TOKYO -- Various manufacturers in Japan took to social media with an April Fools' Day hashtag to showcase their proud comical products and false announcements April 1, such as miso soup gummies and a giant toothpick. However, there was a case that mirrored a social issue so closely that a company ended up apologizing for "not being funny."

Confectionery giant Meiji Co. introduced its "soup gummies" on X (formerly Twitter), a new product from its popular Juicy Gummy series, featuring flavors like miso soup, pork miso soup and corn potage soup. According to a company representative, the products received somewhat positive feedback from consumers, with one person even suggesting, "It seems like it could be good for heatstroke prevention, so please commercialize it."

Japan's first egg brand "Hikari," which will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2026, posted a package labeled "eggs with a visible producer" on X. The package featured a close-up photo of a chicken named "Kokumi" with the message, "I laid these eggs." When asked if this hen actually laid the eggs, Nosan Corp. confirmed it was not the case.

Kikusui Sangyo Co., a manufacturer of domestic toothpicks headquartered in Kawachinagano, Osaka Prefecture, posted a photo of a gigantic wooden toothpick with the message, "If you want to feel that 'takoyaki' octopus balls are small, this is the one!" According to representative director Akie Suenobu, 46, the company purchased the large toothpick after seeing a person making it by hand on X. If consumers' responses are favorable, Kikusui Sangyo will apparently consider selling the giant product by order, so it might not entirely be a prank.

Meanwhile, the Fuji Speedway racing circuit in Shizuoka Prefecture announced a "company relocation notice," claiming that the operator Fuji International Speedway Co. had moved to the island nation of Fiji in the South Pacific region and will change its name to "Fiji Speedway." This was reportedly part of a promotion for "Super GT," one of Japan's largest GT car races, scheduled for May 3 and 4.

Not all jokes were laughable

While it would be fine if all the jokes were obvious, one post from the major bento boxed meal chain Hokka Hokka Tei blurred the line, causing a stir. The bento chain posted an announcement titled "regarding the suspension of rice sales" on X. The content stated that due to the inability to overcome rising rice prices, it would stop providing the staple food item at all stores, which sparked controversy.

Despite the April Fools' Day hashtag, the post drew comments like, "Too real to be funny given the current situation," and, "It's scary because it could become a reality," as the market prices of rice remain high despite the government's release of reserve supplies. According to a public relations representative of Hokka-Hokka Tei Souhombu Corp., the post was intended as a prelude to promote the firm's upcoming fried noodles bento series, but they admitted to reflecting on the issue, saying, "We caused misunderstanding and made people uneasy."

Hokka Hokka Tei posted an apology on X on the evening of the same day.

(Japanese original by Hisako Sugita, Digital News Group)