Introducing Showa Pudding: A Taste of Nostalgia from Yamagata Perfect for 100 Years of Showa

Celebrating the 100th Year of Showa with 'Showa Pudding'

In 2025, marking the centenary of the Showa era, Ringbell Co. is set to release a new dessert that encapsulates the nostalgia of its time: 'Showa Pudding.' Starting from May 23, this pudding promises to bring back fond memories while introducing new generations to a classic Japanese sweet. Crafted with simplicity at its heart, it features a firm yet rich egg flavor that resonates with the essence of the Showa period.

Developed in collaboration with Ryoji Komatsu, owner of the renowned Western Sweets Shop 'Brandore' in Nagai City, Yamagata Prefecture, 'Showa Pudding' is made using only four basic ingredients: eggs, milk, sugar, and vanilla flavoring. The eggs are fresh, red-yolked, free-range ones sourced from Yamagata, known for their deep flavor and richness. The milk, also local, has a balanced sweetness and umami that enhances the pudding's taste, while the sugar is carefully selected to support rather than overshadow the natural flavors of the main ingredients. Furthermore, Madagascar vanilla adds a sophisticated note, extracted solely through alcohol.

The preparation of 'Showa Pudding' is meticulous. Egg whites are warmed and blended with milk, creating a smooth, silky liquid that is then steamed at 87 degrees for 35 minutes. After numerous trials adjusting the ratio of egg yolks to whites, the steaming temperature, and cooking time to ensure complete pasteurization, the ideal consistency was achieved — a pudding that is slightly firm to the spoon yet melts in the mouth, allowing the robust egg flavor to shine through. This dessert is not merely a recipe; it reflects Komatsu's childhood memories of making pudding during the Showa era and his heartfelt dedication to local Yamagata ingredients.

In an age where soft and overly sweet puddings dominate the market, 'Showa Pudding' stands out with its straightforward recipe and balanced flavor profile, appealing to both nostalgic consumers and those discovering it for the first time. Its subtle sweetness can be adjusted further with the accompanying caramel sauce, allowing each person to savor it to their liking.

Product Overview

- Product Name: Showa Pudding from the 'Yamagata Kiwami' series
- Release Date: May 23, 2025
- Price: 3,240 yen for a pack of 7, 4,320 yen for a pack of 10, and 5,400 yen for a pack of 13 (all prices include tax)
- Purchase: Available on the Ringbell online shop here

About 'Yamagata Kiwami'

Launched in 2015, the 'Yamagata Kiwami' series is designed to offer premium products during their peak deliciousness, showcasing the richness of Yamagata. Known as the 'fruit kingdom' and 'food treasure trove' of Japan, Ringbell ensures its offerings meet stringent quality standards drawn from its catalog gift business. The series not only includes exceptional fruits and Yamagata beef but also a wide array of local processed foods, rice, and even merchandise today, totaling around 2,000 items across both the 'Yamagata Kiwami' and 'Japan Kiwami' lines, catering to diverse consumer needs from gifts to daily use.

Classic Sweets of the Showa Period

The 'Yamagata Kiwami' and 'Japan Kiwami' series also feature other sweets that evoke the flavors of Showa:

- Showa Custard: Developed from a long-standing local confectionery known for its custard cakes, elevated with a generous amount of Madagascar vanilla.
- Lemon Cake: A resurgence of the popular Showa lemon cake, distinguished by yogurt in the batter and Setouchi lemon syrup for a fresh zest.
- Handmade Apple Pie: With Red Fuju apples from Asahi Town wrapped in a pastry made with fermented butter, baked slowly to bring out their nostalgic sweetness.

These delightful creations from Ringbell reflect both tradition and innovation, ideal for anyone looking to experience the flavors of the past while creating new memories.