Pocky, Hi-Chew and Japan's Candy Culture

Meet Pocky and Hi-Chew, two Japanese sweets loved worldwide, with their histories, flavors, fun traditions and tips for choosing candy on a trip.

Published October 16, 2026 at 10:10 PM JST | By Tokyo Paul

Quick answer: Pocky is a chocolate-coated biscuit stick first sold by Glico in 1966, and Hi-Chew is a soft, fruity chew from Morinaga that took its modern form in 1975. Both are sold across Japan and make easy, affordable souvenirs.

Two Sweets That Travel the World

Ask a group of travelers what they bring home from Japan, and candy comes up almost every time. Two names in particular have crossed oceans and landed on shelves far from where they began: Pocky, the slim biscuit stick dipped in chocolate, and Hi-Chew, the soft, fruity chew that sits somewhere between gum and taffy. Both are easy to find in Japan, both come in a delightful range of flavors, and both have stories worth knowing. Interest in Japanese snacks keeps growing, which makes this a perfect time to look closer at what makes these two so special.

In this guide you will learn how each treat began, how it is made and enjoyed, and how it fits into the wider world of Japanese sweets. We will also cover the fun of limited-edition flavors, a few ways to enjoy them, and practical tips for buying candy during a trip so that you return home with the right favorites and a few happy surprises.

The Story of Pocky

Pocky was first sold in 1966 by Ezaki Glico, and Glico's own history page describes the original product as Pocky Chocolate. The idea was simple and clever: a crisp biscuit stick coated in chocolate, with one end left bare so you can hold it without getting your fingers messy. The name is usually linked to the light snapping sound the stick makes when you bite it, which is a very Japanese way to name a food, since the language has a rich supply of sound words.

After the chocolate original became popular, new coatings followed. According to Wikipedia, an almond version appeared in 1971 and a strawberry version in 1977. Today the lineup includes milk, matcha, banana, cookies and cream and many other options, and some are tied to particular regions of Japan, such as melon from Yubari in Hokkaido. A related snack called Pretz uses the same stick shape without the sweet coating, and comes in savory flavors like tomato and salad.

Pocky has also traveled under other names. In several European countries, including France, the snack is sold as Mikado, and Glico's own history page says the French name was inspired by a popular game. This is a lovely reminder of how a small snack can find a new identity abroad while keeping the same simple charm.

Pocky Day and Other Fun Traditions

Many fans know that Pocky has its own celebration. The brand's official site says Pocky Day falls on November 11, and the date makes visual sense: written as 11.11, the numerals look like four slim sticks standing side by side. Around that date you will often see special displays, limited flavors and cheerful promotions in shops. It is a light-hearted occasion, and a nice reason to try a new variety if you happen to be traveling in Japan in autumn.

Sharing is part of the charm. Pocky comes in small bags with individually wrapped packets, which makes it perfect for passing around at the office, in a classroom or on a long train ride. The stick shape is also popular for photos and for playful little games among friends. Whatever the occasion, the snack tends to be a friendly icebreaker, and that may be part of why it has stayed beloved for nearly six decades.

Hi-Chew: A Chewy Idea with Deep Roots

Hi-Chew comes from Morinaga & Company, one of Japan's well-known confectionery makers. Wikipedia explains that founder Taichiro Morinaga wanted to create an edible alternative to chewing gum, and that a forerunner called Chewlets appeared in 1931. The Hi-Chew format that people recognize today was introduced in 1975. The texture is the big attraction: soft, elastic and slightly stretchy, with a flavored center surrounded by a lighter outer layer.

The flavor list is where Hi-Chew really shines. More than 170 flavors have been released over the years, ranging from classics such as strawberry, grape and mango to more adventurous choices like cola and blue raspberry. Special editions sometimes celebrate fruit from specific places, for example lemons from the Seto Inland Sea or shikuwasa, a small citrus fruit from Okinawa. These regional flavors make Hi-Chew a wonderful souvenir because each one tells you something about where it came from.

Hi-Chew has also become a global success. It is sold across Asia, North America, Europe and Oceania, and its popularity in the United States has grown dramatically over the past decade. That is a good example of how Japanese confectionery, once found mostly at home, now has fans around the world.

Smart Tips for Buying Candy in Japan

You can find both treats almost anywhere: convenience stores, supermarkets, drugstores, airport shops and station kiosks. Supermarkets and drugstores often have the broadest range and good everyday prices, while airports tend to stock gift boxes and regional editions. If you want a particular limited flavor, it is wise to buy it when you see it, because seasonal items can disappear quickly.

Check the packaging for an expiration or best-before date, which is usually printed on the back or on the bottom of the pack. In warm weather, chocolate-coated sticks can soften, so keep them in a cooler part of your bag and avoid leaving them in a hot car or sunny window. Chews can also turn soft in strong heat, so a shaded pocket or an insulated bag helps. Labels are written mainly in Japanese, and a translation app can quickly reveal ingredients and allergens such as milk, wheat, soy and nuts.

When choosing gifts, consider mixing a few flavors so that everyone can find a favorite. Individually wrapped packets are polite and practical for sharing, and small bags of regional editions make thoughtful presents. If you are unsure what to pick, a staff member in a drugstore or supermarket can often point you to the most popular flavor of the moment.

Quick Takeaways

Pocky began in 1966 as a chocolate-coated biscuit stick and now comes in a wide range of flavors, with its own celebration on November 11. Hi-Chew grew out of an early idea for a chewy alternative to gum, took its modern form in 1975, and has since released well over a hundred flavors. Both are affordable, portable and wonderfully giftable.

The next time you are in Japan, take a few extra minutes in the candy aisle. Try a flavor you have never seen before, share a packet with someone nearby, and tuck a few favorites into your suitcase. Sweet discoveries are one of the simplest pleasures of travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Pocky first sold?

Pocky was first sold in 1966 by Ezaki Glico as a chocolate-coated biscuit stick with an uncovered handle for easy eating. Almond and strawberry versions followed in the 1970s, and many more flavors have been added since.

When is Pocky Day?

Pocky Day is celebrated on November 11, according to the brand's official site. The date is written 11.11, and the numerals resemble four slim sticks. Shops often show special displays and limited flavors around that time.

What is Hi-Chew like?

Hi-Chew is a soft, elastic candy that is often described as sitting between chewing gum and soft taffy. It has a flavored center with a lighter outer layer, and more than 170 flavors have been released over the years.

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