How to Say Kit Kat in Japanese (And Why It’s Way More Fun Than You Think!)

May 1, 2025

Ever had one of those moments where you’re standing in a foreign supermarket, staring at a familiar chocolate bar, but the name is… different? You might squint at the packaging, tilt your head like a confused puppy, and mutter, “Is this actually what I think it is?” Well, if you ever find yourself in Japan, you won’t have that problem with Kit Kat—but you will have a blast learning why it’s such a big deal over there.

So, let’s crack this chocolate-covered mystery open, shall we?

First Things First: How Do You Say “Kit Kat” in Japanese?

Alright, let’s get straight to the answer. Kit Kat in Japanese is キットカット (Kitto Katto). Yup, it’s just a katakana-ized version of the original name.

But here’s where things get really interesting. The name Kit Kat in Japanese sounds almost identical to the phrase きっと勝つ (kitto katsu), which means “You will surely win!” 🎉

Coincidence? Maybe. Marketing genius? Absolutely.

Why Kit Kat is Japan’s Unofficial Good Luck Charm 🍀

Imagine you’re a high school student in Japan, cramming for the most stressful exams of your life. Your brain is fried, your coffee intake is dangerously high, and you’re questioning all your life choices. Then, your sweet grandma hands you a Kit Kat and says, “Kitto katsu, my dear!” 😭💖

Because of this lucky wordplay, Kit Kats have become a popular gift for students before exams. You’ll often see them in stores around test season with special packaging covered in encouraging messages like:

“きっと勝つ!” (You’ll surely win!)
“Ganbare!” (Do your best!)
“Pass your exams and don’t forget to call your mom!” (Okay, maybe not that last one, but you get the idea.)

In fact, some Japanese post offices even sell Kit Kat bars with space to write a message, so you can mail one as a good luck charm!

Honestly, at this point, Kit Kat isn’t just a snack. It’s a cultural phenomenon.

Japan’s Wild (and Weirdly Amazing) Kit Kat Flavors

If you think Kit Kats only come in “chocolate” and “more chocolate,” Japan is about to blow your mind. Over the years, Nestlé Japan has released over 300 different Kit Kat flavors—and some of them are wild.

Here are just a few you might find:

Matcha Green Tea (a classic!) 🍵
Sakura Cherry Blossom (tastes like spring) 🌸
Wasabi (yes, really) 🌿🔥
Soy Sauce (sweet and salty—surprisingly good?) 🍘
Sweet Potato (for when you want your dessert to taste like dinner) 🍠
Sake (because why not?) 🍶

Japan takes regional exclusivity very seriously, so some flavors can only be found in certain parts of the country. If you’re ever in Hokkaido, for example, you must try the Hokkaido Melon and Mascarpone Cheese Kit Kat (yes, that’s one flavor).

Moral of the story? If you ever go to Japan, bring an extra suitcase just for Kit Kats.

Fun Ways to Use “Kit Kat” in Your Japanese Conversations 🎙️

Okay, now that you know how to say it, let’s put that knowledge to good use. Here are some fun ways you can drop “Kit Kat” into a conversation:

At a convenience store:
- “キットカットをください!” (“Kit Kat, please!”)
- (Bonus points if you grab a weird flavor and act like you totally meant to.)
Cheering on a friend before a big test:
- “きっと勝つよ! キットカットも食べよ!” (“You’ll surely win! Eat a Kit Kat too!”)
- (You’re basically their lucky charm now.)
Pretending to be a Kit Kat connoisseur:
- “最近のベストキットカットフレーバーは何だと思うか？” (“What do you think the best Kit Kat flavor is lately?”)
- (Said with a serious face for dramatic effect.)

So, Next Time You See a Kit Kat… 🍫

Now you know: Kit Kat isn’t just a chocolate bar in Japan—it’s practically a national treasure. It’s a good luck charm, a collector’s item, and a conversation starter all rolled into one crunchy, chocolatey snack.

So, the next time you bite into a Kit Kat, remember:

You’re not just eating a candy bar—you’re consuming a piece of linguistic genius.
If you ever need a lucky charm before a big test, you know what to grab.
There’s probably a Kit Kat flavor out there that will shock you (or at least make you question everything).

And hey, if you ever find yourself in Japan, do yourself a favor and try as many Kit Kats as possible. Who knows? You might just discover a new favorite. 😉

Have you ever tried a weird Kit Kat flavor? Drop a comment below and let’s swap Kit Kat stories! 🍫