Japanese Canned Food Beyond Imagination! A List of Must-Eat and Must-Buy Recommendations – Are Ten-Thousand-Yen Cans a Great Souvenir?
Traditional impressions of canned food always involve being very salty, needing to be eaten with rice, such as tomato fish, XX black melon, gluten, etc.; or being used with other dishes, like tuna cans (chicken of the sea), corn cans, etc. The ones suitable for "eating raw" are pineapple cans. However, the K&K canned products under Kokubu are not limited to these functions; some are perfect for drinking with alcohol. This time, we introduce the "KANTSUMA" series of cans, which are great for drinking and eating directly.
The series name is a combination of the Japanese words for "can" (kanzume) and "snack" (tsumami). K&K's "KANTSUMA" cans come in over 70 varieties, covering everything from mountains to sea. Conveniently, the packaging shows a photo of the contents after opening, so even if you don't understand Japanese, you can easily see what's inside, making it easier to buy with confidence. Although labeled as "snack" cans, they are also perfect for everyday cooking or bento boxes. This time, the JAPANKURU editorial team gathered colleagues from different countries for a tasting session, opening these cans one by one and sharing small tasting notes from each country. Before diving into the "recommended menu," you can take a look.
① Smoked Oysters in Oil
At the tasting session, the most popular item was the "Smoked Oysters in Oil." Made with plump, famous Hiroshima oysters, they are flash-frozen to maintain freshness, smoked for a distinctive aroma, and then packed in oil. Opening the can reveals those full, large oysters—truly mouthwatering. Unlike typical canned goods with many additives, this smoked oyster can contains only oysters, seaweed salt, and oil.
② Sardines in Oil
Sardines from Japan soaked in cold-pressed olive oil are the second most popular item. Beyond the perfectly light flavor, the secret to these delicious sardines is the appropriately sized can, which allows the sardines to stand upright, letting you enjoy the best part of the fish in its entirety.
③ Smoked Scallops in Oil
Using Hokkaido's famous Funka Bay scallops, these smoked scallops in oil follow the same simple preparation as the oysters mentioned above, allowing you to savor the fresh ingredients. The smoky aroma pairs especially well with the texture of the scallops, and it would be even better with whisky.
④ Honey Mustard Bacon
Have you ever thought bacon could be canned? Honestly, the JAPANKURU tasting group was curious about this honey mustard thick-cut bacon from the start. After opening and tasting, they were not disappointed. The firm texture of the thick-cut bacon with a slightly sweet flavor won the hearts of many women, and kids would likely enjoy it too.
⑤ Braised Yellowtail
Known as "greater amberjack" or "buri," yellowtail is a high-grade fish in Japan with many varieties. This braised yellowtail can uses yellowtail from the waters near Kyushu, prepared in a braised style. In Japan, yellowtail is called "shusseuo" (promotion fish), symbolizing advancement, so it makes a meaningful gift for friends and family back home.
The classic cans introduced above generally cost between 300 and 1,000 yen. However, the series called "KANTSUMA Kiwami" is K&K's premium line, with the cheapest starting at 5,000 yen and the most expensive reaching 10,000 yen. It's no exaggeration to call it the Chanel of canned goods. What makes these cans so special and expensive? Read on to find out.
① Gold Leaf Boiled King Crab Legs
Kicking off with this legendary, ultra-premium, and ultra-expensive can: "Gold Leaf Boiled King Crab Legs." Open the can to find boiled king crab legs covered in gold leaf—the red of the crab against the gold of the leaf exudes luxury without words. The boiled crab legs are simply seasoned with salt, still sweet and delicious. For those who find shelling crabs troublesome, this is a convenient and irresistible treat.
② Matsusaka Beef Yamato-ni
Matsusaka beef, raised under strict standards, is often called an artwork. This wagyu can uses one of Japan's three major wagyu breeds, Matsusaka beef, specifically the highest A-5 grade thick-cut meat, seasoned with soy sauce and sugar. It's especially recommended for those who love meat with a bit of marbling. Because of the premium ingredients, this can is produced in limited quantities.
③ Salt-Steamed Ezo Bafun Sea Urchin
The sweet, creamy sea urchin is a favorite among gourmands. This can uses the richly sweet Ezo bafun sea urchin, harvested fresh, quickly steamed, and lightly seasoned with salt from Hokkaido's Soya region to preserve its original sweetness. In fact, this "Kiwami" series also includes a version with white sea urchin, which has a different flavor from the Ezo bafun. Sea urchin lovers can try both.
Smoked scallops from Hokkaido, smoked over cherry wood chips, offer a smoky aroma that enhances the scallop's natural flavor—perfect with fine wine.
Smoked using the fattiest belly meat of salmon, these large, whole pieces of fish provide a different delicious texture and taste from scallops.
When it comes to clams, common preparations include stir-frying with basil, soup, steamed with sake, or grilled in foil. Smoked clams are less common, so this smoked clam can might make you curious about its flavor. Plus, the can contains shelled clam meat, making it super convenient to eat.
Although you can find some K&K KANTSUMA cans online, the selection is limited and prices are relatively higher. So when in Japan, it's a good opportunity to stock up. The five classic types we introduced can often be found in Japanese convenience stores or supermarkets. However, if you want to try rarer varieties or find a more complete selection, we recommend visiting the curated shop "ROJI" in Nihonbashi.
Located near Nihonbashi Station, ROJI carries the full range of K&K KANTSUMA cans, available individually or in gift sets. Besides cans, the store also features some outdoor or mountain-cooking utensils, which might interest those who enjoy camping and outdoor cooking.
Address: 1-1-1 Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Access: 2-minute walk from B9 exit of Tokyo Metro Ginza Line "Nihonbashi" Station
Business hours: Weekdays 11:00–18:30 / Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays 11:00–18:00
Cans Suitable for Outdoor Hiking or Home Drinking
Through this tasting session, the variety and breadth of canned goods truly exceeded my prior understanding, and more importantly, changed my impression that cans always need to be eaten with rice. If you replace snack cravings with canned food, that might not be a bad idea? (Just kidding)
Table of Contents
1. Japanese Cans That Defy Imagination
2. 5 Highly Rated Classic Picks
3. 3 Premium Luxury Picks to Savor Carefully
4. Recommended for Drinking! Smoked Delicacies to Love
5. Where to Buy These Delicious and Diverse Cans
