7-Eleven, Japan’s leading convenience store (known locally as “Konbini”), has launched a special fair in the Tokai area of Central Japan (Mie, Aichi, and Gifu Prefectures). This event commemorates the 150th anniversary of Mie Prefecture’s administration and the 20th anniversary of 7-Eleven’s first store opening in the prefecture.
From April 17 to May 3, 2026, a limited-time menu featuring local specialties such as “Shirasu” (baby sardines), “Aonori” (green laver), and “Ise Tea” will be available. The lineup also includes the return of popular past favorites, showcasing the diverse culinary charms of the region.
Student-Led Innovation! Collaborating with Toshi Elementary to Showcase Toshi Island Seafood
The highlight of this fair is a joint development project with students from Toshi Elementary School in Toba City. This initiative began in December 2025, with products being refined through three detailed classroom sessions.
Driven by a passion to “let people outside the island know about the ingredients of Toshi Island where we live,” the students presented their ideas to 7-Eleven representatives, covering everything from flavor profiles to promotion strategies. In the final meeting in March 2026, they even proposed “sales strategies” to maximize the appeal of the products.
The resulting Bento boxes and Onigiri (traditional Japanese rice balls) are filled with the children’s energy and attention to detail, which is evident the moment you pick them up.
Freshly Caught Baby Sardines! “Shirasu Gohan Bento”
First is a Bento box featuring a generous serving of fresh “Shirasu” (baby sardines/whitebait) caught off the coast of Toshi Island.
- Product Name: Shirasu Gohan Bento (Using Shirasu landed at Toshi Island)
- Price: 460 yen (496.80 yen including tax / Approx. $3.33)
- Availability: 7-Eleven stores in Mie, Aichi, and Gifu Prefectures
- Features: Enjoy the fluffy texture and perfectly balanced saltiness of the “Shirasu.”
The abundant shirasu spread over the rice provides a luxurious taste of the sea. With a well-balanced selection of side dishes, you can fully enjoy the local seafood for under 500 yen ($3.35).
A Perfect Match of Soy Sauce and Mayo! “Soy Sauce-Glazed Onigiri with Shirasu Mayonnaise”
In the rice ball category, the “Shirasu Mayonnaise” Onigiri was born from the children’s creative thinking.
- Product Name: Soy Sauce-Glazed Onigiri with Shirasu Mayonnaise
- Price: 198 yen (213.84 yen including tax / Approx. $1.43)
- Availability: 7-Eleven stores in Mie, Aichi, and Gifu Prefectures
- Features: A new sensation combining savory soy sauce rice with rich shirasu mayonnaise.
Inside the soy-sauce-seasoned rice lies a filling of mayonnaise mixed with shirasu. The mayonnaise enhances the savory “umami” of the sardines, creating a highly satisfying snack based on the classic “Soy x Mayo” combo beloved in Japan.
Savor the Rich Aroma of the Sea! “Green Laver and Chirimen Tsukudani Onigiri”
Another standout is the Onigiri featuring Mie Prefecture’s specialty “Aonori” (Dried Green Laver).
- Product Name: Green Laver and Chirimen Tsukudani Onigiri
- Price: 198 yen (213.84 yen including tax / Approx. $1.43)
- Availability: 7-Eleven stores in Mie, Aichi, and Gifu Prefectures
- Features: Rice mixed with Mie green laver, paired with sweet and savory “Chirimen Tsukudani” (small dried fish simmered in soy sauce).
The aroma of green laver that wafts out the moment you open the package evokes images of Mie’s rich coastal waters. The deep flavor of the chirimen tsukudani inside further complements the aromatic seaweed.
Popular Favorites Return! 4 Classic Items Representing Mie’s Food Culture
To celebrate the 20th anniversary, popular limited-edition items from the past are making a comeback. These include Mie’s “soul food” and dishes featuring world-class luxury beef.
A Hearty Stamina Dish! “Mie-Style Tonteki Bento”
The famous “Tonteki” (Pork Steak) from Yokkaichi City, Mie, has been transformed into a Bento.
- Product Name: Mie-Style Tonteki Bento
- Price: 740 yen (799.20 yen including tax / Approx. $5.35)
- Availability: 7-Eleven stores in Mie, Aichi, and Gifu Prefectures
- Features: Thick-cut pork (approx. 0.5 inches thick) glazed in a rich garlic soy sauce.
The punchy sauce and juicy pork pair perfectly with white rice. The appetizing aroma of garlic makes this an excellent choice for those looking for a substantial, filling meal.
Luxury Brand Beef! “Rich Matsusaka Beef Curry”
A luxurious curry featuring Japan’s world-renowned “Matsusaka Beef.”
- Product Name: Rich Matsusaka Beef Curry
- Price: 740 yen (799.20 yen including tax / Approx. $5.35)
- Availability: 7-Eleven stores in Mie, Aichi, and Gifu Prefectures
- Features: A deep, rich curry sauce infused with the savory essence of Matsusaka Beef.
The characteristic sweet fat of Matsusaka Beef adds incredible depth to the sauce, achieving a quality comparable to specialty restaurants. It is the perfect “reward lunch” available at your local convenience store.
Healthy and Nutritious! “Toshi Island Mekabu and Vegetable Sticky Salad”
A salad featuring “Mekabu” (the flowering sprout of wakame seaweed), a popular health food.
- Product Name: Toshi Island Mekabu and Vegetable Sticky Salad
- Price: 298 yen (321.84 yen including tax / Approx. $2.16)
- Availability: 7-Eleven stores in Mie, Aichi, and Gifu Prefectures
- Features: A salad with a unique “sticky” texture, combining fresh Mekabu from Toshi Island with various vegetables.
Enjoy the contrast between the strong stickiness of the Mekabu and the crunchy texture of the vegetables. Since it’s refreshing and light, it works perfectly as a side dish alongside a Bento or curry.
Ultra-Exclusive Dessert for Mie Stores Only! “Ise Tea Latte Moko”
The final item is a limited edition flavor of 7-Eleven’s popular “Moko” series of cream puffs.
- Product Name: Ise Tea Latte Moko
- Price: 190 yen (205.20 yen including tax / Approx. $1.37)
- Availability: Limited to stores within Mie Prefecture only
- Features: A chewy-textured pastry filled with whipped cream made from Mie’s “Ise Tea.”
This is the only item in the lineup exclusive to stores within Mie Prefecture. It features a perfect fusion of elegant aroma and slight bitterness from the Ise green tea cream, encased in a uniquely soft and chewy dough.
Experience the Limited-Time Flavors of Mie Today!
Participating 7-Eleven stores are displaying special posters announcing this fair. Products will be released sequentially starting April 17, but as they are available in limited quantities, we recommend checking them out early.
Additionally, for every eligible item sold, 1 yen (approx. $0.0067) will be donated to child support activities in Mie Prefecture. Whether you are visiting Mie or living in the Tokai area, why not take this opportunity to savor the “Taste of Mie” filled with local pride?
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