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Supporting Local Kombu Conservation with New Delicacies

On August 1, 2023, Seven-Eleven Japan, headquartered in Chiyoda, Tokyo, is set to unveil two unique products featuring local ingredients: rice balls and cold ramen made with kombu harvested from Hakodate. These items will be available in 994 Seven-Eleven stores throughout Hokkaido, marking a significant initiative to highlight and protect the region's marine resources.

Recently, the production of kombu in Japan has faced challenges due to climate change and a phenomenon known as "iso-yake," where the reduction of seaweed impacts local ecosystems. Notably, the coastal waters of Hokkaido, a prime area for kombu cultivation, have been heavily affected.

In response to these environmental issues, the Hakodate Marine Culture Project has been initiated. This collaborative effort comes from a partnership between Hokkaido University, the Hakodate Regional Industrial Promotion Foundation, private enterprises, and local government to ensure sustainable utilization of the rich marine resources in the area. One of the key objectives is to create a thriving habitat for various seaweeds, including kombu.

Recognizing the importance of this initiative, Seven-Eleven has committed to supporting the marine restoration project through the sale of products that utilize local kombu harvested from the nearby waters. The kombu used in the new offerings has been procured in collaboration with WMI, a company involved in a separate project aimed at supporting the sustainable growth of oceanic habitats.

New Product Offerings

1. Autumn Salmon and Kombu Rice Ball
- Price: ¥198 (including tax: ¥213.84)
- Release Date: August 1, 2023
- Sales Area: Hokkaido
- This rice ball makes use of a bowl full of rice combined with autumn salmon sourced from Hokkaido and kombu from Hakodate, providing a hearty flavor. The unique cooking process with fish stock enhances its umami.

2. Cold Hakodate Salt Ramen
- Price: ¥560 (including tax: ¥604.80)
- Release Date: August 1, 2023
- Sales Area: Hokkaido
- This ramen features the profound flavor of Hakodate's true kombu, complemented by a broth made from a rich combination of the kombu's essence and other sweet seasonings, paired with high-quality Hokkaido wheat noodles, and garnished with scallops from Funka Bay.
- This launch marks the first product to proudly showcase "Hakodate True Kombu" within the ongoing collaborative efforts with the city.

As an additional note, Seven-Eleven Japan has previously engaged in initiatives supporting seaweed habitat restoration, as seen during the 35th anniversary of the Seikan Twin City partnership in November 2024, where they made donations to related projects.

Important Considerations

• - Prices might vary depending on the store.
• - Tax-inclusive prices reflect the reduced rate of 8%.
• - Product availability may be limited based on stock levels or retailer discretion.
• - Some stores may not carry all products or may have variations in item names.

For more information on product availability and locations, visit the Seven-Eleven website. This ongoing commitment to local ingredients and support initiatives showcases Seven-Eleven's dedication to both delicious offerings and meaningful community engagement.