Doki Doki by Japan Crate May 2016 Subscription Box Review

Doki Doki by Japan Crate is a monthly Japanese "kawaii" item subscription box. In each box, you'll receive licensed items, ranging from plushies, collectible items, accessories and apparel, and more!

May 2016 Doki Doki Crate by Japan Crate

Well, clearly my box was opened before I got it. :( Nothing was missing at least.

Cost: $30.00 per month

Ships to: All around the world. (Free shipping in the U.S. / $15 shipping fee internationally)

Ships via: USPS. Japan Crate ships Doki Doki crates within the first week of the month

Although for the past few months, Japan Crate has been shipping bootleg items. They have clarified and hopefully have resolved the issue!

You can read more about it here and here!

What got me into the box was their April 2016 Doki Doki. Items for that month were authentic, so I thought I would give it a try.

Let's move along with the box, shall we?

May 2016's Doki Doki theme is:

First look

To see past Japan Crate's Doki Doki manga, read here!

May 2016's Doki Doki Item Content

(Click the photos for larger view)

Hello Kitty x Doraemon Coin Purse

Iwako Cake & Ice Cream Erasers (Left)

Kawaii Animal Donut Charm (Right)

 

Hoppe Chan Stickers (Left)

Hello Kitty Strawberry Senbei (Approximately $0.16 each x 3 = $0.48) (Right): Basically a rice cracker with strawberry flavor. I've eaten this version.

Sweet Bread Compact Mirror: If you smell it, it smells like bread!

Petite Lapin Plushie: Japan Crate's exclusive plushie!

Hoppe Chan: Sweet Deco (Left)

Ice Cream Cone Pens (Right): I laughed when I saw this...

Sailor Moon Crystal Desserts Blind Box: I got Sailor Jupiter!

You can purchase the entire set on Amazon for $39.07. Divide that by 8, and each box is about $4.88. You can watch this YouTube video of a full set. I wished I got the Romance Couple Cake version!

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Overall: Like Japan Crate, I feel these items are not worth $30. Most of these items are probably worth $1 - $2, some worth $5 maximum. And most of the items, don't seem "kawaii," but more "ridiculous."

If you've subscribed to Doki Doki by Japan Crate, what did you think of this month's crate?

Japan Crate May 2016 Subscription Box Review

Japan Crate is a monthly Japanese candy subscription box. Japan Crate will send you various Japanese snacks and candies that are difficult to find outside of Japan. The Original and Premium Crates both provide a DIY kit, and the Premium Crate contains a drink and a revolving bonus item!

Cost: $12.00 (Mini) / $25.00 (Original) / $30.00 (Premium)

Ships to: All around the world. (Free shipping in the U.S. / $15 shipping fee internationally)

Ships via: USPS. Japan Crate ships on the 5th of every month.

So I've decided to try Japan Crate after 8 months, because why not? Any they've also increased the box size, which means more snacks!

You can read more about their changes here!

Japan Crate is also having a contest this month! Thinking "out-of-the-box," Japan Crate wants to see how you can reuse their newly designed boxes. Read more here!

Let's move along with the box, shall we?

First look of May 2016's Japan Crate

May 2016's Japan Crate without booklet

May 2016's Japan Crate Item Content

To see past Japan Crate's manga, read more here!

Mini (ミニ) Item Contents:

(Click the photos for larger view)

Puku Puku Taichoco: Looks like a taiyaki, but instead of a cake, it is a chocolate wafer. Price wise, $1.38 (this is essentially the same but different shape)

Big Bar Z White Choco: This item was in June 2015's Japan Crate. I love this chocolate. It tastes like a wafer but it's not a wafer.

Random question: Does anyone else get a stomach ache after eating it?





Sour Cider Gum (Left): The actual name is 'Sour Long Gum,' and the flavor is soda pop taste.

Mochitto Kinako Mochi (Right)




Calbee Nori Shio Potato Chipsp / French Salad Chips ($2.59, but on sale for $1.79)

Original (オリジナル) Item Content:

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Nomuccho Jelly ($0.98): This month's DIY! I didn't drink it, but like the description, it becomes 'gooey-er' as time goes by.

Sakusaku Panda Cookies ($1.49): These chocolate panda cookies are delicious! I've received this item in October 2014's Japan Crate. I find this chocolate generally in Asian markets for about $2.50.

Caramel Corn: I think I had this item from September 2014's Japan Crate (The front looks different, but essentially it's the same thing)

Hachimitsu 100%: Hm.. I'll be eating these when I have allergies or cough!

Pandaro Cookies: I got the sleep face panda cookie!

Premium (プレミアム) Item Content:

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                                                Hajikete Grape Cider ($1.48): Basically grape medicine but in a carbonated form.

Pachipachi Panic Cola: Tastes like any other rock candy and cola flavor.






Big Mashuro~: It's a big marshmallow. What else can I say?

Kajirittyo Cola Candy (Left) ($0.68): I received this item in July 2015's Japan Crate.

King's Lost Crown (Right): A crown-shaped cookie, with a chocolate filling in the middle.

Bonus (ボーニス) Items:
(Click the photos for larger view)

Kitty Cup: This month's revolving item. The capsule was really dirty inside.

To celebrate Japan Crate's newly redesigned and larger boxes, Japan Crate has added this sour candy, Yaokin Long Cola Gummy ($0.68)! There are three flavors and it varies for each person; cola, grape, and strawberry.

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Overall: Well, honestly, I thought it was a waste of $30. The items I found with links, totaled $8.48/$9.28 (counting the item before it went on sale); no way the box's worth would be $30. Japan Crate offers candies and snacks that are difficult to find outside of Japan, but few items were from past boxes, and I could easily find most of the items in an Asian supermarket.

If you've subscribed to Japan Crate, what did you think of this month's crate?