Kinoko-Takenoko War: The Fun Rivalry Behind Japan’s Famous Snacks

Introduction

What is the “Kinoko-Takenoko War”?

In Japan, the “Kinoko-Takenoko War” refers to a playful but long-lasting rivalry between two popular chocolate snacks: Kinoko no Yama (Mushroom Mountain) and Takenoko no Sato (Bamboo Shoot Village). It has been ongoing since the late 1970s and is still alive today.

Why Do Japanese People Take This Snack Rivalry So Seriously?

What makes this debate unique is how seriously yet playfully people treat it. Fans passionately defend their favorite snack, and the rivalry often sparks fun conversations in schools, offices, and even online communities. This shows a cultural side of Japan where friendly debates over food become part of everyday life.

History of the Snacks

The story of this rivalry begins with Meiji, one of Japan’s largest confectionery companies.

• Kinoko no Yama (Mushroom Mountain) was first released in 1975. Its design—a crunchy biscuit stem topped with a chocolate “cap”—made it both cute and easy to eat without getting chocolate on your fingers.
• Takenoko no Sato (Bamboo Shoot Village) followed a few years later in 1979. Shaped like little bamboo shoots, it featured a thicker cookie base covered with milk chocolate, offering a richer, crunchier bite.

From the very beginning, fans started comparing the two. Some preferred the light texture of Kinoko no Yama, while others loved the hearty crunch of Takenoko no Sato. And thus, the “Kinoko-Takenoko War” was born.

The Snack War

What started as a simple preference between two snacks quickly turned into a nationwide debate.

• Everyday conversations: Children in schools would argue during lunch breaks, while adults casually debated at offices or family gatherings.
• Online battles: With the rise of social media, fans of both sides created memes, polls, and even heated threads defending their favorite snack.
• Official campaigns: Recognizing the popularity of the rivalry, Meiji itself joined the fun. In 2018, it launched the “Kinoko vs Takenoko National Election,” where people could vote for their favorite. Millions participated, making it clear that this snack war was more than just marketing—it had become part of Japanese culture.

This rivalry shows how something as simple as chocolate snacks can become a shared cultural phenomenon that unites people through playful competition.

Results of the Snack War

Over the years, many surveys and campaigns have tried to settle the Kinoko-Takenoko War.

• 2018 National Election: Meiji, the company behind both snacks, organized a nationwide vote called the “Kinoko vs Takenoko National Election.” More than 5 million people participated. In the end, Takenoko no Sato won with overwhelming support.
• Sales figures: Market data has often shown Takenoko no Sato outselling Kinoko no Yama in Japan, suggesting that the “bamboo shoots” are the favorite among Japanese consumers.
• Overseas preference: Interestingly, in taste tests conducted abroad, Kinoko no Yama (the mushroom-shaped snack) tends to be more popular, perhaps due to its lighter texture.

So while Takenoko has the upper hand in Japan, Kinoko often wins in international settings. This contrast makes the rivalry even more fascinating.

Where to Buy Kinoko no Yama and Takenoko no Sato

If you’d like to taste these legendary Japanese snacks, you can order them from Amazon Japan.
Please note: these products ship from Japan, so international shipping fees may be high depending on your country.

Conclusion

The Kinoko-Takenoko War may sound like a silly debate, but it has become a unique part of Japanese pop culture. For more than 40 years, people have argued, laughed, and even voted for their favorite snack.

While Takenoko no Sato often wins in Japan, Kinoko no Yama has many fans abroad. This playful rivalry shows how food can bring people together in fun and unexpected ways.

If you ever visit Japan—or if you can get them online—why not try both? You might discover which side of the war you belong to. 🍄🎋