When cravings hit, many snackers opt to broaden their tastes and horizons with Japan Crate, a leader in the Japanese subscription box industry. With a Japan Crate delivery, subscribers can anticipate consistently new, unique snacks and collectibles typically exclusive to Japan. Every other month, a new theme is offered to snackers, ranging from centering on important Japanese cultural aspects to exciting collaborations with popular brands, characters, video games, and more.

This month, Japan Crate is proud to announce its newest collaboration - the Assassin's Creed® Shadows - Strike with Flavor Crate. Inside this box, snackers will uncover a new world of snacks, each connected to the highly anticipated video game (February 2025). This action-packed list of snacks will transport you into Feudal Japan with exclusive items and treats inspired by the setting, characters, and time period of the game. It's the ultimate crate for gamers and snack fanatics alike.

First Impressions

Even the packaging of this special-edition Assassin's Creed® Shadows and Japan Crate box is set to impress. The crate's design highlights Naoe and Yasuke, the two primary characters in the upcoming Assassin's Creed® Shadows game, who share an intertwined destiny. Uncover a thrilling surprise when you unbox your treats - a Japan Crate sleeve designed to be reused as a poster featuring Assassin's Creed® Shadows aesthetics with a Japanese flair.

Theme Breakdown

While previous Assassin's Creed® games have explored other countries and time periods, Assassin's Creed® Shadows is the first iteration that delves into Japan's rich history and culture. Set in the later years of Feudal Japan during the Azuchi-Momoyama Period (late 16th century), Assassin's Creed® Shadows explores various landscapes, including bustling ports, castle towns, and shrines.

During this era, Japan was in a tumultuous state, where war and political shifts were at the forefront. Many of the Feudal lords were in a battle over resources, including land and control, causing violence throughout the country. Because of the battle for power during this period, it was an active era for samurai and ninjas who utilized skills such as stealth and strength for military campaigns.

Through the upcoming AC Shadows game, players can become Naoe (a shinobi assassin hailing from Iga Province) or Yasuke (a fierce samurai) to battle against their common enemies. Gamers can explore the setting through various weather and environments. As such, it only makes sense for the theme of this special collaboration to be "Strike with Flavor," featuring the best Japanese snacks to help you master your tastebuds.

Unpacking the Snacks

With bold, delicious snacks on the menu, each included treat is intended to offer a punch of flavor. Below are a few treats found within the Assassin's Creed® Shadows x Japan Crate box.

Wasanbon Castella

The airy, sweet, moist sponge cake known as castella first appeared in the country during Feudal Japan. It was crafted with sugar imported by Portuguese traders. One of the most famous feudal lords, Oda Nobunaga, supposedly enjoyed castella cake after it was introduced to him by a missionary. Take a trip back to Feudal Japan and eat like a feudal lord with each bite of this delicious Wasanbon Castella, crafted with Wasanbon sugar.

Double Matcha Kit Kat

One essential step for samurai and ninjas in Feudal Japan was a tea ceremony, which provided a setting for the warriors to focus prior to battles. Subscribers can channel their inner samurai or ninja with this delicious Double Matcha Kit Kat, a treat reminiscent of the tea ceremonies in Feudal Japan. Each Kit Kat features crispy wafer layers enrobed in creamy chocolate with bold green tea flavors.

Nobunaga Shrimp Pie

Because of its abundant availability and belief that shrimp could protect those in battle (with their tough shells), shrimp became a commonly consumed food for samurai. This Nobunaga Shrimp Pie, crafted near Iga Province (Naoe's home), takes inspiration from the legendary samurai Oda Nobunaga. While consuming this savory snack, subscribers can enjoy the strength boost that comes from this delightful shrimp pie.

Snackers can explore and unveil other Assassin's Creed® Shadows-inspired treats during the unboxing process, which include an array of premium Japanese sweets, candy, and savory treats. Expect tantalizing treats such as an entire bag of limited-edition Kit Kats, locally crafted Japanese snacks, and more!

