May 2017: Iris Zhang from New York

1. How do you feel about being selected as our Bokksu Member Spotlight?

So excited! Also honored.

2. What do you find most exciting about Japanese snacks?

I find that Japanese snacks tend to be on the subtler side when it comes to sugar and salt, but it doesn't pack any less flavor. I love exploring those different flavors, especially their interpretation of French bakery goods.

3. What made you fall in love with Japanese snacks?

Growing up I lived in Yokohama for two years. We weren't the most financially well-off family at the time, so getting any kind of snack at all was a real treat.

4. What was your favorite snack and/or favorite theme in our past boxes?

I absolutely adored everything from Osaka, especially the OKONOMIYAKI SENBEI which was everything I love about Japanese seafood in a single bite.

5. On average, how long does your Bokksu last before you finish the whole box?

2-3 days. I try to space them out evenly but just end up binging a lot because the snacks are so irresistible.

6. How would you describe the feeling you get when you’re about to open your Bokksu?

As someone who worked while going to grad school, I would tend to get busy and not remember when a Bokksu was coming. Every month it arrives it's like a friend sent you a well-curated and amazing care package. For me it's always a happy surprise.

7. Where in Japan would you like to visit one day? Why?

I would love to go back to Yokohama and see what's changed about it. I would like to see if my old apartment next to the water is still around. I'd also like to stay around Hokkaido's ryoken as I love relaxing in onsen!

8. What is one Japanese food you just can’t get enough of (doesn’t have to be a Bokksu snack)?

Pickled daikon (takuan). I learned to make my own so I could always have it. I usually eat it with plain rice porridge, but I sometimes just eat it plain as a side dish or just by itself as a snack.