Hello from Sakuraco!
Today marks our first monthly Community Spotlight! We’ll be shining a light on a unique member of our community each month, so please stay tuned and look forward to meeting the rest of the community!
Name: Mica B. (@eowyn_aurora on Instagram)
Age: 32
Country: USA
Favorite Video Game: Skyrim and Final Fantasy series
Favorite Anime: Loves Inuyasha, Tenchi Muyo, Fruits Basket, Akira, and Vampire Princess Miyu
Favorite Hobby: Books, spicy food, and Japan. (She is also a published model, YouTuber, and streamer).
Q: How did you first discover Japanese snacks?
A: It all started when I was quite young, possibly 8 or 9, when I was introduced to everything Japan by my older brother. Through him I discovered my love for Japan, the culture, anime, and of course, the food!
Q: How did you first hear about Sakuraco?
A: I was trying to find some mochi to purchase online, and an ad for a new subscription box popped up on my feed. The words traditional and tea caught my eye, and I was immediately intrigued.
Q: What made you decide to join our community?
A: I was blown away by how much care seemed to be taken into creating a pleasant experience for subscribers, and not only to introduce them to Japan’s traditional snacks, but to the culture as well. A plus was the fact that I love cherry blossoms so how could I not join?
Q: What is your favourite Sakuraco box so far?
A: I think I would have to say the very first box because it had everything I could ever want in a subscription box, and it still seems a bit surreal to me. The home goods are also a huge win, and I use them constantly.
Q: What is your favourite snack from a Sakuraco Box?
A: I will always enjoy mochi (Japanese rice cakes), but through Sakuraco, I have tried numerous tasty treats. Another favorite I have added were the senbei snacks (Japanese rice crackers). The Hokkaido grilled corn and the butter mochi flavors were addicting! So much so I have been trying to find more to purchase.
Q: What is your favorite thing about Sakuraco?
A: Oh goodness, where do I start? There is not just one thing that I love about Sakuraco, there are multiple aspects that keep me subscribed.
The presentation is always beautiful. The box (which is also lovely) is curated carefully and packaged well. The snack guide itself is top notch with gorgeous photos, detailed snack descriptions, and is accompanied by a generous amount of Japanese history and culture.
Sakuraco also seems to really care about their subscribers and what they have to say about their subscription experiences. Sakuraco team members have always been kind, courteous, and all around a pleasure to speak with. They treat you like a friend and never an inconvenience. This alone I value considerably.
Q: What is a future theme you’d like to see us create?
A: I have not been unsatisfied by any theme so far. Although, I have always wanted to try some traditional snacks enjoyed in celebration of Shōgatsu (Japanese New Year holidays).
Q: What Japanese snacks would you like to see more of in the future?
A: I could never get enough of senbei and mochi. Dango would be fun to try though.
Q: What is your favourite part of Japanese food outside of snacks and sweets?
A: If only I could eat ramen and sushi every day! Although, a rare treat that I very much enjoy would be shabu-shabu (a Japanese hotpot dish with everything cooked individually) and sukiyaki (a Japanese hotpot dish made with a soy sauce and mirin base). There is just something special about sharing a delicious meal with friends and family that just can’t be beat.
Q: Have you ever been to Japan? If so, what was the best part of your trip? If not, what would you like to do the most if you plan on visiting?
A: I was in Tokyo very briefly 15 years ago on my way to Thailand. I did not get to visit as long as I had hoped. A dream of mine would be to be able to experience not just the tourist destinations, but explore Japan’s hidden gems. I want to visit the big cities, but also the country. Taste all the popular street food, but enjoy traditional dishes as well. Most importantly, I’d love to have friends that I could visit there and be able to share it all with them. I hope to make this dream a reality someday. Until then, Sakuraco is the next best thing!
