Bokksu, a monthly subscription box for regional Japanese snacks, will brighten the lives of
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Appeals To
Japanophiles will love the wide selection of snacks that are available with each box, which all showcase a different region in the country. Those looking for a unique and thoughtful gift to loved ones (or themselves!) will also appreciate the introduction to a variety of new and delicious nibbles. Anyone with a sweet tooth is also bound to appreciate Bokksu.
The Product
Bokksu plays into the growing subscriber trend for monthly goodies. But instead of recipes, clothes or makeup, Bokksu invites people to explore Japan through snacks. The snacks all come from specific regions in Japan, comprehensively covered via the culture and tasting guides that come with each box. Some of these are exclusive to Bokksu. Another highlight is that past boxes and their contents are available to see on the website, together with detailed descriptions of what each item is.
The February Bokksu revolves around the theme of Valentine’s Day when Japanese friends gift each other with chocolate to show their affection or appreciation for one another. Milk, white and fruity chocolate treats, as well as some savoury senbei rice crackers all, come in delightful and robust packaging which is too tempting to leave unopened.
The box has a socially responsible element too. Bokksu founder Danny Taing is known in Japan as an “ambassador” for the country’s snacks. His role in cultural sustainability has meant traditional artisans have been given a global platform, increasing the longevity of age-old cooking techniques in shrinking populations, such as Japan’s.
The Verdict
The selection of snacks that are available in the Bokksu is impressive; made all the easier to try and contextualise by the inclusion of the handy guidebooks. It was brilliant to have an appropriate snack for any time of the day, whether that was strawberry chocolate or an evening made special by the Beauty Red herbal tea. As more of a savoury fan, the Saitama spicy senbei crackers were a favourite. The delicate rice cracker was the perfect foil for umami-rich green seaweed and black sesame, rounded off beautifully with a slight chilli kick.
The Tokyo-produced Arigato no Kimochi, or thankful feeling, senbei were also delicious. The classic combination of soy and honey was moreish. The Cubie chocolate was another highlight – specially crafted to keep chocolate from melting, these little cubes gave a smooth, velvety bite which was a perfect little day-to-day indulgence.
The sentiment behind Bokksu is wonderful, bolstered by a gorgeous packaging and an intuitive and fun website. While some may find the price a little steep, the value for being exposed to some little-known Japanese regions and snacks definitely feels worth it. My only suggestion would be to offer a customisation service as the brand matures. It would be perfect to have an option to add favourites to monthly boxes or to order boxes which are purely sweet, or savoury.
The Details
Boxes start at $25 US (c.£19) for the tasting option. Classic and vegetarian boxes are priced at $39. More details available on Bokksu’s website – snacks can also be bought here individually.