On March 18, 2025, from 6:30 PM to 9:54 PM, TV viewers can tune in to the much-anticipated program titled "Foreigners Choose! I Want to Buy it and Take it Home! Japan's Snack Grand Election". This variety show aims to spotlight the top 30 snacks favored by foreign tourists visiting Japan, based on their responses to surveys asking what treats they would love to take home.
The setting promises to be lively as the program features the well-known comedy duo "Bakusho Mondai", who will serve as the MCs alongside Eiji Wents. These comic personalities are sure to engage viewers with their humor and commentary, making the event as entertaining as it is informative. Guests include the popular singer Nanami Sakikawa, comedian Hikaru Igashira, and the comedy duo 'Westland'. Yuki Ukiyo from the junior group ACEes will also join them, adding to the excitement of the night.
According to reports by TV LIFE web, this year's segment focuses on what snacks are most loved by foreign visitors, hinting at how gastronomic preferences can reflect cultural nuances. The program organizers have created excitement leading up to the broadcast by featuring preliminary predictions from the show’s talent concerning which snacks might take the top spot this time.
The stakes are surprisingly high for this ranking, as predictions have been circulating about which snacks will capture the hearts of foreign visitors most successfully. Hikaru Ota from Bakusho Mondai confidently claims, "I believe Lotte's Ghana Chocolate will be number 1," emphasizing the popularity of this well-known chocolate brand among tourists returning home.
Yuji Tanaka, Ota's co-MC, weighs in on the predictions, stating, "I am sure Meika Hiyoko will take the crown," projecting confidence for this traditional Japanese sweet. The anticipation among the participants creates a thrilling dynamic as everyone eagerly shares their insights and favorites during the broadcast.
Eiji Wents, recognized for his enthusiastic hosting, adds fuel to the fire with his own prediction. "KitKat from Nestle Japan is the one to beat," he notes, highlighting the global appeal and versatility of this iconic snack, which often boasts uniquely Japanese flavors.
Not to be left out, Hayami, the special navigator for the show, shows his favorite by asserting, "Umaibo is my favorite, and I think it will win." This classic snack has extensive recognition among foreigners, being easy to pack and enjoyable to eat.
Further affirming the insights are studio guests’ predictions like Nanami Sakikawa, who states, "Pocky is the number one for many visitors," hinting at its lasting legacy as one of the quintessential Japanese snacks popular both domestically and abroad.
The anticipation isn't just limited to participants; manufacturers have also been keeping their eyes on the program's outcome. Fourteen notable Japanese snack companies, including heavy hitters like Lotte, Nestle Japan, Calbee, Ezaki Glico, and Meiji, are watching closely to understand which of their products resonate most with international guests.
It isn't merely about numbers; this event reflects the cultural exchange and the appreciation for Japanese cuisine. The popularity of these snacks also symbolizes Japan’s influence and the way culture can transcend borders through food.
With just hours to go before the broadcast, snack enthusiasts everywhere are already debating which treats might dominate the rankings. Viewers will likely witness the most beloved snacks among visitors taking center stage, leading to laughter, surprise, and maybe even some heated debates on whose favorite treat reigns supreme.
TV LIFE web mentions, “The excitement of determining the most loved snacks among foreign tourists is palpable, and all eyes will surely be glued to the screen as the rankings are revealed.” This enthusiasm reflects how beloved Japanese sweets have become global icons, thanks to the warm sentiments they evoke.
Not only does this program serve as entertainment, it also shows potential boosts for manufacturers, driving sales and fostering interest among newer audiences as they realize the gems of Japanese confectionery. The results may influence purchasing habits not only during the broadcast but also beyond as travelers gain insights on which snacks to seek out on their next visit.
Overall, the show promises not only to reveal which snacks emerge victorious but also to celebrate the collective love shared internationally for some of Japan's most cherished treats. Audiences nationwide are invited to share their enthusiasm as they await the results of this delectable showdown.
