On Monday, February 9, 2026, a surprising new collaboration product will be released by Calbee, Japan’s major snack manufacturer, under its popular brand “Jagabee”. The partner for this venture is “Ninben”, a highly established purveyor of Katsuobushi (Dried Bonito) with a history dating back to the Edo period.
The new product, “Jagabee: Authentic Dashi Aroma & Umami Salt Flavor”, will be sold exclusively at convenience stores (Konbini) across Japan. This is a snack that sets itself apart from the usual fare, pursuing the authentic flavor of Japanese “Dashi” (Japanese Soup Stock) and Umami.
A Fusion of Edo Flavor and Modern Snacks: “Jagabee: Authentic Dashi Aroma & Umami Salt Flavor”
This product is the latest creation from the “Jagabee” brand, known for its distinct potato taste and unique texture. Its most significant feature is the use of “Hongare-Katsuobushi Powder”, supervised by “Ninben”, a company founded in 1699.
“Jagabee” is a snack beloved for its stick shape, cut from whole potatoes with the skin on, and its unique crispy-yet-tender texture. While previous flavors like “Light Salt Flavor” have used bonito extract powder as a secret ingredient, this new release pushes the “Dashi” element to the forefront, treating it as the main star.
Product Features and Flavor Profile
- Use of Hongare-Katsuobushi Powder: The snack uses powder made from “Ninben’s” authentic bonito flakes (0.06% of the product). This is a top-tier ingredient that produces a clear, golden dashi without cloudiness and boasts a powerful aroma.
- Carefully Selected Saltiness: To maximize the delicate flavor of the bonito flakes, a simple salt flavor was deliberately chosen.
- Harmony with Texture: The light, crispy texture unique to “Jagabee” matches perfectly with the dashi umami that spreads as you chew, creating a flavor that keeps you reaching for more.
Developed in Just 3 Months! Realized by Calbee’s Passionate Offer
This unique collaboration came to fruition through an approach from the Calbee side. While the dashi element was already considered important in Jagabee’s standard “Light Salt Flavor,” the team’s passionate desire to further pursue “the deliciousness of dashi” attracted the partnership of the historic Ninben.
Key Points in Development
The development took approximately three months, involving repeated trial productions. The goal was “deliciousness one rank above the rest.” They focused on expressing not just the taste of bonito flakes, but the “umami and lingering finish that spreads when drinking dashi” within a snack format.
While enhancing the natural sweetness of the potato, the elegant aroma spreads the moment you put it in your mouth. Despite being a snack, the finish offers a depth reminiscent of authentic Japanese cuisine (Washoku), making it a snack truly suited for adults.
What is the Top-Grade “Hongare-Katsuobushi”?
Let’s explain a bit more about the “Hongare-Katsuobushi” used in this product. This is no ordinary dried bonito.
“Hongare-Katsuobushi” refers to bonito that has undergone the standard dried bonito making process, followed by a repetition of mold application (fermentation process) and sun-drying at least four times. Through this labor-intensive process, the fishy odor is removed, moisture is reduced to the absolute limit, and an elegant, concentrated umami is born. “Ninben” has maintained this production method since its founding, preserving the traditional taste of Japan.
In other words, this “Jagabee” is dusted with a powder that condenses the essence of Japanese traditional techniques continuing since the Edo period.
“Japanese Modern” Playfulness in the Packaging
The attention to detail extends beyond the taste to the package design.
- Design: The background features the “Indigo Noren (Traditional shop curtain)” that symbolizes “Ninben,” along with a champagne gold wave pattern imagining high-quality dashi.
- Characters: The design features “Potta,” the Jagabee character, alongside illustrations of bonito fish, creating a “Japanese Modern” finish that adds a touch of playfulness to the dignified atmosphere of a long-established store.
- Functionality: This release comes in a large 80g (approx. 2.8 oz) size and features a convenient resealable zipper. It’s easy to store if you don’t finish it all at once, making it perfect for enjoying bit by bit during desk work or while relaxing in your hotel room.
Release Date and Product Summary
Here is the release information. As this is a limited-quantity sale, we recommend securing yours early if you spot it in a store while traveling in Japan.
- Product Name: Jagabee: Authentic Dashi Aroma & Umami Salt Flavor
- Content: 80g (2.8 oz)
- Price: Open price (Estimated price: around 300 yen / approx. US$2.00)
- Release Date: Monday, February 9, 2026
- Sales Area: Convenience stores (Konbini) nationwide in Japan
- Note: Actual release dates may be slightly delayed depending on the retailer.
- Note: Some stores may not carry the product, or sales may end once stock runs out.
This “Jagabee” fuses over 300 years of tradition with modern snack technology. In a season when the warmth of dashi umami is most comforting, please try picking one up at a Japanese convenience store.
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