FamilyMart Japan has finally announced the results of the “Famima Grand Prix 2025,” an event where AI helped select the products that define the year 2025. The prestigious Grand Prize went to “Famichiki Red,” the first-ever permanent new flavor for the Famichiki brand, which sold 3 million units in just one week after its release.
In addition, many other products that encapsulate the charm of Japanese convenience stores, such as coffee, sweets, and bento boxes, have also won awards. What exactly is the “future buzzworthiness” that the AI predicts? Let’s take a closer look at this year’s lineup.
What is the “Famima Grand Prix”? This Year, an AI is on the Judging Panel!
The “Famima Grand Prix” is an annual festival where FamilyMart Japan selects its most recommended gems from the numerous products released that year. In the past, it has garnered significant attention each year, with products like the “Kongari Bistro Man” (Savory Bistro Bun) being chosen by staff vote, and the “Shiro-nama Koppepan” (White Fresh Koppe Bread) being ranked as a “Yokozuna” (the highest rank in sumo wrestling), a traditional Japanese ranking system.
And in 2025, the biggest feature is undoubtedly the introduction of AI. It was a highly advanced trial, where AI didn’t just look at sales data but also predicted the “potential to create future buzz” on social media. In other words, the products listed here are not only sales leaders and fan favorites but are also products that AI has given its stamp of approval, predicting, “These are bound to become even more talked about.” They are truly products that symbolize the times.
Grand Prize: The Addictively Spicy New Classic! “Famichiki Red”
Taking the top spot this year is a new addition to FamilyMart’s signature boneless fried chicken “Famichiki” lineup: “Famichiki Red.”
Famichiki is one of the most famous hot snacks, known by anyone who has visited a FamilyMart in Japan. While retaining its characteristic juicy goodness, “Famichiki Red” adds a classic spiciness created by an exquisite blend of multiple chili peppers. The moment you take a bite, the original umami of Famichiki fills your mouth, followed by a deep, lingering heat that has captivated many.
Its popularity is immense, recording astonishing sales of 3 million units in just one week after launch, and a cumulative total of 30 million in about six months. Social media was flooded with passionate requests like “Please sell this forever” and “Make this a regular menu item!” In response to these calls, it has officially joined the lineup as the first-ever “permanent flavored product” in Famichiki’s long history. This is truly a Grand Prize winner that was nurtured together with its fans.
Developer’s Comment
“This is a new fried chicken that adds an addictively lingering spiciness to the impactful deliciousness of Famichiki. Please enjoy this new classic flavor that will make you want to eat it again and again.”
Award Winners: The Best of Japanese Convenience Stores, All in One Place!
In addition to the Grand Prize winner, there is a fantastic lineup of other products chosen by AI and many fans. This selection showcases just how diverse and high-quality Japanese convenience stores are.
Overwhelming Volume! “Giant Onigiri with Kelp and Tuna Mayo”
Onigiri, or rice balls, are a Japanese soul food and the most convenient form of fast food. This product is a visually impressive giant, about 1.5 times the size of a regular onigiri.
Inside, you’ll find two popular fillings: tsukudani, a traditional Japanese preserve of kelp simmered in a sweet and savory sauce, and tuna mayonnaise, a favorite of all ages. Being able to enjoy two flavors in one onigiri ensures you won’t get bored and will be left with a great sense of satisfaction.
Supervised by the World’s Best Barista! “Mocha Blend”
This is no ordinary convenience store coffee. It’s a specialty coffee fully supervised by Tetsu Kasuya, who holds the title of World’s No. 1 Barista. It uses 100% of the highest-grade Mocha beans from Ethiopia, known as the “birthplace of coffee.” A special roasting method exclusive to this Mocha Blend has been adopted to maximize the beans’ inherent floral aroma. Experience a cup full of rich body and fruity fragrance.
A Winter Staple, Authentic Steamed Bun “Gokuuma Kurobuta Man”
Chukaman, or warm steamed buns, are an essential part of the cold season in Japan. This “Gokuuma Kurobuta Man” (Extremely Delicious Black Pork Bun) is a luxurious item made with 100% domestic Kurobuta, a brand of prized black pork from Japan. The chunky texture of the coarse-ground pork, its juicy flavor, and the natural sweetness of domestic onions are perfectly encased in a dough that is both chewy and crisp.
