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Revitalizing a Local Favorite: Shinagawa White Brick Cookies

For over a decade, the Shinagawa White Brick Cookies have been a cherished souvenir from the cozy KAIDO books & coffee, nestled in North Shinagawa. Now, these delightful cookies have undergone a complete overhaul, providing a fresh experience without losing their essence. Collaborating with Shinagawa Refra, a company that honors the legacy of Japan's resilient firebrick manufacturing, the cookies celebrate a milestone: the 150th anniversary of the original brick manufacturer in 2025.

Renewal Highlights

The redesign of the Shinagawa White Brick Cookies focuses on three main aspects:

1. Refreshing Texture and Flavor

Incorporating a new ingredient, rice puffs, the cookies maintain their signature crunch while offering a lighter, crispier bite. The result is a delightful blend of textures, with fun pops of rice providing an enjoyable snacking experience.

2. Aesthetically Inspired Packaging

The packaging designs have also seen a revamp. The two-cookie pack symbolizes the coastal heritage of Shinagawa through blue waves (Seigaiha pattern), while the four-cookie box emulates the firebricks that forge Shinagawa’s industrial history.

3. Strengthening Local Connections

The four-cookie box serves not only as a gift but has also been included as a return item for Shinagawa's hometown tax donations, creating a deeper connection with the local community.

A Brief History of Shinagawa White Brick

The term ‘White Brick’ refers to a type of firebricks used in high-temperature industrial ovens. The roots of Shinagawa White Brick can be traced back to 1875, marked by the establishment of Japan's first private firebrick factory by businessman Katsuzō Nishimura. Over the years, the company transitioned, becoming known as Shinagawa White Brick Manufacturing in 1887, and eventually evolving into Shinagawa White Brick Co., Ltd. in 1903. Their bricks were essential in shaping modern Japan, even contributing to the exterior of Tokyo Station, further solidifying their place in the nation's industrial history.

Forging Connections: The Story Behind KAIDO books & coffee

The inception of KAIDO books & coffee (opened in 2015 by Ryota Sato) stemmed from a desire to share local history through pleasant experiences. A meeting with Shinagawa Refra sparked the idea of creating a cookie to embody Shinagawa’s spirit. Ten years later, the new cookies reflect a modern revision while carrying the story of Shinagawa's industrial roots just beneath their crispy surface.

New Flavor Profile: The Rice Puff Revolution

The renewed Shinagawa White Brick Cookies beautifully combine Hokkaido wheat flour, domestic butter, rice puffs, millet sugar, almonds, sea salt, and several spices, including black pepper, cinnamon, and coriander. The addition of rice puffs brings a playful dimension, complemented by the sophisticated flavor profile that appeals to adults, making it versatile enough to pair with coffee, wine, or beer—unlike any other cookie.

A Smart Souvenir from Shinagawa

As Shinagawa continues to support innovation with global companies like Sony, the Shinagawa White Brick Cookies aim to transcend mere snacks. They represent a tangible emblem of connection, transforming encounters into stories—perfect for travelers or businesspeople looking to present a thoughtful token from Shinagawa. The four-cookie box, available as a hometown tax gift, emphasizes this goal.

Product Information

Name: Shinagawa White Brick Cookies (Small Pack)

• - Contents: 2 cookies
• - Retail Price: ¥550
• - Packaging: Features the Seigaiha pattern.

Name: Shinagawa White Brick Cookies (Box Pack)

• - Contents: 4 cookies
• - Retail Price: ¥1,550
• - Packaging: Inspired by early firebricks, includes a leaflet detailing the story.

Rounding Out Shinagawa’s Sweet History

Ryota Sato envisions increasing love for his hometown through endeavors like these cookies. With high-quality ingredients and deep historical ties, these treats capture the spirit of Shinagawa—a unique blend of past and present. Both available in-store at KAIDO books & coffee and through the dedicated e-commerce website, these cookies are set to make waves in the local community and beyond.

To order, visit the official online store: KAIDO books & coffee Store.