7-Eleven, the ubiquitous Japanese convenience store (known locally as “Konbini”), will launch a new regional exclusive product in Hokkaido starting April 7, 2026. This new offering, “Kashiwanuki Tsukisoba (Made with Hokkaido Buckwheat Flour),” is based on the traditional culinary culture of the Kushiro region in Hokkaido. Here is an introduction to this high-impact dish, created with 7-Eleven’s dedication to “local production for local consumption.”
The Condensed Charm of Kushiro’s Pride: “Kashiwanuki” Soul Food
“Kashiwanuki” is a unique menu item that has been cherished for many years in the Kushiro region of Hokkaido. In the local dialect, “Kashiwa” refers to chicken, and “Nuki” means “without”—specifically, without the main “Soba” (Buckwheat noodles). Essentially, it is a warm soup containing chicken and long green onions (negi). It is a beloved soul food enjoyed by all generations, often served as a finishing dish after drinking or as a side soup to accompany other meals.
The new “Kashiwanuki Tsukisoba (Made with Hokkaido Buckwheat Flour)” pairs this traditional soup with flavorful buckwheat noodles. It adopts a “Tsukisoba” style, where cold noodles are dipped into a warm broth. This allows diners to enjoy the tradition of Kushiro alongside a fresh and exciting texture.
Irresistible Rich Broth with Umami Dashi and Savory Tamari Soy Sauce
The secret to the flavor lies in the dipping broth, which showcases 7-Eleven’s culinary expertise. The base is a rich dashi made from kelp and bonito flakes, blended with deep, savory tamari soy sauce. It features a bold, concentrated flavor where the richness of the chicken has been slowly infused into the broth.
The ingredients include a generous portion of satisfying chicken pieces and long green onions. Because they are simmered thoroughly in the high-umami dashi, the flavors permeate every bite. With every mouthful, the aroma of the dashi and the sweetness of the chicken fat spread throughout your palate, providing a high level of satisfaction.
Product Details
- Product Name: Kashiwanuki Tsukisoba (Made with Hokkaido Buckwheat Flour)
- Price: 598 yen (approx. $3.95 USD) (645.84 yen including tax, approx. $4.26 USD)
- Release Date: Rolling launch starting Tuesday, April 7, 2026
- Sales Area: Exclusive to 7-Eleven stores within Hokkaido, Japan
100% Hokkaido Buckwheat Flour: A Commitment to Japan’s Top Producer
Hokkaido is the largest buckwheat-producing region in Japan, boasting the highest cultivation area and harvest volume in the country. The biggest selling point of this product is that it uses 100% “Hokkaido Buckwheat Flour” grown in this bountiful land.
Buckwheat grown in Hokkaido’s climate, characterized by drastic temperature fluctuations, has a highly concentrated sweetness and umami. Noodles made from this flour offer a rich aroma and a firm “koshi” (a satisfyingly chewy and elastic texture). Being able to enjoy the powerful, original flavor of buckwheat that stands up to the rich “Kashiwanuki” broth is a luxury unique to the production region of Hokkaido.
Kushiro’s Soba Culture: Recognized as a “100-Year Food” by the Agency for Cultural Affairs
The commercialization of this product stems from a deep respect for Kushiro’s rich culinary heritage. The Japanese Agency for Cultural Affairs certifies traditional food cultures that have endured for over a century as “100-Year Foods,” and “Kushiro Soba” is among those registered.
Details on 100-Year Foods (Agency for Cultural Affairs Official Site) 🇯🇵
“Kashiwanuki” is an indispensable staple of the historic Kushiro soba culture. 7-Eleven has arranged this prestigious local flavor into a convenient, accessible format. This product has garnered significant attention as a way to rediscover the charm of the region.
The Ultimate Local Production Style: “All-Hokkaido” Initiative
7-Eleven promotes “local production for local consumption” by actively utilizing regional ingredients to support local producers. This product is crafted under an “All-Hokkaido” system, where every step—from raw material procurement to manufacturing and sales—takes place within Hokkaido.
Through this thorough dedication, it has become possible to deliver fresh, delicious flavors directly to consumers. It is a dish that seems to bottle up the rich agricultural blessings of Hokkaido inside a single container. You can truly feel the special quality born from local pride.
A Perfect Dish for April in Hokkaido, When Mornings and Evenings Remain Chilly
In Hokkaido during April, while one can feel the warmth of spring during the day, the chill in the mornings and evenings remains harsh, often dropping below 40°F (approx. 4°C). According to the developers, the goal was to create a dish that offers “both warmth and a refreshing sensation” simultaneously.
The style of warming the body with a rich, hot broth while enjoying the smooth “throat-feel” of cold buckwheat noodles is perfectly suited for the climate of this season. The richness of the deep broth and the refreshing aroma of the soba create a perfect harmony. Do not miss this opportunity to taste the bounties of Hokkaido and the traditions passed down in Kushiro all at once. If you are visiting Hokkaido, be sure to check your nearest 7-Eleven!
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