Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on February 2010

Photo by Kohji Shiiki

The latest in Tohato Corp’s line of super-spicy Bokun Habanero snacks is dubbed Saikyo, which can mean both “most powerful” and “most evil.” Intended for those who felt that previous versions were too wimpy, Tohato used corn instead of potatoes this time around, because “corn melts quickly and the habanero spice hits directly as it spreads in your mouth.” Indeed. The bite-sized treats are made to look like sliced hot peppers, with a “hidden accent” of doubanjian, a spicy Chinese bean paste. In conjunction with the release of the snack on January 25, Tohata launched a Twitter account dubbed Bokun Habanero’s Prophecy (tagline: “Never wrong!”). Among the fearless predictions are “You will open your eyes when you wake up tomorrow morning”; “All people alive today will be dead within the next 150 years”; and “There will be a huge celebration Feb 22, 2222.”

¥120 per 54g bag. Available at convenience stores nationwide