Latest news with #BlackThunder
Metropolis Japan
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Metropolis Japan
Black Thunder by TOKYO PARTY CLUB
Tokyo's underground nightlife pulses back to life this summer with Black Thunder by TOKYO PARTY CLUB, a genre-defying midsummer blowout at Shibuya's MIDNIGHT EAST. This one-night celebration merges two of the city's hottest venues—Spotify O-EAST 3F and AZUMAYA—for an all-night immersion in music, visuals, food, and party culture. Curated by TOKYO PARTY CLUB, the event showcases a stacked lineup of DJs including Genki Tanaka, MASAYASU, PALM BABYS, and SAYO, with atmospheric lighting by the legendary LIGHTING MIURA. From dancefloor bangers to visual VDJ sets by DUKE☆TOMONO, every corner of this experience is designed to blur the line between Tokyo's club, festival, and indie scenes. Fuel up at the Shibuya Semi-Underground Bar pop-up, sip cocktails from the exclusive doodL bar, and get lost in the electric collision of sound, subculture, and midnight magic. This is your invitation to Tokyo's most stylishly chaotic night out—don't sleep on it.
Tokyo Weekender
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Tokyo Weekender
Iconic Japanese Ice Creams, Ranked
Nothing says summer in Japan like popping into a konbini with your friends at night to pick up a couple of Gargari-kun popsicles. Whether you're into fruity or creamy offerings, Japan's convenience stores and supermarkets have a dizzying array of inventive and delicious ice creams at cheap prices. Among this infinite variety, here is our ranking of the most iconic Japanese ice creams, according to extensive field research and science. Contestants were judged according to four scales of five stars: flavor, texture, originality and aesthetic appeal. *Just to clarify for those easily angered: both popsicles and traditional ice creams are referred to as 'ice cream' in Japanese (or often aisu — 'ice' — for short). So this list blends the two categories and everything in between. List of Contents: 10. Super Cup 9. Gatsun to Mikan 8. Coolish 7. Ice Box 6. Papico 5. Garigari-kun 4. Black Thunder 3. Suika Bar 2. Ice no Mi 1 (Tie). Yukimi Daifuku 1 (Tie). Shirokuma Related Posts 10. Super Cup This is one of the most standard Japanese ice creams, one that you can find anywhere. The vanilla and chocolate flavors are most common, but a ton of other flavor varieties are also available, like mint chocolate, matcha and strawberry. An oldie but a goodie, Super Cup is never a showstopper but a reliable cornerstone of the ice cream scene. Flavor: ⭐︎⭐︎⭐︎ Texture: ⭐︎⭐︎⭐︎ Originality: ⭐︎⭐︎ Aesthetics: ⭐︎ ⭐︎ 9. Gatsun to Mikan The word gatsun describes tackling something with vigor, so it seems fitting that it would be affixed to this dense, prone-to-giving-brain-freezes popsicle. Filled with tangerine pieces, this fruity popsicle is pretty similar to a lot of Western popsicles in terms of texture — less slushy, more ice-y. It almost has a homemade quality to it, but personally, I don't find the texture satisfying. Flavor: ⭐︎⭐︎⭐︎⭐︎ Texture: ⭐︎⭐︎ Originality: ⭐︎⭐︎ Aesthetics: ⭐︎⭐︎⭐︎ 8. Coolish We've all seen the Tiktok hack of mixing this ice cream bag with iced coffee to create a delicious Frappuccino-like concoction. Like Papico, the beauty of Coolish is that it won't melt in your hand — and, in fact, a little melting improves the texture. We recommend trying flavors other than vanilla, too, like chocolate and peach. Flavor: ⭐︎ ⭐︎ ⭐︎ Texture: ⭐︎⭐︎⭐︎⭐︎ Originality: ⭐︎ ⭐︎ ⭐︎ Aesthetics: ⭐︎ ⭐︎ 7. Ice Box Sometimes you're not hungry, but just want to have something refreshing. Ice Box is perfect for that; it's basically frozen flavored water that tastes like grapefruit. Like Ice no Mi, it can also be put into different drinks to add flavor. Pro tip: Squeeze the container a few times before opening