and an outer layer of bitter chocolate
These ingredients are crushed, molded into a bar shape, and finished with two layers of chocolate. The powerful texture of the cracker and the gentle sweetness of the cookie blend exquisitely, offering a deep and layered flavor. It is truly a special item made for the “Both-side fans.”
A Utopia 50 Years in the Future? The Mysterious Package Drawn by AI
The package design also incorporates the AI’s free-thinking ideas. Based on the theme of “Traditional Japanese Satoyama (traditional countryside where nature and humans coexist) × Modern AI Civilization,” the AI depicted a predicted future 50 years from now.
Buildings shaped like mushrooms and bamboo shoots are scattered throughout the landscape. It expresses a world view like a warm Utopia, where traditional Japanese scenery and futuristic elements are fused together.
“KINOTAKE MOTHER”: The AI That Unlocks Latent Preferences
The catalyst for this product, “KINOTAKE MOTHER,” is equipped with high-precision judgment technology. This AI was co-developed with a professional team also involved in projects for Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai.
Based on approximately 1.67 million patterns of data, the AI objectively derives a person’s latent preferences from a facial photograph. By simply taking a photo of your face on a dedicated website, you can find out which faction you truly belong to. By eating this new product, even the most stubborn fans might discover a new kind of deliciousness.
Product Details and Nationwide Release Schedule in Japan
Basic information for “AI-Inspired Combined! Kitakita Nokonoko no Yamasato” is as follows. As it is a limited quantity release, we recommend checking it out early.
- Release Date: Tuesday, April 14, 2026
- Reference Price: Open Price (Approx. $1.50 – $2.00 USD)
- Net Weight: 48g (Approx. 1.69 oz)
- Sales Region: Convenience stores (Konbini) and station kiosks across Japan
- Nutritional Information (per box): Energy 265 kcal, Protein 3.8g, Fat 15.7g, Carbohydrates 27.2g, Salt Equivalent 0.22g
This is a hybrid chocolate snack that combines a crunchy, multi-layered texture with an exquisite balance of bitter and milk chocolate.
The Birth of a “New Classic” That Shakes 50 Years of History
Since their birth in 1975, Kinoko no Yama and Takenoko no Sato have competed as rivals. No one predicted the day would come when the two would join hands and become one.
The “Perfect Fusion” derived by AI is a new proposal that puts an end to the previous conflict. Even if you have been a fan of only one side until now, please take this opportunity to taste this bar, which concentrates the deliciousness of both. If you see it at a convenience store in Japan, be sure to check out its unique naming and packaging for yourself.
Kinoko no Yama / Takenoko no Sato Preference Diagnosis AI: KINOTAKE MOTHER | Meiji Co., Ltd. 🇯🇵
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