The ascension of Halloween to one of Japan's favorite holidays has been a major boost to the convenience store sweets corner. Every October, the big players roll out some special, vaguely spooky desserts to enjoy before November arrives.
Of the 2026 treats, the best probably belongs to Hokkaido-centric chain Seicomart, which rolled out a ghost-themed cake featuring a genuinely unsettling eyeball. Unfortunately, I could't get an AIR DO flight to Sapporo in the last week to check it out, so instead I had to settle up for the big-three chain doing it best this year.
That's Seven-Eleven, with a cat-themed collection that leans closer to the cute side of Halloween than any of the horror parts. Items include a chocolate mousse topped off with a pink kitty paw print, a chocolate crepe, and a doriyaki featuring a cat shape in the middle filled with caramel chips.
The last one looked the best, and certainly delivered. Sweetness was to be expected, but the real trick here is the texture, the outside being slightly softer and the inside loaded with pumpkin cream. Within that are those caramel pieces, which offer something crunchier to keep the eating experience interesting. A Halloween highlight to enjoy before the scary season ends.