From a Tea Specialty Shop: “Afternoon Tea Supervised Chardonnay-Scented Straight Tea”
This is a flavored tea so authentic you wouldn’t believe it came in a plastic bottle, supervised by “Afternoon Tea,” a popular tearoom with locations all over Japan. It uses 100% fragrant tea leaves from Sri Lanka and is infused with the gorgeous aroma of Chardonnay grapes, reminiscent of a high-class white wine. With no sugar, it has a clean aftertaste, making it perfect for a refreshing break or as an accompaniment to a meal.
A Health-Conscious Choice: “Grill Chicken with 18.1g of Protein – Ume & Shiso Flavor”
In recent years, health consciousness has been on the rise in Japan, and products that offer an easy way to consume protein have become incredibly popular. This grilled chicken is a perfect response to that need. Juicy chicken breast is carefully grilled piece by piece on a wire rack and seasoned with the refreshing flavors of Ume (a traditional Japanese pickled plum) and Shiso (a fresh herb). It’s perfect for a post-workout snack or a light meal.
For Chocolate Lovers: “Rich Chocolate Roll”
Japanese convenience store sweets are known worldwide for a quality that is by no means inferior to specialty shops. This roll cake is a prime example. The harmony created by four different types of chocolate—a moist chocolate cake, a rich chocolate cream, a smooth chocolate sauce, and a crisp outer chocolate coating—is a luxurious experience that is irresistible to any chocolate lover.
A Beloved Classic for Over 15 Years: “Kodawari Curry”
Curry rice is considered a national dish in Japan, right alongside ramen. This “Kodawari Curry” (Curry of Great Care) is an amazingly long-selling product that has been loved by many for over 15 years. While using more than 30 different spices, it achieves a deep and rich flavor that isn’t just spicy by adding the sweetness of vegetables and fruits. The best way to enjoy this curry is to create your own original version by adding toppings like Famichiki or a croquette, which are sold in the store.
A Cult Favorite: “Ramen So Rekishi wo Kizame Supervised Ton-Ramen”
“Jiro-kei” style ramen is a particularly unique and passionately followed genre within Japanese ramen culture. It’s characterized by a mountain of vegetables, thick slices of chashu (braised pork), and an intensely garlicky and rich pork-bone soy sauce soup. This product is a dream come true, allowing you to easily replicate the taste of the famous “Jiro-kei” shop “Ramen So Rekishi wo Kizame” (Ramen Restaurant, Carve History) at home in your microwave. The extra-thick noodles with their distinct, firm texture pair perfectly with the addictive, rich soup.
Shocking in Both Package and Taste: “Milk no Sokubaku Milk Coffee”
Using 75% raw milk, this coffee-flavored milk features a rich and fresh taste, almost as if you were drinking it straight from a farm. The unforgettable and unique product name, “Milk no Sokubaku” (The Restraint of Milk), and the impactful packaging featuring a large cow, make it stand out on the crowded shelves of a convenience store. It was originally a product exclusive to Chiba Prefecture, but its immense popularity led to its release all over Japan.
Special Feature: The “Gentle Products & Services” Category for Universal Ease of Use
This year’s Famima Grand Prix has another special category. It’s the “Gentle Products & Services Category,” where employees with disabilities who work at FamilyMart select products and services that they have actually used and found to be particularly “easy to use” or “gentle.” This is another place where the meticulous consideration for all people, the heart of Japanese “omotenashi” (hospitality), is evident.
Designed for Easy Eating: The “Famima the Crepe” Container
This crepe’s container has a special structure that allows it to be snapped in half down the middle. This enables you to eat it to the very end without getting your hands dirty or having the cream inside fall apart.
One-Handed Opening: “Convenience Wear One-Touch Open/Close Umbrella”
This is a convenient item that allows you to instantly open and close the umbrella with a single button, even when one of your hands is full. This feature was highly praised by people with upper limb disabilities as being “extremely helpful.”
What’s Your Favorite Among the AI’s Picks for This Year?
The “Famima Grand Prix 2025” was selected from the new perspective of AI-driven future prediction. From classic snacks to full-fledged meals and items that enrich daily life just a little, the lineup was impressive, showcasing just how evolved and diverse Japanese convenience stores have become.
When you visit Japan, why not stop by your nearest FamilyMart and try out the “faces” of this year, as recognized by AI? You’re sure to find a personal favorite.
For more detailed information, you can check the official page at https://www.family.co.jp/campaign/spot/2512_fm-grandprize.html.
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