the top to break up the ice chunks! Flavor: ⭐︎⭐︎⭐︎⭐︎⭐︎ Texture: ⭐︎⭐︎⭐︎⭐︎ Originality: ⭐︎⭐︎ Aesthetics: ⭐︎⭐︎ 6. Papico Whether you're walking home from school with your crush or hanging out with your bestie, Papico is meant to be shared. The classic coffee flavor is perfect for a pick-me-up, and seasonal flavors like lemon, kiwi or pear are incredible, too. On a practical level, Papico is great because it's encased in plastic and won't melt all over your hand. Flavor: ⭐︎ ⭐︎ ⭐︎ ⭐︎ ⭐︎ Texture: ⭐︎ ⭐︎ ⭐︎ ⭐︎ Originality: ⭐︎⭐︎⭐︎ Aesthetics: ⭐︎⭐︎ 5. Garigari-kun You haven't truly experienced summer in Japan until you've incurred a brain freeze chomping on a Garigari-kun popsicle. That's how iconic this ice cream series is. Its namesake character, Garigari-kun (' garigari ' is onomatopoeia for crunchiness, so his name means 'Crunch boy') is known for his manic wide-mouthed grin, symbolizing his excitement for ice cream — which is honestly relatable. There is a never-ending list of seasonal Garigari flavors, but some of our favorites are soda (a classic), chocolate and pineapple. Flavor: ⭐︎ ⭐︎ ⭐︎ (some flavors are mediocre) Texture: ⭐︎⭐︎⭐︎⭐︎⭐︎ Originality: ⭐︎⭐︎⭐︎ Aesthetics: ⭐︎ ⭐︎ ⭐︎ ⭐︎ (the popsicle itself is just a rectangle, but the character and font are iconic) 4. Black Thunder If you don't know what Black Thunder is, you're probably living under a rock. It's a crunchy, Oreo-filled chocolate bar found at most konbini. The ice cream form is based on the same flavor profile, but its base is a chocolate ice cream — the perfect option when you want something decadent. Flavor: ⭐︎ ⭐︎ ⭐︎ ⭐︎ Texture: ⭐︎ ⭐︎ ⭐︎ ⭐︎ ⭐︎ Originality: ⭐︎⭐︎⭐︎⭐︎ Aesthetics: ⭐︎ ⭐︎ ⭐︎ 3. Suika Bar There's something about this watermelon-shaped popsicle that immediately raises your happiness level by 138 percent on sight. Does it actually taste like real watermelon? Not really — it has five percent watermelon juice, and its 'seeds' are actually chocolate chips. But we love this triangle of joy for its adorable shape, refreshing taste and the summery mood it evokes. Flavor: ⭐︎⭐︎⭐︎ Texture: ⭐︎⭐︎⭐︎⭐︎ Originality: ⭐︎⭐︎⭐︎⭐︎⭐︎ Aesthetics: ⭐︎⭐︎⭐︎⭐︎⭐︎ 2. Ice no Mi A lot of people like to use these fruit-flavored balls as ice cubes for various drinks, but they taste amazing on their own as well. Ice no Mi means 'fruit of ice,' and most flavor renditions taste pretty accurate. The grape one is perhaps the most common, but we recommend seasonal flavors like strawberry and pear. The coffee one is also delicious (and would be a great ice cube substitute for any coffee beverage!) Flavor: ⭐︎⭐︎⭐︎⭐︎⭐︎ Texture: ⭐︎⭐︎⭐︎⭐︎⭐︎ Originality : ⭐︎⭐︎⭐︎⭐︎ Aesthetics: ⭐︎⭐︎⭐︎ 1 (Tie). Yukimi Daifuku A few years ago, ice cream-filled mochi became a huge phenomenon, seen in overseas grocery stores like Trader Joe's. This chewy, creamy icon is one of the blueprint mochi ice creams. Yukimi Daifuku is one of the few ice creams enjoyed by locals even in the winter, as mochi is often associated with colder weather. Its name is a play on tsukimi daifuku , or moon-viewing daifuku — mochi filled with red bean paste, eaten during the autumnal full moon festival. In this case, yukimi means snow-viewing. Flavor: ⭐︎⭐︎⭐︎⭐︎⭐︎ Texture: ⭐︎ ⭐︎ ⭐︎ ⭐︎ ⭐︎ Originality: ⭐︎ ⭐︎ ⭐︎ ⭐︎ Aesthetics: ⭐︎⭐︎⭐︎⭐︎ 1 (Tie). Shirokuma Inspired by a tropical shaved ice dessert from Kagoshima Prefecture, Shirokuma is a classic summer treat featuring condensed milk, red bean paste, pineapple and other fruits. Shirokuma means polar bear, which some say derives from a polar bear picture on the condensed milk can used in the very first Shirokuma shaved ice. Whatever the origin, it's an adorable name. Flavor: ⭐︎⭐︎⭐︎⭐︎ Texture: ⭐︎⭐︎⭐︎⭐︎⭐︎ Originality: ⭐︎⭐︎⭐︎⭐︎⭐︎ Aesthetics: ⭐︎⭐︎⭐︎⭐︎ Related Posts A Guide to the Best Matcha in Tokyo What Your Go-To Konbini Drink Says About You The Best Taiyaki Shops in Tokyo
