Japanese KitKat is famous for its wide variety of unique flavors, many of which are inspired by local ingredients and regional specialties. Unlike in the U.S., where KitKat mainly comes in classic chocolate, dark, and white chocolate varieties, Japan offers an ever-changing selection of flavors such as matcha green tea, sake, sweet potato, wasabi, and even seasonal limited editions like sakura cherry blossom.
Another key difference is that Japanese KitKat is often marketed as a good-luck charm, especially for students, since the name "KitKat" sounds similar to "kitto katsu" (きっと勝つ), meaning "surely win" in Japanese. This cultural connection has made it a popular gift item in Japan, whereas in the U.S., KitKat is primarily seen as a regular chocolate snack.