#Japan #Hokkaido #House Foods #Smile Ball #Onion

The Amazing "Smile Ball" Onion: A Sweet, Tear-Free Experience!

House Foods Group has announced the arrival of the revolutionary "Smile Ball" onion, which will be available for sale in limited quantities starting mid-October 2025. This unique onion boasts a sweet flavor and is designed to be eaten raw, without the typical tears associated with cutting onions. The "Smile Ball" does not require soaking in water, allowing consumers to fully enjoy its nutritional benefits.

The Concept Behind Smile Ball

Unlike traditional onions, which can bring tears to even the most seasoned cooks, the "Smile Ball" has undergone extensive research and development over the past decade, including genetic modification techniques designed to suppress the compounds that lead to eye irritation. This onion is incredibly versatile, enabling a variety of eating methods, such as biting into it whole, savoring its naturally sweet taste without the bitterness usually associated with raw onions.

Originally launched in 2015, the "Smile Ball" quickly gained popularity, reaching its highest shipment volume to date last year. This year, the House Foods Group aims to increase accessibility by offering the onion in supermarkets throughout Hokkaido and the metropolitan area, as well as through online platforms like Rakuten and Amazon.

Sales Details

1. Online Sales:
- Available in limited quantities via e-commerce sites such as Rakuten and Amazon, with pre-orders currently open. Delivery is expected to begin in late October.
- Rakuten 2kg
- Rakuten 5kg
- Amazon 2kg
- Amazon 5kg

2. In-Store Sales:
- Limited quantities will be available in select supermarkets, priced between ￥278-298 (tax excluded) for various sizes.
- Options include two large-sized onions or three medium-sized onions per pack.

3. Sale Through Deli Restaurants:
- The "Smile Ball" will also be featured in various menus offered by salad bowl specialty stores and deli restaurants, ensuring consumers can enjoy the fresh taste effortlessly. Specific retailers include "Nihon no Sarada Itohan" and "Green Gourmet," with limited availability from October 21, 2025, to January 21, 2026.

The Journey of Research and Development

The innovation journey of the House Foods Group began over 30 years ago, focusing initially on addressing challenges faced during the production of retort curry. Researchers discovered complexities in the natural processes that cause onion tears and developed enzymes that could regulate this process.

The culmination of these efforts led to the discovery of the lachrymatory factor synthase (LFS) enzyme, which is responsible for the production of crying-inducing compounds. This research, which garnered recognition with the Ig Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2013, laid the foundation for the creation of the "Smile Ball."

By 2012, genetically non-modified varietals of onions were created, which produced minimal amounts of the enzymes responsible for tears. This resulted in the birth of the "Smile Ball" onion, allowing for a completely novel culinary experience.

The 2025 agricultural award ceremony recognized the House Foods Group’s development of the "tear-free onion" for its practical contributions to agricultural science.

Additionally, in June 2025, the establishment of the "Asutama Kai" initiative commenced, focused on stabilizing onion production and addressing agricultural challenges amplified by climate change. This initiative seeks to create a data-driven agricultural model in cooperation with partner farms.

The Philosophy Behind Smile Ball

The brand adheres to a simple principle: to enhance the joy of mealtime without the tears that typically accompany onion preparation. The name "Smile Ball" reflects the desire to create a happy cooking environment and new culinary traditions. The goal is to inspire positive conversations around eating vegetables, centered on wanting to eat simply because they are delicious.

For more about the "Smile Ball" onion and its uses, visit the official site where you can explore recipe ideas, nutrition information, and more.

Conclusion

As we approach the release of the "Smile Ball", consumers can look forward to a new winter culinary delight. A perfect solution for those looking to enjoy the taste of onions without the tears, this innovative vegetable is here to redefine how we think about eating and enjoying our meals.