In America it’s a big deal when we get a new variety of Kit Kat. As it should be. Kit Kats are awesome. New versions are always a big deal in Japan too, but not because original flavors are rare. The candy is the most popular chocolate treat in the country, and there are more than 400 variations for sale. Figuring out original combos of wafer cookie, creme, and chocolate is an important job there. And it belongs to classically trained pastry chef, the subject of a new profile video from Great Big Story.
Forget his own country, chef Yasumasa Takagi might have one of the best jobs in the world. He creates new flavors for the wildly popular, wildly expansive line of Kit Kat options available in Japan. Takagi is already responsible for more than 50 styles sold in stores. But he’s created many more prototypes in his kitchen. And that’s where he continues to try out new styles that could one day be available.
And if they do make it to shelves, they’re sure to find an eager audience. As Yuji Takeuchi, marketing manager for Nestlé Japan, says, Kit Kats are more than just a treat in Japan. They are also a token of good luck. Kit Kat sounds a lot like the Japanese word “kittokatsu,” which means “you’re bound to win.” People give Kit Kats to those who have a big test or another important event coming up.
We should definitely adopt that practice here in America. Worst case you fail but still have a Kit Kat to look forward to.
Great Big Story
Combined with the inherent wonderfulness of a Kit Kat, that has led to the candy becoming a phenomenon in Japan since it first came to the country in 1973. From cheesecake and yogurt, to wasabi and purple sweet potato, the options are seemingly endless. Certain regions even have their own unique flavors.
And we would like to visit all of them so we can try all 400+ styles. And then we’d like to meet the man with the best job in Japan so we can try some of his prototypes too. That would be a very big deal.
Featured Image: Great Big Story
