The high quality of food at Japanese convenience stores, or konbini—especially 7-Eleven—is known worldwide. Starting Friday, February 6, 2026, 7-Eleven will launch special new products exclusively at 763 stores in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan.
The stars of this lineup are the “Iwata Shironegi” (White Leek) and “Ebi-imo” (Shrimp Potato / A type of Taro), both specialties of Iwata City, Shizuoka. These products were born through community-focused development. Uniquely, they recreate menus beloved in local school lunches (kyushoku). For locals, it is a nostalgic taste; for tourists, it offers a rare opportunity to experience local Japanese food culture.
This project is based on a partnership agreement signed between 7-Eleven and Iwata City in 2018. It aims to promote “Local Production for Local Consumption” (chisan-chisho) by actively using regional ingredients and re-evaluating local food culture.
Recreating School Lunch Flavors with Japan’s Soul Food: “Onigiri”
First up is Japan’s national food, the “Onigiri” (Rice Ball).
- Product Name: White Leek and Chicken Sweet & Spicy Mixed Rice Ball
- Price: 190 JPY (205.20 JPY incl. tax)
- Release Date: Friday, February 6
- Sales Area: Shizuoka Prefecture
This onigiri uses “White Leek” from Iwata City, the largest producer in the prefecture. A key feature is that the leeks are grilled until fluffy using a specialized machine to bring out their natural sweetness.
The filling consists of chicken and leeks seasoned with a sweet and spicy sauce. This recreates a popular menu item from local school lunches. The combination of fragrant leeks and the appetizing sauce highlights the depth of Japan’s onigiri culture.
“Green Onion Char Siu Stick”: A Japanese Savory Bread You Can Eat With One Hand
Next is a new item from the “Savory Bread” category, popular in Japanese convenience stores.
- Product Name: Negi Char Siu Stick (Green Onion & Roast Pork Stick)
- Price: 198 JPY (213.84 JPY incl. tax)
- Release Date: Friday, February 6
- Sales Area: Shizuoka Prefecture
This bread highlights “Iwata Shironegi,” which has stored up sugar and become sweeter in the winter cold. It is paired with pork char siu (roast pork), a popular ingredient in Shizuoka.
Baked with sweet leeks and rich char siu on top, this product is shaped like a stick for easy eating. Whether for a busy morning or travel transit, you can easily enjoy this taste of Japan with one hand. The crunchy texture of the leeks combined with the bread is exquisite.
A Creamy Stew Using the Luxury Ingredient “Ebi-imo”
Finally, a warm menu item perfect for winter. It luxuriously uses “Ebi-imo,” known as a high-grade ingredient.
- Product Name: Ebi-imo and Corn Cream Stew
- Price: 398 JPY (429.84 JPY incl. tax)
- Release Date: Friday, February 6
- Sales Area: Shizuoka Prefecture
Ebi-imo is a type of taro named for its shape, which resembles a shrimp (ebi). It is characterized by its fine texture and ability to hold its shape even when simmered. It pairs perfectly with thick stews.
This menu is also a popular way to eat the vegetable in local school lunches and home cooking. The stew, blending the smooth texture of Ebi-imo with the sweetness of corn, offers a gentle flavor enjoyed by children and adults alike. Being able to easily taste an ingredient usually reserved for high-end traditional restaurants at a convenience store is a luxury only possible in the production area.
Community Collaboration and the “Food Cycle”
This product development is not just about selling new food. It involves cooperation between 7-Eleven and the local government to convey the region’s charm to the next generation.
On the release day, there are plans to introduce the specialty products and hold tasting events at local kindergartens, as well as invite children to farms for harvest experiences. Emphasis is also placed on “Food Education” (shokuiku), teaching children how ingredients are grown.
Those in charge state that they have added arrangements to make the products loved by many as convenience store items while respecting the local traditional flavors.
Taste Japan’s “Season” in Shizuoka
These three products can only be purchased for a limited time at 7-Eleven stores within Shizuoka Prefecture.
The sweetness of “Iwata Shironegi,” the delicate texture of “Ebi-imo,” and the nostalgia of Japanese school lunches can only be experienced in Shizuoka during this season. If you have the chance to visit Shizuoka, please stop by a 7-Eleven. A special taste unique to that land awaits you.
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