#Japan #Tokyo #bibigo #CJ Foods #Mandu

CJ FOODS JAPAN's Future Plans in the Japanese Market

CJ FOODS JAPAN held a successful launch event on March 17, 2026, announcing new products under its bibigo brand and outlining its business strategies for the Japanese market. The event took place in a Tokyo venue, featuring presentations from key figures such as company president Kim Byeong-kyu, marketing director Im, and guest appearances by Mandu division head Eiko Kano, assistant Ririka Moriwaki, and comedian Moguraider.

The event kicked off with Kim’s inspiring remarks, stating, "We have fused the delicious flavors of Japan and Korea to create something truly unique. Our responsibility and challenge is to present this as a new food culture to the people of Japan." Im followed up with insights into the company's growth trajectory in Japan, highlighting the success of the bibigo brand across more than 70 countries, particularly noting its leading market share in the United States.

Im remarked, "Since we launched our operations in Japan in 2017 and underwent a branding transformation in 2021, we have rapidly grown, with our flagship product being the traditional Korean Mandu dumpling. By 2025, we aim to establish a production base in Japan, marking a milestone for Korean food companies."

The primary challenge moving forward, according to Im, is to integrate Mandu into the everyday dining habits of Japanese consumers. He emphasized the dual importance of innovative product development and effective communication strategies for sustainable growth.

Eiko Kano's First Presentation

Eiko Kano, who heads the Mandu division, took the stage and gave his inaugural product presentation. He energetically declared, "This product is the result of everyone's input; it’s our collective effort, our pride!" He shared intriguing statistics, such as a staggering 200 million social media views from the YouTube campaign “#Ganbare Kano Mandu Bucho” and over 2,590 km traveled for project logistics.

Kano also elaborated on the journey of developing the new Mandu dumpling, highlighting the inspiration gained from tasting authentic Mandu in Korea. One of the significant selling points he emphasized was the dumpling's ability to merge the best qualities of both Mandu and traditional Japanese gyoza.

Sales Strategies and Marketing Insights

The audience learned about the impressive sales momentum for the new product. According to Im, the Mandu dumpling is expanding faster than any previous product, benefiting greatly from Kano’s active role as a brand ambassador. Kano’s celebrity status was acknowledged as a pivotal factor in making the dumplings available in mainstream retail spaces alongside gyoza. This unique intersection of comedy and marketing captivated the attendees.

Notably, the choice to name the product "Mandu Gyoza" was also credited to Kano. The idea aimed to make it easily recognizable to consumers unfamiliar with Mandu. CJ’s representatives praised this strategic move, confirming its effectiveness in bridging the cultural gap.

Unveiling the Mandu Song

An exciting surprise was the debut of the Mandu-themed song, “Guzukuzaku Mandu,” designed to engage a younger audience. The lively dance video showcased at the event drew laughter, particularly from Kano, who humorously recounted his struggle to master the dance moves, reflecting the team's efforts to create engaging content for all ages.

Taste Testing the New Dumplings

The highlight of the event was the live taste test of the freshly made Mandu dumplings. Guests expressed sheer delight over the dumplings’ quality, with comments praising their rich meat flavor and satisfying crispy texture. Kano confidently shared, “You will feel joyful with each bite; it’s designed for family enjoyment!” He reiterated the team’s dedication to providing a delicious dining experience for everyone.

Event Summary

The event successfully illustrated CJ FOODS JAPAN's commitment to expanding its presence in the Japanese market through thoughtful strategies and delicious products. With products like the Mandu dumpling, the company aims to connect with consumers on a cultural and culinary level, proving that Korean cuisine can be a delightful addition to Japanese dining traditions.

Event Details

• - Date: March 17, 2026, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
• - Location: The Garden Room, Meguro, Tokyo, Japan
• - Speakers: Kim Byeong-kyu, Director Im, Guest Eiko Kano, Ririka Moriwaki, Moguraider

The future looks bright for CJ FOODS JAPAN as they innovate to bring the flavors of Korea to the heart of Japan’s dining scene.