Shiroi Koibito

Shiroi Koibito (白い恋人, literally "white lover") is a European-style cookie manufactured and sold by Japanese confectionery maker Ishiya Co., Ltd. in Sapporo, Hokkaido.

The name originated one day in December while the founder was returning home after enjoying some skiing and casually remarked "It has started snowing white lovers."

Shiroi Koibito ranks second nationally in souvenir unit sales following Akafukumochi (from Mie prefecture).

Subsequent stock shortages continued, and other sweets that Ishiya had planned on resuming production of were temporarily delayed in order to cope.

At first it was only sold in Hokkaido Bussanten (food and products fair) and Shiroi Koibito Park, but nationwide online sales began on March 3, 2011.

On November 28, 2011, Ishiya sued Yoshimoto Kogyo for suspension of sales on the grounds of trademark infringement and under the Unfair Competition Prevention Law in relation to their imitation product "Omoshiroi Koibito" (jp:面白い恋人, lit.