First of Its Kind: Japanese-Made Mala Soup Now Available Frozen 24/7

The Package Plaza Shizuoka Minami store, operated by Makino Seibag, has started selling frozen versions of the famous Shinjuku dish, "Ganso Wasei Maratan" (original Japanese-style mala soup). With a 24-hour automated vending machine, both dine-in and takeaway customers can enjoy a hearty bowl anytime, making it easier than ever to indulge in this culinary delight at home.

A New Player in the Food Market

Takumi Maratan House, a subsidiary of Nexter Inc. — a leading SNS marketing company based in Shinjuku, Tokyo — is stepping into the world of frozen mala soup. They aim to bridge direct consumer sales with B2B partnerships through their frozen mala soup D2C brand, "Ouchi de Maratan" (Home Maratan), available online at maratan.tokyo. Takumi Maratan plans to expand both physical and franchise locations across Japan, all while maintaining a commitment to local sourcing and sustainable practices.

Vision and Mission

Takumi Maratan aspires to make Japanese-style mala soup a new symbol of Japanese food culture, establishing it as a beloved dish like soba, udon, ramen, or sushi. Their mission is clear: to introduce the rich, medicinal properties of mala soup as part of everyday Japanese dining, delighting consumers with meals that are both delicious and health-conscious.

Package Plaza Shizuoka Minami: A Local Staple

Operated by Makino Seibag, Package Plaza Shizuoka Minami specializes in packaging materials and retail supplies, providing vital resources to local businesses and households. With its 24-hour automated vending machine, the store makes it even more accessible for busy individuals to grab their favorite mala soup varieties, including:

- Zero Spiciness Maratan: ¥1,000 (approx. $9)
- Medium Spiciness Maratan: ¥1,000 (approx. $9)
- Salt Tonkotsu Maratan: ¥1,100 (approx. $10)
- Rich Sesame Tantan Maratan: ¥1,300 (approx. $12)

The Unique Health Aspect

Mala soup is deeply rooted in Chinese culture as a medicinal broth, embodying the "medical-food synergy" philosophy that emphasizes nutrition as a means of maintaining health. The Takumi Maratan brand blends high-quality domestic ingredients with uniquely Japanese flavors, ensuring that each bowl of mala soup caters to the tastes of local consumers while providing an enticing health boost.

These soups are designed to be healthy, featuring a gluten-free variety of sweet potato starch noodles that help make each serving light yet fulfilling, often accumulating fewer calories and promoting healthier eating habits.

Sustaining the Community

Takumi Maratan is also dedicated to sustainability. By utilizing local produce and reducing food waste, the company is actively participating in efforts to shift the food culture towards more responsible consumption. Their innovative approach encourages individuals to use pantry leftovers in their mala soup preparations, significantly cutting down on waste while enhancing the overall meal nutrition.

Furthermore, their commitment to waste reduction aligns with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, promoting responsible consumption and production practices.

Future Aspirations

Takumi Maratan intends to showcase their offerings on a national scale, collaborating with influencers for social media promotions and ensuring their branding resonates with consumers seeking healthy options. With over 200 ambassadors, their reach extends across platforms, collectively boasting over 20 million followers.

Join the Movement

With the launch of frozen mala soup at Package Plaza Shizuoka Minami, Takumi Maratan invites food lovers to explore this revitalized dish in their own homes. Whether enjoyed as a quick meal or a heartwarming family recipe, the aim is clear: broaden the horizons of Japanese food culture while nourishing communities through health-conscious eating and a commitment to sustainability.

Don't miss out on this unique dining opportunity! Visit maratan.tokyo to learn more about your new favorite meal or head over to Package Plaza Shizuoka Minami for a taste of Japan's first frozen mala soup.