Why do you think drinks containing tapioca have become the latest rage in Japan, especially among young women?

It definitely has a neat sensation when they come through the straw and explode into your mouth.

Wish I could find some good tapioca pudding like they have in NY City delis.

Because they love to be a decade behind the rest of the world.

Tried it for the first time recently. Did not like it at all. Still, I can see the attraction. Too sugary and hard to use that straw. Oh, and Reckless, that is quite the sexist innuendo you slipped in there. Moderators, where art thou?

Hardly the latest craze-it’s been around for Yoinks!

Same reason why cupcakes were popular a few years ago and pancakes before that

I don't think tapioca "explodes" in anyone's mouth, as has been mentioned above.

Because they love to be a decade behind the rest of the world.

Certainly better than waking up with a bitter taste in the mouth every morning, like some miserable people living in Japan.

Mostly, I think, because of its rice cake like texture with no taste. That's why tapioka perfectly matches any drinks. Badically, rice cake like texture used as in "mochi-mochi, " is widely prefered by Japanese, especially the young.

I haven't found a good one here yet. When I buy one in the U.S. and Taiwan, the tapioca balls are sweet and easier to chew. I got a major sweet tooth.

Probably because some D-grade celebrity tweeted about it on Instagram.