ONI&Co. Unveils Exclusive Valentine's Rice Balls at Onigiri Summit® 2026

In a delightful turn of events during the Onigiri Summit® 2026 held on January 27, 2026, at Tokyo Midtown Yaesu, ONI&Co. introduced its unique Valentine's rice ball. This exclusive offering is set to be available from February 12 to February 14, just in time for Valentine's Day.

A Celebration of Rice Ball Culture

The Onigiri Summit®, organized by the Japan Onigiri Association, brought together 14 municipalities and companies to discuss pressing societal issues such as rice price inflation, environmental concerns, and disaster recovery. Among the diverse offerings from various localities, ONI&Co.'s Valentine rice ball garnered significant attention.
During the reveal, ONI&Co.'s CEO Miyuki Kawaharada and its business manager Koichi Nagase showcased the inventive rice ball, emphasizing its quality and unique composition.
Prominent actress Hiyori Honma attended the event, expressing her enthusiasm for the dish after sampling it. "I found it to embody a new concept of rice balls where the deliciousness of rice blends seamlessly with the tastes of tomato, basil, and cheese. The texture of the prosciutto comes alive as you chew, releasing delightful aromas of basil," she praised.

A Flavorful Twist on Tradition

This Valentine's rice ball creatively encapsulates the essence of a caprese salad. It features a rich mix of mozzarella cheese, prosciutto, and homemade semi-dried tomatoes, all elegantly crafted into a heart shape.
This love-infused dish combines flavorful rice, enhanced with the sweetness of semi-dried tomatoes, and is topped with thinly sliced prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, and aromatic basil. The resulting taste profile offers a sophisticated experience that strays from the traditional sweet treats typically associated with Valentine's Day—perfect for those who prefer savory over sweet. Each bite delivers a combination of the mellow acidity of the tomatoes, the richness of the cheese, and the salty umami of the prosciutto, creating a delightful adult gourmet experience.

Where and When to Buy

The Valentine's rice ball will be sold at ONI&Co.'s Tokyo Lab location:

- Address: 1-7-1 Honcho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Morikawa Building 1F
- Sale Period: February 12 to 14, 2026
- Price: 480 yen (tax included)

As this is a limited-time offering, interested customers are encouraged to call ahead or check the official website to ensure availability.

About ONI&Co.

ONI&Co. specializes in rice balls made from the premium Bonju rice from Aomori. The establishment focuses on utilizing locally sourced ingredients to enhance the flavors of their offerings, ranging from seasonal limited editions to colorful bento boxes. With options for catering and delivery in the greater Tokyo area, ONI&Co. positions itself as a leader in the rice ball specialty sector.

- Website: ONI&Co.
- Instagram: @onico_jp

The Onigiri Association's Mission

The Japan Onigiri Association strives to promote rice balls as Japan's traditional fast food, slow food, and soul food on a global scale. Their initiatives encompass research, food education, events, certification, and consulting to instill the culture of rice balls firmly within the market and prevent it from being merely a transient trend.

- Website: Japan Onigiri Association

This Valentine's Day, step away from the ordinary and indulge in the extraordinary flavors of ONI&Co.'s innovative rice balls—a true celebration of love and culinary artistry.