Tiny Umaibo difference is big news in the Japanese snack world.

Earlier this week, the Japanese Internet was abuzz with chatter that snack maker Yaokin was planning to raise the price of its most popular line of crunchy munchies. Since it’s a product loved by people both young and old, such a decision would have national-level consequences, and sure enough, Yaokin has confirmed that the rumors are true, and this spring it will indeed be raising the price of its Umaibo puffed corn snacks (one of which is pictured above).

The company made the official announcement through the Umaibo Twitter account.

いつもうまい棒を応援してくださっている皆様へ pic.twitter.com/2VkgctkQ3j

— うまい棒【やおきん公式】＠第２回うまい棒川柳受賞作発表中！ (@Umaemon_40th) January 27, 2022

The statement reads:

“Thank you for your continued support of Umaibo. As has been reported in various media outlets, due to an increase in the cost of Umaibo’s ingredients and shipping, as well as other expenses, as of April 1, 2022 we will be raising the price from 10 yen to 12 yen.

We were able to keep the price at 10 yen for the past 42 years thanks entirely to your support and the cooperation of everyone involved I Umaibo’s production and distribution, and we are deeply grateful to you all.

In addition, we sincerely apologize for the confusion and commotion that caused prior to our official announcement.

We will continue to do our utmost to bring you all products that make everyone happy.”

Yes, all of those numbers are correct. Umaibo will only be going up two yen (US 1.7 cents) in price, and it’s been at its current price of a ridiculously inexpensive 10 yen (US 8.7 cents) ever since it first went on sale in 1979.

Granted, puffed corn isn’t exactly haute cuisine, but in this day and age, it’s amazing to think that any company is selling its …continue reading