#Japan #Ota City #Tako-Pettan #Keikyu Royal Foods

Expanding the Beloved Tako-Pettan Across Regions

In an exciting development for food lovers in Japan, Ito-Yokado has launched the production of the popular school lunch dish Tako-Pettan at their central kitchen. This initiative is in collaboration with Keikyu Royal Foods, marking a significant step in making this delightful dish available to more customers.

The journey of Tako-Pettan began around 1995, created by a nutritionist working in a middle school in Ota City, who was inspired by students expressing a craving for takoyaki. Since then, it has become a nostalgic favorite among locals, representing a cherished memory of school lunches.

Starting from January 14, customers will find Tako-Pettan Soba (or Udon) available at selected stores operated by Keikyu Royal Foods, specifically at their Eki Menya and Men Donya chains. A total of 12 locations will serve this limited-quantity item, allowing more people to experience the unique taste of Tako-Pettan alongside other popular offerings in the area.

Moreover, 28 additional locations, including Ito-Yokado and York Foods across the Keikyu line, will also have Tako-Pettan on sale for a limited period, introducing this regional delicacy to a broader audience.

Ito-Yokado has been proactive in promoting local cuisine, a strategy that reflects their commitment to community engagement. Since September 2023, they have partnered with Shimoto Elementary School students to promote Tako-Pettan, engaging them in efforts to spread its popularity nationwide. This initiative marks the start of a collaborative journey toward delivering this local favorite to a larger audience.

Product Overview

• - Name: Tako-Pettan Soba (or Udon)
• - Price: 618 yen (tax inclusive 680 yen)
• - Release Date: Starting January 14, available in limited quantities
• - Stores: 12 locations including Eki Menya and Men Donya

- Eki Menya: Locations include Keikyu Kawasaki, Yokohama, and more.
- Men Donya: One location at BIG FUN Heiwajima.

Tako-Pettan

• - Price: 359 yen/100g (tax inclusive 387 yen)
• - Release Date: January 14 – January 18
• - Stores: 28 locations, including Ito-Yokado, York Foods, and York Mart.

This dish's journey to commercialization involved extensive efforts since September, when students from Shimoto Elementary participated in hands-on classes that allowed them to compare the Tako-Pettan served in school lunches with the one crafted by Ito-Yokado.

By December, feedback sessions were held where feedback from taste tests influenced product improvements, demonstrating a continuous loop of collaboration between the school and Ito-Yokado.

The timeline for the product evolution continues with goals set for the future. By April 2024, Tako-Pettan is expected to be officially added as a regular menu item at Ito-Yokado stores, further solidifying its place in the local food culture.

In addition to the standard Tako-Pettan, a special Happy Happy Bento—which combines Tako-Pettan with fried bread—will be available for a limited time starting from February 2025.

Overall, this initiative embodies Ito-Yokado’s dedication to integrating local flavors into their offerings, enhancing customer experiences while fostering connections within the community. The commitment to supporting local food culture positions Ito-Yokado as a well-loved supermarket chain in Japan, ensuring that regional specialities like Tako-Pettan remain a beloved part of local heritage.