Bokksu Recommends the Best Spirited Away Snacks

Have you ever wondered what your beloved Spirited Away characters would be like in the snack version? We've compiled a list of Japanese snacks befitting all of your favorites. They range from connections via personality to characteristics of each character.

If you're unsure who these Studio Ghibli characters are, here's your chance to get to know each one in snack form. You may even be tempted to munch on these tasty treats while watching (or rewatching) the famous Japanese cinema Ghibli film by Hayao Miyazaki (also known for Princess Mononoke). 

Spirited Away is a masterpiece by Studio Ghibli that captivates us with its magical story, enchanting world and mouthwatering food. If you love Spirited Away, you might wonder about the snacks that show up in the film, such as the rice balls, the steamed buns and the candy. Or you might want to munch on some snacks that are inspired by the movie, such as the dragon cookies, the no-face marshmallows and the soot sprite chocolates. In this blog, we'll show you some of the best snacks for Spirited Away fans, from authentic Japanese delicacies to creative snacks inspired by the movie.

Chihiro Ogino

Chihiro is the main character of Spirited Away; the story begins with her as a young girl (age 10) exploring a bathhouse after Chihiro's parents are turned into pigs for choosing to consume the wrong food. She is met with ghosts, monsters, and every obstacle as she works to free her parents from this unfortunate fate in the spirit world. As such, Day Plus Natural Yeast Bread Hokkaido Cream comes to mind. It’s a reliable snack that satisfies sweet cravings, just as she is a reliable character.

As Chihiro (Spirited Away) grows older in the movie (and manga), she matures from a scared child to an adventurous adult that takes on the world. In the story, her personality can be compared to Chinpindo Shikamasu!? Otsumami Chinsuko (1 Bag) and Bokksu X Daimonji Ame Honpo Handmade Yuzu Sake Candy. The Chinpindo Shikamasu!? Otsumami Chinsuko snack compares to her adventurous spirit with cheesy and spicy flavor notes. At the same time, the Handmade Yuzu Sake Candy contains sake – an indicator of adulthood for the protagonist Chihiro.

Haku

Haku is another important character as he helps Chihiro (Sen after she signs a contract with Yubaba the witch) on her journey towards saving Chihiro's father and Chihiro's mother. Haku's real name is Nigihayami Kohakunushi which translates to the God of The Swift Amber River. However, the witch Yubaba steals his memory and name, hence why he is called Haku. Because of this, Puku Puku Tai: Chocolate (10 Pieces), aka tasty fish-shaped desserts, represent who he is – the god of the river.

Haku (Spirited Away) has a unique personality that shifts from stern and serious to sweet and helpful and back again. He's a perfect match for the Kanro Puré Gummy Petite: Lemon Flavor (24 Packs), which changes from a tart lemon tang to a sweet fruity taste. Like his personality, these gummies alternate between sour and sweet. Though Haku tells Chihiro advice throughout the film, in the end, Chihiro helps to save Haku once Chihiro remembers his real name and helps Haku realize it as well.

No-Face

No-Face is an interesting character who is a semi-transparent spirit. He gains a liking for Chihiro and follows her on her journey. No-Face (Spirited Away) absorbs other beings allowing him to take on their personalities and other characteristics.

Throughout the storyline, he changes from an angry, lonely, violent spirit to a pacified spirit as he stays near Chihiro. No-Face (aka Faceless) can be likened to Nissin Donbei: Kitsune Udon (1 Cup). As this dried udon soup boils, it softens and becomes delicious. No-Face also softens throughout the story and ends up with a pleasant demeanor.

Susuwatari

These tiny creatures are adorable and a small part of the story but cute enough to mention and match with snacks. The susuwatari are ash balls that show a variety of emotions ranging from annoyed to happy and angry. You can liken their personality to Kameda no Kakinotane Rice Cracker: Wasabi (6 Packs) while getting a taste of saltiness and umami flavor from the soy sauce crackers with a kick of heat from the wasabi. This snack is sweet, salty, and spicy – like susuwatari. You’ll see susuwatari in the bathhouse as they work to transport coal to the boiler room.

It’s hard not to match the susuwatari to Bourbon Mochi Truffe: Ganache (6 Boxes). While these mochi truffe balls look similar to what the susuwatari might look like in real life (round, dark balls), they also represent the sweetness that these creatures show towards Chihiro at the end of Miyazaki's spirited away.

If you’re finding it challenging to choose between the delicious snacks above, Bokksu Boutique with a variety of Japanese snacks makes it easy with Bokksu The Mystery Box.

You'll get a delightful combination of savory treats and Japanese sweets that are specially curated by our team. Or give the yummy Bokksu The Kawaii Box (Japanese candy box) a try!