On July 30, 2026, South Korean media No Cut News reported that South Korean sweets brand 'Tokyo Berry' has caused a stir with package designs and promotional methods that closely resemble those of Japan's popular product 'Tokyo Banana,' and the original 'Tokyo Banana' side has also begun to confirm the facts.

According to the article, 'Tokyo Berry' opened pop-up stores in major department stores in South Korea and advertised its products as 'premium raw fruit mochi packed with the taste of seasonal fruits and the sensibility of Tokyo.' However, there was a series of criticisms that the fruit illustrations, logo font, and overall design closely resembled 'Tokyo Banana,' and purchasers commented, 'I thought it was a new Tokyo Banana product,' and 'I mistakenly thought it was a sister brand.'

Furthermore, at the time of its launch, despite being a South Korean brand, it used slogans like 'Welcome (to) Korea' and 'Fruit mochi hard to find even in Japan,' creating the impression that a popular overseas product had arrived in South Korea, which also became a target of criticism.

The article pointed out, 'Is this not marketing aimed at making people mistakenly believe that a popular overseas sweet has been imported, relying on the recognition of existing famous brands rather than competing with its own product competitiveness?'

In response to this commotion, GrapeStone, which operates 'Tokyo Banana,' commented, 'Currently, the department in charge is sharing information about this issue and confirming the facts.' Lotte Department Store, which hosted the pop-up store, also stated, 'We have no plans for future events and are considering an early termination of the current event.'

As the controversy spread, 'Tokyo Berry' changed most of its promotional posts on official social media to private. It is said that no official explanation has been issued from the operating side at this point.

Regarding this, South Korean netizens made comments such as: 'This is going too far,' 'I thought it was a new Tokyo Banana product,' 'It's not an homage, it's almost a copy,' 'They are clearly trying to deceive consumers,' 'Making their SNS private is probably the answer,' and 'Businesses that piggyback on overseas brands damage Korea's image.'

Additionally, comments included: 'It's truly embarrassing,' 'Department stores should have checked more thoroughly beforehand,' 'Many people probably bought it believing in it because it was sold in a famous department store,' 'If they have confidence in their product, they should compete with their own brand,' and 'We always get angry when other countries copy Korean products, but if we do the same, we're being hypocritical.' (Translation/Editing: Higuchi)

'도쿄베리'

국내 신생 브랜드임에도 불구하고 'Welcome (to) Korea', '일본 현지에서조차 먹기 힘들다던 모찌' 등의 문구를 사용해 마치 해외 인기 제품이 수입된 듯한 착시를 노린 것 아니냐

왼쪽 포장이 도쿄베리 오른쪽이 도쿄 바나나
^^…. https://t.co/rtWrq3oEcA pic.twitter.com/4UnSeE3i3z

— mot🌺🎗️ (@Mmmooottt__) July 30, 2026