Shiroi koibito

Shiroi Koibito (白い恋人^?, literally "white lover") is a European-style cookie manufactured and sold by Japanese confectionery maker Ishiya Co., Ltd. in Sapporo, Hokkaido. It consists of chocolate sandwiched between langue de chat. There are two main types: Shiroi Koibito White with white chocolate in the centre and Shiroi Koibito Black with milk chocolate in the centre. The package design has a white and light blue base with a picture of Rishiri Island's Mount Rishiri arranged in the centre.

Sales began in December 1976. The name originated one year in December while the founder was returning home after enjoying some skiing and casually remarked "It has started snowing white lovers." This is mentioned on the back of the box. The fact the products white colour is reminiscent of Hokkaido's snowy scenery and that sales are limited only to Hokkaido brought success and it gained popularity as a souvenir on business trips and holidays.

At present, yearly sales have risen to around two hundred million units. Shiroi Koibito ranks second nationally in souvenir unit sales following Akafukumochi (from Mie prefecture). A trade journal selected "souvenirs that represent the 20th century" based on a survey and Shoroi Koibito came in first place, beating out Karashi Mentaiko in second place by a landslide. In 1986, it won first prize in Monde Selection.

There is also a service to custom order Shiroi Koibito with a photographic portrait of your choosing on the package. Additionally, "Shiroi Koibito Chocolate Drink" went on sale in 1997 as a sister product.

As Ishiya Co. is the official sponsor of Consadole Sapporo in the Japanese National Football League (J.League) the Shiroi Koibito logo is displayed on the uniform. Depending on the year, the logo appears on the chest and also the back.

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Wikipedia