Exciting New Snack Launch: AI-Designed Hybrid of Kinoko and Take no Ko!

In a groundbreaking move, Meiji Co., Ltd. has announced the release of a new snack titled “AI-Designed Hybrid of Kinoko and Take no Ko – Kitakita Noko no Konakosan,” set to hit convenience stores and railway kiosks across Japan starting April 14, 2026. This limited-time product aims to satisfy the increasing demand from consumers who enjoy both Kinoko no Yama and Take no Ko no Sato, addressing the ongoing debate between two fanatical factions: the “Kinoko派” and the “Take no Ko派.”

The introduction of the snack was prompted by the latest AI technology named “KINOTAKE MOTHER,” which can determine user preferences by analyzing facial photos. With a sample size of around 500,000 people as of March 2026, the AI revealed that 52.4% identified as “Kinoko派,” while 43.1% favored “Take no Ko,” and a surprising 4.4% belonged to the “both派” category, neither fully aligning with one side. This, together with dedicated discussions with the AI, led to the idea to merge the two popular snacks into one successful product.

Since its inception in 1975, both Kinoko no Yama and Take no Ko no Sato have been seen as untouchable entities in the snack world. However, the blending of these iconic snacks aims to cater to those who find joy in both, breaking down barriers to achieve a unique fusion experience. The new product will feature crushed Kinoko no Yama crackers and Take no Ko cookies layered with milk-flavored chocolate and wheat puffs, all encased in a rich dark chocolate coating, promising a delightful mix of textures and flavors.

The packaging of the new snack follows the theme of “traditional satoyama meets modern AI,