#Japan #Tokyo #Tomato Sauce #House Foods #Hayashi Rice

House Foods Revamps Iconic Hayashi Rice Sauces

House Foods Corporation, recognized for its top-selling Hayashi sauce, is excited to announce an updated version of its classic "Ripe Tomato Hayashi Rice Sauce" and the "Kokumaro Hayashi" line. Starting February 9, 2026, these sauces will be available at supermarkets nationwide, alongside redesigned packaging for several products including the "Ripe Tomato Hayashi Rice Sauce Bolognese" and the "Aromatic Spicy Hayashi."

Faster Cooking with No Compromise on Flavor

One of the most exciting changes is the reduction in cooking time. The revamp allows both "Ripe Tomato Hayashi Rice Sauce" and "Kokumaro Hayashi" to be simmered in just 10 minutes, down from 15! This quick preparation means that busy parents can offer delicious meals without spending extra time in the kitchen. The revamped products integrate flavors from essential ingredients like beef and onions, ensuring that the end taste remains consistently delightful.

The packaging will also feature clear icons indicating cooking times and methods, making it even easier for families to whip up a comforting plate of Hayashi rice. House Foods aims to reform Hayashi rice from a less-frequent meal to a household staple by making it more accessible and quick to prepare.

Catering to Modern Family Needs

Despite the popularity of Hayashi rice, many families have difficulty 'remembering' to include it in their meal plans. Recent data indicates that the purchasing rate of the Ripe Tomato Hayashi Sauce has significantly increased among households with elementary-aged children in the past decade, spearheading market growth. With the recent reforms, House Foods targets busy parenting families who appreciate quicker cooking solutions that don’t sacrifice flavor or quality.

At the heart of House Foods' philosophy is an understanding of the modern family's need for efficient cooking solutions that are also satisfying. Through this relaunch, they hope to bridge the gap between nostalgia and everyday usability, transforming Hayashi rice into a beloved staple.

New Packaging, New Promotions

The updated packaging features more than just cooking instructions; it also highlights the versatility of the dish. For instance, the announcement mentions that pork can be used as an alternative to beef, appealing to a broader audience. The new design reflects the product's core attributes while making it visually appealing and informative.

Moreover, to promote these changes, a new television advertisement will air on April 1, 2026, aiming to reinforce the message that Hayashi rice is a fantastic, effortless option for busy, dual-income families. Marketing efforts will include sampling campaigns in schools and collaborations with Japan's leading recipe platform, Kurashiru. This will help amplify the message that not only is Hayashi rice easily prepared, but it can also be a delightful option for special events like Mother's Day.

Celebrating Milestones and Looking Ahead

2026 marks significant anniversaries for both the "Ripe Tomato Hayashi Rice Sauce," celebrating its 30th year since its launch in 1996, and the "Kokumaro Hayashi," which turns 20. With a rich history of catering to families' diverse palates, both products have continually adapted to meet the evolving culinary expectations.

As a versatile dish, Hayashi rice has become a go-to for many, proving to be not just a meal but a comforting memory tied to family gatherings and cozy nights in. As the company looks toward the future, it remains committed to exploring new flavor combinations and responding to the changing needs of consumers.

Product Overview

• - Ripe Tomato Hayashi Rice Sauce: 92g, Price: ¥218 (exclusive of tax)
• - Ripe Tomato Hayashi Rice Sauce: 184g, Price: ¥417 (exclusive of tax)
• - Ripe Tomato Hayashi Rice Sauce Bolognese: 140g, Open price (ref. price: ¥391) (exclusive of tax)
• - Ripe Tomato Hayashi Rice Sauce Aromatic Spicy: 140g, Open price (ref. price: ¥391) (exclusive of tax)
• - Kokumaro Hayashi: 150g, Price: ¥267 (exclusive of tax)
• - Aged Demi-Glace Sauce Hash Beef: 160g, Price: ¥417 (exclusive of tax)

New products will begin transitioning to stores nationally starting February 9, 2026.

To learn more about House Foods and their offerings, visit the official product websites planned for updates in February.