Matcha sweets are great, but the luxury of packing authentic Japanese cuisine in your suitcase and taking it home with you.

Among the many joys of traveling in Japan, the culinary experience is often what leaves the deepest impression on many. Fresh seafood, the delicate aroma of dashi, and dishes that shine with the craftsmanship of artisans. It's a natural desire for travelers to want to share the感動 (emotional experience) they savored during their stay with family and friends back home.

However, when it comes to choosing souvenirs, one reality becomes clear: the most popular Japanese souvenirs tend to be "matcha sweets" and "snacks" that have a long shelf life.

Of course, traditional Japanese sweets and sophisticated confections are wonderful gifts that convey culture. Yet, the option of bringing "Japanese cuisine itself"—which should have been a highlight of the trip—as a souvenir has not been widely available until now.

"I really want to share the taste of the wagyu or sea bream I ate at that restaurant with them." To fulfill such underlying wishes, we at Osaka Kizu Wholesale Market are proposing a new form of "Washoku" (Japanese cuisine).

 

"In addition to sweets," not "instead of sweets"

Our positioning is not about rejecting existing souvenirs. Sweets are perfect as a tool for casual communication. What we aim for is to add "authentic Japanese culinary experiences" to that souvenir list.

If sweets convey "Japanese sweet culture," then premium canned Japanese cuisine serves as a vessel carrying "Japanese culinary culture" itself. A small can, fitting into a suitcase, encapsulates the skill and passion unfolding in a ryotei (traditional Japanese restaurant) kitchen. For the recipient, it becomes a gift of an "experience" far beyond mere food.

 

The magic of "room temperature" enables the export of Japanese cuisine

The greatness of Japanese cuisine is said to lie in its freshness. For this reason, it has traditionally been considered something that could only be savored by visiting Japan. "Washoku" has overcome this barrier of freshness through unique cooking techniques and its canned form.

 

 

Its greatest feature is its ability to be stored long-term at room temperature. Like sweets, it can be easily placed in a suitcase, travel across the sea on a long flight, and arrive safely at a family's dinner table back home. After returning, simply heating the can at any time revives the seasonal ingredients and artisan skill of Japan.

This convenience of "authentic Japanese cuisine that can be brought home at room temperature" is one reason why it is supported by travelers worldwide, particularly those from Taiwan, who have a deep appreciation for food.

 

The overwhelming richness of content spun by artisans

There are many canned goods available as souvenirs. However, "Washoku" is designated as a premium brand due to the overwhelming amount of handiwork involved in its manufacturing process.

For example, if you imagine our "Wagyu Sukiyaki" or "Sea Bream Nimono" to be the same as typical preserved foods, you'll be pleasantly surprised. Based on recipes supervised by chefs, artisans in our own workshop meticulously cook each item by hand.

• The Passion of Dashi: Dashi, the soul of Japanese cooking, is simmered slowly over time, extracting the umami of the ingredients to its fullest potential.
• Handcrafted, Can by Can: Instead of mass production by machine, artisans adjust the heat and hand-pack each can according to the size and condition of the ingredients.
• Proof of Ingredients: We use ingredients from Japan's renowned regions, such as natural sea bream from Ehime Prefecture, beni-zuwai crab from Kasumi, Hyogo Prefecture, and A5-grade Kuroge Wagyu beef from Miyazaki Prefecture.

By not relying on additives and adhering to cooking methods that utilize the natural essence of the ingredients, this sincere approach fosters the "trust" required for it to be chosen as a cherished souvenir.

 

Sharing the lingering joy of a trip with loved ones

Imagine the scene of giving a souvenir. It's a lovely moment to say, "This is a popular sweet from Japan." But what if you added, "This is authentic Japanese cuisine made by artisans, which I found at the market in Osaka. Shall we pair it with some sake tonight?"

The aroma of dashi that spreads the moment you open the can and plate it instantly transports you back to your memories of your trip to Japan. Then, you share the deliciousness with family and friends who couldn't go to Japan, reminiscing about your journey. The smiles that emerge at that dinner table are the value we cherish most.

"Bring Japan Home."

This message embodies our desire for people to bring home not just physical items, but the moving experiences of Japan itself.

 

The joy of choosing from 42 diverse selections

Our main store at the Osaka Kizu Wholesale Market always features a diverse lineup of 42 different items. From osuimono (clear soups) to ahijo, miso-pickled dishes, and even luxurious crab shabu and kuzu tofu.

The pleasure of choosing according to the recipient's preference or your mood on a given day is truly a unique charm of the market.

On your next trip to Japan, along with your favorite sweets, be sure to slip some "Washoku" premium canned goods into your suitcase. They are sure to be the best companion to tell your travel story in a richer, more delicious way.

We await you at our store in Osaka Kizu Market or our online shop with a can meticulously prepared by our entire team of artisans.