Kuroi Koibito is a distinctive Hokkaido souvenir made with black soybeans from Asahikawa and crispy corn puffs coated in chocolate. The name, which literally means “Black Lover,” gives this sweet a playful connection to one of Hokkaido’s best-known confectionery names, while its flavor offers something quite different.
At first glance, Kuroi Koibito may look like a typical sweet chocolate snack. However, its flavor is surprisingly fragrant, roasted and gently bitter.
The crispy puffed corn is coated with chocolate blended with black soybeans grown in Asahikawa. Because the sweetness of the chocolate itself is deliberately restrained, the roasted character of the black soybean comes through clearly, creating a more bittersweet flavor than ordinary corn chocolate.
The combination of ingredients gives Kuroi Koibito a distinctive taste. The corn puffs provide a light, crisp texture, while the black soybean-infused chocolate adds depth, aroma and a subtle bitterness.
It is a simple combination, but the contrast between the crisp corn and rich black soybean chocolate makes the snack particularly memorable.
The name “Kuroi Koibito” invites the imagination. The package features silhouettes of a young man and woman evoking the romantic imagery of an earlier era of Japan.
The playful presentation encourages you to enjoy the sweet while imagining the story behind the two “lovers.” Its unusual name and distinctive black-themed appearance also make it an entertaining souvenir to share with friends and family.
Supplied by JA Asahikawa, Kuroi Koibito offers a different take on Hokkaido’s corn-based sweets. With locally grown black soybeans, crispy corn puffs and a pleasantly bitter chocolate flavor, it is a distinctive souvenir for travelers exploring Asahikawa, Furano and Biei.