Japan Today
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Japan Today
Can we tell the difference between Black Thunder and Black Thunder Excellent chocolate bars?
By SoraNews24 Black Thunder chocolate bars are a great choice when you need a sugar boost that you can discretely keep in your bag or pocket if it isn't too hot out. That may also have been why our writer Snufkin found herself at the Black Thunder section of a 7-Eleven. However, it was here that she found a Black Thunder unlike any other. These surprisingly delicious little bars occasionally come in 'Premium' flavors, but this was even beyond that… It was Black Thunder Excellent. You don't see many products with 'Excellent' in the name, probably because it doesn't really leave any room for improved versions in the future. Nevertheless, Black Thunder has dared to dream and released this version of the classic chocolate flavor for more than twice the price of a regular Black Thunder bar. Considering a regular bar is only about 35 yen, the Black Thunder Excellent still isn't terribly expensive at 95 yen each at 7-Eleven stores where they're exclusively sold. In front of the box holding the Black Thunder Excellent bars was a challenge: 'Can you tell the difference?' This is because these excellent bars are made mostly in the same way as regular ones, but with high-quality cocoa beans for what they call a 'rich and luxurious absolute chocolate sensation.' Snufkin fancies herself a Black Thunder aficionado and was certainly up for the challenge of distinguishing gourmet bars from regular ones, so she picked up one of each and took them home. She decided to start with a visual inspection and the moment she opened the wrapper of the Black Thunder Excellent, she was hit with a scent unlike any Black Thunder she ever had before. It was like chocolate with a high cocoa content. The rich cocoa could be seen in the bar as well with a darker and denser appearance. On the surface, it might look like the regular bar has more cookie crunches in it, but checking inside they seemed about the same, it was just that the Excellent bar had thicker chocolate over top. Snufkin chose the regular Black Thunder to start with and was filled with the comforting feeling of its familiar chocolatey flavor and crumbly texture. With that out of the way, it was time to partake of the Black Thunder Excellent. Taking a bite there was no question this bar was built different, but surprisingly she felt the original Black Thunder was more delicious the moment it touches the tongue with its strong sweetness. When she first bit into Black Thunder Excellent she momentarily thought it didn't taste like anything. However, that was Black Thunder Excellent's gambit. It starts off weak and takes its time as the rich cocoa aroma gradually fills the mouth. It's a fragrance so fine that it doesn't need the simple sweetness of sugar to delight the taste buds. Its texture was a little harder too, but that had more to do with the higher chocolate content than the cookies. In conclusion, the sign's doubt that everyone would be able to tell the difference turned out to be unnecessary, because it was all too easy to do so. Black Thunder Excellent reminded Snufkin of those fancy chocolates found in department store food sections and for just 95 yen, that's a pretty sweet deal on some not-so-sweet chocolate. Photos ©SoraNews24 Read more stories from SoraNews24. -- Black Thunder grab event in Tokyo gets you a fistful of chocolate bars for less than 30 cents -- Krispy Kreme releases Pac-Man doughnuts in Japan… but are they any good? -- Sliced Black Thunder: A chocolate bar for toast External Link © SoraNews24
SoraNews24
08-06-2025
- Entertainment
- SoraNews24
Can we tell the difference between Black Thunder and Black Thunder Excellent chocolate bars?
