Japanese convenience stores, known for their wide variety of innovative and sometimes unusual products, are now using artificial intelligence (AI) to create new desserts. Lawson, one of the country's largest convenience store chains, recently announced the launch of three new food items. These include a lemon tart flavored with gherkins and a small bread filled with red bean paste, margarine, and yogurt. According to the company, AI was used during brainstorming sessions to generate creative ideas, free from traditional constraints like existing market trends or past sales data. These products are set to be available this month in Tokyo and other areas of Japan. Another major chain, FamilyMart, has also begun using AI in its product development. The company recently introduced a canelé—a type of French dessert—whose dough includes sweet potato and is coated in caramel sauce. This new item will be available nationwide next week. FamilyMart stated that it aimed to create something innovative while ensuring a good chance of commercial success. Like Lawson, the company used AI primarily for creative brainstorming, with human specialists still playing a key role in the development process. FamilyMart had previously tested a sandwich cookie filled with thick milk cream, developed using AI, in July. The product was well-received, leading the company to continue using artificial intelligence for future product development. According to a spokesperson, the company plans to release more AI-assisted items in the coming months. Despite the excitement around AI's potential in food innovation, many experts and industry leaders have called for greater regulation of AI development. They argue that it is important to understand and manage the risks associated with the technology's growing capabilities.