Lucky Japanese KitKats come with origami “omamori” for 2020 examination season

Nestle Japan Ltd. revealed Tuesday the latest look for their popular Japanese KitKit brand which features paper packaging that can be folded to create “omamori” Japanese lucky charms in support of students preparing to take university and high school entrance exams next year.

The 14-piece KitKat Mini Message Of Support Pack (キットカット ミニ 応援メッセーシジパック) continues an initiative launched by Nestle Japan in September 2019 which saw the maker turn to using paper packaging for its large packets of classic KitKat flavors in efforts to address the problem of marine plastics. The new paper packaging allowed KitKat consumers to create popular paper cranes. 

With eyes on the upcoming 2020 entrance examination season Nestle Japan has switched from paper cranes to “omamori,” with a new KitKat packaging that can be folded to create one of Japan’s traditional lucky charms, often found at temples and shrines, into which individual pieces of the popular chocolate snack can be fitted and gifted.

As in previous years individual KitKat pieces come with messages of support for students about to enter examination hell in January and February next year including one written out in English -- “Do Your Best!” 

The new KitKat Mini Message Of Support Pack is set for release on December 2 in supermarkets, drug stores, and convenience stores across Japan. 

As well as the KitKat Mini Message Of Support Pack, Nestle Japan will also release new packs of KitKat Mini Iyokan (キットカット ミニ 伊予柑) and KitKat Mini Kouhaku (キットカット ミニ 紅白パック), again in their efforts to cheer on entrance examination students -- the red and white colors of kouhaku being used for auspicious occasions in Japan.

The citrus fruit iyokan is a kind of mandarin orange crossed with a tangerine mostly grown in Ehime Prefecture, western Japan (the KitKat above is made with iyokan powder produced in the region).  

Pronunciation of the name is similar to that of “いい予感” -- iiyokan -- which means to have a good feeling about something. Perfect for examination season then.  

Since 2003, under the slogan “Kitto Sakura Saku Yo” (キット、サクラサクよ) -- “ the cherry blossoms are sure to bloom” -- Japanese KitKat has been partnered with other companies and organizations involved in helping students through the examination process, from hotels where students might stay the night before an examination, to the post office service responsible for delivering the results, and even shrines. 

2020 will mark the 18th year of Nestle Japan’s support for entrance examination students through the KitKat brand.