A collaboration between Krispy Kreme Japan and Bandai Namco Entertainment pays tribute to the 1980 debut of Pac-Man. (Juan King/Stars and Stripes)
To mark the 45th anniversary of the classic arcade game Pac-Man, Krispy Kreme Japan has partnered with Bandai Namco Entertainment to offer a limited-time lineup of doughnuts inspired by the beloved character and his ghostly foes.
The collaboration — the first between the global doughnut chain and the video game publisher — pays tribute to the 1980 debut of Pac-Man, which celebrated its official birthday on May 22. The doughnuts are available at Krispy Kreme locations across Japan while supplies last.
The special promotion invites customers to experience “the retro pop world of the game” through three new doughnut varieties, each drawing inspiration from elements of the iconic maze-chase game, according to Krispy Kreme Japan’s website.
I sampled the Pac-Man Half-Dozen — a six-doughnut set priced at 1,825 yen (about $12.65). Packaged in a Pac-Man maze-themed box, the set includes three specialty doughnuts alongside two original glazed and a chocolate-iced doughnut with sprinkles.
A Krispy Kreme donut featuring Pac-Man gobbling sprinkles is available for a limited time at stores across Japan. (Juan King/Stars and Stripes)
One of the special flavors, Pac-Man Custard Sprinkles, is a variation on the brand’s signature glazed doughnut, topped with yellow custard, colorful candy power pellets, and a wafer shaped like the titular character mid-chomp. The sweet combination evokes the game’s power-up moments.
Ghost Chocolate features a dark chocolate icing and chocolate filling. A wafer printed with the Ghost Gang — Blinky, Pinky, Inky and Clyde — is laid atop a maze-like design. This flavor proved richer than expected and emerged as my personal favorite.
The third offering, Power Strawberry, is styled after the strawberry power-up from the game. Coated in strawberry icing and topped with green cream “leaves” and sugar sprinkles, it reveals a strawberry cream filling that balances sweetness with a hint of tartness.
Blinky, Pinky, Inky and Clyde search for Pac-Man atop this limited-time doughnut from Krispy Kreme Japan. (Juan King/Stars and Stripes)
Individual Pac-Man doughnuts are priced at 410 yen. Customers who purchase the half-dozen set are eligible to draw a ticket for a chance to win one of seven collectible stickers. A winning ticket earns the recipient an additional original glazed doughnut — a prize I happened to draw during my visit.
Beyond the doughnuts, fans can continue their celebration at Shibuya’s Cine Tower in Tokyo, recognized as the birthplace of Pac-Man. There, diners will find Pac-Man décor and a nostalgic nod to the game’s cultural legacy.
As is often the case with limited-edition character-themed sweets in Japan, enthusiasts may want to visit soon — these doughnuts are available only for a short time.
A collaboration between Krispy Kreme Japan and Bandai Namco Entertainment pays tribute to the 1980 debut of Pac-Man. (Juan King/Stars and Stripes)
Pac-Man Doughnuts
Location: Available at Krispy Kreme locations throughout Japan.
Hours: Vary by location.
Prices: A three-piece box of Pac-Man doughnuts costs 1,177 yen. A half-dozen is 1,825 yen. Individual Pac-Man doughnuts are 410 yen.
Dress: Casual
Information: Online: krispykreme.jp