Bonus Items

While the Assassin’s Creed® Shadows-inspired snacks and poster sleeve are already exciting, this special collaboration crate includes a special in-game item that gamers can redeem once the game officially launches. Be ready to unveil your unlockable content during the upcoming release early next year! This special trinket allows you to level-up your gameplay, and is now available only through this collab crate. What is it? The Hourglass, a special trinket restoring 5% health when used, and visible on your character during gameplay!

This Japan Crate box includes another bonus item - The Tenugui Towel is a thrilling collectible that provides subscribers with original illustrations inspired by Assassin’s Creed® Shadows protagonists. This versatile towel can be used as a scarf, mask, gift wrapping and more, ensuring it becomes a daily staple in your life. Be sure to check out the snack guide included in the box, which features a scannable QR code for additional methods of wearing this exclusive Tenugui Towel!

Recap of Previous Crates

While preparing for your Strike with Flavor Crate, let's explore a few of Japan Crate's previous themes!

Harajuku Hangouts Crate

August's Japan Crate featured an exciting theme, Takeshita Street and the Harajuku District. Known for being the birthplace of kawaii and a fashion, character cafe, and street food mecca, this district is a hotspot for visitors and locals alike. Japan Crate recreated the fun of strolling the Harajuku District with bold, brightly colored packaging and treats reminiscent of items you'd find on the streets of Harajuku. Subscribers enjoyed delightful treats like Kirby Cotton Candy and Kitten Paw Chocolate Doryaki, items that were equally cute and tasty, inside the Harajuku Hangouts Crate. Customers particularly enjoyed the flavors of the sweet and savory snacks inside this box, noting their family members consumed every item!

Arts & Crafts Crate

Japan's traditions extend to many aspects, including arts & crafts. The Arts & Crafts Japan Crate allowed subscribers to explore Japan's rich arts & crafts culture through interactive packaging, snacks, and collectibles. With an array of items, including a beautiful Ukiyo-e Folding Fan and delicious treats, snackers were immersed in Japan's culture through tastebuds, visuals, and touch. A snack highlight from the box includes the Super Mario Rescue Chocolate, which required subscribers to "break" the characters out of the treat. Customers were delighted with the variety of treats included in this crate, along with its cute appearance.

Overall Experience

While awaiting the game's release, this exciting Assassin's Creed® Shadows and Japan Crate collaboration will help you prepare to take on your enemies in battle. Featuring 15 exclusive, premium snacks inspired by Assassin's Creed® Shadows, along with non-edible goodies, this unique collaboration will help set the scene for gamers and snackers alike.

Each included snack offers a taste of Japan's history and rich traditions, creating an even more immersive experience for Assassin's Creed® Shadows fans. With every bite, experience the rich flavors of Japan, diving further into the country's culture as it relates to Feudal Japan and the upcoming game release. This snack box is more than a collection of tasty treats; it's an opportunity to explore a significant period in Japan's history.

Conclusion

With this limited-edition, Japan Crate x Assassin's Creed® Shadows - Strike with Flavor Snack Crate, expect powerful flavors in every bite that will help keep your energy and excitement up for the game launch. From treats using ingredients common to the ninja and samurai diet in Feudal Japan to foods beloved by legendary figures from the time period, this Japanese snack crate will burst through your snacking expectations with an array of authentic Japanese snacks. Don't forget, this one-of-a-kind collaboration includes exclusive bonus items, including a multi-use Tenugui Towel, digital trinket, and poster. Dig into this unique collaboration to explore a world of Japanese culture, where Assassin's Creed® Shadows and Japanese treats collide. Grab the Japan Crate x Assassin's Creed® Shadows - Strike with Flavor Snack Crate here!

While unboxing and tasting, share your experience on social media to connect with other snackers and Assassin's Creed® Shadows fans! Don't forget to tag @JapanCrate with your favorite snacks, treats, and collectibles from the box.