Pepppers are not new to Japan. People grow peppers there for many years. A type of pepper came to Japan long ago. By the 1600s, two special types grew in Japan. These types are only from Japan.
Japanese Peppers Pack a Surprising Punch
Easy
The first type is very small. It is also very hot. The pepper is about 2 to 5 cm long. The name means hawk talons. The shape looks like a bird's claw. That is why it has this name.
The second type is the shishito. The name means lion head. The pepper has many small bumps. The bumps look like a lion's head. Most of these peppers are gentle. But some are very spicy. People like this surprise. They enjoy the hot ones when they find them.
Sources: japantimes.co.jp