The 105-Yen Secret Weapon in Every 7-Eleven: A Deep Dive into Japan’s Favorite Convenience Store Yokan

You’re working, and that familiar craving hits. You want something sweet, but not a heavy, rich dessert. You need a quick, clean, satisfying boost. For those living in or visiting Japan, the answer lies hidden in plain sight in every 7-Eleven, costing a mere 105 yen. It’s the Seven Premium “Neriyokan,” a humble-looking snack with a surprisingly devoted following. Let’s unwrap the secrets of this convenience store gem.

This isn’t just another candy bar. It’s a perfectly engineered piece of traditional Japanese confectionery, made accessible to everyone.

What Exactly is This 105-Yen Treasure?

For the uninitiated, Yokan is a classic Japanese dessert (a type of wagashi) made from adzuki red bean paste, sugar, and agar. It’s a firm jelly with a rich history and is often found in high-end confectioneries. The Seven Premium Neriyokan brings this tradition to the masses, and it does so without compromising on quality.

The secret? It’s manufactured by Imuraya, a company famous for the beloved “Azuki Bar” ice pop—a national institution in Japan. This means you’re getting generations of adzuki expertise in a tiny, affordable package. Made with premium adzuki beans from Hokkaido, Japan’s northern agricultural powerhouse, it promises a smooth texture and an elegant, authentic flavor.

The Taste Test: Is It *Really* That Good?

Upon opening, you’re greeted by a glossy, deep-purple bar. The first bite is a revelation. Many people expect yokan to be intensely sweet, a pure sugar rush. This one is different. The sweetness is perfectly balanced and refined, allowing the natural, earthy flavor of the adzuki beans to shine through. It’s sweet, but not cloying, with a clean finish that doesn’t linger.

The texture is just as impressive. It’s incredibly smooth, almost melting on your tongue. This isn’t a chewy, gummy jelly; it’s a dense, silky confection that feels far more luxurious than its price tag suggests. This “just right” level of sweetness makes it the ideal partner for a cup of black coffee or green tea, turning a simple work break into a small, mindful ritual.

More Than Just a Snack: The Genius in the Details

What elevates this yokan from a simple sweet to a masterpiece of convenience are the thoughtful details that cater to a modern, busy lifestyle.

A Masterclass in Packaging

One of the most brilliant features is the packaging. Imuraya uses a patented design called “Ainotch,” and it’s a game-changer. You simply hold the film at the top, twist, and the yokan can be pushed up from the bottom. This allows you to eat it with one hand, without getting your fingers sticky.

Whether you’re typing at your computer, reading a book, or navigating a crowded train, you can get a quick energy boost without missing a beat. It’s a user-friendly design that feels perfectly in sync with the demands of daily life.

The Ultimate Versatile Treat

This yokan’s utility extends far beyond the office desk. At 151 calories, it’s an efficient source of energy, making it a favorite among hikers, cyclists, and athletes for a quick refuel during activities.

Furthermore, its long shelf life (about a year from production) and the fact that it requires no refrigeration make it an outstanding item for an emergency preparedness kit. In a crisis, having a compact, long-lasting, and comforting sweet can be a significant morale booster. It’s a small piece of comfort and normalcy when you need it most.

The Good, The “Bad,” and The Buzz

The biggest advantage is, without a doubt, the incredible value. Getting this level of quality—a taste that could rival specialty wagashi shops—for just 105 yen at any local convenience store is simply amazing.

If there’s a “disadvantage,” it’s a testament to how good it is: it’s dangerously easy to eat too many. The combination of delicious flavor and sheer convenience means you might find yourself reaching for “just one more.” At 151 calories a bar (roughly equivalent to a small bowl of rice), it’s a treat to be enjoyed with a little self-control!

On social media, the yokan is a cult classic. Fans rave about its “classy, understated sweetness” and the joy of being able to satisfy a yokan craving instantly. Some jokingly admit to buying out their local 7-Eleven’s entire stock. It even won top marks in a blind taste test of convenience store yokan by a Japanese media outlet, with judges praising its refined flavor.

Final Verdict: Your New Go-To “Amulet Sweet”

The Seven Premium Neriyokan is far more than just a convenience store snack. It’s a reliable partner that provides a moment of calm in a busy day, a burst of energy on a long hike, and a comforting presence in your emergency kit. The Japanese review called it an “omamori sweet”—an “amulet” or “good luck charm” you keep on hand. That description is perfect.

If you haven’t tried it yet, do yourself a favor. The next time you pass a 7-Eleven in Japan, pick one up. You’ll be amazed at the satisfaction you can get for just over 100 yen. I’ve already made it a permanent resident in my desk drawer, and I suspect you will too.

The information in this article is current as of its publication date (November 8, 2025). Product details and availability may change over time. Please check for the latest information at your local store.

[Written and edited by JELCOME Editorial Team]