What Is Apollo?

Apollo Chocolate is a beloved candy made by the Japanese company Meiji.
You’ll usually find it in small, cube-shaped boxes, but there are also tube and pouch versions.

It’s one of those treats that’s so well-known, it’s hard to find a Japanese person—child or adult—who hasn’t eaten it at least once.

A Name From Mythology, A Shape From Space

Apollo’s shape is iconic: a small pink-and-brown triangle.
It was actually inspired by NASA’s Apollo 11 spacecraft.
However, the name comes from a different source: Apollo, the Greek god of the sun.

So here’s how it happened:
First, they chose the name “Apollo” (based on the sun god), and then—when Apollo 11 became a big deal—they modeled the shape after the spaceship. A very 1960s combo of mythology and science!

What Does It Taste Like?

・The pink part is strawberry-flavored chocolate
・The brown part is classic milk chocolate

Simple, sweet, and nostalgic.

Price (As of May 2025)

A standard box of Apollo costs around 180 yen.
It used to be a bit cheaper, but like everything else, prices have crept up with inflation.

Where to Buy It

You can find Apollo basically anywhere in Japan— supermarkets, convenience stores, drugstores—you name it.

Just look for the bright red packaging in the candy section.

Fun Fact

If you carefully bite into a piece right at the pink-and-brown line, you can sometimes split it into two perfect halves.

Japanese kids often play around to see if they can pull it off. It’s like a mini edible challenge.

If You See It, Try It!

Apollo is cute, tasty, and super Japanese.
So if you ever spot it while visiting Japan, grab a box and give it a try—you’ll be enjoying a snack that’s been loved for generations.