Recently I had the opportunity to go up north to visit a friend in Chicago. She just so happens to live five minutes away from the Japanese market chain “Mitsuwaâ€. Armed with a lengthy list of snack items, we spent hours looking for the perfect Japanese munchie. I was disappointed, however. I was somehow expecting Mitsuwa to be as pimped out as J Box but it wasn’t all that. There were two aisles of sembei, but, meh, we got those here in St. Louis. I did manage to find a decent assortment of Shigekix I’ve been wanting to try.
After writing the review for Koakuma, I spent some time on UHA’s website perusing their candy. Shigekix promised to be an interesting, excuse me, unique experience, just as UHA (Unique Human Experience) suggested. Shigekix is short for Shigekikkusu Super (insert flavor) Candy. On numerous websites I’ve read how this is the most sour candy available to man. How could I resist the opportunity to punish my guts in yet another way? I love Sour Patch Kids so why wouldn’t I be deliriously happy with Shigekix? So I grabbed one each of the ramune, cola, and tropical fruit flavors.
UHA has some of the most consistent and creative packaging in the Japanese candy division I’ve seen thus far. That’s saying a lot since I’ve seen a lot of Japanese candy and snacks. The wrapping is very tantalizing and I hope the candy matches the packaging.
The candy pieces are loose in the bag and resemble little safety cones. Popping one in my mouth is a memorable experience. Sooooo sour! No hint of sugar on the outside like the Sour Patch Kids candy. No hope offered that the sour taste will ever subside. Lemons are sweeter than this stuff. After taking as much sour as I can bear I chew the piece. Ahhh, much better. Very chewy texture with a powerful flavor behind it. Whew, but that sour really makes the mouth pucker! It also makes my teeth hurt in a bad way.
Second try is just like the first: Sour beyond all experience, chewy texture with strong flavor. My mouth is getting sore from all that sour. I have very mixed feelings about this candy. The first impression is to toss the bag and burn the trashcan I threw it into. The second is, damn that candy is kinda good! The next day, I open the resealable package (another point for awesome package design!) and pop a few as I type an article. Getting up, I travel all the back into the kitchen for more before I realize what I’ve done. Am I hooked? Doubtful, but I can honestly say that they do grow on you.
I recommend that people try Shigekix at least once in their lives to truly understand the meaning of sour candy. Be warned that you’ll be sorer for the sour. o((>.< ))o
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Making Shigekix’s snack score:
Playasia used to randomly ship these out free with large orders. You are right, though, they are incredibly sour >.
i love mitsuwa it is an awsome store did you get anything from the japanese toy store down the street?
I WANTS!! XD
@DiGiKerot were you grateful that Playasia sent out Shigekix with large orders or would you rather they had sent out something less painful? Ouch, my teeth hurt just remembering these…
@Carey, are talking about J Toy? They used to be in Mitsuwa but they moved down to Clark-Belmont. We didn’t go to any toy store, sadly. David loves J toy and I feel bad that we didn’t get to go. What’s the name and addy of the store you’re referring to? We might make a trip there the Thurs. before ACen.
@Lenners, ack! No yous don’t wants! Well, maybe you do. They’re worth trying just once, fo’ sho. Have fun with these but don’t say I didn’t warn ya.
i just ordered shigexix super lemon things is it good ? could somebdy respond and tell me?
@japancandyeater, Shigekix are good, but be prepared for some serious sour!!
I love Shigekix!
It’s definetly one of my favourites!