7-Eleven, the popular Japanese convenience store chain, is releasing a limited-edition product rich in local flavor. This time, the spotlight is on “Katsumeshi,” a beloved local specialty from Kakogawa City in Hyogo Prefecture.
To celebrate the 75th anniversary of Kakogawa City’s establishment, this special collaboration, “Kakogawa Pork Katsumeshi,” will be available for a limited time at 313 7-Eleven stores within Hyogo Prefecture. It’s a unique opportunity to easily enjoy a piece of regional food culture at a convenience store.
What is “Katsumeshi,” the Soul Food of Kakogawa Citizens?
So, what exactly is “Katsumeshi”? It’s a very unique Western-style dish originating from Kakogawa City, Hyogo Prefecture.
The style consists of a beef cutlet placed on top of rice served on a Western-style plate, generously covered with a special demi-glace-based sauce, and accompanied by boiled cabbage. Its most distinct feature is that it’s meant to be eaten with chopsticks, not a knife and fork.
Its history dates back to the 1940s, just after World War II. It is said to have originated in a diner in front of Kakogawa Station as a “Western-style meal that can be easily eaten with chopsticks.” For over 70 years, it has been cherished by the citizens and has become a deeply rooted “soul food.” Today, there are more than 100 restaurants serving it in the city, dedicated sauces are sold in supermarkets, and it even appears on school lunch menus.
Part of the charm of “Katsumeshi” is that each restaurant has its own sauce recipe, allowing you to enjoy their unique take. Recently, its variations have continued to expand, with versions using pork cutlets, chicken cutlets, and even fried shrimp appearing alongside the traditional beef cutlet.
The Special Touches of 7-Eleven’s Exclusive “Kakogawa Pork Katsumeshi”
The “Kakogawa Pork Katsumeshi” being released by 7-Eleven in Japan is a dish that reproduces this traditional flavor while pursuing the deliciousness expected of a convenience store bento box.
The star of this product is its special demi-glace sauce, developed specifically to pair with the pork cutlet. A sweet and rich flavor, woven from fruit chutney, apple juice, and a hint of fresh cream as a secret ingredient, spreads throughout your mouth.
Furthermore, instead of the standard boiled cabbage, it comes with a special “curry cabbage.” This spicy, curry-flavored cabbage provides a perfect accent that pairs exquisitely with the rich demi-glace sauce, ensuring you can enjoy it to the very last bite without getting tired of the flavor.
The price is 698 yen (753.84 yen including tax), and it will be available for a limited time from Tuesday, December 9, 2025, until the end of the year. If you’re visiting Hyogo Prefecture, be sure to check it out.
Special Packaging to Celebrate Kakogawa City’s 75th Anniversary
This collaboration is also part of an initiative to commemorate Kakogawa City’s 75th anniversary, which the city celebrated on June 15, 2025. As such, the product’s packaging features a special logo mark.
This logo features “Kako-no-chan,” the city’s promotional character, drawn by the popular illustrator Noizi Ito, who serves as a tourism ambassador for Kakogawa. The character adds a festive touch to this commemorative year.
Noizi Ito: A Leading Illustrator in Japan
Noizi Ito is an illustrator from Kakogawa City, Hyogo Prefecture. She is known worldwide for her illustration work on light novel (Japanese young adult novels) series such as “The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya” and “Shakugan no Shana,” and has gained immense support from anime and game fans. The fact that a character she drew is decorating a commemorative product from her hometown is surely exciting news for her fans as well.
https://www.city.kakogawa.lg.jp/kakogawa_life/yomu/kakogawa_jin/40860.html
Launch Event to be Held
On the launch day, Tuesday, December 9, 2025, a commemorative event will be held at the 7-Eleven Verde Mall Kakogawa store.
On that day, Mayor Okada of Kakogawa City will visit to purchase a meal, and the Katsumeshi PR characters, “Kattsun” and “Demmy-chan,” will also be there to cheer on the launch. This kind of community-wide promotion is one of the interesting aspects of Japanese convenience store culture.
About the Sales Area
“Kakogawa Pork Katsumeshi” will be sold at a total of 313 7-Eleven stores located in the following four areas within Hyogo Prefecture.
Kakogawa Area: Kakogawa City, Akashi City, Harima Town
Himeji West Area: Himeji City, Takasago City, Tatsuno City, Aioi City, Ako City, Kamigori Town, Taishi Town
Himeji East Area: Himeji City, Kato City, Kasai City, Ono City, Shiso City, Nishiwaki City, Fukusaki Town, Taka Town
Kobe West Area: Kobe City (Nagata-ku, Suma-ku, Tarumi-ku, Nishi-ku), Inami Town, Awaji City, Sumoto City, Minamiawaji City
If you plan to travel in Hyogo Prefecture this winter, don’t miss this chance to easily experience a local flavor. Why not enjoy a meal packed with the history and culture of Kakogawa at a 7-Eleven in Japan?
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