When you think of souvenirs from a trip to Hokkaido, ISHIYA's "Shiroi Koibito" is always one of the first names that comes to mind. Since its launch in 1976, this Western-style confection has been loved for generations, thanks to its exquisite combination of fragrant langue de chat cookies and chocolate. Today, we delve into the secrets behind its popularity, from the story of its creation to the commitment to quality that has preserved its unchanging deliciousness.

The familiar Shiroi Koibito. A quintessential Hokkaido souvenir, then and now.

With its fragrant, crispy cookies and sweet white chocolate, it's a treat that most people have tried at least once, whether they've been to Hokkaido or not.

ISHIYA launched Shiroi Koibito in 1976. Until then, it was a small company making traditional, simple sweets like drops and fresh snacks. In the late 1960s, major confectionery companies expanded into Hokkaido one after another, and like many others, ISHIYA faced the threat of bankruptcy.

In response, the second-generation president, Isao Ishimizu, decided to make a 180-degree turn from producing simple snacks. He resolved to create high-end Western-style confectionery using Hokkaido's high-quality ingredients. This decision led to the birth of Shiroi Koibito, which would become ISHIYA's signature product and a symbol of Hokkaido souvenirs.

Beautifully baked langue de chat cookies with a perfectly even color.

Nearly 50 years after its launch, Shiroi Koibito continues to be a beloved treat, but maintaining its deliciousness is no easy feat. The cookie that sandwiches the chocolate is a traditional French baked good called a langue de chat. Langue de chat cookies are known for their light, crispy texture, but achieving this texture is an incredibly difficult task.

The cookies are baked carefully, with adjustments made for temperature and humidity.

Baking these cookies is a delicate process, so much so that the oven's temperature settings must be changed according to the weather. Even the slightest deviation in the order and timing of adding ingredients, or in the temperature and specific gravity of the batter, can alter the texture. This is why detailed checks are necessary at every single step.

Once the langue de chat cookies are baked, they are immediately filled with Shiroi Koibito's original chocolate while still hot. As they cool, the crispy langue de chat and the smooth chocolate fuse together to create the iconic Shiroi Koibito.

The iconic Shiroi Koibito packaging. The canned version is a very popular souvenir.

The image on the package is of Mount Rishiri, a magnificent peak in Hokkaido. This landscape, reminiscent of the Swiss mountains, is said to reflect the company's aspiration to create European-style sweets and its love for Hokkaido. The individually wrapped cookies are also a thoughtful touch for souvenirs.

The classic White (left) and the slightly less sweet Black (right).

Even after becoming one of Hokkaido's leading confectionery companies, ISHIYA continues its tireless efforts, such as developing a succession of related products using Shiroi Koibito's white chocolate. At the Shiroi Koibito Park in Nishi Ward, you can tour the Shiroi Koibito production line and learn about the history of chocolate. If you want to know more about Shiroi Koibito and ISHIYA, it's definitely worth a visit.

Shiroi Koibito Park in Nishi Ward, Sapporo, is one of the city's most popular tourist attractions.

*Prices include tax. Information is current as of the article's publication date.
*Please check the official website for the latest information, as details may change.