# Anime Chocolate Characters These Popular Japanese Candy Bars are Transformed into Ikemen Bachelors By M | Published 2016-02-12 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/japanese-candy-bar References: [en.rocketnews24](http://en.rocketnews24.com/2016/02/12/japanese-chocolates-come-to-life-as-ikemen-hot-guy-anime-characters/) & [morinaga.co.jp](http://www.morinaga.co.jp/public/newsrelease/web/fix/file56b9ac182a2dc.pdf) Several of the most popular chocolate bars in Japan were recently reimagined as Ikemen characters pwith conceptual illustrations that showcase what the Japanese candy bars might look like if they were real people. Each chocolate bar has a unique taste that is further extended to the character's personality and style. The [Ikemen Lab](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ikemen) recently put together designs for chocolate bars based off of the Ikemen [dating simulator](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/slime-valentines-day-chocolates). Six of the chocolate bars were each converted into desirable bachelors including [Choco Flake](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/choco-crossies-snack-vibes), Koeda, Dars milk chocolate and three others. The characters take on elements of the packaging with the familiar colors intergrated into their appearance and wardrobe. Each of the characters were voted on by consumers to see which one was most well-liked by the masses. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.1/10 - Popularity: 44% | Activity: 70% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Chocolate Character Merchandise:** Creating merchandise based on food products can create new revenue streams for companies. - **Food Brand Characterization:** Developing unique personalities and styles for food products can create more engaging marketing campaigns. - **Consumer-driven Design:** Allowing consumers to vote on product designs can increase brand loyalty and engagement. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Food and Beverage:** Companies in the food and beverage industry could capitalize on creating novel product designs to capture consumer interest. - **Entertainment:** The anime and entertainment industry could benefit from creating merchandise based on popular food products like these chocolate bars. - **Consumer Goods:** Companies in the consumer goods industry could experiment with new marketing campaigns by developing unique personalities and styles for their products. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Celebratory Cartoon Candy Bars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/japanese-kitkat.md) - [Pleasure Toy-Inspired Chocolates](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tenga-chocolates.md) - [Artist Valentine’s Day Chocolates](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flower-valentines-chocolate.md) - [Anniversary-Honoring Chocolate Products](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kitkat-bars.md) - [Salted Japanese Chocolate Confections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/meiji-products.md) - [Deep-Fried Candy Bar Desserts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kushi-katsu-tanaka.md) - [Ice Cream-Inspired Candy Bars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kitkat-chocolate-mint-ice-cream.md) - [Japanese-Style Matcha Chocolates](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lindt-tokyo-style-chocolate-matcha-strawberry.md) - [AI-Made Chocolate Bars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-bar.md)