My first summer in Kagoshima was no joke. I was melting under the intense sun, feeling a little homesick, when my host sister saw my exhausted face and laughed. “I know the perfect cure for that,” she said, pulling my hand. “Let’s go meet Shirokuma!”
A white bear? I had no idea what she was talking about, but I followed her into a cool, classic-looking cafe. A few minutes later, the “White Bear” arrived. It was a huge mountain of fluffy shaved ice, covered in sweet milk, with a cute face made of cherries and raisins. We both burst out laughing.
We dug in with our spoons, and the ice was as soft as fresh snow, instantly cooling me down. We talked about school, our favorite anime, and our families. Between bites of the sweet, icy dessert, I realized I wasn’t feeling homesick anymore. I was just a girl sharing a laugh and a delicious dessert with my new sister on a hot summer day.
That Shirokuma wasn’t just shaved ice. For me, it’s the taste of my Japanese summer, a memory of kindness, and the day I truly felt at home in Kagoshima.
| Want to try “Shirokuma” for yourself? We’ve put together a full guide with more details, including where to find it and what flavors to look for. Be sure to check it out when you visit Kagoshima! [→ Read the Guide: A Guide to Shirokuma: Kagoshima’s Famous “White Bear” Dessert] |
