#Japan #Kyoto #Udon #Kinrei #Dashi

Kinrei Corporation's New Udon Offering

Kinrei Corporation, headquartered in Fushimi-ku, Kyoto, has recently announced the launch of its new product, "O-Mizu ga Iranai Kyofudashi no Udon" (Yamashiro Style Dashi Udon) set to hit stores on September 1, 2026. This release comes on the heels of a remarkable achievement, surpassing a total sales figure of 300 million servings across its flagship product line, the "O-Mizu ga Iranai" series, which includes frozen udon and ramen.

As part of their 50th anniversary celebrations, Kinrei has introduced a novel manufacturing process known as "In-House Shaving". This technique involves shaving the dried fish elements (katsuobushi—bonito flakes, sardine flakes, and tuna flakes) right before the dashi broth is extracted. Kinrei's dedication to enhancing the dashi flavor is evident in this carefully orchestrated timing, which is designed to preserve the fish’s rich aroma and taste to the fullest extent.

In-House Shaving: A Commitment to Quality

The flavor of shaved fish changes significantly over time after the initial action. To maintain peak freshness and flavor, Kinrei has developed a production process where fish is shaved just prior to making the dashi. This results in a broth that captures the vibrant essence of these fish products, creating a distinctly upscale dining experience. By freezing the dashi immediately after crafting it—an innovative approach integrated within their large-scale production facility—Kinrei has succeeded in bringing an exquisite, freshly-made taste sensation to frozen foods.

Kinrei continues to validate their commitment to creating the best dashi possible through ongoing improvements to the In-House Shaving process. This commitment is fueled by a relentless pursuit of culinary excellence, applying years of research, determination, and innovation.

A Remarkable Dashi Experience

The new Yamashiro Dashi Udon features a refined broth composed of premium katsuobushi, complemented by the savory taste of carefully curated kelp, all extracted to ensure a clean yet fragrant taste. This enhancement is paired with udon noodles made from 100% domestically sourced wheat, ensuring a chewy texture and a delicious foundation for the dish. Each bowl comes with five types of garnishes, including Kujo scallions, fried tofu, kamaboko (fish cake), yuba (tofu skin), and momiji-fu (red-leaf-shaped wheat gluten), with a separate packet of yuzu chili pepper included for flavor customization.

The Evolution of the “O-Mizu ga Iranai” Series

Since its debut in 2010, the "O-Mizu ga Iranai" series has captivated customers by offering a restaurant-quality experience in the comfort of home. The series' popularity is fueled by its unparalleled convenience, thanks to its innovative multi-layer freezing technique that eliminates the need for water—simply heat in a pot, and it’s ready to enjoy. By March 2026, this series has sold over 300 million servings, showcasing a diversity of flavors from renowned restaurants and regional specialties such as Yokohama-style ramen and Sapporo miso ramen.

More than 30 different products have been developed within this successful line, reflecting Kinrei's focus on fusing convenience with high-quality taste.

Looking Ahead

Kinrei aims to keep pushing the boundaries of convenience and flavor in home cooking, striving to ensure every meal is simple to prepare yet truly delicious. They believe in creating a product that anyone can make beautifully, promoting a design that prioritizes quality without compromising ease of use.

Company Overview

Company Name: Kinrei Corporation
Established: December 1974 in Osaka
CEO: Masahiko Shirakata
Headquarters: 247 Minamihama-cho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto
Capital: 400 million yen
Shareholder: Gekkeikan Sake Co., Ltd.
Number of Employees: 151 as of the end of March 2025 (excluding temporary workers)
Annual Revenue: 17.4 billion yen (as of March 2025)
Core Business Activities: Manufacturing and selling frozen food products.

For more information about this and other products, visit Kinrei's official website.