Japanese food retailers launch new seasonal and specialized products

Various Japanese food retailers and convenience chains are launching new seasonal and specialized product lines.

Seven-Eleven Japan is expanding its reach for the ‘Gym Meshi’ frozen meal series, a collaboration with the Japan Bodybuilding & Fitness Federation (JBBF). Following strong sales in Tokyo, the high-protein meals—including chicken jambalaya and bolognese pasta—will expand to approximately 6,500 stores across Tokyo, Aichi, Osaka, Hyogo, and Fukuoka. Additionally, Seven-Eleven is hosting a ‘Hokkaido Fair’ starting September 29, featuring regional specialties like ikameshi (squid rice balls) and ramen supervised by famous Hokkaido establishments.

In the regional retail sector, Okayama Takashimaya will host a ‘Great Hokkaido Exhibition’ from September 30 to October 13, showcasing Hokkaido-sourced seafood and sweets. Meanwhile, the ramen chain Junk Garage has introduced a limited-time ‘Garlic Pork Shabu Ramen’ at its locations, primarily in Saitama, featuring pork seasoned with garlic soy sauce.