FamilyMart's 'Let's Eat Ibaraki' Fair
Starting on
October 14, 2025, FamilyMart will launch the 'Let's Eat Ibaraki' fair in collaboration with Ibaraki Prefecture and Hitachi-Ota City. This delicious initiative aims to promote the amazing flavors of Ibaraki by offering five unique products created with local ingredients. Among these is the
Kenchin Man, which secured the
third place in the
2024 Ibaraki Food Election. These products will be available at about
7,000 FamilyMart stores across
Hokkaido, Tohoku, and Kanto regions, progressively released until
November 10, 2025.
What is the 'Shin Ibaraki Meal Election 2024'?
The
Shin Ibaraki Meal Election 2024 is a culinary competition created to discover and establish new Ibaraki delicacies. With participation from all
44 municipalities in Ibaraki, it showcased the finest new dishes. The winner was determined through a combination of web voting by residents and evaluations from food critics.
Promoting Regional Charm Through 'GO! For Local Food!' Initiative
FamilyMart is dedicated to leveraging local characteristics in their product development, and the Ibaraki fair is a testament to their efforts. The
Kenchin Man, designed by the
GO! For Local Food! association in Hitachi-Ota, is a representation of Ibaraki’s culinary heritage. This steaming, savory bun captures the essence of the traditional
Kenchin Soup, filled with vegetables and flavors that hint at nostalgia.
As part of the fair, the products will feature the official 'Let's Eat Ibaraki' logo, highlighting the quality of Ibaraki's local ingredients while also supporting local producers and promoting the consumption of regional specialties.
Engaging the Community through Events and Taste Testing
To enhance the fair's appeal, multiple events will be organized in cooperation with Ibaraki Prefecture and Hitachi-Ota City. Before the launch, Ibaraki Governor Kazuhiko Oigaawa will host a taste-testing event at the Ibaraki Prefectural Office. Following the release of the
Kenchin Man on
October 15, a tasting event will occur at
Michi-no-Eki Hitachi-Ota led by Mayor Kenji Fujita.
In addition to these activities, a local radio station,
Lucky FM Ibaraki, will run a special segment over four broadcasts, showcasing these delightful products and their unique flavors.
Comments from the 'GO! For Local Food!' Association
The beloved dish
Kenchin Jiru has been brilliantly transformed into a delicious dumpling for everyone to enjoy. It is an honored dish that has secured the
third place in the
Ibaraki Meal Election 2024. We invite you to experience the comforting flavors of our rich vegetable-filled bun, made with care and dedication at your nearest FamilyMart.
Product Details
The fair will feature five tantalizing items:
1. Kenchin Man
- - Price: 165 JPY (178 JPY tax included)
- - Release Date: October 14, 2025
- - Available Regions: Hokkaido, Tohoku (Aomori, Iwate, Miyagi, Akita, Yamagata, Fukushima), Niigata, Ibaraki, Tochigi, Gunma, Saitama, Chiba, Tokyo, Kanagawa.
- - Description: A bao bun crafted with ingredients reminiscent of Kenchin Soup, featuring four types of vegetables along with konjac and pork, delivering a heartwarming taste.
2. Chicken Skin Onigiri
- - Price: 172 JPY (185 JPY tax included)
- - Release Date: October 21, 2025
- - Available Regions: Ibaraki, Tochigi, Gunma, Saitama (some stores), Chiba, Tokyo (some stores), Kanagawa (some stores).
- - Description: This rice ball utilizes Tsukuba Chicken skin, cooked either with soy sauce rice or caramelized for enhanced flavor.
3. Sweet and Savory Tsukuba Chicken Donburi
- - Price: 554 JPY (598 JPY tax included)
- - Release Date: October 21, 2025
- - Available Regions: Ibaraki, Saitama (some stores), Chiba, Tokyo (some stores).
- - Description: A rice bowl featuring three types of chicken seasoned sweetly, making it a flavorful delight.
4. Miso Kenchindu Udon with Ibaraki Radish
- - Price: 598 JPY (554 JPY tax included)
- - Release Date: October 21, 2025
- - Available Regions: Ibaraki, Tochigi, Gunma, Saitama, Chiba, Tokyo, Kanagawa (some stores).
- - Description: A rich udon dish inspired by traditional Kenchin with an essence of sesame oil.
5. Sweet Potato Donut (Ibaraki Red Haruka)
- - Price: 147 JPY (158 JPY tax included)
- - Release Date: October 21, 2025
- - Available Regions: Ibaraki, Tochigi, Gunma, Saitama (some stores), Chiba, Tokyo (some stores).
- - Description: A soft donut infused with sweet potato paste providing a gentle flavor experience.
Image may not represent the exact product. Prices include an 8% consumption tax. Availability may vary by store.
FamilyMart remains committed to being a vital part of the community under the motto "You, FamilyMart, and Convenience!" We aim to foster connections with each customer as one of family members while continuously being an indispensable locale.