Tokyo Berry, a Korean dessert brand launched in June 2026, has sparked controversy for its striking resemblance to Japan's famous Tokyo Banana confection. Tokyo Berry recently opened pop-up stores at major department stores including Lotte and Shinsegae in Seoul, attracting long queues of customers, according to The Korea Herald.

However, consumers on social media began sharing side-by-side comparisons of Tokyo Berry and Tokyo Banana, initially mistaking Tokyo Berry as affiliated with or a subsidiary of the Japanese brand. The use of "Tokyo" in Tokyo Berry's name and promotional phrases like "capturing the flavours of fresh seasonal fruits and the essence of Tokyo" reinforced the impression that it was a Japanese brand, before many discovered it was made in South Korea.

The backlash led to the cancellation of planned Tokyo Berry pop-up stores in South Korea. Additionally, according to Chosun, some consumers accused Tokyo Berry of copying the inner wrapping style used by Korean dessert brand Hanjungsun, which packages its chapssaltteok (glutinous rice cakes with sweet fillings) in traditional Korean hanji paper.

Tokyo Banana, created by Japanese company Grapestone and officially launched in 1991, is a well-known souvenir confection sold widely across Japan at airports, train stations, and department stores.

A representative commented, "We have shared the issue with the relevant department and are currently reviewing the details."

Sources