Why bananas became Tokyo’s sweetest symbol

Tokyo's obsession with bananas runs deep, from its famous Tokyo Banana sponge cakes to chocolate-dipped banana snacks at festivals. The beloved Tokyo Banana, made with real banana paste, was created by Grapestone Co. as a tourist souvenir rather than a local tradition, quickly becoming Japan's top omiyage. While Japan imports most of its bananas from the Philippines and Vietnam, the fruit remains the nation's favorite. Bananas also carry nostalgic value through "choco bananas," a festival treat believed to have been introduced during or after World War II. Together, these treats turned bananas into a quirky, enduring Tokyo icon.