It doesn't get any better than this Black Thunder. Being the hard-hitting reporters we are and constantly on the go covering Pac-Man's visit to Krispy Kreme and buying five large fries from McDonald's for research, we often have to eat as we move. I'm probably not alone when I say Black Thunder chocolate bars are a great choice when you need a sugar boost that you can discretely keep in your bag or pocket if it isn't too hot out. That may also have been why our writer Snufkin found herself at the Black Thunder section of a 7-Eleven. However, it was here that she found a Black Thunder unlike any other. These surprisingly delicious little bars occasionally come in 'Premium' flavors, but this was even beyond that… It was Black Thunder Excellent! You don't see many products with 'Excellent' in the name, probably because it doesn't really leave any room for improved versions in the future. Nevertheless, Black Thunder has dared to dream and released this version of the classic chocolate flavor for more than twice the price of a regular Black Thunder bar. Considering a regular bar is only about 35 yen, the Black Thunder Excellent still isn't terribly expensive at 95 yen ($0.65) each at 7-Eleven stores where they're exclusively sold. In front of the box holding the Black Thunder Excellent bars was a challenge: 'Can you tell the difference?' This is because these excellent bars are made mostly in the same way as regular ones, but with high-quality cocoa beans for what they call a 'rich and luxurious absolute chocolate sensation.' Snufkin fancies herself a Black Thunder aficionado and was certainly up for the challenge of distinguishing gourmet bars from regular ones, so she picked up one of each and took them home. She decided to start with a visual inspection and the moment she opened the wrapper of the Black Thunder Excellent, she was hit with a scent unlike any Black Thunder she ever had before. It was like chocolate with a high cocoa content. The rich cocoa could be seen in the bar as well with a darker and denser appearance. On the surface, it might look like the regular bar has more cookie crunches in it, but checking inside they seemed about the same, it was just that the Excellent bar had thicker chocolate over top. Snufkin chose the regular Black Thunder to start with and was filled with the comforting feeling of its familiar chocolatey flavor and crumbly texture. With that out of the way, it was time to partake of the Black Thunder Excellent. Taking a bite there was no question this bar was built different, but surprisingly she felt the original Black Thunder was more delicious the moment it touches the tongue with its strong sweetness. When she first bit into Black Thunder Excellent she momentarily thought it didn't taste like anything. However, that was Black Thunder Excellent's gambit. It starts off weak and takes its time as the rich cocoa aroma gradually fills the mouth. It's a fragrance so fine that it doesn't need the simple sweetness of sugar to delight the taste buds. Its texture was a little harder too, but that had more to do with the higher chocolate content than the cookies. In conclusion, the sign's doubt that everyone would be able to tell the difference turned out to be unnecessary, because it was all too easy to do so. Black Thunder Excellent reminded Snufkin of those fancy chocolates found in department store food sections and for just 95 yen, that's a pretty sweet deal on some not-so-sweet chocolate. Photos ©SoraNews24 ● Want to hear about SoraNews24's latest articles as soon as they're published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter! [ Read in Japanese ]
SoraNews24
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- SoraNews24
Can Japan's favorite cheap chocolate also be a good craft beer? Taste-testing Black Thunder Stout
