Exciting Arrival of Tsuki no Usagi's Ultimate Anko in Niigata!

The Exciting Arrival of Tsuki no Usagi's Ultimate Anko in Niigata!

On June 1, 2026, food enthusiasts in Niigata will get a special treat as Tsuki no Usagi, the beloved imagawayaki brand famed for its ultimate anko, opens at Aeon Mall Niigata Kameda Inter! Featured on TBS's popular show "Matsuko no Shiranai Sekai," this establishment has garnered much acclaim, and for good reason.

Craftsmanship Behind the Ultimate Anko

For over 70 years, Tsuki no Usagi has transformed the crafting of anko into an art form. The ultimate variant of their red bean paste is produced using a traditional direct-fire copper kettle, which boasts superior heat conductivity. This method enables the beans to retain their natural flavors to the fullest extent, creating a uniquely delicious experience.

The star ingredient, adzuki beans, are sourced from the Tokachi region in Hokkaido, known for their size and fragrance. Unlike smaller beans with thicker skins that cook unevenly and boil down, Tokachi beans are exceptional—they feature a thin skin, which means they cook evenly without losing their form. Moreover, these beans have lower tannin content, ensuring a clean and refined taste without any bitterness.

Moreover, Tsuki no Usagi cuts no corners when it comes to quality, refraining from the use of preservatives or coloring agents, thus adhering to a natural and additive-free preparation method. This focus on authenticity makes their anko not just a product, but an experience.

Sweetness Defined by Quality Sugar

The sweetness in Tsuki no Usagi's imagawayaki is defined by their choice of sugar—Oni Zarakou. This sugar is a top-tier variety known for its purity, having won a gold medal at the Monde Selection for three years in a row. Oni Zarakou is derived from natural sources like sugarcane and sugar beets, meticulously refined to remove any impurities. This results in a sugar that is 99.9% sucrose, offering a remarkably refreshing sweetness that you won’t find in other sugars.

The sugar crystals are carefully crafted to a specific size—averaging 3.7 mm—ensuring that they deliver a unique taste experience without the roughness of inferior sugars. With every bite of imagawayaki, you can taste the difference.

Egg-Free Miracle Dough

Breaking traditions, Tsuki no Usagi's imagawayaki batter is made without eggs, catering to those with egg allergies. After twelve iterations of testing and refining, the team successfully created a miracle dough that remains delicious and adaptable even after cooling, making it an excellent choice for souvenirs.

Charming Gifting – The Moon's Offerings

Tsuki no Usagi embodies the spirit of fortune in its branding, associating the imagawayaki with the moon and the rabbit, a symbol of prosperity and elevation. The beautifully crafted imagawayaki, available in a five-piece set priced at 1,000 yen, is perfect for a variety of gifting occasions. It serves as a delightful little luxury that can uplift anyone's day!

Menu Highlights

Among the offerings:

- Tsubu An (Classic): A traditional variant made with premium Erimo beans from Hokkaido.
- Custard (Classic): Creamy custard that mimics the rich flavor of eggs.
- Sakura An (Seasonal): A spring edition featuring white bean paste with cherry leaves for a seasonal aroma.
- Curry: Collaboration products with popular Niigata curry shops are also in the works.

Prices start at 230 yen per piece, with various seasonal offerings to choose from!

Store Information

Store Name: Tsuki no Usagi Imagawa-yaki at Aeon Mall Niigata Kameda Inter
Opening Date: June 1, 2026 (Monday)
Address: Aeon Mall Niigata Kameda Inter, 1-1 Shimo Hayatsuguyagita, Konan Ward, Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture (950-0150)
Business Hours: Following the mall's operating schedule
Closed: Depending on the mall's closure days