Bisco Mini Pack – A Preschool Fire Drill Mishap and 90 Years of Comfort
Today, I want to share a little story about Glico’s Bisco Mini Pack and how it ties into one of my childhood mishaps during a fire drill at preschool. This small biscuit has been around since 1933, making it a 90-year-old favorite in Japan. Its simple, comforting taste has made it a beloved snack across generations. But Bisco isn’t just a snack — it also plays an important role as emergency food in Japan. Let’s dive into my story and learn a bit about the magic of Bisco!
What Is a Fire Drill?
First, let’s explain what a fire drill is, as this might not be familiar to everyone. In Japan, schools and preschools conduct emergency drills several times a year to prepare for events like earthquakes, fires, and typhoons. The purpose is to teach children how to react and safely evacuate during emergencies.
When the alarm sounds, children are instructed to line up and follow specific evacuation routes to a safe location. They sometimes wear protective hoods called bousai zukin)to shield their heads. Since Japan is prone to natural disasters, these drills help children stay calm and follow instructions in real-life situations.
A Fire Drill I Completely Forgot About
Now, here’s where things get funny. One day at preschool, our teacher announced, "Today, we’re having a fire drill." But, being the scatterbrained kid I was, I promptly forgot. When the alarm finally went off, I just sat there, thinking, "What’s that weird noise?"
While all the other kids immediately stood up and followed the teacher to evacuate, I stayed behind, happily playing with my blocks. Even when the room emptied, I just looked around and thought, "Where did everybody go?" Instead of following, I casually continued putting away my toys, completely unaware of what was happening — a classic airhead moment.
Bisco Saved the Day
Eventually, the teacher returned, found me still in the classroom, and said, "Next time, make sure to evacuate with the others, okay?" I felt a bit embarrassed, but that’s when the Bisco Mini Pack came to the rescue. After the drill, the teacher handed us the little biscuits as a treat, and with one bite of that crispy, creamy goodness, all my embarrassment melted away.
The light, crispy biscuit paired with the soft, subtly sweet milk cream filling made me forget all about my mistake. It was as if everything was forgiven, thanks to the comforting taste of Bisco.
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The biscuit has a heart mark printed on it, and inside the heart, the word “Bisco” is written in katakana (a Japanese writing system).
How Does Bisco Taste?
Bisco’s flavor is simple and nostalgic, with a perfect balance of crispy biscuits and smooth, lightly sweet cream. It’s not overwhelmingly sugary, which makes it easy to eat several pieces without feeling heavy. This is part of what makes Bisco a timeless favorite — the kind of snack that brings back warm memories with every bite.
Bisco as Emergency Food – Ready for Anything
Did you know that Bisco also comes in a special emergency food can? In disaster-prone Japan, people often store food supplies that can last for years. Canned Bisco has a shelf life of five years, making it ideal for emergency kits.
During difficult times, being able to eat something familiar and comforting can make a big difference. The same gentle, familiar taste that brings joy in everyday life becomes a source of emotional comfort during emergencies. It’s more than just food — it’s a little bit of reassurance in a can.
Try Bisco When You Visit Japan
If you ever find yourself in Japan, I highly recommend picking up a Bisco Mini Pack. You can easily find it in convenience stores or 100-yen shops, and it makes for a great snack or souvenir. If you’re interested in disaster preparedness, you might also look for the emergency canned version. Whether it’s an everyday treat or a comfort during tough times, Bisco offers the same gentle reassurance.
Conclusion – Turning Mishaps into Memories with Bisco
Bisco taught me that even when things don’t go as planned — like forgetting to evacuate during a fire drill — it’s okay. With a little bit of sweetness, even mistakes can become fun memories.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | 1 Pack (21.5g) |
| Calories | 105 kcal |
| Protein | 1.2 g |
| Fat | 4.9 g |
| Carbohydrates | 14.5 g |
| - Sugars | 13.4 g |
| - Dietary Fiber | 1.1 g |
| Sodium (Salt) | 0.11 g |
| Calcium | 120 mg |
| Vitamin B1 | 0.080 mg |
| Vitamin B2 | 0.10 mg |
| Vitamin D | 0.60 μg |
| Allergens | Milk, Wheat |
