#Japan #Tokyo #Seven-Eleven #New Year Special #Chef Hamada

New Year Delicacies from Chef Hamada at Seven-Eleven

As the New Year approaches, Seven-Eleven Japan, headquartered in Chiyoda, Tokyo and led by CEO Tomohiro Akutsu, is gearing up to launch a special collaboration with the popular Japanese variety show "Geinoujin Kakuzuke Check! New Year Special 2026." Starting from December 31, fans can look forward to three limited-edition products inspired by dishes prepared by the show’s host, comedian Masatoshi Hamada of the duo Downtown.

The highlight of this delicious lineup is the "Hamada Beef Stew," which features a rich and flavorful demi-glace sauce enhanced with Hachioji miso. This dish first debuted during the New Year's special and is now available as a ready-made meal. In addition, two more exciting items have been selected from previous episodes aired in 2025: the delightful "Hamada Omurice," characterized by its enjoyable mushroom texture, and the delectable "Hamada Karaage Bento," showcasing fried chicken garnished with a ginger soy sauce.

This is a fantastic opportunity to savor Chef Hamada's whimsical yet exquisite culinary creations at home. As we enter the new year, treat yourself and others to some smile-inducing gourmet dishes that are sure to please.

Expanded Offerings Following Previous Success

Given the resounding positive feedback from the last collaboration, Seven-Eleven has decided to expand the lineup this time. The previous release in January 2025 featured two items: "Shrimp Chili and Fried Rice" and "Black Pepper Gyoza," both of which quickly became trending topics on social media, driving high praise for their delicious flavors.

This time, customers can enjoy one additional dish. Not only are selections from the New Year Special included, but dishes that gained popularity in 2025 have also made their way into this carefully crafted series. Each dish reflects Hamada’s meticulous cooking approach, focusing on the quality of ingredients and preparation methods.

Enjoy Chef Hamada’s Omurice

The "Hamada Omurice" is a recreation of the dish featured in the Spring Special of "Geinoujin Kakuzuke Check BASIC" aired in March 2025. It brings together the umami of mushrooms and the richness of specially selected eggs in a delightful rice dish.

• - Price: ¥550 (tax included: ¥594)
• - Launch Date: December 31, 2025, onward (limited quantities)
• - Availability: Nationwide

A Hearty Bento: Hamada Karaage

Next, the "Hamada Karaage Bento" is set to impress with its generous portion of Chicken Karaage, showcased in the Fall Special aired in September 2025. This dish brings out the natural flavors of chicken, perfectly paired with a satisfying ginger soy sauce that complements the rice, proving that sometimes simplicity is best.

• - Price: ¥648 (tax included: ¥699.84)
• - Launch Date: January 1, 2026
• - Availability: Nationwide

Melt-in-your-Mouth Hamada Beef Stew

Lastly, the "Hamada Beef Stew" made a splash during the New Year Special, boasting a rich demi-glace sauce blended with Hachioji miso, prepared with utmost care over more than two hours. This dish is a true testament to Hamada’s culinary skill and is now available as the "Hamada Beef Stew."

• - Price: ¥598 (tax included: ¥645.84)
• - Launch Date: January 2, 2026, onward
• - Availability: Nationwide

Sentiment from Seven-Eleven

A representative stated that following the great response to the previous two-product release in January 2025, this time there is a stronger lineup of three items. The goal is to evoke excitement and enjoyment during family gatherings or personal moments during the holiday season, allowing customers to re-experience the thrill of finding out which dish is the "true high-quality flavor" as seen on the show. The mystique around Chef Hamada’s culinary prowess encourages curiosity about the flavors offered. Customers are invited to indulge in these extraordinary dishes that promise an immersive dining experience filled with novelty and enjoyment.

Limited quantities are available, so make sure to visit your nearest Seven-Eleven soon!

Show Details

• - Program Name: ABC TV/TBS "Geinoujin Kakuzuke Check! New Year Special 2026"
• - Air Date: January 1, 2026 (Thursday) from 17:00 to 21:00
• - TVer Streaming: Available from January 1, 2026, post-broadcast until January 15, 2026
• - Official Website: ABC TV Kakuzuke Check

Please note, there may be areas where the broadcast will not be available, and prices may vary by store. All prices shown include the reduced consumption tax rate of 8%. Due to limited availability, certain items may be out of stock, and offerings might differ between stores. Images provided are for representation purposes only. For detailed information about product availability, check the official Seven-Eleven website.