Naniwaya Seika Original Canned Kaki no Tane Rice Crackers
When it comes to traditional Japanese rice crackers, “Senbei (煎餅)”, “Okaki (おかき)”, and “Arare (あられ)” are 3 representative types that have long been enjoyed in Japan. Even among those, Senbei is most common and comes in many varieties.
Japanese Senbei rice crackers are usually made from non-glutinous rice and traditionally have a somewhat thick, round shape. They are flavored mainly with soy sauce or salt, but modern Senbei are available in various shapes and flavors.
Kaki no Tane (柿の種)
When we Japanese think of modern Senbei rice crackers, many will bring “Kaki no Tane (柿の種)” to mind. You may not know about the classic Japanese rice cracker, but if you hear Kameda Crisps, some perhaps know what it is.
Kaki no Tane, or Kameda Crisps are orange-colored Japanese rice crackers with a shape like a crescent. Since the dough of the Japanese rice snack is baked, brushed with soy sauce and seasoned with red chili pepper, they are savory and a little bit spicy.
Because of this, Kaki no Tane is known as a standard Otsumami snack in Japan. “Otsumami (おつまみ)” refers to the finger foods and nibbles eaten with alcoholic drinks, and Kaki no Tane goes especially well with beer.
Naniwaya Seika Ganso Kaki no Tane
When it comes to the history, Kaki no Tane was first made by “Naniwaya Seika (浪花屋製菓)” in 1925. Naniwaya Seika is a Japanese confectionery company whose head office is in the city of Nagaoka, Niigata Prefecture.
Today, many Japanese confectionery makers are producing Kaki no Tane products, most of which are packaged in plastic bags, though, when I was small, the mainstream were canned ones.
Actually, this time I got this Naniwaya’s classical Kaki no Tane can (Amazon.co.jp) for the first time in a while. The tin can contains 12 bags of Naniwaya’s original Kaki no Tane rice crackers.
Unlike others, Naniwaya Seika’s Kaki no Tane products include the Japanese word “Ganso (元祖)” meaning “originator” in the name.
How to Open the Tin Can
The tin can is closed with a removable lid.
In order to prevent moisture, the hole is sealed up firmly, so you need to use something hard to lift the lid up.
This time I lifted it up with scissors with strong force.
Contents
In the can, there were a small folded leaflet and a sheet of inspection certificate.
Underneath the 2 things, there were 12 paper bags of Kaki no Tane rice crackers placed.
Taste
The Naniwaya Seika’s original Kaki no Tane was really savory compared to other Kaki no Tane rice crackers, and only had a mild heat.
Conclusion
If you love Kameda Crisps, Naniwaya Seika’s Kaki no Tane is a must-try, because the latter is the original.
Or if you have a plan to visit Niigata Prefecture, the Naniwaya’s Kaki no Tane can is recommended for your souvenir. It is available at supermarkets and souvenir shops in Niigata.
