Famichiki Turns 20 With Three New Flavors

FamilyMart is celebrating 20 years of Famichiki with three limited-edition flavors. The first arrives on September 29, 2026, with the other two following a week apart. All three cost ¥258 each, including tax, and will be sold at FamilyMart stores across Japan while supplies last.

Smoky Pepper — September 29

Black pepper gives this version a sharp kick, while a smoky note adds depth to Famichiki’s familiar juicy chicken.

Sesame and Sansho — October 6

Two kinds of sesame bring a roasted aroma, followed by the distinctive tingling sensation of sansho, Japanese pepper.

Pepperoni Pizza — October 13

Tomato-based pizza sauce and Parmesan cheese give this one a pepperoni-pizza-inspired flavor. FamilyMart suggests pairing it with beer.

What Is Famichiki?

Famichiki is FamilyMart’s signature piece of hot fried chicken, sold from the counter in a paper sleeve. When it launched in October 2006, fried chicken was commonly served on the bone. Famichiki used a boneless cut of chicken thigh known as the sai, making it easy to eat with one hand. Its crisp coating and rush of juices helped turn it into a huge hit and, eventually, one of the chain’s defining products.

Alongside the original, FamilyMart’s regular Famichiki lineup includes Famichiki Red, a spicy version made with a blend of chili peppers. Introduced in June 2025, it was the first new Famichiki flavor to join the permanent lineup.

Famichiki’s success helped make counter-side fried chicken a fixture of Japan’s convenience-store landscape. It even gave the impression that the konbini chains could challenge KFC’s hold on the country’s fried-chicken market. Rival chains later established their own versions: Lawson launched L-Chiki in March 2009, and 7-Eleven introduced Nana-Chiki in November 2016.