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- History of Blackthunder
History of
BLACK
THUNDER
Black Thunder, released in 1994, celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2024.
Let’s take a look at its history.
1990〜
Black Thunder is born!
1994
Black Thunder is born!
It was developed at the Toyohashi factory in Aichi Prefecture (now a part of Toyohashi Yume Factory).
1995
Production halted due to poor sales.
Then, a representative for the Kyushu area said it was popular in the region and asked to continue selling it there, which lead to the decision to relaunch sales exclusively in Kyushu.
This when Black Thunder really took off!
2000〜
Black Thunder Mini Bar is born!
Nationwide expansion
2000
The wrapper is redesigned.
Katakana reading of the name and “Lightning-class taste” slogan added.
2003
Product name changed to katakana.
“A huge hit with young women” slogan added.
2005
Black Thunder Mini Bar is born!
2007
Annual shipments surpass
30 million!
2008
A famous gymnast mentions loving the product, receiving significant media coverage and leading to a prolonged period of being sold out.
2009
Annual shipments surpass
100 million!
2010〜
Annual shipments surpass 200 million!
2011
“White Black Thunder” introduced as a Hokkaido souvenir.
2011
Construction of the “Toyohashi Yume Factory” in Aichi Prefecture completed.
Exports to Taiwan begin.
2012
A famous gymnast mentions loving the product, receiving significant media coverage and leading to a prolonged period of being sold out.
2014
The wrapper is redesigned.
“Choco Bar Japan!” slogan added to the wrapper, with the goal of becoming Japan’s chocolate bar.
2017
The wrapper is redesigned.
Image updated to covey a crunchy texture and strong impression.
2017
Annual shipments surpass165 million!
2019
25th anniversary of Black Thunder!
Limited edition wrapper with 25th anniversary logo goes on sale.
イベント
2010
“Dear Girl Thunder” released, a collaborative product with a radio program featuring famous voice actors.
2013
The first Black Thunder Valentine’s Day event “Black Valentine” held in Shinjuku.
The bold declaration of Black Thunder as “obligatory chocolate” becomes a hot topic.
2013
Streetcars in Toyohashi, Aichi Prefecture (commonly known as the “Shiden”) are given a Black Thunder design.
To commemorate this, Black Thunder serves as station master for one day.
2014
“Black Thunder Obligatory Chocolate Shop,” the world’s first obligatory chocolate store, opens at Tokyo Station.
2016
“Black Thunder Obligatory Chocolate Shop” and “Black Thunder Reciprocal Obligatory Chocolate Shop” open.
2016
The “Black Thunder: Rap Battle” video series is now live!
2017
The “Higashi-Mikawa Collaboration”; a collaborative project with companies in Toyohashi, Aichi Prefecture, has begun.
2018
A campaign offering a chance to win an “18-karat gold Black Thunder necklace” is held.
The CEO and employees of Yuraku Confectionery personally deliver the prize to the winner’s home.
2019
Streetcars in Toyohashi, Aichi Prefecture (commonly known as the “Shiden”) are given a Black Thunder 25th anniversary design.
2020〜
Appointed Toyohashi Ambassunder
Black Thunder Waku Zaku Factory opens!
2020
Starting in November 2019, “Supreme Raw Black Thunder,” priced at 3,000 yen, 100 times the normal price, sells out in three minutes via crowdfunding!
2020
Massive overhaul of Black Thunder’s logo and packaging!!
Sharp edges added to enhance the lightning bolt imagery.
2021
Black Thunder achieves a 100% “Smile Cacao rating!”
2021
10th anniversary of White Black Thunder!
2023
Black Thunder's signature “crunchy texture” now featured on the packaging!
2024
30th anniversary of Black Thunder!
Limited edition wrapper with 30th anniversary logo goes on sale.
2024
In commemoration of the 30th anniversary, a special wrapper with a 30th anniversary logo goes on sale!
Event
2020
Valentine’s Day only!
“Black Thunder Obligatory Chocolate Shop” opens at Tokyo Station.
2020
“Black Thunder for Toast” goes on sale exclusively at directly managed stores. Sales gradually increase, purchase limits are imposed for a time.
2021
September 6th designated Black Thunder day!
2021
Other Valentine's Day Goods
Driven by a desire to allow people enjoy Valentine's Day the way they want,
we sell unique products everyone can enjoy, such as mannequins to practice confessing your love.
2025
Since 1994, Black Thunder has been loved and supported as a “Toyohashi Specialty” in the community, as has been named the Toyohashi Tourism Ambassador, or “Toyohashi Ambassunder!”
2025
The first factory tour facility for Black Thunder, “Black Thunder Waku Zaku Factory,” opens inside Toyohashi Yume Factory in Toyohashi, Aichi Prefecture!
Brand Site
The official Black Thunder brand site! Everything related to Black Thunder can be found here.