Black Thunder chocolate goes into every can, but does that mean this brew comes out tasty? No matter how old you are, visiting a chocolate factory will make you feel like a kid again. That was something our ace reporter Mr. Sato experienced first hand on his recent trip to the Black Thunder factory in the town of Toyohashi, Aichi Prefecture, where they make Japan's favorite brand of incredibly cheap, but also incredibly delicious, chocolate. ▼ Black Thunder, the chocolate that delights taste buds even if it sometimes breaks hearts But while Mr. Sato's inner child was squealing with glee as he participated in the factory's souvenir shop activity that lets you stuff as many chocolate bars as you can inside a bag in three minutes, his inner adult couldn't help feeling drawn to… …the Black Thunder chocolate beer?!? Yes, they do sell beer at the Black Thunder factory, and yes, it's really made from Black Thunder. Specifically, it's made using the leftover pieces of chocolate that are broken off when the bars are formed, so as you crack open a can of Black Thunder Stout you can pat yourself on the back for doing your part to reduce food waste. Though Black Thunder is famous for its low price, Black Thunder Stout is just a tad on the expensive side at 755 yen (US$5.20) a can. That's still an affordable luxury, though, and not a shocking price for a craft beer in today's marketplace. The beer is produced by Kagawa Prefecture-based brewer Setouchi Beer for Toyohashi craft beer company THC Craft, with the blessing of Black Thunder maker Yuraku Confectionary Company, and uses barley malt imported from the U.K. and Germany. ▼ The label, with an illustrated redhead in a tiger-stripe outfit, is clearly taking some design cues from manga artist Rumiko Takahashi, creator of Inuyasha , Ranma 1/2 , and Urusei Yatsura , whose female lead is fond of tiger-print attire herself. But with Black Thunder being a chocolate with a pronounced sweetness, Mr. Sato wondered, and also sort of worried, that Black Thunder Stout would be a sugary-tasting beer. He felt a little better after asking the store staff about its flavor and a clerk told him that the beer, which has a five-percent alcohol content, isn't particularly sweet, and instead has an enjoyable bitterness to it. Convinced, Mr. Sato bought a can and took it home for taste-testing. As soon as he started pouring, Mr. Sato noticed the fine fizziness of the head, and since he likes his stouts to have this kind of creamy top, his expectations immediately rose like the foam in his glass. Mr. Sato wasn't just pouring the can into a glass for the visual inspection, though. During the brewing process, the sugars in the chocolate pieces play a role in the fermentation process, and the resulting beer retains some of that sweet aroma. It's most noticeable with a wide-brimmed drinking vessel, and the brewers recommend a wine glass, but since Mr. Sato doesn't have one he instead used the widest-opening cup he could find in his kitchen. Sure enough, he could detect a gentle, enticing sweetness as he took a sniff before he took a sip. And when he did take that sip? It was excellent. Gently pushing through the top layer of soft, creamy foam, he found a robust bitterness that gives the beer a sense of psychological weight. But the bitter notes weren't alone in the rich flavor profile, as they were accompanied by sensations of coffee. Surprisingly, there was no candy-like sweetness, but the flavor ends with a faint lingering chocolatey impression that tickles the nose and entices you into another sip. Flavorful but mellow, Mr. Sato likens the Black Thunder Stout to a glass of fine wine or whiskey, something to take your time with and thoroughly enjoy. Sadly, while Black Thunder is available in pretty much every convenience store in Japan, Black Thunder Stout is harder to find, though it's sometimes available for online order through local products e-shop Toyohashi Tsushin here. However, even Black Thunder chocolate wasn't an overnight success story, and at one point early in its history was even temporarily taken off the market because of low sales before word of mouth made it the phenomenal hit it is today, so maybe we'll see Black Thunder follow a similar path. Related: Black Thunder factory official website Photos ©SoraNews24 ● Want to hear about SoraNews24's latest articles as soon as they're published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter! [ Read in Japanese ]
