Japan Word of the Day #10 – Ice Candy


Today’s Word is: Aisu Kyandī (アイスキャンディ）

Aisu kyandī is one of many wasei eigo (Japanese-made English) terms. In actual English, it’s “ice pop” or “Popsicle,” but in Japan, they call it ice candy (pronounced aisu kyandī).

Ice candy was first introduced to Japan in Taisho era (1912-1926). It was easier and cheaper to make ice candy than to make ice cream, making it a popular summer staple for children in Japan. Some ice candies have bars that are imprinted with either “atari (bingo)” or “hazure (miss).” If you get atari, you get to have another one for free.

Image source: Shiro Usagi

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