#Japan #Matcha #Hogimon #Sakuhō

A Delicious Souvenir from Sakuhō Town: Hogimon's Matcha Cream Senbei

Red Horse Corporation (headquartered in Sumida, Tokyo) has launched an exciting new product, Hogimon's Matcha Cream Senbei, as part of their collaboration with Sakuhō Town in Gifu Prefecture. This premium snack is inspired by the town's official character, Hogimon, and was developed alongside local entrepreneurs, particularly with Wakabayashi Senbei Co., Ltd., a town-based business.

Revitalizing Local Culture

The motivation behind this delightful creation lies in the town's 50th-anniversary celebration, where Hogimon was born as the mascot to represent Sakuhō. Over the years, local initiatives aiming at revitalizing the area have emphasized the need for quality souvenirs that residents can confidently present to friends and family. With the existing products not meeting this demand, there was a push to create a premium line that embodies the town's unique charm and cultural identity.

Concept Behind the Product

This product draws inspiration from Hogimon's characteristic green color and features high-quality matcha sourced from Gifu Prefecture. The harmonious blend of vibrant matcha and attractive packaging aims to convey the essence of Sakuhō. The goal is to create a souvenir that residents can be proud of — one that is perfect for gifting while reflecting the rich cultural landscape of the town.

Features of Hogimon's Matcha Cream Senbei

1. Rich Matcha Cream without Additives: This senbei boasts abundant use of Gifu-produced matcha, delivering an authentic, aromatic experience without artificial additives. By increasing the cream’s quantity relative to traditional recipes, this snack offers an indulgent burst of matcha flavor that creates a satisfying culinary experience.

2. Light and Crispy Dough from Local Rice: The dough is made entirely of Hatsushimo, a rare rice variety known for its exquisite texture. This adds a delightful crunch and a subtle flavor that enhances the overall matcha experience, making each bite a perfectly balanced treat.

3. Attractive Premium Packaging: To cater to gift-giving occasions like tourism and formal events, the product comes in stylish packaging that embodies the celebratory elements of Sakuhō. The goal is to elevate the profile of local snacks from mere treats to sought-after souvenirs.

Product Information

• - Product Name: Hogimon's Matcha Cream Senbei
• - Release Date: May 25, 2026
• - Price: Open pricing (estimated between 800 to 900 yen)
• - Main Retail Outlets: Kawashima Highway Oasis, Gifu Tokyo, among others

At the product reveal event held on June 2, 2026, Sakuhō Town's Mayor, Takehiro Ito, expressed his enthusiasm for this new addition to the town's culinary repertoire, stating that it's a proud offering the residents can confidently share.

Wakabayashi Senbei President, Wakabayashi, also emphasized the synergy created through collaboration with local entrepreneurs to innovate in taste, texture, and appearance, aspiring for people to recognize this as a quintessential Sakuhō snack.

The town of Sakuhō aims further to cultivate its regional identity through such projects that offer sustainable benefits for the economy.

Supporting Local Culture

The development of this unique senbei represents a broader strategy by Red Horse Corporation, focusing on community enhancement through innovative product creation. By utilizing local specialties and collaborative efforts with businesses, the company underscores its mission to amplify regional brands while preserving traditional flavors for future generations.

Moving forward, the goal is to expand distribution to ensure this new specialty becomes an integral part of Sakuhō's identity, encouraging both locals and visitors to partake in the rich culture through delicious snacks.