A dream collaboration is coming to life featuring “Kikyo Shingen Mochi,” the beloved traditional confection from Yamanashi Prefecture, and popular Japanese dessert brands. Starting April 1, 2026, three brands—Pastel, Yonimo Oishii Chocolate Brownie, and Neko Neko—will sequentially release limited-edition products across Japan that recreate these traditional Japanese flavors.
The dessert aisles of Japanese convenience stores (konbini) and supermarkets are set to become incredibly vibrant this spring. Kikyo Shingen Mochi is a representative Japanese souvenir consisting of small mochi (rice cakes) dusted with fragrant “kinako” (roasted soybean flour) and drizzled with rich “kuromitsu” (brown sugar syrup). In this collaboration, that one-of-a-kind flavor has been transformed into modern Western-style sweets.
A Pastel First! The Ultimate Smooth Pudding Replicating the “Chewy Texture” of Kikyo Shingen Mochi
Since its founding in 1984, the brand “Pastel” has led the “smooth pudding” trend with its rich flavor using egg yolks and fresh cream. Now, it has finally met Kikyo Shingen Mochi.
The newly introduced “Smooth Kikyo Shingen Mochi Pudding” is no ordinary Japanese-style pudding. Its most significant feature is the way it expresses the “elasticity of mochi,” the symbol of Kikyo Shingen Mochi, through the pudding itself. The pudding base, mixed with fragrant kinako, is finished with a “chewier” mouthfeel than usual, creating a special item where Japanese and Western flavors blend perfectly. The pre-topped kuromitsu further enhances the aroma of the roasted soybean flour.
Basic Information: Smooth Kikyo Shingen Mochi Pudding
- Release Date: Wednesday, April 1, 2026
- Price: Suggested Retail Price 500 yen (approx. $3.35 USD)
- Available at: Pastel locations across Japan, supermarkets, drugstores, etc.
- Highlight: Pastel’s first-ever collaboration with Kikyo Shingen Mochi. Features a harmony of chewy texture and black sugar syrup with kinako.
“Yonimo Oishii Wa-Brownie,” with Over 1.3 Million Units Sold, Returns with a New Design
The “Yonimo Oishii” series, known for its rich chocolate treats, is also releasing a highly anticipated collaboration. Of particular note is the re-release of the hit product “Yonimo Oishii Wa-Brownie Kikyo Shingen Mochi,” which has shipped over 1.3 million units in the past.
The white chocolate-based brownie batter is kneaded with the same kuromitsu used in Kikyo Shingen Mochi, resulting in a moist and rich flavor. Inside, two types of chips—kinako-flavored chips and chocolate chips—are generously sandwiched. This allows you to enjoy the series’ signature “crunchy” texture alongside traditional Japanese flavors simultaneously. The 2026 version features a refreshed blue package design inspired by the traditional drawstring bag of Kikyo Shingen Mochi.
Basic Information: Yonimo Oishii Wa-Brownie Kikyo Shingen Mochi
- Release Date: Sequentially from Monday, April 6, 2026 (April 7 at 7-Eleven)
- Price: Suggested Retail Price 237 yen (approx. $1.59 USD)
- Available at: Heart Bread Antique, Benkei, Official Online Store ‘All Hearts Mall’ 🇯🇵 , supermarkets, drugstores, etc.
- Convenience Stores: 7-Eleven and Lawson stores nationwide
Light and Moist! “Yonimo Oishii Kikyo Shingen Mochi Madeleine” with Fragrant Brown Sugar Syrup
A new addition to the lineup is the “Yonimo Oishii Kikyo Shingen Mochi Madeleine.” This treat features a “light and moist” cake batter kneaded with Kikyo Shingen Mochi’s signature kuromitsu.
Kinako-flavored chips are added as an accent, spreading a nutty fragrance with every bite. The gentle sweetness of the madeleine pairs perfectly with the deep flavor of the brown sugar syrup. Like the brownie, the packaging features a vibrant Japanese design adorned with bellflowers (Kikyo), making it an ideal gift or souvenir.
Basic Information: Yonimo Oishii Kikyo Shingen Mochi Madeleine
- Release Date: Sequentially from Monday, April 6, 2026 (April 7 at Lawson)
- Price: Suggested Retail Price 291 yen (approx. $1.95 USD)
- Available at: Heart Bread Antique, Benkei, Official Online Store ‘All Hearts Mall’ 🇯🇵 , supermarkets, drugstores, etc.
- Convenience Stores: Lawson stores nationwide
30,000 Units Sold Out Instantly! The Return of the Cat-Shaped “Neko Neko Shokupan Kikyo Shingen Mochi”
From the luxury bread brand “Neko Neko,” famous for its cat-shaped loaves, a legendary flavor is making a comeback. “Neko Neko Shokupan Kikyo Shingen Mochi,” which sold 30,000 units during its previous release, will be available once again, primarily through the official online store.
The bread is designed to look like an “orange tabby” cat, combining brown sugar-flavored dough with 100% milk dough. It is kneaded with kinako and chewy “warabi-mochi” (a jelly-like Japanese confection). When toasted, the fragrance becomes even more pronounced, adding a delightful touch to any Japanese breakfast scene.
Basic Information: Neko Neko Shokupan Kikyo Shingen Mochi
- Release Date: Monday, April 6, 2026
- Available at: Official Online Store ‘All Hearts Mall’ 🇯🇵 , supermarkets, and drugstores nationwide.
Introducing the Unique Brands Coloring Japan’s Dessert Culture
This collaboration was made possible by three brands that enjoy immense support from Japanese dessert fans.
Pastel is famous for its flagship “Smooth Pudding.” By using a method that lavishly employs egg yolks and fresh cream, it revolutionized the common perception of custard pudding.
The “Yonimo Oishii” brand is characterized by its playful name (meaning “World’s Most Delicious”) and surprising textures. Its signature brownie is a massive hit with cumulative sales of 21 million units.
“NEKO NEKO” is a brand that combines adorable looks with delicious taste, offering cat-shaped bread and cheesecakes.
This collaboration is a precious opportunity to enjoy the traditional taste of “Kikyo Shingen Mochi” with a new sensation at nearby supermarkets and convenience stores across Japan. Please note that release dates may vary by store, such as 7-Eleven and Lawson. As these items are available for a limited time and in limited quantities, early checking is recommended.
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