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Seven-Eleven Japan's Collaboration with Kumamoto on Food Education

In a bid to promote healthy eating habits and local food consumption, Seven-Eleven Japan has teamed up with Kumamoto City to launch a unique initiative that engages elementary school students' ideas in product development. Starting from June 2025, the company has been conducting food education classes for fourth graders at Jousai Elementary School.

Objectives of the Initiative

The primary goals of this collaboration are twofold: to increase the breakfast consumption rate among children in the region and to foster an understanding of locally produced food. Understanding the importance of healthy eating habits at an early age can help shape lifelong behaviors.

Engaging Learning Experience

Seven-Eleven employees have taken on the role of instructors, guiding the students through various aspects of food production and management. The program unfolded over three key sessions:
1. First Session (June 19, 2025):
- Focus: Learning about local producers and the concept of local consumption.
- Activity: Students were given a confidential mission to brainstorm ideas for products that could be sold at Seven-Eleven stores.
2. Second Session (September 17, 2025):
- Focus: Understanding the product manufacturing process.
3. Third Session (February 10, 2026):
- Focus: Learning about product sales techniques.
- Activity: Students had the opportunity to experience selling their products in a real store environment.

Launch of New Products

As a culmination of this educational journey, three new food items were made available for purchase from February 10, 2026, across 385 Seven-Eleven outlets in Kumamoto Prefecture. These products include:

• - Kumakko Onigiri Set

- Price: ¥398 (tax included ¥429.84)
- This set features an onigiri made with familiar Aso Takana (a local mustard leaf) and a popular school lunch item, the Kim-Taku (a combination of kimchi and takuan), alongside side dishes that include salt-fried chicken, chikuwa salad, and a red sausage.

• - Aso Oguni Jersey Milk Whipped Roll

- Price: ¥160 (tax included ¥172.80)
- A delicious roll featuring a sandwich of whipped cream made from local Aso Oguni Jersey milk, wrapped in bread made from Kyushu wheat.

• - Yuben Strawberry Jam Whipped Roll

- Price: ¥168 (tax included ¥181.44)
- This tempting roll combines whipped cream and jam made from Yuben strawberries, a local variety, encased in wheat bread from Kyushu.

These products reflect the creative input of students and aim to draw more attention to local ingredients and flavors. As of now, select stores may not carry all items, so customers are encouraged to check availability.

Future Commitment

Seven-Eleven Japan has expressed its dedication to continuing food education initiatives that foster an appreciation for regional ingredients among future generations. This partnership not only enhances children's understanding of local food sources but also integrates their creativity into everyday products.

By actively involving students in a meaningful educational experience, Seven-Eleven Japan is paving the way for a healthier and more sustainable future for Kumamoto's youth.

For more information about this exciting project, please visit the Seven-Eleven Japan website.