Nostalgic Aoringo Mochi: From a School Trip Snack to the World of Chiikawa

Hello! Today, I’d like to talk about a nostalgic Japanese candy that everyone in Japan has tried at least once—Aoringo Mochi (Green Apple Mochi). It has been a beloved snack for school trips and, recently, it even appeared in the popular anime "Chiikawa." This candy truly crosses generations.

What is Aoringo Mochi?

Aoringo Mochi is a traditional Japanese dagashi (cheap candy). The main ingredients are starch syrup, sugar, and starch, with just a hint of mochi flour, giving it a chewy texture. While it’s a bit firmer than regular mochi, once you bite into it, a refreshing green apple flavor spreads throughout your mouth, bringing back memories of childhood.

The packaging is also iconic, resembling a TV remote or smartphone, with rows of little icons. One of the fun aspects of this candy is eating it with a toothpick, skewering three pieces at once, just like a small dango (rice dumpling). For many, this snack evokes memories of school trips, where it was a staple treat.

Aoringo Mochi Appears in Chiikawa

Recently, Aoringo Mochi became a hot topic when it was featured in the anime "Chiikawa" in Episode 10. In the episode, Chiikawa and his friend Hachiware are seen happily enjoying a type of "mochi ame" (mochi candy). Many viewers recognized it as a familiar childhood treat!

According to the official blog of Kyoshin Seika, the company that makes Aoringo Mochi, the "mochi ame" featured in Chiikawa, while labeled "melon mochi" in the anime, shares the same shape and texture as their Aoringo Mochi and Sakuranbo Mochi (Cherry Mochi). Seeing these beloved characters enjoy a snack that has been part of Japanese children’s lives for decades struck an emotional chord with many fans. This scene resonated with people because it highlights how this candy remains an essential part of Japanese childhood—and even identity—today.

Nostalgia and Continued Popularity

Aoringo Mochi is still beloved by many today. What’s heartwarming is that adults who grew up eating this candy now share it with their children. People often say things like, “My child loves it, and I end up buying it all the time,” or “I can’t resist buying it out of nostalgia.” The candy’s simplicity and familiar taste have allowed it to maintain its popularity across generations.

Additionally, the unique style of eating it with a toothpick remains a fun experience for children. The fact that Chiikawa also enjoys it with a toothpick only adds to the candy’s charm, symbolizing its continued appeal even in modern times.

The History of Mochi Ame by Kyoshin Seika

Kyoshin Seika, founded in 1947 in Aichi Prefecture, is a long-established company known for producing a variety of traditional Japanese sweets. Aoringo Mochi and its sister product, Sakuranbo Mochi, are part of their "mochi ame" series, which has been around since 1979. For over 40 years, these candies have been a staple in the world of dagashi, providing simple yet delightful snacks that capture the hearts of both children and adults. Their philosophy of "good products, good people, good company" shows in their dedication to creating sweets enjoyed both in Japan and abroad.

Conclusion

Aoringo Mochi is not just a simple candy—it’s a nostalgic icon that represents Japanese childhood. The fact that it’s now part of the Chiikawa world only further cements its place in the cultural identity of Japan. Whether you’re reminiscing about your school trip days or introducing this beloved treat to your children, Aoringo Mochi continues to bring smiles and happy memories. If you haven’t had it in a while, why not pick some up and enjoy a taste of nostalgia?