Kit Kat

THE iconic chocolate bar Kit Kat is particularly popular in Japan where it comes in more than 300 limited-edition seasonal and regional flavours.

One can find the popular treat in a number of unique versions such as matcha, soy sauce, cheesecake and even sake.

Why is it so popular in Japan?

Kit Kat is produced by parent company Nestlé in 16 countries.

These are Brazil, Mexico, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Germany, Russia, Japan, China, Malaysia, Thailand, India, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Bulgaria and Algeria.

In the US, Kit Kat is produced under license by The Hershey Company.

In Japan, the name has a coincidental resemblance to phrase "Kitto Katsu", which translates into good luck, or "surely win".

As a result, the chocolate bar is often given or sent as a good luck charm around exam season, making them popular with young people.

What are the Japanese Kit Kat flavours?

Since 2000 Nestlé has introduced over 300 different flavours.

The interesting flavours range from red bean, purple sweet potato, soy sauce, cherry blossom, sake, crème brulee ginger ale.

In 2015, 500 single-finger bitter chocolate bars were sold with gold leaf wrapping for about $16 in high-end retail shops.

The popularity of the treat is also thought to be due to the seasonal and regional varieties.

It is customary for family or colleagues to bring back speciality flavours from different places.

In 2009 Nestlé and Japan Post collaborated on a promotional campaign allowing people to customise chocolate bars, writing messages on them.

They were so popular they sold out within a month.

And in 2015 500 single-finger bars were created, each covered in gold leaf wrapping and selling for £11.18.

The country has also seen a number of limited edition Kit Kat campaigns, with chef Yasumasa Takagi devising recipes for the Kit Kat Chocolatory stores, which opened in 2014.

With seven branches the following year, the chain sells luxury Kit Kats with rich flavours including raspberry-infused dark chocolate, orange-chocolate rum and sakura green tea.

For those who want to sample the flavours but can’t travel to Japan, The Japan Centre, in London sells some varieties in store and others can be found online.

Cafe shop Pronto has introduced croissants incorporating Kit Kats while pizza chains Napoli no Kama and Strawberry Cones introduced dessert pizzas with bakeable Kit Kat toppings in March 2014.