Kit Kat is one of the most popular chocolate confectionaries in Japan as same with other parts of the world. Kit Kat Japan launched new project for the earthquake and tsunami relief called "Kit Zutto Project" (in Japanese, "kitto zutto" means "will be forever") this month, after a year from the disaster.
Kit Kat Japan created a new package specialized for the project and Yen20 per pack sold will be donated to "Sanriku Railway" company whose three-coach-long train service facilities got seriously damaged by the earthquake and tsunami, while the train has been appreciated as essential transportation service by people living in the area. As a part of the relief project, Kit Kat Japan also opened a Facebook page where you can post supporting message to the small local railway company as well as people on the Northeast coast of Japan.
In addition to the charitable activity, what is interesting for Kit Kat funs is the flavors in the chocolate pack. The Kit Kat package "World Variety" especially made for the disaster relief project includes three different flavor; "Japan", "Australia" and "United Kingdom".
Did you know that? Kit Kat are sold around the world but the company Nestle has changed the flavor slightly country by country.
As per the explanation on Kit Kat "World Variety" package, compared with Japanese version...
UK style, which is the origin of the sweets, has flavor like burnt sugar or milk and almond paste is used as hidden taste,
Australian style has creamy vanilla flavor.
I tried these flavor pieces and recognized the differences as described.
Personally I prefer the Japanese version the most and as the second UK's bitter taste.
It will be interesting to compare the taste of Kit Kat in different countries and exchange opinions among friends. Which one do you like the most?
Not only "World Variety" package, Kit kat Japan offers many different flavors by places and by periods, such as Matcha (green tea), sweet potato etc. Try to find each local version Kit Kat at souvenir shops, supermarkets or convenience stores across Japan, while you are traveling.
Only a point of disappointing you maybe is that the Kit Kat disaster relief pack is sold only in Japan. Even if you do not have a chance to visit Japan soon, at least you will be able to participate in the relief project by posting your message on the Facebook page.
Kit Zutto Project English version Facebook site: http://www.facebook.com/kitkat.japan?sk=app_182534635192608
Sanriku Railway Story Youtube video made for the relief project
Hello Colin,Thanks so much again for your effort in vorpiding updates of this site. I know how busy you are with JASC activities and taking time out to provide us descriptions and pictures of your experience is GREATLY appreciated. We all miss you very much, and these entries are one way for us to stay connected over a very long distance. I find myself accessing this site quite often when I think of you. Please take care of yourself, be careful, and take every opportunity to get some sleep as I know you have been totally consumed with JASC since you arrived. The JASC conference is almost over, and you can take some time to marvel in the result of a full year's worth of hard work along with enjoying a few weeks of well earned off time. You have surely earned it!
Posted by: Jack | 14 April 2012 at 13:51